Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.&nbsp;

Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbia-puts-forces-on-alert-after-kosovo-police-operation-in-serb-populated-north-222264">bitter and tense relationship </a>two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence.

EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency".

"The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added.

The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks -&nbsp;but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions".

The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch.

"For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November.

The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April.

But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped.

Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999.

A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union. Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a bitter and tense relationship two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence. EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes. In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency". "The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added. The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks - but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions". The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch. "For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November. The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood. After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April. But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped. Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999. A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

West urges Kosovo, Serbia to restart talks 'with urgency'

A large&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;of&nbsp;Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.&nbsp;

Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days.

More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on&nbsp;Evia, Greece's second-largest&nbsp;island, where a monastery had already been evacuated.

It generated thick&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;that blanketed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-51-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-athens-knocks-out-phone-service-237149">the capital,&nbsp;Athens</a>, some 110 kilometres away.

The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said.

Greek&nbsp;TV showed thick, dark&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds.

A local mayor told state TV ERT the&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti.

No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening.

Greece often faces&nbsp;wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see increased&nbsp;wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming.

Last year, a&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near&nbsp;Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames. Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other Greek regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days. More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on Evia, Greece's second-largest island, where a monastery had already been evacuated. It generated thick smoke that blanketed the capital, Athens, some 110 kilometres away. The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said. Greek TV showed thick, dark smoke blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds. A local mayor told state TV ERT the wildfire had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti. No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see increased wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming. Last year, a wildfire killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

Wildfire rages on Greek island Evia, smoke reaches Athens

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Tuesday established a medical camp on Haripur Road in Sangli to ensure medical help to people in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-fadnavis-ministers-to-donate-months-salary-for-flood-relief-242782">flood-affected district</a>.

As the rescue operations are coming to an end in Sangli and Kolhapur districts, the authorities have set up the camps to ensure that people receive necessary medical attention.&nbsp;

Two doctors of NDRF along with paramedics and support staff are stationed at the camp with essential medicines.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraFloods</a>: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has established a medical camp on Haripur road in Sangli. Two doctors of NDRF along with paramedics and support staff with essential medicines are present there to ensure medical help to people. <a href="https://t.co/pPw3Anz9Zu">pic.twitter.com/pPw3Anz9Zu</a>
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As on Monday, 43 people have lost their lives due to floods in Pune division as the floods caused by heavy rainfall has brought life to a standstill.

More than four lakh people were rescued from 584 villages and evacuated to 596 temporary shelters in Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Solapur districts.

Around 302 medical teams are currently active in Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts.

Light to Moderate rainfall has been predicted by the India Meteorological Department in the five districts of Pune division for the next four days.&nbsp;

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Tuesday established a medical camp on Haripur Road in Sangli to ensure medical help to people in the flood-affected district.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Tuesday established a medical camp on Haripur Road in Sangli to ensure medical help to people in the flood-affected district. As the rescue operations are coming to an end in Sangli and Kolhapur districts, the authorities have set up the camps to ensure that people receive necessary medical attention. Two doctors of NDRF along with paramedics and support staff are stationed at the camp with essential medicines. #MaharashtraFloods: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has established a medical camp on Haripur road in Sangli. Two doctors of NDRF along with paramedics and support staff with essential medicines are present there to ensure medical help to people. pic.twitter.com/pPw3Anz9Zu — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2019 × As on Monday, 43 people have lost their lives due to floods in Pune division as the floods caused by heavy rainfall has brought life to a standstill. More than four lakh people were rescued from 584 villages and evacuated to 596 temporary shelters in Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Solapur districts. Around 302 medical teams are currently active in Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur districts. Light to Moderate rainfall has been predicted by the India Meteorological Department in the five districts of Pune division for the next four days.

Maharashtra: NDRF sets up medical camp in flood-affected Sangli district

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-send-210-tonnes-of-waste-back-to-australia-234274">Indonesia has shipped tonnes of Australian garbage </a>out of the country, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash.

Eight containers of trash, weighing some 210 tonnes left Indonesia's second-biggest city &nbsp;on Monday aboard a cargo ship bound for Singapore, the local customs agency said.

The move comes less than a week after Australia pledged to stop exporting recyclable waste amid<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-mexico-cactus-solve-worlds-plastics-problem-241852"> global concerns about plastic polluting</a> the oceans and increasing pushback from Asian nations against accepting trash.

