Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone.

"Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so. We are a self-respecting nation. All my struggle is focused to make our country one of the great nations of the world based on the principles set by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) upon which he founded the state of Madinah," Khan said while addressing a gathering at Islamabad airport upon returning to Pakistan after his three-day trip to the United States.

Khan`s remarks came in response to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari`s claim of the Prime Minister having caused "embarrassment" to the nation during his maiden visit to the US.

Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal had tweeted, "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can`t get of his container" earlier this week.

"Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition &amp; opposition does opposition then who`s left to run the country?" he added.

Khan, who took a commercial flight to the US instead of a private jet to cut down on expenses, was not accorded due state protocol in the country and was instead received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Dulles International Airport.&nbsp;

During his visit, Khan had his first face-to-face interaction with US President Donald Trump. He also met Secretary of State Micheal R. Pompeo.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone. "Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so. We are a self-respecting nation. All my struggle is focused to make our country one of the great nations of the world based on the principles set by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) upon which he founded the state of Madinah," Khan said while addressing a gathering at Islamabad airport upon returning to Pakistan after his three-day trip to the United States. Khan`s remarks came in response to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari`s claim of the Prime Minister having caused "embarrassment" to the nation during his maiden visit to the US. Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal had tweeted, "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can`t get of his container" earlier this week. "Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition & opposition does opposition then who`s left to run the country?" he added. Khan, who took a commercial flight to the US instead of a private jet to cut down on expenses, was not accorded due state protocol in the country and was instead received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Dulles International Airport. During his visit, Khan had his first face-to-face interaction with US President Donald Trump. He also met Secretary of State Micheal R. Pompeo.

Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so: Imran Khan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Committed to leaving EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances: PM Boris Johnson in Parliament</a>

Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today addressed the House of Commons for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan. In his first address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Johnson said his government's mission was to deliver Brexit by October 31.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-stages-walkout-238448">Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, JD(U), TMC stage walkout</a>

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">Deeply concerned over US warship sailing through Taiwan Strait: China</a>

China expressed "deep concerns" on Thursday over a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy warship sailing&nbsp;through the Taiwan Strait, a day after Beijing warned that it was ready for war if Taiwan moved toward independence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-shipment-of-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-completed-second-planned-turkey-238397">First shipment of Russian S-400 missile defence system completed, second planned: Turkey</a>

The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-president-dies-at-92-presidency-238400">Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi dies at 92</a>

Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said.

Committed to leaving EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances: PM Boris Johnson in Parliament Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today addressed the House of Commons for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan.

Committed to leaving EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances: PM Boris Johnson in Parliament Newly-appointed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today addressed the House of Commons for the first time laying out his government's Brexit plan. In his first address to the British Parliament, Prime Minister Johnson said his government's mission was to deliver Brexit by October 31. Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, JD(U), TMC stage walkout The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. Deeply concerned over US warship sailing through Taiwan Strait: China China expressed "deep concerns" on Thursday over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait, a day after Beijing warned that it was ready for war if Taiwan moved toward independence. First shipment of Russian S-400 missile defence system completed, second planned: Turkey The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday. Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi dies at 92 Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said.

The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations.

He had been hospitalised with a severe illness in late June and was returned to intensive care on Thursday.

Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said. The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations.

Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said. The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations. He had been hospitalised with a severe illness in late June and was returned to intensive care on Thursday.

Tunisia's President  Beji Caid Essebsi dies at 92

When Saudi Aramco was on the verge of a deal last year to buy a stake in an Indian oil refinery, its boss quickly boarded a company jet in Paris and flew to New Delhi.

Chief executive Amin Nasser arrived unannounced early on April 11, 2018, finalised the agreement and signed it later that day. Negotiators had just finished hammering out the details.

His last-minute flight, after a business trip to France with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-doing-spectacular-job-donald-trump-231336">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, underlined the importance of the deal both to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vetoes-measures-blocking-arms-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-238285">Saudi Arabia</a> and its huge state oil firm.

