Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe.

"We didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it", read one sign carried by a student in Sydney, as social media posts showed huge demonstrations around the country including outback towns like Alice Springs.

"The oceans are rising and so are we", read another sign held by a protester wearing school uniform in Melbourne.

Similar protests, inspired by the 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are planned in around 150 countries on Friday. The aim is for students and others to speak together about the impending effects of climate change on the planet.

The strike will culminate in New York where Thunberg, who has been nominated for a Nobel prize for her climate activism, will spearhead a rally at the United Nations headquarters.

Thunberg noted the "huge crowd" in Sydney in a tweet, which she said would set the standard as the strikes moved across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

By early afternoon, the Sydney protesters were overflowing out of a 34-hectare&nbsp;open space in the city. Similar crowds were reported in Brisbane and other state capitals.

Danielle Porepilliasana, a Sydney high school student, had a blunt message for politicians like Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who told the&nbsp;Parliament on Thursday that students should stay in class.

"World leaders from everywhere are telling us that students need to be at school doing work", she said, wearing anti-coal earrings.

"I'd like to see them at their parliaments doing their jobs for once", she added.

The UN summit brings together world leaders to discuss climate change mitigation strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels.

The issue is particularly pertinent to low-lying Pacific islands whose leaders have repeatedly asked wealthier nations to do more to prevent rising sea levels.

Children in the Solomon Islands protested on the shoreline wearing traditional grass skirts and carrying wooden shields in solidarity with the global movement.

In Thailand, more than 200 young people stormed into the Environment Ministry and dropped to the ground feigning death as they demanded government action on climate change.

"This is what will happen if we don’t stop climate change now", said Nanticha Ocharoenchai, a &nbsp;21-year-old strike organiser.

No protests were authorised in China, the world’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, but Zheng Xiaowen of the China Youth Climate Action Network said that the Chinese youth would take action one way or another.

"Chinese youth have their own methods", she said.

"We also pay attention [to] the climate and we are also thinking deeply, interacting, taking action, and so many people are very conscientious on this issue", she added.

According to scientists, Global warming caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels has already led to droughts and heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and floods.

Carbon emissions climbed a record high last year, despite a warning from the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October that the output of the gases must be slashed over the next 12 years to stabilise the climate.

Organisers said that demonstrations would take different forms around the world, with the collective aim to promote awareness of climate change and to demand political action to curb contributing factors to climate change.

Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe.

Thousands of students took to the streets of Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries on Friday. They kicked off a global strike demanding world leaders who are set to meet for a United Nations Climate Action Summit to adopt urgent measures to stop an environmental catastrophe. "We didn't light it, but we're trying to fight it", read one sign carried by a student in Sydney, as social media posts showed huge demonstrations around the country including outback towns like Alice Springs. "The oceans are rising and so are we", read another sign held by a protester wearing school uniform in Melbourne. Similar protests, inspired by the 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, are planned in around 150 countries on Friday. The aim is for students and others to speak together about the impending effects of climate change on the planet. The strike will culminate in New York where Thunberg, who has been nominated for a Nobel prize for her climate activism, will spearhead a rally at the United Nations headquarters. Thunberg noted the "huge crowd" in Sydney in a tweet, which she said would set the standard as the strikes moved across Asia, Europe, and Africa. By early afternoon, the Sydney protesters were overflowing out of a 34-hectare open space in the city. Similar crowds were reported in Brisbane and other state capitals. Danielle Porepilliasana, a Sydney high school student, had a blunt message for politicians like Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who told the Parliament on Thursday that students should stay in class. "World leaders from everywhere are telling us that students need to be at school doing work", she said, wearing anti-coal earrings. "I'd like to see them at their parliaments doing their jobs for once", she added. The UN summit brings together world leaders to discuss climate change mitigation strategies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources from fossil fuels. The issue is particularly pertinent to low-lying Pacific islands whose leaders have repeatedly asked wealthier nations to do more to prevent rising sea levels. Children in the Solomon Islands protested on the shoreline wearing traditional grass skirts and carrying wooden shields in solidarity with the global movement. In Thailand, more than 200 young people stormed into the Environment Ministry and dropped to the ground feigning death as they demanded government action on climate change. "This is what will happen if we don’t stop climate change now", said Nanticha Ocharoenchai, a 21-year-old strike organiser. No protests were authorised in China, the world’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, but Zheng Xiaowen of the China Youth Climate Action Network said that the Chinese youth would take action one way or another. "Chinese youth have their own methods", she said. "We also pay attention [to] the climate and we are also thinking deeply, interacting, taking action, and so many people are very conscientious on this issue", she added. According to scientists, Global warming caused by heat-trapping greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels has already led to droughts and heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and floods. Carbon emissions climbed a record high last year, despite a warning from the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October that the output of the gases must be slashed over the next 12 years to stabilise the climate. Organisers said that demonstrations would take different forms around the world, with the collective aim to promote awareness of climate change and to demand political action to curb contributing factors to climate change.

