<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/gold-prices-rise-to-one-week-high-as-softer-us-dollar-supports-buying-148880">Gold prices</a> held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT.

US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore.

"We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added.

Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September.

Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle.

Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">US President Donald Trump</a>, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US&nbsp;

The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner.

"Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crude-oil-prices-fall-1-on-fears-for-global-economy-233148">Alfonso Esparza</a>, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session.

In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one.

On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427.

Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce.

Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis. Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT. US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added. Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September. Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle. Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner. "Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," Alfonso Esparza, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session. In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday. Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one. On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427. Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce. Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices hold steady ahead of Fed verdict

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle.

The new committee will serve as an advisory body to make suggestions to improve reforms in fields such as education, health, agriculture, investment and taxation.

The monarch made the speech to celebrate 20 years as king of the country.

The 55-year-old king enumerated some key achievements of his rule, with emphasis on infrastructure developments such as highways, high-speed railway, ports, renewable energy and urban development.

The monarchy delegated some of its powers to an elected government in 2011 after protesters called for a constitutional referendum.

Morocco has largely been insulated from the turmoil that hit North Africa and the Middle East since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 although it regularly sees protests over economic and social problems.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Monday announced the launch later this year of a committee charged with elaborating a new development model to tackle social inequalities, while also urging a government reshuffle. The new committee will serve as an advisory body to make suggestions to improve reforms in fields such as education, health, agriculture, investment and taxation. The monarch made the speech to celebrate 20 years as king of the country. The 55-year-old king enumerated some key achievements of his rule, with emphasis on infrastructure developments such as highways, high-speed railway, ports, renewable energy and urban development. The monarchy delegated some of its powers to an elected government in 2011 after protesters called for a constitutional referendum. Morocco has largely been insulated from the turmoil that hit North Africa and the Middle East since the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 although it regularly sees protests over economic and social problems.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI celebrates 20 years on the throne

Prosecutors have filed charges against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/audi-ceo-arrested-volkswagen-145204">Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler</a>, who is being investigated for his role in Volkswagen`s emissions cheating scandal, the public prosecutor`s office in Munich said on Wednesday.

Stadler and three other defendants are being charged with false certification and criminal advertising practices, it said, adding that three defendants are accused of having developed engines used in Audi-, Volkswagen and Porsche-branded cars that used emissions-cheating devices.

"Defendant Stadler is accused of having been aware of the manipulations since the end of September 2015, at the latest, but he did not prevent the sale of affected Audi and VW vehicles thereafter," the prosecutor said in a statement. 
&nbsp;

Prosecutors have filed charges against former Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler, who is being investigated for his role in Volkswagen`s emissions cheating scandal, the public prosecutor`s office in Munich said on Wednesday.

Prosecutors have filed charges against former Audi Chief Executive Rupert Stadler, who is being investigated for his role in Volkswagen`s emissions cheating scandal, the public prosecutor`s office in Munich said on Wednesday. Stadler and three other defendants are being charged with false certification and criminal advertising practices, it said, adding that three defendants are accused of having developed engines used in Audi-, Volkswagen and Porsche-branded cars that used emissions-cheating devices. "Defendant Stadler is accused of having been aware of the manipulations since the end of September 2015, at the latest, but he did not prevent the sale of affected Audi and VW vehicles thereafter," the prosecutor said in a statement.

Prosecutors charge former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler over his role in emissions scandal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-meets-european-unions-special-envoy-in-caracas-ahead-of-opposition-talks-234668">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities.

Venezuela broke off relations with Washington after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">President Donald Trump</a> said he recognised opposition politician Juan Guaido as acting president one of around 50 countries to acknowledge the 36-year-old as leader of the crisis-hit nation.

Several left-wing and pacifist activists protesting Guaido's bid to remove Maduro from power occupied the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in April, aiming to block the entry of his delegation to the embassy before US police evicted them the following month.

On Tuesday, Maduro awarded the American squatters a replica of the sword used by Venezuela's founding father Simon Bolivar.

"I want to give it to you as a show of deep gratitude," he said.

The Venezuelan government had condemned the eviction of the activists and accused the US government of violating international law.&nbsp;

For more than a month, an unclear number of Americans belonging to a group calling itself the Embassy Protection Collective lived in the diplomatic mission, with the consent of the Maduro government.

