<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-police-release-all-crew-members-of-detained-iranian-tanker-235421">Gibraltar's Supreme Court</a> ruled Friday that a seized Iranian tanker suspected of breaching sanctions by shipping oil to Syria can be detained for 30 more days, the British territory's government said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seized-foreign-tanker-in-strait-of-hormuz-iran-236898">Grace 1 supertanker</a>, carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil, was intercepted by British Royal Marines and Gibraltar's police on July 4 as it transited through waters claimed by Gibraltar, which is located on Spain's southern tip.

An initial order by the court authorising the detention of the vessel would lapse after Friday. The order can be renewed for up to 90 days.

But Gibraltar's Supreme Court, at the request of the attorney general, extended the period of detention "for a further 30 days" and has set a new hearing on August 15, the government said in a statement.

"We look forward to continuing to work constructively and positively with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran to facilitate the release of the Grace 1 pursuant to the satisfaction of all legal requirements," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the territory's parliament.

Picardo said Thursday he had a "constructive and positive" meeting with Iranian officials in London aimed at defusing tensions around the detention of the tanker in the British territory's waters.

Gibraltar and US officials believed the tanker was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of EU and US sanctions.

Iran has reacted with fury to what it termed "piracy" and warned it would not let the interception go unanswered.

Last week, a British warship in the Gulf warned off armed Iranian boats that tried to stop a UK supertanker. London has since announced the deployment of two more warships to the Gulf region for the coming months.

The Gibraltar court ruling comes as tensions in the Gulf region mounted Friday after Washington said an Iranian drone was destroyed after threatening a US naval vessel at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

It was believed to be the first US military engagement with Iran following a series of increasingly serious incidents.

Iran has denied losing any drones.

Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled Friday that a seized Iranian tanker suspected of breaching sanctions by shipping oil to Syria can be detained for 30 more days, the British territory's government said.

Gibraltar's Supreme Court ruled Friday that a seized Iranian tanker suspected of breaching sanctions by shipping oil to Syria can be detained for 30 more days, the British territory's government said. The Grace 1 supertanker, carrying 2.1 million barrels of oil, was intercepted by British Royal Marines and Gibraltar's police on July 4 as it transited through waters claimed by Gibraltar, which is located on Spain's southern tip. An initial order by the court authorising the detention of the vessel would lapse after Friday. The order can be renewed for up to 90 days. But Gibraltar's Supreme Court, at the request of the attorney general, extended the period of detention "for a further 30 days" and has set a new hearing on August 15, the government said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work constructively and positively with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran to facilitate the release of the Grace 1 pursuant to the satisfaction of all legal requirements," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the territory's parliament. Picardo said Thursday he had a "constructive and positive" meeting with Iranian officials in London aimed at defusing tensions around the detention of the tanker in the British territory's waters. Gibraltar and US officials believed the tanker was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of separate sets of EU and US sanctions. Iran has reacted with fury to what it termed "piracy" and warned it would not let the interception go unanswered. Last week, a British warship in the Gulf warned off armed Iranian boats that tried to stop a UK supertanker. London has since announced the deployment of two more warships to the Gulf region for the coming months. The Gibraltar court ruling comes as tensions in the Gulf region mounted Friday after Washington said an Iranian drone was destroyed after threatening a US naval vessel at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. It was believed to be the first US military engagement with Iran following a series of increasingly serious incidents. Iran has denied losing any drones.

Gibraltar court extends detention of Iran tanker for 30 days: Britain

Oil&nbsp;prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East&nbsp;after&nbsp;the United States said it had destroyed an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows.

Benchmark crude prices were still on track for their biggest&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;decline in seven weeks, however, having&nbsp;fallen sharply earlier in the week on concerns over global&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand amid slowing economic growth.

Brent crude futures were up 1.11 cents, or 1.78%, at $63.04 a barrel by 1037 GMT, having risen as high as $63.32. Brent fell 2.7% on Thursday, its fourth straight session of losses, and was&nbsp;set&nbsp;for a&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;drop of around 5%.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures were 81 cents, or 1.44%, higher at $56.11 per barrel&nbsp;after&nbsp;touching $56.36. They ended 2.6% lower in the previous session and were headed for a&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;decline of around 6%.

Indications that the&nbsp;US Federal Reserve will cut rates aggressively to support the economy were also behind Friday's gains, said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets.

