Nike said on Friday it plans to shut down its Oregon Project training group after top athletics coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping.

Salazar, best known for coaching Britain's four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah, was last week handed a four-year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for a catalogue of drug violations.

The US sportswear giant had initially backed Salazar's plans to appeal against the decision after the 61-year-old Cuban-born American denied the allegations.

But in a memo to staff, Nike CEO Mark Parker said the project was being terminated because of the scandal.

"This situation, along with ongoing unsubstantiated assertions, is a distraction for many of the athletes and is compromising their ability to focus on their training and competition needs," Parker said.

"I have therefore made the decision to wind down the Oregon Project."

Parker said however that Nike would still support Salazar in his appeal.

"A four-year suspension for someone who acted in good faith is wrong," said Parker in the memo, adding that "the panel found there was no orchestrated doping, no finding that performance-enhancing drugs have ever been used on Oregon Project athletes and went out of its way to note Alberto’s desire to follow all rules".

However, he admitted that "Alberto can no longer coach while the appeal is pending".

Athletes from the Oregon Project won three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships this month. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the women's 1500 metres and 10,000 while Donavan Brazier of the US took the men's 800m gold. There is no suggestion either athlete has been involved in doping.

Nike's decision to shut down the project came after athletes including US runner Kara Goucher, who was coached by Salazar from 2004 to 2011 and provided key evidence in the case against him, told the BBC Nike could not justify keeping it open.

"It (NOP) has to go," Goucher said.

"If I was Nike I'd be bringing in some new coaches and move on from this Oregon Project because clearly it had principles, not in line with clean sport and we have to just start over."

Jeffrey Brown, a Texas endocrinologist who treated many of Salazar's athletes at the Oregon training hub in Portland, was also suspended for four years.

Nike said on Friday it plans to shut down its Oregon Project training group after top athletics coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping. Salazar, best known for coaching Britain's four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah, was last week handed a four-year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for a catalogue of drug violations.

Nike said on Friday it plans to shut down its Oregon Project training group after top athletics coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping. Salazar, best known for coaching Britain's four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah, was last week handed a four-year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for a catalogue of drug violations. The US sportswear giant had initially backed Salazar's plans to appeal against the decision after the 61-year-old Cuban-born American denied the allegations. But in a memo to staff, Nike CEO Mark Parker said the project was being terminated because of the scandal. "This situation, along with ongoing unsubstantiated assertions, is a distraction for many of the athletes and is compromising their ability to focus on their training and competition needs," Parker said. "I have therefore made the decision to wind down the Oregon Project." Parker said however that Nike would still support Salazar in his appeal. "A four-year suspension for someone who acted in good faith is wrong," said Parker in the memo, adding that "the panel found there was no orchestrated doping, no finding that performance-enhancing drugs have ever been used on Oregon Project athletes and went out of its way to note Alberto’s desire to follow all rules". However, he admitted that "Alberto can no longer coach while the appeal is pending". Athletes from the Oregon Project won three gold medals at the World Athletics Championships this month. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the women's 1500 metres and 10,000 while Donavan Brazier of the US took the men's 800m gold. There is no suggestion either athlete has been involved in doping. Nike's decision to shut down the project came after athletes including US runner Kara Goucher, who was coached by Salazar from 2004 to 2011 and provided key evidence in the case against him, told the BBC Nike could not justify keeping it open. "It (NOP) has to go," Goucher said. "If I was Nike I'd be bringing in some new coaches and move on from this Oregon Project because clearly it had principles, not in line with clean sport and we have to just start over." Jeffrey Brown, a Texas endocrinologist who treated many of Salazar's athletes at the Oregon training hub in Portland, was also suspended for four years.

Nike shuts down Oregon Project after coach Alberto Salazar banned

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper.

He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. He achieved the feat on the second day of the second Test match against South Africa at the Mumbai Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Kohli brought up his ton in the 109th over of the Indian innings.

The right-handed batsman now has 26 centuries in just 81 matches. With this knock, the 30-year-old also went past former cricketer Dilip Vengasarkar in the run-scoring charts. Vengasarkar had 6,868 runs to his credit.

Kohli is now at the 53rd position in the all-time list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. On the first day of the second Test match, Kohli became the second Indian captain to lead the side in 50 Test matches.

He surpassed Ganguly to become the second Indian skipper to achieve the milestone. Former skipper MS Dhoni has led the Indian side for the most number of times in the longest format of the game. He captained India for 60 matches in the Test format.

Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain.

The 30-year-old Kohli had 27 wins to his credit before the second Test match against West Indies, but with the win, Kohli took his tally to 28 wins in the longest format of the game.

The 30-year-old now has 29 wins from 49 matches as Test skipper. MS Dhoni had scripted 27 Test wins from 60 matches.

