Just hours before her death, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-cremated-with-full-state-honours-on-wednesday-afternoon-bjp-241240">former external affairs minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj</a> in her final tweet&nbsp;congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The veteran BJP leader, who passed at AIIMS in Delhi on Tuesday night following a heart attack had tweeted in both in English and Hindi saying she had been long waiting to "see this day".

"Pradhan Mantri ji -&nbsp;aapka hardik abhinandan, main aapne jeevan mein is din ko dekhne ki prateeksha kar rahi thi"&nbsp;

"Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," she posted on Tuesday evening

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प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158737840752037889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A day before, on August 5, Swaraj had congratulated Amit Shah for the passage of the&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 which was&nbsp;passed in&nbsp;the Upper House of the Parliament on Monday.&nbsp;

Her tweet said, "I&nbsp;congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha."

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गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह जी को उत्कृष्ट भाषण के लिए बहुत बहुत बधाई. 
 
I congratulate the Home Minister Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158371889703579648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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राज्य सभा के उन सभी सांसदों का बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन जिन्होनें आज धारा 370 को समाप्त करने वाले संकल्प को पारित करवा कर डॉक्टर श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी के बलिदान को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि दी और उनके एक भारत के सपने को साकार किया.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1158370261638320129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The former external affairs minister&nbsp;had said that the abrogation of the special provision is a true tribute to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died fighting for "one nation, one flag".

"Many greetings to all the MPs of Rajya Sabha who helped pass the resolution ending Article 370 today and paid a true tribute to the sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and fulfilled his dream of a united India," Swaraj had tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated.&nbsp;A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm on Tuesday.

Just hours before her death, former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in her final tweet congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Just hours before her death, former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in her final tweet congratulated and thanked PM Modi for the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The veteran BJP leader, who passed at AIIMS in Delhi on Tuesday night following a heart attack had tweeted in both in English and Hindi saying she had been long waiting to "see this day". "Pradhan Mantri ji - aapka hardik abhinandan, main aapne jeevan mein is din ko dekhne ki prateeksha kar rahi thi" "Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," she posted on Tuesday evening प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. @narendramodi ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 6, 2019 × A day before, on August 5, Swaraj had congratulated Amit Shah for the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 which was passed in the Upper House of the Parliament on Monday. Her tweet said, "I congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha." गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह जी को उत्कृष्ट भाषण के लिए बहुत बहुत बधाई. I congratulate the Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his outstanding performance in Rajya Sabha. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019 × राज्य सभा के उन सभी सांसदों का बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन जिन्होनें आज धारा 370 को समाप्त करने वाले संकल्प को पारित करवा कर डॉक्टर श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी के बलिदान को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि दी और उनके एक भारत के सपने को साकार किया. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019 × The former external affairs minister had said that the abrogation of the special provision is a true tribute to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died fighting for "one nation, one flag". "Many greetings to all the MPs of Rajya Sabha who helped pass the resolution ending Article 370 today and paid a true tribute to the sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and fulfilled his dream of a united India," Swaraj had tweeted. Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated. A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm on Tuesday.

I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime, said Sushma Swaraj in final tweet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>&nbsp;has been charged under the&nbsp;Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan&nbsp;court found him guilty in the terror-financing case.

The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-arrests-2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-236587">26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind </a>and the chief&nbsp;of Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD)&nbsp;Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges relating&nbsp;to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for acquiring assets from terror&nbsp;financing through non-profit organisations.

India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

(With inputs from agncies) 
&nbsp;

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan court found him guilty in the terror-financing case. The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan court found him guilty in the terror-financing case. The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD) Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges relating to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for acquiring assets from terror financing through non-profit organisations. India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. (With inputs from agncies)

Pakistan court finds Hafiz Saeed guilty in terror financing case: Report

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W. Bush.

