<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-national-investigation-agency-amendment-bill-236691">US regulator imposes $5 billion fine on Facebook over privacy probe</a>

The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;as part of its privacy probe. Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188">Pleased to hand over charge to Boris Johnson, says Theresa May in British Parliament</a>

Outgoing British PM Theresa May took her questions from MPs for the last time&nbsp;in House of Commons&nbsp;ahead of submitting her resignation to the Queen on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-for-negotiations-but-will-not-surrender-rouhani-on-standoff-with-us-238156">Ready for negotiations but will not surrender: Rouhani on standoff with US</a>

Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-extends-hafiz-saeeds-judicial-remand-for-14-more-days-238155">Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days</a>

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-unlawful-activities-prevention-amendment-bill-238169">Lok Sabha passes Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill</a>

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate.&nbsp;During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

&nbsp;

US regulator imposes $5 billion fine on Facebook over privacy probe The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on Facebook as part of its privacy probe. Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement.

US regulator imposes $5 billion fine on Facebook over privacy probe The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on Facebook as part of its privacy probe. Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement. Pleased to hand over charge to Boris Johnson, says Theresa May in British Parliament Outgoing British PM Theresa May took her questions from MPs for the last time in House of Commons ahead of submitting her resignation to the Queen on Wednesday. Ready for negotiations but will not surrender: Rouhani on standoff with US Iran is ready for "just" negotiations but not if they mean surrender, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, without saying what talks he had in mind. Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing. Lok Sabha passes Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

News brief: Big stories of the day

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament

With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha.

Amid huge protest from the opposition, the bill was passed with 218 members voting in its favour and 79 against it in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The opposition on Wednesday demanded that the RTI amendment bill is 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 meeting was attended by Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma and other leaders of 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)

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha.

After the passage of the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 from the Lok Sabha, the government is finding it difficult to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha- the Upper House of the Parliament With 116 members in the Upper House, the Centre is falling short of five members to clear the bill from the Rajya Sabha. Amid huge protest from the opposition, the bill was passed with 218 members voting in its favour and 79 against it in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The opposition on Wednesday demanded that the RTI amendment bill is 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 meeting was attended by Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma and other leaders of 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)

Opposition demands RTI Amendment Bill to be sent to Joint Select Committee

Boeing reported a second-quarter loss of $2.9 billion Wednesday as the grounding of 737 MAX following two deadly crashes continues to weigh on the company.

The loss, the biggest ever in a single quarter for the aerospace giant, follows last week's announcement that Boeing would set aside $4.9 billion after taxes to compensate airlines for cancelled flights and the delay in plane deliveries.&nbsp;

Revenues tumbled 35.1 per cent to $15.8 billion, reflecting the hit from a halt to deliveries of the 737 MAX, a top-selling plane.

Boeing also pushed back the timeframe for first flights of the 777X, a new long-haul plane under development. It pointed to problems with the 777X engine, which is being built by General Electric.&nbsp;

The 737 MAX has been grounded since mid-March following the second of two crashes that together claimed 346 lives.

Boeing is developing a software fix to address a problem with a flight handling system that was linked to both crashes.

"Disciplined development and testing is underway and we will submit the final software package to the FAA once we have satisfied all of their certification requirements," Boeing said.

Boeing has said it is targeting early in the fourth quarter to win approval from regulators.

The company, which has pulled its full-year profit forecast due to uncertainty about the MAX, boosted dividend payments in the second quarter. Compared with last year, Boeing spent $1.2 billion in dividends, up 20 per cent from the year-ago period.

Shares fell 0.8 per cent to $369.84 in pre-market trading.

Boeing reported a second-quarter loss of $2.9 billion Wednesday as the grounding of 737 MAX following two deadly crashes continues to weigh on the company. The loss, the biggest ever in a single quarter for the aerospace giant, follows last week's announcement that Boeing would set aside $4.