The planned investment in the $44-billion refinery and petrochemical project on India’s west coast is a prime example of how Aramco is trying to squeeze value out of each barrel of oil it produces by snapping up refining capacity, mainly in fast-growing Asia.

But it also underlines the challenge Saudi Arabia faces in reducing its heavy economic reliance on oil. The results of its programme to diversify have been mixed, some projects are moving slowly and others are too ambitious, economic and energy analysts say.

Prince Mohammed's stated goal of being able to "live without oil" by as early as 2020 looks set to be missed.

"Saudi Arabia's oil addiction is as strong as ever...economically, of course, the Saudi economy runs on oil. Oil still dominates GDP, exports and government revenues," said Jim Krane, an energy fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute.

"That said, Saudi Arabia is changing its relationship with oil. The dependence remains. But the kingdom is squeezing more value out of its oil," he said.

The slow progress means the Saudi economy is likely to remain hostage to oil prices for longer than planned. Any delay in implementing change also risks denting Prince Mohammed's image as a reformer.

Securing the future

Announcing his plan three years ago, the Crown Prince said Saudi Arabia must end its "oil addiction" to ensure the world's biggest oil exporter and second-largest producer cannot be "at the mercy of commodity price volatility or external markets."

He spoke after a fall in crude oil prices boosted the Saudi fiscal deficit to about 15 per cent of gross domestic product in 2015, slowing government spending and economic growth.

This year the deficit could hit 7 per cent of GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund, as oil-related growth slows following production cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Aramco is central to the Crown Prince's reform plan in several ways, not least because its planned partial privatisation will generate income for the reforms.

The company has also been involved in most of the kingdom's high-profile deals in the last two years as it increased investment in refining and petrochemicals.

In that time, Aramco has announced at least $50 billion worth of investments in Saudi Arabia, Asia and the United States. It aims to almost triple its chemicals production to 34 million metric tons per year by 2030 and raise its global refining capacity to 8-10 million barrels per day (bpd) from more than 5 million bpd.

In March last year, Aramco finalised a deal to buy a $7billion stake in a refinery and petrochemicals project with Malaysia's Petronas. A month later, Nasser and a consortium of Indian companies signed the initial deal that would give Aramco a stake in the planned 1.2 million bpd refinery in India's western Maharashtra state.

In February of this year, Aramco signed a $10 billion deal for a refining and petrochemical complex in China. Last month it signed 12 deals with South Korea worth billions of dollars, ranging from shipbuilding to an expansion of a refinery owned by Aramco.

"This is what I call the back to basics approach to economic diversification in the Gulf," said Robin Mills, chief executive of energy consultancy Qamar Energy in Dubai. "The energy industry has the assets, capital and skills, so it's the engine of new projects refining, petrochemicals, gas and so on."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

When Saudi Aramco was on the verge of a deal last year to buy a stake in an Indian oil refinery, its boss quickly boarded a company jet in Paris and flew to New Delhi.

