The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-syrias-aleppo-reconstruction-makes-slow-start-252744">United States</a> said Monday nearly 128,000 people face arbitrary detention by the Syrian regime and called for their release.

"This practice is unacceptable," US Ambassador Kelly Craft told the UN Security Council at its monthly meeting on the conflict in Syria.

"The Assad regime must release detainees and provide international monitors access to detention centres," she said.&nbsp;

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has declared several amnesties of prisoners since the conflict began in 2011 -- notably in 2014, 2018, and in mid-September.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin called for the "elimination of terrorists in Idlib" province while stressing that utmost care is taken to spare civilians.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aleppo-filmmaker-vows-to-continue-showing-reality-of-syria-252170">conflict has claimed the lives of an estimated 370,000 people</a>.

"The time has come to encourage and not impede Syria's return to the Arab family," Vershinin said.

Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011, and the issue of its return has divided the organization's members for more than a year.

Security Council members welcomed the creation of a UN-sponsored constitutional committee by the government and the opposition, after two years of arduous negotiations.

The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said the committee's formation marked the first concrete political agreement between the government and the opposition.

"It is also a shared promise to the Syrian people to try to agree under the auspices of the United Nations on new constitutional arrangements for Syria -- a new social contract to help repair a broken country," he said.

The committee's 150 members are supposed to hold their first meeting on October 30 in Geneva.

Its revision of the constitution is viewed by the UN as a first step toward holding elections that would include the Syrian diaspora.

Last week, the Syrian regime stressed that no deadline has been set for the committee to conclude its work.

The United States said Monday nearly 128,000 people face arbitrary detention by the Syrian regime and called for their release. "This practice is unacceptable," US Ambassador Kelly Craft told the UN Security Council at its monthly meeting on the conflict in Syria.

The United States said Monday nearly 128,000 people face arbitrary detention by the Syrian regime and called for their release. "This practice is unacceptable," US Ambassador Kelly Craft told the UN Security Council at its monthly meeting on the conflict in Syria. "The Assad regime must release detainees and provide international monitors access to detention centres," she said. Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has declared several amnesties of prisoners since the conflict began in 2011 -- notably in 2014, 2018, and in mid-September. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin called for the "elimination of terrorists in Idlib" province while stressing that utmost care is taken to spare civilians. The conflict has claimed the lives of an estimated 370,000 people. "The time has come to encourage and not impede Syria's return to the Arab family," Vershinin said. Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011, and the issue of its return has divided the organization's members for more than a year. Security Council members welcomed the creation of a UN-sponsored constitutional committee by the government and the opposition, after two years of arduous negotiations. The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said the committee's formation marked the first concrete political agreement between the government and the opposition. "It is also a shared promise to the Syrian people to try to agree under the auspices of the United Nations on new constitutional arrangements for Syria -- a new social contract to help repair a broken country," he said. The committee's 150 members are supposed to hold their first meeting on October 30 in Geneva. Its revision of the constitution is viewed by the UN as a first step toward holding elections that would include the Syrian diaspora. Last week, the Syrian regime stressed that no deadline has been set for the committee to conclude its work.

United States says 128,000 Syrians subject to arbitrary detention

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday&nbsp;amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials.

House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">Mike Pompeo</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-white-house-intervened-after-trump-ukraine-call-252228">Donald Trump</a>.

The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-defends-ukraine-support-after-trump-call-row-252242">Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign</a>&nbsp;for reelection.&nbsp;

"The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said.

"The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote.

The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo departed for Italy Monday amid reports that he took part in a July phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that is at the heart of a House of Representatives impeachment inquiry, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Democrats have been moving quickly since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced last Tuesday that she was formally launching an impeachment enquiry. On Friday three House committees announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had been subpoenaed, and depositions had been scheduled for five other State Department officials. House Democrats subpoenaed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for Ukraine-related documents Friday as they plunged into an impeachment probe of President Donald Trump. The heads of three House committees gave Pompeo one week to produce the documents, saying a number of State Department officials have direct knowledge of Trump's efforts to enlist the Ukraine government's help in his domestic political campaign for reelection. "The Committees are investigating the extent to which President Trump jeopardised national security by pressing Ukraine to interfere with our 2020 election and by withholding security assistance provided by Congress to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression," they said. "The subpoenaed documents shall be part of the impeachment inquiry and shared among the Committees. Your failure or refusal to comply with the subpoena shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," they wrote. The subpoena came one day after the release of an intelligence official's bombshell whistleblower complaint that describes Trump pressuring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a July 25 phone call to supply dirt on Democratic political rival Joe Biden.

