Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police.

"The charge sheet was filed before the competent court for a case registered under relevant sections of law against the all six terrorist associates identified as Tanveer Laway, Shahnawaz Bhat, Imtiyaz Bhat, Gulzar Wani, Imtiyaz Bhat and Azad Wani," Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a press release.

"A&nbsp;case was registered for Dalwan (Chahar-e-Sharief) encounter which happened on January 2 this year in which three terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr were killed," it added.&nbsp;

The police said that the subsequent investigations in the case revealed the complexity of these six terrorist associates.&nbsp;

Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police.

Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police. "The charge sheet was filed before the competent court for a case registered under relevant sections of law against the all six terrorist associates identified as Tanveer Laway, Shahnawaz Bhat, Imtiyaz Bhat, Gulzar Wani, Imtiyaz Bhat and Azad Wani," Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a press release. "A case was registered for Dalwan (Chahar-e-Sharief) encounter which happened on January 2 this year in which three terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr were killed," it added. The police said that the subsequent investigations in the case revealed the complexity of these six terrorist associates.

Jammu and Kashmir police files charge sheet against 6 terror associates

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">three-day visit to the US</a>&nbsp;is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">Khan will meet US President Donald Trump </a>on July 22.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation".

Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words.&nbsp;

Twitter spat

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President.

Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pakistan's dwindling economy

To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments.

But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive.

He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence.

Mission United States

Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh</a> - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22.

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation". Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words. Twitter spat "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President. Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's dwindling economy To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments. But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive. He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence. Mission United States Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

Imran Khan's US visit: Focus on resuming military training programs, exiting FATF greylist

China Southern Airlines will carry out an equity diversification plan that will involve the injection of 30 billion yuan ($4.36 billion) of capital from three investors, the firm announced on Saturday.

The Guangdong Hengjian Investment Holding Corporation, the Guangzhou Urban Construction Investment Group and the Shenzhen Penghang Equity Investment Fund will each inject 10 billion yuan into the airline, as part of the country`s efforts to diversify ownership structures among state-owned firms.

The move will significantly improve the company`s debt-to-asset ratio, generate funds for its growth and help modernise its decision-making mechanisms, the announcement said.

It will also use the funds to serve its main air transportation business, pay for construction related to China`s Belt and Road Initiative and support aviation development in cities in the southern province of Guangdong.&nbsp;

China Southern is one of 96 enterprises owned and administered directly by the central government. Its profits slumped nearly 50% last year as a result of rising fuel costs and a weak yuan currency.&nbsp;

China Southern Airlines will carry out an equity diversification plan that will involve the injection of 30 billion yuan ($4.36 billion) of capital from three investors, the firm announced on Saturday.

China Southern Airlines will carry out an equity diversification plan that will involve the injection of 30 billion yuan ($4.36 billion) of capital from three investors, the firm announced on Saturday. The Guangdong Hengjian Investment Holding Corporation, the Guangzhou Urban Construction Investment Group and the Shenzhen Penghang Equity Investment Fund will each inject 10 billion yuan into the airline, as part of the country`s efforts to diversify ownership structures among state-owned firms. The move will significantly improve the company`s debt-to-asset ratio, generate funds for its growth and help modernise its decision-making mechanisms, the announcement said. It will also use the funds to serve its main air transportation business, pay for construction related to China`s Belt and Road Initiative and support aviation development in cities in the southern province of Guangdong. China Southern is one of 96 enterprises owned and administered directly by the central government. Its profits slumped nearly 50% last year as a result of rising fuel costs and a weak yuan currency.

China Southern Airlines to receive $4 billion capital injection

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA's Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency set off on a six-hour journey to the orbiting science lab from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1628 GMT.

A NASA TV commentator hailed a "textbook launch" minutes after blastoff in "sweltering" weather in Baikonur, where daytime temperatures reached 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday.&nbsp;

The blast coincides with the date that NASA's Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in 1969, marking a defining moment in the so-called "space race" with the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Of the trio launching from the Kazakh steppe, only 53-year-old Skvortsov had been born at the time of the Moon landing.

A veteran of two ISS missions, Skvortsov is the flight commander for the six-hour journey from Baikonur to the ISS.

Morgan, 43, is flying for the first time.&nbsp;

"The absolute hardest part: saying good-bye and watching them walk away," wrote the father-of-four in a Saturday tweet featuring a picture of his wife and children.

