Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday.

The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years.

After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at a press conference on August 30.

Under the merger, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be merged into one entity to make the second-largest PSB with a business of Rs 17.95 lakh crore and 11,437 branches.

Further, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will be merged to become fourth-largest PSB with a business of Rs 15.2 lakh crore.&nbsp;

Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will become fifth largest PSB while Indian Bank will merge with Allahabad Bank to become seventh-largest PSB with the business of Rs 8.08 lakh crore.

Bank of India and Central Bank of India will continue as individual entities. Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab and Sindh Bank will also continue to operate on their own&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday. The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet the heads of public sector banks in Delhi on Thursday. The government last month announced the merger of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four strong lenders with countrywide networks and global reach to boost credit and revive economic growth in the nation`s bid to become a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years. After this, the total number of PSBs will come down to 12 from 24 banks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said at a press conference on August 30. Under the merger, Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank will be merged into one entity to make the second-largest PSB with a business of Rs 17.95 lakh crore and 11,437 branches. Further, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank will be merged to become fourth-largest PSB with a business of Rs 15.2 lakh crore. Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank will become fifth largest PSB while Indian Bank will merge with Allahabad Bank to become seventh-largest PSB with the business of Rs 8.08 lakh crore. Bank of India and Central Bank of India will continue as individual entities. Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Punjab and Sindh Bank will also continue to operate on their own

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to meet heads of public sector banks in Delhi today

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday.

Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari.

The fighter jet took off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bangalore.

The Defence Minister who donned a white helmet waved to onlookers after he took his seat in the back in the twin-seater version of the aircraft.

The defence minister was briefed by the pilot and other top Indian Air Force (IAF) officials.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-flies-in-light-combat-aircraft-tejas-250512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier today, Rajnath Singh tweeted two pictures of him dressed in a green flight suit. "All Set For The Day!" he posted.

The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters. In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas".

(With inputs from ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday. Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh becomes the first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Thursday. Singh was accompanied by Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari. The fighter jet took off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bangalore. The Defence Minister who donned a white helmet waved to onlookers after he took his seat in the back in the twin-seater version of the aircraft. The defence minister was briefed by the pilot and other top Indian Air Force (IAF) officials. Earlier today, Rajnath Singh tweeted two pictures of him dressed in a green flight suit. "All Set For The Day!" he posted. The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole light fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters. In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas". (With inputs from ANI)

Rajnath Singh becomes first defence minister to fly in Light Combat Aircraft Tejas

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday announced that it would extend a bailout package worth $6&nbsp;billion to help Pakistan restore an inclusive and sustainable growth of its plunging economy.

In a video shared on its official Twitter page, the global money lender said that large deficits in the past, the high cost to buy a rupee, and lack of reforms have undermined the growth of the cash-strapped economy.

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The IMF is providing $6 billion USD to help <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> restore inclusive and sustainable growth. What are the program priorities? Watch the video to learn more. <a href="https://t.co/XGfEjBGUgF">pic.twitter.com/XGfEjBGUgF</a>
— IMF (@IMFNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/IMFNews/status/1174277177711501312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In addition, significant government borrowing had further made it difficult to pay down the debt, added the IMF.

The global lending agency said that "to restore strong and sustainable growth, Pakistan has developed a bold 3-year program to first, allow the market to drive a fair value of the rupee helping to restore competitiveness and support exports; second, reducing debt by ensuring that more people pay taxes and the rich pay their fair share; and third, protecting vulnerable groups by increasing spending on healthcare and education."

It said the loan would further accelerate reforms to encourage investment to help companies thrive and create jobs.

"This will help Pakistan's economy reach its full potential," the global money lender wrote on Twitter.

To support its ailing economy, the country had signed a similar $6 billion loan from the IMF earlier this year.

On Monday, an eight-member IMF delegation arrived in Islamabad to review Pakistan's economic progress two months after signing the deal with focus on the country's failure to achieve the set revenue collection target, Arab News reported.

Pakistan's trade deficit shrank by nearly 38 per cent in the first two months of the current fiscal year, driven largely by a decline in imports of non-essential luxury items.

The constant decline in the trade deficit showed that imports have also plummeted despite a meagre growth in exports.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country.