Last month, Indonesia said it would return the Australian rubbish after authorities found hazardous material and household trash, including used diapers and electronic waste, in containers meant to hold the only waste paper.

"Six containers contaminated with (hazardous) waste and two containers mixed with household rubbish" left Indonesia on Monday, said Alvina Christine Zebua, a spokeswoman for the East Java customs agency.

She could not confirm when the containers might arrive back in Australia.

Last month Indonesia returned seven shipping containers of illegally imported waste to France and Hong Kong that were seized in Batam Island near Singapore.

Those containers were loaded with a combination of garbage, plastic waste and hazardous materials in violation of import rules.

Batam authorities were also preparing to return another 42 containers of waste, including shipments from the United States, Australia and Germany.

China used to receive the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year to clean up its environment.&nbsp;

Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines.&nbsp;

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfills or polluting the seas, in what has become a growing international crisis.&nbsp;

A particular environmental concern is microplastics, tiny pieces of degraded waste that absorb harmful chemicals and accumulate inside fish, birds and other animals.

Indonesia has shipped tonnes of Australian garbage out of the country, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash.

Indonesia has shipped tonnes of Australian garbage out of the country, an official said Tuesday, as Southeast Asian nations push back against serving as dumping grounds for foreign trash. Eight containers of trash, weighing some 210 tonnes left Indonesia's second-biggest city on Monday aboard a cargo ship bound for Singapore, the local customs agency said. The move comes less than a week after Australia pledged to stop exporting recyclable waste amid global concerns about plastic polluting the oceans and increasing pushback from Asian nations against accepting trash. Last month, Indonesia said it would return the Australian rubbish after authorities found hazardous material and household trash, including used diapers and electronic waste, in containers meant to hold the only waste paper. "Six containers contaminated with (hazardous) waste and two containers mixed with household rubbish" left Indonesia on Monday, said Alvina Christine Zebua, a spokeswoman for the East Java customs agency. She could not confirm when the containers might arrive back in Australia. Last month Indonesia returned seven shipping containers of illegally imported waste to France and Hong Kong that were seized in Batam Island near Singapore. Those containers were loaded with a combination of garbage, plastic waste and hazardous materials in violation of import rules. Batam authorities were also preparing to return another 42 containers of waste, including shipments from the United States, Australia and Germany. China used to receive the bulk of scrap plastic from around the world but closed its doors to foreign refuse last year to clean up its environment. Huge quantities of waste have since been redirected to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and to a lesser degree the Philippines. Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), with much of it ending up in landfills or polluting the seas, in what has become a growing international crisis. A particular environmental concern is microplastics, tiny pieces of degraded waste that absorb harmful chemicals and accumulate inside fish, birds and other animals.

Indonesia ships back tonnes of Australian waste

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all Maharashtra ministers on Tuesday decided to donate a month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to augment <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/43-dead-3-missing-as-flood-continues-to-batter-maharashtra-242561">flood relief in the state</a>.

"CM Devendra Fadnavis and all the Ministers of Maharashtra Cabinet decide to donate one month's salary towards the CM Relief Fund for Maharashtra Floods !" a tweet by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) read.

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CM <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> and all the Ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraCabinet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraCabinet</a> decides to donate one month’s salary towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMReliefFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMReliefFund</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaharashtraFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MaharashtraFloods</a> !
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1161208003682426881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the state Cabinet announced Rs 6,813 crore assistance for the flood-hit people, out of which Rs 4,708 crore was allocated to Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara and Rs 2,105 crore for Konkan region, Nashik and rest of the affected districts.

"CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting and announced Rs 6813 crore assistance for the flood-affected persons of the state. Rs4708 crore for Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara. Rs2105 crore for Konkan region, Nashik and rest of the affected districts," another tweet by the CMO read.

In a series of tweets earlier in the day, Fadnavis thanked people who had contributed to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in view of the floods.

"Thank you Harman Finochem Ltd for the contribution of Rs 51,00,000 (Rs 51 lakh) towards CM Relief Fund," Fadnavis' tweet read.

"Thank you Aurangabad District Cooperative Milk Producer Union for the contribution of Rs 25,00,000/- (Rs 25 lakh) towards CM Relief Fund," his second tweet read.