Boeing reported a second-quarter loss of $2.9 billion Wednesday as the grounding of 737 MAX following two deadly crashes continues to weigh on the company. The loss, the biggest ever in a single quarter for the aerospace giant, follows last week's announcement that Boeing would set aside $4.9 billion after taxes to compensate airlines for cancelled flights and the delay in plane deliveries. Revenues tumbled 35.1 per cent to $15.8 billion, reflecting the hit from a halt to deliveries of the 737 MAX, a top-selling plane. Boeing also pushed back the timeframe for first flights of the 777X, a new long-haul plane under development. It pointed to problems with the 777X engine, which is being built by General Electric. The 737 MAX has been grounded since mid-March following the second of two crashes that together claimed 346 lives. Boeing is developing a software fix to address a problem with a flight handling system that was linked to both crashes. "Disciplined development and testing is underway and we will submit the final software package to the FAA once we have satisfied all of their certification requirements," Boeing said. Boeing has said it is targeting early in the fourth quarter to win approval from regulators. The company, which has pulled its full-year profit forecast due to uncertainty about the MAX, boosted dividend payments in the second quarter. Compared with last year, Boeing spent $1.2 billion in dividends, up 20 per cent from the year-ago period. Shares fell 0.8 per cent to $369.84 in pre-market trading.

Boeing reports $2.9 billion loss in 2Q, biggest quarterly loss ever

Indian shares marked their worst losing streak since mid-May on Wednesday after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its annual growth forecast for the country, with losses seen across the board.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.53% lower at 11,271.3, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.36% at 37,847.65. This was the indexes` fifth straight session of losses.

Port infrastructure company Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd declined 4.7% and was the top percentage loser on the NSE Nifty, while shadow bank Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd fell 4.5% to its lowest close in nearly four weeks.

Meanwhile, shares of Interglobe Aviation Ltd, the owner of India`s top airline IndiGo, recovered from early losses to close 4.7% higher after TV channels reported that promoters of the airline had called a truce.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd led the 10 components of the Nifty 50 index that ended in the green, closing up 5.2% after reporting a jump in quarterly profit.

Indian shares marked their worst losing streak since mid-May on Wednesday after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its annual growth forecast for the country, with losses seen across the board.

Indian shares marked their worst losing streak since mid-May on Wednesday after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its annual growth forecast for the country, with losses seen across the board. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.53% lower at 11,271.3, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.36% at 37,847.65. This was the indexes` fifth straight session of losses. Port infrastructure company Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd declined 4.7% and was the top percentage loser on the NSE Nifty, while shadow bank Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd fell 4.5% to its lowest close in nearly four weeks. Meanwhile, shares of Interglobe Aviation Ltd, the owner of India`s top airline IndiGo, recovered from early losses to close 4.7% higher after TV channels reported that promoters of the airline had called a truce. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd led the 10 components of the Nifty 50 index that ended in the green, closing up 5.2% after reporting a jump in quarterly profit.

Nifty, Sensex close lower for fifth day after IMF cuts growth forecast

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate.&nbsp;

During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions.

Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee.&nbsp;

Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent.

Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right".&nbsp;

"The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said.

He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent.

He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue.

"There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said.&nbsp;

Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed.

Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism".

"In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said.

"We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states. Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions. Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee. Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent. Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right". "The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said. He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent. He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue. "There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said. Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed. Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism". "In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said. "We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

Lok Sabha passes Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahujan-samaj-party-expels-lone-karnataka-mla-for-abstaining-from-trust-vote-238053">expelled from the party </a>for not voting in support of the on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-kumaraswamys-congress-jds-government-loses-floor-test-in-karnataka-assembly-237989">trust motion in the Assembly</a>, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral.

"I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday.

To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it."

"I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said.

"I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added.&nbsp;

When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything."

To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled."

"It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added.

"I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state.&nbsp;

Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

"Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted.

Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy.

The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion.

The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition.

Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral.

