India’s policymakers should focus on protecting the economy as businesses struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic instead of being overly focused on what ratings agencies think, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan said on Thursday.

“It is also important to convince both domestic and international investors that after the crisis associated with the pandemic is over, we will return to fiscal responsibility over the medium term, and the government should do more to convince them of that,” Rajan told the Global Markets Forum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-spike-of-56282-cases-indias-covid-19-tally-reaches-1964537-318518">Also read|&nbsp;With spike of 56,282 cases, India's COVID-19 tally reaches 19,64,537</a>

India was placed under one of the strictest lockdowns in the world in late March for more than two months to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but cases have continued to rise steadily since the government eased restrictions in June, stymieing hopes of an economic recovery.

The government has announced several initiatives to help the poor and small, and medium-size businesses, but actual cash outgo from the government’s measures has been estimated at just about 1% of GDP.

Several attribute the fiscal prudence to fear of a downgrade after Moody’s cut India’s rating and outlook in early June followed closely by a change in outlook from Fitch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-security-officials-seek-four-to-six-dedicated-satellites-along-lac-to-keep-an-eye-on-china-report-318634">Also read|&nbsp;India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report</a>

The central bank on its part too has reduced the key lending rate by 115 basis points on top of the 135 bps last year but decided to hold rates steady earlier in the day against market expectations as inflation pressures have risen.

“The RBI and government have certainly been cooperating, but it seems like it is elsewhere, the ball is in the government’s court to do more,” Rajan said.

He said the RBI needs to focus on whether credit is reaching the stressed areas of the economy and also if the viable firms were able to access credit and not the unviable ones.

“And I think that’s where it has to focus its attentions, because resources, as you well know, are limited in India today.”

To ease debt strains on companies and lenders, the RBI on Thursday said it would allow restructuring of corporate loans by banks, a move that was widely awaited by the industry.

Governor Shaktikanta Das said there was room to cut rates further but the central bank will ensure inflation stays within its target range. Most analysts expect it to reduce rates once inflation is brought under control.

Government officials too have suggested the possibility of any more fiscal stimulus being announced, would only come in the second half of the fiscal year, once a recovery has taken root and coronavirus cases have peaked.

“What India should focus on at this point is protecting its economic capabilities, so that when it has dealt with the virus it can go resume activity in a reasonable way. That should be the focus,” Rajan said.

“And if it does that, there is no reason why the rating agencies will not see that as an appropriate policy”.

India’s policymakers should focus on protecting the economy as businesses struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic instead of being overly focused on what ratings agencies think, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan said on Thursday.

India’s policymakers should focus on protecting the economy as businesses struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic instead of being overly focused on what ratings agencies think, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan said on Thursday. “It is also important to convince both domestic and international investors that after the crisis associated with the pandemic is over, we will return to fiscal responsibility over the medium term, and the government should do more to convince them of that,” Rajan told the Global Markets Forum. Also read| With spike of 56,282 cases, India's COVID-19 tally reaches 19,64,537 India was placed under one of the strictest lockdowns in the world in late March for more than two months to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but cases have continued to rise steadily since the government eased restrictions in June, stymieing hopes of an economic recovery. The government has announced several initiatives to help the poor and small, and medium-size businesses, but actual cash outgo from the government’s measures has been estimated at just about 1% of GDP. Several attribute the fiscal prudence to fear of a downgrade after Moody’s cut India’s rating and outlook in early June followed closely by a change in outlook from Fitch. Also read| India-China standoff: Indian security officials seek four to six dedicated satellites along LAC to keep an eye on China: Report The central bank on its part too has reduced the key lending rate by 115 basis points on top of the 135 bps last year but decided to hold rates steady earlier in the day against market expectations as inflation pressures have risen. “The RBI and government have certainly been cooperating, but it seems like it is elsewhere, the ball is in the government’s court to do more,” Rajan said. He said the RBI needs to focus on whether credit is reaching the stressed areas of the economy and also if the viable firms were able to access credit and not the unviable ones. “And I think that’s where it has to focus its attentions, because resources, as you well know, are limited in India today.” To ease debt strains on companies and lenders, the RBI on Thursday said it would allow restructuring of corporate loans by banks, a move that was widely awaited by the industry. Governor Shaktikanta Das said there was room to cut rates further but the central bank will ensure inflation stays within its target range. Most analysts expect it to reduce rates once inflation is brought under control. Government officials too have suggested the possibility of any more fiscal stimulus being announced, would only come in the second half of the fiscal year, once a recovery has taken root and coronavirus cases have peaked. “What India should focus on at this point is protecting its economic capabilities, so that when it has dealt with the virus it can go resume activity in a reasonable way. That should be the focus,” Rajan said. “And if it does that, there is no reason why the rating agencies will not see that as an appropriate policy”.