Asia-Pacific students kick off global climate strike in Australia

Gold prices edged higher on Friday and are set for their first weekly gain in one month, supported by a softer Dollar and developments in the Sino-US&nbsp;trade talks.

Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,503.20 per ounce, as of 03.53 GMT, and was on track for its first weekly gain, having risen nearly by 1% so far this week.

US&nbsp;gold futures were also up by 0.3% at $1,510.9 per ounce.

"A weaker US&nbsp;Dollar is giving gold a little bit of an upward drift", Michael McCarthy, Chief Market Strategist at CMC Markets said, adding that "prices are still very much in the middle of a trading range and pinned to $1,500 level".

The Dollar nursed losses against most major currencies on Friday, as central banks in Switzerland and the UK refrained from cutting rates, while risk appetite ebbed on caution about US-China trade talks.

"Investors are all waiting on any further developments in the trade negotiations as they move towards October meeting and that may provide [the] next big driver for gold prices," McCarthy said.

American and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October.

Gold prices have risen about 17% this year mainly on the back of the US-China trade tensions, concerns over the outlook for the global economy, and the prospect of monetary easing by central banks.

The Fed had cut interest rates for the second time this year on Wednesday to help sustain economic expansion but gave mixed signals on future rate cuts.

"The precious metal will remain supported as investors deliberate heightened market risks and accommodative economic policies for the near term", Phillip Futures' Analyst Benjamin Lu said in a note.

On the technical front, signals are mixed for spot gold as it is stuck in a narrow range of $1,488-$1,514 per ounce, according to Reuters' Technical Analyst Wang Tao.

Elsewhere, palladium gained 0.7% to $1,634.74 per ounce, having earlier climbed to a fresh record peak of $1,635.55.

Platinum rose by 0.5% to $942.00 per ounce and silver was up by 0.6% at $17.88.

Gold prices edged higher on Friday and are set for their first weekly gain in one month, supported by a softer Dollar and developments in the Sino-US trade talks.

Gold prices edged higher on Friday and are set for their first weekly gain in one month, supported by a softer Dollar and developments in the Sino-US trade talks. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,503.20 per ounce, as of 03.53 GMT, and was on track for its first weekly gain, having risen nearly by 1% so far this week. US gold futures were also up by 0.3% at $1,510.9 per ounce. "A weaker US Dollar is giving gold a little bit of an upward drift", Michael McCarthy, Chief Market Strategist at CMC Markets said, adding that "prices are still very much in the middle of a trading range and pinned to $1,500 level". The Dollar nursed losses against most major currencies on Friday, as central banks in Switzerland and the UK refrained from cutting rates, while risk appetite ebbed on caution about US-China trade talks. "Investors are all waiting on any further developments in the trade negotiations as they move towards October meeting and that may provide [the] next big driver for gold prices," McCarthy said. American and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October. Gold prices have risen about 17% this year mainly on the back of the US-China trade tensions, concerns over the outlook for the global economy, and the prospect of monetary easing by central banks. The Fed had cut interest rates for the second time this year on Wednesday to help sustain economic expansion but gave mixed signals on future rate cuts. "The precious metal will remain supported as investors deliberate heightened market risks and accommodative economic policies for the near term", Phillip Futures' Analyst Benjamin Lu said in a note. On the technical front, signals are mixed for spot gold as it is stuck in a narrow range of $1,488-$1,514 per ounce, according to Reuters' Technical Analyst Wang Tao. Elsewhere, palladium gained 0.7% to $1,634.74 per ounce, having earlier climbed to a fresh record peak of $1,635.55. Platinum rose by 0.5% to $942.00 per ounce and silver was up by 0.6% at $17.88.

Gold set for first weekly gain in a month

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital.

"The migrants, including 28 women and five children, are from Sub-Saharan, Arab, and Asian countries. They were all moved to detention centres run by the UN-backed Government of National Accord", Coast Guard spokesperson Ayoub Qassem said.&nbsp;

Libya’s western coast is the main departure point for migrants fleeing war and poverty and hoping for new lives in Europe, though the number of crossings has dropped sharply since July 2017.

According to Qassem, the migrants were taken to various detention centres: 173 to Komas, some 120 km&nbsp;east of Tripoli, 166 to Tripoli, 50 to Zawiya, and 104 to Zuwarah, both towns that are west of Tripoli.

Earlier on Thursday, a Sudanese migrant died at the Abu Sittah Naval Base in Tripoli from a bullet wound, hours after being returned to shore by the Libyan Coast Guard. There was no immediate comment on the incident from the Coast Guard.

Libya plunged into chaos following the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with many armed groups and two administrations vying for power.

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital.

