Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela's top court, made up of judges loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, said the National Assembly's decision to rejoin the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) on Tuesday had no legal basis.

Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late president Hugo Chavez, withdrew the country from the defence pact, which involves 17 countries including the United States, seven years ago.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty."

The Supreme Court has annulled every decision taken by the National Assembly -- the only government institution in opposition hands -- since declaring it in "contempt" in 2016.

Venezuela was thrust into a political crisis in January when Guaido declared himself acting president, in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He is demanding Maduro step down so that new elections can be held.

The opposition has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged.

Guaido has since been backed by more than 50 countries, including many of those in the TIAR.

The TIAR was originally ratified by 23 countries at the start of the Cold War, but five of those -- at the time all under leftist governments -- left in 2012 while Mexico distanced itself in 2004.

Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela left over Washington's refusal to take Argentina's side in 1982 after it invaded the British-ruled Falkland Islands. It said US inaction meant the defence pact was meaningless.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Friday annulled a decision by the opposition-controlled legislature to re-join a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention. Venezuela's top court, made up of judges loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, said the National Assembly's decision to rejoin the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) on Tuesday had no legal basis. Maduro's predecessor and mentor, late president Hugo Chavez, withdrew the country from the defence pact, which involves 17 countries including the United States, seven years ago. Opposition leader Juan Guaido said on Tuesday that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty." The Supreme Court has annulled every decision taken by the National Assembly -- the only government institution in opposition hands -- since declaring it in "contempt" in 2016. Venezuela was thrust into a political crisis in January when Guaido declared himself acting president, in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He is demanding Maduro step down so that new elections can be held. The opposition has branded the socialist leader a "usurper" over his re-election last year in a poll widely viewed as rigged. Guaido has since been backed by more than 50 countries, including many of those in the TIAR. The TIAR was originally ratified by 23 countries at the start of the Cold War, but five of those -- at the time all under leftist governments -- left in 2012 while Mexico distanced itself in 2004. Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela left over Washington's refusal to take Argentina's side in 1982 after it invaded the British-ruled Falkland Islands. It said US inaction meant the defence pact was meaningless.

Venezuela's Supreme Court quashes Opposition's attempt to rejoin Rio Pact

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19.

Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said. The ministry commonly uses the term "neutralised" to refer to those killed but it can also refer to those wounded or captured.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and European Union, has waged an insurgency for autonomy in Turkey`s largely Kurdish southeast since 1984. It has fighters based in northern Iraq, mainly in the Qandil region.

The Defence Ministry said it had "neutralised" a total of 255 PKK militants in operations in northern Iraq since May 27, when Ankara launched an offensive there against the PKK.

Turkey frequently launches airstrikes in the region but the latest campaign, dubbed "Operation Claw", has included artillery fire and ground operations.&nbsp;

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19. Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said.

Turkey`s Defence Ministry said on Saturday it had "neutralised" 34 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants in northern Iraq in air strikes on July 17-19. Sixteen militants were "neutralised" in airstrikes on northern Iraq`s Qandil region on July 17, and 18 in airstrikes on the Karacak region on July 19, it said. The ministry commonly uses the term "neutralised" to refer to those killed but it can also refer to those wounded or captured. The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and European Union, has waged an insurgency for autonomy in Turkey`s largely Kurdish southeast since 1984. It has fighters based in northern Iraq, mainly in the Qandil region. The Defence Ministry said it had "neutralised" a total of 255 PKK militants in operations in northern Iraq since May 27, when Ankara launched an offensive there against the PKK. Turkey frequently launches airstrikes in the region but the latest campaign, dubbed "Operation Claw", has included artillery fire and ground operations.

Turkey says it 'neutralised' 34 PKK militants in air strikes on July 17-19

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces.

A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday.

The military said in a statement that "terrorists from across the border" fired on a patrol near Gurbaz in the North Wazirstan region.