India had registered a comprehensive 318-run win in the first Test match against Windies and as a result, Kohli had added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests. Kohli had gone past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat.

This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches. While filing this story, India had reached a score of 356/3 at the lunch break.

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper.

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday registered his 26th Test century and as a result, became the first Indian to score 40 hundreds as skipper. Ricky Ponting has the most international hundreds as a skipper. He had 41 centuries as the captain for Australia in international cricket. He achieved the feat on the second day of the second Test match against South Africa at the Mumbai Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Kohli brought up his ton in the 109th over of the Indian innings. The right-handed batsman now has 26 centuries in just 81 matches. With this knock, the 30-year-old also went past former cricketer Dilip Vengasarkar in the run-scoring charts. Vengasarkar had 6,868 runs to his credit. Kohli is now at the 53rd position in the all-time list of leading run-scorers in Test cricket. On the first day of the second Test match, Kohli became the second Indian captain to lead the side in 50 Test matches. He surpassed Ganguly to become the second Indian skipper to achieve the milestone. Former skipper MS Dhoni has led the Indian side for the most number of times in the longest format of the game. He captained India for 60 matches in the Test format. Earlier this year, Kohli surpassed Dhoni to become the most successful Indian Test captain. The 30-year-old Kohli had 27 wins to his credit before the second Test match against West Indies, but with the win, Kohli took his tally to 28 wins in the longest format of the game. The 30-year-old now has 29 wins from 49 matches as Test skipper. MS Dhoni had scripted 27 Test wins from 60 matches. India had registered a comprehensive 318-run win in the first Test match against Windies and as a result, Kohli had added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests. Kohli had gone past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat. This was Kohli's 12th overseas Test victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper on foreign soil. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches. While filing this story, India had reached a score of 356/3 at the lunch break.

Virat Kohli first Indian to score 40 international hundreds as captain

Hundreds of thousands of Californians were still without electricity due to pre-emptive blackouts Thursday as hot, windy conditions causing wildfires spread south toward Los Angeles, in a situation blasted as "unacceptable" by the state's governor.

Some 540,000 customers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/power-cut-to-millions-as-california-faces-heightened-wildfire-risks-254853">California remained in the dark </a>Thursday afternoon after Pacific Gas &amp; Electric began switching off power the previous day, in a bid to prevent a repeat of last year's catastrophic infernos which killed around 90 people.

Many schools and universities have closed in northern parts of the state and people stocked up on gasoline, water, batteries and other basics, with frustration mounting at blackouts condemned by some as "third world."

"We're seeing a scale and scope of something that no state in the 21st century should experience," Governor Gavin Newsom said Thursday, blaming decades of "neglect" and "mismanagement" by PG&amp;E.

"What has occurred in the last 48 hours is kids staying home from school, parents that can't bathe their kids," he added. "Folks that come home from work, can't even find a way to get into their garage. You've got people that can't even access water, or medical supplies.

"This can't be, respectfully, the new normal," Newsom said, noting that the current weather conditions were certain to return.

The power cuts enable utility companies to inspect high-voltage lines for damage during particularly flammable conditions caused by high winds and dry vegetation.

Newsom said blackouts were "an industry best practice" under dangerous conditions, but blamed PG&amp;E's failure to modernize its network for the current scale of power cuts.

PG&amp;E defended the shutoffs, telling a press conference that inspections Thursday had found multiple cases of damage that could have caused wildfires had the lines been live.

"We faced the choice here between hardship on everyone or safety -- and we chose safety," said CEO Bill Johnson. "And I do apologize for the hardship this has caused. I think we made the right call."

With high-risk "red flag" winds spreading to the Los Angeles area further south, around 13,000 customers of Southern California Edison had their electricity cut Thursday.

"A number of fires... are burning and there have been structures that have been lost," said Mark Ghilarducci, emergency services director at the governor's office.

Fire-fighting planes and helicopters were called in to tackle two fires east of Los Angeles which spread to a combined 900 acres (360 hectares), and were described by officials as "zero percent contained."

The local fire department said multiple structures were destroyed and "numerous medical emergencies" occurred at one of the fires.

In the far south of the state, San Diego Gas &amp; Electric warned 30,000 customers living in high-risk areas they could potentially lose their power if conditions worsen.

Urban Los Angeles itself was not expected to be at-risk, although police Wednesday night said they would clear some vulnerable homeless camps.

Several other small fires were reported further north but quickly tackled by firefighters.

PG&amp;E on Thursday had completed inspections on some power lines in its blackout regions, and had restored electricity to more than 228,000 customers by late afternoon.

But others may have to wait several days for inspections before normal service can be restored.

Last November, PG&amp;E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise.

