As divisions grow at the European Central Bank over continued interest rate cuts, at least one indicator appears to side with policymakers who are arguing for tighter monetary policy: household savings rates.

Interest rate doves,&nbsp;policymakers who favour looser monetary policy to keep the economy moving, argue that ever-lower interest rates disincentivise households from saving so that they spend and invest more.

But policymakers and investors alike are beginning to question whether that effect has limits once interest rates go below zero per cent, which may instead create even more anxiety about economic health. Negative rates meanwhile raise costs for European banks, hurting their ability to lend.

As the following graphic shows, household savings rates in the European Union have fallen in tandem with the German 10-year bond yield ever since the ECB cut rates at the height of the sovereign debt crisis. But in the past two years, that trend appears to have broken down, with savings rates moving substantially higher even as long-term borrowing rates plumbed ever-deeper below zero.

In September, the ECB cut its already negative key deposit rate further into sub-zero territory,&nbsp;a move that has laid bare growing divisions and pushback from some policymakers.

Austrian central bank governor Robert Holzmann said on Thursday the ECB should raise interest rates as soon as possible, as negative rates send the wrong signal to savers.

"It's really sending the signal that we've reached the stage where cutting rates further cannot be the solution anymore," said Didier Saint-Georges, managing director at French asset manager Carmignac.

As divisions grow at the European Central Bank over continued interest rate cuts, at least one indicator appears to side with policymakers who are arguing for tighter monetary policy: household savings rates.

As divisions grow at the European Central Bank over continued interest rate cuts, at least one indicator appears to side with policymakers who are arguing for tighter monetary policy: household savings rates. Interest rate doves, policymakers who favour looser monetary policy to keep the economy moving, argue that ever-lower interest rates disincentivise households from saving so that they spend and invest more. But policymakers and investors alike are beginning to question whether that effect has limits once interest rates go below zero per cent, which may instead create even more anxiety about economic health. Negative rates meanwhile raise costs for European banks, hurting their ability to lend. As the following graphic shows, household savings rates in the European Union have fallen in tandem with the German 10-year bond yield ever since the ECB cut rates at the height of the sovereign debt crisis. But in the past two years, that trend appears to have broken down, with savings rates moving substantially higher even as long-term borrowing rates plumbed ever-deeper below zero. In September, the ECB cut its already negative key deposit rate further into sub-zero territory, a move that has laid bare growing divisions and pushback from some policymakers. Austrian central bank governor Robert Holzmann said on Thursday the ECB should raise interest rates as soon as possible, as negative rates send the wrong signal to savers. "It's really sending the signal that we've reached the stage where cutting rates further cannot be the solution anymore," said Didier Saint-Georges, managing director at French asset manager Carmignac.

Rising European savings could undermine case for negative rates

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus&nbsp;aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce&nbsp;is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed.

Airbus and GE both declined to comment.

If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations.

GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric.

Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing.

The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce.

In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal.

But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer.

Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines.

GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024.

In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies".

It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows.

Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said.

Leasing giant GECAS, the aircraft leasing subsidiary of General Electric, has ordered 25 Airbus aircraft including a rare purchase of jets powered by GE's rival engine maker Rolls-Royce, two people familiar with the matter said. The order includes 12 Airbus A330neo jets, for which Rolls-Royce is the sole engine supplier, and 13 A321XLR long-distance narrow-body jets. It was included in a new Airbus order tally but the name of the buyer was not immediately disclosed. Airbus and GE both declined to comment. If confirmed, the decision by the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company to invest in the A330neo would be a key endorsement for the A330neo programme which has been clawing its way back from a period of weak sales and some cancellations. GECAS has traditionally prioritised aircraft powered by engines made by its parent company General Electric. Decisions to invest in rival technology highlight competition to diversify portfolios in the leasing industry, even though GE is perceived as more closely aligned in the wide-body market with Airbus rival Boeing. The A330neo is a 250-300 seat upgrade of Airbus's most-sold wide-body aircraft, the A330, which is offered alongside the slightly larger Airbus A350 family. Both aircraft are exclusively powered by engines from Rolls-Royce. In 2015, GECAS invested in the first A350 by buying the aircraft immediately after its delivery to Qatar Airways and then renting it back to the airline in a sale-and-leaseback deal. But it remains rare for the GE subsidiary to buy Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft directly from the manufacturer. Rolls and GE compete fiercely for engine sales and the A330neo aeroplane has, in turn, faced intense competition from the newer Boeing 787, which offers both GE and Rolls-Royce engines. GECAS is widely seen as a candidate for potential sale as GE overhauls its balance sheet through disposals. It has said it aims to invest in aircraft to keep down the average age of its portfolio to 5.5 years from 6.8 years by 2024. In a statement with its monthly order update on Thursday, Airbus said an "unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies". It is common for aircraft deals to be posted on an anonymous basis before the buyer goes public, often using the publicity surrounding air shows. Planemakers are gearing up for the Dubai Airshow from Nov. 17 which could feature confirmation of demand from leasing companies including GECAS, industry sources said.