The attack came after four paramilitary officials patrolling in the restive southwestern Baluchistan province were killed on Friday in an ambush by unidentified militants, the military said.&nbsp;

Saturday`s ambush was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which is separate from the insurgent movement across the border in Afghanistan. No group has claimed responsibility for Friday`s attack.

"These are dying efforts of inimical forces while Pakistan moves from stability to enduring peace. It`s time for the world to facilitate regional peace," the Pakistan military`s spokesman Maj. General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Pakistan and Afghanistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks across the border.&nbsp;

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies, saying it has suffered heavily from the fighting.

The two attacks come days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan which focused on Pakistan`s role in helping to broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old US war in Afghanistan.

Pakistani forces have conducted a series of operations against militant groups including the Pakistani Taliban in the region North Waziristan over recent years. While officials say the area has largely been pacified, small scale attacks continue to take place.

Baluchistan is an important part of transport and energy projects that form part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, which has brought $57 billion of investment to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Balochistan is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, and a number of militant groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army, operate in the province.

"I salute our armed forces personnel who continue to lay down their lives fighting terrorists to keep the nation safe," Khan said in a posting on Twitter.

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces. A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday.

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces. A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday. The military said in a statement that "terrorists from across the border" fired on a patrol near Gurbaz in the North Wazirstan region. The attack came after four paramilitary officials patrolling in the restive southwestern Baluchistan province were killed on Friday in an ambush by unidentified militants, the military said. Saturday`s ambush was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which is separate from the insurgent movement across the border in Afghanistan. No group has claimed responsibility for Friday`s attack. "These are dying efforts of inimical forces while Pakistan moves from stability to enduring peace. It`s time for the world to facilitate regional peace," the Pakistan military`s spokesman Maj. General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter. Pakistan and Afghanistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks across the border. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies, saying it has suffered heavily from the fighting. The two attacks come days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan which focused on Pakistan`s role in helping to broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old US war in Afghanistan. Pakistani forces have conducted a series of operations against militant groups including the Pakistani Taliban in the region North Waziristan over recent years. While officials say the area has largely been pacified, small scale attacks continue to take place. Baluchistan is an important part of transport and energy projects that form part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, which has brought $57 billion of investment to Pakistan. Balochistan is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, and a number of militant groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army, operate in the province. "I salute our armed forces personnel who continue to lay down their lives fighting terrorists to keep the nation safe," Khan said in a posting on Twitter.

Attacks on security forces in Pakistan kill 10 soldiers

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-discussed-need-for-broad-digital-tax-deal-with-trump-elysee-238773">France </a>would proceed with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-macron-over-digital-tax-on-us-tech-giants-threatens-reciprocal-action-against-french-wine-238733">taxing revenues of big technology firms</a> and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services.

Le Maire was responding to US President Donald Trump`s threat to tax French wines in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which he says unjustly targets US companies.

"It`s in our interest to have a fair digital tax," Le Maire told reporters, speaking in English. "Please do not mix the two issues. The key question now is how we can we get consensus on fair taxation of digital activities."

Two weeks ago, the French Senate approved the 3% levy that will apply to revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with more than 25 million euros ($27.8 million) in French revenue and 750 million euros worldwide.

Other European Union countries, including Austria, Britain, Spain and Italy, have also announced plans for their own digital taxes.

Trump blasted Macron`s "foolishness" for pressing ahead with the French levy and warned his administration would announce "substantial reciprocal action".