Outdated facilities including vulnerable wooden poles and failure to deforest land surrounding high-voltage transmission lines were blamed for the inferno, causing PG&amp;E to go bankrupt in January.

The company agreed to pay an $11 billion settlement over the devastating wildfires in northern California.

"Those were decisions that were made by Pacific Gas and Electric -- they chose not to modernize their grid," said Newsom. "Over the course of many, many years, it led to their own demise, it led to bankruptcy."

The cost of 48 hours of power cuts could reach $2.6 billion, Michael Wara, an expert in energy and climate policy at Stanford University, told CNN.

Hundreds of thousands of Californians were still without electricity due to pre-emptive blackouts Thursday as hot, windy conditions causing wildfires spread south toward Los Angeles, in a situation blasted as "unacceptable" by the state's governor.

Hundreds of thousands of Californians were still without electricity due to pre-emptive blackouts Thursday as hot, windy conditions causing wildfires spread south toward Los Angeles, in a situation blasted as "unacceptable" by the state's governor. Some 540,000 customers in California remained in the dark Thursday afternoon after Pacific Gas & Electric began switching off power the previous day, in a bid to prevent a repeat of last year's catastrophic infernos which killed around 90 people. Many schools and universities have closed in northern parts of the state and people stocked up on gasoline, water, batteries and other basics, with frustration mounting at blackouts condemned by some as "third world." "We're seeing a scale and scope of something that no state in the 21st century should experience," Governor Gavin Newsom said Thursday, blaming decades of "neglect" and "mismanagement" by PG&E. "What has occurred in the last 48 hours is kids staying home from school, parents that can't bathe their kids," he added. "Folks that come home from work, can't even find a way to get into their garage. You've got people that can't even access water, or medical supplies. "This can't be, respectfully, the new normal," Newsom said, noting that the current weather conditions were certain to return. The power cuts enable utility companies to inspect high-voltage lines for damage during particularly flammable conditions caused by high winds and dry vegetation. Newsom said blackouts were "an industry best practice" under dangerous conditions, but blamed PG&E's failure to modernize its network for the current scale of power cuts. PG&E defended the shutoffs, telling a press conference that inspections Thursday had found multiple cases of damage that could have caused wildfires had the lines been live. "We faced the choice here between hardship on everyone or safety -- and we chose safety," said CEO Bill Johnson. "And I do apologize for the hardship this has caused. I think we made the right call." With high-risk "red flag" winds spreading to the Los Angeles area further south, around 13,000 customers of Southern California Edison had their electricity cut Thursday. "A number of fires... are burning and there have been structures that have been lost," said Mark Ghilarducci, emergency services director at the governor's office. Fire-fighting planes and helicopters were called in to tackle two fires east of Los Angeles which spread to a combined 900 acres (360 hectares), and were described by officials as "zero percent contained." The local fire department said multiple structures were destroyed and "numerous medical emergencies" occurred at one of the fires. In the far south of the state, San Diego Gas & Electric warned 30,000 customers living in high-risk areas they could potentially lose their power if conditions worsen. Urban Los Angeles itself was not expected to be at-risk, although police Wednesday night said they would clear some vulnerable homeless camps. Several other small fires were reported further north but quickly tackled by firefighters. PG&E on Thursday had completed inspections on some power lines in its blackout regions, and had restored electricity to more than 228,000 customers by late afternoon. But others may have to wait several days for inspections before normal service can be restored. Last November, PG&E's faulty power lines were determined to have sparked the deadliest wildfire in the state's modern history, which killed 86 and destroyed the town of Paradise. Outdated facilities including vulnerable wooden poles and failure to deforest land surrounding high-voltage transmission lines were blamed for the inferno, causing PG&E to go bankrupt in January. The company agreed to pay an $11 billion settlement over the devastating wildfires in northern California. "Those were decisions that were made by Pacific Gas and Electric -- they chose not to modernize their grid," said Newsom. "Over the course of many, many years, it led to their own demise, it led to bankruptcy." The cost of 48 hours of power cuts could reach $2.6 billion, Michael Wara, an expert in energy and climate policy at Stanford University, told CNN.

'Unacceptable' power cuts blasted as California fire risk spreads south

Hundreds&nbsp;of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;of turmoil.

Chanting calls for their core demands and denouncing what they see as police brutality, the crowd peacefully occupied&nbsp;streets&nbsp;in the financial district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, before dispersing.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's metro operator had opened all stations in the morning for the first time in a week&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of another&nbsp;round&nbsp;of anti-government&nbsp;protests, while the city's legislature began its first session since protesters stormed the building in July.