GE unit orders 25 Airbus jets including 12 Rolls-powered A330neo

The value of the cost savings announced in the planned merger between Peugeot owner PSA&nbsp;and Fiat Chrysler&nbsp;is nominal and management will target improvements over time, PSA's chief executive told French BFM&nbsp;Business&nbsp;radio on Friday.

CEO Carlos Tavares also said he does not see the need to scrap any brands within the new PSA-Fiat Chrysler entity.

The two carmaker groups are targeting annual cost savings of 3.7 billion euros ($4.09 billion) as part of a planned merger unveiled at the end of October, which will create the world's fourth-largest automaker with 8.7 million in annual vehicle sales.

Tavares also said the two groups are willing to make all necessary concessions to get a green light from the European Union.

"Given all the necessary regulatory approvals that need to be granted, such a deal cannot be closed in less than a year," Tavares said, adding however that he expects to seal a "binding deal" in the coming weeks.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Saturday that Fiat Chrysler and PSA aim to sign a final merger agreement as early as the beginning of next month.

The value of the cost savings announced in the planned merger between Peugeot owner PSA and Fiat Chrysler is nominal and management will target improvements over time, PSA's chief executive told French BFM Business radio on Friday.

The value of the cost savings announced in the planned merger between Peugeot owner PSA and Fiat Chrysler is nominal and management will target improvements over time, PSA's chief executive told French BFM Business radio on Friday. CEO Carlos Tavares also said he does not see the need to scrap any brands within the new PSA-Fiat Chrysler entity. The two carmaker groups are targeting annual cost savings of 3.7 billion euros ($4.09 billion) as part of a planned merger unveiled at the end of October, which will create the world's fourth-largest automaker with 8.7 million in annual vehicle sales. Tavares also said the two groups are willing to make all necessary concessions to get a green light from the European Union. "Given all the necessary regulatory approvals that need to be granted, such a deal cannot be closed in less than a year," Tavares said, adding however that he expects to seal a "binding deal" in the coming weeks. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Saturday that Fiat Chrysler and PSA aim to sign a final merger agreement as early as the beginning of next month.

New PSA-Fiat Chrysler management to try to improve cost savings

China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group Holding, said on Friday it would invest an additional 23.3 billion yuan ($3.33 billion or £2.6 billion) to raise its equity stake in its logistics affiliate Cainiao Smart Logistics Network to 63 per cent&nbsp;from 51 per cent.

Alibaba co-founded Cainiao in 2013, with partners including department store owner Intime Group, conglomerate Fosun Group and a handful of logistics companies. The network underpins delivery for Alibaba's e-commerce marketplaces.

Alibaba took control of Cainiao two years ago, bumping up its stake to 51 per cent&nbsp;from 47 per cent&nbsp;at the time, and said it would spend more than 100 billion yuan over five years to build out a global logistics network.

Alibaba said the latest investment would go towards subscribing for newly issued Cainiao shares and an equity interest from an existing shareholder.

It did not provide a breakdown of the acquisition cost for each deal, but its total spending suggests the logistics unit could be worth around $28 billion.

It said other existing Cainiao shareholders also participated in the fundraising.

"Logistics is a key pillar of the Alibaba&nbsp;business&nbsp;operating System. It allows us to offer the best service to customers and to effectively advance our new retail strategy," Alibaba's CEO and chairman, Daniel Zhang, said in an e-mailed statement.