Pompeo heads to Italy amid reports that he took part in Trump-Zelenskiy phone call

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-to-march-with-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-252262">Canada is in talks with the United States</a> to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

He said that in his last meeting with US President Donald Trump, "I highlighted that Canada has many of the rare earth minerals that are so necessary for modern technology."

Trudeau emphasized that Canada "is a solid ally" and can offer "a reliable supply" of rare earth minerals, many of which currently "come from China."

It is in Canada's interest, Trudeau said, "to ensure that we have reliable supplies of these important minerals for technologies and it is a conversation that our government is leading on."

The remarks followed a report in the Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada and the United States are drafting plans to reduce their mutual dependence on China for rare earth minerals such as lithium, uranium, caesium and cobalt.

China controls more than 90 per cent of the world's supply of those minerals used for key components in smartphones, solar panels and advanced military technology. It is also the world's top producer and refiner of rare earth minerals.

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-imran-khan-returns-from-us-pakistan-removes-maleeha-lodhi-as-permanent-representative-to-un-252912">US-China trade war</a> heats up, Beijing has hinted that it could block exports of rare earth metals.

The threat is not empty: in 2010 China temporarily halted such exports to Japan during a territorial dispute.

Canada and China are also going through an unprecedented rift in their relations following the December 2018 arrest in Vancouver of top Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou of Huawei on a US warrant.

Washington wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute.

The case is currently winding its way through Canada's court system.

Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation.

China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments.

Canada is in talks with the United States to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

Canada is in talks with the United States to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday. He said that in his last meeting with US President Donald Trump, "I highlighted that Canada has many of the rare earth minerals that are so necessary for modern technology." Trudeau emphasized that Canada "is a solid ally" and can offer "a reliable supply" of rare earth minerals, many of which currently "come from China." It is in Canada's interest, Trudeau said, "to ensure that we have reliable supplies of these important minerals for technologies and it is a conversation that our government is leading on." The remarks followed a report in the Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada and the United States are drafting plans to reduce their mutual dependence on China for rare earth minerals such as lithium, uranium, caesium and cobalt. China controls more than 90 per cent of the world's supply of those minerals used for key components in smartphones, solar panels and advanced military technology. It is also the world's top producer and refiner of rare earth minerals. As the US-China trade war heats up, Beijing has hinted that it could block exports of rare earth metals. The threat is not empty: in 2010 China temporarily halted such exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. Canada and China are also going through an unprecedented rift in their relations following the December 2018 arrest in Vancouver of top Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou of Huawei on a US warrant. Washington wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute. The case is currently winding its way through Canada's court system. Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation. China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments.

Canada, US seek to reduce dependency on China for rare earth minerals

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-leave-eu-on-october-31-finance-minister-javid-says-252779">European unity</a> 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague.

As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy.

On September 30, 1989, West German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher stepped onto the embassy balcony and told the refugees they were finally free -- a famous sentence drowned out by a chorus of cheers.

"No one in Germany will ever forget this moment, this speech," current German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Prague on Monday.

Speaking later at the embassy, Maas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">called on Europeans</a> to preserve their unity.

"We must not allow new ditches to be dug in Europe, be they between the east and the west or the north and the south," he said.

"How else are we to face the great global challenges like globalisation, climate change, digitalisation or migration?"

Genscher -- who himself escaped East Germany in 1952 -- convinced the hardline Communist regime to accept the mass exodus.

About 15,000 East Germans fled to the West via Prague before East Germany opened the iBerlin Wall dividing the city on November 9, 1989.&nbsp;

The entire Soviet bloc crumbled within two years, while former Czechoslovakia split in 1993 in two to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Genscher died aged 89 in 2016.

