The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978.

It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections.

However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President.

Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation.

"This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said.

The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-oil-tanker-fire-indian-coast-guard-douses-flames-in-accommodation-area-firefighting-on-325106">Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on</a>

"The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports.

Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished.

According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president.

In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC).

Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month.

The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka.

President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire.

Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission.

Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity.

No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President.

"Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A.

Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term.

The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers.

'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft.

During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A.

The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family.

It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved.

In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire.

While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9. 
&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament.

The Sri Lankan government has gazetted the 20th Constitution Amendment draft, the new proposed legislation that would replace the 19th Amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the President and strengthened the role of Parliament. The 19A was seen as the most progressive pro-democracy reformist move since Sri Lanka came to be governed under the all-powerful executive presidency in 1978. It depoliticised the government administration by ensuring the independence of key pillars such as the judiciary, public service and elections. However, the 20th Amendment proposes to restore full legal immunity to the President, removing the provisions made in the 19A to take legal action against the President. Udaya Gammanpila, the minister for energy and also the co-spokesman of the government, said that a minimum 3 weeks must be allowed from the date of gazetting the 20A before it could be placed on the order book of parliament for debate and adaptation. "This can be six weeks if legal action is to be instituted at the Supreme Court by interested parties," he said. The 20A has proposed several changes which include the replacement of the vital Constitutional Council (CC) with a new body called the Parliamentary council. Also Read | Sri Lanka Oil Tanker Fire: Indian Coast Guard douses flames in accommodation area, firefighting on "The PC will consist only of members of parliament with no place for civil society representatives," according to local media reports. Also, three Independent commissions, which include the Elections Commission, will be abolished. According to 20A, the chairpersons and members of the commissions shall be appointed by the president. In making such appointments, the president shall seek the observations of the Parliamentary Council (PC). Earlier under the 19A, all these appointments were the responsibility of the CC. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa outlined his commitment to abolish the 19th Amendment during his ceremonial address to Parliament last month. The 19A Amendment adopted in 2015 by the then reformist government was subject to much criticism by the Rajapaksa clan as it prevented dual citizens from contesting elections. At the time, two of the Rajapaksa family members including the current president were dual citizens of the US and Sri Lanka. President's younger brother and SLPP founder and its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa is a dual citizen of US and Sri Lanka. There are 5 of them already in government. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to effect the constitutional change they desire. Significantly under the 20A draft, there is no provision on the Right to Information Commission, which was established by the 19A while two important commissions, established by the 19A have been abolished-- Audit Service Commission and National Procurement Commission. Under the 20A draft, the President will enjoy complete legal immunity. No fundamental rights petition can be filed against the President. "Article 35 in it says while any person holds office as President, no proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in any court or tribunal in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official or private capacity," according to the draft of 20A. Also, the president is empowered to dissolve the parliament at his will after one year of a new parliament is elected, which means the president can remove the prime minister and his cabinet at his will even though a parliament will be elected for a 5 year term. The 20A provisions also do away with the limitation on the number of cabinet ministers. 'The 19A limitations on the number of the cabinet (30) and deputy ministers (45) have been dropped. The President is empowered to appoint any number of ministers,' according to the draft. During the August 5 election, the Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) sought two thirds parliamentary mandate or 150 seats in the 225-member assembly to effect constitutional changes, the foremost of them was the move to abolish the 19A. The SLPP from the time the 19A was adopted in 2015 has been clamouring for its abolition, alleging that the amendment was meant to politically clamp the members of the Rajapaksa family. It made dual citizens ineligible to contest elections - at least 2 members of the family, including the current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, were dual citizens at the time of 19A was approved. In the recently concluded election, the SLPP and allies won 150 seats and have a two-third majority to affect the constitutional change they desire. While Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the Sri Lankan President in November last year, his eldest brother Mahinda Rajapaksa won the general election and assumed charge as Prime Minister on August 9.

Sri Lanka gazettes Constitution Amendment draft that proposes legal immunity for president

Local Administrations of Kathmandu Valley has decided to continue the ongoing lockdown by another one week following the continuous surge in COVID-19 cases.In the virtual meeting between Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on Wednesday evening, it was decided to extend the lockdown, which was imposed 2 weeks before, till September 9.