India should focus on protecting economy, says ex-RBI governor

August 07 in history: Boycott of British goods, first electronic calculator and more

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game.

ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-is-currently-in-dominican-republic-reports-318110">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports</a>

Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily.

A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is.

Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read:&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation.

The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. 
The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave.

Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday. United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game. ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily. A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is. Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving. Also read: Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation. The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave. Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports

After the global coronavirus cases crossed&nbsp;19,000,000 on Friday morning,&nbsp;Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-vaccine-nationalism-cannot-beat-coronavirus-318716">Also read:&nbsp;WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus</a>

"At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa.

Gridnev also added that the effectiveness of the vaccine can be measured&nbsp;when the population has developed an immunity.

"We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-preparing-mass-vaccination-against-covid-19-for-october-317501">Also read:&nbsp;Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October</a>

The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20.

The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12.

This will make Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

After the global coronavirus cases crossed 19,000,000 on Friday morning, Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020.

After the global coronavirus cases crossed 19,000,000 on Friday morning, Russia has announced that it will be registering world's first COVID-19 vaccine. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced that the European country is expecting to start the mass production of the vaccine from October 2020. He also assured that all expenses related to the vaccine will be covered in the state budget. Also read: WHO says 'vaccine nationalism' cannot beat coronavirus "At the moment, the last, third, stage is underway. The trials are extremely important. We have to understand that the vaccine must be safe. Medical professionals and senior citizens will be the first to get vaccinated," Deputy Health Minister Oleg Gridnev told reporters at the opening of a cancer centre building in the city of Ufa. Gridnev also added that the effectiveness of the vaccine can be measured when the population has developed an immunity. "We plan wider vaccinations for October," Murashko was quoted as saying. He also added that the vaccine will first be made available for doctors and teachers. Also read: Russia preparing mass vaccination against COVID-19 for October The clinical trials for this vaccine began on June 18 with 38 volunteers, out of which the first group of volunteers were discharged on July 15 and second group was discharged on July 20. The vaccine, which was jointly developed by Gamaleya Research Institute and the Russian Defence Ministry, will be officially registered on August 12. This will make Russia the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, since the outbreak of the virus in Wuhan in December 2019.

Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week

The US consulate in Hong Kong has rubbished the reports of diplomats meeting pro-democracy politicians as a breach of the new National Security Law.

The statement came after China's state-owned media house, Global Times, reported a story stating that the recent meeting between the US Consul general&nbsp;Hanscom Smith and pro-democracy politician violates the rules laid out by the new Chinese National Security Law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-removes-small-pro-trump-network-based-in-romania-318799">Also read:Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania</a>

Calling it&nbsp;"ludicrous", the US Consulate in Hong Kong said,&nbsp;"These meetings are neither secretive nor mysterious."

"The suggestion that those who meet with consulate representatives are engaging in 'collusion' is ludicrous," it added.

China imposed the much criticised National Security Law in Hong Kong. The US protested against the aw months ago, too, calling it a tool to hush the pro-democracy voices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-denies-chinas-covid-19-team-collecting-dna-samples-of-residents-317881">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong government denies China's COVID-19 team collecting DNA samples of residents</a>

In its statement, the US consulate called the law "draconian" and said its imposition was "never about security".

"Instead, it was intended to silence democracy advocates and threaten those who engage in even the most routine forms of free speech," it said.