"The Fed backstop and the report of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;shooting down an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;are providing a modicum of support for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;markets amidst a very bearish landscape," he said.

The United States said on Thursday that a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;ship had "destroyed" an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;drone&nbsp;in the Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;after&nbsp;the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a&nbsp;drone.

Also on Thursday, two influential Federal Reserve officials sharpened the public case for acting to support the&nbsp;US economy, reviving bets the central bank may deliver a larger-than-expected cut this month.

Still, the longer-term outlook for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;has grown increasingly bearish.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reducing its 2019&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (BPD) from 1.2 million BPD previously due to a slowing global economy amid a&nbsp;US-China trade spat, it's executive director said on Thursday.

The IEA may cut further if the global economy and especially China show further weakness, Fatih Birol told Reuters.

"Macro-economic concerns, uncertainty on trade discussions and increasing&nbsp;oil&nbsp;supply from the&nbsp;US continued to weigh on sentiments," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities at ING.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch said any start of&nbsp;US-Iran talks or a&nbsp;US-China trade deal would reduce volatility and anchor Brent&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices in a $60-$67 per barrel range.

Oil prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East after the United States said it had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows.

Oil prices rose on Friday as tensions spiked again in the Middle East after the United States said it had destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint for global crude flows. Benchmark crude prices were still on track for their biggest weekly decline in seven weeks, however, having fallen sharply earlier in the week on concerns over global oil demand amid slowing economic growth. Brent crude futures were up 1.11 cents, or 1.78%, at $63.04 a barrel by 1037 GMT, having risen as high as $63.32. Brent fell 2.7% on Thursday, its fourth straight session of losses, and was set for a weekly drop of around 5%. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were 81 cents, or 1.44%, higher at $56.11 per barrel after touching $56.36. They ended 2.6% lower in the previous session and were headed for a weekly decline of around 6%. Indications that the US Federal Reserve will cut rates aggressively to support the economy were also behind Friday's gains, said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets. "The Fed backstop and the report of the US Navy shooting down an Iranian drone are providing a modicum of support for oil markets amidst a very bearish landscape," he said. The United States said on Thursday that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz after the aircraft threatened the vessel, but Iran said it had no information about losing a drone. Also on Thursday, two influential Federal Reserve officials sharpened the public case for acting to support the US economy, reviving bets the central bank may deliver a larger-than-expected cut this month. Still, the longer-term outlook for oil has grown increasingly bearish. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is reducing its 2019 oil demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (BPD) from 1.2 million BPD previously due to a slowing global economy amid a US-China trade spat, it's executive director said on Thursday. The IEA may cut further if the global economy and especially China show further weakness, Fatih Birol told Reuters. "Macro-economic concerns, uncertainty on trade discussions and increasing oil supply from the US continued to weigh on sentiments," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities at ING. Bank of America Merrill Lynch said any start of US-Iran talks or a US-China trade deal would reduce volatility and anchor Brent oil prices in a $60-$67 per barrel range.

Oil rises after US Navy downs Iranian drone; set for weekly fall

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-health-is-a-private-matter-germans-say-after-shaking-bouts-235572">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a> on Friday condemned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-donald-trump-236999">President Donald Trump</a>'s xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great."

"I firmly distance myself from (the attacks) and I feel solidarity towards" the women, she told journalists.

"In my view, the strength of America lies in that people from different (origins) contributed to what makes the country great."

Trump on Sunday urged a group of four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- all American citizens and three of them US-born -- to "go back" to their countries of origin.

Despite a domestic uproar over the comments which were deemed "racist" by the House of Representatives, Trump repeatedly renewed his attack.

"If you're not happy here, you can leave ... This is about love for America, certain people hate our country," he tweeted on Tuesday, while repeating the same message to a rally on Wednesday.

International condemnation has rained down over the comments, with British Prime Minister Theresa May calling them "completely unacceptable" and New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern saying she "completely and utterly" disagrees with him.

While usually refraining from commenting on other countries' domestic politics, Merkel on Friday also had markedly sharp words about Trump's latest attacks.

Questions over racism are particularly sensitive in Germany given its Nazi past, and the government routinely speaks out forcefully in favour of tolerance and diversity.

While Merkel had shared a visibly warm relationship with former US president Barack Obama, her contact with Trump has been formal and firm.&nbsp;

Setting the tone from the start, Merkel in her first phone call with Trump after he took office offered cooperation, but also reminded him of democratic values.