In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in common man's pocket.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday announced that it would extend a bailout package worth $6 billion to help Pakistan restore an inclusive and sustainable growth of its plunging economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday announced that it would extend a bailout package worth $6 billion to help Pakistan restore an inclusive and sustainable growth of its plunging economy. In a video shared on its official Twitter page, the global money lender said that large deficits in the past, the high cost to buy a rupee, and lack of reforms have undermined the growth of the cash-strapped economy. The IMF is providing $6 billion USD to help #Pakistan restore inclusive and sustainable growth. What are the program priorities? Watch the video to learn more. pic.twitter.com/XGfEjBGUgF — IMF (@IMFNews) September 18, 2019 × In addition, significant government borrowing had further made it difficult to pay down the debt, added the IMF. The global lending agency said that "to restore strong and sustainable growth, Pakistan has developed a bold 3-year program to first, allow the market to drive a fair value of the rupee helping to restore competitiveness and support exports; second, reducing debt by ensuring that more people pay taxes and the rich pay their fair share; and third, protecting vulnerable groups by increasing spending on healthcare and education." It said the loan would further accelerate reforms to encourage investment to help companies thrive and create jobs. "This will help Pakistan's economy reach its full potential," the global money lender wrote on Twitter. To support its ailing economy, the country had signed a similar $6 billion loan from the IMF earlier this year. On Monday, an eight-member IMF delegation arrived in Islamabad to review Pakistan's economic progress two months after signing the deal with focus on the country's failure to achieve the set revenue collection target, Arab News reported. Pakistan's trade deficit shrank by nearly 38 per cent in the first two months of the current fiscal year, driven largely by a decline in imports of non-essential luxury items. The constant decline in the trade deficit showed that imports have also plummeted despite a meagre growth in exports. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country. In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in common man's pocket.

International Monetary Fund to extend $6 billion bailout package to restore Pakistan's plunging economy

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani.

Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The protesters also lighted candles expressing solidarity with the family of Namrita and demanded justice for the girl.

In yet another case highlighting the deplorable conditions of minorities in Pakistan, Chandni was found murdered in her hostel room.

Chandani, who belonged to Ghotki town where a Hindu temple was ransacked recently, was found lying on a charpoy on Tuesday with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside.

The police and authorities have tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide.

However, her family has asserted that she was murdered.

Her brother, Vishal, who is a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered.

"It was not a suicide, suicide marks are different, I found cable marks around her neck. There are marks on her hand too. The marks are of cable but her friend had said that she found her with dupatta around her neck," said Vishal Sundar.

When asked whether she was facing some problems, he said, "No there was nothing like that, I myself had talked with her two days back. She was a brilliant student".

He demanded that the case must be investigated fairly and citizens should support his family.

This comes a day after people vandalized properties including a temple in Ghotki after a school principal from the minority Hindu community was booked on charges of alleged blasphemy.

The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion.

In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan.

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said.

According to Pakistan's own human rights commission, from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example of what minorities go through in Pakistan.

Jagjit Kaur daughter of the Granthi of Nanakana Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan, was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam after her marriage to a Muslim man.

The matter had raised a furore in India, with several political leaders across parties asking for action to be taken against the perpetrators.

The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan has been ranting up its diabolic rhetoric of the so-called mistreatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their country.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities was exposed once again after a former legislator of Prime Minister Imran Khan's party sought political asylum in India.

Baldev Kumar, a former MLA of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI party) from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK) assembly and his family had come to India earlier this month to seek political asylum.

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani. Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita.

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani. Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita. The protesters also lighted candles expressing solidarity with the family of Namrita and demanded justice for the girl. In yet another case highlighting the deplorable conditions of minorities in Pakistan, Chandni was found murdered in her hostel room. Chandani, who belonged to Ghotki town where a Hindu temple was ransacked recently, was found lying on a charpoy on Tuesday with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside. The police and authorities have tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide. However, her family has asserted that she was murdered. Her brother, Vishal, who is a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered. "It was not a suicide, suicide marks are different, I found cable marks around her neck. There are marks on her hand too. The marks are of cable but her friend had said that she found her with dupatta around her neck," said Vishal Sundar. When asked whether she was facing some problems, he said, "No there was nothing like that, I myself had talked with her two days back. She was a brilliant student". He demanded that the case must be investigated fairly and citizens should support his family. This comes a day after people vandalized properties including a temple in Ghotki after a school principal from the minority Hindu community was booked on charges of alleged blasphemy. The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion. In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission, from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example of what minorities go through in Pakistan. Jagjit Kaur daughter of the Granthi of Nanakana Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan, was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam after her marriage to a Muslim man. The matter had raised a furore in India, with several political leaders across parties asking for action to be taken against the perpetrators. The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan has been ranting up its diabolic rhetoric of the so-called mistreatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their country. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities was exposed once again after a former legislator of Prime Minister Imran Khan's party sought political asylum in India. Baldev Kumar, a former MLA of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI party) from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK) assembly and his family had come to India earlier this month to seek political asylum.

Pakistan: Hindu community protest in Karachi against Namrita's murder

Equity benchmark indices were in the red during early hours on Thursday on the back of mixed global cues and selling pressure across various segments.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was down by 268 points at 36,295 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 77 points to 10,764.

At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices except for Nifty FMCG were in the negative zone. Nifty PSU bank slipped by 1.7 per cent while the private bank was down by 1.2 per cent, metal by 1.4 per cent and pharma by 1.2 per cent.

Among stocks, Yes Bank lost by 5.4 per cent to Rs 60.60 per share while ICICI Bank was down by 2.7 per cent, IndusInd Bank by 2.5 per cent and State Bank of India by 1.8 per cent.

Tata Steel and JSW Steel were down by 2.4 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively.

However, those which showed some gains were FMCG majors Britannia and Hindustan Lever, Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel and Asian Paints.