A group of Venezuelan residents of Washington meanwhile camped outside the building to protest against the squatters and prevent any supplies from being delivered to them inside.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday honoured American protesters who had occupied the country's embassy in Washington for weeks in support of the beleaguered leader before being evicted by US authorities. Venezuela broke off relations with Washington after President Donald Trump said he recognised opposition politician Juan Guaido as acting president one of around 50 countries to acknowledge the 36-year-old as leader of the crisis-hit nation. Several left-wing and pacifist activists protesting Guaido's bid to remove Maduro from power occupied the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in April, aiming to block the entry of his delegation to the embassy before US police evicted them the following month. On Tuesday, Maduro awarded the American squatters a replica of the sword used by Venezuela's founding father Simon Bolivar. "I want to give it to you as a show of deep gratitude," he said. The Venezuelan government had condemned the eviction of the activists and accused the US government of violating international law. For more than a month, an unclear number of Americans belonging to a group calling itself the Embassy Protection Collective lived in the diplomatic mission, with the consent of the Maduro government. A group of Venezuelan residents of Washington meanwhile camped outside the building to protest against the squatters and prevent any supplies from being delivered to them inside.

Maduro honors Americans evicted from Venezuelan embassy in US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/want-to-make-high-end-computers-in-us-need-tariff-relief-apple-ceo-tim-cook-239585">Apple Inc iPhone</a> sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets.

That strategy proved especially useful in China, the world's largest smartphone market. Investors feared a drumbeat of negative shipment data from the Chinese government and analysts meant problems for the iPhone maker.

Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free-fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension was undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours.

Moribund global mobile phone sales have led Apple to focus on accessories like the Apple Watch and growth in music, apps, gaming, video and a credit card coming in August. In mainland China, Cook said the overall number of Apple device users had grown in the fiscal third quarter, helping to increase the market for its services, whose sales were up by more than 10 per cent there.

"We grew in mainland China," Cook told Reuters. "Non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone."

But globally, iPhone sales fell 12 per cent to $25.99 billion, after dropping 17 per cent in the previous quarter, and matched Wall Street targets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Wearables and other accessories revenue rose nearly 50 per cent, topping expectations.

Services revenue rose 12.6 per cent to $11.46 billion, slowing and slightly missing expectations but setting a new record.

Apple said it expects revenue for the current fiscal fourth quarter of between $61 billion and $64 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $61.02 billion.&nbsp;

At the high end of Apple's forecasted range, sales would beat the prior year's $62.90 billion in sales, even though analysts expected continued lacklustre iPhone sales until 5G models arrive in 2020.

For the fiscal third quarter ended in June, Apple reported a 1 per cent rise in revenue to $53.8 billion and a 7 per cent drop in earnings per share to $2.18, compared with expectations of $53.39 billion and $2.10 per share, according to Refinitiv data.

Hal Eddins, a chief economist for Apple shareholder Capital Investment Counsel, said he was pleasantly surprised to see iPhone sales declines slow down versus the prior quarter.

"You don’t hear people talk about their phones like they did several years ago," Eddins said. But, "the key is that when people want to splurge on a phone, they do it with an Apple product."

Apple did not give the number of active <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-india-made-top-end-iphones-to-hit-stores-next-month-source-235135">Apple devices</a>, but in January it said it was 1.4 billion, with 900 million of those being iPhones. Investors used the number, called the installed base, as a proxy for how many subscribers it can gain for its services business.&nbsp;

Cook told investors on a conference call Tuesday that Apple has 420 million paid subscribers to its services and third-party apps. The company has set a goal of 500 million by 2020.

Trip Miller, the managing partner at Apple shareholder Gullane Capital Partners, said he wants to see services growth return to the 20 per cent range and thinks Apple needs to use its billions in cash to buy media properties to fuel its forthcoming television service.

"You have to have a bigger installed base and have services that people get value from," Miller said.

Trade tension still looms large

Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. The US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones.

Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers.

Apple's market share in China declined to 5.8 per cent from 6.4 per cent, according to market research firm Canalys, in part because smartphone rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd gained market share to become the top handset seller in the country.

But Apple experienced a smaller market share less than competitors such as Xiaomi Corp, Oppo and Vivo, according to Canalys data. Cook said that iPhone price adjustments, plus the Chinese government's move to cut phone taxes, helped keep iPhone sales in China from eroding further.