Parmitano's only previous stint at the ISS lasted 166 days and saw him become the first Italian to carry out a spacewalk.&nbsp;

"L-2 h 30 min: One more look at my planet… it’s time to climb aboard our rocket. Next stop @Space_Station," the Italian tweeted.&nbsp;

Skvortsov, Morgan and Parmitano all come from military backgrounds and posed together in uniform in the build up to the launch.&nbsp;

Speaking during a pre-launch press-conference on Friday Skvortsov joked that "two colonels will be taking orders from a colonel" when Parmitano becomes commander of the space station mid-way through his mission -- a reference to the military rank the three share.

The International Space Station -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

US, Italian and Russian astronauts blasted into space Saturday, headed for the International Space Station, in a launch coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Alexander Skvortsov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, NASA's Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency set off on a six-hour journey to the orbiting science lab from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1628 GMT. A NASA TV commentator hailed a "textbook launch" minutes after blastoff in "sweltering" weather in Baikonur, where daytime temperatures reached 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The blast coincides with the date that NASA's Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in 1969, marking a defining moment in the so-called "space race" with the Soviet Union. Of the trio launching from the Kazakh steppe, only 53-year-old Skvortsov had been born at the time of the Moon landing. A veteran of two ISS missions, Skvortsov is the flight commander for the six-hour journey from Baikonur to the ISS. Morgan, 43, is flying for the first time. "The absolute hardest part: saying good-bye and watching them walk away," wrote the father-of-four in a Saturday tweet featuring a picture of his wife and children. Parmitano's only previous stint at the ISS lasted 166 days and saw him become the first Italian to carry out a spacewalk. "L-2 h 30 min: One more look at my planet… it’s time to climb aboard our rocket. Next stop @Space_Station," the Italian tweeted. Skvortsov, Morgan and Parmitano all come from military backgrounds and posed together in uniform in the build up to the launch. Speaking during a pre-launch press-conference on Friday Skvortsov joked that "two colonels will be taking orders from a colonel" when Parmitano becomes commander of the space station mid-way through his mission -- a reference to the military rank the three share. The International Space Station -- a rare example of cooperation between Russia and the West -- has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.

American, Italian, Russian blast off for International Space Station

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities.

"China`s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threatens regional energy security and undermines the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market," the State Department said in a statement.

Vietnam on Friday accused a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts of violating its sovereignty and demanded that China remove the ships from Vietnamese waters.&nbsp;

Vietnam and China have for years-long been embroiled in a dispute over the potentially energy-rich stretch of waters in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, two US-based think tanks reported that Chinese and Vietnamese vessels had engaged in a standoff lasting several weeks near an oil block in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Neither Beijing nor Hanoi have directly confirmed or denied the reports.

"The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims," the State Department said.&nbsp;

"China should cease its bullying behaviour and refrain from engaging in this type of provocative and destabilizing activity," it added.

The State Department also pointed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo`s comments earlier this year when he said, "by blocking development in the South China Sea through coercive means, China prevents ASEAN members from accessing more than $2.5 trillion in recoverable energy reserves."

The State Department also said that China`s growing pressure on ASEAN countries to accept provisions that seek to restrict their right to partner with third-party companies or countries further reveal its intent to assert control over oil and gas resources in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

"China’s reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea...including the use of maritime militia to intimidate, coerce, and threaten other nations, undermine the peace and security of the region," it said.

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities.

The US State Department said on Saturday it is concerned by reports of China`s interference with oil and gas activities in the South China Sea, including Vietnam`s long-standing exploration and production activities. "China`s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threatens regional energy security and undermines the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market," the State Department said in a statement. Vietnam on Friday accused a Chinese oil survey vessel and its escorts of violating its sovereignty and demanded that China remove the ships from Vietnamese waters. Vietnam and China have for years-long been embroiled in a dispute over the potentially energy-rich stretch of waters in the South China Sea. On Wednesday, two US-based think tanks reported that Chinese and Vietnamese vessels had engaged in a standoff lasting several weeks near an oil block in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Neither Beijing nor Hanoi have directly confirmed or denied the reports. "The United States firmly opposes coercion and intimidation by any claimant to assert its territorial or maritime claims," the State Department said. "China should cease its bullying behaviour and refrain from engaging in this type of provocative and destabilizing activity," it added. The State Department also pointed to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo`s comments earlier this year when he said, "by blocking development in the South China Sea through coercive means, China prevents ASEAN members from accessing more than $2.5 trillion in recoverable energy reserves." The State Department also said that China`s growing pressure on ASEAN countries to accept provisions that seek to restrict their right to partner with third-party companies or countries further reveal its intent to assert control over oil and gas resources in the South China Sea. "China’s reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea...including the use of maritime militia to intimidate, coerce, and threaten other nations, undermine the peace and security of the region," it said.

