<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-hails-soldiers-on-20th-anniversary-of-indias-victory-in-kargil-war-238526">President Ram Nath Kovind</a>&nbsp;embarked on his first state visit to Benin, Guinea and The Gambia from Sunday&nbsp;with an aim to continue the momentum of India's engagement with Africa.

This will be the highest-level visit from India ever to the three West African countries. The President will be accompanied by Minister of State for MSME, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, and Member of Parliament Dilip Ghosh.

President Kovind will arrive in Cotonou, the largest port city on the south coast of Benin, on Sunday afternoon. There, the President is scheduled to hold talks with the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, and will later travel to Porto Novo, the seat of Beninese Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

In a special honour extended to India by Benin, President Kovind will be addressing the National Assembly in Porto Novo. The President of Benin will also be hosting a banquet in the honour of President Kovind on the same day.

President Kovind will meet members of the Indian community at a reception hosted in his honour in Cotonou on July 30 before departing for The Gambia.

During his visit to The Gambia, the President will hold delegation talks with the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, in capital Banjul on July 31.&nbsp;

As a special gesture, the National Assembly, which is currently in recess,&nbsp; 
will hold a special session for President Kovind's address on the same day.

The National Assembly building complex in Banjul is one of the prominent projects in West Africa built under Line of Credit extended by India.&nbsp;

President of The Gambia will be hosting a banquet in the honour of the Indian President.

The other elements of the visit include the inauguration of exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi and Indian community reception. President Kovind is further scheduled to depart for Guinea on August 1, the Ministry added.

President Kovind will reach Conakry, the capital of Guinea on August 1 where he will be received by President of the Republic of Guinea, Alpha Conde, and will be accorded a ceremonial welcome. There, the president is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Conde on August 2.

President's visit to Benin, The Gambia and Guinea, will be his fourth visit to the African continent. "The visit of the President will further deepen our relations with the African nations," the statement added.

At a media briefing last Thursday, Vijay Thakur Singh, secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, said,&nbsp;"The upcoming visit of our Rashtrapati ji to West Africa is a reiteration of our growing relations with Africa and, especially the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and as all the three African countries - Benin, The Gambia and Guinea - are members of this group."

President Ram Nath Kovind embarked on his first state visit to Benin, Guinea and The Gambia from Sunday with an aim to continue the momentum of India's engagement with Africa.

President Ram Nath Kovind embarked on his first state visit to Benin, Guinea and The Gambia from Sunday with an aim to continue the momentum of India's engagement with Africa. This will be the highest-level visit from India ever to the three West African countries. The President will be accompanied by Minister of State for MSME, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, and Member of Parliament Dilip Ghosh. President Kovind will arrive in Cotonou, the largest port city on the south coast of Benin, on Sunday afternoon. There, the President is scheduled to hold talks with the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, and will later travel to Porto Novo, the seat of Beninese Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. In a special honour extended to India by Benin, President Kovind will be addressing the National Assembly in Porto Novo. The President of Benin will also be hosting a banquet in the honour of President Kovind on the same day. President Kovind will meet members of the Indian community at a reception hosted in his honour in Cotonou on July 30 before departing for The Gambia. During his visit to The Gambia, the President will hold delegation talks with the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, in capital Banjul on July 31. As a special gesture, the National Assembly, which is currently in recess, will hold a special session for President Kovind's address on the same day. The National Assembly building complex in Banjul is one of the prominent projects in West Africa built under Line of Credit extended by India. President of The Gambia will be hosting a banquet in the honour of the Indian President. The other elements of the visit include the inauguration of exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi and Indian community reception. President Kovind is further scheduled to depart for Guinea on August 1, the Ministry added. President Kovind will reach Conakry, the capital of Guinea on August 1 where he will be received by President of the Republic of Guinea, Alpha Conde, and will be accorded a ceremonial welcome. There, the president is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with President Conde on August 2. President's visit to Benin, The Gambia and Guinea, will be his fourth visit to the African continent. "The visit of the President will further deepen our relations with the African nations," the statement added. At a media briefing last Thursday, Vijay Thakur Singh, secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, said, "The upcoming visit of our Rashtrapati ji to West Africa is a reiteration of our growing relations with Africa and, especially the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and as all the three African countries - Benin, The Gambia and Guinea - are members of this group."

