Gold&nbsp;prices scaled&nbsp;one-week&nbsp;highs on Thursday, holding ground above $1,500 an ounce, as investors flocked to the safety of bullion following contradictory reports about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks.</a>

Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;gained 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1,506.78 per ounce as of 0724 GMT, having notched a&nbsp;peak&nbsp;of $1,516.77 early in the session, its highest since October&nbsp;3. US&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures dropped 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1,511.80.

"Gold&nbsp;is holding strong above $1,500 because of healthy inflows by ETFs (exchange-traded funds). If the US-China&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks fail once again,&nbsp;gold&nbsp;prices could rally," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at Mumbai-based Anand Rathi Shares &amp; Stock Brokers.

"Prices are not falling, because of strong investment demand and fundamental factors. $1,490 is the current support, and if prices drop below this, there could be an extended fall till $1,460."

A report from the New York Times said Washington would soon issue licences permitting some US&nbsp;firms to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei Technologies.

A report by Bloomberg, saying the White House was looking at rolling out a currency pact with China, raised hopes of a partial deal and helped to lift risk assets.

The South China Morning Post had reported earlier in the session that a Chinese delegation was planning to leave Washington after just a day of minister-level meetings, instead of Friday as planned, sending Asian stocks toppling. However, risk sentiment has recovered slightly since.

Gold&nbsp;is often used by investors as a hedge against political and financial uncertainty.

"Gold&nbsp;ETF holdings are at three-year highs and lots of central banks are also buying, which is keeping prices supported," said Argonaut Securities analyst Helen Lau, adding that some volatility could be expected in the&nbsp;gold&nbsp;market.

Indicative of investor interest, holdings of the SPDR&nbsp;Gold&nbsp;Trust, the world's largest&nbsp;gold-backed exchange-traded fund, have been at their highest since November 2016.

Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;looks neutral in a range of $1,488-$1,514 per ounce, and an escape could suggest a direction, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said.

Investors also sought further cues on the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve's trajectory on monetary easing later in the month.

"Global&nbsp;trade&nbsp;uncertainties along with subdued global growth will remain supportive towards safe-haven assets in the current term," Phillip Futures analyst Benjamin Lu said in a note.

Silver rose 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $17.72 per ounce, palladium inched 0.2 per cent&nbsp;higher to $1,684.91 and platinum was little changed at $891.49 an ounce.

Gold prices scaled one-week highs on Thursday, holding ground above $1,500 an ounce, as investors flocked to the safety of bullion following contradictory reports about US-China trade talks.

Gold prices scaled one-week highs on Thursday, holding ground above $1,500 an ounce, as investors flocked to the safety of bullion following contradictory reports about US-China trade talks. Spot gold gained 0.1 per cent to $1,506.78 per ounce as of 0724 GMT, having notched a peak of $1,516.77 early in the session, its highest since October 3. US gold futures dropped 0.1 per cent to $1,511.80. "Gold is holding strong above $1,500 because of healthy inflows by ETFs (exchange-traded funds). If the US-China trade talks fail once again, gold prices could rally," said Jigar Trivedi, a commodities analyst at Mumbai-based Anand Rathi Shares & Stock Brokers. "Prices are not falling, because of strong investment demand and fundamental factors. $1,490 is the current support, and if prices drop below this, there could be an extended fall till $1,460." A report from the New York Times said Washington would soon issue licences permitting some US firms to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei Technologies. A report by Bloomberg, saying the White House was looking at rolling out a currency pact with China, raised hopes of a partial deal and helped to lift risk assets. The South China Morning Post had reported earlier in the session that a Chinese delegation was planning to leave Washington after just a day of minister-level meetings, instead of Friday as planned, sending Asian stocks toppling. However, risk sentiment has recovered slightly since. Gold is often used by investors as a hedge against political and financial uncertainty. "Gold ETF holdings are at three-year highs and lots of central banks are also buying, which is keeping prices supported," said Argonaut Securities analyst Helen Lau, adding that some volatility could be expected in the gold market. Indicative of investor interest, holdings of the SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, have been at their highest since November 2016. Spot gold looks neutral in a range of $1,488-$1,514 per ounce, and an escape could suggest a direction, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said. Investors also sought further cues on the US Federal Reserve's trajectory on monetary easing later in the month. "Global trade uncertainties along with subdued global growth will remain supportive towards safe-haven assets in the current term," Phillip Futures analyst Benjamin Lu said in a note. Silver rose 0.1 per cent to $17.72 per ounce, palladium inched 0.2 per cent higher to $1,684.91 and platinum was little changed at $891.49 an ounce.

Gold rises to one-week peak amid trade anxiety

Most&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;firmed on Thursday, as a volatile&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;weakened broadly on&nbsp;mixed&nbsp;signals&nbsp;over the state of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks between Washington and Beijing.</a>

Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US&nbsp;companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;eased against a basket of major&nbsp;currencies.

"News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US&nbsp;could be at hand," a Maybank note said.