"Analysing the ongoing situation and recorded cases on daily basis, we decided to extend it for another week. The risk of further spread is still high, so we opted to lengthen it by another week," Janakraj Dahal, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu told ANI over phone.Enlisted as a major hotspot of coronavirus infection, Kathmandu Valley currently hosts a total of 6,112 active cases, as per the data from the Ministry of Health and Population.

Kathmandu Valley in last 24 hours recorded a total of 388 cases out of 1,120 reported throughout the nation.The Local Authorities of Kathmandu Valley had first imposed lockdown from August 20 for a week which has been extended for the second time today.&nbsp;

Local Administrations of Kathmandu Valley has decided to continue the ongoing lockdown by another one week following the continuous surge in COVID-19 cases.In the virtual meeting between Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on Wednesday evening, it was decided to extend the lockdown, which was imposed 2 weeks before, till September 9.

Local Administrations of Kathmandu Valley has decided to continue the ongoing lockdown by another one week following the continuous surge in COVID-19 cases.In the virtual meeting between Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on Wednesday evening, it was decided to extend the lockdown, which was imposed 2 weeks before, till September 9. "Analysing the ongoing situation and recorded cases on daily basis, we decided to extend it for another week. The risk of further spread is still high, so we opted to lengthen it by another week," Janakraj Dahal, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu told ANI over phone.Enlisted as a major hotspot of coronavirus infection, Kathmandu Valley currently hosts a total of 6,112 active cases, as per the data from the Ministry of Health and Population. Kathmandu Valley in last 24 hours recorded a total of 388 cases out of 1,120 reported throughout the nation.The Local Authorities of Kathmandu Valley had first imposed lockdown from August 20 for a week which has been extended for the second time today.

Lockdown extended in Kathmandu Valley with spike in COVID-19 cases

India is among the countries that China has taken advantage of since the outbreak of the COVID-19 from Wuhan, US diplomat David Stilwell said on Wednesday.

"What we have seen since the corona outbreak from Wuhan is it seems the PRC (People`s Republic of China) is trying to take advantage of the situation, and India, I think, is one of those examples of that. So to our friends in Beijing, I would ask them to follow their commitment to resolve these things through peaceful means and dialogue," Stilwell said at a press briefing here.&nbsp;

The Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs also reiterated Secretary Pompeo`s remarks that the United States hopes for a peaceful resolution to the border standoff between India and China.The US diplomat`s remark comes after the Indian Army thwarted Chinese Army`s attempt on the night of August 29 and 30 to transgress into areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso.Indian Army said that on the night of August 29/30, PLA troops violated the consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-tit-for-tat-move-us-imposes-fresh-restrictions-on-chinese-diplomats-324854">In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats</a> 
 
On a question over the border stand-off between India and China, Stilwell added: "For the conflict in the Himalayas, like all things, especially related to the PRC`s differences of opinion with its neighbours, is we advise them to return to dialogue, resolve these things peacefully without coercion, use of force."Further talking about China`s engagement in other areas, he said: "...many conflicts that are going on in China`s periphery right now. You mentioned Tibet. Xinjiang - very concerned still about what they`re doing there. Hong Kong activities, South China Sea - I could go on and on.

"Earlier in the press briefing, Pompeo had slammed the Chinese Communist Party for engaging in a clear and intensifying pattern of bullying its neighbours."From the Taiwan Strait to the Himalayas and beyond, the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a clear and intensifying pattern of bullying its neighbours. It is also evident in the South China Sea," he said.

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&nbsp;

"We are hoping for a peaceful resolution of the situation on the India-China border," he added.

India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan Valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala.Negotiations between the two sides have been going on for the last three months, including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far. 
&nbsp;

India is among the countries that China has taken advantage of since the outbreak of the COVID-19 from Wuhan, US diplomat David Stilwell said on Wednesday. "What we have seen since the corona outbreak from Wuhan is it seems the PRC (People`s Republic of China) is trying to take advantage of the situation, and India, I think, is one of those examples of that.