The lone BSP MLA N Mahesh in Karnataka, who was expelled from the party for not voting in support of the on the trust motion in the Assembly, claimed on Wednesday that his party high command had asked him to abstain from voting and remain neutral. He also said he will not support the BJP government and would remain neutral. "I came to know about it today and that is why I have come here to clarify that. Our party in charge M P Ashok Siddharth told me to abstain from voting, keep neutral and don`t support any party. That was the instruction given to me and accordingly, I got myself absent," he told ANI reacting to his expulsion from the party on Wednesday. To a question on BSP supremo Mayawati expelling him from the party for not supporting the coalition government, Mahesh said, "I don`t know that and today only I came to know about it." "I have not violated any discipline or Behenji`s (Mayawati`s) order," he said. "I have not violated anything. According to directions of the high command I got myself absent, keeping neutral." he added. When asked whether he was surprised by the expulsion, Mahesh said, "It is surprising for me as I have not violated anything." To a question, did you speak to Mayawati? he said, "No Today I came back. I was away from Bengaluru for nearly one week. I was in my constituency. So today morning I came to know that I am expelled." "It may be a miscommunication. I have got all justice from my party. I will stay in BSP today and tomorrow," he added. "I will not support the BJP. Let them form the government, I will keep neutral," he said when asked whether he will support the BJP to form the government in the state. Yesterday, BSP had expelled Mahesh for abstaining from voting on the trust motion, despite being directed by the party high command to vote in favour of the Congress-JD(S) coalition. "Despite directions from party high command to vote in favour of HD Kumaraswamy, BSP MLA N Mahesh did not attend the trust vote and violated directions, which is an act of indiscipline. Party has taken this seriously and expelled him with immediate effect," BSP supremo Mayawati tweeted. Mahesh was not present in the Assembly during the trust vote, which was moved by Kumaraswamy. The 14-month-old Congress JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka fell on Tuesday after it was defeated on the floor of the Karnataka Assembly with about 20 MLAs of the ruling coalition defying their party whips and absenting from voting on the confidence motion. The coalition got 99 votes as against 105 of the opposition. Ahead of the trust vote, Mayawati had on Sunday directed Mahesh to vote in support of the coalition.

I was told by party high command to abstain from voting: Karnataka BSP MLA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>'s judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076">Pakistan</a> court.&nbsp;

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations.

Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

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India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations. Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed × India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday he would seek an urgent judicial review of a report in which the country`s graft watchdog concluded that he misled parliament over a campaign donation.&nbsp;

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane`s report followed an investigation by the watchdog into a 500,000 rand ($35,878.56) donation to Ramaphosa`s 2017 campaign for the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from the CEO of Bosasa, a services company.

Ramaphosa said the report`s findings were not rational, based in fact or arrived at through a fair and impartial process, and that he would seek a judicial review of the report, its conclusions and the remedial action it recommended.&nbsp;

"After careful study, I have concluded that the report is fundamentally and irretrievably flawed," Ramaphosa told a media briefing, adding that it was therefore appropriate the courts make a final and impartial judgment on the matter.

A spokesman for the public protector did not immediately reply to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Mkhwebane, who began the investigation following a complaint from South Africa`s opposition, said on Friday she found the president had "deliberately misled" parliament and violated the executive ethics code in regards to the donation.&nbsp;

The saga has proven a headache for Ramaphosa, who has staked his reputation on cleaning up deep-rooted corruption and reviving Africa`s most developed economy, and provided ammunition for his enemies - namely an ANC faction loyal to his predecessor Jacob Zuma.

Ramaphosa initially told parliament that the money received by his son Andile was obtained for services he had provided, but later corrected this by saying the payment was actually a donation towards his campaign.

The remedial actions Mkhwebane recommended included that the speaker of the national assembly demand the publication, within 30 days of receiving the report, of all donations received by Ramaphosa.