In a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration, Chairman Jerrold Nadler and Representative Hank Johnson said they were seeking records from 2001 to 2006 that include documents unavailable during Kavanaugh`s 2018 Senate confirmation, which was dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct.

The lawmakers said the committee is considering legislative proposals to create a "code of conduct for Supreme Court justices" involving the transparency of court proceedings, the adequacy of justices` financial disclosures and circumstances in which justices or judges must disqualify themselves from cases.

"The court`s fidelity to the principles of equal and impartial justice, as well as the public`s faith in the integrity of the judiciary, are foundational to maintaining the rule of law," they wrote.&nbsp;

Officials at the Supreme Court were not immediately available for comment. The National Archives had no immediate comment.&nbsp;

The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh to the high court last year after hearings dominated by accusations that he sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford in 1982. Kavanaugh, who had served on the special counsel team that investigated Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, forcefully denied the allegations.

Nadler and Johnson said the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to recommend Kavanaugh`s confirmation to the full Senate after reviewing only a fraction of his White House records. Kavanaugh was nominated to the high court by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Representative Doug Collins, the top Republican on Nadler`s committee, in a statement denounced the records request as "harassment" and accused Democrats of pursuing a "smear" campaign against a sitting Supreme Court justice.&nbsp;

In their letter, Nadler and Johnson said they wanted records from Kavanaugh`s service in the White House counsel`s office from 2001 to 2003 and as White House staff secretary from 2003 to 2006. The list includes Kavanaugh`s emails and office file textual records from his stint as staff secretary.&nbsp;

Johnson chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which held a hearing in June on promoting ethics, accountability and transparency in the federal courts.&nbsp;

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W.

Two Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee, including the panel`s chairman, asked the National Archives on Tuesday for records from Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh`s service in the White House under former President George W. Bush. In a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration, Chairman Jerrold Nadler and Representative Hank Johnson said they were seeking records from 2001 to 2006 that include documents unavailable during Kavanaugh`s 2018 Senate confirmation, which was dominated by allegations of sexual misconduct. The lawmakers said the committee is considering legislative proposals to create a "code of conduct for Supreme Court justices" involving the transparency of court proceedings, the adequacy of justices` financial disclosures and circumstances in which justices or judges must disqualify themselves from cases. "The court`s fidelity to the principles of equal and impartial justice, as well as the public`s faith in the integrity of the judiciary, are foundational to maintaining the rule of law," they wrote. Officials at the Supreme Court were not immediately available for comment. The National Archives had no immediate comment. The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh to the high court last year after hearings dominated by accusations that he sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford in 1982. Kavanaugh, who had served on the special counsel team that investigated Democratic President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, forcefully denied the allegations. Nadler and Johnson said the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to recommend Kavanaugh`s confirmation to the full Senate after reviewing only a fraction of his White House records. Kavanaugh was nominated to the high court by President Donald Trump. Representative Doug Collins, the top Republican on Nadler`s committee, in a statement denounced the records request as "harassment" and accused Democrats of pursuing a "smear" campaign against a sitting Supreme Court justice. In their letter, Nadler and Johnson said they wanted records from Kavanaugh`s service in the White House counsel`s office from 2001 to 2003 and as White House staff secretary from 2003 to 2006. The list includes Kavanaugh`s emails and office file textual records from his stint as staff secretary. Johnson chairs the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which held a hearing in June on promoting ethics, accountability and transparency in the federal courts.

US House Democrats seek Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh's records

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge.

The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 23, broadened the practice of "expedited removal" to apply to anyone arrested anywhere nationwide who entered the United States illegally and cannot prove they have lived continuously in the country for at least two years.

Previously, only migrants caught within 100 miles of a US border and who had been in the country for 14 days or less were subject to the fast-track process.&nbsp;

Under expedited removal, migrants are not entitled to a review of their cases in front of an immigration judge or access to an attorney.&nbsp;

The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Immigration Council on behalf of three immigration rights groups, claims the government did not go through the proper procedures in issuing the rule and says it violates due process and US immigration laws.

