Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-short-stay-return-as-soon-as-possible-jammu-and-kashmir-government-to-tourists-amarnath-pilgrims-240198">extra flights to and from Srinagar</a> for Amarnath Yatris and tourists.

"All scheduled Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar at short notice to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from there if need be,'' DGCA said.

After DGCA announcement, airlines said they will give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to and from Srinagar.

Earlier in the day, a press conference was addressed by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP in which details of the weapons and ammunition recovered in the state was given.&nbsp;

Details of the seriousness of the threats that are there were also given. They also mentioned that the security forces were going to tackle these threats head-on and will not allow them to succeed.

 
The statement came hours after the Jammu and Kashmir government asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday has asked the Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar for Amarnath Yatris and tourists. "All scheduled Indian airlines to be prepared to operate extra flights to and from Srinagar at short notice to fly out Amarnath Yatris and tourists from there if need be,'' DGCA said. After DGCA announcement, airlines said they will give a full fee waiver on rescheduling/cancellation for all its flights to and from Srinagar. Earlier in the day, a press conference was addressed by the Corps Commander of the Army and the DGP in which details of the weapons and ammunition recovered in the state was given. Details of the seriousness of the threats that are there were also given. They also mentioned that the security forces were going to tackle these threats head-on and will not allow them to succeed. The statement came hours after the Jammu and Kashmir government asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian airlines to prepare extra flights for Srinagar tourists, Amarnath Yatris: DGCA

One more terrorist was killed on Saturday during encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, reported news agency ANI.

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Earlier, it was reported that one terrorist was killed and two security personnel were killed in Shopian.

The operation has now concluded.

Weapons were also recovered in the operation.

Meanwhile, one terrorist was killed Saturday morning in Baramulla district.

One more terrorist was killed on Saturday during encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, reported news agency ANI. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: One more terrorist killed.

One more terrorist was killed on Saturday during encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, reported news agency ANI. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: One more terrorist killed. Operation being concluded. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2019 × Earlier, it was reported that one terrorist was killed and two security personnel were killed in Shopian. The operation has now concluded. Weapons were also recovered in the operation. Meanwhile, one terrorist was killed Saturday morning in Baramulla district.

Two terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district

Boeing Co plans further changes to the software architecture of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-holdings-sees-risk-to-2020-growth-if-737-max-grounded-beyond-november-234886">737 MAX</a> flight-control system to address a flaw discovered after a test in June, two people briefed on the matter said late on Thursday.

The redesign, first reported by the Seattle Times, involves using and receiving input from both flight control computers rather than one.

The move comes in response to an effort to address a problem discovered in June during a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) simulator test.

This is on top of earlier announced changes to take input from both angle-of-attack sensors in the MCAS anti-stall system linked to two deadly crashes that led to a global grounding of the plane.

Boeing still hopes to complete the software redesign by the end of September to submit to the FAA for approval, the sources said.

For decades, 737 models have used only one of the flight control computers for each flight, with the system switching to the other computer on the following flight, according to people familiar with the plane's design.

The FAA said in June that it had identified a new risk that would need to be addressed before the plane could be ungrounded.

Under a scenario where a specific fault in a microprocessor caused an uncommanded movement of the plane's horizontal tail, it took pilots too long to recognize a loss of control known as runaway stabilizer, a Boeing official said at the time.

Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg told analysts last month that he was confident the 737 MAX would be back in service as early as October after a certification flight in "the September time frame"

Southwest Airlines and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-canada-makes-emergency-landing-in-honolulu-due-to-turbulence-235165">Air Canada</a>, however, have taken the 737 MAX off their schedules until January.

The FAA declined to comment on the Seattle Times report. Boeing did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Boeing Co plans further changes to the software architecture of the 737 MAX flight-control system to address a flaw discovered after a test in June, two people briefed on the matter said late on Thursday.