Concerned by reports of Chinese interference in South China Sea: US State Department

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday.

Boris Johnson, a former London mayor, has been one of the figureheads of the movement to take Britain out of the EU and has pledged to complete the schism by the end of October.

Inspired by the orange blimp of a baby Donald Trump that mocked the US&nbsp;President during his visit to London last month, the balloon featured Johnson in a t-shirt emblazoned with a red bus and the figure 350 million pounds, referring to his promise of clawing back cash from Brussels to spend on Britain`s state health service instead.
<img alt="Blimp depicting Boris Johnson" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9345f465-4410-4cfb-b663-431239975a08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2019-07-20T153858Z_1_LYNXNPEF6J0BE_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-EU-MARCH.JPG" /><img alt="Blimp depicting Boris Johnson" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c80a2e48-2b52-4adf-8a79-02c9bf3e5107" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2019-07-20T153858Z_1_LYNXNPEF6J0BG_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-EU-MARCH.JPG" />
Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation two months ago after failing to win parliamentary approval for the exit deal she had negotiated with Brussels and her successor will be announced next week.

Johnson, who is widely expected to replace her, has pledged to leave the EU with or without a transition deal on October&nbsp;31.

Brexit without a divorce deal would abruptly wrench the world`s fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday.

Opponents of Britain`s exit from the EU hoisted a "Boris blimp" portraying the UK`s likely next prime minister as a crying child as they demonstrated outside parliament on Saturday. Boris Johnson, a former London mayor, has been one of the figureheads of the movement to take Britain out of the EU and has pledged to complete the schism by the end of October. Inspired by the orange blimp of a baby Donald Trump that mocked the US President during his visit to London last month, the balloon featured Johnson in a t-shirt emblazoned with a red bus and the figure 350 million pounds, referring to his promise of clawing back cash from Brussels to spend on Britain`s state health service instead. Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation two months ago after failing to win parliamentary approval for the exit deal she had negotiated with Brussels and her successor will be announced next week. Johnson, who is widely expected to replace her, has pledged to leave the EU with or without a transition deal on October 31. Brexit without a divorce deal would abruptly wrench the world`s fifth-largest economy away from the bloc. Critics say this would undermine global growth, buffet financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

'Boris blimp' takes to the London skies in pro-EU protest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/detained-british-flagged-tanker-must-go-through-legal-process-irans-foreign-minister-237322">Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz</a> has ramped up tensions in the Gulf region after the US military claimed it had downed an Iranian drone.

Britain and its Western allies have called for the release of the vessel, warning of the danger of escalation in the strategic waterway.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-uk-flagged-tanker-was-in-accident-with-fishing-boat-and-ignored-distress-call-237302">Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with fishing boat and 'ignored distress call'</a>

'Nothing but trouble'

US President Donald Trump said he would hold talks with Britain about the tanker's seizure by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

"And this only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran: trouble. Nothing but trouble," he told reporters at the White House on Friday.

He again denounced the 2015 deal between Iran and Western powers aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions, describing it as a "ridiculous agreement" made by his predecessor Barack Obama.

Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year and began ratcheting up sanctions against Iran.

'Extreme disappointment'

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif "and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Sat(urday) Iran wanted to de-escalate situation they have behaved in the opposite way.

"This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through. British shipping must and will be protected," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Earlier Saturday, he said Tehran's seizure of the tanker showed "worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour".

The incident came hours after a court in the British territory of Gibraltar extended the detention of an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, seized two weeks ago on allegations of breaching EU sanctions against Syria.

"Our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace 1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping," Hunt said on Twitter.

'Deep concern'

The EU said the seizure was "of deep concern.

"In an already tense situation, this development brings risks of further escalation and undermines ongoing work to find a way to resolve current tensions," said a statement from the EU's foreign affairs office.

"We urge the immediate release of the remaining ship and its crew, and call for restraint to avoid further tensions," it said. "Freedom of navigation must be respected at all times."

'Dangerous aggravation

Germany called on Iran to immediately release the Swedish-owned, British-flagged Stena Impero.

The seizure was a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation", a foreign ministry statement said.

'De-escalation of tensions'

France made a similar call, with the foreign ministry saying Iran's action "hampers a necessary de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf region.