Maas said it made sense "to risk something for liberty, equality, democracy because none of these can be taken for granted."

"That applies today, in the era of populist seducers and nationalist ideologists, as much as it did back then," he added.

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for European unity 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague. As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy.

Germany's foreign minister on Monday called for European unity 30 years after thousands of East Germans escaped communism via the West German embassy in Prague. As the Iron Curtain began to fall in September 1989, East Germans crossed the border into then Czechoslovakia, the only country to which they could travel visa-free, and sought the safety of the embassy. On September 30, 1989, West German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher stepped onto the embassy balcony and told the refugees they were finally free -- a famous sentence drowned out by a chorus of cheers. "No one in Germany will ever forget this moment, this speech," current German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Prague on Monday. Speaking later at the embassy, Maas called on Europeans to preserve their unity. "We must not allow new ditches to be dug in Europe, be they between the east and the west or the north and the south," he said. "How else are we to face the great global challenges like globalisation, climate change, digitalisation or migration?" Genscher -- who himself escaped East Germany in 1952 -- convinced the hardline Communist regime to accept the mass exodus. About 15,000 East Germans fled to the West via Prague before East Germany opened the iBerlin Wall dividing the city on November 9, 1989. The entire Soviet bloc crumbled within two years, while former Czechoslovakia split in 1993 in two to form the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Genscher died aged 89 in 2016. Maas said it made sense "to risk something for liberty, equality, democracy because none of these can be taken for granted." "That applies today, in the era of populist seducers and nationalist ideologists, as much as it did back then," he added.

Germany urges European unity 30 years after 'Prague exodus'

Russia on Monday said it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russians-over-2018-elections-interference-252904">"bewildered" by fresh US sanctions</a> and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack".&nbsp;

The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians &nbsp;-- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered."&nbsp;

"We urge American politicians to stop this useless sanctions game, the result of which is zero, and to return to the position of common sense," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The financial sanctions, which target Russian financier Evgeny Prigozhin, some of his assets and the so-called Internet Research Agency, are the first to be taken under an executive order signed last year President Donald Trump seeking to punish foreign actors accused of interfering in US elections.&nbsp;

The US Treasury announced the sanctions on Monday.

The foreign ministry said the sanctions were part of an "internal political crisis" in the United States in which "Russian issues are deliberately used by part of the Washington establishment as a tool to achieve their own opportunistic goals."&nbsp;

The sanctions marked the third time the US had added Prigozhin's name to its list of foreign nationals formally barred from the US financial system, a move which freezes him out of much of the global financial system as well.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-want-access-to-trumps-phone-calls-with-russian-president-putin-others-252704">US prosecutors last year indicted the Internet Research Agency as well as alleged employees</a>, charging them with a broad conspiracy to influence the 2016 elections by spreading disinformation in the United States via social media.

The US Treasury said Monday the agency had announced its intention to do likewise in the 2018 midterms by seeking to discredit candidates it viewed as hostile to Moscow.

There was no evidence they were successful in preventing voting, altering vote counts or disrupting vote tallying, the Treasury said.

Russia on Monday said it was "bewildered" by fresh US sanctions and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack". The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians -- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered.

Russia on Monday said it was "bewildered" by fresh US sanctions and vowed to retaliate following what it called an "anti-Russian attack". The foreign ministry said the new sanctions on several Russians -- including a businessman tied to President Vladimir Putin and a disinformation operation accused of conspiring to manipulate the US 2018 midterm election -- "will not go unanswered." "We urge American politicians to stop this useless sanctions game, the result of which is zero, and to return to the position of common sense," the ministry said in a statement. The financial sanctions, which target Russian financier Evgeny Prigozhin, some of his assets and the so-called Internet Research Agency, are the first to be taken under an executive order signed last year President Donald Trump seeking to punish foreign actors accused of interfering in US elections. The US Treasury announced the sanctions on Monday. The foreign ministry said the sanctions were part of an "internal political crisis" in the United States in which "Russian issues are deliberately used by part of the Washington establishment as a tool to achieve their own opportunistic goals." The sanctions marked the third time the US had added Prigozhin's name to its list of foreign nationals formally barred from the US financial system, a move which freezes him out of much of the global financial system as well. US prosecutors last year indicted the Internet Research Agency as well as alleged employees, charging them with a broad conspiracy to influence the 2016 elections by spreading disinformation in the United States via social media. The US Treasury said Monday the agency had announced its intention to do likewise in the 2018 midterms by seeking to discredit candidates it viewed as hostile to Moscow. There was no evidence they were successful in preventing voting, altering vote counts or disrupting vote tallying, the Treasury said.