US&nbsp;Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact.

The yuan&nbsp;strengthened 0.3 per cent&nbsp;and the Singapore&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;firmed 0.2per cent.

The Philippine peso&nbsp;firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit.

Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday.

The Korean won&nbsp;bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent&nbsp;ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organisation.

The won is the worst performer among&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;currencies&nbsp;this year.

The prolonged Sino-US&nbsp;trade&nbsp;conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's&nbsp;trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal.

Most Asian currencies firmed on Thursday, as a volatile dollar weakened broadly on mixed signals over the state of trade talks between Washington and Beijing. Dampened sentiment following suggestions that the Chinese delegation might cut the ministerial-level talks short and leave Washington on Thursday were offset by a Bloomberg report that the United States is weighing a currency pact with China as part of a partial deal. Traders also took note of a New York Times report that Washington will issue licenses allowing some US companies to supply non-sensitive goods to China's Huawei, as the dollar eased against a basket of major currencies. "News of Huawei and the currency pact released together with the strong (yuan) fix, underscores the fact that PBoC (People's Bank Of China) is (ready) ...to give a strong guidance for the CNY as a potential pact with the US could be at hand," a Maybank note said. US Federal Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday were largely in line with expectations and had little market impact. The yuan strengthened 0.3 per cent and the Singapore dollar firmed 0.2per cent. The Philippine peso firmed marginally. Data showed that August exports rose 0.6 per cent, while imports slumped 11.8 per cent, narrowing the country's August deficit. Taiwan's financial markets were closed for a holiday. The Korean won bucked the trend to slip 0.3 per cent ahead of talks with Japan on Friday over tighter export controls from Tokyo. The talks are part of a dispute settlement process through the World Trade Organisation. The won is the worst performer among Asian currencies this year. The prolonged Sino-US trade conflict and the dispute with Japan has dealt a huge blow to South Korea's trade-reliant economy. In September, exports slumped 11.7 per cent, shrinking for the 10th consecutive month.

Most Asian currencies rise as dollar slips; trade signals mixed

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early.

Hong Kong is one of the world's top shopping cities but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353">four months of often violent protests</a> have severely dented that reputation, with scores of shops vandalised and malls now becoming sites for sit-ins by protesters.

The Asian financial hub is facing its first recession in a decade due to the unrest, with the tourism and retail sectors hit particularly hard.

Protesters have been playing cat and mouse with police, organising demonstrations at different locations via social media, stretching security resources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-removes-police-tracking-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests-from-its-app-store-254882">Apple Inc&nbsp;on Wednesday removed an app</a> that protesters have used to track police movements, prompting some demonstrators to say they may "visit" its Hong Kong store.

The unrest started more than four months ago in opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill but has widened into a pro-democracy movement amid fears China is encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms.

Those freedoms were guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, which allows autonomy not enjoyed on the mainland.

Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the unrest has pushed the special administrative region into its worst political crisis since 1997 and poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Many young demonstrators are also incensed at what they see as widening inequality, sky-high property prices that make it impossible for them to get a place of their own and poor job prospects.

Demonstrations planned for Thursday include some in support of Taiwan on its National Day and rallies against perceived police brutality, with protesters expected to wear eye patches to show solidarity with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/police-shoot-hong-kong-protester-in-chest-during-clashes-253085">young protester who was injured in clashes with police.</a>

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in a National Day speech in Taipei, rejected the "one country, two systems" formula that Beijing has suggested could be used to unify Taiwan and the mainland, saying the arrangement had set Hong Kong "on the edge of disorder".

Beijing regards Taiwan as a wayward province and has not renounced the use of force to bring it into the fold. Beijing has held out the Hong Kong arrangement of special autonomy within a united China as a model.

But Hong Kong's protests have been fuelled by resentment of what many residents see as relentless efforts by Beijing to exert control over their city, despite the promises of autonomy.

Hong Kong is still <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-reopens-most-metro-stations-shops-after-weekend-protests-254571">recovering from a long weekend of violent clashes</a> between police and tens of thousands of protesters.

Scores of shops remain boarded up after being trashed or torched, anti-government graffiti is scrawled over bus stops and buildings, and some streets are still strewn with broken glass and twisted metal debris.

Protest violence has often targeted the MTR mass transit system, torching stations, and damaging ticketing machines. The MTR has been accused of closing stations at the government's behest to stop demonstrators gathering.

A slew of events and conferences have moved to other locations, including Singapore.

Hong Kong's unrest has started to impact global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiffany-removes-advert-over-hong-kong-controversy-254639">Tiffany &amp; Co </a>and US&nbsp;sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tv-drops-nba-exhibition-games-escalating-pressure-amid-tweet-uproar-254463">China has canceled broadcasting NBA basketball games </a>after an executive of the US&nbsp;National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets back protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA.

The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes.

China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an internal affair and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early.