Meanwhile, Asian shares turned lower after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points. It was the second Fed rate cut this year.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell by 0.36 per cent. Hong Kong shares shed by 0.96 per cent but Japan's Nikkei rose by 1.01 per cent.

Central banks around the world have been loosening policy to counter the risks of low inflation and recession. Easier monetary policy generally supports equities.

Equity benchmark indices were in the red during early hours on Thursday on the back of mixed global cues and selling pressure across various segments. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down by 268 points at 36,295 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 77 points to 10,764.

Equity benchmark indices were in the red during early hours on Thursday on the back of mixed global cues and selling pressure across various segments. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down by 268 points at 36,295 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 77 points to 10,764. At the National Stock Exchange, all sectoral indices except for Nifty FMCG were in the negative zone. Nifty PSU bank slipped by 1.7 per cent while the private bank was down by 1.2 per cent, metal by 1.4 per cent and pharma by 1.2 per cent. Among stocks, Yes Bank lost by 5.4 per cent to Rs 60.60 per share while ICICI Bank was down by 2.7 per cent, IndusInd Bank by 2.5 per cent and State Bank of India by 1.8 per cent. Tata Steel and JSW Steel were down by 2.4 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively. However, those which showed some gains were FMCG majors Britannia and Hindustan Lever, Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel and Asian Paints. Meanwhile, Asian shares turned lower after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points. It was the second Fed rate cut this year. MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan fell by 0.36 per cent. Hong Kong shares shed by 0.96 per cent but Japan's Nikkei rose by 1.01 per cent. Central banks around the world have been loosening policy to counter the risks of low inflation and recession. Easier monetary policy generally supports equities.

Sensex falls by 268 points; Nifty at 10,000

Asian shares turned lower on Thursday after the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected but signalled a higher bar to further policy easings.

Treasury yields rose broadly and the curve flattened as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell took a cautious approach to any further reductions in borrowing costs, while division among central bankers has increased uncertainty over how much further rates might fall.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.36 per cent.

Hong Kong shares shed 0.96 per cent, but Japan's Nikkei rose 1.01 per cent.

The yen rose from a seven-week low versus the dollar and held onto those gains after the Bank of Japan kept policy on hold, as expected, but signalled it could ease next month.

Central banks around the world have been loosening policy to counter the risks of low inflation and recession. Easier monetary policy has generally supported equities.

However, some analysts argue that a bond market rally has gone too far, saying yields have fallen too fast and curves flattened too much.

Others are worried about the growing amount of sovereign debt with negative yields.

"This is a small positive for share prices as long as there is no recession," said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital Investors in Sydney.

"The only problem is a 25 basis-point cut was already expected, and the comments and dot-plot forecasts were not as dovish as the market hoped. I think the Fed will have to cut again. There are still some risks from the yield curve."

US&nbsp;stock futures fell 0.23 per cent in Asia on Thursday. The S&amp;P 500 reversed losses to end 0.03 per cent higher after Powell said he did not see an imminent recession or think the Fed will adopt negative rates.

The Fed cut interest rates for a second time this year to 1.75 per cent - 2.00 per cent in a 7-3 vote but signalled further cuts are unlikely as the labour market remains strong.

The rate cut was widely expected, but the split vote has raised some concern about predicting the future path of monetary policy.

So-called dot-plot forecasts from all 17 policymakers showed even broader disagreement, with seven expecting a third rate cut this year, five seeing the current rate cut as the last for 2019, and five who appeared to have been against even Wednesday's move.

The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 1.8013 per cent, while the two-year yield rose to 1.7703 per cent.

The spread between two- and 10-year Treasury yields, the most commonly used measure of the yield curve, was near the lowest since September&nbsp;9.

The curve inverted on August&nbsp;14 for the first time since 2007 when long-term yields traded below short-term yields, a widely accepted indicator of a coming recession.

The Australian dollar fell 0.5 per cent to $0.6793 after data showed the nation's jobless rate rose slightly to 5.3 per cent in August, bolstering expectations for the central bank to cut rates.

The yen rose around 0.3 per cent to 108.14 per dollar.

The BOJ maintained its pledge to guide short-term interest rates at minus 0.1 per cent and the 10-year government bond yield around 0 per cent.

Investors will closely watch BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda's post-decision press conference later on Thursday to gauge how he assesses risks to Japan's economic outlook.

The US&nbsp;crude futures rose 0.24 per cent to $58.25 per barrel.

Oil markets have stabilised after attacks on Saudi Arabia over the weekend triggered a supply shock and sent prices soaring, but the volatility is still a risk as Middle East tensions remain high.

Washington has blamed Iran for the attacks, a charge which Tehran denies.

The US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the strike was "an act of war."

Sterling traded at 88.50 pence per euro, near its strongest level since May 30. The pound was little changed at $1.2467.

Investors are awaiting a Bank of England policy meeting later Thursday. The BOE is expected to keep rates unchanged, but uncertainty about how the UK will exit from the European Union has complicated the outlook for monetary policy.