She also instructed the chief prosecutor to investigate whether Ramaphosa`s campaign had laundered money in its handling of donations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday he would seek an urgent judicial review of a report in which the country`s graft watchdog concluded that he misled parliament over a campaign donation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday he would seek an urgent judicial review of a report in which the country`s graft watchdog concluded that he misled parliament over a campaign donation. Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane`s report followed an investigation by the watchdog into a 500,000 rand ($35,878.56) donation to Ramaphosa`s 2017 campaign for the leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) from the CEO of Bosasa, a services company. Ramaphosa said the report`s findings were not rational, based in fact or arrived at through a fair and impartial process, and that he would seek a judicial review of the report, its conclusions and the remedial action it recommended. "After careful study, I have concluded that the report is fundamentally and irretrievably flawed," Ramaphosa told a media briefing, adding that it was therefore appropriate the courts make a final and impartial judgment on the matter. A spokesman for the public protector did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Mkhwebane, who began the investigation following a complaint from South Africa`s opposition, said on Friday she found the president had "deliberately misled" parliament and violated the executive ethics code in regards to the donation. The saga has proven a headache for Ramaphosa, who has staked his reputation on cleaning up deep-rooted corruption and reviving Africa`s most developed economy, and provided ammunition for his enemies - namely an ANC faction loyal to his predecessor Jacob Zuma. Ramaphosa initially told parliament that the money received by his son Andile was obtained for services he had provided, but later corrected this by saying the payment was actually a donation towards his campaign. The remedial actions Mkhwebane recommended included that the speaker of the national assembly demand the publication, within 30 days of receiving the report, of all donations received by Ramaphosa. She also instructed the chief prosecutor to investigate whether Ramaphosa`s campaign had laundered money in its handling of donations.

South Africa's Ramaphosa seeks judicial review of graft watchdog's allegations

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-calls-for-prudence-and-foresight-as-tensions-mount-with-uk-237486">seizure of a British flagged tanker by Iran</a> is in "clear violation of international law" because it was in Omani waters, the head of the UK Chamber of Shipping said on Sunday.

On Saturday British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-probe-into-seized-ship-depends-on-crew-cooperation-237435">Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters</a> in clear contravention of international law and then forced to sail into Iran. Iran says the tanker was captured after it collided with a fishing boat.

"The chart released by Her Majesty's government today clearly demonstrates that the Swedish-owned and British-flagged tanker, Stena Impero, was in Oman territorial waters when she was boarded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday 19th July," said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

"The evidence provided is proof that the seizing of the Stena Impero was in clear violation of international law."

Sanguinetti added that there is no comparison to be made with the seizure of Grace I, which was done under international law for the breach of EU sanctions.

"The Stena Impero was outside Iranian waters and legitimately carrying out its business at the time of its seizure," he said.

Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that only "prudence and foresight" could alleviate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-warship-warned-iranian-forces-against-seizing-tanker-237484">tensions between his country and Britain</a>&nbsp;after Tehran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker.

Watch: US-Iran tensions Soar after tanker seizure

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Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of its Grace 1 oil tanker by British forces for violating European Union sanctions on Syria.

Britain needs to contain "those domestic political forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and the UK well beyond the issue of ships," Iran's envoy to Britain Hamid Baeidinejad said on Twitter.

"This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," he said, adding that Iran "is firm and ready for different scenarios."

Britain's junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood did not rule out the possibility of targeting Tehran with sanctions in response.

Tehran's seizure of the Stena Impero followed the July 4 capture by Royal Marines of the Grace 1 tanker carrying Iranian oil near Gibraltar.

The seizure of a British flagged tanker by Iran is in "clear violation of international law" because it was in Omani waters, the head of the UK Chamber of Shipping said on Sunday.