India is among the countries that China has taken advantage of since the outbreak of the COVID-19 from Wuhan, US diplomat David Stilwell said on Wednesday. "What we have seen since the corona outbreak from Wuhan is it seems the PRC (People`s Republic of China) is trying to take advantage of the situation, and India, I think, is one of those examples of that. So to our friends in Beijing, I would ask them to follow their commitment to resolve these things through peaceful means and dialogue," Stilwell said at a press briefing here. The Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs also reiterated Secretary Pompeo`s remarks that the United States hopes for a peaceful resolution to the border standoff between India and China.The US diplomat`s remark comes after the Indian Army thwarted Chinese Army`s attempt on the night of August 29 and 30 to transgress into areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso.Indian Army said that on the night of August 29/30, PLA troops violated the consensus arrived at during military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. Also Read: In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats On a question over the border stand-off between India and China, Stilwell added: "For the conflict in the Himalayas, like all things, especially related to the PRC`s differences of opinion with its neighbours, is we advise them to return to dialogue, resolve these things peacefully without coercion, use of force."Further talking about China`s engagement in other areas, he said: "...many conflicts that are going on in China`s periphery right now. You mentioned Tibet. Xinjiang - very concerned still about what they`re doing there. Hong Kong activities, South China Sea - I could go on and on. "Earlier in the press briefing, Pompeo had slammed the Chinese Communist Party for engaging in a clear and intensifying pattern of bullying its neighbours."From the Taiwan Strait to the Himalayas and beyond, the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in a clear and intensifying pattern of bullying its neighbours. It is also evident in the South China Sea," he said. × "We are hoping for a peaceful resolution of the situation on the India-China border," he added. India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan Valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala.Negotiations between the two sides have been going on for the last three months, including five Lieutenant General-level talks but have failed to yield any results, so far.

China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

The State Department said it would also take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were "properly identified."

What's the reason behind restrictions?

Although Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that US was "simply demanding reciprocity", the latest steps also appear to be part of Trump administration's campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage.

US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/india-has-already-banned-100-plus-chinese-apps-call-on-nations-to-join-the-clean-network-us-324853">India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US</a>

US State Department has also written to boards of US universities about the threat&nbsp;from Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said.

The Chinese reaction:

China's Washington embassy called the fresh restrictions "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side."

Confucius Institutes work to recruit spies and collaborators: Pompeo

Mike Pompeo came down heavily on Chinese government-run Confucius Confucius Institute cultural centers across US and alleged that they worked to recruit "spies and collaborators"

He said that all Confucius Institutes will be shut down by the year-end.

On Wednesday, the Washington-based Confucius Institute U.S. Center, which was required last month to register as a foreign mission after Pompeo accused it of advancing Beijing`s "malign influence," said it had been mischaracterized by the State Department as a headquarters for Confucius Institutes.

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&nbsp;

"Contrary to what people have heard from the State Department, CI programs in the U.S. are independent of each other, set up and run by the schools that choose to set up Chinese language education, and staffed by people hired and supervised by those schools," it said in a statement.

Pompeo said he planned to discuss China and other regional issues with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Indo-Pacific countries in virtual meetings next week. 
The State Department said Pompeo would participate in an East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers` meeting and another with his ASEAN counterparts on Sept. 9.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds.

US imposed fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats in the US in a tit-for-tat move after Beijing put restrictions on American diplomats in China. Now, Chinese diplomats will be required to obtain approval from US State Department before visiting campuses of US Universities or holding cultural events of more than 50 people outside mission grounds. The State Department said it would also take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were "properly identified." What's the reason behind restrictions? Although Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that US was "simply demanding reciprocity", the latest steps also appear to be part of Trump administration's campaign against alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage. US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against China in the run-up to US Presidential Elections 2020 slated to be held in November. Also Read: India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US US State Department has also written to boards of US universities about the threat from Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts," Pompeo said. The Chinese reaction: China's Washington embassy called the fresh restrictions "yet another unjustified restriction and barrier on Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel" that "runs counter to the self-proclaimed values of openness and freedom of the U.S. side." Confucius Institutes work to recruit spies and collaborators: Pompeo Mike Pompeo came down heavily on Chinese government-run Confucius Confucius Institute cultural centers across US and alleged that they worked to recruit "spies and collaborators" He said that all Confucius Institutes will be shut down by the year-end. On Wednesday, the Washington-based Confucius Institute U.S. Center, which was required last month to register as a foreign mission after Pompeo accused it of advancing Beijing`s "malign influence," said it had been mischaracterized by the State Department as a headquarters for Confucius Institutes. × "Contrary to what people have heard from the State Department, CI programs in the U.S. are independent of each other, set up and run by the schools that choose to set up Chinese language education, and staffed by people hired and supervised by those schools," it said in a statement. Pompeo said he planned to discuss China and other regional issues with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other Indo-Pacific countries in virtual meetings next week. The State Department said Pompeo would participate in an East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers` meeting and another with his ASEAN counterparts on Sept. 9. (With inputs from Reuters)

In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised.

Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women.

The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years.

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The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating.

A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society.

In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads.

Bangladesh High Court gave a historic verdict and said that Hindu widows were entitled to a share in all properties owned by their late husbands and not only their homesteads. A single-judge bench of Justice Miftah Uddin Choudhury passed the order. The order was passed after decision in a case was finalised. Earlier, women only had right to homestead and not any property like agricultural land. The inheritance rights of of a women with respect to her husband's property was guided by Property Act, 1937. This act curtailed rights of Hindu women. The historic verdict on Wednesday has come after 83 years. × The week has had two encouraging stories for women's rights in South Asia. Other than the historic judgment in Bangladesh, a development in Afghanistan has had women's rights activists celebrating. A cabinet committee of Afghanistan government has okayed the inclusion of mother's name in the national identity card of a person. This seemingly small step is a big leap in a deeply patriarchal Afghan society. In Afghanistan, women do not enjoy equal social rights as men and are often only represented with respect to male relatives in their family.

Hindu widows entitled to a share in husband's property: Bangladesh High Court

Afghanistan government's cabinet committee okayed inclusion of mother's name on national identity cards of the country that is battling the deep-rooted misogyny in its society. Afghan cabinet's legal committee has made a proposal to amend the census law so that mother's name can be included in the national identity card of a person.

The proposal needs approval from the Afghan Parliament and assent of Afghan President, it is expected that these steps will not take much time.

Patriarchal set up still defines Afghan society and women are almost always represented with respect to men in thge family. The thought runs so deep that even graves of women has her identity described in relation with men in the family.

Although nod by Afghan cabinet committee is a small step in the right direction, fate of women's rights is coming in question as power sharing deals go on between the Afghan Government and Taliban.

During Taliban rule, unimaginable limitations were imposed on women in all areas of life, Be it personal, social, marital or any conduct, women in Afghanistan were forced to adhere to draconian edicts defined by teh Taliban. Those found 'flouting' rules were subjeted to horrific punishments that even included public executions.

Afghanistan has not even had a census from the 1970s. The national ID card is a step in that direction.

Afghanistan government's cabinet committee okayed inclusion of mother's name on national identity cards of the country that is battling the deep-rooted misogyny in its society.

Afghanistan government's cabinet committee okayed inclusion of mother's name on national identity cards of the country that is battling the deep-rooted misogyny in its society. Afghan cabinet's legal committee has made a proposal to amend the census law so that mother's name can be included in the national identity card of a person. The proposal needs approval from the Afghan Parliament and assent of Afghan President, it is expected that these steps will not take much time. Patriarchal set up still defines Afghan society and women are almost always represented with respect to men in thge family. The thought runs so deep that even graves of women has her identity described in relation with men in the family. Although nod by Afghan cabinet committee is a small step in the right direction, fate of women's rights is coming in question as power sharing deals go on between the Afghan Government and Taliban. During Taliban rule, unimaginable limitations were imposed on women in all areas of life, Be it personal, social, marital or any conduct, women in Afghanistan were forced to adhere to draconian edicts defined by teh Taliban. Those found 'flouting' rules were subjeted to horrific punishments that even included public executions. Afghanistan has not even had a census from the 1970s. The national ID card is a step in that direction.

Afghan govt cabinet committee gives nod to inclusion of mother's name on national ID cards

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday. India is still demanding an unimpeded consular access to Jadhav.

Pakistani media said that larger bench has been formed to hear the case. India has asked Pakistan let it appoint Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav's defense. The lawyer will present the case as a review petition will be filed to reconsider the death sentence handed to Jadhav.

"We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing.

"However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said.

The story so far:

Kulbhushan Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan and still in custody.

Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in espionage activities when he was arrested from Balochistan in 2016.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-directs-american-blogger-cynthia-ritchie-to-leave-country-within-15-days-324813">Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days</a>

India has denied the allegations and has said that Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

India had even approached International Court of Justice (ICJ) that had said Pakistan haD committed an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts.

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday.