Boeing Co plans further changes to the software architecture of the 737 MAX flight-control system to address a flaw discovered after a test in June, two people briefed on the matter said late on Thursday. The redesign, first reported by the Seattle Times, involves using and receiving input from both flight control computers rather than one. The move comes in response to an effort to address a problem discovered in June during a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) simulator test. This is on top of earlier announced changes to take input from both angle-of-attack sensors in the MCAS anti-stall system linked to two deadly crashes that led to a global grounding of the plane. Boeing still hopes to complete the software redesign by the end of September to submit to the FAA for approval, the sources said. For decades, 737 models have used only one of the flight control computers for each flight, with the system switching to the other computer on the following flight, according to people familiar with the plane's design. The FAA said in June that it had identified a new risk that would need to be addressed before the plane could be ungrounded. Under a scenario where a specific fault in a microprocessor caused an uncommanded movement of the plane's horizontal tail, it took pilots too long to recognize a loss of control known as runaway stabilizer, a Boeing official said at the time. Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg told analysts last month that he was confident the 737 MAX would be back in service as early as October after a certification flight in "the September time frame" Southwest Airlines and Air Canada, however, have taken the 737 MAX off their schedules until January. The FAA declined to comment on the Seattle Times report. Boeing did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Boeing to change 737 MAX flight-control software to address flaw: Sources

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir.

The book, "Permanent Record," will go on sale on September 17. It is being published globally by Macmillan Publishers.

Snowden, who once worked for the CIA in addition to the NSA, has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11.

Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security.

He is facing espionage charges in the United States that could send him to prison for decades.

"Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country," John Sargent, the CEO of Macmillan Publishers USA, said in a statement.

"He displayed enormous courage in doing so, and like him or not, he is an incredible American story," Sargent said. "There is no doubt that the world is a better and more private place for his actions."

On his Twitter account, Snowden said: "I wrote a book" and included a link to a video of himself.

"Everything that we do now lasts forever, not because we want to remember but because we're no longer allowed to forget," he says in the video. "Helping to create that system is my greatest regret."

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir.

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who fled to Russia after leaking information about the US government's mass surveillance program, is publishing a memoir. The book, "Permanent Record," will go on sale on September 17. It is being published globally by Macmillan Publishers. Snowden, who once worked for the CIA in addition to the NSA, has been living in Russia since leaking thousands of classified documents to the press in 2013 which revealed the scope of US government surveillance after 9/11. Praised as a whistleblower and a privacy advocate by his defenders, the United States accuses Snowden of endangering national security. He is facing espionage charges in the United States that could send him to prison for decades. "Edward Snowden decided at the age of 29 to give up his entire future for the good of his country," John Sargent, the CEO of Macmillan Publishers USA, said in a statement. "He displayed enormous courage in doing so, and like him or not, he is an incredible American story," Sargent said. "There is no doubt that the world is a better and more private place for his actions." On his Twitter account, Snowden said: "I wrote a book" and included a link to a video of himself. "Everything that we do now lasts forever, not because we want to remember but because we're no longer allowed to forget," he says in the video. "Helping to create that system is my greatest regret."

Former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden to publish memoir

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/atmospheric-flow-now-going-to-transport-heat-towards-greenland-un-238653">Greenland to Canada's east coast</a>, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-heat-wave-shatters-citys-record-disrupts-jobs-and-lives-233451">Arctic's ice</a>.

While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins.

"It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province.&nbsp;

"We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy."

For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons.&nbsp;

Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores.&nbsp;

In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean.

'Incredible' rise in tourism&nbsp;

Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants.

The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government.

"There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known.

"I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old.&nbsp;

Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population.&nbsp;

Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show.

Melting ice&nbsp;

The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century.

Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics.&nbsp;

But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best.

In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable.

"We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery.

"This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none."

The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole.

In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America.

For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can.&nbsp;

"The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller.

Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering.

"It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP.

"There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice.