The seizure of a British flagged tanker by Iran is in "clear violation of international law" because it was in Omani waters, the head of the UK Chamber of Shipping said on Sunday. On Saturday British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said the Stena Impero was seized in Omani waters in clear contravention of international law and then forced to sail into Iran. Iran says the tanker was captured after it collided with a fishing boat. "The chart released by Her Majesty's government today clearly demonstrates that the Swedish-owned and British-flagged tanker, Stena Impero, was in Oman territorial waters when she was boarded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday 19th July," said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping. "The evidence provided is proof that the seizing of the Stena Impero was in clear violation of international law." Sanguinetti added that there is no comparison to be made with the seizure of Grace I, which was done under international law for the breach of EU sanctions. "The Stena Impero was outside Iranian waters and legitimately carrying out its business at the time of its seizure," he said. Iran's top diplomat said on Sunday that only "prudence and foresight" could alleviate tensions between his country and Britain after Tehran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker. Watch: US-Iran tensions Soar after tanker seizure × Tehran for weeks has vowed to retaliate for the seizure of its Grace 1 oil tanker by British forces for violating European Union sanctions on Syria. Britain needs to contain "those domestic political forces who want to escalate existing tension between Iran and the UK well beyond the issue of ships," Iran's envoy to Britain Hamid Baeidinejad said on Twitter. "This is quite dangerous and unwise at a sensitive time in the region," he said, adding that Iran "is firm and ready for different scenarios." Britain's junior defence minister Tobias Ellwood did not rule out the possibility of targeting Tehran with sanctions in response. Tehran's seizure of the Stena Impero followed the July 4 capture by Royal Marines of the Grace 1 tanker carrying Iranian oil near Gibraltar.

Seizure of British-flagged tanker 'clear violation of international law': UK Chamber of Shipping

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up his attacks on four liberal Democrats in Congress, all women of color who have criticized his policies, calling on them to apologize as he himself faced charges of racism.

The Republican president`s incendiary comments dovetail with the anti-immigrant stance he has embraced since his 2016 campaign for the White House, which included saying Mexico was sending rapists into the country and seeking to ban people from Muslim-majority nations.

"I don`t believe the four Congresswomen are capable of loving our Country. They should apologize to America (and Israel) for the horrible (hateful) things they have said," Trump said in a Twitter post.

Trump ignited controversy last weekend when he tweeted that the Democratic congresswomen should "go back" to where they came from if they do not like the United States.&nbsp;

Three of the lawmakers - US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - were born in the United States. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota came as a refugee from Somalia and is a naturalized citizen.&nbsp;

The first-term congresswomen, known as "the squad," have been very critical of Trump and have also challenged their own Democratic leadership.

US Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight Committee, denounced Trump`s latest attack and said he had "no doubt" that Trump was a racist.

"These are folks and women who love their country and they work very hard and they want to move us towards that more perfect union that our founding fathers talked about," Cummings, who is African-American, said on ABC`s "This Week."

"So when you disagree with the president, suddenly you`re a bad person. Our allegiance is not to the president. Our allegiance is to the Constitution of the United States of America and to the American people."

A day after saying his audience at a campaign rally in North Carolina went too far in chanting "Send her back!" about Omar, Trump on Friday defended the crowd members as "incredible patriots."

Omar said after Wednesday night`s rally that Trump was "spewing fascist ideology." On Saturday, Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of intentionally egging on the vitriol, pausing while the crowd chanted.

"Roll back the tape ... He relished it. He took it in and he`s doing this intentionally," she said at a town hall meeting on immigration in Queens. 
Stephen Miller, Trump`s top immigration adviser, said the president made clear he disagreed with the "Send her back" chants.