Hong Kong protesters prepared for demonstrations around the city on Thursday as shopping malls said they would close early to avoid becoming targets and the city's metro, which has borne the brunt of the violent unrest, will close three hours early. Hong Kong is one of the world's top shopping cities but four months of often violent protests have severely dented that reputation, with scores of shops vandalised and malls now becoming sites for sit-ins by protesters. The Asian financial hub is facing its first recession in a decade due to the unrest, with the tourism and retail sectors hit particularly hard. Protesters have been playing cat and mouse with police, organising demonstrations at different locations via social media, stretching security resources. Apple Inc on Wednesday removed an app that protesters have used to track police movements, prompting some demonstrators to say they may "visit" its Hong Kong store. The unrest started more than four months ago in opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill but has widened into a pro-democracy movement amid fears China is encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms. Those freedoms were guaranteed under a "one country, two systems" formula when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, which allows autonomy not enjoyed on the mainland. Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career However, the unrest has pushed the special administrative region into its worst political crisis since 1997 and poses the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Many young demonstrators are also incensed at what they see as widening inequality, sky-high property prices that make it impossible for them to get a place of their own and poor job prospects. Demonstrations planned for Thursday include some in support of Taiwan on its National Day and rallies against perceived police brutality, with protesters expected to wear eye patches to show solidarity with a young protester who was injured in clashes with police. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, in a National Day speech in Taipei, rejected the "one country, two systems" formula that Beijing has suggested could be used to unify Taiwan and the mainland, saying the arrangement had set Hong Kong "on the edge of disorder". Beijing regards Taiwan as a wayward province and has not renounced the use of force to bring it into the fold. Beijing has held out the Hong Kong arrangement of special autonomy within a united China as a model. But Hong Kong's protests have been fuelled by resentment of what many residents see as relentless efforts by Beijing to exert control over their city, despite the promises of autonomy. Hong Kong is still recovering from a long weekend of violent clashes between police and tens of thousands of protesters. Scores of shops remain boarded up after being trashed or torched, anti-government graffiti is scrawled over bus stops and buildings, and some streets are still strewn with broken glass and twisted metal debris. Protest violence has often targeted the MTR mass transit system, torching stations, and damaging ticketing machines. The MTR has been accused of closing stations at the government's behest to stop demonstrators gathering. A slew of events and conferences have moved to other locations, including Singapore. Hong Kong's unrest has started to impact global companies and sport, with luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co and US sports brand Vans withdrawing an advertisement and shoe design seen as favouring protesters. China has canceled broadcasting NBA basketball games after an executive of the US National Basketball Association (NBA) team the Houston Rockets back protesters in a tweet. Chinese sponsors and partners have cut ties with the NBA. The NBA's business in China is worth more than $4 billion, according to Forbes. China has warned foreign governments to stay out of the protests which they deem as an internal affair and have accused some, including Britain and the United States, of fanning anti-China sentiment.

Hong Kong shopping malls, metro close early as more protests planned

The United States has not given Turkey <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-launches-land-operation-in-northeast-syria-arab-league-to-hold-emergency-meeting-254862">a green light to invade Syria</a>, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, but added that Ankara had "legitimate security concerns" and that President Donald Trump made a decision to move American soldiers out of harm's way.

"That's just false. The United States didn't give Turkey a green light. We'll continue to be in a position to do what we need to do to keep the American people as safe as we possibly can from this threat. But it is not only in Syria. It emanates from Iraq,'' Pompeo said.

''There are a dozen other countries where the threat from radical Islamic terrorism continues to exist, and we the United States, has to make sure we position our forces our resources, appropriately to reduce that threat to the United States," Pompeo added.

Speaking to broadcaster PBS Pompeo said that China's treatment of Muslims, including the Uighurs, in western China was an "enormous human rights violation" and Washington will continue to raise the issue.

"This is not only an enormous human rights violation, but we don't think it's in the best interests of the world or of China to engage in this kind of behaviour," Pompeo told PBS.

Shocking video shows hundreds of blindfolded and bound Uighur Muslims

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shocking-video-shows-hundreds-of-blindfolded-and-bound-uighur-muslims-254903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Asked whether Chinese President Xi Jinping was responsible, Pompeo said: "Xi Jinping leads the country just like the leader of a tank platoon, a small business or a country is responsible for the things that happen in your name."

Pompeo also said it was "wholly appropriate" for President Donald Trump to ask Ukraine's leader to investigate corruption in his country.

"I found that to be wholly appropriate to try to get another country to stop being corrupt," Pompeo said in an interview on PBS's "NewsHour" program.

Pompeo has said he listened to the July 25 call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

The call has sparked a US House of Representatives' impeachment probe of Trump.

The United States has not given Turkey a green light to invade Syria, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, but added that Ankara had "legitimate security concerns" and that President Donald Trump made a decision to move American soldiers out of harm's way.