At dusk, tourists marvel at the sensational collapse of an iceberg at the end of its long journey from Greenland to Canada's east coast, which now has a front-row seat to the melting of the Arctic's ice. While the rest of the world nervously eyes the impact of global warming, the calving of Greenland's glaciers the breaking off of ice chunks from its edge has breathed new life into the remote coastal villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Once a hub of cod fishing, the province now plays host to hordes of amateur photographers and tourists hoping to capture the epic ice melt for posterity. As winter ends, iceberg spotting begins. "It keeps getting better every year," says Barry Strickland, a 58-year-old former fisherman who now takes tourists in his small boat around King's Point in the north of the province. "We've got 135, 140 tour buses with older people coming into the town every season so it's great for the economy." For the past four years, Strickland has taken visitors to bear witness to the death throes of these ice giants, which can measure dozens of meters in height and weigh hundreds of thousands of tons. Winds and ocean currents bring the icebergs from northwest Greenland, thousands of kilometres (miles) away, to Canada's shores. In a matter of weeks, ice frozen for thousands of years can quickly melt into the ocean. 'Incredible' rise in tourism Strickland's boat excursions are often fully booked during the high season from May to July, with tourists coming from all around the world to King's Point, a village of just 600 inhabitants. The villagers keep track of the icebergs on an interactive satellite tracking map put online by the provincial government. "There's not much in these small outport towns anymore to keep people around, so tourism is a big part of our economy," said Devon Chaulk, who works in a souvenir shop in Elliston, a small town of 300 on "Iceberg Corridor," as the coastline is now known. "I've lived here my entire life, and the increase in tourism around here in the past 10 to 15 years has been incredible. It's not surprising to have thousands of people here over the next couple of months," said the 28-year-old. Last year, a total of 500,000 tourists visited Newfoundland and Labrador, a number roughly equivalent to the province's total population. Those visitors spent nearly Can $570 million, government figures show. Melting ice The tourism boom has helped offset the decline in the region's traditional fishing industry, which is in crisis because of overfishing at the end of the last century. Some are even marketing "iceberg water" as the purest on Earth and selling it as a high-end luxury item. The melt is also used in vodka, beer and cosmetics. But beneath the shiny surface of economic success is the dark truth that the area is in part profiting from accelerated global warming in the Arctic and that the industry is precarious at best. In the village of Twillingate, employees at the Auk Island Winery which makes its product from iceberg water and locally picked wild berries have already seen that business can be unpredictable. "We see the difference in the number of tourists from year to year, depending on the number of icebergs in the area," says Elizabeth Gleason, who works at the winery. "This year was a good year. Last year, we had almost none." The Arctic is warming three times faster than the rest of the world. In mid-July, record temperatures were recorded near the North Pole. In recent years, the icebergs have drifted further and further south, posing a threat to shipping on this busy route between Europe and North America. For now, tourists are enjoying the view and the experience while they can. "The prevalence of icebergs has good things and bad things about it," says Melissa Axtman, an American traveller. Laurent Lucazeau, a 34-year-old French tourist, says seeing an iceberg was sobering. "It is a concrete image of global warming to see icebergs making it to these places where the water is warm," he told AFP. "There's something mysterious and impressive about it, but knowing too that they are not supposed to be here makes you wonder, and it's a little scary."

'Iceberg Corridor' sparks tourist boom on Canada's east coast

Teenager Khadijah Mellah created history on Thursday, becoming the first Muslim woman to ride in a British race.

Wearing a hijab under her helmet the 18-year-old enjoyed a fairytale debut, steering Haverland to victory in the Magnolia Cup, just three months after first sitting on a racehorse.

"There are no words to describe it. I can't believe it, to be fair," she told RacingTV after being declared the winner of the charity event following a lengthy photo-finish.

"Ambitious women can make it and that is what I want to represent. I've had so much support and I can't wait to see other stories of other women doing the same and getting into the industry."