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday. India is still demanding an unimpeded consular access to Jadhav. Pakistani media said that larger bench has been formed to hear the case. India has asked Pakistan let it appoint Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav's defense. The lawyer will present the case as a review petition will be filed to reconsider the death sentence handed to Jadhav. "We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing. "However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said. The story so far: Kulbhushan Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan and still in custody. Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in espionage activities when he was arrested from Balochistan in 2016. Also Read: Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days India has denied the allegations and has said that Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from the Iranian port of Chabahar. India had even approached International Court of Justice (ICJ) that had said Pakistan haD committed an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts.

Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today

Afghan negotiators and senior officials were set to fly to Doha on Thursday ahead of planned peace talks with the Taliban, after coming to a compromise over the release of prisoners that was holding up the talks, diplomatic and government sources said.

All but seven of the 5,000 prisoners whose release the Taliban demanded have been freed, a source in the government-appointed peace council and a diplomatic source in Kabul said. Both the government and the Taliban declined comment.

It was not immediately clear when the talks would start, but a government source said they could begin as soon as Saturday.

Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the chief of the government-mandated negotiation team, said in a tweet that his group would "soon" start peace talks.

The United States-brokered negotiations have been stalled for months as the Taliban demanded the release of 5,000 of its prisoners as a pre-condition.

The release of the final batch of 400 prisoners has been debated for weeks since the government blamed them for some of the worst violence in the country. They included a small number of prisoners whose release was objected to by Western powers, including France and Australia, due to their involvement in attacks on foreign forces.

The plan was for the seven remaining prisoners to be transferred to Doha where they would be kept under supervision, five sources told Reuters.

"These seven prisoners were members of the Afghan National Security Forces who were arrested on charges of `green on blue` attacks. They will be shifted to Doha," said an Afghan official.

The United States has been trying to broker peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to end 19 years of war since Washington signed a troop withdrawal deal with the insurgent group in February. 
&nbsp;

Afghan negotiators and senior officials were set to fly to Doha on Thursday ahead of planned peace talks with the Taliban, after coming to a compromise over the release of prisoners that was holding up the talks, diplomatic and government sources said.

Afghan negotiators and senior officials were set to fly to Doha on Thursday ahead of planned peace talks with the Taliban, after coming to a compromise over the release of prisoners that was holding up the talks, diplomatic and government sources said. All but seven of the 5,000 prisoners whose release the Taliban demanded have been freed, a source in the government-appointed peace council and a diplomatic source in Kabul said. Both the government and the Taliban declined comment. It was not immediately clear when the talks would start, but a government source said they could begin as soon as Saturday. Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the chief of the government-mandated negotiation team, said in a tweet that his group would "soon" start peace talks. The United States-brokered negotiations have been stalled for months as the Taliban demanded the release of 5,000 of its prisoners as a pre-condition. The release of the final batch of 400 prisoners has been debated for weeks since the government blamed them for some of the worst violence in the country. They included a small number of prisoners whose release was objected to by Western powers, including France and Australia, due to their involvement in attacks on foreign forces. The plan was for the seven remaining prisoners to be transferred to Doha where they would be kept under supervision, five sources told Reuters. "These seven prisoners were members of the Afghan National Security Forces who were arrested on charges of `green on blue` attacks. They will be shifted to Doha," said an Afghan official. The United States has been trying to broker peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to end 19 years of war since Washington signed a troop withdrawal deal with the insurgent group in February.

Afghan officials to travel for talks with Taliban after agreement on prisoners - sources

Dinosaurs aren't exactly the cute types. Even the most docile plant-eating dinos have a towering presence and can crush average human to death in no time. The fiere animosity of the T-Rex is stuff of legends. But now a fossil of what a scientist is calling the 'cutest dinosaur' has come to light.

The fossil is of a dinosaur embryo. A Saurapod to be precise. What's special about this fossil is the the head of the tiny embryo has been found preserved in 3 dimensional projection. Fossils are preserved under enormous pressure of rocks and soil for millions of years. Often this flattens the fossilized material and hence such fossils are found to be in a two-dimentional condition. Moreover, small fossils have greater chance of giving way to the enourmous pressure of rock and soil that preserves it.

This and another aspect of the fossil is a matter of surprise for Martin Kundrat,a paleobiologist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences at Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Slovakia.

This type of dinosaurs are not known to have horns. However, a small bump on the snout of this baby dino caught Kundrat and other scientists' attention.