When Saudi Aramco was on the verge of a deal last year to buy a stake in an Indian oil refinery, its boss quickly boarded a company jet in Paris and flew to New Delhi. Chief executive Amin Nasser arrived unannounced early on April 11, 2018, finalised the agreement and signed it later that day. Negotiators had just finished hammering out the details. His last-minute flight, after a business trip to France with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underlined the importance of the deal both to Saudi Arabia and its huge state oil firm. The planned investment in the $44-billion refinery and petrochemical project on India’s west coast is a prime example of how Aramco is trying to squeeze value out of each barrel of oil it produces by snapping up refining capacity, mainly in fast-growing Asia. But it also underlines the challenge Saudi Arabia faces in reducing its heavy economic reliance on oil. The results of its programme to diversify have been mixed, some projects are moving slowly and others are too ambitious, economic and energy analysts say. Prince Mohammed's stated goal of being able to "live without oil" by as early as 2020 looks set to be missed. "Saudi Arabia's oil addiction is as strong as ever...economically, of course, the Saudi economy runs on oil. Oil still dominates GDP, exports and government revenues," said Jim Krane, an energy fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. "That said, Saudi Arabia is changing its relationship with oil. The dependence remains. But the kingdom is squeezing more value out of its oil," he said. The slow progress means the Saudi economy is likely to remain hostage to oil prices for longer than planned. Any delay in implementing change also risks denting Prince Mohammed's image as a reformer. Securing the future Announcing his plan three years ago, the Crown Prince said Saudi Arabia must end its "oil addiction" to ensure the world's biggest oil exporter and second-largest producer cannot be "at the mercy of commodity price volatility or external markets." He spoke after a fall in crude oil prices boosted the Saudi fiscal deficit to about 15 per cent of gross domestic product in 2015, slowing government spending and economic growth. This year the deficit could hit 7 per cent of GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund, as oil-related growth slows following production cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Aramco is central to the Crown Prince's reform plan in several ways, not least because its planned partial privatisation will generate income for the reforms. The company has also been involved in most of the kingdom's high-profile deals in the last two years as it increased investment in refining and petrochemicals. In that time, Aramco has announced at least $50 billion worth of investments in Saudi Arabia, Asia and the United States. It aims to almost triple its chemicals production to 34 million metric tons per year by 2030 and raise its global refining capacity to 8-10 million barrels per day (bpd) from more than 5 million bpd. In March last year, Aramco finalised a deal to buy a $7billion stake in a refinery and petrochemicals project with Malaysia's Petronas. A month later, Nasser and a consortium of Indian companies signed the initial deal that would give Aramco a stake in the planned 1.2 million bpd refinery in India's western Maharashtra state. In February of this year, Aramco signed a $10 billion deal for a refining and petrochemical complex in China. Last month it signed 12 deals with South Korea worth billions of dollars, ranging from shipbuilding to an expansion of a refinery owned by Aramco. "This is what I call the back to basics approach to economic diversification in the Gulf," said Robin Mills, chief executive of energy consultancy Qamar Energy in Dubai. "The energy industry has the assets, capital and skills, so it's the engine of new projects refining, petrochemicals, gas and so on."

Old habits die hard: Saudi Arabia struggles to end oil addiction

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/despite-recurring-angina-cardiologist-not-allowed-to-visit-nawaz-sharif-claims-his-daughter-231236">former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a>.

"The following directions of Prime Minister have been intimated for implementation and report `No preferential treatment be given to the criminals and money launders in the prison in Punjab`," stated a letter written by Punjab Home Department to the inspector general of the prison on July 17.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old former Prime Minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail.

Express Tribune reported the government`s order days after Prime Minister Imran Khan told a gathering of Pakistani diaspora in the US that Nawaz eats home-made food in his air-conditioned jail with television in it and said he will ensure the "criminal" does not receive such treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif wants food from home in jail, he wants air conditioning in jail. But in a country where half the population has no air conditioning or TV, what kind of punishment would this be?," said Khan on July 21, while addressing Pakistani diaspora during his three-day visit to the United States.

"I am going to go back and make sure there is no air conditioning or TV for Nawaz Sharif who is a criminal. I know (PML-N leader) Maryam Bibi will make some noise, but I say to her, return the money. It`s as simple as that," he added.

PML-N leader and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maryam-nawaz-dons-black-kurta-with-picture-of-her-father-demanding-his-release-237251">Nawaz daughter`s Maryam Nawaz</a> said that the former prime minister was provided air conditioning after doctors advised a comfortable room temperature for him.

She also attacked Khan and said this move shows "shallowness" of the prime minister.&nbsp;

"Even the team of doctors they [government] put together for Nawaz Sharif advised a comfortable room temperature but our prime minister goes to America and announces that he will take away the facility of AC from Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," she said.