Asian shares turned lower on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected but signalled a higher bar to further policy easings. Treasury yields rose broadly and the curve flattened as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell took a cautious approach to any further reductions in borrowing costs, while division among central bankers has increased uncertainty over how much further rates might fall.

Asian shares turned lower on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected but signalled a higher bar to further policy easings. Treasury yields rose broadly and the curve flattened as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell took a cautious approach to any further reductions in borrowing costs, while division among central bankers has increased uncertainty over how much further rates might fall. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.36 per cent. Hong Kong shares shed 0.96 per cent, but Japan's Nikkei rose 1.01 per cent. The yen rose from a seven-week low versus the dollar and held onto those gains after the Bank of Japan kept policy on hold, as expected, but signalled it could ease next month. Central banks around the world have been loosening policy to counter the risks of low inflation and recession. Easier monetary policy has generally supported equities. However, some analysts argue that a bond market rally has gone too far, saying yields have fallen too fast and curves flattened too much. Others are worried about the growing amount of sovereign debt with negative yields. "This is a small positive for share prices as long as there is no recession," said Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital Investors in Sydney. "The only problem is a 25 basis-point cut was already expected, and the comments and dot-plot forecasts were not as dovish as the market hoped. I think the Fed will have to cut again. There are still some risks from the yield curve." US stock futures fell 0.23 per cent in Asia on Thursday. The S&P 500 reversed losses to end 0.03 per cent higher after Powell said he did not see an imminent recession or think the Fed will adopt negative rates. The Fed cut interest rates for a second time this year to 1.75 per cent - 2.00 per cent in a 7-3 vote but signalled further cuts are unlikely as the labour market remains strong. The rate cut was widely expected, but the split vote has raised some concern about predicting the future path of monetary policy. So-called dot-plot forecasts from all 17 policymakers showed even broader disagreement, with seven expecting a third rate cut this year, five seeing the current rate cut as the last for 2019, and five who appeared to have been against even Wednesday's move. The yield on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes rose to 1.8013 per cent, while the two-year yield rose to 1.7703 per cent. The spread between two- and 10-year Treasury yields, the most commonly used measure of the yield curve, was near the lowest since September 9. The curve inverted on August 14 for the first time since 2007 when long-term yields traded below short-term yields, a widely accepted indicator of a coming recession. The Australian dollar fell 0.5 per cent to $0.6793 after data showed the nation's jobless rate rose slightly to 5.3 per cent in August, bolstering expectations for the central bank to cut rates. The yen rose around 0.3 per cent to 108.14 per dollar. The BOJ maintained its pledge to guide short-term interest rates at minus 0.1 per cent and the 10-year government bond yield around 0 per cent. Investors will closely watch BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda's post-decision press conference later on Thursday to gauge how he assesses risks to Japan's economic outlook. The US crude futures rose 0.24 per cent to $58.25 per barrel. Oil markets have stabilised after attacks on Saudi Arabia over the weekend triggered a supply shock and sent prices soaring, but the volatility is still a risk as Middle East tensions remain high. Washington has blamed Iran for the attacks, a charge which Tehran denies. The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the strike was "an act of war." Sterling traded at 88.50 pence per euro, near its strongest level since May 30. The pound was little changed at $1.2467. Investors are awaiting a Bank of England policy meeting later Thursday. The BOE is expected to keep rates unchanged, but uncertainty about how the UK will exit from the European Union has complicated the outlook for monetary policy.

Asian shares turn lower on guarded Fed, yen rises after BOJ

Poor, rural Bangladeshis are spending far more than the government and aid agencies to combat the impacts of climate change, diverting what little money they have away from basic needs, a study said Thursday.

Bangladesh -- a densely populated and impoverished low-lying nation of 168 million people -- is among the most vulnerable to global warming with rising sea levels threatening coastal villages.

In a study billed as the first of its kind in comparing household spending to public financing, researchers found rural families were shelling out an average $2 billion a year to address the impacts of climate change.

In contrast, Dhaka's budget for climate change in rural areas for 2018-19 was $1.46 billion, while international financing was an estimated $154 million annually, the report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) found.

The report was released days before a UN Climate Action Summit in New York between governments, business leaders and international organisations.

"This research reveals an alarming imbalance," IIED's director Andrew Norton said in a statement.

"It is unacceptable that the poorest people are shouldering the burden of spending for adapting to climate change in Bangladesh.

"Much more needs to be done to make sure more public climate finance reaches the people who need it most."

Families -- instead of buying food or spending their money on health and education -- were repairing damaged homes and replacing animals and crops.

They were using the money to raise their houses above flood levels, and some were even taking out high-interest loans from informal sources, pushing them further into poverty, the researchers said.

Mohammad Nannu's home was last year destroyed by the shifting currents of the Padma, a tributary of the Himalayan river the Ganges.

He told AFP he borrowed money at an interest rate of more than 20 percent to make ends meet after the disaster, which experts said was due to climate change.

"I become penniless after losing my home and property... when the Padma devoured our entire village," the 50-year-old said.