That phone call led some commentators to suggest she had taken on the mantle of the "leader of the free world", a title usually reserved for US presidents.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday condemned President Donald Trump's xenophobic tweets against four minority Democratic congresswomen, saying the US leader's attacks "go against what makes America great." "I firmly distance myself from (the attacks) and I feel solidarity towards" the women, she told journalists. "In my view, the strength of America lies in that people from different (origins) contributed to what makes the country great." Trump on Sunday urged a group of four progressive Democratic congresswomen of colour -- all American citizens and three of them US-born -- to "go back" to their countries of origin. Despite a domestic uproar over the comments which were deemed "racist" by the House of Representatives, Trump repeatedly renewed his attack. "If you're not happy here, you can leave ... This is about love for America, certain people hate our country," he tweeted on Tuesday, while repeating the same message to a rally on Wednesday. International condemnation has rained down over the comments, with British Prime Minister Theresa May calling them "completely unacceptable" and New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern saying she "completely and utterly" disagrees with him. While usually refraining from commenting on other countries' domestic politics, Merkel on Friday also had markedly sharp words about Trump's latest attacks. Questions over racism are particularly sensitive in Germany given its Nazi past, and the government routinely speaks out forcefully in favour of tolerance and diversity. While Merkel had shared a visibly warm relationship with former US president Barack Obama, her contact with Trump has been formal and firm. Setting the tone from the start, Merkel in her first phone call with Trump after he took office offered cooperation, but also reminded him of democratic values. That phone call led some commentators to suggest she had taken on the mantle of the "leader of the free world", a title usually reserved for US presidents.

Trump tweets go against what makes America great: Angela Merkel

National Australia Bank on Friday announced veteran banker Ross McEwan would be its new chief executive, as the lender seeks to rebuild confidence after a scathing national inquiry.

McEwan, a New Zealander, resigned as head of the Royal Bank of Scotland in April.

He had held the top job at RBS since 2013, having steering it through a steady recovery following a British government bailout during the 2008 global financial crisis.

He will take the helm at NAB by next April, with the bank still reeling from a Royal Commission into the industry that exposed rampant malpractice.

The inquiry unearthed a host of scandals, including fees levied against dead people, aggressive selling tactics and poor financial advice.

Australia's biggest banks were forced to spend billions of dollars to reimburse customers.&nbsp;

The year-long investigation singled out NAB for especially harsh criticism of its culture and leadership, forcing the departure of former chief Andrew Thorburn and chairman Ken Henry.

The company announced in May it had set aside Aus $1.1 billion in the last financial year to compensate customers.

McEwan on Friday said the bank would have to work hard to regain trust but denied the job was a "poisoned chalice".

"I think this is a bank that has incredible strength. It has some real opportunities going forward," he told reporters Friday.&nbsp;

McEwan will start at NAB once he has completed his obligations with RBS.

Prior to RBS he was an executive with Australia's Commonwealth Bank.

His annual salary with NAB will be $2.5 million, with the potential to earn up to another $3.75 million in annual bonuses.

NAB shares were up 2.2 per cent to Aus$27.51 at the close of trading Friday.

National Australia Bank on Friday announced veteran banker Ross McEwan would be its new chief executive, as the lender seeks to rebuild confidence after a scathing national inquiry.

National Australia Bank on Friday announced veteran banker Ross McEwan would be its new chief executive, as the lender seeks to rebuild confidence after a scathing national inquiry. McEwan, a New Zealander, resigned as head of the Royal Bank of Scotland in April. He had held the top job at RBS since 2013, having steering it through a steady recovery following a British government bailout during the 2008 global financial crisis. He will take the helm at NAB by next April, with the bank still reeling from a Royal Commission into the industry that exposed rampant malpractice. The inquiry unearthed a host of scandals, including fees levied against dead people, aggressive selling tactics and poor financial advice. Australia's biggest banks were forced to spend billions of dollars to reimburse customers. The year-long investigation singled out NAB for especially harsh criticism of its culture and leadership, forcing the departure of former chief Andrew Thorburn and chairman Ken Henry. The company announced in May it had set aside Aus $1.1 billion in the last financial year to compensate customers. McEwan on Friday said the bank would have to work hard to regain trust but denied the job was a "poisoned chalice". "I think this is a bank that has incredible strength. It has some real opportunities going forward," he told reporters Friday. McEwan will start at NAB once he has completed his obligations with RBS. Prior to RBS he was an executive with Australia's Commonwealth Bank. His annual salary with NAB will be $2.5 million, with the potential to earn up to another $3.75 million in annual bonuses. NAB shares were up 2.2 per cent to Aus$27.51 at the close of trading Friday.