"They shouldn`t have done this," Trump told reporters on Friday. "I told them, I said, `Don`t do it because if you do it, I`m going to tax your wine.`"

Le Maire reiterated Macron`s assurance that France would lift its national digital tax if there was a deal on a universal tax at the level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).&nbsp;

He added that France wanted leaders of the G7 group of nations to agree on the principle of universal taxation of digital activities at next month`s summit in the coastal resort of Biarritz.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that France would proceed with taxing revenues of big technology firms and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Saturday that France would proceed with taxing revenues of big technology firms and urged the United States not to bring trade tariffs into the debate on how to fairly raise levies on digital services. Le Maire was responding to US President Donald Trump`s threat to tax French wines in retaliation for France`s digital services tax, which he says unjustly targets US companies. "It`s in our interest to have a fair digital tax," Le Maire told reporters, speaking in English. "Please do not mix the two issues. The key question now is how we can we get consensus on fair taxation of digital activities." Two weeks ago, the French Senate approved the 3% levy that will apply to revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with more than 25 million euros ($27.8 million) in French revenue and 750 million euros worldwide. Other European Union countries, including Austria, Britain, Spain and Italy, have also announced plans for their own digital taxes. Trump blasted Macron`s "foolishness" for pressing ahead with the French levy and warned his administration would announce "substantial reciprocal action". "They shouldn`t have done this," Trump told reporters on Friday. "I told them, I said, `Don`t do it because if you do it, I`m going to tax your wine.`" Le Maire reiterated Macron`s assurance that France would lift its national digital tax if there was a deal on a universal tax at the level of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He added that France wanted leaders of the G7 group of nations to agree on the principle of universal taxation of digital activities at next month`s summit in the coastal resort of Biarritz.

Don't mix digital taxes and wine tariffs: France urges Trump

The head of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-army-rulers-ink-power-sharing-deal-236637">Sudanese</a> investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

Fath al-Rahman Saeed, the head of the committee, told a news conference that 17 of those killed were in the square occupied by protesters and 48 of the wounded were hit by bullets.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-says-it-thwarts-coup-attempt-arrests-senior-officers-238272">security forces</a> fired at protesters and three officers violated orders by moving forces into the sit-in, he said, adding that an order was also issued to whip protesters.

Opposition medics have said 127 people were killed and 400 wounded in the dispersal, while the Health Ministry had put the death toll at 61.

The sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in the capital Khartoum was a focal point for protests that led to the ouster of long-time President Omar al-Badri on April 11.

"Some outlaws exploited this gathering and formed another gathering in what is known as the Columbia area, where negative and illegal practices took place," Saeed said.

"It became a security threat, forcing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to clear the area," he said.

The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces. Fath al-Rahman Saeed, the head of the committee, told a news conference that 17 of those killed were in the square occupied by protesters and 48 of the wounded were hit by bullets. Some security forces fired at protesters and three officers violated orders by moving forces into the sit-in, he said, adding that an order was also issued to whip protesters. Opposition medics have said 127 people were killed and 400 wounded in the dispersal, while the Health Ministry had put the death toll at 61. The sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in the capital Khartoum was a focal point for protests that led to the ouster of long-time President Omar al-Badri on April 11. "Some outlaws exploited this gathering and formed another gathering in what is known as the Columbia area, where negative and illegal practices took place," Saeed said. "It became a security threat, forcing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to clear the area," he said.

Sudan says 87 killed when security forces broke up protest in June

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-little-to-cheer-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-first-year-238649">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>`s recently concluded visit to Washington.

The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government".

"(The July 22 White House meeting) gave the chance for the President and the Secretary to meet Prime Minister Khan, to build a personal connection and rapport. (Now) we think it`s time to make progress on the success of this first meeting," said State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, according to Dawn.

Watch- Khan's US Visit: Much to do about nothing?

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"There was a number of issues that were discussed not only in the President`s meeting but during the Secretary`s meeting as well...Now is the time to build upon that meeting and to build upon those commitments," she added.

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s recently concluded visit to Washington. The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government".

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s recently concluded visit to Washington. The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government". "(The July 22 White House meeting) gave the chance for the President and the Secretary to meet Prime Minister Khan, to build a personal connection and rapport. (Now) we think it`s time to make progress on the success of this first meeting," said State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, according to Dawn. Watch- Khan's US Visit: Much to do about nothing? × "There was a number of issues that were discussed not only in the President`s meeting but during the Secretary`s meeting as well...Now is the time to build upon that meeting and to build upon those commitments," she added.