The US Department of Justice declined to comment on the filing.

President Donald Trump has struggled to stem an increase of mostly Central American families arriving at the US-Mexico border, leading to overcrowded detention facilities and a political battle over immigration that is inflaming tensions in the country. In El Paso, Texas, last weekend a gunman killed 22 people after apparently posting an anti-immigrant manifesto online.

Nearly 300,000 of the approximately 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally could be quickly deported under the new rule, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.&nbsp;

"Hundreds of thousands of people living anywhere in the US are at risk of being separated from their families and expelled from the country without any recourse," Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney with the ACLU`s Immigrants` Rights Project, said in a statement.

The government has said increasing rapid deportations would free up detention space and ease strains on immigration courts, which face a backlog of more than 900,000 cases.&nbsp;

People in rapid deportation proceedings are detained for 11.4 days on average, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. People in regular proceedings are held for 51.5 days and are released into the United States for the months or years it takes to resolve their cases.

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge.

Advocacy groups sued the Trump administration on Tuesday in an effort to block a rule published last month that expands the number of migrants who can be subject to a sped-up deportation process without oversight by an immigration judge. The rule, published in the Federal Register on July 23, broadened the practice of "expedited removal" to apply to anyone arrested anywhere nationwide who entered the United States illegally and cannot prove they have lived continuously in the country for at least two years. Previously, only migrants caught within 100 miles of a US border and who had been in the country for 14 days or less were subject to the fast-track process. Under expedited removal, migrants are not entitled to a review of their cases in front of an immigration judge or access to an attorney. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Immigration Council on behalf of three immigration rights groups, claims the government did not go through the proper procedures in issuing the rule and says it violates due process and US immigration laws. The US Department of Justice declined to comment on the filing. President Donald Trump has struggled to stem an increase of mostly Central American families arriving at the US-Mexico border, leading to overcrowded detention facilities and a political battle over immigration that is inflaming tensions in the country. In El Paso, Texas, last weekend a gunman killed 22 people after apparently posting an anti-immigrant manifesto online. Nearly 300,000 of the approximately 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally could be quickly deported under the new rule, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. "Hundreds of thousands of people living anywhere in the US are at risk of being separated from their families and expelled from the country without any recourse," Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney with the ACLU`s Immigrants` Rights Project, said in a statement. The government has said increasing rapid deportations would free up detention space and ease strains on immigration courts, which face a backlog of more than 900,000 cases. People in rapid deportation proceedings are detained for 11.4 days on average, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. People in regular proceedings are held for 51.5 days and are released into the United States for the months or years it takes to resolve their cases.

Groups sue to block Trump administration's expansion of rapid deportations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hassan-rouhani-says-iran-favours-talks-but-us-must-lift-sanctions-241008">Iran</a> asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday to push back against the United States after it imposed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-iranian-foreign-minister-mohammad-javad-zarif-239805">sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif</a>, describing the move as "a dangerous precedent."

In a letter to Guterres, Iran`s UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi accused the United States of a "brazen violation of the fundamental principles of international law" and urged the international community to condemn the US behaviour.&nbsp;

"Coercing nations into complying with the United States` illegal demands threatens multilateralism, as the foundation of international relations, and sets a dangerous precedent, paving the way for those who aspire to rather divide, not unite, nations," he wrote.&nbsp;

Ravanchi asked Guterres to "to play your active role in preserving the integrity of the United Nations in line with your responsibility to counter the current dangerous trend" but it is not clear what Guterres could do in response to the Iranians.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric declined to comment on the letter. When asked about the US sanctioning of Zarif, Guterres told reporters on Thursday: "When I ask for maximum restraint, I ask for maximum restraint at all levels."

The US sanctions imposed on Zarif last week would block any property or interests he has in the United States, but the foreign minister said he had none.