Outgoing RBS chief to lead National Australia Bank

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-donald-trump-236999">US President Donald Trump</a>'s assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-deputy-foreign-minister-says-tehran-has-not-lost-any-drones-237039">Iranian drone in the Gulf</a>,&nbsp;Iranian news agencies reported.

"Soon, images captured by the Guards drones from the US warship Boxer will be published to expose to world public opinion as lies and groundless the claim ... of shooting down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by news agencies.

Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an&nbsp;amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew."

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the&nbsp;Strait of Hormuz&nbsp;after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters.

"We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway.

First US military action

The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen.

Watch:&nbsp;US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-ship-destroyed-iranian-drone-in-strait-of-hormuz-president-donald-trump-237013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces."

Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high.

On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions.

Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate.

That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait.

US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters.

Broader conflict feared

The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and&nbsp; 
its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported.

It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal.

Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program.

On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism."&nbsp;

The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said.

Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program.&nbsp;

Door open for negotiations?

Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions.&nbsp;

Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations.

He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations.

"You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said.

"All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove US President Donald Trump's assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an Iranian drone in the Gulf, Iranian news agencies reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they would release images to disprove US President Donald Trump's assertion that the US Navy has destroyed an Iranian drone in the Gulf, Iranian news agencies reported. "Soon, images captured by the Guards drones from the US warship Boxer will be published to expose to world public opinion as lies and groundless the claim ... of shooting down an Iranian drone over the Strait of Hormuz," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by news agencies. Tensions in the Gulf region mounted Thursday after Trump announced that the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship, "took defensive action" against the Iranian drone as it was "threatening the safety of the ship and the ship's crew." Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied on Friday that Iran had lost a drone in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said that a US Navy ship had "destroyed" an Iranian drone, reported news agency Reuters. "We have not lost any drone in the Strait of Hormuz nor anywhere else. I am worried that USS Boxer has shot down their own UAS [Unmanned Aerial System] by mistake!," Araqchi said on Twitter, referring to a US warship in the strategic waterway. First US military action The drone shootdown comes after a series of low-level attacks in the region blamed on Tehran's forces, including placing limpet mines on several tankers and actions by what Washington calls Iranian proxies in Syria and Yemen. Watch: US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump In May the Pentagon announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to waters near Iran in response to "indications of a credible threat by Iranian regime forces." Tehran downed an American surveillance drone in June, prompting Trump to order airstrikes against Iran. But he called them off at the last minute, saying the plan was not "proportionate" and casualties would have been too high. On July 4 Britain seized a fully loaded Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, allegedly headed for Syria in violation of sanctions. Iran furiously branded the seizure "piracy, and one week later armed Iranian boats menaced a British tanker in the Gulf before they were driven off by a Royal Navy frigate. That led to US calls for an international flotilla to escort hydrocarbon-laden vessels from Gulf oil fields through the Hormuz Strait. US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie pledged Thursday to work "aggressively" with partners to ensure freedom of navigation in Gulf waters. Broader conflict feared The incidents have raised fears of a regional conflict involving the US and its allies in the Gulf region, through which nearly a third of the world's oil is transported. It comes amid a threatened breakdown of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, with Washington steadily ratcheting up economically debilitating sanctions on Tehran a year after unilaterally quitting the deal. Earlier this month Tehran purposely surpassed the deal's caps on uranium enrichment, aiming to pressure the other parties -- France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia -- to break with the US sanctions escalation and defend the economic benefits Iran was promised for agreeing to drastic limitations on its nuclear program. On Wednesday at the United Nations in New York, Zarif accused Washington of waging "economic terrorism." The "unlawful, extraterritorial" sanctions "represent the greatest threat to the achievement of sustainable development goals of Iran and many of our neighbours," he said. Washington nevertheless announced fresh sanctions Thursday on what it called a "network" of companies in Iran, Belgium and China supplying crucial materials to Tehran's enrichment program. Door open for negotiations? Yet both sides kept open the possibility of talks. The Guardian reported Thursday that Zarif said he had offered a new deal for enhanced inspections of Iran's nuclear program if Washington agrees to remove sanctions. Trump appeared to be receptive as well to negotiations. He told reporters that the pressure on Iran had forced the country to reduce regional activities and suggested that could lead to negotiations. "You look at them pulling back, and they're not pulling back because they love us. They're pulling back because they don't have money," Trump said. "All we want to do is have a fair deal. The deal that was made was a bad deal... We can do something quickly or we can take our time. I'm in no rush."