The United States has not given Turkey a green light to invade Syria, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, but added that Ankara had "legitimate security concerns" and that President Donald Trump made a decision to move American soldiers out of harm's way. "That's just false. The United States didn't give Turkey a green light. We'll continue to be in a position to do what we need to do to keep the American people as safe as we possibly can from this threat. But it is not only in Syria. It emanates from Iraq,'' Pompeo said. ''There are a dozen other countries where the threat from radical Islamic terrorism continues to exist, and we the United States, has to make sure we position our forces our resources, appropriately to reduce that threat to the United States," Pompeo added. Speaking to broadcaster PBS Pompeo said that China's treatment of Muslims, including the Uighurs, in western China was an "enormous human rights violation" and Washington will continue to raise the issue. "This is not only an enormous human rights violation, but we don't think it's in the best interests of the world or of China to engage in this kind of behaviour," Pompeo told PBS. Shocking video shows hundreds of blindfolded and bound Uighur Muslims Asked whether Chinese President Xi Jinping was responsible, Pompeo said: "Xi Jinping leads the country just like the leader of a tank platoon, a small business or a country is responsible for the things that happen in your name." Pompeo also said it was "wholly appropriate" for President Donald Trump to ask Ukraine's leader to investigate corruption in his country. "I found that to be wholly appropriate to try to get another country to stop being corrupt," Pompeo said in an interview on PBS's "NewsHour" program. Pompeo has said he listened to the July 25 call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in which Trump asked Zelenskiy to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company. The call has sparked a US House of Representatives' impeachment probe of Trump.

US did not give 'green light' to Turkey's Syria incursion: Mike Pompeo

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday.

The incident occurred Tuesday when dozens of members of the Tojolabal indigenous community armed with clubs broke into the mayor's office in the town of Las Margaritas in the state of Chiapas.

Witnesses told investigators they tied up the mayor, Jorge Luis Escandon, pushed him outside and tied him to the back of a pickup.

They then dragged him several dozen meters down the street, before police and public employees intervened and freed Escandon, who survived without major injury.

The mayor accused his attackers of trying to extort him.

"Around 50 or 60 people came in three pickup trucks, armed with clubs and looking to kidnap city officials to extort us and get what they've always wanted: to be given money," he told AFP.

"They started struggling, carrying me, tied up one foot and dragged me out of my office to the street," he said.

State prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven said the attackers were demanding more public resources, including direct cash transfers, for their rural community, Santa Rita El Invernadero.

Leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has introduced a policy of providing public assistance in the form of cash payments to beneficiaries, in order to stem corruption by cutting out bureaucratic middlemen.

Eleven people were arrested and a dozen injured in the melee. Chiapas state police were also sent to help restore order in Las Margaritas, a town of 20,000 people near Mexico's border with Guatemala.

This is not the first time farmers from Santa Rita El Invernadero have staged a violent protest. Four months ago they vandalized the town hall, demanding that Escandon fulfill promises he had made during the 2018 campaign.

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday.

Angry farmers stormed a city hall in southern Mexico, seized the mayor and dragged him through town from the back of a pickup truck in protest, officials said Wednesday. The incident occurred Tuesday when dozens of members of the Tojolabal indigenous community armed with clubs broke into the mayor's office in the town of Las Margaritas in the state of Chiapas. Witnesses told investigators they tied up the mayor, Jorge Luis Escandon, pushed him outside and tied him to the back of a pickup. They then dragged him several dozen meters down the street, before police and public employees intervened and freed Escandon, who survived without major injury. The mayor accused his attackers of trying to extort him. "Around 50 or 60 people came in three pickup trucks, armed with clubs and looking to kidnap city officials to extort us and get what they've always wanted: to be given money," he told AFP. "They started struggling, carrying me, tied up one foot and dragged me out of my office to the street," he said. State prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven said the attackers were demanding more public resources, including direct cash transfers, for their rural community, Santa Rita El Invernadero. Leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has introduced a policy of providing public assistance in the form of cash payments to beneficiaries, in order to stem corruption by cutting out bureaucratic middlemen. Eleven people were arrested and a dozen injured in the melee. Chiapas state police were also sent to help restore order in Las Margaritas, a town of 20,000 people near Mexico's border with Guatemala. This is not the first time farmers from Santa Rita El Invernadero have staged a violent protest. Four months ago they vandalized the town hall, demanding that Escandon fulfill promises he had made during the 2018 campaign.

Mexican mayor tied to truck, dragged through street in protest

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday.

Yulia Yuzik, 38, was arrested in Tehran last week.

An Iranian government spokesman said she was being held over alleged visa violations but the Russian embassy said she had been accused of working for Israeli security services.

"As a result of joint efforts of the Russian foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Tehran, Iran decided to release Russian citizen Yulia Yuzik," the embassy said on Twitter.

It said she was flying back to Moscow.

Boris Voitsekhovskiy, identified by Russian media as Yuzik's ex-husband, said on Facebook that she had landed in the Russian capital.

Russia summoned the Iranian ambassador last week to clarify the circumstances of the arrest.

Yuzik has worked for a number of publications including the Russian version of Newsweek.

She has written two books including "Beslan Dictionary", based on testimony from survivors of the 2004 school massacre that claimed at least 330 lives, more than half of them children.

