Chinese factory price inflation fell below zero for the first time in three years, official data showed Friday, the latest sign of weakening demand amid mounting trade tensions with the US.

The producer price index (PPI) -- an important barometer of the industrial sector that measures the cost of goods at the factory gate -- dropped 0.3 per cent year-on-year in July, down from zero per cent in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

A slowdown in factory gate inflation reflects sluggish demand, while a turn to deflation could dent corporate profits and drag on the world's number two economy, which in turn could lead to a drop in prices globally.

The reading marks the first deflation since August 2016, and fell short of the -0.1 per cent forecast in a Bloomberg News survey.

The petroleum and natural gas mining sector led the drop, while a contraction in petroleum, coal and other fuel processing also widened, NBS official Dong Yaxiu said in a statement.

"The profitability for industrial firms will take a hit and the broader outlook will continue to slump," said Edward Moya, analyst at OANDA.

Additional monetary loosening is expected as the central People's Bank of China will put more weight on tackling factory-gate deflation, Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics wrote in a research note.

China's consumer price index (CPI) -- a gauge of retail inflation -- rose 2.8 per cent, up from 2.7 per cent in May, marking the fastest pace since February 2018.

Pork prices rose as supply was "slightly shortened" by the African swine fever epidemic while hot summer weather has led to decreased production in eggs, thus driving prices higher, according to Dong.

Chinese and US negotiators met in Shanghai in July in a bid to patch up the trade rift hurting the world's top two economies.&nbsp;

But tensions have mounted rapidly since then, as US President Donald Trump vowed to impose fresh tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods from September 1.

Chinese factory price inflation fell below zero for the first time in three years, official data showed Friday, the latest sign of weakening demand amid mounting trade tensions with the US.

Chinese factory price inflation fell below zero for the first time in three years, official data showed Friday, the latest sign of weakening demand amid mounting trade tensions with the US. The producer price index (PPI) -- an important barometer of the industrial sector that measures the cost of goods at the factory gate -- dropped 0.3 per cent year-on-year in July, down from zero per cent in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). A slowdown in factory gate inflation reflects sluggish demand, while a turn to deflation could dent corporate profits and drag on the world's number two economy, which in turn could lead to a drop in prices globally. The reading marks the first deflation since August 2016, and fell short of the -0.1 per cent forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. The petroleum and natural gas mining sector led the drop, while a contraction in petroleum, coal and other fuel processing also widened, NBS official Dong Yaxiu said in a statement. "The profitability for industrial firms will take a hit and the broader outlook will continue to slump," said Edward Moya, analyst at OANDA. Additional monetary loosening is expected as the central People's Bank of China will put more weight on tackling factory-gate deflation, Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics wrote in a research note. China's consumer price index (CPI) -- a gauge of retail inflation -- rose 2.8 per cent, up from 2.7 per cent in May, marking the fastest pace since February 2018. Pork prices rose as supply was "slightly shortened" by the African swine fever epidemic while hot summer weather has led to decreased production in eggs, thus driving prices higher, according to Dong. Chinese and US negotiators met in Shanghai in July in a bid to patch up the trade rift hurting the world's top two economies. But tensions have mounted rapidly since then, as US President Donald Trump vowed to impose fresh tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods from September 1.

China factory price deflates as demand weakens

Nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-call-for-fair-elections-at-moscow-rally-242057">50,000 opposition supporters rallied </a>and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

Demonstrators crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after permitting for the rally to go ahead.

The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000.

A total of 71 people were detained in Moscow and a further 80 were arrested in Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors detentions at protests.

In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month.

While the rally was authorised, Navalny -- who is currently in jail -- had urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards.

Navalny's associate, Boris Zolotarevsky, told protesters to proceed to Putin's administration offices. He was detained by police shortly afterwards.

- 'Citizens are hostages' -

At the rally, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough", while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations.&nbsp;

"I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer.

"It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage.

"I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos.

- Police crackdown - 
Riot police and the national guard had detained over 2,000 people at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges and risk jail terms for "mass disorder".

Most opposition candidates banned from participating in the Moscow election have now been jailed for violating protest laws. &nbsp;

One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence.

"Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova.&nbsp;

"We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions."&nbsp;

- 'Attempt to gag us' -

As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change.

The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin.

