Lok Sabha Speaker and Opposition leaders have asked&nbsp;Samajwadi Party&nbsp;MP Azam Khan to apologise for his statements made on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mps-demand-exemplary-action-against-azam-khan-over-his-sexist-remarks-directed-at-bjp-mp-rama-devi-speaker-to-take-a-decision-238586">BJP MP Rama Devi</a>.

Citing sources, news agency ANI reported on Friday that Opposition leaders and Lok Sabha Speaker have come to a conclusion that Azam Khan should apologise in the House for his remarks on the BJP MP.

The news agency also added that the Speaker will take an action if Azam Khan does not apologise.

On Thursday, Azam Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-condemns-azam-khans-sexist-remark-asks-him-to-apologise-to-all-women-238615">stoked controversy </a>in the Lok Sabha with his objectionable remarks against BJP member Rama Devi, who was presiding over the House. He later tried to downplay the remarks, saying she was like a sister to him.

Azam Khan did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

The Lok Sabha saw an uproar on Friday when MPs demanded exemplary action against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over his sexist remarks.

Responding to Azam Khan's comments, Rama Devi said, "Being a repeat offender, he should be dismissed by the Lok Sabha Speaker. He has never respected women, we all know what he had said about Jaya Prada. He has no right to stay in the Lok Sabha, I will request the Speaker to dismiss him. Azam Khan must apologise".

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Speaker and Opposition leaders have asked Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan to apologise for his statements made on BJP MP Rama Devi. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported on Friday that Opposition leaders and Lok Sabha Speaker have come to a conclusion that Azam Khan should apologise in the House for his remarks on the BJP MP.

Lok Sabha Speaker and Opposition leaders have asked Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan to apologise for his statements made on BJP MP Rama Devi. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported on Friday that Opposition leaders and Lok Sabha Speaker have come to a conclusion that Azam Khan should apologise in the House for his remarks on the BJP MP. The news agency also added that the Speaker will take an action if Azam Khan does not apologise. On Thursday, Azam Khan stoked controversy in the Lok Sabha with his objectionable remarks against BJP member Rama Devi, who was presiding over the House. He later tried to downplay the remarks, saying she was like a sister to him. Azam Khan did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The Lok Sabha saw an uproar on Friday when MPs demanded exemplary action against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan over his sexist remarks. Responding to Azam Khan's comments, Rama Devi said, "Being a repeat offender, he should be dismissed by the Lok Sabha Speaker. He has never respected women, we all know what he had said about Jaya Prada. He has no right to stay in the Lok Sabha, I will request the Speaker to dismiss him. Azam Khan must apologise". (With inputs from ANI)

Azam Khan should apologise for his remarks on BJP MP Rama Devi: Speaker, Opposition leaders

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huaweis-ties-with-partners-fedex-flex-fray-on-us-china-tensions-238632">Huawei Technologies</a> on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system.

Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901).

Huawei also said at the launch event at its Shenzhen headquarters that it would unveil TV-like products called "Smart Screens" next month, which will be the first products based on its proprietary Hongmeng Operating System, according to Xinhua.

Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software.

The company previously hinted that the operating system could replace Google's Android, though a senior executive earlier this month said Huawei intends to continue to use Android, and that Hongmeng is not an operating system for smartphones but connected devices.

Huawei's consumer business group CEO Richard Yu said Huawei's Smart Screens aims to be the central interface for entertainment and communication in the living room, according to a press release.

Huawei is set to report its half-year results on Tuesday. Analysts said robust smartphone sales in China are expected to offset impact in the overseas market since Huawei was put on Washington's trade blacklist in mid-May.

Huawei Technologies on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system. Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901).

Huawei Technologies on Friday released its first 5G phone in China and said it would soon launch smart TVs equipped with its Hongmeng operating system. Huawei, which is grappling with sanctions from Washington that threaten to cut its access to US technology and components, on Friday rolled out the Mate 20 X 5G phone for the China market with a price tag of 6199 yuan ($901). Huawei also said at the launch event at its Shenzhen headquarters that it would unveil TV-like products called "Smart Screens" next month, which will be the first products based on its proprietary Hongmeng Operating System, according to Xinhua. Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software. The company previously hinted that the operating system could replace Google's Android, though a senior executive earlier this month said Huawei intends to continue to use Android, and that Hongmeng is not an operating system for smartphones but connected devices. Huawei's consumer business group CEO Richard Yu said Huawei's Smart Screens aims to be the central interface for entertainment and communication in the living room, according to a press release. Huawei is set to report its half-year results on Tuesday. Analysts said robust smartphone sales in China are expected to offset impact in the overseas market since Huawei was put on Washington's trade blacklist in mid-May.