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday.

Iran has released a Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence and she was on her way to Moscow, Russia's embassy in Tehran said on Thursday. Yulia Yuzik, 38, was arrested in Tehran last week. An Iranian government spokesman said she was being held over alleged visa violations but the Russian embassy said she had been accused of working for Israeli security services. "As a result of joint efforts of the Russian foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Tehran, Iran decided to release Russian citizen Yulia Yuzik," the embassy said on Twitter. It said she was flying back to Moscow. Boris Voitsekhovskiy, identified by Russian media as Yuzik's ex-husband, said on Facebook that she had landed in the Russian capital. Russia summoned the Iranian ambassador last week to clarify the circumstances of the arrest. Yuzik has worked for a number of publications including the Russian version of Newsweek. She has written two books including "Beslan Dictionary", based on testimony from survivors of the 2004 school massacre that claimed at least 330 lives, more than half of them children.

Iran releases Russian journalist detained for suspected links to Israeli intelligence

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said.

"Someone approached and attacked him. The local police chief and Pak (Mr) Wiranto were injured," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said of the attack in Pandeglang on Java island, adding that a man and a woman had been arrested.

Television images showed security officers wrestling the couple to the ground outside a local university after the attack on the 72-year-old Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Berkah Hospital spokesman Firmansyah said the former military general suffered "two deep wounds", but was conscious and in stable condition, adding that he would be rushed to the capital Jakarta and may need surgery.

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said.

An attacker allegedly "exposed to IS radicalism" stabbed Indonesian security minister Wiranto as he was stepping into a vehicle Thursday, leaving two deep wounds, police said. "Someone approached and attacked him. The local police chief and Pak (Mr) Wiranto were injured," National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said of the attack in Pandeglang on Java island, adding that a man and a woman had been arrested. Television images showed security officers wrestling the couple to the ground outside a local university after the attack on the 72-year-old Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Berkah Hospital spokesman Firmansyah said the former military general suffered "two deep wounds", but was conscious and in stable condition, adding that he would be rushed to the capital Jakarta and may need surgery.

Suspected Islamic State terrorist stabs Indonesian security minister

Twenty-nine protestors were released from Thane jail after bail was granted to them on Sunday.

They were arrested from Aarey on charges of disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) started axing the trees on Friday night after the Bombay High Court rejected a bunch of petitions filed by NGOs and activists against the tree felling.&nbsp;

Resolved to save the trees, many protestors gathered at the site to raise their voice against the felling of trees.&nbsp;

Later, more people joined the protestors near the Aarey colony area, where the Mumbai Police imposed Section 144, thereby banning unlawful assembly.

The police had detained at least 84 protestors for allegedly disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties.&nbsp;

Twenty-nine out of 84 protestors were sent to five-day judicial custody by a local court on Saturday. The 29 protestors were granted bail on Sunday by Dindoshi court on a cash bond of Rs 7,000 each and asked to appear at the police station for further inquiry.

A special bench of the Supreme Court is currently hearing the plea submitted by a group of law students protesting against the felling of trees in Mumbai`s Aarey Colony for construction of a metro car shed.

Twenty-nine protestors were released from Thane jail after bail was granted to them on Sunday. They were arrested from Aarey on charges of disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties.

Twenty-nine protestors were released from Thane jail after bail was granted to them on Sunday. They were arrested from Aarey on charges of disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) started axing the trees on Friday night after the Bombay High Court rejected a bunch of petitions filed by NGOs and activists against the tree felling. Resolved to save the trees, many protestors gathered at the site to raise their voice against the felling of trees. Later, more people joined the protestors near the Aarey colony area, where the Mumbai Police imposed Section 144, thereby banning unlawful assembly. The police had detained at least 84 protestors for allegedly disturbing public order and obstructing government officials from performing their duties. Twenty-nine out of 84 protestors were sent to five-day judicial custody by a local court on Saturday. The 29 protestors were granted bail on Sunday by Dindoshi court on a cash bond of Rs 7,000 each and asked to appear at the police station for further inquiry. A special bench of the Supreme Court is currently hearing the plea submitted by a group of law students protesting against the felling of trees in Mumbai`s Aarey Colony for construction of a metro car shed.

Aarey row: 29 protesters released from Thane jail

Indian shares wobbled on Monday as prospects of slower domestic economic growth offset optimism stemming from strong US unemployment data that sent Asian peers higher.

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.24% at 11,201.70, as of 0429 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 0.36% at 38,804.17.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.18% after data showed the US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest in almost 50 years, easing concerns of a slowdown in the world's largest economy.

Back home, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday cut its real GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 to 6.1% from a prior projection of 6.9% as it reduced the policy interest rates by 25 basis points.

"The RBI's cutting down of growth forecast meant that even the (central) bank is not very hopeful of a big turnaround in growth," said Deepak Jasani, head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities.

Yes Bank shares gained as much as 9% after Mint reported the bank was wooing tech giant Microsoft Corp as a strategic investor, while another daily Business Standard said the lender was planning a $1 billion rights issue by December.