"Our trade-in and financing programs are doing extremely well in China," Cook told Reuters. "Because of the active installed base is growing in China, our services business is doing very well, growing double digits."

Apple shares have gained more than 20 per cent since early June when shares dropped on news that the US Department of Justice had jurisdiction over the company in a potential probe as part of a broader review of whether technology giants engage in anticompetitive practices.

Apple said revenue for its "Wearables, home and accessories" segment that contains devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods was $5.53 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $4.81 billion.

Apple said it returned more than $21 billion to shareholders during the fiscal third quarter, including $17 billion in share repurchases. It declared a dividend of 77 cents per share.

Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets.

Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets. That strategy proved especially useful in China, the world's largest smartphone market. Investors feared a drumbeat of negative shipment data from the Chinese government and analysts meant problems for the iPhone maker. Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free-fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension was undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours. Moribund global mobile phone sales have led Apple to focus on accessories like the Apple Watch and growth in music, apps, gaming, video and a credit card coming in August. In mainland China, Cook said the overall number of Apple device users had grown in the fiscal third quarter, helping to increase the market for its services, whose sales were up by more than 10 per cent there. "We grew in mainland China," Cook told Reuters. "Non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone." But globally, iPhone sales fell 12 per cent to $25.99 billion, after dropping 17 per cent in the previous quarter, and matched Wall Street targets. Wearables and other accessories revenue rose nearly 50 per cent, topping expectations. Services revenue rose 12.6 per cent to $11.46 billion, slowing and slightly missing expectations but setting a new record. Apple said it expects revenue for the current fiscal fourth quarter of between $61 billion and $64 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $61.02 billion. At the high end of Apple's forecasted range, sales would beat the prior year's $62.90 billion in sales, even though analysts expected continued lacklustre iPhone sales until 5G models arrive in 2020. For the fiscal third quarter ended in June, Apple reported a 1 per cent rise in revenue to $53.8 billion and a 7 per cent drop in earnings per share to $2.18, compared with expectations of $53.39 billion and $2.10 per share, according to Refinitiv data. Hal Eddins, a chief economist for Apple shareholder Capital Investment Counsel, said he was pleasantly surprised to see iPhone sales declines slow down versus the prior quarter. "You don’t hear people talk about their phones like they did several years ago," Eddins said. But, "the key is that when people want to splurge on a phone, they do it with an Apple product." Apple did not give the number of active Apple devices, but in January it said it was 1.4 billion, with 900 million of those being iPhones. Investors used the number, called the installed base, as a proxy for how many subscribers it can gain for its services business. Cook told investors on a conference call Tuesday that Apple has 420 million paid subscribers to its services and third-party apps. The company has set a goal of 500 million by 2020. Trip Miller, the managing partner at Apple shareholder Gullane Capital Partners, said he wants to see services growth return to the 20 per cent range and thinks Apple needs to use its billions in cash to buy media properties to fuel its forthcoming television service. "You have to have a bigger installed base and have services that people get value from," Miller said. Trade tension still looms large Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. The US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones. Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers. Apple's market share in China declined to 5.8 per cent from 6.4 per cent, according to market research firm Canalys, in part because smartphone rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd gained market share to become the top handset seller in the country. But Apple experienced a smaller market share less than competitors such as Xiaomi Corp, Oppo and Vivo, according to Canalys data. Cook said that iPhone price adjustments, plus the Chinese government's move to cut phone taxes, helped keep iPhone sales in China from eroding further. "Our trade-in and financing programs are doing extremely well in China," Cook told Reuters. "Because of the active installed base is growing in China, our services business is doing very well, growing double digits." Apple shares have gained more than 20 per cent since early June when shares dropped on news that the US Department of Justice had jurisdiction over the company in a potential probe as part of a broader review of whether technology giants engage in anticompetitive practices. Apple said revenue for its "Wearables, home and accessories" segment that contains devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods was $5.53 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $4.81 billion. Apple said it returned more than $21 billion to shareholders during the fiscal third quarter, including $17 billion in share repurchases. It declared a dividend of 77 cents per share.

Apple's services, wearables shore up results as iPhone drops below half of sales

Poland has introduced a new law in the country to keep a check on the rising brain drain.