"The illegal imposition of sanctions on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also violates the principle of sovereign equality of States," Ravanchi said.&nbsp;

Longtime US-Iran strains have worsened since US President Donald Trump last year quit a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran`s nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Zarif was a critical figure in the nuclear deal.

The United States also imposed unusually tight travel restrictions on Zarif when he visited New York last month to speak at a UN meeting. He was only able to travel between the United Nations, the Iranian UN&nbsp;mission, the Iranian UN ambassador`s residence and John F. Kennedy airport.&nbsp;

The sanctions on Zarif were imposed two weeks after he visited New York. Zarif posted on Twitter on Monday that he believed the United States was not interested in talks with Tehran and instead wanted Iran`s submission.&nbsp;

Iran asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday to push back against the United States after it imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, describing the move as "a dangerous precedent.

Iran asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday to push back against the United States after it imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, describing the move as "a dangerous precedent." In a letter to Guterres, Iran`s UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi accused the United States of a "brazen violation of the fundamental principles of international law" and urged the international community to condemn the US behaviour. "Coercing nations into complying with the United States` illegal demands threatens multilateralism, as the foundation of international relations, and sets a dangerous precedent, paving the way for those who aspire to rather divide, not unite, nations," he wrote. Ravanchi asked Guterres to "to play your active role in preserving the integrity of the United Nations in line with your responsibility to counter the current dangerous trend" but it is not clear what Guterres could do in response to the Iranians. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric declined to comment on the letter. When asked about the US sanctioning of Zarif, Guterres told reporters on Thursday: "When I ask for maximum restraint, I ask for maximum restraint at all levels." The US sanctions imposed on Zarif last week would block any property or interests he has in the United States, but the foreign minister said he had none. "The illegal imposition of sanctions on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also violates the principle of sovereign equality of States," Ravanchi said. Longtime US-Iran strains have worsened since US President Donald Trump last year quit a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran`s nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Zarif was a critical figure in the nuclear deal. The United States also imposed unusually tight travel restrictions on Zarif when he visited New York last month to speak at a UN meeting. He was only able to travel between the United Nations, the Iranian UN mission, the Iranian UN ambassador`s residence and John F. Kennedy airport. The sanctions on Zarif were imposed two weeks after he visited New York. Zarif posted on Twitter on Monday that he believed the United States was not interested in talks with Tehran and instead wanted Iran`s submission.

Iran asks UN chief to push back against US sanctions on foreign minister

The US and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-movement-240573">Taliban</a> have made "excellent progress" in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-round-of-us-taliban-talks-in-doha-hope-for-peace-deal-rise-240401">latest round of talks in Doha </a>to craft a peace deal, Washington's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;envoy said on Monday.

The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda.

"Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress."

The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress.

Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks

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Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process".

A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate.

"My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted.&nbsp;

"Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added.

The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from&nbsp;Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire.

'We're talking'

The US invaded&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years.

Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of&nbsp;Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".

However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord.

The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own.&nbsp;

Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with&nbsp;Afghanistan's government.

The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month.