Will release images to disprove US claim that drone was shot down: Iran's Revolutionary Guards

At least eight people were killed and dozens more wounded Friday when a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-two-killed-10-injured-in-blast-near-kabul-university-237024">bomb detonated near a major university in Kabul</a> while students were waiting to take an exam, officials said.

The blast comes amid an unending wave of violence across Afghanistan, where civilians are being killed every day in the country's gruelling conflict, now in its 18th year.

The Taliban denied any involvement in Friday's blast, which took place near the southern entrance to Kabul University, an official with the interior ministry's media office told AFP.

Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said the death toll had reached eight, with another 33 injured.

"Wounded patients have been receiving the required medical and surgical treatment," he said on Twitter.

The heavily militarised Afghan capital remains one of the highest-profile targets for both the Taliban and the so-called Islamic State group, with both regularly launching devastating attacks that often kill and maim civilians.

Bahar Mehr, the interior ministry official, said five people had been killed including a traffic police officer.

"The wounded were law students gathered for (an examination). We do not know how many students had gathered there," he said.

The blast had been caused by a sticky bomb, he said, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents often slap explosives under vehicles.

Local media reports said police had been pursuing the vehicle when it detonated.&nbsp;

"The university and the examination ceremony were not the target of the attack, and we are investigating," Firdaws Faramarz, Kabul police spokesman, told TV network TOLO.

Last week, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack at a wedding ceremony in Nangarhar province.

The hardline Sunni extremists have a growing footprint in Afghanistan and the United States wants to leave a counter-terrorism force in the country to tackle them in the event of a peace deal with the Taliban.

At least eight people were killed and dozens more wounded Friday when a bomb detonated near a major university in Kabul while students were waiting to take an exam, officials said.

At least eight people were killed and dozens more wounded Friday when a bomb detonated near a major university in Kabul while students were waiting to take an exam, officials said. The blast comes amid an unending wave of violence across Afghanistan, where civilians are being killed every day in the country's gruelling conflict, now in its 18th year. The Taliban denied any involvement in Friday's blast, which took place near the southern entrance to Kabul University, an official with the interior ministry's media office told AFP. Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said the death toll had reached eight, with another 33 injured. "Wounded patients have been receiving the required medical and surgical treatment," he said on Twitter. The heavily militarised Afghan capital remains one of the highest-profile targets for both the Taliban and the so-called Islamic State group, with both regularly launching devastating attacks that often kill and maim civilians. Bahar Mehr, the interior ministry official, said five people had been killed including a traffic police officer. "The wounded were law students gathered for (an examination). We do not know how many students had gathered there," he said. The blast had been caused by a sticky bomb, he said, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents often slap explosives under vehicles. Local media reports said police had been pursuing the vehicle when it detonated. "The university and the examination ceremony were not the target of the attack, and we are investigating," Firdaws Faramarz, Kabul police spokesman, told TV network TOLO. Last week, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack at a wedding ceremony in Nangarhar province. The hardline Sunni extremists have a growing footprint in Afghanistan and the United States wants to leave a counter-terrorism force in the country to tackle them in the event of a peace deal with the Taliban.

Afghanistan: Death toll in blast near Kabul University mounts to 8, dozens wounded

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am.

The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3am.

The country can witness a three-hour-long partial lunar eclipse when the earth will move between the sun and the moon.

The celestial phenomenon will also be visible to South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

It is a good opportunity for all the skywatchers as the next lunar eclipse will be visible on May 26, 2021.

Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye.

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon but they do not form a straight line.

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am. The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am.

India will be able to see the partial lunar eclipse on July 17 beginning at 1:31am. The Moon will enter penumbra on Wednesday around 12.12 am, after which the moon will enter umbra at 1:31am. The maximum of partial lunar eclipse 2019 will be witnessed around 3am. The country can witness a three-hour-long partial lunar eclipse when the earth will move between the sun and the moon. The celestial phenomenon will also be visible to South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. It is a good opportunity for all the skywatchers as the next lunar eclipse will be visible on May 26, 2021. Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon but they do not form a straight line.