Moscow vows to retaliate over new 'anti-Russian' United States sanctions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-wework-to-press-on-with-ipo-launch-despite-valuation-concerns-sources-248290">WeWork</a>, which replaced its controversial chief executive last week, announced Monday that it will withdraw a plan to go public for now as it shifts into austerity mode.

The company's co-CEOs Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham said in a statement they decided to "postpone our IPO to focus on our core business, the fundamentals of which remain strong."

But they signalled they still intend to take the company public down the road, saying "We have every intention to operate WeWork as a public company and look forward to revisiting the public equity markets in the future."

The announcement comes six days after a shakeup atop the office sharing business that led to Minson's and Gunningham's appointments after controversial co-founder Adam Neumann stepped down.

The company, under pressure from Wall Street to rein in costs, plans to cut thousands of jobs and to rid itself of a corporate jet obtained during Neumann's tenure, according to a person familiar with the matter.

S&amp;P last week downgraded the company and placed it on "negative" watch for possible additional downgrades, saying the outlook "captures the pivot in corporate leadership and related uncertainty around the company's future direction with respect to its operating strategies and growth plans."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wework-ipo-valuation-likely-below-20-billion-clouding-softbanks-vision-248837">company's IPO setback</a> is a "rare win for the public markets over shoddy governance practices," said a note from Sanford C. Bernstein &amp; Co, which laid out a belt-tightening plan for the company.

The charismatic Neumann was credited with growing the office-sharing company, founded in 2010, into a real estate giant with operations in 111 cities in 29 countries.

However, the company faced questions over its prospects for achieving profitability after reporting $1.9 billion in losses last year.

Neumann came under scrutiny for perceived self-dealing between his personal assets and WeWork and over unconventional personal conduct, including drug use.

Neumann stepped down last week, saying "the scrutiny directed toward me has become a significant distraction, and I have decided that it is in the best interest of the company to step down as chief executive."

Neumann's wife, Rebekah, also left WeWork, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Rebekah Neumann had been "chief brand and impact officer," as well as the founder and chief executive of WeGrow, an elementary school venture.

Belt-tightening

Although <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/weworks-neumann-surrenders-control-and-ceo-role-following-investor-revolt-251890">Neumann will still be on the board</a>, his voting influence over the company has been significantly reduced, limiting his influence over decisions.

Before last week's executive shakeup, WeWork's bankers were eyeing a much smaller IPO than initially envisioned.

The Bernstein note emphasized the need for WeWork to curtail spending given an estimated cash-burn rate of $2.8 billion a year, adding that the company will need between $6 billion and $8 billion to stabilize the cash position.

"The key question is whether the removal of Adam from daily operations and the reduction of his voting control will be sufficient to raise the money," Bernstein said.&nbsp;

The new CEOs will need to show that things have changed the company has "produced a new plan," it continued, saying that overhead spending could be cut by almost half to $380 million per year.

WeWork, which replaced its controversial chief executive last week, announced Monday that it will withdraw a plan to go public for now as it shifts into austerity mode.