The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban have made "excellent progress" in the latest round of talks in Doha to craft a peace deal, Washington's Afghanistan envoy said on Monday. The foes have been meeting in Qatar since Saturday for an eighth round of talks to thrash out a historic accord that would slash the US military presence in Afghanistan. In return, the United States is demanding that the Taliban prevent the country from being used as a safe haven for jihadist groups including Al-Qaeda. "Building on excellent progress in Kabul last week, I've spent the last few days in Doha, focused on the remaining issues in completing a potential deal with the Taliban," tweeted US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad. The conclusion of a deal "would allow for a conditions-based troop withdrawal," he wrote adding that "we have made excellent progress." The Taliban did not immediately respond to requests to comment on the talks' progress. Watch: 8th round of US-Taliban peace talks × Khalilzad said that he was flying to New Delhi "for pre-scheduled meetings to further build international consensus in support of the Afghan Peace Process". A deal between the two sides could pave the way for direct talks between the government of President Ashraf Ghani, although the insurgents view his administration as illegitimate. "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a succesful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working toward since my appointment," Khalilzad tweeted. "Agreement on these details is essential," the US envoy added. The four pillars of any deal would be a US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a commitment by the militants not to shelter jihadists, intra-Afghan dialogue, and a ceasefire. 'We're talking' The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and toppled the Taliban, accusing it of harbouring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. But despite a rapid conclusion to the conventional phase of the war, the Taliban has waged a formidable insurgency, bogging down US troops for years. Washington wants to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by the end of this month -- ahead of Afghanistan's presidential election that is slated for September 28. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House last week that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". However, even if the US and the Taliban come to an agreement, massive questions remain over what would follow an accord. The US has said any withdrawal of its troops would be "conditions-based", whereas the Taliban is insisting on a full pullout of foreign forces before making commitments of its own. Washington sees an agreement with the Taliban as a precursor to the insurgents then striking a peace deal with Afghanistan's government. The Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for talks with the insurgents that diplomats hope could be held later this month. The United Nations has said that civilian casualty rates in Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, after a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

US Afghan envoy praises 'excellent progress' in Taliban talks

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme.

Also read--<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-us-north-korea-in-regular-communication-for-the-resumption-of-denuclearisation-talks-official-240377">US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official</a>

But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas.

The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. &nbsp;

The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years.

It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour.

South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September.

A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment.

US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry.

Washington on Monday revoked visa-free entry rights to the United States for foreigners who have visited North Korea in the past eight years, potentially dealing a new blow to the isolated country's nascent tourist industry. The US allows citizens of 38 countries -- including South Korea, Japan and France -- to enter for up to 90 days without a visa under a waiver programme. Also read--US, North Korea in regular communication for resumption of denuclearisation talks: Official But visitors who have travelled to eight countries including North Korea since March 1, 2011 are "no longer eligible", details posted Monday on the US Customs and Border Protection website showed, and they will have to apply for tourist or business visas. The other seven countries -- most of them in the Middle East -- were already on the exclusion list. The change will affect tens of thousands of people from visa waiver countries who have gone to the North as tourists or for other purposes in recent years. It will also put a damper on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's hopes of promoting cross-border tourism projects for his citizens to visit their nuclear-armed neighbour. South Korean media put the spotlight on top business leaders including Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong who were part of Moon's delegation to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September. A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment. US citizens have been banned from visiting North Korea since 2017, a measure introduced after an American student detained in Pyongyang was released in a coma and died a few days later.

US ends visa-free entry for visitors to North Korea

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology.

"Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said.

"When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai.&nbsp;

Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17.

"Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI.

Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list.

The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined.

"The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks.

Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE. 
&nbsp;

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday. The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology. "Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said. "When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai. Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17. "Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI. Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list. The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined. "The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks. Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE.

Quarter of world's population facing extreme water stress

Polish teenager Franciszek Filipowski has just signed on for his first job at a vegetarian restaurant in Warsaw and thanks to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-scraps-income-tax-for-young-workers-239679">new government measure</a>, he will not be paying taxes.

"The current party in power has scrapped taxes for those under the age of 26," the 19-year-old told AFP.&nbsp;

"That way, they appear sympathetic towards young voters," he said, suggesting it could be a calculated political move ahead of a general election in October.

The tax break, which came into effect on August 1, could benefit around two million youths in the country of 38 million people, as it only applies to employees, not young entrepreneurs, according to Deputy Finance Minister Leszek Skiba.

He told AFP he hopes the legislation will encourage young people to quickly join the labour market, which is increasingly lacking in workers.&nbsp;

The under-26 workforce will now receive fatter paychecks since their employers no longer have to hold back 18 per cent of the salary to hand over to tax authorities.&nbsp;

'Magic wand'

The government is also hoping the measure will discourage young people from emigrating in search of higher wages.