The law aims at scrapping income tax for nearly 2 million young workers and&nbsp;will come into effect this week.

Poles under the age of 26 earning less than 85,528 Polish zloty ($22,547) a year will be exempt from the country's 18 per cent&nbsp;income tax starting August 1.&nbsp;

The country has been experiencing increasing brain drain since the past 15 years after it joined the European Union.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki claims that the&nbsp;law will bring new opportunities for the young citizens of the country.

&nbsp;

Poland has introduced a new law in the country to keep a check on the rising brain drain. The law aims at scrapping income tax for nearly 2 million young workers and will come into effect this week.

Poland has introduced a new law in the country to keep a check on the rising brain drain. The law aims at scrapping income tax for nearly 2 million young workers and will come into effect this week. Poles under the age of 26 earning less than 85,528 Polish zloty ($22,547) a year will be exempt from the country's 18 per cent income tax starting August 1. The country has been experiencing increasing brain drain since the past 15 years after it joined the European Union. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki claims that the law will bring new opportunities for the young citizens of the country.

Poland scraps income tax for young workers

More than 40 people appeared in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-in-hong-kong-after-police-charge-protesters-with-rioting-239553">charged with rioting for their role in a recent protest</a> that turned violent when thousands of activists clashed with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city.

A wave of protests that began in late April have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis since its return to Chinese rule in 1997.

This is the first time that the authorities in the financial hub have resorted to using the rioting charge, and it could infuriate activists who have been demanding that the government avoid using the term "riot" to refer to the demonstrations.

Watch: Hong Kong protests: Activists protest demonstrators arrests

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Under Hong Kong law, rioting is defined as an unlawful assembly of three or more people where any person "commits a breach of the peace", and a conviction can carry a 10-year prison sentence.

Hundreds gathered outside the court house chanting "revolution of our time" and "liberate Hong Kong" as the 44 defendants appeared in court.

"I'm not scared to protest. This whole thing today is just making me more angry," said Gartner, a 21-year-old protester outside the court who declined to give his full name.

"I don't think it will scare people."

Nine of the defendants had been released on bail of HK$1,000 Z (US$128) by noon. They were ordered to remain in Hong Kong and a curfew was imposed between midnight and 6am.

"The Chinese government just wants to scare people not to go out and protest again. It will deter some of us," another supporter named Syrus, 19, said outside the court.

Since mid-June the protests have escalated and become more frequent, at times shutting government offices, blocking roads and disrupting business as some of the demonstrations degenerated into violent clashes between activists and police.

Hundreds of people surrounded a police station late on Tuesday chanting "free the martyrs" after the 44 activists were charged.

The protesters were arrested after a peaceful gathering on Sunday in a park in the city's central business district rapidly morphed into running battles between thousands of black-clad demonstrators and police, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas.

The protests were triggered by an extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland for trial but they have now evolved into a broader backlash against the city's government and its political masters in Beijing.

Besides calling for the extradition bill to be scrapped, rather than its suspension so far, protesters have also demanded the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into the police's handling of the crisis and the unconditional release of all those arrested.

China's Liaison Office, a potent symbol of Beijing's rule over the city since Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, has become a target for growing ranks of increasingly emboldened youngsters, angry at China's tightening grip on the city's freedoms.

Under a "one country, two systems" formula instituted as part of China's sovereignty, the city was promised wide-ranging freedoms denied citizens in mainland China.

Many fear the central government in Beijing is chipping away at those freedoms.

Edward Leung, one of the leaders of a movement advocating Hong Kong's independence from China, was jailed in June last year for six years for rioting and assaulting police in a 2016 overnight protest that turned violent.

More than 40 people appeared in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday charged with rioting for their role in a recent protest that turned violent when thousands of activists clashed with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city.