"The core issue is that all the people in that audience, and millions of patriotic Americans all across this country are tired of being beat up, condescended to, looked down upon, talked down to by members of Congress on the left in Washington, DC, and their allies in many quarters of the media," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up his attacks on four liberal Democrats in Congress, all women of color who have criticized his policies, calling on them to apologize as he himself faced charges of racism.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday stepped up his attacks on four liberal Democrats in Congress, all women of color who have criticized his policies, calling on them to apologize as he himself faced charges of racism. The Republican president`s incendiary comments dovetail with the anti-immigrant stance he has embraced since his 2016 campaign for the White House, which included saying Mexico was sending rapists into the country and seeking to ban people from Muslim-majority nations. "I don`t believe the four Congresswomen are capable of loving our Country. They should apologize to America (and Israel) for the horrible (hateful) things they have said," Trump said in a Twitter post. Trump ignited controversy last weekend when he tweeted that the Democratic congresswomen should "go back" to where they came from if they do not like the United States. Three of the lawmakers - US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - were born in the United States. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota came as a refugee from Somalia and is a naturalized citizen. The first-term congresswomen, known as "the squad," have been very critical of Trump and have also challenged their own Democratic leadership. US Representative Elijah Cummings, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Oversight Committee, denounced Trump`s latest attack and said he had "no doubt" that Trump was a racist. "These are folks and women who love their country and they work very hard and they want to move us towards that more perfect union that our founding fathers talked about," Cummings, who is African-American, said on ABC`s "This Week." "So when you disagree with the president, suddenly you`re a bad person. Our allegiance is not to the president. Our allegiance is to the Constitution of the United States of America and to the American people." A day after saying his audience at a campaign rally in North Carolina went too far in chanting "Send her back!" about Omar, Trump on Friday defended the crowd members as "incredible patriots." Omar said after Wednesday night`s rally that Trump was "spewing fascist ideology." On Saturday, Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of intentionally egging on the vitriol, pausing while the crowd chanted. "Roll back the tape ... He relished it. He took it in and he`s doing this intentionally," she said at a town hall meeting on immigration in Queens. Stephen Miller, Trump`s top immigration adviser, said the president made clear he disagreed with the "Send her back" chants. "The core issue is that all the people in that audience, and millions of patriotic Americans all across this country are tired of being beat up, condescended to, looked down upon, talked down to by members of Congress on the left in Washington, DC, and their allies in many quarters of the media," he said on "Fox News Sunday."

Trump says Democratic congresswoman 'should apologize to America'

Two wheelchair-bound candidates won seats in Japan`s upper house vote on Sunday, media projections showed, a sign of changing attitudes towards disabled people in a country where they have long been encouraged to stay in the shadow.

Yasuhiko Funago, a vice president of a company that provides elderly and patient care, has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease in which patients gradually lose control of most of their muscles.

Although a lower house lawmaker in the past was diagnosed with ALS after winning a seat, no one had previously begun a career in parliament after being diagnosed with the disease, according to the Japan ALS Association.

The other candidate is Eiko Kimura, who has cerebral palsy. Both of them were running from a small opposition group, the Reiwa Shinsengumi.&nbsp;

"We will of course have specialists accompany them and look after them," Taro Yamamoto, head of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, told a commercial broadcaster after polls closed on Sunday evening.

"But primary responsibility to take care them falls on parliament, which will be called on to provide them with reasonable accommodation."

Besides Funago and Kimura, Rie Saito, who lost her hearing as an infant, was running from the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.&nbsp;

Media had not yet called her race, but if Saito wins, she will be the first deaf member of parliament in post-World War Two Japan.

Experts in disability issues said before Sunday`s election that these rare candidacies were welcome developments but also were intended to signal greater change is needed, even as Japan prepares to host the Paralympic Games next year.

During the election campaign, Funago and Kimura said they would seek education reforms as lawmakers to help create a society where people with disabilities can lead better lives.&nbsp;

People with physical or intellectual disability as well as with mental disorder, account for about 8% of the Japanese population.

Two wheelchair-bound candidates won seats in Japan`s upper house vote on Sunday, media projections showed, a sign of changing attitudes towards disabled people in a country where they have long been encouraged to stay in the shadow.