"It's impossible to predict everything... but we think that any young people who are debating whether to stay or go work abroad will see that the gap between their net salary here and abroad is diminishing and that will motivate them to stay in Poland," Skiba said.&nbsp;

In addition, "some of those who are already in Western Europe -- in Germany, Britain, France or Ireland -- will see a reason to consider a return home," he said.&nbsp;

Skiba said the state could see around 2.5 billion zloty (580 million euros, $650 million) less in revenue, half of which would have gone to government coffers and half to local authorities.&nbsp;

'Populism'

Another young man interviewed by AFP, 23-year-old Jan Piotrowski, said he is sceptical regarding the whole initiative.&nbsp;

"The idea was floated just before the EU elections, so there's an element of populism," said Piotrowski, who had previously worked in commerce and at a bank and is now looking for a job in the logistics sector.&nbsp;

"I don't expect to receive a windfall. More something along the lines of an extra 100 to 200 zloty (23-46 euros, $26-52)" per month, he said.&nbsp;

There are no statistics for the average monthly wage specifically for young people, only for the working population as a whole, where it is a net 3,700 zloty (860 euros).&nbsp;

But to provide an idea of how marginal the increase in a young person's take-home pay might be: a burger costs around 25 zloty.

Piotrowski said he has been "considering moving abroad for work over the last couple years" and such a small amount extra will not sway him.&nbsp;

"I don't like the current government's policies and I don't expect them to change. A lot of my friends have the same view," he told AFP.

"Polish salaries won't skyrocket. Housing is expensive, the price of food is going up as well, slowly but surely,"

Some economists are also not convinced by the government plan.&nbsp;

"Eliminating this tax won't make much of a difference for the economy," said Andrzej Sadowski, president of the Adam Smith Centre, a Polish think-tank espousing free market views.

"For an employer, it's not the 18 per cent tax on income that's expensive, it's the social security charges of just over 40 per cent," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Employees pay about 24 per cent of their gross salary in social security contributions in Poland and employers around 18 per cent.

Like Sweden

Still, he believes that it is employers who will benefit the most from the programme.

"Now when they hire a young person, they'll be able to offer a salary on which they won't have to pay 18 per cent in taxes," he said.&nbsp;

Sadowski does not discount an electoral motivation for the legislation, saying that "in Poland, like in France, the government often gives voters gifts ahead of the election."

"In this particular case, the measure favouring youths is meant to offset the negative effect of higher social security charges for small businesses," which are to come into effect in January, he said.&nbsp;

Supporters of the new tax break see a precedent in Sweden, where in 2007 the centre-right government slashed employer charges in half for people under 26 years of age to ease their access to the job market.

The following centre-left administration scrapped the move in 2016, saying it was ineffective.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Polish teenager Franciszek Filipowski has just signed on for his first job at a vegetarian restaurant in Warsaw and thanks to a new government measure, he will not be paying taxes.