President Ram Nath Kovind departs to visit three African countries

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northkorean-boat-crosses-into-southkorean-waters-report-238917">North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report</a>

A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/senior-congress-leader-jaipal-reddy-passes-away-238923">Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy passes away</a>

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy passed away at 1.30am. on Sunday in Hyderabad. He was 77.

Reddy had been unwell for the last few days and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital here.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pledges-to-complete-rail-link-with-france-eu-official-says-238925">Italy pledges to complete rail link with France, EU official says</a>

Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-moves-supreme-court-seeking-stay-on-confiscation-of-properties-238928">Vijay Mallya moves Supreme Court seeking stay on confiscation of properties</a>

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives.

In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs.

North Korean boat crosses into South Korean waters: Report A North Korean boat with three crewmen crossed the de facto maritime border with South Korean and has been towed to a port, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs. Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal. Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jaipal Reddy passes away Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy passed away at 1.30am. on Sunday in Hyderabad. He was 77. Reddy had been unwell for the last few days and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital here. Italy pledges to complete rail link with France, EU official says Italy has written to the European Union pledging to complete a rail link with France, according to the European Parliament president David Sassoli. Vijay Mallya moves Supreme Court seeking stay on confiscation of properties Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives. In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/get-your-facts-right-about-me-being-chor-liquor-baron-vijay-mallya-tells-netizens-235669">Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya</a> on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-dismisses-mallyas-plea-on-confiscation-of-properties-234947">confiscation of properties</a> owned by him and his relatives.

In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

The matter is listed for hearing on July 29 before the apex court.

A consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) had in 2016 filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Mallya for his failure to repay the loan amount of more than Rs 8000 crore to various banks.

Mallya had allegedly failed to pay dues to more than 15 banks. The liquor tycoon had taken loans in order to pay dues of his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The consortium of banks had urged the court to direct Mallya to return to India and repay the loan.

On July 11, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Mallya`s plea seeking stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by government agencies.

Mallya had fled India in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then.&nbsp;

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives. In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities.

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the confiscation of properties owned by him and his relatives. In his plea, Mallya has said that he wanted attachment of only those properties related to Kingfisher Airlines facing cases of alleged irregularities. The matter is listed for hearing on July 29 before the apex court. A consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) had in 2016 filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Mallya for his failure to repay the loan amount of more than Rs 8000 crore to various banks. Mallya had allegedly failed to pay dues to more than 15 banks. The liquor tycoon had taken loans in order to pay dues of his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. The consortium of banks had urged the court to direct Mallya to return to India and repay the loan. On July 11, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Mallya`s plea seeking stay on the procedure for the confiscation of his properties by government agencies. Mallya had fled India in March 2016 and has been living in the United Kingdom since then.

Vijay Mallya moves Supreme Court seeking stay on confiscation of properties

In a bid to attract investments, the Andhra Pradesh government in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is organising a mega-conference in Vijayawada on August 9.

The conference will be attended by high-level representatives from various countries. Ambassadors, diplomats and consulate generals from at least 30 to 40 countries will attend the event.

The summit is scheduled to be held in two phases. In the first phase, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will meet with the ambassadors and consulate generals.

In the second, Reddy will hold individual meetings with the representatives of different countries.

The South Korea-based Kia Motors company is preparing to launch its new car on August 8 into the market at Penukonda in Anantapuram district. The company has invited the Chief Minister for the launch of the new car.

In a bid to attract investments, the Andhra Pradesh government in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is organising a mega-conference in Vijayawada on August 9.

In a bid to attract investments, the Andhra Pradesh government in coordination with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is organising a mega-conference in Vijayawada on August 9. The conference will be attended by high-level representatives from various countries. Ambassadors, diplomats and consulate generals from at least 30 to 40 countries will attend the event. The summit is scheduled to be held in two phases. In the first phase, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will meet with the ambassadors and consulate generals. In the second, Reddy will hold individual meetings with the representatives of different countries. The South Korea-based Kia Motors company is preparing to launch its new car on August 8 into the market at Penukonda in Anantapuram district. The company has invited the Chief Minister for the launch of the new car.

Andhra Pradesh government to hold mega-conference to attract investments

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-cant-sustain-even-limited-war-against-india-rajnath-singh-238626">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

"Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation," the minister tweeted.

"Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India &amp; Mozambique during my visit," he added.\

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Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3 day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation. 
 
Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India &amp; Mozambique during my visit.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1155229930247999488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and Minister of National Defence Atanasio Ntumuke, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister during the visit. The Union Minister is also expected to sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to defence cooperation with the African nation.