Local mayor Shahidul Islam said just a handful of families were provided with new homes, with hundreds of others having to rent or move to cities.

Atiq Rahman, a Bangladeshi expert who sits in a UN climate change panel, welcomed the study but said $2 billion was "a fraction of the amount" Bangladeshis and the government spent every year.

"This is an underestimate. There are many climate change-related costs that cannot be easily monetised," he told AFP, citing the impacts on health, land fertility and livestock.

Poor, rural Bangladeshis are spending far more than the government and aid agencies to combat the impacts of climate change, diverting what little money they have away from basic needs, a study said Thursday.

Poor, rural Bangladeshis are spending far more than the government and aid agencies to combat the impacts of climate change, diverting what little money they have away from basic needs, a study said Thursday. Bangladesh -- a densely populated and impoverished low-lying nation of 168 million people -- is among the most vulnerable to global warming with rising sea levels threatening coastal villages. In a study billed as the first of its kind in comparing household spending to public financing, researchers found rural families were shelling out an average $2 billion a year to address the impacts of climate change. In contrast, Dhaka's budget for climate change in rural areas for 2018-19 was $1.46 billion, while international financing was an estimated $154 million annually, the report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) found. The report was released days before a UN Climate Action Summit in New York between governments, business leaders and international organisations. "This research reveals an alarming imbalance," IIED's director Andrew Norton said in a statement. "It is unacceptable that the poorest people are shouldering the burden of spending for adapting to climate change in Bangladesh. "Much more needs to be done to make sure more public climate finance reaches the people who need it most." Families -- instead of buying food or spending their money on health and education -- were repairing damaged homes and replacing animals and crops. They were using the money to raise their houses above flood levels, and some were even taking out high-interest loans from informal sources, pushing them further into poverty, the researchers said. Mohammad Nannu's home was last year destroyed by the shifting currents of the Padma, a tributary of the Himalayan river the Ganges. He told AFP he borrowed money at an interest rate of more than 20 percent to make ends meet after the disaster, which experts said was due to climate change. "I become penniless after losing my home and property... when the Padma devoured our entire village," the 50-year-old said. Local mayor Shahidul Islam said just a handful of families were provided with new homes, with hundreds of others having to rent or move to cities. Atiq Rahman, a Bangladeshi expert who sits in a UN climate change panel, welcomed the study but said $2 billion was "a fraction of the amount" Bangladeshis and the government spent every year. "This is an underestimate. There are many climate change-related costs that cannot be easily monetised," he told AFP, citing the impacts on health, land fertility and livestock.

Bangladesh rural poor bear financial burden of climate change: Study

At least four people were killed and a dozen injured when gunmen stormed a crowded government building in eastern Afghanistan Wednesday following a suicide bombing, with desperate survivors leaping from windows to escape the fighting, witnesses and officials said.

Security forces rushed to the scene after armed men attacked the office in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province, in the latest violence to hit the war-torn country as it gears up for a presidential election on September 28.

Terrified children at a nearby school climbed over walls to get further away from the fighting.

A provincial spokesman, Ataullah Khogyani, said a suicide bomber had initially detonated explosives, after which the gunmen attacked.

Security forces fought to clear the building for several hours before declaring all three gunmen dead, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said roughly six hours after the attack began.&nbsp;

Witnesses and an AFP reporter could hear gunshots immediately after the initial blast.

One of the centre's employees, Haji Qudrat, described the moment one of the gunmen entered his office.

"After the explosion, we heard small gunfire in our corridor, then a man entered our office with a gun and started shooting," he told AFP from a hospital in Jalalabad, where he was receiving treatment for a wounded leg.

"I jumped out the window. Some of our friends are either killed or wounded."

Qudrat said there had been around 200 people inside the centre when the bomber detonated -- 80 employees, and the rest people waiting to receive their national electronic identity cards, or "tazkiras".

"I was in class when I heard a big explosion followed by intense gunfire," said Mohammad Ullah, a teacher at a nearby school.

"The kids started crying so we had to vacate the school. We jumped over the walls to take the students to a safer place," he told AFP.&nbsp;

No group has claimed the attack. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are active in Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan.&nbsp;

Door 'open' for talks

The assault came a day after the Taliban killed nearly 50 people and wounded dozens more in two separate attacks -- one near a campaign rally for President Ashraf Ghani in the central province of Parwan, and one in Kabul.&nbsp;

The militants have vowed to disrupt the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which Ghani is taking on his own Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah, and more than a dozen other candidates.

The winner is hoping for a mandate to negotiate with the Taliban for lasting peace in the country suffering from decades of violence.&nbsp;

But the insurgents want to undermine the legitimacy of the process and keep the president weak.&nbsp;

"We already warned people not to attend election rallies. If they suffer any losses that is their own responsibility," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement released after Tuesday's blasts.

They have also promised more violence after US President Donald Trump called off talks earlier this month seeking a deal that would have allowed Washington to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, site of America's longest war.