China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group Holding, said on Friday it would invest an additional 23.3 billion yuan ($3.33 billion or £2.6 billion) to raise its equity stake in its logistics affiliate Cainiao Smart Logistics Network to 63 per cent from 51 per cent.

China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba Group Holding, said on Friday it would invest an additional 23.3 billion yuan ($3.33 billion or £2.6 billion) to raise its equity stake in its logistics affiliate Cainiao Smart Logistics Network to 63 per cent from 51 per cent. Alibaba co-founded Cainiao in 2013, with partners including department store owner Intime Group, conglomerate Fosun Group and a handful of logistics companies. The network underpins delivery for Alibaba's e-commerce marketplaces. Alibaba took control of Cainiao two years ago, bumping up its stake to 51 per cent from 47 per cent at the time, and said it would spend more than 100 billion yuan over five years to build out a global logistics network. Alibaba said the latest investment would go towards subscribing for newly issued Cainiao shares and an equity interest from an existing shareholder. It did not provide a breakdown of the acquisition cost for each deal, but its total spending suggests the logistics unit could be worth around $28 billion. It said other existing Cainiao shareholders also participated in the fundraising. "Logistics is a key pillar of the Alibaba business operating System. It allows us to offer the best service to customers and to effectively advance our new retail strategy," Alibaba's CEO and chairman, Daniel Zhang, said in an e-mailed statement.

China's Alibaba invests $3.3 billion to raise stake in logistics unit Cainiao

German insurer Allianz&nbsp;on Friday posted a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent&nbsp;rise in third-quarter net profit, helped by investment result and a lower tax rate, and said 2019 operating profit would be in the upper half of its targeted range.

Net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.95 billion euros ($2.16 billion) compares with a forecast of 1.84 billion euro by analysts in a Refinitiv poll and is up from 1.94 billion euros a year earlier.

"We are ready to reach the upper half of our operating profit outlook despite a significant increase in external challenges," Chief Executive Officer Oliver Baete said.

For 2019, Allianz had been aiming for operating profit of 11.5 billion euros, plus or minus 500 million euros. It now expects an operating profit of between 11.5 billion euros and 12 billion euros.

Allianz's combined ratio in its property and casualty division, a key measure of profitability, was 94.3% in the third quarter, up 1.2 percentage points from a year earlier. Readings below 100 indicate profitability.

German insurer Allianz on Friday posted a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent rise in third-quarter net profit, helped by investment result and a lower tax rate, and said 2019 operating profit would be in the upper half of its targeted range.

German insurer Allianz on Friday posted a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent rise in third-quarter net profit, helped by investment result and a lower tax rate, and said 2019 operating profit would be in the upper half of its targeted range. Net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.95 billion euros ($2.16 billion) compares with a forecast of 1.84 billion euro by analysts in a Refinitiv poll and is up from 1.94 billion euros a year earlier. "We are ready to reach the upper half of our operating profit outlook despite a significant increase in external challenges," Chief Executive Officer Oliver Baete said. For 2019, Allianz had been aiming for operating profit of 11.5 billion euros, plus or minus 500 million euros. It now expects an operating profit of between 11.5 billion euros and 12 billion euros. Allianz's combined ratio in its property and casualty division, a key measure of profitability, was 94.3% in the third quarter, up 1.2 percentage points from a year earlier. Readings below 100 indicate profitability.

Allianz sees 2019 profit in upper half of target range after solid third quarter

Honda Motor Co slashed its annual profit and global sales outlook to a four-year low, citing a firmer yen and bleak&nbsp;business&nbsp;in both India and its main market of North America, even as it unveiled plans to buy back $915 million shares.

The dour outlook comes at a time when Honda is struggling to shore up its automobile operations, with its profitability down more than half in the past two years due to a series of quality-related issues constraining its financial firepower to invest in new vehicle technologies.

Japan's third-largest automaker now expects an operating income of 690 billion yen for the year to March, lowest since the year ended March 2016, from 770 billion yen previously.