Singh will be accompanied by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs.

The Ministry stressed that bilateral relations between India and Mozambique are seeing further improvement, following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the African country in July 2016.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. "Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation," the minister tweeted. "Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India & Mozambique during my visit," he added.\ Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3 day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation. Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India & Mozambique during my visit. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 27, 2019 × There, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and Minister of National Defence Atanasio Ntumuke, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister during the visit. The Union Minister is also expected to sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to defence cooperation with the African nation. Singh will be accompanied by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs. The Ministry stressed that bilateral relations between India and Mozambique are seeing further improvement, following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the African country in July 2016.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarks on three-day visit to Mozambique

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union</a> on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

Johnson, since taking office on Wednesday, has repeatedly said that if the EU continues to refuse to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, then he will take Britain out on October&nbsp;31 without a deal.

His biggest demand is that the most hotly-contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement, the Irish border backstop, be struck out of the Withdrawal Agreement, a demand that has angered Ireland and perturbed other EU capitals.

"If we get rid of the backstop, whole and entire, then we are making a lot of progress," Johnson said, when asked if it was only the Irish border backstop that he wanted changed.

Speaking before a Stephenson's Rocket, a 19th-century steam locomotive, in the northern England city of Manchester, Johnson dedicated most of his speech to improving public services, transport and the internet and driving up economic growth.

"Our post-industrial towns have a proud, great heritage but an even greater future. Their best years lie ahead of them," he said, announcing new long-term rail links and promising immediate improvements to bus services.

That message, aimed at what Johnson called "left behind" towns, is seen as the early stages of an election campaign, even though Britain is not due a parliamentary election until 2022 and Johnson is adamant he will not hold one before Brexit.

His Conservative Party does not have a majority in parliament, is divided over how to deliver Brexit and under threat of a no-confidence vote when parliament returns in September.

Anti-Democratic

European leaders are prepared to talk with Britain's new leader over Brexit but have so far insisted they will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement. Many EU diplomats think the United Kingdom will hold a snap election soon.

Johnson, who discussed Brexit with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday, brushed aside those concerns.

"My friends, I do not want a no-deal Brexit, that is not where we're aiming, but we have to face the fact that at the moment we're being told, as we have been told for the last three year 'rien ne va plus' - 'the deal is fixed' - and can't be changed. I doubt that," he said.

Nevertheless, investors fear a no-deal exit would send shock waves through global markets and hurt the world's economy.

Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-boris-johnson-the-british-trump-238488/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The backstop is an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of border controls along the 500-km (300-mile) land border between Ireland and Britain's province of Northern Ireland that were ended by the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the question of the unification of Ireland and Northern Ireland would inevitably arise if Britain leaves the EU without a divorce deal on October&nbsp;31.

"The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us: we are going to try to solve this problem and we are going to do it in a spirit of friendship and cooperation," Johnson said.

"But we can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place," he said. "We need to get it out and then we can make progress, I think."

The Withdrawal Agreement that May struck in November with the EU says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border.

Many British lawmakers oppose the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal. Johnson, since taking office on Wednesday, has repeatedly said that if the EU continues to refuse to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, then he will take Britain out on October 31 without a deal. His biggest demand is that the most hotly-contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement, the Irish border backstop, be struck out of the Withdrawal Agreement, a demand that has angered Ireland and perturbed other EU capitals. "If we get rid of the backstop, whole and entire, then we are making a lot of progress," Johnson said, when asked if it was only the Irish border backstop that he wanted changed. Speaking before a Stephenson's Rocket, a 19th-century steam locomotive, in the northern England city of Manchester, Johnson dedicated most of his speech to improving public services, transport and the internet and driving up economic growth. "Our post-industrial towns have a proud, great heritage but an even greater future. Their best years lie ahead of them," he said, announcing new long-term rail links and promising immediate improvements to bus services. That message, aimed at what Johnson called "left behind" towns, is seen as the early stages of an election campaign, even though Britain is not due a parliamentary election until 2022 and Johnson is adamant he will not hold one before Brexit. His Conservative Party does not have a majority in parliament, is divided over how to deliver Brexit and under threat of a no-confidence vote when parliament returns in September. Anti-Democratic European leaders are prepared to talk with Britain's new leader over Brexit but have so far insisted they will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement. Many EU diplomats think the United Kingdom will hold a snap election soon. Johnson, who discussed Brexit with US President Donald Trump on Friday, brushed aside those concerns. "My friends, I do not want a no-deal Brexit, that is not where we're aiming, but we have to face the fact that at the moment we're being told, as we have been told for the last three year 'rien ne va plus' - 'the deal is fixed' - and can't be changed. I doubt that," he said. Nevertheless, investors fear a no-deal exit would send shock waves through global markets and hurt the world's economy. Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? The backstop is an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of border controls along the 500-km (300-mile) land border between Ireland and Britain's province of Northern Ireland that were ended by the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the question of the unification of Ireland and Northern Ireland would inevitably arise if Britain leaves the EU without a divorce deal on October 31. "The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us: we are going to try to solve this problem and we are going to do it in a spirit of friendship and cooperation," Johnson said. "But we can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place," he said. "We need to get it out and then we can make progress, I think." The Withdrawal Agreement that May struck in November with the EU says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border. Many British lawmakers oppose the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges.

Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-three-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-police-base-238912">Taliban said on Sunday</a> they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-talks-could-happen-within-two-weeks-238906">meeting within the next two weeks</a>, a senior Taliban official said.

"Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar.

On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks".

The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month.

The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government".

Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society.

Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo.

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-afghan-agree-to-peace-road-map-234159/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said. "Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar. On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks". The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month. The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government". Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society. Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo. Watch: Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Will not hold direct talks with Afghanistan government: Senior Taliban official

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-not-a-suitcase-carrying-government-nirmala-sitharaman-237269">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers.

West Bengal government had formed a Minimum Wages Advisory Committee to resolve the crisis earlier. However, the forum claims "not a single positive step has been taken by the committee in favour of the workers even after conducting 14 meetings on the issue."

With their demands not being met despite repeated pleas, the forum has now decided to step up its protest. A meeting is being organised on July 29 in Terai and Dooars and later the workers plan to take out a march.

Aloke Chakraborty, President, Darjeeling district, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and senior leader of Joint Forum said, "Around 4.5 lakh tea garden workers have been facing severe distress due to the prolonged negligence. The situation has deteriorated further now. Many tea gardens have been closed down. We are surprised that no step has been taken so far by the state government or the central government to reopen the gardens."

Pratap Kujur, tea garden worker and forum leader said, "We have sent our demands to Mamata Banerjee and Nirmala Sitharaman and have requested them to call us to resolve the crisis. We are hoping for the best."

&nbsp;

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers.

Joint Forum, a platform of 29 tea trade unions, has sought the intervention of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the implementation of Minimum Wages Act for the tea garden workers. West Bengal government had formed a Minimum Wages Advisory Committee to resolve the crisis earlier. However, the forum claims "not a single positive step has been taken by the committee in favour of the workers even after conducting 14 meetings on the issue." With their demands not being met despite repeated pleas, the forum has now decided to step up its protest. A meeting is being organised on July 29 in Terai and Dooars and later the workers plan to take out a march. Aloke Chakraborty, President, Darjeeling district, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and senior leader of Joint Forum said, "Around 4.5 lakh tea garden workers have been facing severe distress due to the prolonged negligence. The situation has deteriorated further now. Many tea gardens have been closed down. We are surprised that no step has been taken so far by the state government or the central government to reopen the gardens." Pratap Kujur, tea garden worker and forum leader said, "We have sent our demands to Mamata Banerjee and Nirmala Sitharaman and have requested them to call us to resolve the crisis. We are hoping for the best."

Joint Forum of tea trade unions seek intervention of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mamata Banerjee

Just a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-four-dead-20-injured-in-car-bomb-explosion-in-ghazni-238783">suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni</a>, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik.

"The car bombing occurred today early morning in Ab Band District in Ghazni province early morning close to an Afghan forces base," the source said.

The casualty figure is yet to be confirmed. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that the incident has caused massive casualties and damages to the base.&nbsp;

On Saturday, another Taliban-perpetrated attack saw an explosive-laden vehicle targeting the district, killing at least three policemen and wounding 12 others. 
&nbsp;

Just a day after a suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik.

Just a day after a suicide attack targeted Afghanistan`s Ghazni, another explosive-laden car detonated in the province`s Ab Band district early Sunday morning, a local source told Sputnik. "The car bombing occurred today early morning in Ab Band District in Ghazni province early morning close to an Afghan forces base," the source said. The casualty figure is yet to be confirmed. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that the incident has caused massive casualties and damages to the base. On Saturday, another Taliban-perpetrated attack saw an explosive-laden vehicle targeting the district, killing at least three policemen and wounding 12 others.