"The president has made clear that he will not negotiate a peace agreement while the Taliban continues such attacks," a White House statement condemning Tuesday's blasts said.&nbsp;

But the militants have also repeatedly voiced their belief that the US will eventually have to return to the table for more negotiations.

Chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai reiterated that stance in an interview with the BBC hours after Tuesday's attacks, stating "our doors are open for negotiations".

He also defended Taliban violence during the months of talks, arguing that the Americans had also admitted to killing thousands of Taliban during the discussions.

At least four people were killed and a dozen injured when gunmen stormed a crowded government building in eastern Afghanistan Wednesday following a suicide bombing, with desperate survivors leaping from windows to escape the fighting, witnesses and officials said.

At least four people were killed and a dozen injured when gunmen stormed a crowded government building in eastern Afghanistan Wednesday following a suicide bombing, with desperate survivors leaping from windows to escape the fighting, witnesses and officials said. Security forces rushed to the scene after armed men attacked the office in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province, in the latest violence to hit the war-torn country as it gears up for a presidential election on September 28. Terrified children at a nearby school climbed over walls to get further away from the fighting. A provincial spokesman, Ataullah Khogyani, said a suicide bomber had initially detonated explosives, after which the gunmen attacked. Security forces fought to clear the building for several hours before declaring all three gunmen dead, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said roughly six hours after the attack began. Witnesses and an AFP reporter could hear gunshots immediately after the initial blast. One of the centre's employees, Haji Qudrat, described the moment one of the gunmen entered his office. "After the explosion, we heard small gunfire in our corridor, then a man entered our office with a gun and started shooting," he told AFP from a hospital in Jalalabad, where he was receiving treatment for a wounded leg. "I jumped out the window. Some of our friends are either killed or wounded." Qudrat said there had been around 200 people inside the centre when the bomber detonated -- 80 employees, and the rest people waiting to receive their national electronic identity cards, or "tazkiras". "I was in class when I heard a big explosion followed by intense gunfire," said Mohammad Ullah, a teacher at a nearby school. "The kids started crying so we had to vacate the school. We jumped over the walls to take the students to a safer place," he told AFP. No group has claimed the attack. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are active in Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan. Door 'open' for talks The assault came a day after the Taliban killed nearly 50 people and wounded dozens more in two separate attacks -- one near a campaign rally for President Ashraf Ghani in the central province of Parwan, and one in Kabul. The militants have vowed to disrupt the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for September 28, in which Ghani is taking on his own Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah, and more than a dozen other candidates. The winner is hoping for a mandate to negotiate with the Taliban for lasting peace in the country suffering from decades of violence. But the insurgents want to undermine the legitimacy of the process and keep the president weak. "We already warned people not to attend election rallies. If they suffer any losses that is their own responsibility," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement released after Tuesday's blasts. They have also promised more violence after US President Donald Trump called off talks earlier this month seeking a deal that would have allowed Washington to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, site of America's longest war. "The president has made clear that he will not negotiate a peace agreement while the Taliban continues such attacks," a White House statement condemning Tuesday's blasts said. But the militants have also repeatedly voiced their belief that the US will eventually have to return to the table for more negotiations. Chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai reiterated that stance in an interview with the BBC hours after Tuesday's attacks, stating "our doors are open for negotiations". He also defended Taliban violence during the months of talks, arguing that the Americans had also admitted to killing thousands of Taliban during the discussions.

Afghanistan: 4 killed after gunmen attack government building following suicide bombing in Jalalabad

The US envoy who negotiated with the Taliban will testify behind closed doors to Congress on Thursday, 12 days after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Afghan militants.

The House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee issued a subpoena to force Zalmay Khalilzad to appear after it complained about being kept in the dark over the negotiating process.

"We have reached an accommodation... to hear from Ambassador Khalilzad in a classified briefing," Eliot Engel, the committee chairman, said in a statement on Wednesday, adding the subpoena had been withdrawn.

"While I would have preferred to hear from Ambassador Khalilzad in an open setting, I'm glad our members will have this long-overdue opportunity to press for answers on the peace plan."

Trump said on September 7 that he had called off "peace negotiations" with the Taliban, and revealed that he had arranged but cancelled talks with the Islamist militants at his Camp David presidential retreat.

Khalilzad held nine rounds of talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, saying little in public about the negotiations.

He later said he had reached an agreement in principle with the Taliban in which the United States would pull out troops and the militants would promise to break with Al-Qaeda.

Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks on the United States.

But he accused the Taliban of bad faith for launching an attack in Kabul that killed a US soldier, and others, on the eve of the Camp David talks.

The US envoy who negotiated with the Taliban will testify behind closed doors to Congress on Thursday, 12 days after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Afghan militants.