US tells Pakistan to make progress on commitments of Khan-Trump meeting

Russian police arrested dozens of people as they gathered at Moscow city hall Saturday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-plans-protest-demanding-fair-elections-despite-arrests-238824">demand free and fair elections</a>, an AFP journalist said, following a crackdown on the opposition.&nbsp;

Thousands of Russians had vowed to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-detain-at-least-94-including-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-at-moscow-journalist-protest-226536"> take to the streets </a>of the capital after authorities refused to allow opposition and independent candidates to stand for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-over-20000-rally-in-moscow-as-election-anger-boils-over-237366">Moscow</a>'s city council in September.&nbsp;

Investigators raided the homes and headquarters of several disqualified candidates in the run-up to the protest, while top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was jailed for 30 days for calling for the demonstration.&nbsp;

Other leading opposition figures and would-be candidates were arrested in the hours leading up to the event.

The Saturday protest is the latest in a series of rallies over the local election, which comes amid declining living standards and a fall in President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings.

Local polls are a rare opportunity for dissenting voices to participate in political life as anti-Kremlin parties have been squeezed out of parliament over Putin's 20 years in power.

Security was tight in central Moscow on Saturday and an AFP journalist said at least 50 people had been arrested before the planned start of the demonstration at two pm local time (1100 GMT).&nbsp;

Protest monitoring organisations reported dozens more arrests.

Politician and disqualified candidate Dmitry Gudkov was arrested shortly before the march. Earlier he had said the future of the country was at stake.

"If we lose now, elections will cease to exist as a political instrument," he said.&nbsp;

"What we're talking about is whether it's legal to participate in politics today in Russia, we're talking about the country we're going to live in."

Elena Rastovka, a 68-year-old pensioner at the demonstration, told AFP: "I've been afraid all my life, but enough is enough. If we stay at home nothing will change.

"Authorities arrest people who want to challenge them. Look at what they're doing -- the authorities do not like the people."

Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov said he had been arrested shortly ahead of the demonstration, while barred candidate Ilya Yashin announced he was detained in the early hours of Saturday morning following a raid on his home.

- 'Security threat' -

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobaynin called the unauthorised protest a "security threat", adding that "order will be ensured according to the relevant laws".&nbsp;

Last weekend 22,000 people turned up for a protest in Moscow, the largest such demonstration in years, after election authorities refused to register dozens of candidates.

While pro-Kremlin candidates enjoy the support of the state, independent candidates say they have been made to jump through countless hoops in order to get on the ballot.

Rejected candidate Lyubov Sobol this week launched a hunger strike in protest.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the 31-year-old demanded officials review her documents and came to the offices of the Moscow election commission to continue her strike.

But security agents took her out of the building on the sofa she was sitting on.

After activists and ordinary Muscovites staged pickets, including outside the local election commission building, investigators said they were launching a criminal probe into obstructing the work of election officials.&nbsp;

If found guilty, organisers risk up to five years in prison.

- ' Impossible not to protest' -

Nearly 11,000 people indicated interest in the rally on Facebook.

Police asked media to notify the authorities if they planned to cover the protest and urged Russians to skip the rally altogether.

Viktoria Popova, a 30-year-old illustrator, said she could not miss it.&nbsp;

"It is impossible not to come, it's impossible to feel powerless, unable to change anything," she told AFP.

"Who would have thought it would become important to take part in such a bizarre and boring affair as the Moscow parliament election?"

Russian police arrested dozens of people as they gathered at Moscow city hall Saturday to demand free and fair elections, an AFP journalist said, following a crackdown on the opposition.

