Five people including two policemen were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Tuesday evening, a week after a similar blast that killed two people, police said.

An explosive rigged motorcycle was detonated to target a police van parked outside the police station in the heart of Quetta’s busy shopping area, the city police chief said.

“Five people have been killed, including two policemen,” Abdul Razzaq Cheema, Quetta police chief told Reuters. Two women and a child are among the 27 injured in the blast, he added.

In a similar blast last Tuesday two people were killed and 16 were injured when an explosive-rigged motorcycle went off outside a store in Quetta.

Violence in the Baluchistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has fuelled concern about the security of investments, in particular an energy link planned to run from western China to Pakistan’s southern port of Gwadar.

Five people including two policemen were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Tuesday evening, a week after a similar blast that killed two people, police said.

Five people including two policemen were killed and 27 injured in a blast near a police station in southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Tuesday evening, a week after a similar blast that killed two people, police said. An explosive rigged motorcycle was detonated to target a police van parked outside the police station in the heart of Quetta’s busy shopping area, the city police chief said. “Five people have been killed, including two policemen,” Abdul Razzaq Cheema, Quetta police chief told Reuters. Two women and a child are among the 27 injured in the blast, he added. In a similar blast last Tuesday two people were killed and 16 were injured when an explosive-rigged motorcycle went off outside a store in Quetta. Violence in the Baluchistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has fuelled concern about the security of investments, in particular an energy link planned to run from western China to Pakistan’s southern port of Gwadar.

Blast in Pakistani city Quetta kills five: Police

Dozens of passengers, mostly women and children, were killed in western Afghanistan on Wednesday when the bus they were travelling in hit a roadside bomb, officials said.

"A passenger bus travelling on the Kandahar-Herat highway hit a Taliban roadside bomb. So far at least 28 killed, 10 wounded," said Muhibullah Muhib, the spokesman for Farah province.

Farooq Barakzai, a spokesman for Farah's governor, confirmed the toll but warned it may rise higher.

Dozens of passengers, mostly women and children, were killed in western Afghanistan on Wednesday when the bus they were travelling in hit a roadside bomb, officials said.

Dozens of passengers, mostly women and children, were killed in western Afghanistan on Wednesday when the bus they were travelling in hit a roadside bomb, officials said. "A passenger bus travelling on the Kandahar-Herat highway hit a Taliban roadside bomb. So far at least 28 killed, 10 wounded," said Muhibullah Muhib, the spokesman for Farah province. Farooq Barakzai, a spokesman for Farah's governor, confirmed the toll but warned it may rise higher.

At least 28 killed as bus hits roadside bomb in Afghanistan: Official

The number of migrants reaching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-900-children-separated-at-us-border-since-policy-halted-aclu-239605">Mexico`s border with the United States</a> has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added.

"This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference.

A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people.

Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico.

Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty.

Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added. "This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference. A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people. Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico. Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there. Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty. Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

Mexico says migrant numbers at US border down 40% since May

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/see-saw-border-unique-way-of-protest-at-us-mexico-border-239422">US-Mexico border</a>, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. &nbsp;

In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honduras-agree-to-create-20000-jobs-and-stem-migration-238995"> illegally cross the border</a> and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU.&nbsp;

US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process.

On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise.

“The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide 
parent-child relationships."

The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child.

In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.”&nbsp;

Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger.

Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history.

"The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it.

The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents &nbsp;- including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019.

Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.&nbsp;

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year.

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who illegally cross the border and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU. US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process. On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise. “The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide parent-child relationships." The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child. In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.” Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger. Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history. "The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it. The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents - including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019. Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.

Over 900 children separated at US border since policy halted: American Civil Liberties Union

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-siddharthas-found-on-the-banks-of-netravati-river-in-mangaluru-239587">CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru</a>

The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of&nbsp;Café Coffee Day&nbsp;and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, &nbsp;reported news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles</a>

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a>intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-province-considers-three-child-policy-to-halt-population-decline-239580">Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline</a>

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/want-to-make-high-end-computers-in-us-need-tariff-relief-apple-ceo-tim-cook-239585">Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook</a>

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep&nbsp;Mac Pro computer production&nbsp;in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccd-founder-missing-signature-on-note-does-not-tally-with-siddharthas-signature-in-annual-reports-says-i-t-department-239586">CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department</a>

The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI.