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital. "The migrants, including 28 women and five children, are from Sub-Saharan, Arab, and Asian countries. They were all moved to detention centres run by the UN-backed Government of National Accord", Coast Guard spokesperson Ayoub Qassem said. Libya’s western coast is the main departure point for migrants fleeing war and poverty and hoping for new lives in Europe, though the number of crossings has dropped sharply since July 2017. According to Qassem, the migrants were taken to various detention centres: 173 to Komas, some 120 km east of Tripoli, 166 to Tripoli, 50 to Zawiya, and 104 to Zuwarah, both towns that are west of Tripoli. Earlier on Thursday, a Sudanese migrant died at the Abu Sittah Naval Base in Tripoli from a bullet wound, hours after being returned to shore by the Libyan Coast Guard. There was no immediate comment on the incident from the Coast Guard. Libya plunged into chaos following the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with many armed groups and two administrations vying for power.

Libyan Coast Guard picks up 500 migrants near Tripoli

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint.

The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures."

In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules.

Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report.

Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing.

In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so.

The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions.

In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday.

US authorities for the first time filed a complaint against South Korea under environmental rules of the free trade pact between Seoul and Washington, over illegal fishing, the government announced Thursday. The US Trade Representative's office said it "intends to seek environment consultations" with Seoul under the terms of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the first step in a formal trade complaint. The trade representative's office cited a government report that named South Korea, saying the country failed to stop its vessels from "engaging in fishing activities that violate conservation and management measures." In a periodic report also released Thursday, the US National Marine Fisheries Service said that in late 2017 two South Korean-flagged vessels used long-line gear within 24 hours of the notified closure of a fishery in violation of international rules. Korean authorities ordered the vessels back to port and temporarily suspended their licenses but imposed no fines and did not confiscate their catch, according to the report. Prosecutors declined to bring charges, finding insufficient evidence that the violations were intentional, and under South Korean law, no other remedies existed to prevent the vessels' operators from enjoying the benefits of the alleged illegal fishing. In discussions with US officials, South Korean officials have recognized the need to amend their laws and have said they are in the process of doing so. The KORUS free trade pact entered into force in 2012 but was modified under President Donald Trump, allowing for increased US auto exports, an extended tariff on South Korean-made pickups and a cap on imports of South Korean steel, among other provisions. In March, US authorities also launched a dispute with Seoul under the agreement, claiming South Korea's competition regulator did not treat American firms fairly.

US files illegal fishing complaint against South Korea under free trade pact

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule.

"It is a very difficult position to be in, because I came to an office that had almost nothing, destroyed, so I need to build it again," said Karimi, a 36-year-old movie director whose female-led picture "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha" premiered this month at the Venice Film Festival.

During its 1970s heyday, Afghanistan's film industry was vibrant: a slew of movies&nbsp;including the hit "Mardha Ra Qawl Ast" (Men keep their promises) dealt with themes of love, romance and power relations.

But all that ended after the Soviet invasion of 1979, as filmmakers were pushed into propaganda, and the arrival of the Taliban&nbsp;who banned film and music under their savage rule of 1996-2001.

The Islamist hardliners systematically destroyed movie reels and music tapes, smashed television sets, and anyone caught watching films faced harsh punishments including flogging.

After the Taliban's ouster, the formerly prestigious Afghan Film board was resurrected but it has long languished, largely neglected, with a string of directors and leaders accused of incompetence.

At its Kabul offices, vital documents have been tossed in the trash and its all-male staff&nbsp;some of whom once hid precious movie reels from the Taliban&nbsp;now appear to lack motivation.

"It is very challenging, but I am a person who welcomes challenges," Karimi said of the role she began in May at Afghan Film, becoming the first woman at the helm of the national film agency.

Since then, she has pushed projects aiming to bring Afghanistan's once-dynamic film industry back to life.

First film festival

Among them was a 10-day film festival where about 100 feature and documentary movies were screened at four venues across Kabul, including at Afghan Film.

The films exposed hundreds of Afghans to some of their country's cinema classics, with many seeing films for the first time.

"The film festival is a great idea because for a long time, cinemas were closed and no good movies were made," said 21-year-old festival-goer Atefa Essari.

"We didn't know our filmmakers because most of them were abroad. It is a great idea to see Afghan movies inside Afghanistan again."

Afghan Film has also recently digitised hundreds of hours of footage that includes movies and documentaries of Afghanistan before it was ravaged by violence.

Karimi, who has a doctorate in film, told AFP that the film board's staff must also take the lead in cinema's revival in Afghanistan.

"I told them that you don't need to stay in your office from 8:00 am to 4:00pm, you should go outside, you should sit under trees, you should talk to each other about everything and generate ideas," she said.

The director, who opened a cafe in the building's courtyard so they would have a place to brainstorm, leads by example.

Her film at Venice&nbsp;which has been endorsed by Angelina Jolie&nbsp;chronicles the lives of three Afghan women from various social backgrounds and the tough choices they face.

But many Afghans are still afraid the newfound freedoms people in cities like Kabul often enjoy could be taken away.

Taliban and US negotiators were until recently on the brink of a deal that would have seen the US military cut its troop presence in return for various Taliban commitments.

Despite a breakdown in talks, many Afghans are convinced the Taliban will come roaring back into power.