Russian police arrested dozens of people as they gathered at Moscow city hall Saturday to demand free and fair elections, an AFP journalist said, following a crackdown on the opposition. Thousands of Russians had vowed to take to the streets of the capital after authorities refused to allow opposition and independent candidates to stand for Moscow's city council in September. Investigators raided the homes and headquarters of several disqualified candidates in the run-up to the protest, while top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was jailed for 30 days for calling for the demonstration. Other leading opposition figures and would-be candidates were arrested in the hours leading up to the event. The Saturday protest is the latest in a series of rallies over the local election, which comes amid declining living standards and a fall in President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings. Local polls are a rare opportunity for dissenting voices to participate in political life as anti-Kremlin parties have been squeezed out of parliament over Putin's 20 years in power. Security was tight in central Moscow on Saturday and an AFP journalist said at least 50 people had been arrested before the planned start of the demonstration at two pm local time (1100 GMT). Protest monitoring organisations reported dozens more arrests. Politician and disqualified candidate Dmitry Gudkov was arrested shortly before the march. Earlier he had said the future of the country was at stake. "If we lose now, elections will cease to exist as a political instrument," he said. "What we're talking about is whether it's legal to participate in politics today in Russia, we're talking about the country we're going to live in." Elena Rastovka, a 68-year-old pensioner at the demonstration, told AFP: "I've been afraid all my life, but enough is enough. If we stay at home nothing will change. "Authorities arrest people who want to challenge them. Look at what they're doing -- the authorities do not like the people." Navalny ally Ivan Zhdanov said he had been arrested shortly ahead of the demonstration, while barred candidate Ilya Yashin announced he was detained in the early hours of Saturday morning following a raid on his home. - 'Security threat' - Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobaynin called the unauthorised protest a "security threat", adding that "order will be ensured according to the relevant laws". Last weekend 22,000 people turned up for a protest in Moscow, the largest such demonstration in years, after election authorities refused to register dozens of candidates. While pro-Kremlin candidates enjoy the support of the state, independent candidates say they have been made to jump through countless hoops in order to get on the ballot. Rejected candidate Lyubov Sobol this week launched a hunger strike in protest. On Thursday, the 31-year-old demanded officials review her documents and came to the offices of the Moscow election commission to continue her strike. But security agents took her out of the building on the sofa she was sitting on. After activists and ordinary Muscovites staged pickets, including outside the local election commission building, investigators said they were launching a criminal probe into obstructing the work of election officials. If found guilty, organisers risk up to five years in prison. - ' Impossible not to protest' - Nearly 11,000 people indicated interest in the rally on Facebook. Police asked media to notify the authorities if they planned to cover the protest and urged Russians to skip the rally altogether. Viktoria Popova, a 30-year-old illustrator, said she could not miss it. "It is impossible not to come, it's impossible to feel powerless, unable to change anything," she told AFP. "Who would have thought it would become important to take part in such a bizarre and boring affair as the Moscow parliament election?"

Dozens arrested at Moscow protest after opposition crackdown

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister.

The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere. He also said he would visit his home.

"It is my duty to visit my birthplace. This is the place where I was born and brought up. I will visit my home," he told reporters here.

Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of the state on Friday, three days after the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, bringing the state back under saffron rule yet again.

The new BJP government in Karnataka will seek a vote of confidence on July 29 in the state Assembly for which a session is being convened.

Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader dropped a `d` and replaced it with an `I` in his name. His name will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.&nbsp;

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister. The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere.

BS Yediyurappa on Saturday visited his native village Bookanakere, a day after he was sworn in for his fourth term as Chief Minister. The BJP leader offered prayers at Sidhalingehwara Temple in Bookanakere. He also said he would visit his home. "It is my duty to visit my birthplace. This is the place where I was born and brought up. I will visit my home," he told reporters here. Yediyurappa was sworn in as the 25th chief minister of the state on Friday, three days after the fall of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, bringing the state back under saffron rule yet again. The new BJP government in Karnataka will seek a vote of confidence on July 29 in the state Assembly for which a session is being convened. Hours before taking oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, the BJP leader dropped a `d` and replaced it with an `I` in his name. His name will now be spelt B S Yediyurappa.

A day after taking oath, CM Yediyurappa visits native village

Cooperative Minister Udayalal Awjana on Friday said that the Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of state farmers.

"Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of farmers. Out of 19,99,000 applicants, 200 applications of loan waiver received till February 17, 2019. Around 19,70,135 basis based certificates and 19,40,596 loan exemption certificates have been issued," Awjana said here in the Legislative Assembly.

He maintained that injustice will not be made to the state farmers due to loan waiver.&nbsp;

"The adjustment of the loan amount in the accounts of the farmers, whose debts have been waived, has been postponed and loan certificates have been issued to them," Awjana said.

He said that negotiations with scheduled banks regarding the loan waiver of 2 lakh farmers are continuing and the loan will also be waived once the consent is reached.

Cooperative Minister Udayalal Awjana on Friday said that the Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of state farmers. "Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of farmers.

Cooperative Minister Udayalal Awjana on Friday said that the Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of state farmers. "Rajasthan government has waived short term loans of Rs 7,179 crores of farmers. Out of 19,99,000 applicants, 200 applications of loan waiver received till February 17, 2019. Around 19,70,135 basis based certificates and 19,40,596 loan exemption certificates have been issued," Awjana said here in the Legislative Assembly. He maintained that injustice will not be made to the state farmers due to loan waiver. "The adjustment of the loan amount in the accounts of the farmers, whose debts have been waived, has been postponed and loan certificates have been issued to them," Awjana said. He said that negotiations with scheduled banks regarding the loan waiver of 2 lakh farmers are continuing and the loan will also be waived once the consent is reached.

Rajasthan government waives short-term agricultural farm loans over Rs 7,000 crore

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malinga-happy-to-make-way-for-younger-sri-lankans-238398/amp">Lasith Malinga</a> claimed 3-38 in his farewell match as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 91 runs in the first one-day international to take 1-0 lead in a three-match series in Colombo on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-pace-bowler-lasith-malinga-to-quit-odis-after-first-bangladesh-match-237761">Malinga</a> helped Sri Lanka rattle Bangladesh with his opening spell after Kusal Perera's fifth ODI century powered the home side to post 314-8.

Perera hit 111 off 99 balls before Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep (3-51) shared six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for 223 in 41.4 overs.

Mushfiqur Rahim made 67 while Sabbir Rahman hit 60 as the duo tried in vain to lift Bangladesh from 39-4.

Earlier, Shafiul Islam claimed 3-62 for Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman picked up 2-75 in his expensive 10 overs. &nbsp;

Lasith Malinga claimed 3-38 in his farewell match as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 91 runs in the first one-day international to take 1-0 lead in a three-match series in Colombo on Friday.

Lasith Malinga claimed 3-38 in his farewell match as Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 91 runs in the first one-day international to take 1-0 lead in a three-match series in Colombo on Friday. Malinga helped Sri Lanka rattle Bangladesh with his opening spell after Kusal Perera's fifth ODI century powered the home side to post 314-8. Perera hit 111 off 99 balls before Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep (3-51) shared six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for 223 in 41.4 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim made 67 while Sabbir Rahman hit 60 as the duo tried in vain to lift Bangladesh from 39-4. Earlier, Shafiul Islam claimed 3-62 for Bangladesh and Mustafizur Rahman picked up 2-75 in his expensive 10 overs.

Malinga signs off in style as Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 91 runs in Colombo ODI

A Sri Lankan investigation into nearly 3,000 tonnes of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-raises-stink-over-waste-consignments-from-britain-238485"> illegally imported hazardous waste </a>has shown that some of it was sent on to India and Dubai, a top minister said Friday.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament the importer of the waste had reshipped about 180 tonnes of raw garbage to India and Dubai in 2017 and 2018.

Sri Lanka's customs department found that a local company imported 241 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-241-containers-of-trash-illegally-sent-by-uk-238307">containers from Britain</a>, out of which 15 had been sent to India and two to Dubai.

Sri Lankan customs insist the British authorities should not have allowed the export without first clearing with Sri Lankan authorities if they were willing to accept the untreated waste.