Pro-establishment and democratic lawmakers shouted at each other before the beginning of the session, underscoring the tension and divisions in the Asian financial hub after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">four months of often violent pro-democracy&nbsp;protests.</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-pro-democracy-lawmakers-challenge-face-mask-ban-254055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Some lawmakers wore black masks as they sat in the chamber, while others carried placards reading: "Police brutality still exists, how can we have a meeting?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-set-to-ban-face-masks-in-bid-to-curb-violence-media-253483">The wearing of face masks was banned </a>under colonial-era emergency powers invoked by embattled&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam a week ago.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's freedoms guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced with the 1997 handover.

China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest.

Metro operator MTR Corp, whose network carries about 5 million passengers a day, said all lines would shut at 10 p.m.&nbsp;on Friday, more than 2 hours earlier than usual so more repairs could be carried out after protesters torched or trashed stations across the city.

Many stores and businesses have had to shut early due to metro closures, putting another burden on the city's faltering economy as it faces its first recession in a decade.

Protesters have targeted the MTR because it has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest to contain demonstrations.

The normally efficient system shut down completely last Friday following arson attacks and has operated only partially since then.

Lam introduced the emergency laws, including the ban on face masks last week in an effort to quell unrest. But the ban sparked some of the worst violence since&nbsp;protests&nbsp;started.

The government said it would not bring in any other emergency measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952">Shopping malls and other facilities closed early </a>on Thursday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952"> </a>but few demonstrators took to the&nbsp;streets, with only about 60 activists gathering outside one police station.

But several demonstrations are planned across the city on Friday and through the&nbsp;weekend, when more people have been coming out to vent their opposition over the weeks.

Several major conferences and other events have been called off because of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;with the latest being an annual swimming race in the city's famed harbour.

Property developer&nbsp;New&nbsp;World Development Company Limited&nbsp;said it was cancelling the October&nbsp;27 competition because of the "social situation".

The protest movement still appears to have a broad base of support despite the violence and vandalism carried out by small groups of front-line protesters.

Residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are calling for the protection of civil liberties. Many young people are also angry about the city's hugely expensive property, widening inequality and poor job prospects.

More than 2,300 people have been arrested since the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;began to snowball in June, with many of them below the age of 16, authorities said.

Lam is due to deliver the city's annual policy address on October 16 which traditionally contains sweeteners and support for business and investment.

She has said that due to the unrest her address would not be as "elaborate" or "comprehensive" as normal.

Pro-democracy lawmakers on Friday reiterated calls for authorities to address the protesters' "five demands" which include universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into their complaints of excessive force by the police.

Bernard Chan, the convenor of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's executive council - the lead advisory body to the chief executive - wrote in an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post on Friday that Lam's policy address would include responses to address the discontent.

Chan said the Independent Police Complaints Council should be allowed to do its own investigation into the controversy over areas such as police procedures and held out the option of an independent inquiry later.

Hundreds of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another weekend of turmoil.

Hundreds of mask-wearing pro-democracy protesters marched through Hong Kong's central business district at lunchtime on Friday, occupying a main thoroughfare and disrupting traffic as the city braced for another weekend of turmoil. Chanting calls for their core demands and denouncing what they see as police brutality, the crowd peacefully occupied streets in the financial district, home to some of the world's most expensive real estate, before dispersing. Hong Kong's metro operator had opened all stations in the morning for the first time in a week ahead of another round of anti-government protests, while the city's legislature began its first session since protesters stormed the building in July. Pro-establishment and democratic lawmakers shouted at each other before the beginning of the session, underscoring the tension and divisions in the Asian financial hub after four months of often violent pro-democracy protests. Some lawmakers wore black masks as they sat in the chamber, while others carried placards reading: "Police brutality still exists, how can we have a meeting?" The wearing of face masks was banned under colonial-era emergency powers invoked by embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam a week ago. The protests have plunged the city into its worst crisis since it returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling Hong Kong's freedoms guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula introduced with the 1997 handover. China denies the accusations and says foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, are fomenting unrest. Metro operator MTR Corp, whose network carries about 5 million passengers a day, said all lines would shut at 10 p.m. on Friday, more than 2 hours earlier than usual so more repairs could be carried out after protesters torched or trashed stations across the city. Many stores and businesses have had to shut early due to metro closures, putting another burden on the city's faltering economy as it faces its first recession in a decade. Protesters have targeted the MTR because it has been blamed for closing stations at the government's behest to contain demonstrations. The normally efficient system shut down completely last Friday following arson attacks and has operated only partially since then. Lam introduced the emergency laws, including the ban on face masks last week in an effort to quell unrest. But the ban sparked some of the worst violence since protests started. The government said it would not bring in any other emergency measures. Shopping malls and other facilities closed early on Thursday but few demonstrators took to the streets, with only about 60 activists gathering outside one police station. But several demonstrations are planned across the city on Friday and through the weekend, when more people have been coming out to vent their opposition over the weeks. Several major conferences and other events have been called off because of the protests with the latest being an annual swimming race in the city's famed harbour. Property developer New World Development Company Limited said it was cancelling the October 27 competition because of the "social situation". The protest movement still appears to have a broad base of support despite the violence and vandalism carried out by small groups of front-line protesters. Residents, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are calling for the protection of civil liberties. Many young people are also angry about the city's hugely expensive property, widening inequality and poor job prospects. More than 2,300 people have been arrested since the protests began to snowball in June, with many of them below the age of 16, authorities said. Lam is due to deliver the city's annual policy address on October 16 which traditionally contains sweeteners and support for business and investment. She has said that due to the unrest her address would not be as "elaborate" or "comprehensive" as normal. Pro-democracy lawmakers on Friday reiterated calls for authorities to address the protesters' "five demands" which include universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into their complaints of excessive force by the police. Bernard Chan, the convenor of Hong Kong's executive council - the lead advisory body to the chief executive - wrote in an opinion piece in the South China Morning Post on Friday that Lam's policy address would include responses to address the discontent. Chan said the Independent Police Complaints Council should be allowed to do its own investigation into the controversy over areas such as police procedures and held out the option of an independent inquiry later.