"They will come but we are not going to give up and we will fight," Karimi said.

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule.

In the dilapidated offices of Afghanistan's state-run film board, where old movie reels are stacked in rusting canisters, Sahraa Karimi heads the all-male team she hopes will help drag the nation's cinema from the lingering shadow of Taliban rule. "It is a very difficult position to be in, because I came to an office that had almost nothing, destroyed, so I need to build it again," said Karimi, a 36-year-old movie director whose female-led picture "Hava, Maryam, Ayesha" premiered this month at the Venice Film Festival. During its 1970s heyday, Afghanistan's film industry was vibrant: a slew of movies including the hit "Mardha Ra Qawl Ast" (Men keep their promises) dealt with themes of love, romance and power relations. But all that ended after the Soviet invasion of 1979, as filmmakers were pushed into propaganda, and the arrival of the Taliban who banned film and music under their savage rule of 1996-2001. The Islamist hardliners systematically destroyed movie reels and music tapes, smashed television sets, and anyone caught watching films faced harsh punishments including flogging. After the Taliban's ouster, the formerly prestigious Afghan Film board was resurrected but it has long languished, largely neglected, with a string of directors and leaders accused of incompetence. At its Kabul offices, vital documents have been tossed in the trash and its all-male staff some of whom once hid precious movie reels from the Taliban now appear to lack motivation. "It is very challenging, but I am a person who welcomes challenges," Karimi said of the role she began in May at Afghan Film, becoming the first woman at the helm of the national film agency. Since then, she has pushed projects aiming to bring Afghanistan's once-dynamic film industry back to life. First film festival Among them was a 10-day film festival where about 100 feature and documentary movies were screened at four venues across Kabul, including at Afghan Film. The films exposed hundreds of Afghans to some of their country's cinema classics, with many seeing films for the first time. "The film festival is a great idea because for a long time, cinemas were closed and no good movies were made," said 21-year-old festival-goer Atefa Essari. "We didn't know our filmmakers because most of them were abroad. It is a great idea to see Afghan movies inside Afghanistan again." Afghan Film has also recently digitised hundreds of hours of footage that includes movies and documentaries of Afghanistan before it was ravaged by violence. Karimi, who has a doctorate in film, told AFP that the film board's staff must also take the lead in cinema's revival in Afghanistan. "I told them that you don't need to stay in your office from 8:00 am to 4:00pm, you should go outside, you should sit under trees, you should talk to each other about everything and generate ideas," she said. The director, who opened a cafe in the building's courtyard so they would have a place to brainstorm, leads by example. Her film at Venice which has been endorsed by Angelina Jolie chronicles the lives of three Afghan women from various social backgrounds and the tough choices they face. But many Afghans are still afraid the newfound freedoms people in cities like Kabul often enjoy could be taken away. Taliban and US negotiators were until recently on the brink of a deal that would have seen the US military cut its troop presence in return for various Taliban commitments. Despite a breakdown in talks, many Afghans are convinced the Taliban will come roaring back into power. "They will come but we are not going to give up and we will fight," Karimi said.

Director's cut: The Afghan woman making waves at all-male film board

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers&nbsp;part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28.

The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-tells-teachers-students-to-block-presidential-elections-or-risk-death-250375">Taliban</a>&nbsp;crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent.

The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week.

Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote.

Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014.

Then, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bomb-blast-hits-pro-ghani-campaign-gathering-in-central-afghanistan-source-250173">Ghani</a> and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-sees-his-chance-in-upcoming-elections-after-collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-250287">Ghani</a> as president and Abdullah his chief executive.

The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014.

"People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP.

"So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust."

Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate.

Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks.

The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart&nbsp;between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops.

If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix.

Secret weapon&nbsp;

The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud".

Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added.

Her secret weapon&nbsp;the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour.

Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed.

This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken&nbsp;in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly.

Protecting voters&nbsp;and polling station officials&nbsp;remains a top priority.

All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls.

Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces.

The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it.

Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent&nbsp;which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities.

Grey metal hangars house the technical operations.

Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes.

In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot.

Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included.

Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote.

"It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls.