Stephen Brusatte, one of the scientists who was not directly involved in the study said that the Saurapod embryo was one of the "cutest dinosaurs" he had seen. The little bump on the nose of the Saurapod (which may represent a horn) may be the reason why the baby dino was called such. Stephen Brussatte was quoted by The New York Times.

Martin Kundrat along with his associates wrote a paper on this in Current Biology, a scientific journal.

Scientists made another fascinating observation. They noticed that the baby Saurapod had its eyes in the front of the skull. Such an arrangement of eyes, like in humans, gives an animal a better depth perception.

So what's the point? Adults dinosaurs of this type did not have such an arrangement of eyes. They had eyes on either side of their skulls (like, for example in a crow)

This 3-dimensional preservation of Saurapod embryo is bound to shed considerable light on the life of dinosaurs from the embryonic stage to the adulthood.

Dinosaurs aren't exactly the cute types. Even the most docile plant-eating dinos have a towering presence and can crush average human to death in no time. The fiere animosity of the T-Rex is stuff of legends.

Dinosaurs aren't exactly the cute types. Even the most docile plant-eating dinos have a towering presence and can crush average human to death in no time. The fiere animosity of the T-Rex is stuff of legends. But now a fossil of what a scientist is calling the 'cutest dinosaur' has come to light. The fossil is of a dinosaur embryo. A Saurapod to be precise. What's special about this fossil is the the head of the tiny embryo has been found preserved in 3 dimensional projection. Fossils are preserved under enormous pressure of rocks and soil for millions of years. Often this flattens the fossilized material and hence such fossils are found to be in a two-dimentional condition. Moreover, small fossils have greater chance of giving way to the enourmous pressure of rock and soil that preserves it. This and another aspect of the fossil is a matter of surprise for Martin Kundrat,a paleobiologist at the Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences at Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Slovakia. This type of dinosaurs are not known to have horns. However, a small bump on the snout of this baby dino caught Kundrat and other scientists' attention. Stephen Brusatte, one of the scientists who was not directly involved in the study said that the Saurapod embryo was one of the "cutest dinosaurs" he had seen. The little bump on the nose of the Saurapod (which may represent a horn) may be the reason why the baby dino was called such. Stephen Brussatte was quoted by The New York Times. Martin Kundrat along with his associates wrote a paper on this in Current Biology, a scientific journal. Scientists made another fascinating observation. They noticed that the baby Saurapod had its eyes in the front of the skull. Such an arrangement of eyes, like in humans, gives an animal a better depth perception. So what's the point? Adults dinosaurs of this type did not have such an arrangement of eyes. They had eyes on either side of their skulls (like, for example in a crow) This 3-dimensional preservation of Saurapod embryo is bound to shed considerable light on the life of dinosaurs from the embryonic stage to the adulthood.

Is it a duck? No, it is 'one of the cutest dinosaurs'

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial.

Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators: Said and Cherif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly.

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech.

They killed 12 in an attack claimed by al Qaeda.

The following day, Coulibaly, an acquaintance of Cherif Kouachi, killed a female police officer. On Jan. 9, he killed four Jewish men at a kosher supermarket. In a video, he said he acted in the name of Islamic State. 
More than 250 people have been killed in France in Islamist violence since the attacks and countering the threat remains a government priority, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/we-have-freedom-of-the-press-says-macron-on-charlie-hebdo-row-324656">We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row</a>

Al Qaeda`s Yemen branch placed Charlie Hebdo`s then-director on its "wanted list" after the weekly published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad, including one of him in a bomb-shaped turban.

The magazine plans to re-publish the cartoons to coincide with the trial.

"We will never lie down. We will never give up," editor Laurent "Riss" Sourisseau wrote.

President Emmanuel Macron said it was not for him to pass comment on the magazine`s editorial judgement and that the freedom to blaspheme went in hand in hand with the freedom of belief in France.

"Satire is not a discourse of hate," the president told a news conference in Beirut.

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Among those charged are Hayat Boumedienne, Coulibaly`s partner at the time of the attacks, and brothers Mohamed and Mehdi Belhoucine. All three travelled to areas of Syria under Islamic State`s control days before the attacks and may be dead.

The trial, which will run for 10 weeks and be filmed throughout, is likely to evoke painful memories.

Chloe Verlhac lost her husband, cartoonist Bernard Verlhac, known as "Tignous", in the attack.

"He literally died with his felt-tip in his hand," she told RTL radio. "He never let go."

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial.