It sees the yen averaging 107 versus the dollar over the period, from a previous assumption of 110 yen. A stronger currency eats into profits because exports become more expensive and the value of overseas earnings decreases.

Honda said it had also been hit by an almost 20 per cent&nbsp;slide in motorcycle sales over the six months to September in India. The world's No 4 auto market has gone into a tailspin this year amid tight liquidity, high taxes and a weak rural economy.

"The Indian market is contracting at a very rapid rate," said Honda Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi.

"I must say, we are struggling there."

While Honda's vehicle sales were overall flat in its main market of North America in the first half, it expects a "moderate" decline over the course of the fiscal year.

The company cut its outlook for global group auto sales to 4,975,000 vehicles, versus a previous forecast of 5,110,000, for the current financial year.

For a graphic on Honda's operating profit, vehicle sales.

Honda joins compatriots Suzuki Motor Corp, Subaru Corp, Mazda Motor Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp in slashing profit projections in recent days.

Toyota bucked the trend and retained its forecast on Thursday. Flush with cash after a stellar second quarter, it also announced a $1.8 billion share buyback.

Honda has said it will buy back up to 33 million shares worth up to 100 billion yen over the rest of the fiscal year.

Nissan Motor is due to report results on Tuesday.

Honda shares closed 1.9 per cent&nbsp;higher ahead of the results announcement. They plumbed a near 7-year low in August and are up 6.3 per cent&nbsp;so far this year.

Honda Motor Co slashed its annual profit and global sales outlook to a four-year low, citing a firmer yen and bleak business in both India and its main market of North America, even as it unveiled plans to buy back $915 million shares.

Honda Motor Co slashed its annual profit and global sales outlook to a four-year low, citing a firmer yen and bleak business in both India and its main market of North America, even as it unveiled plans to buy back $915 million shares. The dour outlook comes at a time when Honda is struggling to shore up its automobile operations, with its profitability down more than half in the past two years due to a series of quality-related issues constraining its financial firepower to invest in new vehicle technologies. Japan's third-largest automaker now expects an operating income of 690 billion yen for the year to March, lowest since the year ended March 2016, from 770 billion yen previously. It sees the yen averaging 107 versus the dollar over the period, from a previous assumption of 110 yen. A stronger currency eats into profits because exports become more expensive and the value of overseas earnings decreases. Honda said it had also been hit by an almost 20 per cent slide in motorcycle sales over the six months to September in India. The world's No 4 auto market has gone into a tailspin this year amid tight liquidity, high taxes and a weak rural economy. "The Indian market is contracting at a very rapid rate," said Honda Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi. "I must say, we are struggling there." While Honda's vehicle sales were overall flat in its main market of North America in the first half, it expects a "moderate" decline over the course of the fiscal year. The company cut its outlook for global group auto sales to 4,975,000 vehicles, versus a previous forecast of 5,110,000, for the current financial year. For a graphic on Honda's operating profit, vehicle sales. Honda joins compatriots Suzuki Motor Corp, Subaru Corp, Mazda Motor Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp in slashing profit projections in recent days. Toyota bucked the trend and retained its forecast on Thursday. Flush with cash after a stellar second quarter, it also announced a $1.8 billion share buyback. Honda has said it will buy back up to 33 million shares worth up to 100 billion yen over the rest of the fiscal year. Nissan Motor is due to report results on Tuesday. Honda shares closed 1.9 per cent higher ahead of the results announcement. They plumbed a near 7-year low in August and are up 6.3 per cent so far this year.

Honda cuts profit, sales outlook to four-year low; unveils $915 million buyback

German exports posted their biggest rise in almost two years in September, data showed on Friday, providing some relief amid widespread concerns that Europe's largest economy will dip into recession in the third quarter.

The Federal Statistics Office said seasonally adjusted exports increased by 1.5 per cent&nbsp;this month. That was their biggest increase since November 2017 and compared with economist expectations for a rise of 0.4 per cent.

"While there is no doubt that industry is in recession, the entire German economy could have avoided another contraction - and hence a technical recession - at the very last minute," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski.

The economy shrank by 0.1 per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter, and recent data have suggested manufacturing fared badly in the third, which could put Germany in a technical recession - usually defined as two straight quarters of contraction.