One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said.

On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts.

"This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Nearly 50,000 opposition supporters rallied and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

Nearly 50,000 opposition supporters rallied and dozens were arrested in Moscow on Saturday at one of the largest authorised protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Demonstrators crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after permitting for the rally to go ahead. The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000. A total of 71 people were detained in Moscow and a further 80 were arrested in Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors detentions at protests. In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month. While the rally was authorised, Navalny -- who is currently in jail -- had urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards. Navalny's associate, Boris Zolotarevsky, told protesters to proceed to Putin's administration offices. He was detained by police shortly afterwards. - 'Citizens are hostages' - At the rally, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough", while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations. "I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer. "It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage. "I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos. - Police crackdown - Riot police and the national guard had detained over 2,000 people at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges and risk jail terms for "mass disorder". Most opposition candidates banned from participating in the Moscow election have now been jailed for violating protest laws. One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence. "Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova. "We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions." - 'Attempt to gag us' - As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change. The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin. One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media. Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said. On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts. "This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Dozens arrested at huge opposition rally in Moscow

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested.

"One person is shot. The severity of that person's injuries is unknown. One suspect is arrested. The police are working at the location," Oslo police said on Twitter.

The shooting occurred at the al-Noor Islamic centre in the town of Baerum, an Oslo suburb.

Police said there was no indication that more people were involved.

They said they had no information about the suspect, other than he was described as "white".&nbsp;

"One of our members has been shot by a white man with a helmet and uniform," Irfan Mushtaq, head of the mosque, told local paper Budstikka.

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested.

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested. "One person is shot. The severity of that person's injuries is unknown. One suspect is arrested. The police are working at the location," Oslo police said on Twitter. The shooting occurred at the al-Noor Islamic centre in the town of Baerum, an Oslo suburb. Police said there was no indication that more people were involved. They said they had no information about the suspect, other than he was described as "white". "One of our members has been shot by a white man with a helmet and uniform," Irfan Mushtaq, head of the mosque, told local paper Budstikka.

One person hurt in Norway mosque shooting, suspect arrested

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wealthy-financier-jeffrey-epstein-kills-himself-in-prison-242042">disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein</a>, the Justice Department said Saturday.

The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan.

Epstein was charged with trafficking girls for sex.

The bureau said Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center "from an apparent suicide."

It said staff began life-saving measures and Epstein was eventually rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"The FBI is investigating the incident," said the bureau.

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department said Saturday. The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan.

The FBI is investigating the apparent suicide in a New York prison of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department said Saturday. The department's Bureau of Prisons made the announcement as questions were raised as to how a high-profile inmate who had apparently attempted to kill himself last month could take his life in what is supposed to be a highly secure federal facility in downtown Manhattan. Epstein was charged with trafficking girls for sex. The bureau said Epstein was found unresponsive in his cell in the Metropolitan Correctional Center "from an apparent suicide." It said staff began life-saving measures and Epstein was eventually rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. "The FBI is investigating the incident," said the bureau.

FBI investigating death of financier Epstein: Justice Department

The&nbsp;majority&nbsp;of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;seen by Reuters.

The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes.

The&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;says that around 90 per cent&nbsp;of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent&nbsp;to income taxes,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years.

Others who would still have to pay some&nbsp;solidarity tax&nbsp;would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent&nbsp;of all taxpayers benefitting&nbsp;from&nbsp;reductions.

Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021&nbsp;through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan.

But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters. The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes. The draft law says that around 90 per cent of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent to income taxes, from 2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years. Others who would still have to pay some solidarity tax would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent of all taxpayers benefitting from reductions. Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget from 2021 through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan. But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

Majority of Germans to stop paying 'solidarity tax' from 2021: Draft law

Royal Bank of Scotland will name&nbsp;Alison&nbsp;Rose&nbsp;as chief executive in&nbsp;coming&nbsp;weeks, succeeding Ross McEwan,&nbsp;Sky&nbsp;News&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

Rose, who runs&nbsp;RBS's commercial arm, is considered the preferred candidate to succeed Ross McEwan, though chairman Howard Davies said in April the bank would also consider external candidates.