Mellah is a seven-year veteran of the Ebony Horse Club, a charity and community riding centre in Brixton in London overlooked by tower blocks on one side and a railway line on the other.

Speaking before writing her name in racing folklore she said: "There's quite a stereotype around Muslim girls and 'them not being able to follow their sporting passions and dreams'.

"I want to be a role model to anyone who wants to do something that they wouldn't initially believe was in their comfort zone and allow people to follow their aspirations and dreams."

In September her focus is set to switch from the racecourse to university and a mechanical engineering degree.

Teenager Khadijah Mellah created history on Thursday, becoming the first Muslim woman to ride in a British race. Wearing a hijab under her helmet the 18-year-old enjoyed a fairytale debut, steering Haverland to victory in the Magnolia Cup, just three months after first sitting on a racehorse.

Teenager Khadijah Mellah created history on Thursday, becoming the first Muslim woman to ride in a British race. Wearing a hijab under her helmet the 18-year-old enjoyed a fairytale debut, steering Haverland to victory in the Magnolia Cup, just three months after first sitting on a racehorse. "There are no words to describe it. I can't believe it, to be fair," she told RacingTV after being declared the winner of the charity event following a lengthy photo-finish. "Ambitious women can make it and that is what I want to represent. I've had so much support and I can't wait to see other stories of other women doing the same and getting into the industry." Mellah is a seven-year veteran of the Ebony Horse Club, a charity and community riding centre in Brixton in London overlooked by tower blocks on one side and a railway line on the other. Speaking before writing her name in racing folklore she said: "There's quite a stereotype around Muslim girls and 'them not being able to follow their sporting passions and dreams'. "I want to be a role model to anyone who wants to do something that they wouldn't initially believe was in their comfort zone and allow people to follow their aspirations and dreams." In September her focus is set to switch from the racecourse to university and a mechanical engineering degree.

Teenager Khadijah Mellah makes racing history at Goodwood

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday condemned Japan's decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-remove-south-korea-from-favoured-export-partner-white-list-240044">remove his country from a "white list"</a> of favoured trading partners, calling it a "reckless" move and threatening unspecified countermeasures.

Tokyo was responsible for "ignoring diplomatic solutions" and "aggravating the situation" Moon Jae-in said in remarks to a short-notice cabinet meeting televised live. "Responsibility for what is going to happen next also lies squarely with the Japanese government."

Earlier Japan said that it will remove South Korea from the ''white list''.

The measure is expected to take effect later this month.

Tokyo's decision comes despite calls from Washington for the two US allies to set aside their differences, and after South Korea warned it would review security cooperation with Japan if the de-listing went ahead.

South Korea becomes the first country to be dropped off the list.

The measure is the latest blow to ties between South Korea and Japan, which have plunged to new lows over a long-running dispute on forced labour during World War II.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday condemned Japan's decision to remove his country from a "white list" of favoured trading partners, calling it a "reckless" move and threatening unspecified countermeasures.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday condemned Japan's decision to remove his country from a "white list" of favoured trading partners, calling it a "reckless" move and threatening unspecified countermeasures. Tokyo was responsible for "ignoring diplomatic solutions" and "aggravating the situation" Moon Jae-in said in remarks to a short-notice cabinet meeting televised live. "Responsibility for what is going to happen next also lies squarely with the Japanese government." Earlier Japan said that it will remove South Korea from the ''white list''. The measure is expected to take effect later this month. Tokyo's decision comes despite calls from Washington for the two US allies to set aside their differences, and after South Korea warned it would review security cooperation with Japan if the de-listing went ahead. South Korea becomes the first country to be dropped off the list. The measure is the latest blow to ties between South Korea and Japan, which have plunged to new lows over a long-running dispute on forced labour during World War II.

Responsibility for what happens next lies with Japan: South Korea President Moon Jae-in on trade confrontation

Top oil exporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi Arabia</a> may cut prices for most of the crude grades it sells to Asia for a second straight month in September after Middle East benchmark prices weakened.