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "The following directions of Prime Minister have been intimated for implementation and report `No preferential treatment be given to the criminals and money launders in the prison in Punjab`," stated a letter written by Punjab Home Department to the inspector general of the prison on July 17. The 69-year-old former Prime Minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail. Express Tribune reported the government`s order days after Prime Minister Imran Khan told a gathering of Pakistani diaspora in the US that Nawaz eats home-made food in his air-conditioned jail with television in it and said he will ensure the "criminal" does not receive such treatment. "Nawaz Sharif wants food from home in jail, he wants air conditioning in jail. But in a country where half the population has no air conditioning or TV, what kind of punishment would this be?," said Khan on July 21, while addressing Pakistani diaspora during his three-day visit to the United States. "I am going to go back and make sure there is no air conditioning or TV for Nawaz Sharif who is a criminal. I know (PML-N leader) Maryam Bibi will make some noise, but I say to her, return the money. It`s as simple as that," he added. PML-N leader and Nawaz daughter`s Maryam Nawaz said that the former prime minister was provided air conditioning after doctors advised a comfortable room temperature for him. She also attacked Khan and said this move shows "shallowness" of the prime minister. "Even the team of doctors they [government] put together for Nawaz Sharif advised a comfortable room temperature but our prime minister goes to America and announces that he will take away the facility of AC from Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," she said.

Pakistan: Punjab government asks jail authorities to remove AC from Nawaz Sharif's cell

A Chinese private company successfully launched its carrier rocket "Hyperbola-1" for the first time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-228567">north China</a> at 13:00 on Thursday, sending a balloon satellite and a BP-1B satellite into the pre-selected orbit.

The carrier rocket Hyperbola-1, the first orbital launch vehicle independently designed by Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Corporation, is a four-stage small solid launch vehicle sent with the vertical thermal emission method.

The rocket's maximum diameter is 1.4 meters, its total length is about 20.8 meters and the liftoff weight is about 31 tons. At an altitude of 500 kilometres in the sun-synchronous orbit, its carrying capacity is about 260 kilograms.

The launched balloon satellite and the BP-1B satellite were developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and Beijing Institute of Technology, respectively, and will conduct a series of technical verification after entering the orbit.

The launch was the first flight of this kind of rocket and the third commercial rocket launch mission organized by Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

A Chinese private company successfully launched its carrier rocket "Hyperbola-1" for the first time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in north China at 13:00 on Thursday, sending a balloon satellite and a BP-1B satellite into the pre-selected orbit.

A Chinese private company successfully launched its carrier rocket "Hyperbola-1" for the first time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in north China at 13:00 on Thursday, sending a balloon satellite and a BP-1B satellite into the pre-selected orbit. The carrier rocket Hyperbola-1, the first orbital launch vehicle independently designed by Beijing Interstellar Glory Space Technology Corporation, is a four-stage small solid launch vehicle sent with the vertical thermal emission method. The rocket's maximum diameter is 1.4 meters, its total length is about 20.8 meters and the liftoff weight is about 31 tons. At an altitude of 500 kilometres in the sun-synchronous orbit, its carrying capacity is about 260 kilograms. The launched balloon satellite and the BP-1B satellite were developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and Beijing Institute of Technology, respectively, and will conduct a series of technical verification after entering the orbit. The launch was the first flight of this kind of rocket and the third commercial rocket launch mission organized by Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

China successfully launches private commercial carrier rocket

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-prime-minister-imran-khan-on-sponsoring-terror-238350&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie07-5itDjAhUE448KHbp2C8IQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1gldJXPBoPiGryxnb9PSG1">Pakistan</a> said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year.

Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission. It launched a rocket into space on Monday in an attempt to safely land a rover on the moon, its most ambitious mission yet.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-ninth-time-arrest-pakistans-bid-to-curb-terror-a-mere-eyewash-reveals-former-envoy-238300&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie07-5itDjAhUE448KHbp2C8IQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0W_ruVb9FrVDv2z17LSfz5">Pakistan</a>'s programme, announced 50 years after the US&nbsp;Apollo 11 mission put the first man on the moon, marks a new departure after focusing on developing communication satellites.

"This will be the biggest space event of our history," Science and Technology Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said in a tweet.