Oil marketing companies Bharat Petroleum Corp fell 2.6%, while Indian Oil Corp was down as much as 2.81%.

Among sectors, the NSE media index was the top drag, shedding 2.63%, as heavyweight Zee Entertainment Enterprises fell as much as 14.17%.

Indian shares wobbled on Monday as prospects of slower domestic economic growth offset optimism stemming from strong US unemployment data that sent Asian peers higher.

Indian shares wobbled on Monday as prospects of slower domestic economic growth offset optimism stemming from strong US unemployment data that sent Asian peers higher. The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.24% at 11,201.70, as of 0429 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex rose 0.36% at 38,804.17. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.18% after data showed the US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest in almost 50 years, easing concerns of a slowdown in the world's largest economy. Back home, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday cut its real GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 to 6.1% from a prior projection of 6.9% as it reduced the policy interest rates by 25 basis points. "The RBI's cutting down of growth forecast meant that even the (central) bank is not very hopeful of a big turnaround in growth," said Deepak Jasani, head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities. Yes Bank shares gained as much as 9% after Mint reported the bank was wooing tech giant Microsoft Corp as a strategic investor, while another daily Business Standard said the lender was planning a $1 billion rights issue by December. Oil marketing companies Bharat Petroleum Corp fell 2.6%, while Indian Oil Corp was down as much as 2.81%. Among sectors, the NSE media index was the top drag, shedding 2.63%, as heavyweight Zee Entertainment Enterprises fell as much as 14.17%.

Sensex up by 200 points, Nifty over 11,000

The star campaigners of BJP will hold more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-fields-tiktok-star-sonali-phogat-for-upcoming-haryana-polls-253722">100 rallies in Haryana</a> ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-declares-78-haryana-candidates-for-upcoming-assembly-elections-252869">Assembly elections</a> which is&nbsp;scheduled to be held on October 21 in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of four rallies in Haryana that too near the polling date.&nbsp;

On October 14, the Prime Minister will hold a mega rally in Ballabhgarh.&nbsp;On October 15, he will hold two rallies -- in Dadri and in Thanesar.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister will be in Hisar on October 18.BJP president Amit Shah and working president JP Nadda will hold more than a dozen rallies across Haryana separately.&nbsp;

Amit Shah will address rallies at Kaithal, Barwala, Loharu and Meham on October 9 and at Tohana, Panchkula, Karnal and Badshahpur on October 14.&nbsp;

While Nadda will address rallies at Dabwali, Rania, Kalanwali and Pataudi on October 11.

Firebrand BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is among 40-star campaigners will address rallies at Kalka, Naraingarh, Julana and Sonipat on October 11.

Artist-turned-politicians Sunny Deol, Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan, Hema Malini, Hans Raj Hans too will hold more than 30 rallies each in the state.

General Secretary, Organisation, B L Santosh will work to mobilise cadres for which he will be address convention of party workers on October 9.

BJP had on Friday released the list of name of 40 prominent BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda to lead the poll assembly campaign in Haryana.

Voting for the 90-member Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes is scheduled on October 24.

The star campaigners of BJP will hold more than 100 rallies in Haryana ahead of the Assembly elections which is scheduled to be held on October 21 in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of four rallies in Haryana that too near the polling date.

The star campaigners of BJP will hold more than 100 rallies in Haryana ahead of the Assembly elections which is scheduled to be held on October 21 in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a total of four rallies in Haryana that too near the polling date. On October 14, the Prime Minister will hold a mega rally in Ballabhgarh. On October 15, he will hold two rallies -- in Dadri and in Thanesar. The Prime Minister will be in Hisar on October 18.BJP president Amit Shah and working president JP Nadda will hold more than a dozen rallies across Haryana separately. Amit Shah will address rallies at Kaithal, Barwala, Loharu and Meham on October 9 and at Tohana, Panchkula, Karnal and Badshahpur on October 14. While Nadda will address rallies at Dabwali, Rania, Kalanwali and Pataudi on October 11. Firebrand BJP leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is among 40-star campaigners will address rallies at Kalka, Naraingarh, Julana and Sonipat on October 11. Artist-turned-politicians Sunny Deol, Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishan, Hema Malini, Hans Raj Hans too will hold more than 30 rallies each in the state. General Secretary, Organisation, B L Santosh will work to mobilise cadres for which he will be address convention of party workers on October 9. BJP had on Friday released the list of name of 40 prominent BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda to lead the poll assembly campaign in Haryana. Voting for the 90-member Haryana Assembly elections will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes is scheduled on October 24.

BJP's star campaigners to hold over 100 rallies in Haryana ahead of Assembly elections

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending last week's heavy losses, with traders fearing the global economic slowdown will weigh on future oil demand growth while pegging hopes for a rebound on progress in talks this week on ending the US-China trade war.

Brent crude futures edged down 28 cents to $58.09 a barrel by 0300 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at $52.64, down 17 cents.