Another explosive-laden vehicle detonates in Afghanistan's Ghazni

Finance Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman- defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866"> Nirmala Sitharaman</a> has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wanted the finance ministry to reassess the idea of issuing foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds and seek wider consultation.

"I am not doing any review. I have not been asked by anybody to do a review," Sitharaman told the Economic Times.

This month, Sitharaman, presenting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-nirmala-sitharaman-focuses-on-gaon-gareeb-aur-kisan-in-her-first-budget-233232">budget</a> for the fiscal year 2019/2020 that began on April 1, said India would look to issue overseas foreign currency sovereign bonds in addition to raising funds from the domestic market.

The proposal has been criticised by former heads of the Reserve Bank of India, economists and allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who argue it could create long-term economic risks by exposing the government's liabilities to currency fluctuations.

“The government would start raising a part of its gross borrowing programme in external markets in external currencies. This will also have a beneficial impact on the demand situation for government securities in the domestic market,” Sitharaman told the Economic Times.

The government plans to borrow nearly $10 billion from the foreign overseas market, out of total planned borrowing of about $103 billion in 2019/20.

Sitharaman told the newspaper that details such as the timing of the issue and the exact size had not been worked out.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy. On Thursday, Reuters reported that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wanted the finance ministry to reassess the idea of issuing foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds and seek wider consultation. "I am not doing any review. I have not been asked by anybody to do a review," Sitharaman told the Economic Times. This month, Sitharaman, presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2019/2020 that began on April 1, said India would look to issue overseas foreign currency sovereign bonds in addition to raising funds from the domestic market. The proposal has been criticised by former heads of the Reserve Bank of India, economists and allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who argue it could create long-term economic risks by exposing the government's liabilities to currency fluctuations. “The government would start raising a part of its gross borrowing programme in external markets in external currencies. This will also have a beneficial impact on the demand situation for government securities in the domestic market,” Sitharaman told the Economic Times. The government plans to borrow nearly $10 billion from the foreign overseas market, out of total planned borrowing of about $103 billion in 2019/20. Sitharaman told the newspaper that details such as the timing of the issue and the exact size had not been worked out.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says no rethink on overseas sovereign bonds: Report

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bodies-of-23-myanmar-landslide-victims-found-official-155663">landslide at a Myanmar jade mine</a> killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said.

The jade hub of Hpakant, in Kachin State in the north of the country, is frequently hit by deadly accidents, despite government pledges to clean up the lucrative mining industry.

In April, 55 mining company employees were killed when a pond up to a slope from where they were digging breached its banks, leading authorities to suspended 17 mining blocks over safety concerns.

The police chief in the area, Than Win Aung, told Reuters from the accident site that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/landslide-at-myanmar-jade-mine-kills-at-least-15-injures-45-official-151691">14 bodies had been recovered </a>and four people, two of them policemen who were guarding the mining site, were missing and feared dead.

"We were able to rescue two members of the police who only injured their heads, and sent them to hospital," he said.

One policeman was confirmed dead, he said.

The government has ordered all mining activity in Hpakant to cease during Myanmar's May-October monsoon season, but people in the area say scavengers still scour tailing piles for jade.

"The companies aren't operating because of the water," said Than Win Aung. "Security people are on duty to prevent landslides due to illegal mining."

Yau Dau, 25, who lives next to the mining site, said the landslide happened after midnight.

"I was still awake. The sound of the landslide was frightening. I thought we're gone ... our house was shaking," he said.

Official sales of jade in Myanmar were worth 671 million euros ($750.04 million) in 2016-17, according to the most recent data published by the government as part of an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

But analysts believe the true value of the industry, which mainly exports to China, is much larger.

A landslide at a Myanmar jade mine killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said.