"Today's trade data suggest that there has been hardly any negative drag from net trade on the third-quarter gross domestic product," he said, adding private consumption looked like it had increased slightly and construction was flat or positive.

Germany's export-reliant manufacturers have been suffering from a slowing world economy and&nbsp;business&nbsp;uncertainty linked to a trade war between the United States and China, and Britain's planned, if delayed, exit from the European Union.

Data published this week has painted a mixed picture of the industrial sector, with output falling more than forecast in September while orders rose more than expected. A survey showed Germany's manufacturers remained stuck in recession in October as new orders fell.

Speaking about Friday's data, Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg economist Jens-Oliver Niklasch said: "This looks like a revival in foreign trade but looking at the whole year, September is more of an outlier".

He said foreign trade had been rather weak throughout 2019 and added that the risks in overseas trade had declined but not disappeared. A 0.4 decline in exports to non-euro zone European Union countries between January and September compared with the same period last year could be due to Brexit, he said.

The DIHK Chambers of Commerce expects exports to grow by 0.3 per cent&nbsp;this year as a whole before declining by 0.5 per cent&nbsp;next year, which would be their first fall since the global financial crisis.

A panel of economists advising the government on Wednesday said Germany's long-term upswing had come to an end and said that the export-oriented German economy was particularly at risk from a possible escalation of the trade conflicts. But they did not expect a "broad and deep recession".

Friday's data showed imports climbed by 1.3 per cent&nbsp;in September. The trade surplus widened to 19.2 billion euros from an upwardly revised 18.7 billion euros in the prior month.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected imports to be unchanged and saw the trade surplus at 18.1 billion euros.

German exports posted their biggest rise in almost two years in September, data showed on Friday, providing some relief amid widespread concerns that Europe's largest economy will dip into recession in the third quarter.

German exports posted their biggest rise in almost two years in September, data showed on Friday, providing some relief amid widespread concerns that Europe's largest economy will dip into recession in the third quarter. The Federal Statistics Office said seasonally adjusted exports increased by 1.5 per cent this month. That was their biggest increase since November 2017 and compared with economist expectations for a rise of 0.4 per cent. "While there is no doubt that industry is in recession, the entire German economy could have avoided another contraction - and hence a technical recession - at the very last minute," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski. The economy shrank by 0.1 per cent in the second quarter, and recent data have suggested manufacturing fared badly in the third, which could put Germany in a technical recession - usually defined as two straight quarters of contraction. "Today's trade data suggest that there has been hardly any negative drag from net trade on the third-quarter gross domestic product," he said, adding private consumption looked like it had increased slightly and construction was flat or positive. Germany's export-reliant manufacturers have been suffering from a slowing world economy and business uncertainty linked to a trade war between the United States and China, and Britain's planned, if delayed, exit from the European Union. Data published this week has painted a mixed picture of the industrial sector, with output falling more than forecast in September while orders rose more than expected. A survey showed Germany's manufacturers remained stuck in recession in October as new orders fell. Speaking about Friday's data, Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg economist Jens-Oliver Niklasch said: "This looks like a revival in foreign trade but looking at the whole year, September is more of an outlier". He said foreign trade had been rather weak throughout 2019 and added that the risks in overseas trade had declined but not disappeared. A 0.4 decline in exports to non-euro zone European Union countries between January and September compared with the same period last year could be due to Brexit, he said. The DIHK Chambers of Commerce expects exports to grow by 0.3 per cent this year as a whole before declining by 0.5 per cent next year, which would be their first fall since the global financial crisis. A panel of economists advising the government on Wednesday said Germany's long-term upswing had come to an end and said that the export-oriented German economy was particularly at risk from a possible escalation of the trade conflicts. But they did not expect a "broad and deep recession". Friday's data showed imports climbed by 1.3 per cent in September. The trade surplus widened to 19.2 billion euros from an upwardly revised 18.7 billion euros in the prior month. Economists polled by Reuters had expected imports to be unchanged and saw the trade surplus at 18.1 billion euros.

Biggest rise in German exports in nearly two years gives some relief from recession fears

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 2:17 am&nbsp;83 kms&nbsp;southwest of Ardabil in East Azerbaijan province.