In a dusty Kabul suburb, hundreds of workers check and recheck biometric fingerprint readers part of a massive effort to ensure Afghanistan's upcoming presidential election is not tainted by fraud allegations that have marred previous polls. The young employees at the Independent Election Commission (IEC) are rushing through final technical preparations for the vote, set for September 28. The stakes for the IEC are high, with the question of turnout in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election since the fall of the Taliban crucial to whether it is seen as fair and transparent. The Taliban have openly threatened to disrupt the polls and killed 26 people in a bomb blast at a campaign rally being held by President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week. Turnout in previous polls has historically been low. The United Nations estimated it at around 32 per cent for the 2009 elections, while no credible figure was available for the 2014 vote. Each time the exercise has been tainted with accusations of irregularities particularly in 2014. Then, Ghani and rival Abdullah Abdullah both claimed to have won, plunging Afghanistan into months of crisis before the US and the UN pressured them to form a "national unity government", with Ghani as president and Abdullah his chief executive. The two are once again facing off in 2019 as the likely favourites, underscoring the comparison to 2014. "People have lost their trust and confidence because of serious fraud in the past elections," Sughra Saadat, spokeswoman for the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA), told AFP. "So far, election bodies have failed to restore people's trust." Without such faith in the process, it is hard to see why voters should risk their lives to participate. Yet the winner will need a strong mandate if he wants to pose as an interlocutor with the Taliban in any future talks. The insurgents have always considered Ghani a "puppet" of Washington and ensured he was sidelined from talks which have since fallen apart between Washington and the Taliban that would have paved the way for the US to begin withdrawing troops. If re-elected, Ghani hopes to put the Afghan government back in the mix. Secret weapon The IEC's chairwoman, Hawa Alam Nooristani, assured AFP that this vote will be different "because we have worked on rules and regulations, procedures and mechanisms to prevent fraud". Supervisors in Afghanistan's 34 provinces were recruited in a process overseen by independent organisations such as the TEFA, she added. Her secret weapon the biometric fingerprint readers which are meant to prevent people from voting more than once was used during the chaotic legislative elections in October last year, but they were only introduced at the eleventh hour. Untrained staff struggled with glitches such as the devices running out of power, and the result was at best mixed. This time, she says, all the necessary precautions have been taken in particular, getting technicians from the German company which makes the readers train the IEC workers directly. Protecting voters and polling station officials remains a top priority. All observers expect a further wave of violence from the insurgents, who want to undermine the future head of state by discouraging as many of the 9.6 million voters as possible from going to the polls. Nearly 500 polling stations have already been excluded because security could not be guaranteed, leaving 4,942 across the country to be protected by 72,000 members of the security forces. The IEC's huge complex is itself a tightly guarded fortress, with four checkpoints and as many barriers to cross before visitors can access it. Under a blazing sun, workers unload long bundles of canvas from a truck tent which will serve as polling stations in rural areas without the necessary facilities. Grey metal hangars house the technical operations. Under one, the voices of around a hundred young people can be heard as they activate and test the biometric readers before stacking them in large blue plastic boxes. In the next hangar, men fill the same blue boxes with sealed ballots, voter registers, and a variety of materials to guarantee the integrity of the ballot. Those include invisible ink to mark voter registration cards, with the mark only visible under the light of a small torch contained in the box, batteries included. Then there's the traditional, low-tech safeguard: bottles of indelible ink into which every voter will dip their finger as they vote. "It will make a difference," Farid Nader, a supervisor, says hopefully. "Young people will trust the election."

Fraud the main enemy for Afghan election officials

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-surge-nearly-20-after-attack-on-saudi-oil-facilities-249978">attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil</a> facilities still pose supply risks.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.15 per cent though it is on course to post its first weekly decline in five, hit by sizable losses in Hong Kong and India.

Japan's Nikkei rose 0.46 per cent to come within striking distance of its year-to-date peak and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-oil-attacks-put-us-commitments-to-the-test-250551">US</a>&nbsp;and European shares also stood near their best levels this year.

The S&amp;P 500 ended flat on Thursday, staying than less than 1 per cent below its closing record high hit in July, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index also came within sight of this year's peak.

Monetary easing by the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve this week and by the European Central Bank last week underpinned investor sentiment.

China also cut its new one-year benchmark lending rate for the second month in a row on Friday, by 5 basis points as Beijing seeks to guide borrowing costs lower for an economy hit by the Sino-US&nbsp;trade war.

"The direct and immediate impact on the economy will be limited given the small size of the cut, but the cut has made it clear the Chinese authorities are taking an accommodative stance and should give reassurance to Chinese stock markets," said Wang Shenshen, an economist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center.

The latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">US</a>&nbsp;economic data also eased worries about the slowdown in the world's largest economy.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits increased less than expected last week while home resales rose to a 17-month high in August.

"Investors are starting to price in the possibility of re-acceleration in the global economy next year. So far this month China has taken steps to support the economy, and US&nbsp;and European central banks eased policy," said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities.

"There are hopes of an interim or partial trade deal between China as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-locked-and-loaded-after-saudi-attacks-as-oil-prices-surge-249886">US&nbsp;President Trump</a> will need to shore up the economy next year before the election," he added.

The US&nbsp;and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October.

Hopes for a deal were so strong that the markets shrugged off a media report that a trade adviser to Trump has said the US&nbsp;president is ready to raise tariffs to 50 or 100 per cent.

The New York Fed continued to inject a large amount of cash in money markets to deal with funding squeeze since the start of the week, helping to bring down interest rates in the US&nbsp;repo market, a key funding market.

In currency markets, the British pound kept its uptrend after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a Brexit deal is possible and that if the Irish border backstop which the British government wants to be removed could be replaced with alternatives, it would not be needed.