CCD founder Siddhartha's body found on the banks of Netravati River in Mangaluru The body of VG Siddhartha, founder of Café Coffee Day and son-in-law of former CM SM Krishna, has been found two days after he went missing, reported news agency ANI. Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missilesintended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining. Want to make high end computers in US, need tariff relief: Apple CEO Tim Cook Apple CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday said that the desire to keep Mac Pro computer production in United States was behind the company's recent request for tariff exclusions. CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles</a> early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

Differences

A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon.

The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters.

Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington.

"For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said.

Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

 
&nbsp;

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. Differences A February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said. A senior US administration official said earlier on Tuesday a North Korean official told a White House National Security Council (NSC) counterpart last week that working-level talks would start very soon. The NSC official, who was in Asia for unrelated talks, travelled to the DMZ to deliver photographs commemorating the June 30 summit, the senior administration official told reporters. Harry Kazianis, of Washington's Center for the National Interest think tank, said the latest launches were a clear attempt by North Korea to put pressure on Washington. "For now, it seems any working-level talks between America and North Korea are on hold until the fall, as the Kim regime won't immediately spring back to diplomacy after this round of tests," he said. Other analysts have said North Korea will have been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by Trump's apparent eagerness to hold up his engagement with Pyongyang as a foreign policy success ahead of his 2020 reelection bid.

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles: South Korean military

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump, in an Oval Office meeting last week, sided with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who argued for renewing the waivers over objections by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, the Post said.

Mnuchin "argued to Trump that if the sanctions were not again waived as required by law by August&nbsp;1, the United States would have to sanction Russian, Chinese and European firms that are involved in projects inside Iran that were established as part of the 2015 nuclear deal," the Post said, citing six unnamed officials.

A State Department spokesman declined to comment to Reuters.

Pompeo in May extended five of seven sanctions waivers for 90 days. The waivers allow work at Iran`s Bushehr nuclear plant, the Fordow enrichment facility, the Arak nuclear complex and the Tehran Research Reactor.

Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and six world powers last year, arguing that he wanted a bigger deal that not only limited Iran`s atomic work but also reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, and curbed its ballistic missile programme. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to choke off its oil exports.&nbsp;

The Post said the Treasury Department asked for more time to consider the effects of possible sanctions on Russian, Chinese and European companies, and quoted a senior administration official as saying the goal of ending the waivers remained.

"These waivers can be revoked at any time, as developments with Iran warrant. But because of the Treasury Department`s legitimate concerns, we`ve decided to extend them for now," the official said, according to the Post.

Fears of a direct US-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran`s downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute. 
&nbsp;

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

The United States is set to announce this week it will renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs that allow Russia, China and European countries to continue civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. President Donald Trump, in an Oval Office meeting last week, sided with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who argued for renewing the waivers over objections by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, the Post said. Mnuchin "argued to Trump that if the sanctions were not again waived as required by law by August 1, the United States would have to sanction Russian, Chinese and European firms that are involved in projects inside Iran that were established as part of the 2015 nuclear deal," the Post said, citing six unnamed officials. A State Department spokesman declined to comment to Reuters. Pompeo in May extended five of seven sanctions waivers for 90 days. The waivers allow work at Iran`s Bushehr nuclear plant, the Fordow enrichment facility, the Arak nuclear complex and the Tehran Research Reactor. Trump abandoned the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and six world powers last year, arguing that he wanted a bigger deal that not only limited Iran`s atomic work but also reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon, and curbed its ballistic missile programme. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to choke off its oil exports. The Post said the Treasury Department asked for more time to consider the effects of possible sanctions on Russian, Chinese and European companies, and quoted a senior administration official as saying the goal of ending the waivers remained. "These waivers can be revoked at any time, as developments with Iran warrant. But because of the Treasury Department`s legitimate concerns, we`ve decided to extend them for now," the official said, according to the Post. Fears of a direct US-Iranian conflict have risen since May with several attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, Iran`s downing of a U.S. surveillance drone, and a plan for US air strikes on Iran last month that Trump called off at the last minute.

US to renew sanctions waivers for five Iran nuclear programs: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudanese </a>authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-talks-cancelled-as-teenagers-killing-triggers-outrage-239565">demonstrations against the killing of six protesters</a> including five pupils at a rally in a central town.

"Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted hundreds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, as they took to the streets of Khartoum against the killings in Al-Obeid on Monday.

Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital and in other cities.

Five high-school students were shot dead and more than 60 wounded, some by snipers, when they rallied in Al-Obeid against fuel and bread shortages, the protest movement and residents said.

Late on Tuesday, a doctors committee close to the protest movement said a sixth protester died of wounds after he was "shot with a bullet in the head".

The committee did not say if he too was a student.

Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of shooting dead the teenagers.

On Tuesday, the authorities ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes.

"Orders have been given to governors of all states to shut kindergartens, primary and high schools from tomorrow (Wednesday) until further notice," the official SUNA news agency said, following a directive issued by the ruling military council.

Watch: Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest

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The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-army-rulers-ink-power-sharing-deal-236637">two sides inked a power-sharing deal </a>earlier this month.

But protest leaders called off Tuesday's meeting.

"There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," said a negotiator and prominent protest leader, Satea al-Haj.

The chairman of Sudan's military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings.

"What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," he told journalists, quoted by state television.

Later on Tuesday in an interview with state television Burhan called on negotiators from both sides to "expedite" the dialogue given the overall impasse in the country.

On the streets, crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs."

"We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student.

- UN calls for probe -

The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre".

"The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

Burhan defended the RSF as "a systematic force that was part of the armed forces".

Doctors linked to the protest movement say more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now ousted president Omar al-Bashir.

- Outstanding issues -

Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders.

The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 calls for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals.

But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June also triggered angry demonstrations.

Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters.

Doctors linked to the protests say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded.

Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10.

Burhan said there was "no interference" in the raid's investigation, which prosecutors conducted independently.

"No one from the military council knew or ordered the dispersal of the sit-on," he added. 
&nbsp;

Sudanese authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched demonstrations against the killing of six protesters including five pupils at a rally in a central town.

Sudanese authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched demonstrations against the killing of six protesters including five pupils at a rally in a central town. "Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted hundreds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, as they took to the streets of Khartoum against the killings in Al-Obeid on Monday. Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital and in other cities. Five high-school students were shot dead and more than 60 wounded, some by snipers, when they rallied in Al-Obeid against fuel and bread shortages, the protest movement and residents said. Late on Tuesday, a doctors committee close to the protest movement said a sixth protester died of wounds after he was "shot with a bullet in the head". The committee did not say if he too was a student. Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of shooting dead the teenagers. On Tuesday, the authorities ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes. "Orders have been given to governors of all states to shut kindergartens, primary and high schools from tomorrow (Wednesday) until further notice," the official SUNA news agency said, following a directive issued by the ruling military council. Watch: Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest × The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the two sides inked a power-sharing deal earlier this month. But protest leaders called off Tuesday's meeting. "There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," said a negotiator and prominent protest leader, Satea al-Haj. The chairman of Sudan's military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings. "What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," he told journalists, quoted by state television. Later on Tuesday in an interview with state television Burhan called on negotiators from both sides to "expedite" the dialogue given the overall impasse in the country. On the streets, crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs." "We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student. - UN calls for probe - The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre". "The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003. Burhan defended the RSF as "a systematic force that was part of the armed forces". Doctors linked to the protest movement say more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now ousted president Omar al-Bashir. - Outstanding issues - Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders. The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 calls for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals. But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June also triggered angry demonstrations. Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters. Doctors linked to the protests say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded. Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10. Burhan said there was "no interference" in the raid's investigation, which prosecutors conducted independently. "No one from the military council knew or ordered the dispersal of the sit-on," he added.

Sudan shuts schools as pupils' killing sparks outrage

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows.

On Monday, the UK's national weather service confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-record-high-temperature-of-387c-reached-on-july-25-weather-service-239392">Britain's highest ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius </a>(101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25 during a heatwave which gripped Europe.

Climate scientists have said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions.

In a report published in the International Journal of Climatology, the Met Office extended its temperature records for Britain by 26 years back to 1884.

Analysing that data, it found that the warmest year on record in Britain was 2014; followed by 2006, 2011, 2007, 2017, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2002, and 2005.

"Looking back further into the UK's weather reveals a very interesting timeline with the top ten warmest years at the most recent end, since 2002," said Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre.

"Notably, 1892 is the coldest year in the series, when the average temperature was just over seven degrees. By contrast 2014, which was the warmest year in the series, saw an average temperature approaching 10 degrees Celsius," he added.