State news agency IRNA said the quake was followed by more than 60 aftershocks, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their houses in the middle of the night.

"Rescue teams and helicopters have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas and hospitals are on full alert to help injured people. Unfortunately, six people were killed and 345 were injured," Iran's emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state TV.

The quake was felt in several towns and cities in Iran. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake was felt by some 20 million people. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 km, which would have amplified the shaking.

"The quake hit the Tark county in the province at 02:17 am ...many of people were injured while trying to flee their houses in panic," a local official told TV, adding that some 400 houses were damaged.

Criss-crossed by several major fault lines, Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In 2003, a magnitude 6.6 quake in Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the ancient city of Bam.

In 2017, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck that struck western Iran and killed more than 600 people and injured more than 9,000.

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media.

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck northwestern Iran on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring more than 300, according to Iranian state media. The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 2:17 am 83 kms southwest of Ardabil in East Azerbaijan province. State news agency IRNA said the quake was followed by more than 60 aftershocks, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their houses in the middle of the night. "Rescue teams and helicopters have been dispatched to the quake-hit areas and hospitals are on full alert to help injured people. Unfortunately, six people were killed and 345 were injured," Iran's emergency medical services chief Pir Hossein Kolivand told state TV. The quake was felt in several towns and cities in Iran. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the quake was felt by some 20 million people. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 km, which would have amplified the shaking. "The quake hit the Tark county in the province at 02:17 am ...many of people were injured while trying to flee their houses in panic," a local official told TV, adding that some 400 houses were damaged. Criss-crossed by several major fault lines, Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In 2003, a magnitude 6.6 quake in Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the ancient city of Bam. In 2017, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck that struck western Iran and killed more than 600 people and injured more than 9,000.

Iran quake kills at least six, injures 300: Report

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. 
 
Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13." 
 
The opening ceremony of the 14-day exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here on November 1. 
 
The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armies and further strengthening the military relations between the two countries. 
 
The opening ceremony saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the respective national anthems. 
 
The ceremony also witnessed synchronised marching of troops on martial tunes on au fait words of command of the contingent commanders. This was followed by an evocative speech by Reviewing Officers of both countries.

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13.

A bilateral joint training exercise 'Shakti-2019' between India and France is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here. Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rajasthan said, "With the aim of achieving inter-operability, a bilateral joint training exercise between India and France, 'Exercise SHAKTI,' is underway at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, till November 13." The opening ceremony of the 14-day exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges here on November 1. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armies and further strengthening the military relations between the two countries. The opening ceremony saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst playing of the respective national anthems. The ceremony also witnessed synchronised marching of troops on martial tunes on au fait words of command of the contingent commanders. This was followed by an evocative speech by Reviewing Officers of both countries.

India-France bilateral training exercise 'Shakti 2019' underway

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-people-killed-as-security-forces-use-live-rounds-on-iraqi-protesters-260084">Iraqi security forces</a> shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier.

More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran.

Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days.

The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy.

He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go.

'Continued bloodshed'

Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability</a>. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia.

A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent&nbsp;from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters.

Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad.

By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds.

At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday.

Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said.

Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr.

A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad.

Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm&nbsp;on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895">Clashes continued into Tuesday morning</a>, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession.

"Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government. After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier. More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran. Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days. The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy. He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go. 'Continued bloodshed' Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education. Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia. A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters. Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad. By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds. At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday. Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said. Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr. A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad. Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary. Clashes continued into Tuesday morning, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession. "Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue." Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

At least 13 killed as Iraq resumes live gunfire against protesters

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore. Searches are still in progress. 
 
The searches are being conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli related to bank fraud cases. 
 
The banks involved (including consortium members) are Andhra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Indian Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Canara Bank, Dena Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra and Bank of India, read a statement from the CBI. 
 
The places being searched were in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Noida, Baramati, Mumbai, Thane, Silvassa, Kalyan, Amritsar, Faridabad, Bengaluru, Tirupur, Chennai, Madurai, Quilon, Cochin, Bhavnagar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhatinda, Gurdaspur, Morena, Kolkata, Patna, Krishna, Hyderabad and Bhopal. 
 