More than 40 people appeared in a Hong Kong court on Wednesday charged with rioting for their role in a recent protest that turned violent when thousands of activists clashed with police near Beijing's main representative office in the city. A wave of protests that began in late April have plunged the former British colony into its biggest political crisis since its return to Chinese rule in 1997. This is the first time that the authorities in the financial hub have resorted to using the rioting charge, and it could infuriate activists who have been demanding that the government avoid using the term "riot" to refer to the demonstrations. Watch: Hong Kong protests: Activists protest demonstrators arrests × Under Hong Kong law, rioting is defined as an unlawful assembly of three or more people where any person "commits a breach of the peace", and a conviction can carry a 10-year prison sentence. Hundreds gathered outside the court house chanting "revolution of our time" and "liberate Hong Kong" as the 44 defendants appeared in court. "I'm not scared to protest. This whole thing today is just making me more angry," said Gartner, a 21-year-old protester outside the court who declined to give his full name. "I don't think it will scare people." Nine of the defendants had been released on bail of HK$1,000 Z (US$128) by noon. They were ordered to remain in Hong Kong and a curfew was imposed between midnight and 6am. "The Chinese government just wants to scare people not to go out and protest again. It will deter some of us," another supporter named Syrus, 19, said outside the court. Since mid-June the protests have escalated and become more frequent, at times shutting government offices, blocking roads and disrupting business as some of the demonstrations degenerated into violent clashes between activists and police. Hundreds of people surrounded a police station late on Tuesday chanting "free the martyrs" after the 44 activists were charged. The protesters were arrested after a peaceful gathering on Sunday in a park in the city's central business district rapidly morphed into running battles between thousands of black-clad demonstrators and police, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas. The protests were triggered by an extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent to mainland for trial but they have now evolved into a broader backlash against the city's government and its political masters in Beijing. Besides calling for the extradition bill to be scrapped, rather than its suspension so far, protesters have also demanded the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into the police's handling of the crisis and the unconditional release of all those arrested. China's Liaison Office, a potent symbol of Beijing's rule over the city since Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, has become a target for growing ranks of increasingly emboldened youngsters, angry at China's tightening grip on the city's freedoms. Under a "one country, two systems" formula instituted as part of China's sovereignty, the city was promised wide-ranging freedoms denied citizens in mainland China. Many fear the central government in Beijing is chipping away at those freedoms. Edward Leung, one of the leaders of a movement advocating Hong Kong's independence from China, was jailed in June last year for six years for rioting and assaulting police in a 2016 overnight protest that turned violent.

Hong Kong protesters appear in court to face 'riot' charge

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-abe-unlikely-to-meet-south-koreas-moon-at-un-in-september-source-239155">Japan</a> on Tuesday offered to play a role of mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure peaceful and smooth repatriation of Rohingya people to their place of origin in Rakhine State.

The said offer was proposed during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his Japanese counterpart Tara Kono here on Tuesday.

At a joint press conference following the bilateral, the two diplomats stressed on the need for necessary steps to be taken by the Myanmar government to create an environment conducive to the return of the Rohingyas, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Kono, who is on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh, visited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-delegation-holds-repatriation-talks-with-rohingya-in-bangladesh-238936">Rohingya settlements</a> in Cox`s Bazar earlier in the day and talked to many people living there to understand their situation first hand.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday told the United Nations (UN) that the flow of Rohingyas into Bangladesh, although low, continues still.

More than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee the northern Rakhine in western Myanmar following a brutal military crackdown in 2017. The United Nations said that the offensive against the ethnic group included mass killings and gang rapes executed with "genocidal intent".

Followingly, the minorities took shelter in three dozen camps in Bangladesh`s Cox`s Bazar, pushing the number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to above 1.2 million. Many still fear for their safety if they return to Myanmar where the Muslim minority has faced decades of repression.

It may be noted that Bangladesh and Myanmar had signed a repatriation deal in November 2017, but so far virtually no Rohingya have volunteered to return. Bangladesh has said it will not force any Rohingya to leave the country.

On Saturday, a 15-member delegation of Myanmar government officials visited Cox`s Bazar and held repatriation talks with the Muslim community.

Last November, a move to start the repatriation process fell through after none of the Rohingya agreed to return to Myanmar. It followed a visit to the camps in October last year by a Myanmar delegation.

Japan on Tuesday offered to play a role of mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure peaceful and smooth repatriation of Rohingya people to their place of origin in Rakhine State.