Sterling traded at $1.2533, up 0.09 per cent on the day, having hit a two-month high of $1.2560 on Thursday. The British unit stood near its highest levels in almost four months versus the euro at 88.19 pence per euro.

The euro was at $1.105, staying in a holding pattern this week.

The yen edged up to at 107.91 yen to the dollar, off its 1-1/2 month low of 108.48 yen hit on Wednesday.

The Brazilian real fell 1.4 per cent on Thursday to 4.167 to the dollar after the central bank slashed borrowing costs to an all-time low and signalled it was prepared to do so again in the coming months.

Oil prices bounced back on continued worries about the stability of oil supply as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran showed little sign of abating after a weekend attack on Saudi oil installations.

Saudi-led forces on Friday launched a military operation in northern Yemen against what it described as "legitimate military targets", an incident that could aggravate regional tensions.

Washington said on Thursday it was building a coalition to deter Iranian threats while Tehran has warned Trump against being dragged into a war in the Middle East and said it would meet any offensive action with a crushing response.

Brent crude futures rose 0.78 per cent to $64.90 a barrel while US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 1.14 per cent to $58.79 per barrel.

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities still pose supply risks.

Asian share prices inched higher on Friday as economic stimulus around the world eased fears over slowing growth, while crude oil prices climbed on concerns that last weekend's attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities still pose supply risks. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.15 per cent though it is on course to post its first weekly decline in five, hit by sizable losses in Hong Kong and India. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.46 per cent to come within striking distance of its year-to-date peak and US and European shares also stood near their best levels this year. The S&P 500 ended flat on Thursday, staying than less than 1 per cent below its closing record high hit in July, while the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index also came within sight of this year's peak. Monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve this week and by the European Central Bank last week underpinned investor sentiment. China also cut its new one-year benchmark lending rate for the second month in a row on Friday, by 5 basis points as Beijing seeks to guide borrowing costs lower for an economy hit by the Sino-US trade war. "The direct and immediate impact on the economy will be limited given the small size of the cut, but the cut has made it clear the Chinese authorities are taking an accommodative stance and should give reassurance to Chinese stock markets," said Wang Shenshen, an economist at Tokai Tokyo Research Center. The latest US economic data also eased worries about the slowdown in the world's largest economy. The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits increased less than expected last week while home resales rose to a 17-month high in August. "Investors are starting to price in the possibility of re-acceleration in the global economy next year. So far this month China has taken steps to support the economy, and US and European central banks eased policy," said Nobuhiko Kuramochi, chief strategist at Mizuho Securities. "There are hopes of an interim or partial trade deal between China as US President Trump will need to shore up the economy next year before the election," he added. The US and Chinese deputy trade negotiators resumed face-to-face talks for the first time in nearly two months on Thursday, trying to lay the groundwork for high-level talks in early October. Hopes for a deal were so strong that the markets shrugged off a media report that a trade adviser to Trump has said the US president is ready to raise tariffs to 50 or 100 per cent. The New York Fed continued to inject a large amount of cash in money markets to deal with funding squeeze since the start of the week, helping to bring down interest rates in the US repo market, a key funding market. In currency markets, the British pound kept its uptrend after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a Brexit deal is possible and that if the Irish border backstop which the British government wants to be removed could be replaced with alternatives, it would not be needed. Sterling traded at $1.2533, up 0.09 per cent on the day, having hit a two-month high of $1.2560 on Thursday. The British unit stood near its highest levels in almost four months versus the euro at 88.19 pence per euro. The euro was at $1.105, staying in a holding pattern this week. The yen edged up to at 107.91 yen to the dollar, off its 1-1/2 month low of 108.48 yen hit on Wednesday. The Brazilian real fell 1.4 per cent on Thursday to 4.167 to the dollar after the central bank slashed borrowing costs to an all-time low and signalled it was prepared to do so again in the coming months. Oil prices bounced back on continued worries about the stability of oil supply as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran showed little sign of abating after a weekend attack on Saudi oil installations. Saudi-led forces on Friday launched a military operation in northern Yemen against what it described as "legitimate military targets", an incident that could aggravate regional tensions. Washington said on Thursday it was building a coalition to deter Iranian threats while Tehran has warned Trump against being dragged into a war in the Middle East and said it would meet any offensive action with a crushing response. Brent crude futures rose 0.78 per cent to $64.90 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 1.14 per cent to $58.79 per barrel.

Economy hopes support shares, oil edges up on Mideast tensions

Government on Friday slashed effective corporate tax to 25.17 per cent inclusive of all cess and surcharges for domestic companies.

Making the announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new tax rate will be applicable from the current fiscal which began on April 1.

"We today propose to slash the corporate tax rates for domestic companies and also for new domestic manufacturing companies," Sitharaman told media here."

A new provision has been inserted in the Income Tax Act with effect from the fiscal year 2019-20, which allows any domestic company an option to pay income tax at the rate of 22 per cent subject to the condition that they will not avail any exemptions or incentive," she said.