WeWork, which replaced its controversial chief executive last week, announced Monday that it will withdraw a plan to go public for now as it shifts into austerity mode. The company's co-CEOs Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham said in a statement they decided to "postpone our IPO to focus on our core business, the fundamentals of which remain strong." But they signalled they still intend to take the company public down the road, saying "We have every intention to operate WeWork as a public company and look forward to revisiting the public equity markets in the future." The announcement comes six days after a shakeup atop the office sharing business that led to Minson's and Gunningham's appointments after controversial co-founder Adam Neumann stepped down. The company, under pressure from Wall Street to rein in costs, plans to cut thousands of jobs and to rid itself of a corporate jet obtained during Neumann's tenure, according to a person familiar with the matter. S&P last week downgraded the company and placed it on "negative" watch for possible additional downgrades, saying the outlook "captures the pivot in corporate leadership and related uncertainty around the company's future direction with respect to its operating strategies and growth plans." The company's IPO setback is a "rare win for the public markets over shoddy governance practices," said a note from Sanford C. Bernstein & Co, which laid out a belt-tightening plan for the company. The charismatic Neumann was credited with growing the office-sharing company, founded in 2010, into a real estate giant with operations in 111 cities in 29 countries. However, the company faced questions over its prospects for achieving profitability after reporting $1.9 billion in losses last year. Neumann came under scrutiny for perceived self-dealing between his personal assets and WeWork and over unconventional personal conduct, including drug use. Neumann stepped down last week, saying "the scrutiny directed toward me has become a significant distraction, and I have decided that it is in the best interest of the company to step down as chief executive." Neumann's wife, Rebekah, also left WeWork, according to a person familiar with the matter. Rebekah Neumann had been "chief brand and impact officer," as well as the founder and chief executive of WeGrow, an elementary school venture. Belt-tightening Although Neumann will still be on the board, his voting influence over the company has been significantly reduced, limiting his influence over decisions. Before last week's executive shakeup, WeWork's bankers were eyeing a much smaller IPO than initially envisioned. The Bernstein note emphasized the need for WeWork to curtail spending given an estimated cash-burn rate of $2.8 billion a year, adding that the company will need between $6 billion and $8 billion to stabilize the cash position. "The key question is whether the removal of Adam from daily operations and the reduction of his voting control will be sufficient to raise the money," Bernstein said. The new CEOs will need to show that things have changed the company has "produced a new plan," it continued, saying that overhead spending could be cut by almost half to $380 million per year.

WeWork to withdraw IPO as it enters austerity mode

Brexit: 30 days to go

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/looking-for-integrated-approach-to-solve-problems-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253033">speaking at WION's EMobility Summit</a> said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST&nbsp;as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India.

"We are not against any automobile industry. We are encouraging bio-fuel. Our import&nbsp;is Rs 7 lakh crore which is not good for the country," the minister said at WION's summit.

Watch: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaks during EMobility Summit

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/union-minister-nitin-gadkari-speaks-during-emobility-summit-252979/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our export is high regarding diesel and petrol vehicles," Gadkari said, adding, "my suggestion is innovation, new technology is very important for people".

"My suggestion is, now it is an open competition. The government has got nothing to do with that, we are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST," he said.

"In rural areas, we don't have&nbsp;sufficient transport systems. In our economy, we need to create more jobs," he added.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India. "We are not against any automobile industry. We are encouraging bio-fuel. Our import is Rs 7 lakh crore which is not good for the country," the minister said at WION's summit. Watch: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaks during EMobility Summit "Our export is high regarding diesel and petrol vehicles," Gadkari said, adding, "my suggestion is innovation, new technology is very important for people". "My suggestion is, now it is an open competition. The government has got nothing to do with that, we are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST," he said. "In rural areas, we don't have sufficient transport systems. In our economy, we need to create more jobs," he added.

We are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST, says Nitin Gadkari at WION's EMobility Summit

The son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-says-khashoggi-murder-happened-under-my-watch-us-tv-252208">Khashogg</a>i, who has denied a financial settlement with the government, spoke out in defence of the kingdom Tuesday ahead of the first anniversary of the killing.

Khashoggi, a royal family insider turned critic&nbsp;was killed and dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, in an operation that reportedly involved 15 agents sent from Riyadh. His body was never found.

Eleven unidentified suspects have been on&nbsp;trial in Riyadh, with five of them facing the death penalty.