Hundreds take to Hong Kong streets ahead of new round of weekend protests

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).

The index evaluates factors behind productivity and long-term economic growth. The report says Pakistan's ranking deteriorated due to poor performance in key areas of press freedoms, governance, innovation, corruption, life expectancy, productivity, and human development.

The WEF's index maps out the competitive landscape of 141 economies based on more than 100 indicators in a dozen categories.

The forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 this week adopting a new methodology for measuring competitiveness by including indices which represent more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems.

The report said that changing the nature of economic competitiveness in a world that is becoming increasingly transformed by new digital technologies is creating a new set of challenges for governments and businesses, which collectively run the risk of harming future growth and productivity.

However, it said Pakistan improved in some areas such as budgetary transparency and reduction in organised crimes.

Among the South Asian nations, India is at 68, Sri Lanka 84, Bangladesh 105 and Nepal at 108.&nbsp;

The 2019 report uses a methodology aimed to fully capture the dynamics of the global economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.&nbsp;

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). The index evaluates factors behind productivity and long-term economic growth. The report says Pakistan's ranking deteriorated due to poor performance in key areas of press freedoms, governance, innovation, corruption, life expectancy, productivity, and human development. The WEF's index maps out the competitive landscape of 141 economies based on more than 100 indicators in a dozen categories. The forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 this week adopting a new methodology for measuring competitiveness by including indices which represent more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems. The report said that changing the nature of economic competitiveness in a world that is becoming increasingly transformed by new digital technologies is creating a new set of challenges for governments and businesses, which collectively run the risk of harming future growth and productivity. However, it said Pakistan improved in some areas such as budgetary transparency and reduction in organised crimes. Among the South Asian nations, India is at 68, Sri Lanka 84, Bangladesh 105 and Nepal at 108. The 2019 report uses a methodology aimed to fully capture the dynamics of the global economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Pakistan ranks 110th among 141 countries on WEF's Global Competitiveness Index

Students in Bangladesh staged a fourth day of protests on Thursday over the killing of an undergraduate as authorities blocked an internet page that detailed alleged torture by activists of the country's ruling party.

Hundreds of students defied a heavy monsoon storm to stage a rally on the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to demand justice for Abrar Fahad.

Fahad was beaten to death on Sunday, sparking a wave of anger in the South Asian nation's universities.

Police carried out two more arrests on Thursday, taking the total detained over the killing to 15 -- including 11 from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student branch of the ruling Awami League.

The 21-year-old Fahad was allegedly beaten with a cricket bat and other blunt objects for six hours after he put up a Facebook post criticising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina vowed Wednesday that the killers would get the "highest punishment".

Internet providers blocked a webpage launched by a BUET professor that highlighted complaints, including torture, made by students against members of the ruling party's student wing.

An official from an internet service provider said the page had been blocked "following orders" from the government's Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

The BTRC, which has in the past had blocked dozens of news portals and websites critical of the government, made no immediate comment.

The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said the webpage contained 177 complaints, with at least 72 posted after Fahad's killing. Most of the complaints were against the BCL.

Mostofa Akbar, a professor at the university, said the webpage, part of a university internet site, was taken down late Wednesday.

"These complaints were submitted to the BUET student welfare director three months ago," he told AFP.

Sweden-based Bangladesh rights activist Tasneem Khalil said the blocked webpage "confirmed in graphic detail how such torture has been a routine element in the daily lives of hundreds of BUET students."