"We call on Iranian authorities to quickly release the ship and its crew, and to respect freedom of navigation principles in the Gulf."

Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has ramped up tensions in the Gulf region after the US military claimed it had downed an Iranian drone.

Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has ramped up tensions in the Gulf region after the US military claimed it had downed an Iranian drone. Britain and its Western allies have called for the release of the vessel, warning of the danger of escalation in the strategic waterway. Also read: Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with fishing boat and 'ignored distress call' 'Nothing but trouble' US President Donald Trump said he would hold talks with Britain about the tanker's seizure by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. "And this only goes to show what I'm saying about Iran: trouble. Nothing but trouble," he told reporters at the White House on Friday. He again denounced the 2015 deal between Iran and Western powers aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions, describing it as a "ridiculous agreement" made by his predecessor Barack Obama. Trump pulled the United States out of the deal last year and began ratcheting up sanctions against Iran. 'Extreme disappointment' British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif "and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Sat(urday) Iran wanted to de-escalate situation they have behaved in the opposite way. "This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through. British shipping must and will be protected," he tweeted. Earlier Saturday, he said Tehran's seizure of the tanker showed "worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour". The incident came hours after a court in the British territory of Gibraltar extended the detention of an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, seized two weeks ago on allegations of breaching EU sanctions against Syria. "Our reaction will be considered but robust. We have been trying to find a way to resolve Grace 1 issue but WILL ensure the safety of our shipping," Hunt said on Twitter. 'Deep concern' The EU said the seizure was "of deep concern. "In an already tense situation, this development brings risks of further escalation and undermines ongoing work to find a way to resolve current tensions," said a statement from the EU's foreign affairs office. "We urge the immediate release of the remaining ship and its crew, and call for restraint to avoid further tensions," it said. "Freedom of navigation must be respected at all times." 'Dangerous aggravation Germany called on Iran to immediately release the Swedish-owned, British-flagged Stena Impero. The seizure was a "dangerous further aggravation of an already tense situation", a foreign ministry statement said. 'De-escalation of tensions' France made a similar call, with the foreign ministry saying Iran's action "hampers a necessary de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf region. "We call on Iranian authorities to quickly release the ship and its crew, and to respect freedom of navigation principles in the Gulf."

Western allies back UK over tanker seizure

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-supporters-rally-in-hong-kong-to-seek-end-to-violence-237282"> city is rocked by unprecedented political protests</a>.

Police said they swooped on an industrial building in the district of Tsuen Wan on Friday evening and arrested a 27-year-old man.

"We are dealing with a homemade laboratory for the manufacture of high explosive, specifically TATP," Superintendent Alick McWhirter, a bomb squad specialist, told reporters on Saturday.

"This is an extremely sensitive and extremely powerful high explosive. It will cause exceptional amounts of damage when used," he added.

TATP requires skill to manufacture but has been used in a number of major terror attacks, including the 2005 London suicide bombings and the recent deadly Easter attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

McWhirter said his team had carried out at least one controlled explosion and expected to do more because the TATP they had discovered was volatile.

Items also displayed by police after the raid included a T-shirt with the logo of the Hong Kong National Front, a pro-independence group, as well as leaflets related to huge anti-government protests currently engulfing the international finance hub.

The Hong Kong National Front, a small fringe group, released a statement on Facebook saying the man arrested was a member but added it had no knowledge of any explosives.&nbsp;

In November 2017, two members of a fringe independent group were found guilty of making explosives and were jailed.

Under the 1997 handover deal with the British, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say that 50-year deal is already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of democracy protest leaders.

Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people.

A small number of pro-independence groups have since emerged but they remain fringe elements with little popular support. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the city is rocked by unprecedented political protests.

Hong Kong police on Saturday said they had uncovered a makeshift factory producing high-powered explosives alongside pro-independence leaflets, a discovery which comes as the city is rocked by unprecedented political protests. Police said they swooped on an industrial building in the district of Tsuen Wan on Friday evening and arrested a 27-year-old man. "We are dealing with a homemade laboratory for the manufacture of high explosive, specifically TATP," Superintendent Alick McWhirter, a bomb squad specialist, told reporters on Saturday. "This is an extremely sensitive and extremely powerful high explosive. It will cause exceptional amounts of damage when used," he added. TATP requires skill to manufacture but has been used in a number of major terror attacks, including the 2005 London suicide bombings and the recent deadly Easter attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka earlier this year. McWhirter said his team had carried out at least one controlled explosion and expected to do more because the TATP they had discovered was volatile. Items also displayed by police after the raid included a T-shirt with the logo of the Hong Kong National Front, a pro-independence group, as well as leaflets related to huge anti-government protests currently engulfing the international finance hub. The Hong Kong National Front, a small fringe group, released a statement on Facebook saying the man arrested was a member but added it had no knowledge of any explosives. In November 2017, two members of a fringe independent group were found guilty of making explosives and were jailed. Under the 1997 handover deal with the British, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say that 50-year deal is already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of democracy protest leaders. Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people. A small number of pro-independence groups have since emerged but they remain fringe elements with little popular support.