Salah Khashoggi said he had "full confidence" in the judicial system, and hit out at opponents he said were seeking to exploit the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-on-saudi-struggles-to-turn-page-on-khashoggi-murder-252688"> case.</a>

“A year has gone by since the passing of my beloved father. During this time, opponents and enemies in the East and West sought to exploit his case to undermine my country and leadership," he said in a tweet.

"I will not accept that his memory and case be taken advantage of to achieve that after his passing," said Salah, who resides in the kingdom.&nbsp;

"I have full confidence in the kingdom's judicial system and in its ability to serve justice to those behind this heinous crime," he said.

The Washington Post reported&nbsp;on April 1 that Khashoggi's children, including Salah, had received multimillion-dollar homes and were being paid thousands of dollars per month by authorities.&nbsp;

Both the CIA and a UN special envoy have directly linked de facto ruler Crown <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-crown-prince-warns-of-escalation-with-iran-says-he-prefers-political-solution-252782">Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> to the murder, a charge the kingdom denies.&nbsp;

The son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has denied a financial settlement with the government, spoke out in defence of the kingdom Tuesday ahead of the first anniversary of the killing.

The son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has denied a financial settlement with the government, spoke out in defence of the kingdom Tuesday ahead of the first anniversary of the killing. Khashoggi, a royal family insider turned critic was killed and dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, in an operation that reportedly involved 15 agents sent from Riyadh. His body was never found. Eleven unidentified suspects have been on trial in Riyadh, with five of them facing the death penalty. Salah Khashoggi said he had "full confidence" in the judicial system, and hit out at opponents he said were seeking to exploit the case. “A year has gone by since the passing of my beloved father. During this time, opponents and enemies in the East and West sought to exploit his case to undermine my country and leadership," he said in a tweet. "I will not accept that his memory and case be taken advantage of to achieve that after his passing," said Salah, who resides in the kingdom. "I have full confidence in the kingdom's judicial system and in its ability to serve justice to those behind this heinous crime," he said. The Washington Post reported on April 1 that Khashoggi's children, including Salah, had received multimillion-dollar homes and were being paid thousands of dollars per month by authorities. Both the CIA and a UN special envoy have directly linked de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the murder, a charge the kingdom denies.

Khashoggi's son defends Saudi against critics 'exploiting' murder

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast.

In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water.

The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure.

"The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker.

"We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters.

The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.

It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse.

Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast.

But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath. Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast. In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water. The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure. "The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker. "We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters. The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air. It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse. Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast. But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers fear six trapped after Taiwan bridge collapse

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-supreme-court-seeks-centres-reply-on-pleas-challenging-decision-253017">apex court</a> observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions.

"Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said.

The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18.

A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-grant-any-extra-day-after-october-18-to-complete-arguments-sc-tells-parties-in-ayodhya-case-252178">case</a>.

The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act.

The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures. The apex court observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions. "Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said. The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18. A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the case. The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act. The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

Supreme Court partially sets aside its 2018 order, allows Centre's review petition against dilution of SC/ST Act

More than 500 people were&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;after&nbsp;clashes in&nbsp;Indonesia's capital amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836">nationwide&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;against a raft of divisive reforms, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">banning pre-marital sex</a> and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

The arrests came&nbsp;after&nbsp;a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students,&nbsp;in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests

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Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building.

Since last week, at least two students have died and&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship.

"So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday.

"We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added.

The government has sought to portray the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May.

National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's&nbsp;protests.

Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes&nbsp;from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law.

Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of&nbsp;Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency.

Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week.

Police have previously denied responsibility.

Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesia</a>'s restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia.

Updating&nbsp;Indonesia's criminal code,&nbsp;which dates back to the Dutch colonial era&nbsp;has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday. The arrests came after a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students, in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core. Watch Video: Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests × Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building. Since last week, at least two students have died and hundreds more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy. The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship. "So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday. "We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added. The government has sought to portray the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May. National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's protests. Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said. The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law. Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency. Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week. Police have previously denied responsibility. Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from Indonesia's restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia. Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups. The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

Hundreds arrested in Indonesia after fresh protests over legal-reforms

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