The official selling price (OSP) for flagship Arab Light crude could drop by at least 50 cents a barrel, falling below a premium of $2 a barrel for the first time in four months, a Reuters survey of five buyers in Asia showed.

The cuts would track a backwardation between prompt and third month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-ruler-s-wife-seeks-forced-marriage-protection-order-in-english-court-239545">Dubai</a> prices that narrowed by 70 cents a barrel in July versus June. Spot prices are higher than those in future months in a backwardated market.

Asia's incremental demand for September-loading Middle East crude weakened last month with several North Asian refineries scheduled to shut for maintenance during their autumn season.

Strong fuel oil margins, however, are likely to support prices for heavier grades that produce more of the residual fuel, survey respondents said.

"Fuel oil cracks rallied the most," one of the respondents said, adding that this could lead to smaller price adjustments for Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude versus light grades.

Two of the five respondents expect Arab Heavy crude's OSP to stay unchanged in September, while most of the respondents said Arab Medium's September OSP could fall by 20-40 cents a barrel.

Saudi Arabia's crude OSPs are usually released around the fifth of each month, and set the trend for Iranian, Kuwaiti and Iraqi prices, affecting more than 12 million barrels per day (BPD) of crude bound for Asia.

State oil giant Saudi Aramco sets its crude prices based on recommendations from customers and after calculating the change in the value of its oil over the past month, based on yields and product prices.

Saudi Aramco officials as a matter of policy do not comment on the kingdom's monthly OSPs.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia may cut prices for most of the crude grades it sells to Asia for a second straight month in September after Middle East benchmark prices weakened.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia may cut prices for most of the crude grades it sells to Asia for a second straight month in September after Middle East benchmark prices weakened. The official selling price (OSP) for flagship Arab Light crude could drop by at least 50 cents a barrel, falling below a premium of $2 a barrel for the first time in four months, a Reuters survey of five buyers in Asia showed. The cuts would track a backwardation between prompt and third month Dubai prices that narrowed by 70 cents a barrel in July versus June. Spot prices are higher than those in future months in a backwardated market. Asia's incremental demand for September-loading Middle East crude weakened last month with several North Asian refineries scheduled to shut for maintenance during their autumn season. Strong fuel oil margins, however, are likely to support prices for heavier grades that produce more of the residual fuel, survey respondents said. "Fuel oil cracks rallied the most," one of the respondents said, adding that this could lead to smaller price adjustments for Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude versus light grades. Two of the five respondents expect Arab Heavy crude's OSP to stay unchanged in September, while most of the respondents said Arab Medium's September OSP could fall by 20-40 cents a barrel. Saudi Arabia's crude OSPs are usually released around the fifth of each month, and set the trend for Iranian, Kuwaiti and Iraqi prices, affecting more than 12 million barrels per day (BPD) of crude bound for Asia. State oil giant Saudi Aramco sets its crude prices based on recommendations from customers and after calculating the change in the value of its oil over the past month, based on yields and product prices. Saudi Aramco officials as a matter of policy do not comment on the kingdom's monthly OSPs.

Saudi Arabia may cut crude oil prices to Asia in September

The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/companies-using-facebook-like-button-liable-for-data-european-union-court-239226">Facebook acquisitions</a> were aimed at buying up potential rivals before they could become a threat to the social media company, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company's acquisition practices are the main focus of the probe, as the FTC looks into Facebook buying technology-based startups to keep them from challenging it, the report said.

The world's largest social network has purchased nearly 90 companies since 2003, according to data provided by S&amp;P Global. Those include messaging service WhatsApp and image sharing app Instagram, both of which have since grown into social behemoths in their own right.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-lift-veil-on-facebook-google-algorithms-to-protect-privacy-238610">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Australia to 'lift veil' on Facebook, Google algorithms to protect privacy</a>

Facebook last week said the FTC had opened an antitrust investigation in June looking into the areas of "social networking or social media services, digital advertising, and/or mobile or online applications."