The top 10 coldest years in order were 1892, 1888, 1885, 1963, 1919, 1886, 1917, 1909, 1887, and 1962.

The report also said that although last year was the most significant snowfall since 2010, snow events have generally declined since the 1960s.

Over the past decade, summers have been 13% wetter and winters have been 12% wetter than in the period 1961-1990.

The average sea level around Britain was also the highest on record in 2015 and 2018 since records from 1901.

Commenting on the Met Office report, scientists said it was a sign of the "new normal".

"With global emissions of greenhouse gases on the rise, the UK will continue to get warmer and wetter as global warming accelerates. The science of climate change is now clear," said Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews.

Worldwide, average temperatures have risen 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels since the mid-1800s.

Governments have agreed to limit temperature rises to within 2C this century but current emissions cut pledges are not enough and put the world on course for a 3-5C rise.

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows.

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows. On Monday, the UK's national weather service confirmed that Britain's highest ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius (101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25 during a heatwave which gripped Europe. Climate scientists have said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions. In a report published in the International Journal of Climatology, the Met Office extended its temperature records for Britain by 26 years back to 1884. Analysing that data, it found that the warmest year on record in Britain was 2014; followed by 2006, 2011, 2007, 2017, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2002, and 2005. "Looking back further into the UK's weather reveals a very interesting timeline with the top ten warmest years at the most recent end, since 2002," said Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre. "Notably, 1892 is the coldest year in the series, when the average temperature was just over seven degrees. By contrast 2014, which was the warmest year in the series, saw an average temperature approaching 10 degrees Celsius," he added. The top 10 coldest years in order were 1892, 1888, 1885, 1963, 1919, 1886, 1917, 1909, 1887, and 1962. The report also said that although last year was the most significant snowfall since 2010, snow events have generally declined since the 1960s. Over the past decade, summers have been 13% wetter and winters have been 12% wetter than in the period 1961-1990. The average sea level around Britain was also the highest on record in 2015 and 2018 since records from 1901. Commenting on the Met Office report, scientists said it was a sign of the "new normal". "With global emissions of greenhouse gases on the rise, the UK will continue to get warmer and wetter as global warming accelerates. The science of climate change is now clear," said Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews. Worldwide, average temperatures have risen 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels since the mid-1800s. Governments have agreed to limit temperature rises to within 2C this century but current emissions cut pledges are not enough and put the world on course for a 3-5C rise.

UK's 10 hottest years all occurred since 2002: Met Office

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

China introduced a controversial "one-child policy" in 1978, but relaxed restrictions in 2016 to allow all couples to have two children as it tried to rebalance its rapidly ageing population.

However, experts have called for more radical measures, with birth rates still in decline and China`s health services and pension funds expected to come under increasing strain as the number of elderly people increases.

Liaoning`s provincial government said on its website on Tuesday that revising family planning regulations was one of its major priorities for 2019 after previous adjustments failed to arrest the decline in its population.

The rustbelt province has drafted new regulations aimed at improving education, housing and social security and providing more financial support for families choosing to have two children. It will also allow some couples living in "border areas" to have a third child.

While the central government imposes family planning rules nationwide through thousands of family planning offices, it gives leeway to some regions. Ethnic minorities have usually been exempt from birth restrictions and rural families have also been allowed to have more children.

Liaoning`s birth rate fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people last year, far lower than the national rate of 10.94. Its population also dropped for the second consecutive year in 2018, hit not only by the decline in new births but also by an exodus of young people seeking work in other regions.&nbsp;

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining. China introduced a controversial "one-child policy" in 1978, but relaxed restrictions in 2016 to allow all couples to have two children as it tried to rebalance its rapidly ageing population. However, experts have called for more radical measures, with birth rates still in decline and China`s health services and pension funds expected to come under increasing strain as the number of elderly people increases. Liaoning`s provincial government said on its website on Tuesday that revising family planning regulations was one of its major priorities for 2019 after previous adjustments failed to arrest the decline in its population. The rustbelt province has drafted new regulations aimed at improving education, housing and social security and providing more financial support for families choosing to have two children. It will also allow some couples living in "border areas" to have a third child. While the central government imposes family planning rules nationwide through thousands of family planning offices, it gives leeway to some regions. Ethnic minorities have usually been exempt from birth restrictions and rural families have also been allowed to have more children. Liaoning`s birth rate fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people last year, far lower than the national rate of 10.94. Its population also dropped for the second consecutive year in 2018, hit not only by the decline in new births but also by an exodus of young people seeking work in other regions.

Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline

A bomb exploded in a ward office in Nuwakot district on Wednesday, officials said.

Also, two vehicles came under attack in Makwanpur and suspicious objects were found at four places in Hetauda.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-soars-to-111-due-to-floods-landslides-in-nepal-238576">Nepal Army</a>`s bomb disposal team are heading towards the locations to take stock of the situation.

&nbsp;

A bomb exploded in a ward office in Nuwakot district on Wednesday, officials said. Also, two vehicles came under attack in Makwanpur and suspicious objects were found at four places in Hetauda.

A bomb exploded in a ward office in Nuwakot district on Wednesday, officials said. Also, two vehicles came under attack in Makwanpur and suspicious objects were found at four places in Hetauda. The Nepal Army`s bomb disposal team are heading towards the locations to take stock of the situation.

Nepal: Explosion in ward office, 2 vehicles come under attack

The second case of Ebola was detected in the eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-patient-in-eastern-congos-main-city-dies-236497">Congolese city of Goma</a> on Tuesday, the Provincial Minister of North Kivu, Valerien Mbalikwirand, said.

The case increases concern the virus could establish a foothold in the densely populated area close to the Rwandan border.

Goma's first Ebola case was detected in mid-July, prompting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-says-e-cigarettes-undoubtedly-harmful-238779">World Health Organization</a> (WHO) to warn that the spread of the disease could accelerate. The epidemic has killed more than 1,700 people since it was declared almost a year ago, becoming the second-worst outbreak on record.

The latest person with the disease started developing symptoms on July 22, after arriving from a mining area outside the city, a health official said.

Health officials believe the patient, a man, is not connected to the first case in Goma.

The epidemiologist in charge of the Ebola response team, Jean Jacques Muyembe, said response teams began de-contaminating the areas where the patient had passed through and that vaccinations would start tomorrow.

"We already have response teams in the field to, first of all, disinfect the victims home and also the health centre through which he passed. We have already established a list of high-risk contacts and as early as tomorrow we will start to compile a list of contacts, and as early as tomorrow these contacts will be vaccinated with the vaccine we have here," Muyembe said.

He said, unlike the first case, the latest patient will be able to receive appropriate treatment in Goma as a facility has been opened in the city, which is more than 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of where the outbreak was first detected.

Goma has been preparing for Ebola to arrive in the city for a year, setting up hand-washing stations and making sure moto-taxi drivers do not share helmets. 
&nbsp;

The second case of Ebola was detected in the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Tuesday, the Provincial Minister of North Kivu, Valerien Mbalikwirand, said. The case increases concern the virus could establish a foothold in the densely populated area close to the Rwandan border.

The second case of Ebola was detected in the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Tuesday, the Provincial Minister of North Kivu, Valerien Mbalikwirand, said. The case increases concern the virus could establish a foothold in the densely populated area close to the Rwandan border. Goma's first Ebola case was detected in mid-July, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to warn that the spread of the disease could accelerate. The epidemic has killed more than 1,700 people since it was declared almost a year ago, becoming the second-worst outbreak on record. The latest person with the disease started developing symptoms on July 22, after arriving from a mining area outside the city, a health official said. Health officials believe the patient, a man, is not connected to the first case in Goma. The epidemiologist in charge of the Ebola response team, Jean Jacques Muyembe, said response teams began de-contaminating the areas where the patient had passed through and that vaccinations would start tomorrow. "We already have response teams in the field to, first of all, disinfect the victims home and also the health centre through which he passed. We have already established a list of high-risk contacts and as early as tomorrow we will start to compile a list of contacts, and as early as tomorrow these contacts will be vaccinated with the vaccine we have here," Muyembe said. He said, unlike the first case, the latest patient will be able to receive appropriate treatment in Goma as a facility has been opened in the city, which is more than 350 kilometres (220 miles) south of where the outbreak was first detected. Goma has been preparing for Ebola to arrive in the city for a year, setting up hand-washing stations and making sure moto-taxi drivers do not share helmets.

Second Ebola case detected in eastern Congo's main city

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