Huawei rolls out 5G phone and flags first Hongmeng device

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSs4rItdLjAhXc7nMBHeV6DwEQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1bWJVe7haDQEfv7LLORLbL">Sino-US tensions</a> further strain business ties.

Chinese authorities investigating FedEx suspect it illegally held back the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/huaweis-us-research-arm-slashes-jobs-as-trade-ban-bites-238136&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj___zltdLjAhWxheYKHVCHA3kQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sBVXlXmuPglcgQ-qhcuOx">Huawei</a> packages and that it also violated other laws, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday.

Beijing started a probe into FedEx last month after Huawei said the US&nbsp;delivery firm had diverted parcels intended for it. It came after Huawei was placed by Washington on a blacklist in mid-May that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker.

"The investigation showed that FedEx was suspected of holding up more than 100 Huawei packages entering China," Xinhua said. "Investigators also discovered clues to other violations of the company."

FedEx had no immediate comment on the report. Huawei declined to comment.

The report comes a day after Huawei said electronics contract manufacturer Flex "seized" its goods in China.

The developments mark the latest fallout from Washington's trade ban on Huawei, which has not only rattled the global technology supply chain tied to Huawei's $105 billion business but also is causing much confusion among companies and organisations well beyond the US borders regarding the limits of restrictions.

FedEx has apologised for multiple incidents of diversion of Huawei packages, which is attributed to "operational errors", but it later sued the US&nbsp;government for what it said was an "impossible task" to "police the contents" of export shipments.

Huawei told Reuters on Thursday that Flex had withheld some 700 million yuan ($101.81 million) worth of its goods in its China factory, confirming a report by the Chinese government-backed newspaper Global Times.

Flex kept the Huawei assets in its factory in the southern city of Zhuhai after the US blacklisting and caused losses for Huawei, according to the report.

Huawei told Reuters that it has retrieved some 400 million yuan of goods last month after negotiations and is still trying to take back the rest.

Flex said in an emailed statement to Reuters, "Flex and Huawei have had a long-standing and successful partnership which has recently been impacted by unforeseen challenges resulting from the US-China trade situation. Both parties are actively working to find a mutually agreeable way forward given these facts."

A Flex spokesman declined to say whether it still held any Huawei assets or counts Huawei as a customer, but said China remains "a very important center of production and end-market" where it employs tens of thousands of people.

Flex said on Friday in its quarterly earnings statement that it would accelerate a move to reduce its exposure to certain products in China and India after "recent geopolitical developments and uncertainties", which primarily impacted "one customer in China". It did not name the customer.

"We have seen a reduction in demand for products assembled for that customer," it said.

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as Sino-US tensions further strain business ties.