Both FTC and Facebook, whose shares Facebook shares fell 0.77 per cent declined to comment on the report.

The US Justice Department said on July 23 it was opening a broad review of major digital technology firms, looking into whether they engage in anti-competitive practices, a clear signal that President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its scrutiny of the industry.

In June, Reuters reported that the FTC and the Justice Department, which enforce US antitrust laws, have divided oversight over the big four tech companies, with Amazon and Facebook under the watch of the FTC, and Apple and Alphabet Inc's Google under the Justice Department.

Last month, Facebook settled an FTC probe into allegations of inappropriately sharing data of 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook will pay a record-breaking $5 billion fine.

The company has increasingly relied on its acquisitions to power growth in recent years, as the number of new users signing up for its core "blue app" has tapered off in lucrative markets. According to its most recent figures, more than 2.7 billion people use one of Facebook's family of apps each month.

While Facebook does not release user or revenue figures for each service, executives presenting the company's earnings last week cited Instagram as a key driver of ad impression growth, the company's main source of revenue.

George Hay, a professor of antitrust law at Cornell University and a former Justice Department lawyer, said the FTC's investigation of Facebook is likely to focus on section two of the Sherman Act, which makes it unlawful to acquire monopoly power through improper means.

Facebook will likely argue that there were valid, pro-consumer justifications for its acquisitions, and Hay said it may be difficult for the FTC to prove the transactions undermined competition.

"It is a possible theory, but it is not a compelling theory," Hay said. "I think the FTC will do a thorough job but it is not obvious to me they will build a case out of it."

In Washington, Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed growing concern about the size of the largest tech firms and their market power. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has called for breaking up companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook and unwinding prior acquisitions.

In July, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel pressed executives from the four firms about their competitive practices and noted that Google, Facebook, Amazon had a rising share of key markets.

Members of Congress have also expressed concern about Facebook's control of vast amounts of user data, citing the Cambridge Analytica scandal and a string of other privacy breaches.

It is rare for the US government to seek to undo a consummated deal. The most famous case in recent memory is the government's effort to break up Microsoft Corp. The Justice Department won a preliminary victory in 2000 but was reversed on appeal. The case settled with Microsoft intact.

The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Facebook acquisitions were aimed at buying up potential rivals before they could become a threat to the social media company, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Facebook acquisitions were aimed at buying up potential rivals before they could become a threat to the social media company, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company's acquisition practices are the main focus of the probe, as the FTC looks into Facebook buying technology-based startups to keep them from challenging it, the report said. The world's largest social network has purchased nearly 90 companies since 2003, according to data provided by S&P Global. Those include messaging service WhatsApp and image sharing app Instagram, both of which have since grown into social behemoths in their own right. Also read: Now, Australia to 'lift veil' on Facebook, Google algorithms to protect privacy Facebook last week said the FTC had opened an antitrust investigation in June looking into the areas of "social networking or social media services, digital advertising, and/or mobile or online applications." Both FTC and Facebook, whose shares Facebook shares fell 0.77 per cent declined to comment on the report. The US Justice Department said on July 23 it was opening a broad review of major digital technology firms, looking into whether they engage in anti-competitive practices, a clear signal that President Donald Trump's administration is stepping up its scrutiny of the industry. In June, Reuters reported that the FTC and the Justice Department, which enforce US antitrust laws, have divided oversight over the big four tech companies, with Amazon and Facebook under the watch of the FTC, and Apple and Alphabet Inc's Google under the Justice Department. Last month, Facebook settled an FTC probe into allegations of inappropriately sharing data of 87 million users with the now-defunct British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook will pay a record-breaking $5 billion fine. The company has increasingly relied on its acquisitions to power growth in recent years, as the number of new users signing up for its core "blue app" has tapered off in lucrative markets. According to its most recent figures, more than 2.7 billion people use one of Facebook's family of apps each month. While Facebook does not release user or revenue figures for each service, executives presenting the company's earnings last week cited Instagram as a key driver of ad impression growth, the company's main source of revenue. George Hay, a professor of antitrust law at Cornell University and a former Justice Department lawyer, said the FTC's investigation of Facebook is likely to focus on section two of the Sherman Act, which makes it unlawful to acquire monopoly power through improper means. Facebook will likely argue that there were valid, pro-consumer justifications for its acquisitions, and Hay said it may be difficult for the FTC to prove the transactions undermined competition. "It is a possible theory, but it is not a compelling theory," Hay said. "I think the FTC will do a thorough job but it is not obvious to me they will build a case out of it." In Washington, Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed growing concern about the size of the largest tech firms and their market power. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has called for breaking up companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook and unwinding prior acquisitions. In July, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel pressed executives from the four firms about their competitive practices and noted that Google, Facebook, Amazon had a rising share of key markets. Members of Congress have also expressed concern about Facebook's control of vast amounts of user data, citing the Cambridge Analytica scandal and a string of other privacy breaches. It is rare for the US government to seek to undo a consummated deal. The most famous case in recent memory is the government's effort to break up Microsoft Corp. The Justice Department won a preliminary victory in 2000 but was reversed on appeal. The case settled with Microsoft intact.