Hong Kong police uncover 'homemade explosive lab'

Japanese authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the man suspected of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyoto-animation-fire-suspect-has-criminal-record-was-treated-for-mental-health-issues-report-237136">arson attack on an animation studio in western Japan</a> that killed 34 people, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday.

Authorities issued the warrant for 41-year-old Shinji Aoba related to arson and murder after the attack on Kyoto Animation on Thursday, NHK said.

Police plan to arrest Aoba, who has been hospitalised for heavy burns and was earlier airlifted by helicopter to a university hospital in nearby Osaka, once he recovers, NHK said.

Thirty-four&nbsp;people were killed in the fire on Thursday at the Kyoto Animation studio. Experts say the fire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spiral-stairs-no-sprinklers-may-have-contributed-to-deadly-japan-fire-237105">spread so fast</a>&nbsp;not only because it was fuelled by petrol but because it was funnelled up a spiral staircase and there were no sprinklers to douse it.

Shouting "die" and screaming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-arsonist-believed-his-novel-was-stolen-by-japanese-studio-report-237091">accusations of plagiarism</a>&nbsp;sloshed what appeared to be petrol in the three-storey Kyoto Animation building on Thursday before setting it ablaze.

The man who believed to have started the fire at an animation studio in Japan's Kyoto has a criminal record, Russia's Sputnik News said, citing sources in Japan.

The report further said that that the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Shinji Aoba by the Japan Police, was indicted in 2012 for committing a robbery at a convenience store. He also served a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years, said the Russian news agency.

The suspect has a history of being treated for mental health issues and lives on welfare, the news outlet said. He is currently receiving treatment for the burns caused by the fire and will be questioned by the police.

Japanese authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the man suspected of an arson attack on an animation studio in western Japan that killed 34 people, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday.

Japanese authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the man suspected of an arson attack on an animation studio in western Japan that killed 34 people, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday. Authorities issued the warrant for 41-year-old Shinji Aoba related to arson and murder after the attack on Kyoto Animation on Thursday, NHK said. Police plan to arrest Aoba, who has been hospitalised for heavy burns and was earlier airlifted by helicopter to a university hospital in nearby Osaka, once he recovers, NHK said. Thirty-four people were killed in the fire on Thursday at the Kyoto Animation studio. Experts say the fire spread so fast not only because it was fuelled by petrol but because it was funnelled up a spiral staircase and there were no sprinklers to douse it. Shouting "die" and screaming accusations of plagiarism sloshed what appeared to be petrol in the three-storey Kyoto Animation building on Thursday before setting it ablaze. The man who believed to have started the fire at an animation studio in Japan's Kyoto has a criminal record, Russia's Sputnik News said, citing sources in Japan. The report further said that that the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Shinji Aoba by the Japan Police, was indicted in 2012 for committing a robbery at a convenience store. He also served a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years, said the Russian news agency. The suspect has a history of being treated for mental health issues and lives on welfare, the news outlet said. He is currently receiving treatment for the burns caused by the fire and will be questioned by the police.

Japanese authorities issue arrest warrant for suspect in Kyoto arson attack

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday, quoting an official.

All 23 crew on the tanker were now at Bandar Abbas port and would remain on the vessel until the end of an investigation, Fars quoted the official as saying.

"It got involved in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat... When the boat sent a distress call, the British-flagged ship ignored it," the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, told Fars.

"The tanker is now at Iran`s Bandar Abbas port and all its 23 crew members will remain on the ship until the probe is over."

The crew was made up of 18 Indian nationals and five others from Russia, the Philippines, Lithuania and elsewhere, Afifipour said.

The Stena Impero was taken to Bandar Abbas on Friday night by the naval forces of Iran`s Revolutionary Guards and the investigation into the accident began on Saturday, Afifipour said, according to Fars.

Britain said earlier it was urgently seeking information about the tanker, which had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait at the mouth of the Gulf.