She went on to highlight that "such companies shall not be required to pay any minimum alternative tax."

Moreover, to attract investment in manufacturing, local companies incorporated after October 2019 will pay tax at 15 per cent, Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman stated that the corporate tax rate will be 22 per cent without exemptions, inclusive of surcharge and cess. "No Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) applicable to such companies," she said.

(With inputs from ANI)

Government on Friday slashed effective corporate tax to 25.17 per cent inclusive of all cess and surcharges for domestic companies. Making the announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new tax rate will be applicable from the current fiscal which began on April 1.

Government on Friday slashed effective corporate tax to 25.17 per cent inclusive of all cess and surcharges for domestic companies. Making the announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new tax rate will be applicable from the current fiscal which began on April 1. "We today propose to slash the corporate tax rates for domestic companies and also for new domestic manufacturing companies," Sitharaman told media here." A new provision has been inserted in the Income Tax Act with effect from the fiscal year 2019-20, which allows any domestic company an option to pay income tax at the rate of 22 per cent subject to the condition that they will not avail any exemptions or incentive," she said. She went on to highlight that "such companies shall not be required to pay any minimum alternative tax." Moreover, to attract investment in manufacturing, local companies incorporated after October 2019 will pay tax at 15 per cent, Sitharaman said. Sitharaman stated that the corporate tax rate will be 22 per cent without exemptions, inclusive of surcharge and cess. "No Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) applicable to such companies," she said. (With inputs from ANI)

Government slashes corporate tax to 25.17% for domestic companies

Tulsi Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, has extended a warm welcome to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-us-president-donald-trump-on-september-24-in-new-york-250670">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>on his visit to US while also apologised for not being able to join the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-modi-addressing-howdy-modi-event-reflects-personal-chemistry-between-two-indian-us-envoy-249891">"Howdy Modi" event</a> scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22.

Gabbard, a member of the Democratic Party of the United States clarified that she won't be able to present at the event due to prior commitments related to her scheduled presidential campaigns.

"Namaste! I would like to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi on his latest visit to the US and I am sorry that I will not be able to join there in person due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. I am really glad to see so many Indian Americans from all across our country as well as colleagues from Congress coming together there," she said in a video message.

Terming India as US' one of the most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, she said, "India is the world's largest democracy and one of the most important partners of US in the Asia-Pacific region. Our two nations must continue to work closely together if we are to address the pressing issues that impact us and the world, issues like combating climate change. preventing nuclear war and nuclear proliferation and improving the economic well being of our people."

Invoking the age-old principle of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam", Gabbard said, "So as we build a strong and lasting partnership between our two nations focusing on areas of growth, wealth and opportunity and equality, science, health, environment, security and counter-terrorism...we can bring about the idea of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam" recognising that everyone on our planet..we are all one family. There is no place for hate, bigotry, ignorance and prejudice."

Watch: Texas gets ready to say 'Howdy, Modi'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-texas-gets-ready-to-say-howdy-modi-250689/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in a tweet, Gabbard had informed that though she will not be able to attend the event but hopes to meet Prime Minister Modi during his US visit.

Referring to an article, she tweeted, "This article is misinformed. I'm not attending the Houston event due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. However, I'm hoping to meet PM Modi on his visit to discuss the importance of maintaining the strong partnership of the world's oldest &amp; largest democracies."

The White House had confirmed that the US President Donald Trump will be making a joint appearance with Prime Minister Modi at the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston.

The mega event is believed to be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States.

It will mark the first time that the two leaders would meet outside of either capital Washington DC or New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.

Over 50,000 people have already been registered for the event, which will be hosted by the Texas India Forum.

Moreover, the fact that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat, will also address the gathering, further reflects the strong bipartisan support for the relationship between the two countries.

Tulsi Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, has extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to US while also apologised for not being able to join the "Howdy Modi" event scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22.

Tulsi Gabbard, the first Indian-origin woman candidate for US presidential elections, has extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to US while also apologised for not being able to join the "Howdy Modi" event scheduled to be held in Houston on September 22. Gabbard, a member of the Democratic Party of the United States clarified that she won't be able to present at the event due to prior commitments related to her scheduled presidential campaigns. "Namaste! I would like to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi on his latest visit to the US and I am sorry that I will not be able to join there in person due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. I am really glad to see so many Indian Americans from all across our country as well as colleagues from Congress coming together there," she said in a video message. Terming India as US' one of the most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, she said, "India is the world's largest democracy and one of the most important partners of US in the Asia-Pacific region. Our two nations must continue to work closely together if we are to address the pressing issues that impact us and the world, issues like combating climate change. preventing nuclear war and nuclear proliferation and improving the economic well being of our people." Invoking the age-old principle of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam", Gabbard said, "So as we build a strong and lasting partnership between our two nations focusing on areas of growth, wealth and opportunity and equality, science, health, environment, security and counter-terrorism...we can bring about the idea of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam" recognising that everyone on our planet..we are all one family. There is no place for hate, bigotry, ignorance and prejudice." Watch: Texas gets ready to say 'Howdy, Modi' Earlier in a tweet, Gabbard had informed that though she will not be able to attend the event but hopes to meet Prime Minister Modi during his US visit. Referring to an article, she tweeted, "This article is misinformed. I'm not attending the Houston event due to previously scheduled presidential campaign events. However, I'm hoping to meet PM Modi on his visit to discuss the importance of maintaining the strong partnership of the world's oldest & largest democracies." The White House had confirmed that the US President Donald Trump will be making a joint appearance with Prime Minister Modi at the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston. The mega event is believed to be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States. It will mark the first time that the two leaders would meet outside of either capital Washington DC or New York, where the United Nations is headquartered. Over 50,000 people have already been registered for the event, which will be hosted by the Texas India Forum. Moreover, the fact that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the second-highest-ranking Democrat, will also address the gathering, further reflects the strong bipartisan support for the relationship between the two countries.