RBS&nbsp;did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Royal Bank of Scotland will name Alison Rose as chief executive in coming weeks, succeeding Ross McEwan, Sky News reported on Saturday. Rose, who runs RBS's commercial arm, is considered the preferred candidate to succeed Ross McEwan, though chairman Howard Davies said in April the bank would also consider external candidates.

Royal Bank of Scotland will name Alison Rose as chief executive in coming weeks, succeeding Ross McEwan, Sky News reported on Saturday. Rose, who runs RBS's commercial arm, is considered the preferred candidate to succeed Ross McEwan, though chairman Howard Davies said in April the bank would also consider external candidates. RBS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

RBS to appoint Alison Rose as CEO in coming weeks: Report

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel.

The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa.&nbsp;

Morogoro governor Stephen Kebwe said the bodies of 60 victims were at the morgue of the local hospital, where more than 70 people were also being treated for injuries.

He warned that the toll could rise with victims possibly trapped under the truck, which footage showed engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke.

Charred bodies and the burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis could be seen scattered on the ground among scorched trees.&nbsp;

Regional police chief Wilbrod Mtafungwa described a huge explosion" and said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and locals who flocked to the scene for the fuel.

A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck.

The tragedy has also triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with prominent figures including President John Magufuli and ordinary citizens sending messages of condolences.

Magufuli also called for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, something that is common in many poor parts of Africa.

- 'Never seen a disaster of such magnitude' -&nbsp;

"The Morogoro region had never experienced a disaster of such magnitude," Governor Kebwe told reporters at the scene in Msamvu, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Dar es Salaam.

He said the explosion was triggered when a man tried to pull out the truck's battery.

"We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol," teacher January Michael told AFP.

"At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion."

Police later said they had managed to put out the flames and had cordoned off the area.&nbsp;

Magufuli said in a statement he was "very shocked" by looting of fuel from damaged vehicles.&nbsp;

"There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let's stop this practice, please," he said.

Last month, at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people were trying to gather fuel.

In May, a similar incident occurred in Niger just a short distance from the airport in the capital Niamey, leaving almost 80 people dead.

Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people perished in the town of Maridi in South Sudan.

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel. The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa.

At least 60 people perished in Tanzania on Saturday when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel. The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa. Morogoro governor Stephen Kebwe said the bodies of 60 victims were at the morgue of the local hospital, where more than 70 people were also being treated for injuries. He warned that the toll could rise with victims possibly trapped under the truck, which footage showed engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke. Charred bodies and the burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis could be seen scattered on the ground among scorched trees. Regional police chief Wilbrod Mtafungwa described a huge explosion" and said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as "boda-boda" and locals who flocked to the scene for the fuel. A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck. The tragedy has also triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with prominent figures including President John Magufuli and ordinary citizens sending messages of condolences. Magufuli also called for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, something that is common in many poor parts of Africa. - 'Never seen a disaster of such magnitude' - "The Morogoro region had never experienced a disaster of such magnitude," Governor Kebwe told reporters at the scene in Msamvu, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Dar es Salaam. He said the explosion was triggered when a man tried to pull out the truck's battery. "We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol," teacher January Michael told AFP. "At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion." Police later said they had managed to put out the flames and had cordoned off the area. Magufuli said in a statement he was "very shocked" by looting of fuel from damaged vehicles. "There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let's stop this practice, please," he said. Last month, at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people were trying to gather fuel. In May, a similar incident occurred in Niger just a short distance from the airport in the capital Niamey, leaving almost 80 people dead. Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people perished in the town of Maridi in South Sudan.

Tanzania fuel tanker blast kills 60

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-plans-major-moscow-protest-after-crackdown-241936">one of the largest protests </a>since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-accuses-us-of-encouraging-people-to-protest-in-moscow-241853">Protesters</a> crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead.

The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000.

In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month.

On Saturday, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough" while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations.&nbsp;

"I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer.

"It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.

Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage.

"I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos.

Riot police and the national guard detained more than 2,000 at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges of "mass disorder".

Most opposition candidates who have been banned from participating in the vote have also now been jailed for violating protest laws. &nbsp;

One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence.

"Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova.&nbsp;

"We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions."&nbsp;

While Saturday's rally was authorised, Navalny, who is currently in jail, urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards, when they would risk detention for illegal protests.