"It would be an enormous tragedy if it crushed the very openness, diversity, and vitality that are at the heart of what makes Hong Kong so unique."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US consulate in Hong Kong has rubbished the reports of diplomats meeting pro-democracy politicians as a breach of the new National Security Law. The statement came after China's state-owned media house, Global Times, reported a story stating that the recent meeting between the US Consul general Hanscom Smith and pro-democracy politician violates the rules laid out by the new Chinese National Security Law.

The US consulate in Hong Kong has rubbished the reports of diplomats meeting pro-democracy politicians as a breach of the new National Security Law. The statement came after China's state-owned media house, Global Times, reported a story stating that the recent meeting between the US Consul general Hanscom Smith and pro-democracy politician violates the rules laid out by the new Chinese National Security Law. Also read:Facebook removes small pro-Trump network based in Romania Calling it "ludicrous", the US Consulate in Hong Kong said, "These meetings are neither secretive nor mysterious." "The suggestion that those who meet with consulate representatives are engaging in 'collusion' is ludicrous," it added. China imposed the much criticised National Security Law in Hong Kong. The US protested against the aw months ago, too, calling it a tool to hush the pro-democracy voices. Also read: Hong Kong government denies China's COVID-19 team collecting DNA samples of residents In its statement, the US consulate called the law "draconian" and said its imposition was "never about security". "Instead, it was intended to silence democracy advocates and threaten those who engage in even the most routine forms of free speech," it said. "It would be an enormous tragedy if it crushed the very openness, diversity, and vitality that are at the heart of what makes Hong Kong so unique." (With inputs from agencies)

US consulate in Hong Kong denies Global Times' allegations of collusion with pro-democracy leaders

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks.

Some 3,200 people have been invited to the grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, in Kabul amid tight security to debate for at least three days and then advise the government on whether the prisoners should be freed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-urges-key-afghan-gathering-to-free-taliban-prisoners-318770">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners</a>

As part of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, it was agreed that some 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a condition for talks between the militants and the U.S.-backed government.

The government has released all but some 400 militants it says have been convicted of the worst crimes including killings, drug trafficking and kidnapping.

While many Afghans see the peace effort as the best hope for ending the 19-year war with the Taliban, some are concerned about the militants` commitment to reconciliation, especially after the United States completes its troop withdrawal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-foreign-minister-says-pakistani-terror-groups-have-symbiotic-relations-with-al-qaeda-is-318709">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS</a>

U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the architect of the deal allowing the United States to withdraw its forces and end its longest-ever war, warned against the Loya Jirga throwing up any complications.

"We wish the jirga participants success ... and urge them not to allow those who prefer the status quo and seek to complicate the path to peace to manipulate the process," Khalilzad said on Twitter. He did not elaborate. 
Afghanistan’s constitution recognises the Loya Jirga as "the highest manifestation of the will of the people of Afghanistan".

The head of its secretariat, Abdul Salam Rahimi, said its decision was necessary as President Ashraf Ghani was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such serious crimes.

He said precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks.

Thousands of Afghan elders, community leaders and politicians gathered on Friday to debate government efforts to make peace with the Taliban, in particular the fate of 400 hard-core Taliban prisoners whose release could clear the way for talks. Some 3,200 people have been invited to the grand assembly, known as a Loya Jirga, in Kabul amid tight security to debate for at least three days and then advise the government on whether the prisoners should be freed. Also read: Pompeo urges key Afghan gathering to free Taliban prisoners As part of a February pact between the United States and the Taliban allowing for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, it was agreed that some 5,000 Taliban prisoners should be released from Afghan jails as a condition for talks between the militants and the U.S.-backed government. The government has released all but some 400 militants it says have been convicted of the worst crimes including killings, drug trafficking and kidnapping. While many Afghans see the peace effort as the best hope for ending the 19-year war with the Taliban, some are concerned about the militants` commitment to reconciliation, especially after the United States completes its troop withdrawal. Also read: Afghan foreign minister says Pakistani terror groups have symbiotic relations with Al Qaeda, IS U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, the architect of the deal allowing the United States to withdraw its forces and end its longest-ever war, warned against the Loya Jirga throwing up any complications. "We wish the jirga participants success ... and urge them not to allow those who prefer the status quo and seek to complicate the path to peace to manipulate the process," Khalilzad said on Twitter. He did not elaborate. Afghanistan’s constitution recognises the Loya Jirga as "the highest manifestation of the will of the people of Afghanistan". The head of its secretariat, Abdul Salam Rahimi, said its decision was necessary as President Ashraf Ghani was not empowered to release prisoners convicted of such serious crimes. He said precautions would be taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Afghan grand assembly gathers to decide fate of Taliban prisoners