American delivery firm FedEx Corp likely withheld more than 100 packages of Huawei, a report said, while the Chinese tech giant also blamed US-listed Flex for seizing its goods, as Sino-US tensions further strain business ties. Chinese authorities investigating FedEx suspect it illegally held back the Huawei packages and that it also violated other laws, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday. Beijing started a probe into FedEx last month after Huawei said the US delivery firm had diverted parcels intended for it. It came after Huawei was placed by Washington on a blacklist in mid-May that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker. "The investigation showed that FedEx was suspected of holding up more than 100 Huawei packages entering China," Xinhua said. "Investigators also discovered clues to other violations of the company." FedEx had no immediate comment on the report. Huawei declined to comment. The report comes a day after Huawei said electronics contract manufacturer Flex "seized" its goods in China. The developments mark the latest fallout from Washington's trade ban on Huawei, which has not only rattled the global technology supply chain tied to Huawei's $105 billion business but also is causing much confusion among companies and organisations well beyond the US borders regarding the limits of restrictions. FedEx has apologised for multiple incidents of diversion of Huawei packages, which is attributed to "operational errors", but it later sued the US government for what it said was an "impossible task" to "police the contents" of export shipments. Huawei told Reuters on Thursday that Flex had withheld some 700 million yuan ($101.81 million) worth of its goods in its China factory, confirming a report by the Chinese government-backed newspaper Global Times. Flex kept the Huawei assets in its factory in the southern city of Zhuhai after the US blacklisting and caused losses for Huawei, according to the report. Huawei told Reuters that it has retrieved some 400 million yuan of goods last month after negotiations and is still trying to take back the rest. Flex said in an emailed statement to Reuters, "Flex and Huawei have had a long-standing and successful partnership which has recently been impacted by unforeseen challenges resulting from the US-China trade situation. Both parties are actively working to find a mutually agreeable way forward given these facts." A Flex spokesman declined to say whether it still held any Huawei assets or counts Huawei as a customer, but said China remains "a very important center of production and end-market" where it employs tens of thousands of people. Flex said on Friday in its quarterly earnings statement that it would accelerate a move to reduce its exposure to certain products in China and India after "recent geopolitical developments and uncertainties", which primarily impacted "one customer in China". It did not name the customer. "We have seen a reduction in demand for products assembled for that customer," it said.

Huawei's ties with partners FedEx, Flex fray on US-China tensions

Indian shares recovered from early losses on Friday and snapped six straight sessions of declines, driven by a rally in financial and auto stocks.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.29% higher at 11,284.3, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.14% at 37,882.79. Both indexes, however, marked their third straight weekly loss.

Private-sector lender Yes Bank Ltd closed 9.6% higher and was the top percentage gainer on both indexes.&nbsp;

Bajaj Finance Ltd climbed 7.2%, while Bajaj Finserv Ltd advanced 6.7%. 
Bajaj Auto Ltd rose 2.8% after beating expectations for quarterly profit.

Eicher Motors Ltd rose 4.6% and Hero MotoCorp Ltd climbed 3.4%, pushing the Nifty Auto Index 2.2% higher.

Meanwhile, miner Vedanta Ltd fell 4.3% ahead of its quarterly results.

Indian shares recovered from early losses on Friday and snapped six straight sessions of declines, driven by a rally in financial and auto stocks. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.

Indian shares recovered from early losses on Friday and snapped six straight sessions of declines, driven by a rally in financial and auto stocks. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.29% higher at 11,284.3, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.14% at 37,882.79. Both indexes, however, marked their third straight weekly loss. Private-sector lender Yes Bank Ltd closed 9.6% higher and was the top percentage gainer on both indexes. Bajaj Finance Ltd climbed 7.2%, while Bajaj Finserv Ltd advanced 6.7%. Bajaj Auto Ltd rose 2.8% after beating expectations for quarterly profit. Eicher Motors Ltd rose 4.6% and Hero MotoCorp Ltd climbed 3.4%, pushing the Nifty Auto Index 2.2% higher. Meanwhile, miner Vedanta Ltd fell 4.3% ahead of its quarterly results.

Nifty, Sensex snap losing streak; financials, auto boost

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-case-victim-pehlu-khan-sons-charged-for-smuggling-cattle-231421">mob lynching</a>.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT).

ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place.

In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism.

The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose sought reponse from the Home Ministry and states including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir while hearing a plea filed by Anti Corruption Council of India Trust (ACCIT). ACCIT sought a direction to the states to comply with the apex court's directions in true letter and spirit as incidents of mob lynching were taking place. In its verdict of July 17 last year, the Supreme Court had said that "horrendous acts of mobocracy" cannot be allowed to overrun the law of the land and issued a slew of guidelines to deal with mob lynching and cow vigilantism. The court had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was a possibility of such incidents, and the completion of trial in these cases within six months.

Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching

Condemning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mps-demand-exemplary-action-against-azam-khan-over-his-sexist-remarks-directed-at-bjp-mp-rama-devi-speaker-to-take-a-decision-238586">sexist remarks made by Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan</a> against BJP lawmaker Rama Devi, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday asked him to seek forgiveness from all women as the statement is against their dignity and respect.&nbsp;

"The kind of inappropriate language used by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/azam-khans-remarks-on-jaya-prada-shows-sps-thinking-and-culture-adityanath-210611">SP MP from UP Azam Khan </a>for the presiding lady in the Lok Sabha yesterday is offensive to women's dignity and respect and it is condemnable. For this, he should apologise not only to the Parliament but to all women," her Hindi tweet translates to.&nbsp;

Khan had sparked a controversy by making objectionable remarks against Rama Devi when she was presiding over the House during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill yesterday.