The customs service said the consignment was believed to contain mortuary waste among other garbage which included large quantities of plastic.

"We have ordered the importer and shipping agent to take immediate steps to return the containers to its origin (Britain)," the minister said.

"I have also ordered that all those responsible be prosecuted immediately."

He said 130 containers had been taken to a free-trade zone near Colombo and some had been emptied causing contamination of water sources and air pollution.

"The importer has been asked to immediately repack all the garbage back in the containers," he said adding that all the waste must be sent back to Britain.

The company at the centre of the probe, Ceylon Metal Processing Corporation Privater Limited, said the storage company at a free trade zone was responsible for processing what they imported as "used mattresses".

Ceylon Metal director Sasikumaran Muthuramar denied that the containers, 111 of which are held up at Colombo port, contained bio waste.

Sri Lanka customs authorities said Tuesday that the waste had been mislabelled and imported as used mattresses, but contained bio and clinical waste in contravention of international laws on the transport of waste material.

Sri Lanka's pushback comes as Indonesia and the Philippines also returned shipments of foreign rubbish to their ports of origin.

Indonesia announced two weeks ago it was sending more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia and Canada has agreed to accept 69 containers of rubbish it had shipped to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014.

A Sri Lankan investigation into nearly 3,000 tonnes of illegally imported hazardous waste has shown that some of it was sent on to India and Dubai, a top minister said Friday.

A Sri Lankan investigation into nearly 3,000 tonnes of illegally imported hazardous waste has shown that some of it was sent on to India and Dubai, a top minister said Friday. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament the importer of the waste had reshipped about 180 tonnes of raw garbage to India and Dubai in 2017 and 2018. Sri Lanka's customs department found that a local company imported 241 containers from Britain, out of which 15 had been sent to India and two to Dubai. Sri Lankan customs insist the British authorities should not have allowed the export without first clearing with Sri Lankan authorities if they were willing to accept the untreated waste. The customs service said the consignment was believed to contain mortuary waste among other garbage which included large quantities of plastic. "We have ordered the importer and shipping agent to take immediate steps to return the containers to its origin (Britain)," the minister said. "I have also ordered that all those responsible be prosecuted immediately." He said 130 containers had been taken to a free-trade zone near Colombo and some had been emptied causing contamination of water sources and air pollution. "The importer has been asked to immediately repack all the garbage back in the containers," he said adding that all the waste must be sent back to Britain. The company at the centre of the probe, Ceylon Metal Processing Corporation Privater Limited, said the storage company at a free trade zone was responsible for processing what they imported as "used mattresses". Ceylon Metal director Sasikumaran Muthuramar denied that the containers, 111 of which are held up at Colombo port, contained bio waste. Sri Lanka customs authorities said Tuesday that the waste had been mislabelled and imported as used mattresses, but contained bio and clinical waste in contravention of international laws on the transport of waste material. Sri Lanka's pushback comes as Indonesia and the Philippines also returned shipments of foreign rubbish to their ports of origin. Indonesia announced two weeks ago it was sending more than 210 tonnes of garbage back to Australia and Canada has agreed to accept 69 containers of rubbish it had shipped to the Philippines between 2013 and 2014.

Sri Lanka says illegal UK waste offloaded to India, Dubai

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Bill to amend the Companies Act 2013 with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the government has de-registered nearly four lakh inactive companies.

The Companies (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by a voice vote after a reply by Sitharaman. The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated earlier this year.

"Nearly four lakh inactive companies have been de-registered by us," she said, adding they were totally inactive for several years, probably for more than five years.

Referring to members talking about shell companies, she said if a company does not have a proper registered office or if the business is not declared, then it become a shell company.

She said the non-maintenance of a registered office shall be made one of the stated grounds for striking off any company.

"So, physical registration of a registered company`s address has now become absolutely necessary so that you do not run the risk of being defined as a shell company," she said.