Australian ambassador Lyndall Sachs visited the British-Australian academic&nbsp;Kylie Moore-Gilbert at the&nbsp;Qarchak prison in Iran.

The ambassador visited the academician on Sunday as Kylie's family was worried about her&nbsp;health and welfare, after she&nbsp;was recently moved to the women's prison, which is in an old chicken-processing factory outside Tehran.

After the ambassador's visit, Moore-Gilbert's family said they "have been reassured" about her health.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade assured the family that the academician was well and had proper access to food, books and medical facilities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-diplomacy-fails-friends-of-jailed-scholar-in-iran-begin-public-campaign-317020">Also read|&nbsp;Australia: As diplomacy 'fails', friends of jailed scholar in Iran begin public campaign&nbsp;</a>

Moore-Gilbert was a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne and is believed to be detained in Iran in 2018, although Iran confirmed the detention only in September 2019. She was detained on the charges of spying, which she has denied. She is sentenced to 10 years in prison.&nbsp;

"We continue to believe that Kylie's best chance at release is through diplomatic avenues," the statement released by the foreign ministry said.

Online groups such as&nbsp;"Free Kylie" have been surfacing in the past few months asking the government to try every possible way to bring the academic back home. However, the Australian government has asked people to not demand more ' muscular' ways and has assured that the government will keep trying for&nbsp;regular consular access.

Kylie's friends do not agree with Australia's "quiet diplomacy" and are urging the government to take stricter actions.

Australian ambassador Lyndall Sachs visited the British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert at the Qarchak prison in Iran. The ambassador visited the academician on Sunday as Kylie's family was worried about her health and welfare, after she was recently moved to the women's prison, which is in an old chicken-processing factory outside Tehran.

Australian ambassador Lyndall Sachs visited the British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert at the Qarchak prison in Iran. The ambassador visited the academician on Sunday as Kylie's family was worried about her health and welfare, after she was recently moved to the women's prison, which is in an old chicken-processing factory outside Tehran. After the ambassador's visit, Moore-Gilbert's family said they "have been reassured" about her health. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade assured the family that the academician was well and had proper access to food, books and medical facilities. Also read| Australia: As diplomacy 'fails', friends of jailed scholar in Iran begin public campaign Moore-Gilbert was a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Melbourne and is believed to be detained in Iran in 2018, although Iran confirmed the detention only in September 2019. She was detained on the charges of spying, which she has denied. She is sentenced to 10 years in prison. "We continue to believe that Kylie's best chance at release is through diplomatic avenues," the statement released by the foreign ministry said. Online groups such as "Free Kylie" have been surfacing in the past few months asking the government to try every possible way to bring the academic back home. However, the Australian government has asked people to not demand more ' muscular' ways and has assured that the government will keep trying for regular consular access. Kylie's friends do not agree with Australia's "quiet diplomacy" and are urging the government to take stricter actions.

Australian ambassador visits jailed scholar in Iran; assures she is 'well'

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal.

"It is indispensable to swiftly form a framework for trade and investment between Japan and Britain that will replace the Japan-EU EPA to ensure the smooth continuation of bilateral businesses," Motegi told reporters on Tuesday, referring to an economic partnership agreement with the EU.