A selection committee would begin choosing candidates in February, he said.

Pakistan's National Space Agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) was set up in 1961. It launched its first communication satellite 50 years later with help from a subsidiary of China Aerospace and Technology Corporation.

Pakistan said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year. Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission.

Pakistan said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year. Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission. It launched a rocket into space on Monday in an attempt to safely land a rover on the moon, its most ambitious mission yet. Pakistan's programme, announced 50 years after the US Apollo 11 mission put the first man on the moon, marks a new departure after focusing on developing communication satellites. "This will be the biggest space event of our history," Science and Technology Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said in a tweet. A selection committee would begin choosing candidates in February, he said. Pakistan's National Space Agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) was set up in 1961. It launched its first communication satellite 50 years later with help from a subsidiary of China Aerospace and Technology Corporation.

Pakistan aims to send first astronaut into space by 2022

Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors Ltd on Thursday reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss that nearly doubled, as a slump in demand for cars continued at home, while plant shutdowns and delays due to Britain's planned exit from the European Union also hurt earnings.

India's biggest automaker by revenue said it lost 36.98 billion rupees ($535.93 million) in the quarter ended June 30, compared to a loss of 19.02 billion rupees a year ago. Revenue fell 7.7% to 608.30 billion rupees.

Analysts on an average expected Tata Motors to report a loss of 19.38 billion rupees in the quarter, according to Refinitiv data.

The results "primarily reflect lower revenue resulting from the weaker market conditions," the company said in a statement.

Revenue from Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, the company's biggest unit, fell 2.8% to 5.07 billion pounds ($6.34 billion).

The Indian auto sector has been plagued by slowing demand due to higher insurance costs and a credit squeeze in recent months, prompting many automakers such as the company's rival, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, to cut production on surging inventories.

Car sales indicate the broader economic consumption pattern, and Tata Motors is the first major automaker to report quarterly numbers, making it a key indicator for the industry's performance.

Passenger vehicle sales in June fell over 17%, data released by the industry's trade body earlier this month showed, resulting in an 18.4% fall for the first quarter as a whole.

Tata completed the $2.3 billion acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, but the iconic British brand has been hit by a trend to move away from diesel cars, as well as political and trade uncertainty related to Brexit.

The company's shares closed down 4.6% in a broader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nifty-sensex-close-lower-for-fifth-day-after-imf-cuts-growth-forecast-238177&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs0u3xgdDjAhVSjuYKHQi9BtUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0D04CHTottvBnFs47brlNm">NSE market</a> that ended 0.17% lower.

Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors Ltd on Thursday reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss that nearly doubled, as a slump in demand for cars continued at home, while plant shutdowns and delays due to Britain's planned exit from the European Union also hurt earnings.

Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors Ltd on Thursday reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss that nearly doubled, as a slump in demand for cars continued at home, while plant shutdowns and delays due to Britain's planned exit from the European Union also hurt earnings. India's biggest automaker by revenue said it lost 36.98 billion rupees ($535.93 million) in the quarter ended June 30, compared to a loss of 19.02 billion rupees a year ago. Revenue fell 7.7% to 608.30 billion rupees. Analysts on an average expected Tata Motors to report a loss of 19.38 billion rupees in the quarter, according to Refinitiv data. The results "primarily reflect lower revenue resulting from the weaker market conditions," the company said in a statement. Revenue from Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, the company's biggest unit, fell 2.8% to 5.07 billion pounds ($6.34 billion). The Indian auto sector has been plagued by slowing demand due to higher insurance costs and a credit squeeze in recent months, prompting many automakers such as the company's rival, Maruti Suzuki Ltd, to cut production on surging inventories. Car sales indicate the broader economic consumption pattern, and Tata Motors is the first major automaker to report quarterly numbers, making it a key indicator for the industry's performance. Passenger vehicle sales in June fell over 17%, data released by the industry's trade body earlier this month showed, resulting in an 18.4% fall for the first quarter as a whole. Tata completed the $2.3 billion acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, but the iconic British brand has been hit by a trend to move away from diesel cars, as well as political and trade uncertainty related to Brexit. The company's shares closed down 4.6% in a broader NSE market that ended 0.17% lower.