He said the database "was posing a serious challenge to the government narrative that the killing of Abrar Fahad was just a stray incident", Khalil said.

Students in Bangladesh staged a fourth day of protests on Thursday over the killing of an undergraduate as authorities blocked an internet page that detailed alleged torture by activists of the country's ruling party.

Students in Bangladesh staged a fourth day of protests on Thursday over the killing of an undergraduate as authorities blocked an internet page that detailed alleged torture by activists of the country's ruling party. Hundreds of students defied a heavy monsoon storm to stage a rally on the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to demand justice for Abrar Fahad. Fahad was beaten to death on Sunday, sparking a wave of anger in the South Asian nation's universities. Police carried out two more arrests on Thursday, taking the total detained over the killing to 15 -- including 11 from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student branch of the ruling Awami League. The 21-year-old Fahad was allegedly beaten with a cricket bat and other blunt objects for six hours after he put up a Facebook post criticising Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina vowed Wednesday that the killers would get the "highest punishment". Internet providers blocked a webpage launched by a BUET professor that highlighted complaints, including torture, made by students against members of the ruling party's student wing. An official from an internet service provider said the page had been blocked "following orders" from the government's Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The BTRC, which has in the past had blocked dozens of news portals and websites critical of the government, made no immediate comment. The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said the webpage contained 177 complaints, with at least 72 posted after Fahad's killing. Most of the complaints were against the BCL. Mostofa Akbar, a professor at the university, said the webpage, part of a university internet site, was taken down late Wednesday. "These complaints were submitted to the BUET student welfare director three months ago," he told AFP. Sweden-based Bangladesh rights activist Tasneem Khalil said the blocked webpage "confirmed in graphic detail how such torture has been a routine element in the daily lives of hundreds of BUET students." He said the database "was posing a serious challenge to the government narrative that the killing of Abrar Fahad was just a stray incident", Khalil said.

Bangladesh students continue protests after death of undergraduate Abrar Fahad

&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter&nbsp;security&nbsp;for state officials a day&nbsp;after&nbsp;a suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-islamic-state-terrorist-stabs-indonesian-security-minister-254936">Islamist militant stabbed the chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister</a> as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019.

Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many&nbsp;Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta&nbsp;after&nbsp;sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;after&nbsp;he opened a university building in Pandeglang town.

He was the first senior politician to be&nbsp;attacked in recent years and the&nbsp;president&nbsp;said he should be the last.

"Even when we already have&nbsp;security&nbsp;measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital&nbsp;after&nbsp;visiting the minister.

"He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister had asked to take part in government meetings.

Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors.

The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws&nbsp;after&nbsp;a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year.

The&nbsp;attack&nbsp;came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20.

Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;would not have an impact on the inauguration.

Wiranto has served as chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016.

A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents.

His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor.

Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town. Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019. Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta after sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the attack after he opened a university building in Pandeglang town. He was the first senior politician to be attacked in recent years and the president said he should be the last. "Even when we already have security measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital after visiting the minister. "He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the security minister had asked to take part in government meetings. Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors. The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws after a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year. The attack came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20. Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the attack would not have an impact on the inauguration. Wiranto has served as chief security minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016. A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents. His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor. Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President tightens security for ministers after attack

Injury-decimated&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;squandered a&nbsp;two-goal&nbsp;lead&nbsp;to&nbsp;draw&nbsp;2-2 with&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;thanks to Lucas Ocampos's 85th-minute equaliser in a friendly on Wednesday.

The Germans, missing a dozen players and without a single world champion in the starting line-up for the first time since the 2014 World Cup final, fielded a callow team including newcomers Robin Koch and Luca Waldschmidt.

What they lacked in experience, however, they made up for in enthusiasm in the first half with Serge Gnabry continuing his prolific run with his 10th&nbsp;goal&nbsp;in his 11th international, stabbing the hosts ahead after quarter of an hour.

Gnabry turned provider seven minutes later when he found Kai Havertz in the box to complete a quick move.

Marcel Halstenberg rattled the crossbar with a stunning left-footed free-kick as did&nbsp;Argentina's Rodrigo De Paul with a long-range effort.

Argentina, without suspended world footballer of the year Lionel Messi as well as Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, cut the deficit in the 66th minute through substitute Lucas Alario who instantly added more pace to their game.

The Germans, who had four players making their debuts, gradually ran out of steam and the visitors completed their comeback when Alario charged into the box to lay off for Ocampos to equalise.

Germany&nbsp;next take on Estonia in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Injury-decimated Germany squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Argentina thanks to Lucas Ocampos's 85th-minute equaliser in a friendly on Wednesday. The Germans, missing a dozen players and without a single world champion in the starting line-up for the first time since the 2014 World Cup final, fielded a callow team including newcomers Robin Koch and Luca Waldschmidt.