The two countries hope to clinch a deal before Britain’s transition out of the European Union concludes at the year end, to avoid any gaps in bilateral trade arrangements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-shifts-gear-to-counter-chinese-north-korea-aggression-317933">Also read:&nbsp;Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression</a>

Motegi`s Aug. 5-7 visit to Britain will be the first overseas trip for any Japanese government minister since the global spread of the novel coronavirus, he said.

"Difficult negotiations such as this, where national interest is at stake, cannot be conducted over the telephone," he told a regular news conference.

"We will negotiate face-to-face. I`m afraid negotiations will last many hours, but I would like to find middle ground and reach an agreement."

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Britain this week for what he said will be difficult talks with British Trade Minister Liz Truss, in the hope of finding middle ground and concluding a post-Brexit trade deal. "It is indispensable to swiftly form a framework for trade and investment between Japan and Britain that will replace the Japan-EU EPA to ensure the smooth continuation of bilateral businesses," Motegi told reporters on Tuesday, referring to an economic partnership agreement with the EU. The two countries hope to clinch a deal before Britain’s transition out of the European Union concludes at the year end, to avoid any gaps in bilateral trade arrangements. Also read: Japan shifts gear to counter Chinese, North Korea aggression Motegi`s Aug. 5-7 visit to Britain will be the first overseas trip for any Japanese government minister since the global spread of the novel coronavirus, he said. "Difficult negotiations such as this, where national interest is at stake, cannot be conducted over the telephone," he told a regular news conference. "We will negotiate face-to-face. I`m afraid negotiations will last many hours, but I would like to find middle ground and reach an agreement."

Japanese minister to visit Britain for 'difficult' talks on trade deal

Thai students protest against 'you-know-who' in Harry Potter style

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert Mumbai, North Konkan, and Thane districts of Maharashtra for the next 48 hours following incessant rains in the regions.

Landslides have also been reported from parts of Mumbai due to the heavy rainfalls throughout the night. Severe waterlogging was also witnessed in several parts of Mumbai on Tuesday.

"Landslide ! at Time of India, next Samta Nagar police station, highway, Mumbai. Red Alert for RF, for North Konkan, next 48 hrs," said Deputy Director General (DDG) of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai KS Hosalikar in a tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-adds-8968-covid-19-cases-266-die-10221-recover-317941">Also read:&nbsp;Maharashtra adds 8,968 COVID-19 cases; 266 die, 10,221 recover</a>

Earlier, KS Hosalikar tweeted, "Colaba 220, Santacruz 254, Ram Mandir 152, Mira Road 152, Mahalaxmi 172, Vidyavihar 159 mm. Most of the stations in Thane and NM reported more than 150 mm. Trend to continue for next 48 hrs."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mumbai Rainfall updates at 8 am of 4 Aug. 
Land slide ! at Time of India, next Samta nagar police station, highway, Mumbai. 
Red Alert for RF, for North Konkan next 48 hrs. 
TC <a href="https://t.co/lv1P2z0jK0">pic.twitter.com/lv1P2z0jK0</a>
— K S Hosalikar (@Hosalikar_KS) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hosalikar_KS/status/1290479746606723077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, Shivaji Sutar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway (CR) said that suburban services have been suspended on mainline and harbour line, and mail/express trains are being rescheduled.

"Due to high tide resulting in water logging at Vadala and Parel suburban services are suspended on mainline and harbour line. However, shuttle services are running between Vashi and Panvel and Thane and Kalyan-beyond. No suburban trains are held up in between stations. Dn mail/express trains are being rescheduled. Information will be updated from time to time further," said Sutar.

The IMD said that extremely heavy rain will occur at isolated places in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts of Maharashtra on August 4 and August 5.