Referring to the Act enacted by the UPA government in 2013, Sitharaman said that she was not sure how it got passed as it has required repeated amendments.

Referring to queries about Corporate Social Responsibility, Sitharman said there is nothing under the rule, which stops the use of CSR fund for local requirements.

She said the companies that start spending money on CSR projects will be given one year plus three years.

"So, within three years, after the year in which the decision is taken, they have to give us a picture of where the money has been spent, i.e., 2 per cent of their total profit. In case it does not happen, they will have to move their money into an escrow account," she said, adding that it can go to the PM Relief Fund.

She said the Act has been amended twice earlier and the amendments being brought now were driven by demands of the stakeholders and also for the ease of doing business.

"The amendments are being brought for bringing a better governance framework and also to look at the welfare of small and medium enterprises. It will reduce the burden on them. (Some) compounding offences are being reduced to non-compounding offences so that those who have done small omissions or commissions of compliance will be treated with kid gloves," she said.

The minister said the government is looking at a Companies Act, which will be "far more friendlier for companies to comply" rather than them having to worry about its implementation.

The minister said that ordinance will lapse by the end of this month and there was a need to get the bill passed.

Responding to a query about including private companies under Section 164 of the Act, she said non-filing of financial statement or annual returns should result into some kind of disqualification for becoming directors in any company including private companies for relevant five years.

"This was done so that we bring in good corporate practices," she said.

Answering a query, she said the companies, which did not file annual returns and financial statements for two years or more, or did not apply for dormant status but existed without main activities, were the ones to get struck off by the Registrar after following due process.

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Bill to amend the Companies Act 2013 with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the government has de-registered nearly four lakh inactive companies.

The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Bill to amend the Companies Act 2013 with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the government has de-registered nearly four lakh inactive companies. The Companies (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by a voice vote after a reply by Sitharaman. The Bill seeks to replace an ordinance promulgated earlier this year. "Nearly four lakh inactive companies have been de-registered by us," she said, adding they were totally inactive for several years, probably for more than five years. Referring to members talking about shell companies, she said if a company does not have a proper registered office or if the business is not declared, then it become a shell company. She said the non-maintenance of a registered office shall be made one of the stated grounds for striking off any company. "So, physical registration of a registered company`s address has now become absolutely necessary so that you do not run the risk of being defined as a shell company," she said. Referring to the Act enacted by the UPA government in 2013, Sitharaman said that she was not sure how it got passed as it has required repeated amendments. Referring to queries about Corporate Social Responsibility, Sitharman said there is nothing under the rule, which stops the use of CSR fund for local requirements. She said the companies that start spending money on CSR projects will be given one year plus three years. "So, within three years, after the year in which the decision is taken, they have to give us a picture of where the money has been spent, i.e., 2 per cent of their total profit. In case it does not happen, they will have to move their money into an escrow account," she said, adding that it can go to the PM Relief Fund. She said the Act has been amended twice earlier and the amendments being brought now were driven by demands of the stakeholders and also for the ease of doing business. "The amendments are being brought for bringing a better governance framework and also to look at the welfare of small and medium enterprises. It will reduce the burden on them. (Some) compounding offences are being reduced to non-compounding offences so that those who have done small omissions or commissions of compliance will be treated with kid gloves," she said. The minister said the government is looking at a Companies Act, which will be "far more friendlier for companies to comply" rather than them having to worry about its implementation. The minister said that ordinance will lapse by the end of this month and there was a need to get the bill passed. Responding to a query about including private companies under Section 164 of the Act, she said non-filing of financial statement or annual returns should result into some kind of disqualification for becoming directors in any company including private companies for relevant five years. "This was done so that we bring in good corporate practices," she said. Answering a query, she said the companies, which did not file annual returns and financial statements for two years or more, or did not apply for dormant status but existed without main activities, were the ones to get struck off by the Registrar after following due process.

Lok Sabha passes bill to amend Companies Act; Sitharaman says 4 lakh companies de-registered

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