He also thanked the Gurudwara Board in Nanded for providing relief to flood-affected people in Kolhapur and Sangli districts.

"Thank you Gurudwara Board Takhat Sachkhand Shri Huzur Abchal Nagar Sahib Nanded for food &amp; medical assistance to flood-affected persons in Kolhapur and Sangli !," the chief minister tweeted.

The death toll due to the floods and heavy rainfall in Pune division has reached 43 while three persons are missing, an official statement said on Tuesday.

As per the statement from the Divisional Commissioner's office here, at least 4,74,226 people have been rescued from 584 villages and evacuated to 596 temporary shelters in Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Solapur districts.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all Maharashtra ministers on Tuesday decided to donate a month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to augment flood relief in the state.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all Maharashtra ministers on Tuesday decided to donate a month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to augment flood relief in the state. "CM Devendra Fadnavis and all the Ministers of Maharashtra Cabinet decide to donate one month's salary towards the CM Relief Fund for Maharashtra Floods !" a tweet by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) read. CM @Dev_Fadnavis and all the Ministers of #MaharashtraCabinet decides to donate one month’s salary towards #CMReliefFund for #MaharashtraFloods ! — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 13, 2019 × Meanwhile, the state Cabinet announced Rs 6,813 crore assistance for the flood-hit people, out of which Rs 4,708 crore was allocated to Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara and Rs 2,105 crore for Konkan region, Nashik and rest of the affected districts. "CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting and announced Rs 6813 crore assistance for the flood-affected persons of the state. Rs4708 crore for Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara. Rs2105 crore for Konkan region, Nashik and rest of the affected districts," another tweet by the CMO read. In a series of tweets earlier in the day, Fadnavis thanked people who had contributed to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in view of the floods. "Thank you Harman Finochem Ltd for the contribution of Rs 51,00,000 (Rs 51 lakh) towards CM Relief Fund," Fadnavis' tweet read. "Thank you Aurangabad District Cooperative Milk Producer Union for the contribution of Rs 25,00,000/- (Rs 25 lakh) towards CM Relief Fund," his second tweet read. He also thanked the Gurudwara Board in Nanded for providing relief to flood-affected people in Kolhapur and Sangli districts. "Thank you Gurudwara Board Takhat Sachkhand Shri Huzur Abchal Nagar Sahib Nanded for food & medical assistance to flood-affected persons in Kolhapur and Sangli !," the chief minister tweeted. The death toll due to the floods and heavy rainfall in Pune division has reached 43 while three persons are missing, an official statement said on Tuesday. As per the statement from the Divisional Commissioner's office here, at least 4,74,226 people have been rescued from 584 villages and evacuated to 596 temporary shelters in Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, Satara and Solapur districts.

Maharashtra: Chief minister Fadnavis, ministers to donate month's salary for flood relief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-worst-ever-dengue-fever-outbreak-239918">At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh</a>'s worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions.

More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter.&nbsp;

"We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP.

Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week.

The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further.&nbsp;

The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week.

For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad.

"It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions. More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter. "We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP. Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week. The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further. The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week. For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad. "It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 dead in Bangladesh's worst-ever dengue outbreak

Iran said on Tuesday that <a href="wionews.com/world/iranian-state-tv-shows-smuggled-fuel-aboard-a-seized-foreign-oil-tanker-240680">Britain might free its oil tanker</a> Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West.

But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captain-of-iranian-tanker-seized-in-gibraltar-accuse-royal-marines-of-brute-force-239560">marines seized the tanker on July 4</a> on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations.

The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents.

"The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said.

"We hope the release will take place soon."

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation.

The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday. Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations. The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents. "The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said. "We hope the release will take place soon." Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation. The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/comedian-volodymyr-zelensky-takes-office-as-ukraines-president-220079">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports.

Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying.

The officer had already left the country, a statement said.

Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire.

Zelenskiy has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138"> prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region,</a> but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports.

In July he extended the offer to government-held areas.

Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said.

They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs.

It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect.

The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July.

Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region.

Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on Tuesday offering citizenship to Russians suffering political persecution, and also to foreigners who fought on Kiev's side in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Zelensky had announced such a move last month in response to a Russian decree expanding the number of Ukrainians who can apply for fast-track Russian passports. Separately Ukraine's state security service declared a Russian consular officer in the western city of Lviv as persona non grata, accusing him of spying. The officer had already left the country, a statement said. Relations between Kiev and Moscow plunged after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for fighters in the eastern Donbass region in a conflict that has killed 13,000 people despite a notional ceasefire. Zelenskiy has prioritised achieving peace in the Donbass region, but days after his election victory in April Russian President Vladimir Putin eased rules for residents of rebel-controlled parts of Donbass to receive passports. In July he extended the offer to government-held areas. Zelensky's decree would apply to citizens of the Russian Federation who had been persecuted for political reasons, a statement on the presidential website said. They would need to provide a certificate from Ukraine's foreign ministry or a diplomatic mission or a consular post confirming they were being persecuted in their native country for their political beliefs. It is now up to the government and parliament to legislate for the proposal to take effect. The president's Servant of the People party will be the largest in the new parliament following its landslide victory in a snap election in July. Zelensky last week pressed Putin for a resumption of peace talks after four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by shelling in the Donbass region. Putin, in turn, said Ukrainian forces must stop the shelling of settlements in the Donbass that led to civilian casualties.

Ukraine President Zelensky offers citizenship to Russian political refugees

Considering the Citizenship Act and rules, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Centre to maintain Aadhaar-like secrecy for the data in Assam's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-41-lakh-found-ineligible-under-draft-nrc-government-informs-rajya-sabha-238218">National Register of Citizens (NRC).</a>

In an interim order, a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said, "Only hard copies of lists of inclusions and exclusions to be provided at district offices. The NRC to be updated according to the law laid down in the Section 66A judgment."

In its 2015 judgement, the court had struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, relating to restrictions on online speech, as unconstitutional on the ground it violated freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution.

On July 23, the apex court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC in Assam from July 31 to August 31.

Justices Gogoi and Nariman had passed the order on a plea filed by the Centre and Assam government for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../deadline-for-finalisation-of-assam-nrc-will-not- be-extended-supreme-court-216925">extension of the deadline</a>.

The court had, however, refused to allow a plea for 20 per cent sample re-verification of those included and excluded from the NRC.

The court is monitoring the NRC exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in Assam, which has been facing an influx of people from Bangladesh for decades.

The NRC containing the names of Indian citizens was first prepared in 1951.

When the draft NRC was published on July 30, 2018, there was a huge controversy over the exclusion of 40.7 lakh people from it.

The draft NRC included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total 3.29 crore applications.

Considering the Citizenship Act and rules, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Centre to maintain Aadhaar-like secrecy for the data in Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Considering the Citizenship Act and rules, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Centre to maintain Aadhaar-like secrecy for the data in Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC). In an interim order, a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said, "Only hard copies of lists of inclusions and exclusions to be provided at district offices. The NRC to be updated according to the law laid down in the Section 66A judgment." In its 2015 judgement, the court had struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, relating to restrictions on online speech, as unconstitutional on the ground it violated freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution. On July 23, the apex court had extended the deadline for the final publication of the NRC in Assam from July 31 to August 31. Justices Gogoi and Nariman had passed the order on a plea filed by the Centre and Assam government for extension of the deadline. The court had, however, refused to allow a plea for 20 per cent sample re-verification of those included and excluded from the NRC. The court is monitoring the NRC exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in Assam, which has been facing an influx of people from Bangladesh for decades. The NRC containing the names of Indian citizens was first prepared in 1951. When the draft NRC was published on July 30, 2018, there was a huge controversy over the exclusion of 40.7 lakh people from it. The draft NRC included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total 3.29 crore applications.

Supreme Court asks Centre to maintain Aadhaar-like secrecy for Assam NRC data

Indian&nbsp;shares&nbsp;ended&nbsp;sharply&nbsp;lower&nbsp;on Tuesday, led by a drop in&nbsp;automotive stocks after data showed monthly passenger vehicle sales fell at their worst pace in nearly two decades as the industry goes through a prolonged slowdown.

The broader NSE Nifty&nbsp;ended 1.65 per cent&nbsp;lower&nbsp;at 10,925.85, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 1.66 per cent at 36,958.16.

The Nifty&nbsp;autos index slid about 4 per cent, its worst decline since 2016, as sales of passenger vehicles to car dealers plunged 30.9 per cent in July.