One of Navalny's associates, Boris Zolotarevsky, at the end of the rally urged protesters to go to Putin's presidential administration offices in central Moscow. He was detained by police shortly afterwards.

Moscow police and the powerful Investigative Committee issued a warning ahead of the rally saying unsanctioned protests would be "immediately halted."

Eight people were detained in Moscow at Saturday's demonstration, while 51 were detained at protests in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors protests.

- 'Attempt to gag us' -

As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change.

The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin.

One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday morning at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said.

On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts.

"This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence. 
&nbsp;

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at one of the largest protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Protesters crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead.

Almost 50,000 opposition supporters rallied in Moscow Saturday at one of the largest protests since President Vladimir Putin's return to the Kremlin in 2012. Protesters crowded the central Prospekt Andreya Sakharova street, where city authorities deployed a massive police presence, including officers in riot gear, after giving permission for the rally to go ahead. The White Counter, an NGO that tracks participants in rallies, counted 49,900 people, while Moscow police gave a much lower attendance figure of 20,000. In recent weeks, thousands have attended street protests calling for free and fair elections after the exclusion of several opposition figures, including allies of top Putin critic Alexei Navalny, from local Moscow polls next month. On Saturday, some protesters carried placards with slogans such as "Give us the right to vote!" and "You've lied to us enough" while others held up pictures of activists arrested at earlier demonstrations. "I'm outraged by this injustice at every level. They're not letting candidates stand who have collected all the necessary signatures. They are arresting people who are protesting peacefully," said one protester, Irina Dargolts, a 60-year-old engineer. "It feels like the country is a prisoner and its citizens are hostages... No one represents the people," said Dmitry Khobbotovsky, an activist for the Open Russia movement funded by Kremlin foe and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Showing the movement's appeal to young Russians, one of the country's most famous rappers, Oxxxymiron, attended the rally and another popular rapper Face performed on stage. "I'm performing here today so that my people have freedom and the right to choose," said Face, 22, known for his facial tattoos. Riot police and the national guard detained more than 2,000 at the previous two rallies, which were not authorised by city officials, and a dozen protesters face criminal charges of "mass disorder". Most opposition candidates who have been banned from participating in the vote have also now been jailed for violating protest laws. One of the rally speakers was the wife of opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov, who is serving a 30-day sentence. "Each of us has the right to run for office and they are very afraid of that," said Valeriya Gudkova. "We have real support from the public and they just have criminals in their electoral commissions." While Saturday's rally was authorised, Navalny, who is currently in jail, urged supporters to walk peacefully through the city afterwards, when they would risk detention for illegal protests. One of Navalny's associates, Boris Zolotarevsky, at the end of the rally urged protesters to go to Putin's presidential administration offices in central Moscow. He was detained by police shortly afterwards. Moscow police and the powerful Investigative Committee issued a warning ahead of the rally saying unsanctioned protests would be "immediately halted." Eight people were detained in Moscow at Saturday's demonstration, while 51 were detained at protests in Russia's second largest city of Saint Petersburg, according to OVD-Info, an NGO that monitors protests. - 'Attempt to gag us' - As he enters his third decade in power, Putin's approval ratings have dropped significantly and critics say the authorities fear any outlet calling for wider political change. The latest demonstration came this week as authorities mounted their harshest attack yet on Navalny's team, focusing on his anti-corruption foundation which publishes investigations of officials close to Putin. One of the foundation's lawyers, Lyubov Sobol, was detained Saturday morning at her campaign office by police in riot gear, she wrote on social media. Riot police also raided the studio where Navalny's supporters were set to run a live broadcast of the protest, activists said. On Thursday, investigators raided the foundation's office as part of a probe into alleged acceptance of donations of laundered money and a court froze the foundation's accounts. "This is the most aggressive attempt yet to gag us," Navalny wrote in a blog entry he issued through lawyers while serving a 30-day sentence.

Tens of thousands call for fair elections at Moscow rally

Iran unveiled on Saturday what authorities said was a locally upgraded radar system with a range of 400 km (250 miles) that could help defend against cruise and ballistic missiles and drones.

The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and United States. Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June.

Tehran says the drone was over its territory, but Washington says it was in international airspace.

State television showed the Falaq, a mobile radar and a vehicle housing a control room, which it said was an improved version of the Gamma, a system that military experts said was of Russian origin.