Polish teenager Franciszek Filipowski has just signed on for his first job at a vegetarian restaurant in Warsaw and thanks to a new government measure, he will not be paying taxes. "The current party in power has scrapped taxes for those under the age of 26," the 19-year-old told AFP. "That way, they appear sympathetic towards young voters," he said, suggesting it could be a calculated political move ahead of a general election in October. The tax break, which came into effect on August 1, could benefit around two million youths in the country of 38 million people, as it only applies to employees, not young entrepreneurs, according to Deputy Finance Minister Leszek Skiba. He told AFP he hopes the legislation will encourage young people to quickly join the labour market, which is increasingly lacking in workers. The under-26 workforce will now receive fatter paychecks since their employers no longer have to hold back 18 per cent of the salary to hand over to tax authorities. 'Magic wand' The government is also hoping the measure will discourage young people from emigrating in search of higher wages. "It's impossible to predict everything... but we think that any young people who are debating whether to stay or go work abroad will see that the gap between their net salary here and abroad is diminishing and that will motivate them to stay in Poland," Skiba said. In addition, "some of those who are already in Western Europe -- in Germany, Britain, France or Ireland -- will see a reason to consider a return home," he said. Skiba said the state could see around 2.5 billion zloty (580 million euros, $650 million) less in revenue, half of which would have gone to government coffers and half to local authorities. 'Populism' Another young man interviewed by AFP, 23-year-old Jan Piotrowski, said he is sceptical regarding the whole initiative. "The idea was floated just before the EU elections, so there's an element of populism," said Piotrowski, who had previously worked in commerce and at a bank and is now looking for a job in the logistics sector. "I don't expect to receive a windfall. More something along the lines of an extra 100 to 200 zloty (23-46 euros, $26-52)" per month, he said. There are no statistics for the average monthly wage specifically for young people, only for the working population as a whole, where it is a net 3,700 zloty (860 euros). But to provide an idea of how marginal the increase in a young person's take-home pay might be: a burger costs around 25 zloty. Piotrowski said he has been "considering moving abroad for work over the last couple years" and such a small amount extra will not sway him. "I don't like the current government's policies and I don't expect them to change. A lot of my friends have the same view," he told AFP. "Polish salaries won't skyrocket. Housing is expensive, the price of food is going up as well, slowly but surely," Some economists are also not convinced by the government plan. "Eliminating this tax won't make much of a difference for the economy," said Andrzej Sadowski, president of the Adam Smith Centre, a Polish think-tank espousing free market views. "For an employer, it's not the 18 per cent tax on income that's expensive, it's the social security charges of just over 40 per cent," he told AFP. Employees pay about 24 per cent of their gross salary in social security contributions in Poland and employers around 18 per cent. Like Sweden Still, he believes that it is employers who will benefit the most from the programme. "Now when they hire a young person, they'll be able to offer a salary on which they won't have to pay 18 per cent in taxes," he said. Sadowski does not discount an electoral motivation for the legislation, saying that "in Poland, like in France, the government often gives voters gifts ahead of the election." "In this particular case, the measure favouring youths is meant to offset the negative effect of higher social security charges for small businesses," which are to come into effect in January, he said. Supporters of the new tax break see a precedent in Sweden, where in 2007 the centre-right government slashed employer charges in half for people under 26 years of age to ease their access to the job market. The following centre-left administration scrapped the move in 2016, saying it was ineffective.

Poland scraps taxes for young adults to curb emigration

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said.

The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest.

Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt.

"There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks.

Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka.

The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter.

Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported.

Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military.

Up to eight people were injured and thousands were evacuated Monday because of a fire at a Siberian ammunition depot that set off explosions, authorities said. The fire of unknown origin at the depot near the town of Achinsk in the Krasnoyarsk region was the latest accident to hit Russia's military. Witnesses posted footage on the internet showing a huge column of black smoke rising over a forest. Krasnoyarsk governor Alexander Uss said that between five and eight people may have been hurt. "There is no threat to their lives," he added in televised remarks. Regional authorities said the ammunition depot lies just outside the village of Kamenka. The depot has been cordoned off and servicemen have taken refuge in a bomb-proof shelter. Authorities plan to evacuate around 11,000 people, Russia 24 news channel reported. Some 105,000 people live in the town of Achinsk.

Up to eight hurt in Russia arms depot blasts

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan.

The demand came in soon after India moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">end Kashmir`s special status</a>.&nbsp;

The group seeks for complete autonomy to all<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-disrupt-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khans-speech-in-us-237564"> ethnic entities </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-been-changing-demography-of-pok-gilgit-baltistan-activists-240014">regions</a> that are part of Pakistan`s own territory.

"Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI.

As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps."

Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights.

"While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat.

"For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added.

Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan.

The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan.

The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status.