Ratnagiri district is also expected to receive extremely heavy rain on August 4, while Paldhar district is expected to receive extremely heavy rain on August 5.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert Mumbai, North Konkan, and Thane districts of Maharashtra for the next 48 hours following incessant rains in the regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert Mumbai, North Konkan, and Thane districts of Maharashtra for the next 48 hours following incessant rains in the regions. Landslides have also been reported from parts of Mumbai due to the heavy rainfalls throughout the night. Severe waterlogging was also witnessed in several parts of Mumbai on Tuesday. "Landslide ! at Time of India, next Samta Nagar police station, highway, Mumbai. Red Alert for RF, for North Konkan, next 48 hrs," said Deputy Director General (DDG) of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai KS Hosalikar in a tweet. Also read: Maharashtra adds 8,968 COVID-19 cases; 266 die, 10,221 recover Earlier, KS Hosalikar tweeted, "Colaba 220, Santacruz 254, Ram Mandir 152, Mira Road 152, Mahalaxmi 172, Vidyavihar 159 mm. Most of the stations in Thane and NM reported more than 150 mm. Trend to continue for next 48 hrs." Mumbai Rainfall updates at 8 am of 4 Aug. Land slide ! at Time of India, next Samta nagar police station, highway, Mumbai. Red Alert for RF, for North Konkan next 48 hrs. TC pic.twitter.com/lv1P2z0jK0 — K S Hosalikar (@Hosalikar_KS) August 4, 2020 × Meanwhile, Shivaji Sutar, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway (CR) said that suburban services have been suspended on mainline and harbour line, and mail/express trains are being rescheduled. "Due to high tide resulting in water logging at Vadala and Parel suburban services are suspended on mainline and harbour line. However, shuttle services are running between Vashi and Panvel and Thane and Kalyan-beyond. No suburban trains are held up in between stations. Dn mail/express trains are being rescheduled. Information will be updated from time to time further," said Sutar. The IMD said that extremely heavy rain will occur at isolated places in Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts of Maharashtra on August 4 and August 5. Ratnagiri district is also expected to receive extremely heavy rain on August 4, while Paldhar district is expected to receive extremely heavy rain on August 5.

IMD issues red alert For Mumbai, Thane and North Konkan due to heavy rains

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring.

The move came over a month after the Trump administration in June 23 suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year. The new restrictions took effect from June 24.

The H1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-sue-nevada-for-mail-in-ballots-317967">Also read|&nbsp;Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots</a>

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Today I am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule, higher American," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House before signing the order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts.

Trump told reporters that his administration will not tolerate firing of hardworking Americans in the pursuit of cheap foreign labour.

"As we speak, we're finalising the H-1B regulation so that no American workers be replaced ever again. H-1B should be used for top highly paid talent to create American jobs, not as inexpensive labour programmes and destroy American job,” said the president who was surrounded across the Cabinet Room table with individuals campaigning against job outsourcing.

Prominent among them were Sara Blackwell, founder and president of Florida-based Protect US Workers organisation; Jonathan Hicks, a software engineer in the Tennessee Valley Authority; and Kevin Lynn, founder of Pennsylvania-based US Tech Workers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-h-1b-visa-holder-unable-to-reunite-with-family-in-us-310763">Also watch:Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in US</a>

The executive order requires all federal agencies to complete an internal audit and assess whether they are in compliance with the requirement that only US citizens and nationals are appointed to the competitive service. As a result, the Department of Labour will also finalise guidlines to prevent H-1B employers from moving H-1B workers to other employers'' job sites to displace Americans workers.

Trump's order follows the federally-owned Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) announcement that it will outsource 20 per cent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries.

TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly-skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to low-wage, foreign workers hired on temporary work visas, the president said.

Outsourcing hundreds of workers is especially detrimental in the middle of a pandemic, which has already cost millions of Americans their jobs, the White House said in a statement.

Given the current climate of rampant intellectual property theft, outsourcing IT jobs that involve sensitive information could pose a national security risk, it said.

According to the White House, Trump’s actions will help combat employers’ misuse of H-1B visas, which were never intended to replace qualified American workers with low-cost foreign labour.

One of the participants present during the signing of the order told the president that as many as 70 per cent of the H-1B visa goes to people from India.

Trump said he favours a merit-based immigration system that brings in high-skilled people that creates jobs inside the US and not take jobs of Americans.

“We are going to be discussing very shortly an immigration bill, which covers this and many other things. It will be a very, very comprehensive bill. It''s a word that some people love, and some people hate. But it'd be very comprehensive only in the sense that it covered just about everything. It will be based on merit. It will cover territory that nobody would have thought could have ever been agreed to,” Trump said.