The Islamist gunmen who struck the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish store, killing 17, are dead but on Wednesday, five years after the attack that marked the onset of a wave of Islamist violence in France, their alleged accomplices face trial. Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators: Said and Cherif Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly. On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, whose satire on race, religion and politics tested the limits of what society would accept in the name of free speech. They killed 12 in an attack claimed by al Qaeda. The following day, Coulibaly, an acquaintance of Cherif Kouachi, killed a female police officer. On Jan. 9, he killed four Jewish men at a kosher supermarket. In a video, he said he acted in the name of Islamic State. More than 250 people have been killed in France in Islamist violence since the attacks and countering the threat remains a government priority, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin says. Also Read: We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row Al Qaeda`s Yemen branch placed Charlie Hebdo`s then-director on its "wanted list" after the weekly published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad, including one of him in a bomb-shaped turban. The magazine plans to re-publish the cartoons to coincide with the trial. "We will never lie down. We will never give up," editor Laurent "Riss" Sourisseau wrote. President Emmanuel Macron said it was not for him to pass comment on the magazine`s editorial judgement and that the freedom to blaspheme went in hand in hand with the freedom of belief in France. "Satire is not a discourse of hate," the president told a news conference in Beirut. × Among those charged are Hayat Boumedienne, Coulibaly`s partner at the time of the attacks, and brothers Mohamed and Mehdi Belhoucine. All three travelled to areas of Syria under Islamic State`s control days before the attacks and may be dead. The trial, which will run for 10 weeks and be filmed throughout, is likely to evoke painful memories. Chloe Verlhac lost her husband, cartoonist Bernard Verlhac, known as "Tignous", in the attack. "He literally died with his felt-tip in his hand," she told RTL radio. "He never let go."

Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today

French President Emmanuel Macron said that&nbsp;"it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

His comments assume significance as accomplices of Charlie Hebdo attackers&nbsp;are due to go on trial on Wednesday (September 2).&nbsp;

“It’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom, never. Because we have freedom of the press,” Macron said. He was quoted by Reuters.

Macron also said&nbsp;that French citizens should be respectful to each other.

Charlie Hebdo's publication of a&nbsp;cartoon on&nbsp;Prophet Mohammed&nbsp;had led to a terror attack on its&nbsp;office in 2015 that left 12 people dead. Eight of them were journalists.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/charlie-hebdo-terrorist-attack-accomplices-go-on-trial-today-324640">Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today</a> 
 
Charlie Hebdo republished the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed on Tuesday, just a day before accomplices of the attackers were to go on trial.

Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators.

The terror attack:

The cartoon of Prophet Mohammed, printed as a satire by Charlie Hebdo, did not go down well with many people across the world and strongest of the reactions came from the Muslim quarters.

On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo

Responsibility of the attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda.

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&nbsp;

The gunmen barged into Charlie Hebdo office as a weekly editorial meet was ongoing. The firing killed eight journalists. A guest at the editorial meet was killed as well.

"Satire is not a discourse of hate,"

Reuters has quoted Macron as he said that satire did not necessarily convey hate. He made the statement in Beirut, Lebanon.

France on high alert:

Following Charlie Hebdo's decision to re-publish the controversial cartoon, French security agencies have given a high alert. Security forces across France are on the lookout for movements and activities that may lead to violent and even terrorist incidents.

(With inputs&nbsp;from Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "it’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom" amid the controversy surrounding French magazine Charlie Hebdo. His comments assume significance as accomplices of Charlie Hebdo attackers are due to go on trial on Wednesday (September 2). “It’s never the place of a president of the Republic to pass judgment on the editorial choice of a journalist or newsroom, never. Because we have freedom of the press,” Macron said. He was quoted by Reuters. Macron also said that French citizens should be respectful to each other. Charlie Hebdo's publication of a cartoon on Prophet Mohammed had led to a terror attack on its office in 2015 that left 12 people dead. Eight of them were journalists. Also Read: Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack accomplices go on trial today Charlie Hebdo republished the cartoon of Prophet Mohammed on Tuesday, just a day before accomplices of the attackers were to go on trial. Fourteen defendants, three of whom will be tried in absentia and may be dead, face charges including financing terrorism, membership in a terrorist organisation and supplying weapons to the perpetrators. The terror attack: The cartoon of Prophet Mohammed, printed as a satire by Charlie Hebdo, did not go down well with many people across the world and strongest of the reactions came from the Muslim quarters. On Jan. 7, 2015, the Kouachi brothers went on a killing spree in the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo Responsibility of the attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda. × The gunmen barged into Charlie Hebdo office as a weekly editorial meet was ongoing. The firing killed eight journalists. A guest at the editorial meet was killed as well. "Satire is not a discourse of hate," Reuters has quoted Macron as he said that satire did not necessarily convey hate. He made the statement in Beirut, Lebanon. France on high alert: Following Charlie Hebdo's decision to re-publish the controversial cartoon, French security agencies have given a high alert. Security forces across France are on the lookout for movements and activities that may lead to violent and even terrorist incidents. (With inputs from Reuters)