Western military analysts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic missile programme contributed to Washington last year exiting the pact that Iran sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

"This system has high capabilities and can detect all types of cruise and ballistic missiles and drones," Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, commander of the regular army`s air defences, was quoted as saying by semi-official news agency Mehr.

Sabahifard said the Falaq was a locally overhauled version of a system which had been out of operation for a long time, Mehr reported. He did not give the system`s country of origin.

The Falaq is a phased-array radar system which can be incorporated into Iran`s larger integrated air defence, which includes an S-300 surface-to-air missile system that Russia delivered in 2016, state-run Press TV said.

"The (Falaq) system was developed to counter sanctions restricting access to spare parts of a previously foreign-developed system," Press TV said on its website.

US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Tehran after pulling out of the nuclear deal, which its other signatories are struggling to maintain as Washington also lobbies to establish a maritime security coalition to safeguard shipping in the Gulf in a related standoff with Iran over oil supplies. 
&nbsp;

Iran unveiled on Saturday what authorities said was a locally upgraded radar system with a range of 400 km (250 miles) that could help defend against cruise and ballistic missiles and drones.

Iran unveiled on Saturday what authorities said was a locally upgraded radar system with a range of 400 km (250 miles) that could help defend against cruise and ballistic missiles and drones. The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and United States. Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June. Tehran says the drone was over its territory, but Washington says it was in international airspace. State television showed the Falaq, a mobile radar and a vehicle housing a control room, which it said was an improved version of the Gamma, a system that military experts said was of Russian origin. Western military analysts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic missile programme contributed to Washington last year exiting the pact that Iran sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions. "This system has high capabilities and can detect all types of cruise and ballistic missiles and drones," Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, commander of the regular army`s air defences, was quoted as saying by semi-official news agency Mehr. Sabahifard said the Falaq was a locally overhauled version of a system which had been out of operation for a long time, Mehr reported. He did not give the system`s country of origin. The Falaq is a phased-array radar system which can be incorporated into Iran`s larger integrated air defence, which includes an S-300 surface-to-air missile system that Russia delivered in 2016, state-run Press TV said. "The (Falaq) system was developed to counter sanctions restricting access to spare parts of a previously foreign-developed system," Press TV said on its website. US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Tehran after pulling out of the nuclear deal, which its other signatories are struggling to maintain as Washington also lobbies to establish a maritime security coalition to safeguard shipping in the Gulf in a related standoff with Iran over oil supplies.

Iran unveils 'improved' radar air defence system

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hungarian-doctors-separate-bangladeshi-twins-joined-at-head-240319">Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week </a>are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday.

Three-year-old Rabeya and Rukaya who were joined at the head suffered from a rare embryological disorder affecting an estimated one in every five to six million births.

The girls were recovering after the 30-hour operation to separate their skulls and brains at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.

A surgical team of 35 Hungarians and more than 100 Bangladeshi doctors took part in the delicate procedure which they dubbed 'Operation Freedom'.

The girls were in stable condition after the final separation, the last phase in a lengthy series of surgeries since last year, said Gergely Pataki, founder of Action for Defenceless People Foundation (ADPF) which led the huge team of doctors.

'But keeping in mind that such rare complicated surgical procedures have its risks, complications might still occur,' he told reporters at a press conference in CMH.

The girls have undergone two neurosurgical operations and 44 plastic surgeries so far.

Before the surgery doctors had said there was only a 50 per cent chance of the twins surviving.

According to ADPF, only a handful of operations to separate twins joined at the head have been successful.

The Hungarian charity was set up in 2002 by neurosurgeon Andras Csokay and plastic surgeon Pataki to provide free surgery to poor people in Hungary and abroad.

In the first phase of surgery in Bangladesh last year, the shared blood vessels of the twins' brains were separated in a 14-hour operation.

ADPF neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons supported by anesthesiologists, radiologists and paediatricians also used innovative 3D animation software to map the two brains.

The twins' overwhelmed mother Taslima Khatun said she cried tears of joy when one of her daughters spoke to her on Saturday.

'One of my babies this morning told me, 'Mother take me on your lap.' This gave me huge peace of mind. I'm so very happy,' she said.

She was however concerned about whether the twins would make a complete recovery.