Tulsi Gabbard welcomes PM Modi to US, says 'sorry' for not being able to attend 'Howdy Modi' event

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-indian-pakistan-officials-to-meet-wednesday-to-thrash-out-an-agreement-247409">Kartarpur Corridor</a> on the day of its opening.

"Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,'&nbsp;and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone.

With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab'&nbsp;of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town.

On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening. "Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,' and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone. With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab' of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town. On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab chief minister, entire state cabinet to visit Kartarpur Corridor on day of opening

Shares traded higher on expectations that the government will dole out stimulus measures on Friday to support the economy, amid demands over reduced tax burden on products.

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.21% at 10,727.6, as of 0412 GMT on Friday, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading 0.3% higher at 36,205.52.

The country's Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is set to meet in Goa to recommend tax cuts on 20-25 products, sources told Reuters.

The GST council meeting comes amid demands raised by various industries and consumers for government help to boost a sagging economy.

Separately, Reserve Bank of India chief Shaktikanta Das said there is room for further interest rate cuts to bolster economic growth since inflation continues to remain within the central bank's target, other media reported.

The rupee strengthened by 0.26% to 71.11 against the dollar, while the benchmark 10-year bond yield was trading at 6.57%, versus the previous close of 6.64%.

Shares in other Asian markets also edged higher as economic stimulus boost around the world, including monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, eased fears over a global slowdown.

The local indexes, however, were set for their worst week since early May, after a surge in crude prices triggered heavy selling in stock markets earlier this week.

Shares of private-sector lender Yes Bank Ltd, which suffered a sharp drop in the previous session, rose as much as 6.8%.

HDFC Bank Ltd, which is among the top boosts in the index, gained as much as 1.7%.

Media firm Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd slumped 11% to its lowest in five years, and was the top loser in the NSE Nifty. The stock is set for a fifth straight session of losses.

Shares traded higher on expectations that the government will dole out stimulus measures on Friday to support the economy, amid demands over reduced tax burden on products.

Shares traded higher on expectations that the government will dole out stimulus measures on Friday to support the economy, amid demands over reduced tax burden on products. The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.21% at 10,727.6, as of 0412 GMT on Friday, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was trading 0.3% higher at 36,205.52. The country's Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is set to meet in Goa to recommend tax cuts on 20-25 products, sources told Reuters. The GST council meeting comes amid demands raised by various industries and consumers for government help to boost a sagging economy. Separately, Reserve Bank of India chief Shaktikanta Das said there is room for further interest rate cuts to bolster economic growth since inflation continues to remain within the central bank's target, other media reported. The rupee strengthened by 0.26% to 71.11 against the dollar, while the benchmark 10-year bond yield was trading at 6.57%, versus the previous close of 6.64%. Shares in other Asian markets also edged higher as economic stimulus boost around the world, including monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, eased fears over a global slowdown. The local indexes, however, were set for their worst week since early May, after a surge in crude prices triggered heavy selling in stock markets earlier this week. Shares of private-sector lender Yes Bank Ltd, which suffered a sharp drop in the previous session, rose as much as 6.8%. HDFC Bank Ltd, which is among the top boosts in the index, gained as much as 1.7%. Media firm Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd slumped 11% to its lowest in five years, and was the top loser in the NSE Nifty. The stock is set for a fifth straight session of losses.

Nifty, Sensex gain ahead of tax council meet

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.

"Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Coastal Karnataka," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.

Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, likely to prevail over east-central and adjoining northeast the Arabian Sea and south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts.

Squally weather is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal. The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat and Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted that isolated places over Konkan and Goa are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that certain places over Gujarat and Maharashtra are also likely to receive heavy downpour throughout the day. "Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Uttarakhand, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Coastal Karnataka," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Strong winds, speed reaching 40-50 kmph, likely to prevail over east-central and adjoining northeast the Arabian Sea and south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts. Squally weather is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal. The organisation had advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

India Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Konkan, Goa

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