Out of these 42 cases, there are four cases of more than Rs 1000 crore (approximately) and 11 cases of fraud amount of Rs 100 crore (approximately) to Rs 1000 crore (approximately), CBI statement added. 
 
Among the prominent cases registered include - a case against a Malad (East) Mumbai/Bhopal based private company; its five Directors/Additional Director/Guarantors and unknown public servants on the allegations that the accused Directors and Guarantors of the company engaged in bulk trading of agro commodities, in connivance with unknown bank officials and others fraudulently availed credit facilities of Rs. 6000 crore (approximately) from SBI, Bhopal by resorting to falsification of accounts and forgery of documents, such as the bill of lading, falsely showing the movement of goods etc. 
 
During searches, incriminating documents have been recovered so far.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at around 187 places in various states and Union Territories and has registered around 42 cases of bank frauds involving approximately Rs 7,200 crore. Searches are still in progress. The searches are being conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli related to bank fraud cases. The banks involved (including consortium members) are Andhra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Indian Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, Canara Bank, Dena Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra and Bank of India, read a statement from the CBI. The places being searched were in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Noida, Baramati, Mumbai, Thane, Silvassa, Kalyan, Amritsar, Faridabad, Bengaluru, Tirupur, Chennai, Madurai, Quilon, Cochin, Bhavnagar, Surat, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Chandauli, Bhatinda, Gurdaspur, Morena, Kolkata, Patna, Krishna, Hyderabad and Bhopal. Out of these 42 cases, there are four cases of more than Rs 1000 crore (approximately) and 11 cases of fraud amount of Rs 100 crore (approximately) to Rs 1000 crore (approximately), CBI statement added. Among the prominent cases registered include - a case against a Malad (East) Mumbai/Bhopal based private company; its five Directors/Additional Director/Guarantors and unknown public servants on the allegations that the accused Directors and Guarantors of the company engaged in bulk trading of agro commodities, in connivance with unknown bank officials and others fraudulently availed credit facilities of Rs. 6000 crore (approximately) from SBI, Bhopal by resorting to falsification of accounts and forgery of documents, such as the bill of lading, falsely showing the movement of goods etc. During searches, incriminating documents have been recovered so far.

CBI unearths 42 cases of bank fraud after raids at 172 locations

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-complete-halt-to-stubble-burning-around-delhi-260081">stubble burning</a>. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix.

Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme.

Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal,&nbsp;calling the city a "gas chamber",&nbsp;said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue.

But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop.

"Without <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/action-initiated-in-20729-cases-of-stubble-burning-punjab-cm-259743">burning the stubble</a>, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around.

And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax.

Government schemes,&nbsp;such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue,&nbsp;have had little impact.

"All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh.

This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region.

"The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP.

"Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative.

To cut the pollution enveloping Delhi and asphyxiating its 20 million people, India's top court has ordered a complete halt to stubble burning. But farmers, who are struggling to make a living, say they have no alternative. In recent days pollution levels hit their highest point in years as smoke, from farms around the Indian capital, combined with other pollutants to form a noxious mix. Hospitals saw a rush of patients, schools were closed, construction activity was halted and the authorities claimed they got 1.5 million cars off the roads with an odd-even vehicle registration scheme. Delhi's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, calling the city a "gas chamber", said his government had played its part, and blamed farmers for burning agricultural residue. But Satnam Singh, a poor farmer in northern Punjab state, says that he has to clear his field ready for the next crop. "Without burning the stubble, we just cannot sow the wheat in the field," Singh told AFP as clouds of acrid smoke rose up from fields all around. And even though burning stubble is illegal, enforcement is lax. Government schemes, such as improving access to machinery that removes the need to burn crop residue, have had little impact. "All these machinery that people talk about, a regular farmer cannot get these machines. They are very expensive. Which farmer can afford that?" said Singh. This was echoed by Kabal Singh, another farmer in the same region. "The farmer has no other option but to burn the crop to prepare the land," he told AFP. "Farmers don’t know how to diversify the crops on their own. Government has to advise us. If they say these areas should grow maize or these areas should grow Basmati rice, then we can follow that," he said.

No alternative to burning stubble: Indian farmers amid hazardous pollution in North India

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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