Cutting across party lines, Lok Sabha members today condemned Khan`s remark and sought action against him.

Speaker Om Birla has assured the House that he will take decision on it shortly.

The Samajwadi Party leader's remarks were perceived to be sexist by the treasury benches and triggering strong objection, to which he said that Rama Devi was very respected and was like a sister to her.

The Rampur lawmaker did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who defended his remarks. &nbsp;

Condemning the sexist remarks made by Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan against BJP lawmaker Rama Devi, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday asked him to seek forgiveness from all women as the statement is against their dignity and respect.

Condemning the sexist remarks made by Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan against BJP lawmaker Rama Devi, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday asked him to seek forgiveness from all women as the statement is against their dignity and respect. "The kind of inappropriate language used by SP MP from UP Azam Khan for the presiding lady in the Lok Sabha yesterday is offensive to women's dignity and respect and it is condemnable. For this, he should apologise not only to the Parliament but to all women," her Hindi tweet translates to. Khan had sparked a controversy by making objectionable remarks against Rama Devi when she was presiding over the House during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill yesterday. Cutting across party lines, Lok Sabha members today condemned Khan`s remark and sought action against him. Speaker Om Birla has assured the House that he will take decision on it shortly. The Samajwadi Party leader's remarks were perceived to be sexist by the treasury benches and triggering strong objection, to which he said that Rama Devi was very respected and was like a sister to her. The Rampur lawmaker did not apologise and said he will resign if he had said anything unparliamentary. He also staged a walkout along with his party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who defended his remarks.

Mayawati condemns Azam Khan's sexist remark, asks him to apologise to all women

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that as per "standard practice," it had received satellite data related to floods in different regions of the country from eight nations including US, Russia, and China, due to its membership of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters.

The non-binding charter has been set up under the UN-SPIDER, which is a platform that facilitates the use of space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response.

"The National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) represents ISRO as a member of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. The charter has been set up under the UN-SPIDER. By combining Earth observation assets from different space agencies, the charter allows resources and expertise to be coordinated for rapid response to major disaster situations," said Raveesh Kumar, MEA`s Spokesperson.

"Whenever there is a natural disaster, NRSC, and member space agencies of other 32 countries which are a part of the charter can activate the charter and then the charter seeks the information pertaining to the disaster-hit area available with all the 33 member space agencies," he added.

"This is the standard practice. Due to the heavy floods in India, the charter was activated on July 17 by NRSC. Under the charter, so far data has been received from eight countries, including USGS, CNES, ESA, ROSCOSMOS, Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA) and 3 others.ISRO has also provided information to other space agencies in response to similar requests," Kumar lastly said.

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, had earlier said that China had provided India with satellite data related to the floods, which has seen widespread damage in regions like Assam, Manipur, Bihar, etc.

While infrastructural damage has been reported, scores of people have also lost their lives due to the floods. Several animals, including the vulnerable rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, have also died in the calamity.&nbsp;

Rescue operations are currently underway in the affected regions.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that as per "standard practice," it had received satellite data related to floods in different regions of the country from eight nations including US, Russia, and China, due to its membership of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that as per "standard practice," it had received satellite data related to floods in different regions of the country from eight nations including US, Russia, and China, due to its membership of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. The non-binding charter has been set up under the UN-SPIDER, which is a platform that facilitates the use of space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response. "The National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) represents ISRO as a member of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. The charter has been set up under the UN-SPIDER. By combining Earth observation assets from different space agencies, the charter allows resources and expertise to be coordinated for rapid response to major disaster situations," said Raveesh Kumar, MEA`s Spokesperson. "Whenever there is a natural disaster, NRSC, and member space agencies of other 32 countries which are a part of the charter can activate the charter and then the charter seeks the information pertaining to the disaster-hit area available with all the 33 member space agencies," he added. "This is the standard practice. Due to the heavy floods in India, the charter was activated on July 17 by NRSC. Under the charter, so far data has been received from eight countries, including USGS, CNES, ESA, ROSCOSMOS, Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA) and 3 others.ISRO has also provided information to other space agencies in response to similar requests," Kumar lastly said. The Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, had earlier said that China had provided India with satellite data related to the floods, which has seen widespread damage in regions like Assam, Manipur, Bihar, etc. While infrastructural damage has been reported, scores of people have also lost their lives due to the floods. Several animals, including the vulnerable rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, have also died in the calamity. Rescue operations are currently underway in the affected regions.