A US-based group representing expatriate Mohajirs on Monday called for the creation of an autonomous "Greater Karachi" within Pakistan. The demand came in soon after India moved to end Kashmir`s special status. The group seeks for complete autonomy to all ethnic entities and regions that are part of Pakistan`s own territory. "Until Pakistan affords the same rights it is demanding for Kashmiris to its own Mohajir, Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazarah citizens, it has no moral right to speak on behalf of Kashmiris," Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman Nadeem Nusrat told ANI. As India revoked Kashmir`s special status, in anticipation of the announcement, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemned the Indian announcement as a violation of United Nations resolutions, saying in a statement on Monday that "Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps." Nadeem Nusrat, who is in self-exile in the US, said Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmiris case at any regional or international forum if it is depriving its own citizens of their fundamental human rights. "While Pakistan demands right to a referendum in Kashmir, is it willing to grant the same right to its own disgruntled ethnic minorities?", asked Nadeem Nusrat. "For decades, Pakistani ministers have been publicly conducting meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders overseas. How would Pakistan react to Indian minister`s meetings with exiled Mohajir, Baloch and representatives of other persecuted ethnic or religious minorities of Pakistan?," the Mohajir leader further added. Nusrat asserted that a global campaign will soon be launched to intensify its efforts in demanding the restructuring of Pakistan. The campaign will be in accordance with the true spirit of the 1940 Lahore Resolution and as per the aspirations of Mohajirs, Baloch, Pashtuns and people of Gilgit Baltistan. The Voice of Karachi chairman said that his organisation has already published the proposed map of the Greater Karachi and will soon issue the chief articles of its proposed constitution a day before Pakistan`s Independence Day.

Pakistan has no moral ground to plead Kashmir's case if it is depriving own citizens': Mohajir leader

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-new-un-envoy-beijing-ready-to-fight-us-on-trade-240448">additional tariffs on Chinese exports</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-designates-china-a-currency-manipulator-as-yuan-hits-record-low-240948">US designates China a currency manipulator as yuan hits record low</a>

China "has not ruled out import tariffs on US agricultural products purchased after August 3, and related Chinese companies have suspended purchasing US agricultural products," South China Morning Post reported quoting state-run Xinhua News Agency."

It is hoped that the US will conscientiously implement the consensus reached at the meeting between the heads of state of China and the US, and have the confidence to implement the commitments to create the necessary conditions for cooperation in the agricultural fields between the two countries," the Xinhua report said.

On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining US $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai. &nbsp;

This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting in September, escalating the trade tensions between the two countries.

Calling the US` decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the protracted trade war between the two world`s largest economies.

Following the US` announcement, China allowed the Yuan to fall to its lowest level in more than a decade. The Yuan traded above 7 per US dollar.

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap additional tariffs on Chinese exports.

China on Tuesday announced that its firms have suspended purchases of US agricultural products nearly a week after President Donald Trump announced his decision to slap additional tariffs on Chinese exports. Also read: US designates China a currency manipulator as yuan hits record low China "has not ruled out import tariffs on US agricultural products purchased after August 3, and related Chinese companies have suspended purchasing US agricultural products," South China Morning Post reported quoting state-run Xinhua News Agency." It is hoped that the US will conscientiously implement the consensus reached at the meeting between the heads of state of China and the US, and have the confidence to implement the commitments to create the necessary conditions for cooperation in the agricultural fields between the two countries," the Xinhua report said. On August 1, Trump had announced that he would impose a 10 per cent tariff on the remaining US $300 billion worth of untaxed imports from China, which came after trade talks between the two sides were held in Shanghai. This means everything that China sells to the US, including clothes and iPhones to chemicals and construction equipment, will have levies of between 10 and 25 per cent on them starting in September, escalating the trade tensions between the two countries. Calling the US` decision a "serious violation" of the consensus reached by the two sides at the G20 summit in Osaka, Beijing said the move deviated from the right course and will in no way help to end the protracted trade war between the two world`s largest economies. Following the US` announcement, China allowed the Yuan to fall to its lowest level in more than a decade. The Yuan traded above 7 per US dollar.

China suspends purchase of US farm products after Trump's tariffs

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