A landslide at a Myanmar jade mine killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said. The jade hub of Hpakant, in Kachin State in the north of the country, is frequently hit by deadly accidents, despite government pledges to clean up the lucrative mining industry. In April, 55 mining company employees were killed when a pond up to a slope from where they were digging breached its banks, leading authorities to suspended 17 mining blocks over safety concerns. The police chief in the area, Than Win Aung, told Reuters from the accident site that 14 bodies had been recovered and four people, two of them policemen who were guarding the mining site, were missing and feared dead. "We were able to rescue two members of the police who only injured their heads, and sent them to hospital," he said. One policeman was confirmed dead, he said. The government has ordered all mining activity in Hpakant to cease during Myanmar's May-October monsoon season, but people in the area say scavengers still scour tailing piles for jade. "The companies aren't operating because of the water," said Than Win Aung. "Security people are on duty to prevent landslides due to illegal mining." Yau Dau, 25, who lives next to the mining site, said the landslide happened after midnight. "I was still awake. The sound of the landslide was frightening. I thought we're gone ... our house was shaking," he said. Official sales of jade in Myanmar were worth 671 million euros ($750.04 million) in 2016-17, according to the most recent data published by the government as part of an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. But analysts believe the true value of the industry, which mainly exports to China, is much larger.

Police among 18 feared killed in landslide at Myanmar jade mine

Bahrain executed two Shiite citizens on terror charges on Saturday, officials said, despite appeals for clemency from international human rights groups.

The pair, identified by rights groups as Ali al-Arab, 25, and Ahmad al-Malali, 24, was put to death by firing squad, the prosecutor said.

Both defendants were Shiite, judicial sources said, without confirming their names.

The small Gulf state, a key US ally located between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been gripped by bouts of unrest since 2011 when authorities cracked down on Shiite-led protests demanding political reform.

The two men, arrested separately in February 2017, were both sentenced to death in January last year after a mass trial with 58 other defendants that was marred by allegations of torture.

The pair were convicted of "forming a terror group" which went on to carry out a series of armed attacks in the kingdom.

They included the storming of the kingdom's Jaw prison in January 2017 that killed a guard and led to the escape of 10 detainees, the prosecutor said.

That attack was followed by two separate fatal attacks on police officers later the same month, the prosecutor added.

The convicts were put to death along with a third death row prisoner found guilty of murder.

Their families had been called to the prison on Friday for a final visit, Human Rights Watch said.

In an 11th hour appeal for clemency, HRW's acting Middle East director Lama Fakih warned that King Hamad was committing a "grave injustice by ratifying the death sentences of the two men despite the allegations of torture and other serious due process concerns".

Ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, Bahrain is mostly Shiite Muslim, according to unofficial estimates contested by the government.

Hundreds of protesters have been jailed since 2011, with Bahrain claiming Iran trained and backed demonstrators in order to topple the Manama government -- an accusation Tehran denies.

All opposition groups have been outlawed and disbanded.

Bahrain executed two Shiite citizens on terror charges on Saturday, officials said, despite appeals for clemency from international human rights groups. The pair, identified by rights groups as Ali al-Arab, 25, and Ahmad al-Malali, 24, was put to death by firing squad, the prosecutor said.

Bahrain executed two Shiite citizens on terror charges on Saturday, officials said, despite appeals for clemency from international human rights groups. The pair, identified by rights groups as Ali al-Arab, 25, and Ahmad al-Malali, 24, was put to death by firing squad, the prosecutor said. Both defendants were Shiite, judicial sources said, without confirming their names. The small Gulf state, a key US ally located between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been gripped by bouts of unrest since 2011 when authorities cracked down on Shiite-led protests demanding political reform. The two men, arrested separately in February 2017, were both sentenced to death in January last year after a mass trial with 58 other defendants that was marred by allegations of torture. The pair were convicted of "forming a terror group" which went on to carry out a series of armed attacks in the kingdom. They included the storming of the kingdom's Jaw prison in January 2017 that killed a guard and led to the escape of 10 detainees, the prosecutor said. That attack was followed by two separate fatal attacks on police officers later the same month, the prosecutor added. The convicts were put to death along with a third death row prisoner found guilty of murder. Their families had been called to the prison on Friday for a final visit, Human Rights Watch said. In an 11th hour appeal for clemency, HRW's acting Middle East director Lama Fakih warned that King Hamad was committing a "grave injustice by ratifying the death sentences of the two men despite the allegations of torture and other serious due process concerns". Ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, Bahrain is mostly Shiite Muslim, according to unofficial estimates contested by the government. Hundreds of protesters have been jailed since 2011, with Bahrain claiming Iran trained and backed demonstrators in order to topple the Manama government -- an accusation Tehran denies. All opposition groups have been outlawed and disbanded.

Bahrain executes two Shiites on terror charges

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Zee News Rajasthan

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