India received satellite data related to floods from 8 countries as per standard practice: MEA

The United States and Afghanistan said Thursday they have agreed to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the conflict in the war-ravaged country.

In a joint statement, Washington and Kabul said the agreement had been reached in a telephone call between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday.

Ghani had asked for clarifications following President Donald Trump's remark that the United States could easily win the war in Afghanistan but didn't "want to kill 10 million people."

Pompeo assured Ghani that "there has been no change to President Trump's South Asia strategy, including US commitment to a conditions-based drawdown" of troops, the statement said.

It said Pompeo and Ghani had agreed that "now is the time to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan."

General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Washington's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, had been sent to Kabul to "discuss in detail the next steps on the road to peace," the statement said.

Khalilzad is then expected to head to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban.

He has held several meetings with the Islamist militants in the past year, the most recent being on July 9, also in Doha.

But the major hurdle has so far been the Taliban's refusal to negotiate directly with the Afghan government.

At least 10 people -- including several women and a child -- were killed and scores more wounded by a series of blasts that rocked the Afghan capital Thursday ahead of the election season.

The Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility for the first two blasts, while the Taliban claimed the third. US and Afghan security officials, however, blamed the Taliban for all three explosions.

The United States and Afghanistan said Thursday they have agreed to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the conflict in the war-ravaged country. In a joint statement, Washington and Kabul said the agreement had been reached in a telephone call between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday.

The United States and Afghanistan said Thursday they have agreed to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the conflict in the war-ravaged country. In a joint statement, Washington and Kabul said the agreement had been reached in a telephone call between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday. Ghani had asked for clarifications following President Donald Trump's remark that the United States could easily win the war in Afghanistan but didn't "want to kill 10 million people." Pompeo assured Ghani that "there has been no change to President Trump's South Asia strategy, including US commitment to a conditions-based drawdown" of troops, the statement said. It said Pompeo and Ghani had agreed that "now is the time to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan." General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Washington's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, had been sent to Kabul to "discuss in detail the next steps on the road to peace," the statement said. Khalilzad is then expected to head to Doha to resume talks with the Taliban. He has held several meetings with the Islamist militants in the past year, the most recent being on July 9, also in Doha. But the major hurdle has so far been the Taliban's refusal to negotiate directly with the Afghan government. At least 10 people -- including several women and a child -- were killed and scores more wounded by a series of blasts that rocked the Afghan capital Thursday ahead of the election season. The Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate claimed responsibility for the first two blasts, while the Taliban claimed the third. US and Afghan security officials, however, blamed the Taliban for all three explosions.

US, Afghanistan agree to accelerate Afghan peace talks

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry.

Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests.

"Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta.

She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date.

In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar.

Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply.

It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally.

PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing.

The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries.

Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents. The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry. Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests. "Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta. She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date. In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar. Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply. It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally. PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing. The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries. Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan opposition parties hold protest rallies against PM Khan

Sri Lanka has ordered the return of 213 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-orders-return-of-smuggled-british-garbage-238016">containers of waste from Britain </a>after finding, plastic and biological waste including suspected human body parts in the shipments, government officials said on Thursday.

Sri Lanka is the latest in a string of Asian countries to reject shipments of waste from Western countries after China banned such imports, disrupting the global flow of millions of tonnes of waste each year.

"There is an investigation going on and we`ve also informed the importers to re-export immediately to the first port it was exported from," said Sri Lanka Customs spokesman Sunil Jayaratne told Reuters.&nbsp;

"The UK has violated the Basel Convention," he said, referring to a UN treaty on the trade of plastic waste.