The US envoy who negotiated with the Taliban will testify behind closed doors to Congress on Thursday, 12 days after President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Afghan militants. The House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee issued a subpoena to force Zalmay Khalilzad to appear after it complained about being kept in the dark over the negotiating process. "We have reached an accommodation... to hear from Ambassador Khalilzad in a classified briefing," Eliot Engel, the committee chairman, said in a statement on Wednesday, adding the subpoena had been withdrawn. "While I would have preferred to hear from Ambassador Khalilzad in an open setting, I'm glad our members will have this long-overdue opportunity to press for answers on the peace plan." Trump said on September 7 that he had called off "peace negotiations" with the Taliban, and revealed that he had arranged but cancelled talks with the Islamist militants at his Camp David presidential retreat. Khalilzad held nine rounds of talks with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, saying little in public about the negotiations. He later said he had reached an agreement in principle with the Taliban in which the United States would pull out troops and the militants would promise to break with Al-Qaeda. Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks on the United States. But he accused the Taliban of bad faith for launching an attack in Kabul that killed a US soldier, and others, on the eve of the Camp David talks.

US envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad to testify before lawmakers

As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday.

The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara.

Taking to Twitter, state minister of school education Ashish Shelar said, "In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, the holiday is declared for all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 September 2019."

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In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools &amp; junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rain</a>
— ashish shelar (@ShelarAshish) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShelarAshish/status/1174395571076915200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not tomorrow.

As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday. The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara.

As Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Mumbai, all schools and junior colleges would remain closed on Thursday. The IMD has issued a red rain alert for thirteen districts in Maharashtra with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Mumbai, Raigad and Satara. Taking to Twitter, state minister of school education Ashish Shelar said, "In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, the holiday is declared for all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 September 2019." In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, holiday is declared for all schools & junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 Sep 2019. District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions. #rain — ashish shelar (@ShelarAshish) September 18, 2019 × He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not tomorrow.

All schools to remain shut as Indian Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall in Mumbai

India captain Virat Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten 72 to help secure his team's comprehensive seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second Twenty20 International on Wednesday.

After disciplined Indian bowling restricted the touring side to a below-par 149-5, Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan (40) helped the hosts chase down the target with an over to spare in the north Indian city of Mohali.

After the series opener in Dharamsala was washed out, Quinton de Kock made his debut as South Africa's Twenty20 captain as they explore leadership options before the 20-overs World Cup next year.

The left-hander top-scored with 52 and Temba Bavuma contributed 49 but the subsequent South African batsmen could not capitalise on the decent start.

Deepak Chahar drew first blood when he dismissed Reeza Hendricks for six after Kohli won the toss and elected to field.

De Kock and Bavuma helped South Africa overcome the early setback with a fluent partnership.

De Kock raced to his fifty before Kohli produced a magnificent piece of fielding, running to his left from mid-off to take a tumbling one-handed catch and send back the skipper.

Ravindra Jadeja caught Rassie van der Dussen off his own bowling to peg back South Africa who found boundaries hard to come by.

Bavuma, making his Twenty20 debut along with Anrich Nortje and Bjorn Fortuin, fell just short of his fifty, foxed by Chahar's slower delivery.

The touring side milked 16 runs off the final over from Navdeep Saini but fell short of the 150-mark.

India's chase got off to a fast start as Rohit Sharma greeted Nortje with two sixes in the debutant's first over.

Andile Phehlukwayo dismissed Rohit before Kohli and Dhawan effectively killed off the contest, Kohli hitting three sixes in his 52-ball knock.

Bengaluru hosts the third and final match on Sunday before the teams clash in a three-test series next month.

India captain Virat Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten 72 to help secure his team's comprehensive seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second Twenty20 International on Wednesday.

India captain Virat Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten 72 to help secure his team's comprehensive seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second Twenty20 International on Wednesday. After disciplined Indian bowling restricted the touring side to a below-par 149-5, Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan (40) helped the hosts chase down the target with an over to spare in the north Indian city of Mohali. After the series opener in Dharamsala was washed out, Quinton de Kock made his debut as South Africa's Twenty20 captain as they explore leadership options before the 20-overs World Cup next year. The left-hander top-scored with 52 and Temba Bavuma contributed 49 but the subsequent South African batsmen could not capitalise on the decent start. Deepak Chahar drew first blood when he dismissed Reeza Hendricks for six after Kohli won the toss and elected to field. De Kock and Bavuma helped South Africa overcome the early setback with a fluent partnership. De Kock raced to his fifty before Kohli produced a magnificent piece of fielding, running to his left from mid-off to take a tumbling one-handed catch and send back the skipper. Ravindra Jadeja caught Rassie van der Dussen off his own bowling to peg back South Africa who found boundaries hard to come by. Bavuma, making his Twenty20 debut along with Anrich Nortje and Bjorn Fortuin, fell just short of his fifty, foxed by Chahar's slower delivery. The touring side milked 16 runs off the final over from Navdeep Saini but fell short of the 150-mark. India's chase got off to a fast start as Rohit Sharma greeted Nortje with two sixes in the debutant's first over. Andile Phehlukwayo dismissed Rohit before Kohli and Dhawan effectively killed off the contest, Kohli hitting three sixes in his 52-ball knock. Bengaluru hosts the third and final match on Sunday before the teams clash in a three-test series next month.

Virat Kohli leads India to T20 win over South Africa

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener.

Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera levelled in the 90th minute with a thumping header from a corner after defender Stefan Savic had pulled a goal back for the Spaniards in the 70th with a header from close range following a free-kick.

The Spaniards were the brighter side in the first half but Juve went ahead in the 48th minute when Juan Cuadrado sent an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner after a break engineered by a punt forward from defender Leonardo Bonucci.

The Italian champions doubled their lead in the 65th minute following another quick counter as midfielder Blaise Matuidi headed home a cross from Alex Sandro.

But with bullish coach Diego Simeone motivating them from the sidelines and a typically boisterous Wanda Metropolitano crowd roaring them on, Atletico refused to give in.

Atletico and Juve have a point each while Lokomotiv Moscow top Group D after beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 away from home.

"This game will do us a lot of good for the rest of the season, as it makes us believe in the character of the team," Simeone told reporters.

"We started well then they hit us twice and we were out of the game but we never caved in."

Juve's Bonucci did not hide his disappointment at the fact his side could not see out the victory.

"It’s a real shame to concede two goals from set-plays. We had a great performance, but we’ve got to be more focussed, because this has happened too many times now," he said.

"Everyone has to be more concentrated. A side like ours cannot keep conceding this many goals from set plays."

Savic's scrappy goal galvanised Atletico and moments later Spain forward Vitolo forced Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny to make an acrobatic save.

Atletico was denied a penalty when the ball hit the arm of Bonucci, with Diego Costa earning a yellow card for his loud protests at the decision.

Instant hero

Substitute Herrera made himself an instant hero 14 minutes into his competitive debut for the club by escaping his marker and heading home Kieran Trippier's corner to spark jubilant scenes in the stands and around the Atletico dugout.

"This team is renowned for suffering and fighting until the end. This result tastes better than most draws, of course, we wanted to win but a draw is good given how tough Juventus are," said Herrera, who joined Atleti from Porto in the close season.

"A draw isn't bad at all given the team we were up against and we were better than them in many moments of the game. I'm so happy to have made my debut and to help the team."

Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo had an unusually quiet game after scoring a hat-trick against Atletico in last year's competition, although he came within inches of grabbing a last-gasp winner when he sent a shot just past the far post.

Visiting coach Maurizio Sarri was left with a bittersweet feeling in his first Champions League match in charge of Juve.

"I feel good about the character we showed, the performance we gave and the two goals, but I feel a sense of anger because we had the game under control and we let it slip," he said.

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener.

Atletico Madrid produced a typically spirited comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Juventus in a thrilling finale to Wednesday's heavyweight Champions League Group D opener. Mexico midfielder Hector Herrera levelled in the 90th minute with a thumping header from a corner after defender Stefan Savic had pulled a goal back for the Spaniards in the 70th with a header from close range following a free-kick. The Spaniards were the brighter side in the first half but Juve went ahead in the 48th minute when Juan Cuadrado sent an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner after a break engineered by a punt forward from defender Leonardo Bonucci. The Italian champions doubled their lead in the 65th minute following another quick counter as midfielder Blaise Matuidi headed home a cross from Alex Sandro. But with bullish coach Diego Simeone motivating them from the sidelines and a typically boisterous Wanda Metropolitano crowd roaring them on, Atletico refused to give in. Atletico and Juve have a point each while Lokomotiv Moscow top Group D after beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 away from home. "This game will do us a lot of good for the rest of the season, as it makes us believe in the character of the team," Simeone told reporters. "We started well then they hit us twice and we were out of the game but we never caved in." Juve's Bonucci did not hide his disappointment at the fact his side could not see out the victory. "It’s a real shame to concede two goals from set-plays. We had a great performance, but we’ve got to be more focussed, because this has happened too many times now," he said. "Everyone has to be more concentrated. A side like ours cannot keep conceding this many goals from set plays." Savic's scrappy goal galvanised Atletico and moments later Spain forward Vitolo forced Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny to make an acrobatic save. Atletico was denied a penalty when the ball hit the arm of Bonucci, with Diego Costa earning a yellow card for his loud protests at the decision. Instant hero Substitute Herrera made himself an instant hero 14 minutes into his competitive debut for the club by escaping his marker and heading home Kieran Trippier's corner to spark jubilant scenes in the stands and around the Atletico dugout. "This team is renowned for suffering and fighting until the end. This result tastes better than most draws, of course, we wanted to win but a draw is good given how tough Juventus are," said Herrera, who joined Atleti from Porto in the close season. "A draw isn't bad at all given the team we were up against and we were better than them in many moments of the game. I'm so happy to have made my debut and to help the team." Juve forward Cristiano Ronaldo had an unusually quiet game after scoring a hat-trick against Atletico in last year's competition, although he came within inches of grabbing a last-gasp winner when he sent a shot just past the far post. Visiting coach Maurizio Sarri was left with a bittersweet feeling in his first Champions League match in charge of Juve. "I feel good about the character we showed, the performance we gave and the two goals, but I feel a sense of anger because we had the game under control and we let it slip," he said.

Champions League: Atletico Madrid dig deep to snatch draw with Juventus

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