Japan on Tuesday offered to play a role of mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure peaceful and smooth repatriation of Rohingya people to their place of origin in Rakhine State. The said offer was proposed during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and his Japanese counterpart Tara Kono here on Tuesday. At a joint press conference following the bilateral, the two diplomats stressed on the need for necessary steps to be taken by the Myanmar government to create an environment conducive to the return of the Rohingyas, reported Dhaka Tribune. Kono, who is on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh, visited Rohingya settlements in Cox`s Bazar earlier in the day and talked to many people living there to understand their situation first hand. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday told the United Nations (UN) that the flow of Rohingyas into Bangladesh, although low, continues still. More than 700,000 Rohingya were forced to flee the northern Rakhine in western Myanmar following a brutal military crackdown in 2017. The United Nations said that the offensive against the ethnic group included mass killings and gang rapes executed with "genocidal intent". Followingly, the minorities took shelter in three dozen camps in Bangladesh`s Cox`s Bazar, pushing the number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to above 1.2 million. Many still fear for their safety if they return to Myanmar where the Muslim minority has faced decades of repression. It may be noted that Bangladesh and Myanmar had signed a repatriation deal in November 2017, but so far virtually no Rohingya have volunteered to return. Bangladesh has said it will not force any Rohingya to leave the country. On Saturday, a 15-member delegation of Myanmar government officials visited Cox`s Bazar and held repatriation talks with the Muslim community. Last November, a move to start the repatriation process fell through after none of the Rohingya agreed to return to Myanmar. It followed a visit to the camps in October last year by a Myanmar delegation.

Rohingya crisis: Japan offers to play mediator between Bangladesh and Myanmar

Britain recorded its highest-ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius (101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25, the country's national weather service said on Monday, confirming an earlier provisional reading.

The temperature was recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, beating a previous record high of 38.5 Celsius from August 2003.

The Met Office, a government weather forecasting agency, provisionally announced the result on Friday and said on Monday that it had now been officially validated.

The Met Office said there was still a chance that an even higher value had been recorded elsewhere, as some of its observation sites only report monthly.

Britain recorded its highest-ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius (101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25, the country's national weather service said on Monday, confirming an earlier provisional reading.

Britain recorded its highest-ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius (101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25, the country's national weather service said on Monday, confirming an earlier provisional reading. The temperature was recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, beating a previous record high of 38.5 Celsius from August 2003. The Met Office, a government weather forecasting agency, provisionally announced the result on Friday and said on Monday that it had now been officially validated. The Met Office said there was still a chance that an even higher value had been recorded elsewhere, as some of its observation sites only report monthly.

UK's record-high temperature of 38.7°C reached on July 25: Weather service

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week.

Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were believed to have been seen on Sunday outside York Landing, a First Nations community of less than 500 people, 90 km (56 miles) south of Gillam, Manitoba, where search efforts were previously concentrated.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba posted on Twitter that they have not been able to substantiate the tip "after a thorough &amp; exhaustive search," but that resources will remain in the York Landing and Gillum areas.

The sighting is believed to be the first one in several days of Schmegelsky and McLeod, who were first reported missing on July 19 in British Columbia, but were later described as suspects in the killing of Chynna Deese, a 24-year-old American, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, 23.

Police charged McLeod and Schmegelsky last week with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck, 64, a Vancouver botany professor.

The RCMP said in a briefing on Monday that they could not confirm the identities of the individuals spotted near a town landfill in York Landing, but are deploying significant resources to the area.

The town is accessible only by air or a two-hour ferry from Gillam in the summer; a rail line runs 20 km (12 miles) to the south.

The suspected sighting was made near the landfill by members of the Bear Clan Patrol, an Aboriginal community watch group based in Winnipeg, James Favel, executive director of the patrol, said. Members of the Bear Clan were patrolling the area when they spotted two individuals who met the descriptions of the fugitives near the garbage dump. They were initially suspicious because the individuals appeared to be without a car, he said.

"Nobody goes to the dump without a vehicle for refuge just in case bears appear, and they do quite frequently," Favel told Reuters.

Upon realizing they had been spotted, the two individuals bolted and disappeared into the tree line, Favel said. He called the area surrounding York Landing "unforgiving territory."

Favel said he was optimistic that Schmegelsky and McLeod would soon be caught, pointing to the level of resources from the RCMP and Canadian military concentrated in the area.

The community of York Landing remains on high alert, with community leaders asking residents to keep their doors locked and remain inside as much as possible.

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week.