Shares&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-biggest-carmaker-maruti-suzuki-cuts-temporary-jobs-as-sales-plunge-240343">top&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;automaker Maruti Suzuki Ltd fell 5 per cent.</a>

Shares&nbsp;of oil-to-telecoms conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd climbed 9.7 per cent after it unveiled the sale of a portion of its oil to chemicals business to Saudi Aramco.

The Nifty energy index was the only&nbsp;sector&nbsp;to&nbsp;end&nbsp;higher out of 14 sub-indexes, powered largely by Reliance.

Private-sector&nbsp;lender Yes Bank Ltd fell 10.9 per cent.

The company named a new chief financial officer on Tuesday.

Indian shares ended sharply lower on Tuesday, led by a drop in automotive stocks after data showed monthly passenger vehicle sales fell at their worst pace in nearly two decades as the industry goes through a prolonged slowdown.

Indian shares ended sharply lower on Tuesday, led by a drop in automotive stocks after data showed monthly passenger vehicle sales fell at their worst pace in nearly two decades as the industry goes through a prolonged slowdown. The broader NSE Nifty ended 1.65 per cent lower at 10,925.85, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 1.66 per cent at 36,958.16. The Nifty autos index slid about 4 per cent, its worst decline since 2016, as sales of passenger vehicles to car dealers plunged 30.9 per cent in July. Shares of top Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki Ltd fell 5 per cent. Shares of oil-to-telecoms conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd climbed 9.7 per cent after it unveiled the sale of a portion of its oil to chemicals business to Saudi Aramco. The Nifty energy index was the only sector to end higher out of 14 sub-indexes, powered largely by Reliance. Private-sector lender Yes Bank Ltd fell 10.9 per cent. The company named a new chief financial officer on Tuesday.

Indian shares end sharply lower as the auto sector takes beating

Swedish teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-gets-amnesty-prize-225552">Greta Thunberg </a>will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit.

To avoid travelling by air, Thunberg is making her trans-Atlantic trip onboard the 60-ft yacht, the Malizia II, fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines that produce electricity on board, with the aim of making the journey zero-carbon.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-right-wingers-to-shun-greta-thunberg-at-parliament-237929">Thunberg </a>tweeted a picture of herself on board the boat with the caption: "Test sailing off the English coast today!"

Earlier this month, the boat's skipper told Reuters the 16-year-old activist, who has become a figurehead for young environmental protesters, faced an uncomfortable voyage onboard the yacht which is designed for speed rather than a luxury.

"Greta taking on this challenge of sailing across on a race boat with zero comforts really shows her commitment to the cause and how far she’s willing to push herself," Boris Herrmann said.

Thunberg is due to depart this week from an as-yet-undisclosed location in Britain and will be accompanied by her father, Svante, and a cameraman on the journey.

When she arrives, she will join the UN&nbsp;Climate Action Summit in New York in September and the COP 25 climate change conference in Santiago, Chile in December.

"Me speaking to the UN&nbsp;is not going to change the situation but if that can help to create awareness ... then I think that together we can try to ... make a change," Thunberg said on a visit to a German anti-coal protest camp on Friday.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will set sail for New York this week, crossing the Atlantic in a racing yacht to join protests in the United States and take part in a United Nations summit. To avoid travelling by air, Thunberg is making her trans-Atlantic trip onboard the 60-ft yacht, the Malizia II, fitted with solar panels and underwater turbines that produce electricity on board, with the aim of making the journey zero-carbon. On Monday, Thunberg tweeted a picture of herself on board the boat with the caption: "Test sailing off the English coast today!" Earlier this month, the boat's skipper told Reuters the 16-year-old activist, who has become a figurehead for young environmental protesters, faced an uncomfortable voyage onboard the yacht which is designed for speed rather than a luxury. "Greta taking on this challenge of sailing across on a race boat with zero comforts really shows her commitment to the cause and how far she’s willing to push herself," Boris Herrmann said. Thunberg is due to depart this week from an as-yet-undisclosed location in Britain and will be accompanied by her father, Svante, and a cameraman on the journey. When she arrives, she will join the UN Climate Action Summit in New York in September and the COP 25 climate change conference in Santiago, Chile in December. "Me speaking to the UN is not going to change the situation but if that can help to create awareness ... then I think that together we can try to ... make a change," Thunberg said on a visit to a German anti-coal protest camp on Friday.

Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg prepares to sail to US to avoid flying

Britain's labour&nbsp;market&nbsp;showed unexpected strength in the second quarter, in sharp contrast with figures last week that showed the economy contracted over the same period as the country gears up for Brexit.

Total earnings growth including bonuses rose by an annual 3.7 per cent in the three months to June - the highest rate since June 2008 and up from 3.5 per cent in May, and line with forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">&nbsp;jobs&nbsp;market&nbsp;has been a silver lining</a> for the economy since the Brexit vote in June 2016, something many economists have attributed to employers preferring to hire workers they can later lay off rather than making longer-term commitments to investment.

Tuesday's figures showed Britain created 115,000&nbsp;jobs&nbsp;in the second quarter, bringing the level of employment to a record 32.811 million, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

"The&nbsp;jobs&nbsp;market&nbsp;remains a source of strength for the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;economy, though it may now be reaching its peak," said Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors.

Sterling showed little reaction to the data, which tends to lag broader trends in the economy and had also appeared healthy in the lead-up to the financial crisis.

Excluding bonuses, annual pay growth picked up to 3.9 per cent from 3.6 per cent, the ONS said, compared with the poll forecast for growth of 3.8 per cent.

A little of the strength in the pay data reflected the unusual timing of annual pay rises for public health workers in 2018 when a larger-than-normal increase was deferred until July.

Some details pointed to tougher times ahead after data last week showed the economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.2 per cent in the three months to June.

The unemployment rate rose to 3.9 per cent, against expectations for it to hold steady 3.8 per cent, and while employment growth far exceeded forecasts, part-time rather than full-time&nbsp;jobs accounted entirely for the increase.

Output per hour, the headline measure of productivity, fell 0.6 per cent in annual terms - the fourth quarter of decline in a row and the longest such run since mid-2013.

Poor productivity is one of Britain's biggest economic challenges and, until recently, had contributed to a decade of weak pay growth.

The number of job vacancies, an indicator of future employment, fell to 820,000 in the three months to July from 824,000 in the period to June, the lowest level in more than a year.

Some recent surveys of companies have suggested employers are turning more cautious about hiring as new Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal.

The Bank of England said this month it saw signs of a softening in labour&nbsp;market&nbsp;indicators.

Britain's labour market showed unexpected strength in the second quarter, in sharp contrast with figures last week that showed the economy contracted over the same period as the country gears up for Brexit.

Britain's labour market showed unexpected strength in the second quarter, in sharp contrast with figures last week that showed the economy contracted over the same period as the country gears up for Brexit. Total earnings growth including bonuses rose by an annual 3.7 per cent in the three months to June - the highest rate since June 2008 and up from 3.5 per cent in May, and line with forecasts in a Reuters poll of economists. The jobs market has been a silver lining for the economy since the Brexit vote in June 2016, something many economists have attributed to employers preferring to hire workers they can later lay off rather than making longer-term commitments to investment. Tuesday's figures showed Britain created 115,000 jobs in the second quarter, bringing the level of employment to a record 32.811 million, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. "The jobs market remains a source of strength for the UK economy, though it may now be reaching its peak," said Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors. Sterling showed little reaction to the data, which tends to lag broader trends in the economy and had also appeared healthy in the lead-up to the financial crisis. Excluding bonuses, annual pay growth picked up to 3.9 per cent from 3.6 per cent, the ONS said, compared with the poll forecast for growth of 3.8 per cent. A little of the strength in the pay data reflected the unusual timing of annual pay rises for public health workers in 2018 when a larger-than-normal increase was deferred until July. Some details pointed to tougher times ahead after data last week showed the economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.2 per cent in the three months to June. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9 per cent, against expectations for it to hold steady 3.8 per cent, and while employment growth far exceeded forecasts, part-time rather than full-time jobs accounted entirely for the increase. Output per hour, the headline measure of productivity, fell 0.6 per cent in annual terms - the fourth quarter of decline in a row and the longest such run since mid-2013. Poor productivity is one of Britain's biggest economic challenges and, until recently, had contributed to a decade of weak pay growth. The number of job vacancies, an indicator of future employment, fell to 820,000 in the three months to July from 824,000 in the period to June, the lowest level in more than a year. Some recent surveys of companies have suggested employers are turning more cautious about hiring as new Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal. The Bank of England said this month it saw signs of a softening in labour market indicators.

UK jobs market shines, but clouds on the horizon

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Riya Gupta

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