Injury-decimated Germany squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Argentina thanks to Lucas Ocampos's 85th-minute equaliser in a friendly on Wednesday. The Germans, missing a dozen players and without a single world champion in the starting line-up for the first time since the 2014 World Cup final, fielded a callow team including newcomers Robin Koch and Luca Waldschmidt. What they lacked in experience, however, they made up for in enthusiasm in the first half with Serge Gnabry continuing his prolific run with his 10th goal in his 11th international, stabbing the hosts ahead after quarter of an hour. Gnabry turned provider seven minutes later when he found Kai Havertz in the box to complete a quick move. Marcel Halstenberg rattled the crossbar with a stunning left-footed free-kick as did Argentina's Rodrigo De Paul with a long-range effort. Argentina, without suspended world footballer of the year Lionel Messi as well as Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, cut the deficit in the 66th minute through substitute Lucas Alario who instantly added more pace to their game. The Germans, who had four players making their debuts, gradually ran out of steam and the visitors completed their comeback when Alario charged into the box to lay off for Ocampos to equalise. Germany next take on Estonia in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Germany waste two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Argentina

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharrafs-case-adjourned-till-october-24-254522">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case.

The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.

However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism.

Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016.

The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case.

On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman.

The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences.

Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case. A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case. The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007. However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism. Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016. The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case. On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman. The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences. Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court rejects plea to drop terrorism charges against Pervez Musharraf

Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been issued with an arrest warrant after failing to appear at a hearing over the sacking of workers at a company he heads, officials said Thursday.

A judge at a court in Dhaka issued the order Wednesday as sacked workers from Grameen Communications (GC) lodged a complaint saying they were fired because they set up a trade union, court clerk M. Nuruzzaman told AFP.&nbsp;

Yunus, who is chairman of GC, did not attend the hearing as he was abroad. The chief executive officer and a senior manager at the company appeared at the court and secured bail, Nuruzzaman said.

"He (Yunus) left Bangladesh before receiving any summons for appearing before the court. As soon as he returns, an appropriate legal step shall be taken," Yunus's lawyer Kazi Ershadul Alam told AFP.

The 79-year-old former economics professor who founded the pioneering poverty-busting microlender Grameen Bank, has been at odds with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 2007 when he made a brief foray into the country's highly polarised politics.

In 2011, he was sacked as the head of Grameen Bank, in a move widely believed to have been orchestrated by Hasina. He challenged his sacking in the highest court, but lost.

Yunus set up the Bank, which co-won the Nobel with him in 2006, in 1983 to make collateral-free microloans to millions of rural entrepreneurs. The bank is now run by managers appointed by Hasina.&nbsp;

Hasina has accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor amid allegations the bank charges interest rates of more than 20 per cent and suggested he was responsible for the World Bank pulling a $1.2 billion loan for a mega-bridge project.

Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been issued with an arrest warrant after failing to appear at a hearing over the sacking of workers at a company he heads, officials said Thursday.

Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been issued with an arrest warrant after failing to appear at a hearing over the sacking of workers at a company he heads, officials said Thursday. A judge at a court in Dhaka issued the order Wednesday as sacked workers from Grameen Communications (GC) lodged a complaint saying they were fired because they set up a trade union, court clerk M. Nuruzzaman told AFP. Yunus, who is chairman of GC, did not attend the hearing as he was abroad. The chief executive officer and a senior manager at the company appeared at the court and secured bail, Nuruzzaman said. "He (Yunus) left Bangladesh before receiving any summons for appearing before the court. As soon as he returns, an appropriate legal step shall be taken," Yunus's lawyer Kazi Ershadul Alam told AFP. The 79-year-old former economics professor who founded the pioneering poverty-busting microlender Grameen Bank, has been at odds with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 2007 when he made a brief foray into the country's highly polarised politics. In 2011, he was sacked as the head of Grameen Bank, in a move widely believed to have been orchestrated by Hasina. He challenged his sacking in the highest court, but lost. Yunus set up the Bank, which co-won the Nobel with him in 2006, in 1983 to make collateral-free microloans to millions of rural entrepreneurs. The bank is now run by managers appointed by Hasina. Hasina has accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor amid allegations the bank charges interest rates of more than 20 per cent and suggested he was responsible for the World Bank pulling a $1.2 billion loan for a mega-bridge project.

Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over sacking of workers

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sorry-this-is-an-emergency-climate-protesters-block-streets-around-the-world-254412">climate-change protesters</a>&nbsp;"Extinction Rebellion"&nbsp;vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital.

London City is the capital's fifth-biggest - and most central - airport, popular with business travellers, bankers and politicians for short-haul and regional routes.

On Thursday, 18,000 passengers are due to arrive or depart from the airport, with 286 flights scheduled.