Anaesthesiologist Marcell Csapody said they were 'hopeful and optimistic' the twins would make a full recovery but had to be realistic as the youngsters were not yet completely out of danger.

'We have to be optimistic and (simultaneously) realistic,' he said.

ADPF has performed around 500 reconstructive surgery operations in Asia and Africa, including for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.

Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday.

Conjoined Bangladeshi twins who were separated last week are in a stable condition, the team of Hungarian and Bangladeshi doctors who carried out the marathon operation said Saturday. Three-year-old Rabeya and Rukaya who were joined at the head suffered from a rare embryological disorder affecting an estimated one in every five to six million births. The girls were recovering after the 30-hour operation to separate their skulls and brains at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. A surgical team of 35 Hungarians and more than 100 Bangladeshi doctors took part in the delicate procedure which they dubbed 'Operation Freedom'. The girls were in stable condition after the final separation, the last phase in a lengthy series of surgeries since last year, said Gergely Pataki, founder of Action for Defenceless People Foundation (ADPF) which led the huge team of doctors. 'But keeping in mind that such rare complicated surgical procedures have its risks, complications might still occur,' he told reporters at a press conference in CMH. The girls have undergone two neurosurgical operations and 44 plastic surgeries so far. Before the surgery doctors had said there was only a 50 per cent chance of the twins surviving. According to ADPF, only a handful of operations to separate twins joined at the head have been successful. The Hungarian charity was set up in 2002 by neurosurgeon Andras Csokay and plastic surgeon Pataki to provide free surgery to poor people in Hungary and abroad. In the first phase of surgery in Bangladesh last year, the shared blood vessels of the twins' brains were separated in a 14-hour operation. ADPF neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons supported by anesthesiologists, radiologists and paediatricians also used innovative 3D animation software to map the two brains. The twins' overwhelmed mother Taslima Khatun said she cried tears of joy when one of her daughters spoke to her on Saturday. 'One of my babies this morning told me, 'Mother take me on your lap.' This gave me huge peace of mind. I'm so very happy,' she said. She was however concerned about whether the twins would make a complete recovery. Anaesthesiologist Marcell Csapody said they were 'hopeful and optimistic' the twins would make a full recovery but had to be realistic as the youngsters were not yet completely out of danger. 'We have to be optimistic and (simultaneously) realistic,' he said. ADPF has performed around 500 reconstructive surgery operations in Asia and Africa, including for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh.

Separated Bangladeshi twins stable: Doctors

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

"China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday.

Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries.

"We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said.

Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges.

"Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed.

Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China.

According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people.

The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim.

While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations. "China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday. Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries. "We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said. Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges. "Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed. Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China. According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people. The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim. While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

'Tibet can play an important role in promoting India-China ties'

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-billionaire-jeffrey-epstein-arrested-on-sex-trafficking-charges-reports-234037">wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein</a>, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-financier-jeffrey-epstein-found-injured-in-jail-cell-media-238325">Epstein</a>, who had hobnobbed with politicians and celebrities over the years and was already a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and his body was found around 7:30 Saturday morning, The New York Times and other media said, quoting officials.&nbsp;

Epstein, 66, had been found in his cell in late July with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt.

The hedge fund manager was denied bail in late July after appearing at a New York court charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.&nbsp;

He denied the charges and had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that is often used to house suspects awaiting or during trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US.&nbsp;

The infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there before being convicted and transferred to a federal prison in Colorado. 
&nbsp;

The wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday.

The wealthy US financier Jeffrey Epstein, indicted on charges he trafficked underage girls for sex, committed suicide in prison, US news media reported Saturday. Epstein, who had hobnobbed with politicians and celebrities over the years and was already a convicted sex offender, hanged himself in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and his body was found around 7:30 Saturday morning, The New York Times and other media said, quoting officials. Epstein, 66, had been found in his cell in late July with marks on his neck after an apparent suicide attempt. The hedge fund manager was denied bail in late July after appearing at a New York court charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He denied the charges and had faced up to 45 years in prison -- effectively the rest of his life -- if convicted. The Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal facility in Manhattan that is often used to house suspects awaiting or during trial, is considered one of the most secure penal establishments in the US. The infamous Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman spent more than two years there before being convicted and transferred to a federal prison in Colorado.

US financier Jeffrey Epstein accused of sex trafficking, commits suicide in prison

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