Canada's air force has been called into a tiny community in northern Manitoba, where two teens suspected of three murders were thought to have been last seen, police said on Monday, as the chase entered a second week. Kam McLeod, 19, and Bryer Schmegelsky, 18, were believed to have been seen on Sunday outside York Landing, a First Nations community of less than 500 people, 90 km (56 miles) south of Gillam, Manitoba, where search efforts were previously concentrated. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Manitoba posted on Twitter that they have not been able to substantiate the tip "after a thorough & exhaustive search," but that resources will remain in the York Landing and Gillum areas. The sighting is believed to be the first one in several days of Schmegelsky and McLeod, who were first reported missing on July 19 in British Columbia, but were later described as suspects in the killing of Chynna Deese, a 24-year-old American, and her Australian boyfriend, Lucas Fowler, 23. Police charged McLeod and Schmegelsky last week with second-degree murder in the death of Leonard Dyck, 64, a Vancouver botany professor. The RCMP said in a briefing on Monday that they could not confirm the identities of the individuals spotted near a town landfill in York Landing, but are deploying significant resources to the area. The town is accessible only by air or a two-hour ferry from Gillam in the summer; a rail line runs 20 km (12 miles) to the south. The suspected sighting was made near the landfill by members of the Bear Clan Patrol, an Aboriginal community watch group based in Winnipeg, James Favel, executive director of the patrol, said. Members of the Bear Clan were patrolling the area when they spotted two individuals who met the descriptions of the fugitives near the garbage dump. They were initially suspicious because the individuals appeared to be without a car, he said. "Nobody goes to the dump without a vehicle for refuge just in case bears appear, and they do quite frequently," Favel told Reuters. Upon realizing they had been spotted, the two individuals bolted and disappeared into the tree line, Favel said. He called the area surrounding York Landing "unforgiving territory." Favel said he was optimistic that Schmegelsky and McLeod would soon be caught, pointing to the level of resources from the RCMP and Canadian military concentrated in the area. The community of York Landing remains on high alert, with community leaders asking residents to keep their doors locked and remain inside as much as possible.

Canadian air force joins search for fugitive murder suspects in remote area

&nbsp;A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uber-freight-launches-in-germany-taking-on-local-competition-238153">Germany</a>, police said.

The man also pushed the boy's mother but she survived. Police were unaware of any connection between the man and the victims and his motive was unclear, a police spokeswoman said.

"According to witness reports, a 40-year-old man pushed the boy and his mother onto the track just as the ICE (high-speed train) was arriving. The mother, thank God, was able to save herself," the spokeswoman, Isabell Neumann, told reporters.

"Unfortunately, the eight-year-old boy was run over by the ICE. He suffered fatal injuries," she added. "The man concerned ... fled the station after the crime. Passers-by took up the chase and the man was detained near the station."

Neumann said the suspect was being questioned. The boy's mother was taken to the hospital and would also be questioned. Frankfurt police said on Twitter the suspected perpetrator was an Eritrean citizen.

Several platforms at Frankfurt station, a major rail hub in Germany, were closed after the incident.

The police spokeswoman said the man tried to push a third person onto the track but the woman managed to defend herself.

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer strongly condemned the "horrific act" and warned against jumping to any conclusions as police were still investigating.

Seehofer said he would cut short his holidays to discuss the security situation with senior officials on Tuesday and inform the public afterwards.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in Germany, police said.

A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in Germany, police said. The man also pushed the boy's mother but she survived. Police were unaware of any connection between the man and the victims and his motive was unclear, a police spokeswoman said. "According to witness reports, a 40-year-old man pushed the boy and his mother onto the track just as the ICE (high-speed train) was arriving. The mother, thank God, was able to save herself," the spokeswoman, Isabell Neumann, told reporters. "Unfortunately, the eight-year-old boy was run over by the ICE. He suffered fatal injuries," she added. "The man concerned ... fled the station after the crime. Passers-by took up the chase and the man was detained near the station." Neumann said the suspect was being questioned. The boy's mother was taken to the hospital and would also be questioned. Frankfurt police said on Twitter the suspected perpetrator was an Eritrean citizen. Several platforms at Frankfurt station, a major rail hub in Germany, were closed after the incident. The police spokeswoman said the man tried to push a third person onto the track but the woman managed to defend herself. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer strongly condemned the "horrific act" and warned against jumping to any conclusions as police were still investigating. Seehofer said he would cut short his holidays to discuss the security situation with senior officials on Tuesday and inform the public afterwards.