Already strained relations between Iran and the West have become increasingly fraught since the British navy seized Iran’s Grace 1 tanker in Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday, quoting an official.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday, quoting an official. All 23 crew on the tanker were now at Bandar Abbas port and would remain on the vessel until the end of an investigation, Fars quoted the official as saying. "It got involved in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat... When the boat sent a distress call, the British-flagged ship ignored it," the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, told Fars. "The tanker is now at Iran`s Bandar Abbas port and all its 23 crew members will remain on the ship until the probe is over." The crew was made up of 18 Indian nationals and five others from Russia, the Philippines, Lithuania and elsewhere, Afifipour said. The Stena Impero was taken to Bandar Abbas on Friday night by the naval forces of Iran`s Revolutionary Guards and the investigation into the accident began on Saturday, Afifipour said, according to Fars. Britain said earlier it was urgently seeking information about the tanker, which had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait at the mouth of the Gulf. Already strained relations between Iran and the West have become increasingly fraught since the British navy seized Iran’s Grace 1 tanker in Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of EU sanctions.

Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with fishing boat and 'ignored distress call'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-chief-minister-congress-veteran-sheila-dikshit-passes-away-at-81-237286">Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dies of cardiac arrest at 81</a>

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit&nbsp;breathed her last on Saturday in the national capital. The Congress veteran served as Delhi's chief minister for 15 years, three consecutive terms, from the year 1998.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">Ministry of External Affairs in touch with Iran to secure release of Indians onboard seized British vessel</a>

India is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriations of Indian nationals who were onboard the&nbsp;UK-flagged oil tanker seized by Iran, the MEA said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistans-next-double-game-marriage-with-china-affair-with-us-237219">Pakistan's next double game: Marriage with China, affair with US</a>

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gears up for his first&nbsp;high-level visit to the United States, experts believe that Islamabad is playing a double game in managing affairs between Washington and Beijing -- the two rival economies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devastated-to-hear-about-the-passing-away-of-sheila-dikshit-ji-rahul-gandhi-237292">Rahul Gandhi 'devastated' on Sheila Dikshit's demise, calls her 'beloved daughter of Congress'</a>

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-uk-flagged-tanker-was-in-accident-with-fishing-boat-and-ignored-distress-call-237302">Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with fishing boat and 'ignored distress call'</a>

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday, quoting an official.

&nbsp;

Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dies of cardiac arrest at 81 Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit breathed her last on Saturday in the national capital.

Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dies of cardiac arrest at 81 Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit breathed her last on Saturday in the national capital. The Congress veteran served as Delhi's chief minister for 15 years, three consecutive terms, from the year 1998. Ministry of External Affairs in touch with Iran to secure release of Indians onboard seized British vessel India is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriations of Indian nationals who were onboard the UK-flagged oil tanker seized by Iran, the MEA said on Saturday. Pakistan's next double game: Marriage with China, affair with US As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gears up for his first high-level visit to the United States, experts believe that Islamabad is playing a double game in managing affairs between Washington and Beijing -- the two rival economies. Rahul Gandhi 'devastated' on Sheila Dikshit's demise, calls her 'beloved daughter of Congress' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday. Iran says UK-flagged tanker was in accident with fishing boat and 'ignored distress call' The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday, quoting an official.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-delhi-chief-minister-congress-veteran-sheila-dikshit-passes-away-at-81-237286"> death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit</a>.

Gandhi took to Twitter to express his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/she-made-noteworthy-contribution-to-delhis-development-pm-modi-remembers-sheila-dikshit-condolences-pour-in-237288">shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit</a> who breathed her last on Saturday.

"I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief."

Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit.

"I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit.&nbsp;"She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra&nbsp;added.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace"

Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. 
 
My condolences to her family &amp; the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1152536506587680768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear about the death of the former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Gandhi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden demise of Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday. "I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief." Former PM Manmohan Singh also said he was shocked to hear about the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "I'm shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to Delhi's development during her tenure as CM for 3 terms," he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the party, her contribution towards party, politics of nation and especially to Delhi, is immense," Vadra added. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Just now got to know about extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit ji. It's a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace" Earlier PM Modi, President Kovind, Union Minister Rajnath Singh and several other leaders also paid homage to the veteran Congress leader. I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019 × Expressing his grief over the death of Dikshit, PM Modi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Rahul Gandhi 'devastated' on Sheila Dikshit's demise, calls her 'beloved daughter of Congress'

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Punitipandey

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.