Both contracts ended last week with a more-than-5% decline after dismal manufacturing data from the United States and China, as the lingering row between the world's top economies hurts global growth and raises the risk of recession.

US and Chinese officials will meet in Washington on October 10-11 in the next, much-anticipated fresh effort to work out a deal.

On the supply side, a faster-than-expected resumption in Saudi Arabia's production after a September 14 attack on key production facilities also exerted downward pressure on oil prices, although the Middle East remained tense.

"The macro headwinds outweigh supply concerns for oil now, despite tensions in the Middle East and a reduced spare capacity pillow," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiCorp.

In Iraq, the second-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, deadly anti-government unrest is posing the biggest security and political challenge so far to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's year-old government.

Iraq's oil exports of 3.43 million barrels per day (bpd) from Basra terminals could be disrupted if instability lasts for weeks, Ayham Kamel, Eurasia Group's practice head for Middle East and North Africa, said in a note.

"Any oil production disruption would occur at a time when Saudi Arabia has lost a significant part of its energy system redundancies (spare capacity)," he said.

"While Saudi oil production is now close to 9.9 million bpd, it is not clear that the capacity is fully operational at 11.3 million bpd and the (attacked) Abqaiq facility has lost a significant part of its redundancy."

Global supply also faces facility repair and maintenance pressures.

The Buzzard oil field in the British North Sea has been shut for pipe repair work, a spokesman from China's CNOOC said on Friday. Buzzard is the main contributor to the Forties crude stream, the largest of the five North Sea oil grades that underpin Brent crude futures.

Meanwhile Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Sunday it will close the Faregh oil field at Zueitina port for scheduled maintenance from Monday until October 14.

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending last week's heavy losses, with traders fearing the global economic slowdown will weigh on future oil demand growth while pegging hopes for a rebound on progress in talks this week on ending the US-China trade war.

Oil prices fell on Monday, extending last week's heavy losses, with traders fearing the global economic slowdown will weigh on future oil demand growth while pegging hopes for a rebound on progress in talks this week on ending the US-China trade war. Brent crude futures edged down 28 cents to $58.09 a barrel by 0300 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at $52.64, down 17 cents. Both contracts ended last week with a more-than-5% decline after dismal manufacturing data from the United States and China, as the lingering row between the world's top economies hurts global growth and raises the risk of recession. US and Chinese officials will meet in Washington on October 10-11 in the next, much-anticipated fresh effort to work out a deal. On the supply side, a faster-than-expected resumption in Saudi Arabia's production after a September 14 attack on key production facilities also exerted downward pressure on oil prices, although the Middle East remained tense. "The macro headwinds outweigh supply concerns for oil now, despite tensions in the Middle East and a reduced spare capacity pillow," said Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiCorp. In Iraq, the second-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, deadly anti-government unrest is posing the biggest security and political challenge so far to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's year-old government. Iraq's oil exports of 3.43 million barrels per day (bpd) from Basra terminals could be disrupted if instability lasts for weeks, Ayham Kamel, Eurasia Group's practice head for Middle East and North Africa, said in a note. "Any oil production disruption would occur at a time when Saudi Arabia has lost a significant part of its energy system redundancies (spare capacity)," he said. "While Saudi oil production is now close to 9.9 million bpd, it is not clear that the capacity is fully operational at 11.3 million bpd and the (attacked) Abqaiq facility has lost a significant part of its redundancy." Global supply also faces facility repair and maintenance pressures. The Buzzard oil field in the British North Sea has been shut for pipe repair work, a spokesman from China's CNOOC said on Friday. Buzzard is the main contributor to the Forties crude stream, the largest of the five North Sea oil grades that underpin Brent crude futures. Meanwhile Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC) said on Sunday it will close the Faregh oil field at Zueitina port for scheduled maintenance from Monday until October 14.

Oil prices on ebb tide as gloom gathers over global economy

Asian shares edged higher on Monday after data showed the US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest in almost 50 years, easing concerns of a slowdown in the world's largest economy.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.18%. Australian shares were up 0.5%. Japan's Nikkei stock index opened higher but reversed course and fell 0.3%.

US stock futures, fell 0.44% in Asia on Monday after the S&amp;P 500 surged 1.4% on Friday.

The offshore yuan fell 0.3% to 7.1352 to the dollar after Bloomberg reported that Chinese officials are signalling they are increasingly reluctant to agree to a broad trade deal pursued by US President Donald Trump.

There was no onshore yuan trading, as Monday is the last day of a long China holiday for its national day.

The media report also pushed up safe-haven assets such as gold and the yen.

Crude oil futures extended declines in a sign that investors remain cautious about a resolution to the trade dispute.

Sentiment toward the US economy deteriorated sharply much of last week after disappointing data on manufacturing and services suggested the trade war was taking a toll, and more rate cuts would be needed to avert a potential recession in the world's biggest economy.

But a modest September increase in US jobs, announced on Friday, eased some of these concerns and lifted US markets that day. The US unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in September to reach the lowest since December 1969. Non-farm payrolls also grew in September, but slightly less than expected.