The bill, he said, will be signed after the convention.

“Immigration will be very merit based, but it'll be, it'll be great for the worker. And it'll be great for people coming into our country, but coming into our country legally and loving the country and wanting to help our country as opposed to people coming in. And they don''t like our country," Trump said.

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring.

In a huge blow to Indian IT professionals eyeing the US job market, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order preventing federal agencies from contracting or subcontracting foreign workers — mainly those on H-1B visa — from hiring. The move came over a month after the Trump administration in June 23 suspended the H-1B visas along with other types of foreign work visas until the end of 2020 to protect American workers in a crucial election year. The new restrictions took effect from June 24. The H1B visa, most sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Also read| Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "Today I am signing an executive order to ensure that the federal government lives by a very simple rule, higher American," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House before signing the order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts. Trump told reporters that his administration will not tolerate firing of hardworking Americans in the pursuit of cheap foreign labour. "As we speak, we're finalising the H-1B regulation so that no American workers be replaced ever again. H-1B should be used for top highly paid talent to create American jobs, not as inexpensive labour programmes and destroy American job,” said the president who was surrounded across the Cabinet Room table with individuals campaigning against job outsourcing. Prominent among them were Sara Blackwell, founder and president of Florida-based Protect US Workers organisation; Jonathan Hicks, a software engineer in the Tennessee Valley Authority; and Kevin Lynn, founder of Pennsylvania-based US Tech Workers. Also watch:Indian H-1B visa holder unable to reunite with family in US The executive order requires all federal agencies to complete an internal audit and assess whether they are in compliance with the requirement that only US citizens and nationals are appointed to the competitive service. As a result, the Department of Labour will also finalise guidlines to prevent H-1B employers from moving H-1B workers to other employers'' job sites to displace Americans workers. Trump's order follows the federally-owned Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) announcement that it will outsource 20 per cent of its technology jobs to companies based in foreign countries. TVA’s action could cause more than 200 highly-skilled American tech workers in Tennessee to lose their jobs to low-wage, foreign workers hired on temporary work visas, the president said. Outsourcing hundreds of workers is especially detrimental in the middle of a pandemic, which has already cost millions of Americans their jobs, the White House said in a statement. Given the current climate of rampant intellectual property theft, outsourcing IT jobs that involve sensitive information could pose a national security risk, it said. According to the White House, Trump’s actions will help combat employers’ misuse of H-1B visas, which were never intended to replace qualified American workers with low-cost foreign labour. One of the participants present during the signing of the order told the president that as many as 70 per cent of the H-1B visa goes to people from India. Trump said he favours a merit-based immigration system that brings in high-skilled people that creates jobs inside the US and not take jobs of Americans. “We are going to be discussing very shortly an immigration bill, which covers this and many other things. It will be a very, very comprehensive bill. It''s a word that some people love, and some people hate. But it'd be very comprehensive only in the sense that it covered just about everything. It will be based on merit. It will cover territory that nobody would have thought could have ever been agreed to,” Trump said. The bill, he said, will be signed after the convention. “Immigration will be very merit based, but it'll be, it'll be great for the worker. And it'll be great for people coming into our country, but coming into our country legally and loving the country and wanting to help our country as opposed to people coming in. And they don''t like our country," Trump said.

Trump signs executive order against hiring H1B visa holders for federal contracts

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban.

The President believes the Chinese parent company ByteDance is a tool for Chinese Intelligence. However, Trump has reportedly not provided any proof of this accusation.

The accusation, therefore, is being met with criticism from China.&nbsp;

Following the 'final warning' given to ByteDance from trump, the Editor-in-Chief of the state-run media house Global Times took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the whole situation.

Hu Xijin claimed that it is not just the Chinese companies but also the Chinese journalists who have been facing hostility from the Trump administration. He accused the US government of not renewing the visas of the Chinese journalists, and claimed that if situations do not improve, China will retaliate.