US Federal Trade Commission probing Facebook's acquisition practices: Report

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-hopeful-of-reaching-agreement-with-us-in-upcoming-talks-239829">Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda</a>, US media reported on Thursday.

The US and the Taliban are soon expected to begin their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-peace-envoy-for-afghanistan-set-to-resume-talks-with-taliban-sources-239765">eighth round of talks in Doha</a> to reach a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year involvement in Afghanistan.

The Washington Post reported that an initial deal to end the war would see US troop numbers in the country fall to as low as 8,000 from their current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, whose 9/11 attacks on the US spurred the invasion that ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001, the Post reported, citing US officials.

"I would say that they are 80 or 90 per cent of the way there," one official told the paper. "But there is still a long way to go on that last 10 or 20 per cent."

The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has refused to speak, Fox News reported.

However, an Afghan official last week hinted that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

Without confirming the reports, US Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted a link to the Post article and later wrote: "I hope any agreement will be a good deal for America that protects our homeland, our allies, and our interests."

Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul.

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda, US media reported on Thursday.

A proposed peace deal would see the United States withdraw thousands of troops from Afghanistan in exchange for promises from the Taliban that it would renounce Al-Qaeda, US media reported on Thursday. The US and the Taliban are soon expected to begin their eighth round of talks in Doha to reach a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year involvement in Afghanistan. The Washington Post reported that an initial deal to end the war would see US troop numbers in the country fall to as low as 8,000 from their current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, whose 9/11 attacks on the US spurred the invasion that ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001, the Post reported, citing US officials. "I would say that they are 80 or 90 per cent of the way there," one official told the paper. "But there is still a long way to go on that last 10 or 20 per cent." The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has refused to speak, Fox News reported. However, an Afghan official last week hinted that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. Without confirming the reports, US Senator Lindsey Graham tweeted a link to the Post article and later wrote: "I hope any agreement will be a good deal for America that protects our homeland, our allies, and our interests." Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul.

Afghanistan peace deal would see US troop numbers slashed: Reports

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-asking-asean-allies-to-choose-between-us-and-china-mike-pompeo-239944">Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values</a>, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">US Secretary of State</a> said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok.

From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers.&nbsp;

"Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party.

Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region.&nbsp;

But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. &nbsp;

The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open.

Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty."&nbsp;

His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers.

In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets.

"China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods.</div>

He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory.

"I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent."

Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning."

Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard. The US Secretary of State said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok. From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers. "Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region. But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open. Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty." His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers. In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets. "China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said. "I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods. He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory. "I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent." Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning." Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

China has taken advantage of trade, time for it to stop: Pompeo at foreign ministers meeting in Bangkok

Rwanda's border with Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo was fully open late on Thursday, a minister said, hours after Congolese traders had reported it shut following a third case of the disease in the Congolese border city of Goma.

Rwandan health minister Diane Gashumba said there had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwanda-shuts-border-with-ebola-hit-drc-congolese-presidency-239930">traffic slowdowns at the border</a>, caused by increased health screening in response to confirmation of new infections in Goma, a transit hub of at least 1 million people.

"The border was never closed and it is not closed," Gashumba told reporters.

The outbreak has killed more than 1,800 people in Congo since it was declared one year ago and become the second-worst on record. Two people have died of the disease in Uganda, which also borders Congo, but there have been no registered cases in Rwanda.

Earlier, Congolese health authorities confirmed that a third case had been diagnosed in Goma, increasing fears the virus could take root in the densely populated city, which lies more than 350 km south of where the outbreak was first detected.

A second patient died in Goma on Wednesday after he sought treatment too late and was already bleeding, authorities said. These second and third cases in Goma, a father and daughter, are not linked to the first case, authorities say.

Nestled in hilly country at the foot of an active volcano, the city lies just 7 km from Rwanda's main border town of Gisenyi.

Some 45,000 people go through the main border post between the two per day, according to an immigration official.

Lucien Kalusha, a Congolese hairdresser who crosses every day to work in Rwanda, told Reuters earlier on Thursday he and others had not been able to cross.

"By closing the border like this, they deprive a lot of people of their earnings today. Most of the women here cross into Rwanda to find food for us in Goma," he said.

Another, smaller border post near Goma was unusually quiet, as traders and vehicles had left after it appeared to have been closed.

After the first Ebola case in Goma was confirmed in mid-July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak an international health emergency. It was earlier reluctant to do so, partly out of fear countries bordering Congo might shut their frontiers.

Rwanda's border with Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo was fully open late on Thursday, a minister said, hours after Congolese traders had reported it shut following a third case of the disease in the Congolese border city of Goma.

Rwanda's border with Ebola-hit Democratic Republic of Congo was fully open late on Thursday, a minister said, hours after Congolese traders had reported it shut following a third case of the disease in the Congolese border city of Goma. Rwandan health minister Diane Gashumba said there had been traffic slowdowns at the border, caused by increased health screening in response to confirmation of new infections in Goma, a transit hub of at least 1 million people. "The border was never closed and it is not closed," Gashumba told reporters. The outbreak has killed more than 1,800 people in Congo since it was declared one year ago and become the second-worst on record. Two people have died of the disease in Uganda, which also borders Congo, but there have been no registered cases in Rwanda. Earlier, Congolese health authorities confirmed that a third case had been diagnosed in Goma, increasing fears the virus could take root in the densely populated city, which lies more than 350 km south of where the outbreak was first detected. A second patient died in Goma on Wednesday after he sought treatment too late and was already bleeding, authorities said. These second and third cases in Goma, a father and daughter, are not linked to the first case, authorities say. Nestled in hilly country at the foot of an active volcano, the city lies just 7 km from Rwanda's main border town of Gisenyi. Some 45,000 people go through the main border post between the two per day, according to an immigration official. Lucien Kalusha, a Congolese hairdresser who crosses every day to work in Rwanda, told Reuters earlier on Thursday he and others had not been able to cross. "By closing the border like this, they deprive a lot of people of their earnings today. Most of the women here cross into Rwanda to find food for us in Goma," he said. Another, smaller border post near Goma was unusually quiet, as traders and vehicles had left after it appeared to have been closed. After the first Ebola case in Goma was confirmed in mid-July, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak an international health emergency. It was earlier reluctant to do so, partly out of fear countries bordering Congo might shut their frontiers.

Rwanda reopens border with Ebola-hit Congo after traffic slowdowns

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