Over the last two months, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have all ordered the return of waste shipments to Canada, the United States, Japan, France, Australia and other countries.&nbsp;

About 180 countries reached a deal in May to amend the Basel Convention to make global trade in plastic waste more transparent and better regulated, while also ensuring that its management is safer for human health and the environment.&nbsp;

The United States, the world`s top exporter of plastic waste, has not ratified the 30-year-old pact.

Sri Lanka has ordered the return of 213 containers of waste from Britain after finding, plastic and biological waste including suspected human body parts in the shipments, government officials said on Thursday.

Sri Lanka has ordered the return of 213 containers of waste from Britain after finding, plastic and biological waste including suspected human body parts in the shipments, government officials said on Thursday. Sri Lanka is the latest in a string of Asian countries to reject shipments of waste from Western countries after China banned such imports, disrupting the global flow of millions of tonnes of waste each year. "There is an investigation going on and we`ve also informed the importers to re-export immediately to the first port it was exported from," said Sri Lanka Customs spokesman Sunil Jayaratne told Reuters. "The UK has violated the Basel Convention," he said, referring to a UN treaty on the trade of plastic waste. Over the last two months, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have all ordered the return of waste shipments to Canada, the United States, Japan, France, Australia and other countries. About 180 countries reached a deal in May to amend the Basel Convention to make global trade in plastic waste more transparent and better regulated, while also ensuring that its management is safer for human health and the environment. The United States, the world`s top exporter of plastic waste, has not ratified the 30-year-old pact.

Sri Lanka raises stink over waste consignments from Britain

The Rajya Sabha passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-demands-rti-amendment-bill-to-be-sent-to-joint-select-committee-238219">Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019</a> on Thursday, three days after it was cleared from the Lok Sabha.

The Bill was passed after rejecting several amendments and motions seeking to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. 117 members voted against the opposition motion while 75 members voted in its favour. The YSRCP, the BJD, the TRS voted with the government.

Around 218 members had voted in the favour of the bill while 79 voted against it in the Lower House on Monday.

The opposition on Wednesday had demanded that the RTI amendment bill be&nbsp;sent to the Joint Select Committee.

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi held discussions on the bill at the party office in Parliament on Wednesday with Rajya Sabha MPs of Congress and other opposition parties.

The 2005 Act was enacted during the first Congress-led UPA government and the alliance's chairperson Sonia Gandhi sat through the debate.

The changes proposed by the government in the RTI bill include the salaries and the tenures of the Infomation Commissioners at the state and the centre.

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh said that the Bill only states that terms and conditions will be specified by the government and these had not been deliberated upon.

The minister said it had done away with the need for attestations as also interviews for a certain category of jobs to promote transparency and accountability.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Rajya Sabha passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday, three days after it was cleared from the Lok Sabha. The Bill was passed after rejecting several amendments and motions seeking to refer the Bill to a Select Committee.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday, three days after it was cleared from the Lok Sabha. The Bill was passed after rejecting several amendments and motions seeking to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. 117 members voted against the opposition motion while 75 members voted in its favour. The YSRCP, the BJD, the TRS voted with the government. Around 218 members had voted in the favour of the bill while 79 voted against it in the Lower House on Monday. The opposition on Wednesday had demanded that the RTI amendment bill be sent to the Joint Select Committee. Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi held discussions on the bill at the party office in Parliament on Wednesday with Rajya Sabha MPs of Congress and other opposition parties. The 2005 Act was enacted during the first Congress-led UPA government and the alliance's chairperson Sonia Gandhi sat through the debate. The changes proposed by the government in the RTI bill include the salaries and the tenures of the Infomation Commissioners at the state and the centre. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh said that the Bill only states that terms and conditions will be specified by the government and these had not been deliberated upon. The minister said it had done away with the need for attestations as also interviews for a certain category of jobs to promote transparency and accountability. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajya Sabha passes Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill.

The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence.

It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after&nbsp;the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha.

The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a&nbsp;Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand.

The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition.

Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed.

BJP ally Janata Dal (United)&nbsp;opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community.

"We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill.

"Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added.

He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution.

The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged&nbsp;the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion.

Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence. It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha. The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand. The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition. Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed. BJP ally Janata Dal (United) opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community. "We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill. "Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added. He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution. The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion. Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, JD(U), TMC stage walkout

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