"Moderate job growth and subdued inflation in the United States is a positive for stocks," said Shusuke Yamada, head of FX and Japan equity strategy at Merrill Lynch Japan Securities in Tokyo.

This week, the main focus will be the high-level US-China trade negotiations expected in Washington on October 10-11 to see if the two sides can end a bruising year-long trade war that has hurt global growth and raised the risk of recession.

"The dollar is a little soft heading into US-China trade talks," said Yamada. "I see some scope for yen gains, but it is not likely to be a big move higher."

The United States and China have slapped tariffs on each other's goods as part of a long-running dispute over Beijing's trading practices, which Washington says are unfair.

Central banks around the world have been easing policy to try to offset the impact of the trade war.

The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates twice this year. Before the jobs report, traders saw a 85.2% chance the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points to 1.75%-2.00% this month, but that chance has now fallen to 81.1%, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool.

The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 1.5238% on Monday compared with its US close of 1.5140% on Friday.

Spot gold, an asset often bought during times of uncertainty, rose 0.15% to $1,506.93 per ounce.

The yen, also considered a safe-haven asset, edged slightly higher to 106.83 versus the US dollar and gained to 72.17 per Australian dollar.

US crude dipped 0.21% to $52.7 a barrel. Brent crude fell 0.39% to $58.13 per barrel. In addition to worries about the global economy, signs of oversupply in the oil market are weighing on futures prices.

Political instability in Hong Kong could hurt market sentiment after China's army took the unusual step of issuing warnings to anti-government protesters in Hong Kong over the weekend.

Hong Kong's stock market is closed on Monday for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Tuesday.

Four months of often violent protests against Chinese rule has pushed the former British colony to the brink of recession and posed a serious challenge to Beijing's control of the city.

Asian shares edged higher on Monday after data showed the US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest in almost 50 years, easing concerns of a slowdown in the world's largest economy.

Asian shares edged higher on Monday after data showed the US unemployment rate dropped to the lowest in almost 50 years, easing concerns of a slowdown in the world's largest economy. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.18%. Australian shares were up 0.5%. Japan's Nikkei stock index opened higher but reversed course and fell 0.3%. US stock futures, fell 0.44% in Asia on Monday after the S&P 500 surged 1.4% on Friday. The offshore yuan fell 0.3% to 7.1352 to the dollar after Bloomberg reported that Chinese officials are signalling they are increasingly reluctant to agree to a broad trade deal pursued by US President Donald Trump. There was no onshore yuan trading, as Monday is the last day of a long China holiday for its national day. The media report also pushed up safe-haven assets such as gold and the yen. Crude oil futures extended declines in a sign that investors remain cautious about a resolution to the trade dispute. Sentiment toward the US economy deteriorated sharply much of last week after disappointing data on manufacturing and services suggested the trade war was taking a toll, and more rate cuts would be needed to avert a potential recession in the world's biggest economy. But a modest September increase in US jobs, announced on Friday, eased some of these concerns and lifted US markets that day. The US unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in September to reach the lowest since December 1969. Non-farm payrolls also grew in September, but slightly less than expected. "Moderate job growth and subdued inflation in the United States is a positive for stocks," said Shusuke Yamada, head of FX and Japan equity strategy at Merrill Lynch Japan Securities in Tokyo. This week, the main focus will be the high-level US-China trade negotiations expected in Washington on October 10-11 to see if the two sides can end a bruising year-long trade war that has hurt global growth and raised the risk of recession. "The dollar is a little soft heading into US-China trade talks," said Yamada. "I see some scope for yen gains, but it is not likely to be a big move higher." The United States and China have slapped tariffs on each other's goods as part of a long-running dispute over Beijing's trading practices, which Washington says are unfair. Central banks around the world have been easing policy to try to offset the impact of the trade war. The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates twice this year. Before the jobs report, traders saw a 85.2% chance the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points to 1.75%-2.00% this month, but that chance has now fallen to 81.1%, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool. The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 1.5238% on Monday compared with its US close of 1.5140% on Friday. Spot gold, an asset often bought during times of uncertainty, rose 0.15% to $1,506.93 per ounce. The yen, also considered a safe-haven asset, edged slightly higher to 106.83 versus the US dollar and gained to 72.17 per Australian dollar. US crude dipped 0.21% to $52.7 a barrel. Brent crude fell 0.39% to $58.13 per barrel. In addition to worries about the global economy, signs of oversupply in the oil market are weighing on futures prices. Political instability in Hong Kong could hurt market sentiment after China's army took the unusual step of issuing warnings to anti-government protesters in Hong Kong over the weekend. Hong Kong's stock market is closed on Monday for a public holiday. Trading will resume on Tuesday. Four months of often violent protests against Chinese rule has pushed the former British colony to the brink of recession and posed a serious challenge to Beijing's control of the city.

Asian shares up on US jobs report, but caution seen on trade talks

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