Two wheelchair-bound candidates won seats in Japan`s upper house vote on Sunday, media projections showed, a sign of changing attitudes towards disabled people in a country where they have long been encouraged to stay in the shadow. Yasuhiko Funago, a vice president of a company that provides elderly and patient care, has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease in which patients gradually lose control of most of their muscles. Although a lower house lawmaker in the past was diagnosed with ALS after winning a seat, no one had previously begun a career in parliament after being diagnosed with the disease, according to the Japan ALS Association. The other candidate is Eiko Kimura, who has cerebral palsy. Both of them were running from a small opposition group, the Reiwa Shinsengumi. "We will of course have specialists accompany them and look after them," Taro Yamamoto, head of the Reiwa Shinsengumi, told a commercial broadcaster after polls closed on Sunday evening. "But primary responsibility to take care them falls on parliament, which will be called on to provide them with reasonable accommodation." Besides Funago and Kimura, Rie Saito, who lost her hearing as an infant, was running from the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Media had not yet called her race, but if Saito wins, she will be the first deaf member of parliament in post-World War Two Japan. Experts in disability issues said before Sunday`s election that these rare candidacies were welcome developments but also were intended to signal greater change is needed, even as Japan prepares to host the Paralympic Games next year. During the election campaign, Funago and Kimura said they would seek education reforms as lawmakers to help create a society where people with disabilities can lead better lives. People with physical or intellectual disability as well as with mental disorder, account for about 8% of the Japanese population.

Two severely-disabled candidates win seats in Japan upper house vote

India's current account deficit (CAD) is expected to remain largely steady at 16 billion to 17 billion dollars or 2.3 per cent of GDP in the first quarter (April to June) of the current fiscal year 2019-20 despite the recent contraction in merchandise exports and imports, according to investment information firm ICRA.

This de-growth is likely to persist in the immediate term, given the year-on-year decline in crude oil prices and impact of recent customs duty hike on gold and precious metals.

Such factors in addition to the threat imposed by global trade wars as well as sluggish domestic demand are likely to restrict the overall growth of both merchandise exports and imports to low single digits.&nbsp;

ICRA forecasts India`s CAD to widen to 63 billion to 68 billion dollars in FY20 from 57.2 billion dollars in FY19 while remaining steady at around 2.1 per cent of GDP.

"The widening in the merchandise trade deficit is likely to be absorbed by a mildly higher services trade surplus and remittance flows in Q1 FY20," said ICRA`s Principal Economist Aditi Nayar.

&nbsp;"As a result, the CAD is expected to remain largely steady at 16 to 17 billion dollars or 2.3 per cent of GDP in the just-concluded quarter relative to 15.8 billion dollars in Q1 FY19."

Recently released data indicates that India`s merchandise exports and imports contracted by 1.7 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively in Q1 FY20."The prevailing year-on-year decline in crude oil prices and a temporary dip in gold imports following the tax changes introduced in the Union Budget may well result in a contraction in aggregate merchandise imports as well as exports in July 2019," said Nayar.

"However, both these factors will contribute to a sizeable reduction in the size of the trade deficit in July 2019 to about 16 to 16.5 billion dollars from 18.6 billion dollars recorded on July 2018, which was the highest monthly print for FY19," she said in a statement.

An anticipated decline in the average price of the Indian basket of crude oil to 65 dollars a barrel in FY20 from 70 dollars a barrel in FY19, the risk related to global trade wars and signs of moderation in domestic consumption and industrial demand will exert a drag on the headline pace of expansion of merchandise exports and imports in the ongoing year.&nbsp;

Moreover, high gold prices may restrict growth in demand for imports of the precious metal.&nbsp;

At present, ICRA anticipates that merchandise exports and imports will grow by a low two to three per cent and four to five per cent respectively in FY20.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, with the pace of growth of inbound shipments likely to exceed that of exports.

ICRA expects the merchandise trade deficit to widen to about 193 billion to 198 billion dollars in FY20 from 180 billion dollars in FY18.&nbsp;

A revival in gold imports closer to the festive season may push up the CAD size to 28 billion to 30 billion dollars in the second half of FY20, relative to the 21.5 billion dollars recorded in the second half of FY19.