“Given that the US side hasn’t renewed visa of Chinese journalists, Chinese side has prepared for the worst scenario that all Chinese journalists have to leave the US,” Hu said on Twitter. “If that’s the case, Chinese side will retaliate, including targeting US journalists based in HK.”

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Based on what I know, after expulsion of more than 60 Chinese journalists by the US, the visa of other Chinese journalists will expire on Aug 6, but none of them have got their visa renewed. China-US conflict of expelling journalists could severely escalate. China will retaliate.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1290281654653554688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time the two countries have got into a verbal war regarding journalists. Both the countries have been retaliating actions against each other for a few months now. The US put a limit on the number of Chinese journalists who would get a visa to travel to the US for work, and in return China fired three journalists from&nbsp;New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post.

Global Times is not the only Chinese media house&nbsp;that has expressed concerns about the US actions against Chinese companies.

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China urged some US politicians to stop politicizing economic issues and abusing the concept of national security after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pompeo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pompeo</a> said the US plans to take broad action on Chinese software companies. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TikTok?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TikTok</a> <a href="https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU">https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU</a>
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaDaily/status/1290456839654641666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;China Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that China will not accept the “theft” of Chinese technology company and will respond to the "bullying" by the US.

“China’s opening-up to the outside world and disintegrating the U.S. decoupling strategy should be priorities,” it said in an editorial.

The report also said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed opinion on the situation and has claimed&nbsp;that the US has abused the concept of national security and is threatening a Chinese company without any evidence.&nbsp;"That has violated the principles of the market economy, exposed US hypocrisy of maintaining fairness and its typical double standards, and violated the World Trade Organization's principle of openness, transparency and nondiscrimination," the report quoted Wenbin.

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban.

The US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Chinese short-video sharing app TikTok to either sell its US operations to a US-based company or face the ban. The President believes the Chinese parent company ByteDance is a tool for Chinese Intelligence. However, Trump has reportedly not provided any proof of this accusation. The accusation, therefore, is being met with criticism from China. Following the 'final warning' given to ByteDance from trump, the Editor-in-Chief of the state-run media house Global Times took to Twitter to express his displeasure over the whole situation. Hu Xijin claimed that it is not just the Chinese companies but also the Chinese journalists who have been facing hostility from the Trump administration. He accused the US government of not renewing the visas of the Chinese journalists, and claimed that if situations do not improve, China will retaliate. “Given that the US side hasn’t renewed visa of Chinese journalists, Chinese side has prepared for the worst scenario that all Chinese journalists have to leave the US,” Hu said on Twitter. “If that’s the case, Chinese side will retaliate, including targeting US journalists based in HK.” Based on what I know, after expulsion of more than 60 Chinese journalists by the US, the visa of other Chinese journalists will expire on Aug 6, but none of them have got their visa renewed. China-US conflict of expelling journalists could severely escalate. China will retaliate. — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) August 3, 2020 × This is not the first time the two countries have got into a verbal war regarding journalists. Both the countries have been retaliating actions against each other for a few months now. The US put a limit on the number of Chinese journalists who would get a visa to travel to the US for work, and in return China fired three journalists from New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Global Times is not the only Chinese media house that has expressed concerns about the US actions against Chinese companies. China urged some US politicians to stop politicizing economic issues and abusing the concept of national security after US Secretary of State Mike #Pompeo said the US plans to take broad action on Chinese software companies. #TikTok https://t.co/tT8OAT0HLU — China Daily (@ChinaDaily) August 4, 2020 × The China Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that China will not accept the “theft” of Chinese technology company and will respond to the "bullying" by the US. “China’s opening-up to the outside world and disintegrating the U.S. decoupling strategy should be priorities,” it said in an editorial. The report also said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has expressed opinion on the situation and has claimed that the US has abused the concept of national security and is threatening a Chinese company without any evidence. "That has violated the principles of the market economy, exposed US hypocrisy of maintaining fairness and its typical double standards, and violated the World Trade Organization's principle of openness, transparency and nondiscrimination," the report quoted Wenbin.

China will retaliate against US bullying Chinese companies and journalists: Chinese media

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