We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices.

The unsigned order by a panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan was a victory for the president in his yearlong quest to block District Attorney Cyrus Vance from enforcing a grand jury subpoena for eight years of personal and corporate returns.

Trump has been challenging an Aug. 20 decision by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to let Vance obtain the returns from the president's longtime accounting firm Mazars USA.

The district attorney had wanted access to the returns even during Trump's appeal, but Tuesday's order ends that possibility for now. Oral arguments have been scheduled for Sept. 25.

A spokesman for Vance declined to comment.

Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's lawyers, said they were pleased with the order and looked forward to arguing the merits of the president's appeal.

Vance began his probe after news that Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump, which the president has denied.

In July, the Supreme Court refused to block the subpoena, rejecting Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal probes while in the White House, but said Trump could raise other objections.

Trump is seeking re-election on Nov. 3. Vance has complained that dragging out the litigation has effectively given the Republican president the immunity he wanted.

Grand jury proceedings are held in secret, and if Trump's tax returns were handed over it could take months for the public to learn their contents.

The prior six presidents, both Republican and Democrat, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, have released their tax returns.

Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump claimed that the subpoena from Vance, a Democrat, was "wildly overbroad" and issued in bad faith.

In seeking a stay, William Consovoy, another lawyer for Trump, told the appeals court that giving Vance a chance even to see the returns would cause the president irreparable harm.

"The status quo can never be restored," he said. "We can't make them forget what they learn."

Carey Dunne, a lawyer for Vance, downplayed that concern. "The toothpaste can be put back into the tube sufficiently to protect people's rights," he said.

Dunne also said each category of documents Vance sought was "directly relevant" to his probe, and Trump offered no specifics to suggest otherwise. 
&nbsp;

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices.

A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday granted President Donald Trump's request to delay Manhattan's district attorney from accessing his tax returns in connection with a criminal probe of his business practices. The unsigned order by a panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan was a victory for the president in his yearlong quest to block District Attorney Cyrus Vance from enforcing a grand jury subpoena for eight years of personal and corporate returns. Trump has been challenging an Aug. 20 decision by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to let Vance obtain the returns from the president's longtime accounting firm Mazars USA. The district attorney had wanted access to the returns even during Trump's appeal, but Tuesday's order ends that possibility for now. Oral arguments have been scheduled for Sept. 25. A spokesman for Vance declined to comment. Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's lawyers, said they were pleased with the order and looked forward to arguing the merits of the president's appeal. Vance began his probe after news that Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen paid pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet before the 2016 election about claimed sexual encounters with Trump, which the president has denied. In July, the Supreme Court refused to block the subpoena, rejecting Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal probes while in the White House, but said Trump could raise other objections. Trump is seeking re-election on Nov. 3. Vance has complained that dragging out the litigation has effectively given the Republican president the immunity he wanted. Grand jury proceedings are held in secret, and if Trump's tax returns were handed over it could take months for the public to learn their contents. The prior six presidents, both Republican and Democrat, from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama, have released their tax returns. Following the Supreme Court decision, Trump claimed that the subpoena from Vance, a Democrat, was "wildly overbroad" and issued in bad faith. In seeking a stay, William Consovoy, another lawyer for Trump, told the appeals court that giving Vance a chance even to see the returns would cause the president irreparable harm. "The status quo can never be restored," he said. "We can't make them forget what they learn." Carey Dunne, a lawyer for Vance, downplayed that concern. "The toothpaste can be put back into the tube sufficiently to protect people's rights," he said. Dunne also said each category of documents Vance sought was "directly relevant" to his probe, and Trump offered no specifics to suggest otherwise.

US court grants Donald Trump delay for giving access to his tax returns

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