Man pushes boy in front of train in Germany, killing him

Seventeen people were killed when a small <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-15-killed-12-injured-as-plane-crashes-in-pakistan-rescue-official-239321">military plane crashed into a residential area </a>in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi early Tuesday, officials told AFP, in the latest disaster to hit the country’s troubled aviation sector.

The plane crashed into a poor village near an upscale neighbourhood in the garrison city that is home to the army's headquarters, creating a fireball that lit up the night sky and terrified residents.

"We have received 17 dead bodies including 12 civilians and five crew members," said local rescue spokesman Farooq Butt, adding that a further 12 people had been injured in the accident near the capital Islamabad.

One resident told AFP that the crash happened around 2am.&nbsp;

"I woke to the sound of a huge explosion. I stepped out of my house and saw huge flames and we rushed to the site," said Mohammad Sadiq. &nbsp;

"People were screaming. We tried to help them but the flames were too high and the fire too intense, so we could not do anything. The dead includes seven members of one family and most of them were burned to death."

Another resident Ghulam Khan said he heard the plane as it buzzed over his house, adding the aircraft appeared to be on fire before it crashed. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"The sound was so scary," he added.&nbsp;

The military's information wing said the plane was on a routine training mission when the accident occurred, adding that rescue officials had extinguished the fire caused by the crash and moved the injured to a local hospital.

An AFP reporter at the scene said smoke was still rising from the wreckage and destroyed homes, while pieces of the plane were visible on a nearby roof.&nbsp;

Rescue workers could be seen combing through the smouldering site, gathering debris and inspecting the scene while ambulances swarmed the area.

Military officials had cordoned off the crash site while a crowd of residents stood nearby, some of them sobbing. &nbsp;

Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, with frequent plane and helicopter crashes over the years.&nbsp;

In 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames after one of its two turboprop engines failed while travelling from remote northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing more than 40 people.&nbsp;

The deadliest air disaster on Pakistani soil was in 2010, when an Airbus 321 operated by private airline Airblue and flying from Karachi crashed into the hills outside Islamabad while coming in to land, killing all 152 on board.

Seventeen people were killed when a small military plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi early Tuesday, officials told AFP, in the latest disaster to hit the country’s troubled aviation sector.

Seventeen people were killed when a small military plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi early Tuesday, officials told AFP, in the latest disaster to hit the country’s troubled aviation sector. The plane crashed into a poor village near an upscale neighbourhood in the garrison city that is home to the army's headquarters, creating a fireball that lit up the night sky and terrified residents. "We have received 17 dead bodies including 12 civilians and five crew members," said local rescue spokesman Farooq Butt, adding that a further 12 people had been injured in the accident near the capital Islamabad. One resident told AFP that the crash happened around 2am. "I woke to the sound of a huge explosion. I stepped out of my house and saw huge flames and we rushed to the site," said Mohammad Sadiq. "People were screaming. We tried to help them but the flames were too high and the fire too intense, so we could not do anything. The dead includes seven members of one family and most of them were burned to death." Another resident Ghulam Khan said he heard the plane as it buzzed over his house, adding the aircraft appeared to be on fire before it crashed. "The sound was so scary," he added. The military's information wing said the plane was on a routine training mission when the accident occurred, adding that rescue officials had extinguished the fire caused by the crash and moved the injured to a local hospital. An AFP reporter at the scene said smoke was still rising from the wreckage and destroyed homes, while pieces of the plane were visible on a nearby roof. Rescue workers could be seen combing through the smouldering site, gathering debris and inspecting the scene while ambulances swarmed the area. Military officials had cordoned off the crash site while a crowd of residents stood nearby, some of them sobbing. Pakistan has a chequered aviation safety record, with frequent plane and helicopter crashes over the years. In 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames after one of its two turboprop engines failed while travelling from remote northern Pakistan to Islamabad, killing more than 40 people. The deadliest air disaster on Pakistani soil was in 2010, when an Airbus 321 operated by private airline Airblue and flying from Karachi crashed into the hills outside Islamabad while coming in to land, killing all 152 on board.

Death toll rises to 17 as Pakistani army plane crashes into residential area in Rawalpindi

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