Tata Motors first-quarter loss nearly doubles, Jaguar Land Rover challenges continue

Equities traded with a negative bias on Thursday and closed lower for sixth consecutive trading session ahead of the July futures and options (F&amp;O) expiry.

The BSE S&amp;P Sensex closed 17 points lower at 37,831 while the Nifty 50 was down 19 points at 11,252.At the National Stock Exchange, sectoral indices were mixed.&nbsp;

While Nifty pharma gained over 2 per cent and media by over 1 per cent, auto, FMCG, metal and PSU bank were in the red with thin margins.Among stocks, Tata Motors skidded 4.79 per cent lower.&nbsp;

Bajaj Finance was down by 4.3 per cent and Bajaj Finserv by 4.2 per cent.&nbsp;

Coal India closed 3.3 per cent lower, JSW Steel by 2.5 per cent and Bharat Petroleum by 2.3 per cent.

Besides, heavyweight Reliance Industries plunged 1.91 per cent to Rs 1,235 per share. UPL, Yes Bank and NTPC too closed in the negative zone.

However, mining major Vedanta gained over 4.4 per cent and pharma firm Cipla by 3.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The other gainers were Zee Entertainment, Sun Pharma and IndusInd Bank which moved up between 2.4 and 3.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, Asian shares shrugged off a tech-fueled rally on Wall Street a day earlier and saw muted trading on Thursday amid a mixed picture for corporate earnings.

Benchmark indexes nudged higher in Japan, Hong Kong and China but declined in South Korea.

Investors have generally been encouraged in recent days by hopes of some headway in trade negotiations between the United States and China.

There are also expectations that the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy soon.

Equities traded with a negative bias on Thursday and closed lower for sixth consecutive trading session ahead of the July futures and options (F&O) expiry. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 17 points lower at 37,831 while the Nifty 50 was down 19 points at 11,252.

Equities traded with a negative bias on Thursday and closed lower for sixth consecutive trading session ahead of the July futures and options (F&O) expiry. The BSE S&P Sensex closed 17 points lower at 37,831 while the Nifty 50 was down 19 points at 11,252.At the National Stock Exchange, sectoral indices were mixed. While Nifty pharma gained over 2 per cent and media by over 1 per cent, auto, FMCG, metal and PSU bank were in the red with thin margins.Among stocks, Tata Motors skidded 4.79 per cent lower. Bajaj Finance was down by 4.3 per cent and Bajaj Finserv by 4.2 per cent. Coal India closed 3.3 per cent lower, JSW Steel by 2.5 per cent and Bharat Petroleum by 2.3 per cent. Besides, heavyweight Reliance Industries plunged 1.91 per cent to Rs 1,235 per share. UPL, Yes Bank and NTPC too closed in the negative zone. However, mining major Vedanta gained over 4.4 per cent and pharma firm Cipla by 3.5 per cent. The other gainers were Zee Entertainment, Sun Pharma and IndusInd Bank which moved up between 2.4 and 3.2 per cent. Meanwhile, Asian shares shrugged off a tech-fueled rally on Wall Street a day earlier and saw muted trading on Thursday amid a mixed picture for corporate earnings. Benchmark indexes nudged higher in Japan, Hong Kong and China but declined in South Korea. Investors have generally been encouraged in recent days by hopes of some headway in trade negotiations between the United States and China. There are also expectations that the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy soon.

Equity indices end flat after volatile trading, Tata Motors skids 4.8%

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">Karnataka Assembly</a> Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

"I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karnataka-rebel-mlas-to-withdraw-petition-on-trust-vote-238369"> Supreme Court</a> very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said.

Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken.

"I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bjp-leaders-meet-amit-shah-and-jp-nadda-discuss-government-formation-238344"> Karnataka BJP leaders </a>meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi.

A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy.

Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly.&nbsp;

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.&nbsp;

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S).

Karnataka Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar on Thursday said that he is still looking into the resignations submitted by rebel MLAs belonging to Congress and JD(S). "I cannot discuss the judicial proceedings with the media but I am still going through the resignations. I respect Supreme Court very much. They have given me the discretion and I will live up to their expectations," he said. Answering a question on the criteria under which the resignations will be accepted, the Speaker said that it is all laid down in the law and accordingly the decision will be taken. "I don`t know. The trust vote has been put (to vote) and with the rest, I have nothing to do with it," he said on senior Karnataka BJP leaders meeting Home Minister Amit Shah today in Delhi. A Karnataka BJP delegation met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the future course of action in Karnataka. Among those present at the meeting were Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, Arvind Limbavali and J C Madhuswamy. Speaking to ANI before going for the meeting, senior BJP leader Aravind Limbavali said, "We are here to take guidance from the central leadership for the formation of the new government. We will discuss the strategies and an action plan." The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Still going through resignations: Karnataka Speaker on rebel MLAs

London's Westminster Court on Thursday extended the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-court-extends-nirav-modis-remand-till-july-25-230888">custody of Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi </a>by August 22.

Modi is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-aides-to-pay-rs-7300-crore-with-interest-to-pnb-debt-recovery-tribunal-233529">fraud and money laundering case</a>.

The 48-year-old, who fights his extradition from Britain to India has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March.

Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19.

An arrest warrant was issued against him in May and then the second one in July last year, with an extradition request made to the UK authorities in August 2018.

The UK High Court on June 12 rejected Modi's bail application, his fourth attempt to get bail.

&nbsp;

London's Westminster Court on Thursday extended the custody of Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi by August 22. Modi is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

London's Westminster Court on Thursday extended the custody of Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi by August 22. Modi is wanted in India in connection with the nearly $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old, who fights his extradition from Britain to India has been behind bars at Wandsworth prison in south-west London since his arrest in March. Modi was arrested by uniformed Scotland Yard officers on an extradition warrant on March 19. An arrest warrant was issued against him in May and then the second one in July last year, with an extradition request made to the UK authorities in August 2018. The UK High Court on June 12 rejected Modi's bail application, his fourth attempt to get bail.

UK court extends Nirav Modi's custody by August 22

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-government-introduces-triple-talaq-bill-229372">Triple Talaq Bill</a> was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-clash-as-ravi-shankar-prasad-introduces-triple-talaq-bill-in-lok-sabha-229183"> Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> urging 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.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance brought earlier by the government.

Watch: What is the Triple Talaq Bill?

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Prasad said the Bill has safeguards that a complaint can be filed by a woman and her relatives, there was a scope of compromise and bail can be given by a magistrate after hearing the complainant woman.

He said 345 cases have been reported in the media since the Supreme Court held triple talaq unconstitutional.

Citing instances, he said instant triple talaq was being given on flimsy grounds.

"Should they (Muslim women) hang the Supreme Court verdict in their homes?" he asked.

Prasad urged the members to not look at the Bill from a political prism."It is a matter of justice and humanity. It is not of politics or religion but of justice, respect and dignity of women," he said.&nbsp;

The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urging the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion.

The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Thursday with Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urging 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. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance brought earlier by the government. Watch: What is the Triple Talaq Bill? × Prasad said the Bill has safeguards that a complaint can be filed by a woman and her relatives, there was a scope of compromise and bail can be given by a magistrate after hearing the complainant woman. He said 345 cases have been reported in the media since the Supreme Court held triple talaq unconstitutional. Citing instances, he said instant triple talaq was being given on flimsy grounds. "Should they (Muslim women) hang the Supreme Court verdict in their homes?" he asked. Prasad urged the members to not look at the Bill from a political prism."It is a matter of justice and humanity. It is not of politics or religion but of justice, respect and dignity of women," he said.

Lok Sabha takes up discussion on Triple Talaq Bill; Ravi Shankar Prasad says it is for dignity of women

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