Extinction Rebellion, which has targeted government buildings over the last few days, said protesters would lie, sit or glue themselves to "nonviolently use their bodies to close the airport."

They said they were protesting plans to expand the airport, which aims to have 6.5 million passengers a year by 2022, compared to the 4.8 million in 2018, and which has said there could be demand for as many as 11 million a year by 2035.

"Air travel is an icon of our fragile 'just-in-time' economic system. That system will break, as Climate Chaos hits," group spokesman Rupert Read said in a statement.

"By non-violently shutting down this airport... we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours, unwisely, have come to depend upon."

London police have made hundreds of arrests as the protesters, labelled "unco-operative crusties" by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-faces-cabinet-revolt-over-no-deal-brexit-report-254678">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>, began two weeks of civil disobedience.

London City Airport said it was working with police to prepare for the protests.

"Our shared priority is the safe operation of the airport and to minimise disruption for passengers using the airport over the coming days," a spokesman said.

All passengers travelling for the rest of this week will have to show their boarding passes to access the terminal.

Extinction Rebellion said that if protesters do not make it into the airport itself, they will occupy the neighbouring Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station and access road to blockade it from the outside.

The airport said it is "committed to building a more sustainable future for the airport and the aviation industry" and has said that it will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after climate-change protesters "Extinction Rebellion" vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital.

London airport was braced for disruption on Thursday after climate-change protesters "Extinction Rebellion" vowed to occupy its terminal and shut down operations for three days as part of its action in the British capital. London City is the capital's fifth-biggest - and most central - airport, popular with business travellers, bankers and politicians for short-haul and regional routes. On Thursday, 18,000 passengers are due to arrive or depart from the airport, with 286 flights scheduled. Extinction Rebellion, which has targeted government buildings over the last few days, said protesters would lie, sit or glue themselves to "nonviolently use their bodies to close the airport." They said they were protesting plans to expand the airport, which aims to have 6.5 million passengers a year by 2022, compared to the 4.8 million in 2018, and which has said there could be demand for as many as 11 million a year by 2035. "Air travel is an icon of our fragile 'just-in-time' economic system. That system will break, as Climate Chaos hits," group spokesman Rupert Read said in a statement. "By non-violently shutting down this airport... we are demonstrating the utter frailty of the transport systems that countries such as ours, unwisely, have come to depend upon." London police have made hundreds of arrests as the protesters, labelled "unco-operative crusties" by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, began two weeks of civil disobedience. London City Airport said it was working with police to prepare for the protests. "Our shared priority is the safe operation of the airport and to minimise disruption for passengers using the airport over the coming days," a spokesman said. All passengers travelling for the rest of this week will have to show their boarding passes to access the terminal. Extinction Rebellion said that if protesters do not make it into the airport itself, they will occupy the neighbouring Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station and access road to blockade it from the outside. The airport said it is "committed to building a more sustainable future for the airport and the aviation industry" and has said that it will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

London airport braces for possible shutdown by climate protesters

The National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed that it would go ahead with an exhibition game in Shanghai on Thursday that had looked in doubt after a team executive ignited a free speech row.

"The Lakers and the Nets will face each other in the NBA China game in Shanghai beginning tonight at 19:30," the NBA said on its verified Chinese social media account.

An NBA representative also confirmed the game would go ahead, in a message to AFP.

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-organisers-cancel-nba-fan-event-amid-free-speech-row-254851">Chinese organisers cancelled a fan event</a> on the eve of a&nbsp;NBA exhibition game in Shanghai.

Chinese sponsors and partners have been cutting ties with the NBA after the Twitter post by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey last week supporting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-stage-peaceful-rallies-calling-for-liberation-254834">anti-government protests in Hong Kong</a>.

The NBA controversy also comes against the backdrop of a US-China trade war that escalated after Washington imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials on Tuesday.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed that it would go ahead with an exhibition game in Shanghai on Thursday that had looked in doubt after a team executive ignited a free speech row.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed that it would go ahead with an exhibition game in Shanghai on Thursday that had looked in doubt after a team executive ignited a free speech row. "The Lakers and the Nets will face each other in the NBA China game in Shanghai beginning tonight at 19:30," the NBA said on its verified Chinese social media account. An NBA representative also confirmed the game would go ahead, in a message to AFP. Earlier today, Chinese organisers cancelled a fan event on the eve of a NBA exhibition game in Shanghai. Chinese sponsors and partners have been cutting ties with the NBA after the Twitter post by Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey last week supporting anti-government protests in Hong Kong. The NBA controversy also comes against the backdrop of a US-China trade war that escalated after Washington imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials on Tuesday.

Shanghai game still on despite Hong Kong row: NBA

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