Overall, ICRA expects India`s CAD to widen at an absolute level for the third year in a row to 63 billion to 68 billion dollars in FY20 from 57.2 billion dollars in FY19 &nbsp;while remaining steady at around 2.1 per cent of the GDP.

A sustained pick-up in the price of crude oil, which appears to be an unlikely scenario at present, remains a risk to the CAD size.&nbsp;

According to ICRA, every one dollar a barrel increase in the average price of crude oil in FY20 is likely to expand the CAD by about 1.6 billion dollars.

India's current account deficit (CAD) is expected to remain largely steady at 16 billion to 17 billion dollars or 2.3 per cent of GDP in the first quarter (April to June) of the current fiscal year 2019-20 despite the recent contraction in merchandise exports and imports, according to investment information firm ICRA.

India's current account deficit (CAD) is expected to remain largely steady at 16 billion to 17 billion dollars or 2.3 per cent of GDP in the first quarter (April to June) of the current fiscal year 2019-20 despite the recent contraction in merchandise exports and imports, according to investment information firm ICRA. This de-growth is likely to persist in the immediate term, given the year-on-year decline in crude oil prices and impact of recent customs duty hike on gold and precious metals. Such factors in addition to the threat imposed by global trade wars as well as sluggish domestic demand are likely to restrict the overall growth of both merchandise exports and imports to low single digits. ICRA forecasts India`s CAD to widen to 63 billion to 68 billion dollars in FY20 from 57.2 billion dollars in FY19 while remaining steady at around 2.1 per cent of GDP. "The widening in the merchandise trade deficit is likely to be absorbed by a mildly higher services trade surplus and remittance flows in Q1 FY20," said ICRA`s Principal Economist Aditi Nayar. "As a result, the CAD is expected to remain largely steady at 16 to 17 billion dollars or 2.3 per cent of GDP in the just-concluded quarter relative to 15.8 billion dollars in Q1 FY19." Recently released data indicates that India`s merchandise exports and imports contracted by 1.7 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively in Q1 FY20."The prevailing year-on-year decline in crude oil prices and a temporary dip in gold imports following the tax changes introduced in the Union Budget may well result in a contraction in aggregate merchandise imports as well as exports in July 2019," said Nayar. "However, both these factors will contribute to a sizeable reduction in the size of the trade deficit in July 2019 to about 16 to 16.5 billion dollars from 18.6 billion dollars recorded on July 2018, which was the highest monthly print for FY19," she said in a statement. An anticipated decline in the average price of the Indian basket of crude oil to 65 dollars a barrel in FY20 from 70 dollars a barrel in FY19, the risk related to global trade wars and signs of moderation in domestic consumption and industrial demand will exert a drag on the headline pace of expansion of merchandise exports and imports in the ongoing year. Moreover, high gold prices may restrict growth in demand for imports of the precious metal. At present, ICRA anticipates that merchandise exports and imports will grow by a low two to three per cent and four to five per cent respectively in FY20. Nevertheless, with the pace of growth of inbound shipments likely to exceed that of exports. ICRA expects the merchandise trade deficit to widen to about 193 billion to 198 billion dollars in FY20 from 180 billion dollars in FY18. A revival in gold imports closer to the festive season may push up the CAD size to 28 billion to 30 billion dollars in the second half of FY20, relative to the 21.5 billion dollars recorded in the second half of FY19. Overall, ICRA expects India`s CAD to widen at an absolute level for the third year in a row to 63 billion to 68 billion dollars in FY20 from 57.2 billion dollars in FY19 while remaining steady at around 2.1 per cent of the GDP. A sustained pick-up in the price of crude oil, which appears to be an unlikely scenario at present, remains a risk to the CAD size. According to ICRA, every one dollar a barrel increase in the average price of crude oil in FY20 is likely to expand the CAD by about 1.6 billion dollars.

Current account deficit to print at 16-17 billion dollar in Q1 FY20: ICRA

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