Here's when you can see partial lunar eclipse in India

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-storey-building-collapses-in-mumbais-dongri-many-feared-trapped-236330">four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai</a>'s Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday.

So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris.

''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said.

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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. <a href="https://t.co/ApIVqmNLMb">pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb</a>
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The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations.&nbsp;To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations &amp; assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said.

The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation after a four-storey building collapsed in Mumbai's Dongri at around 11 am on Tuesday. So far, seven people have died and eight people have been injured in the incident. Around 40-50 are feared to be trapped under the debris. ''As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 years old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. The investigation will be done,'' Fadnavis said. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Dongri building collapse: As per the initial information I have received, around 15 families are feared trapped in the collapse. The building is around 100 yrs old. The entire focus is on rescuing the people trapped. Investigation will be done. pic.twitter.com/ApIVqmNLMb — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × The chief minister further added that the entire focus is on the rescue operations. To speed up the rescue operation, two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences to the families of the deceased. ''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said. The Kesarbai building that collapsed was located in Tandel Street, in Mumbai's Dongri area.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orders probe after seven dead in building collapse

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/monsoon-rains-wreaking-flood-havoc-across-south-asia-236353&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iK2gXo0rkZjMjtxXixh8r">floods</a> triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation.

Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night.

The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rain-and-floods-in-assam-kill-at-least-11-and-displace-more-than-1-million-236009&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjagImHwbnjAhWo6nMBHcpUDTIQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kDE_8L2jAP4M2EPCaJqox">Assam</a>.

In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday.

The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra.

Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands.&nbsp;

Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded.

In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies.

On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force.

The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.&nbsp;

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district.

Indian Army personnel rescued at least 160 people affected due to floods triggered by incessant rains in the Nalabari district during a night operation. Torrential downpour amounted to a breach of embankments of the Pagladiya River in Nalbari, flooding 133 villages and affecting 1, 50,000 people across the district. Army personnel carried the flood-affected people on their shoulders and in the army boats and moved them to a safer place on Monday night. The flood situation remains grim in several states across the country, more than a hundred National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) troops have been deployed in various flood-affected areas of the country including Bihar and Assam. In addition, the 24X7 NDRF control room in Delhi is closely monitoring the situation to coordinate with various agencies for further deployment, said an official statement on Monday. The torrential downpour in the state of Assam continued to wreak havoc on Monday, causing the flooding on National Highway 37 and affecting 200 villages in Morigaon district alone due to the rising water levels of river Brahmaputra. Large areas of Kaziranga National Park were submerged, and the animals from the sanctuary were taken to highlands. Ferry services to Umananda Devaloi Temple, located at the Peacock Island in the middle of the river Brahmaputra, were halted on Monday, leaving the priests and other people on the island stranded. In Assam, 14 NDRF teams have been deployed in Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Biswanath, Chariali, Cachar, Dhemaji, Golaghat, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia to tackle the worsening flood situation in the districts due to torrential rain and overflowing rivers and water bodies. On Monday, in the low lying areas of district Bishwanath, Chariali, Golaghat, Morigaon and Tinsukia, NDRF evacuated 460 people and shifted them to safer places and so far over 3000 people have been evacuated in Assam by the force. The Assam flood situation was brought up in the Parliament on Monday with Congress parliamentarian and Assam Congress Committee President Ripun Bora giving a Zero Hour Notice over flood situation in his home state.

Assam floods: Over 160 people rescued by Army in night operation

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-manish-sisodia-get-bail-in-defamation-suit-filed-by-bjps-vijender-gupta-236391&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiz74WQurnjAhXp63MBHY9aDSUQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Hbzh5HhkONuHSWl-pRO9M">Arvind Kejriwal</a> government on July 13.

"Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification.

The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi.&nbsp;

Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election.

After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information &amp; Technology; Law, Justice &amp; Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest &amp; Wildlife.&nbsp;

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13.

Kailash Gahlot, a minister in the Delhi government, was given the additional portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wildlife after a minor reshuffle in the Arvind Kejriwal government on July 13. "Consequent upon the allocation of the aforesaid portfolio to Kailash Gahlot, Minister, the portfolio of Environment, Forest and Wild Life earlier allocated to Imran Hussain, Minister, stands withdrawn," read the official notification. The decision was taken by Lt Governor Anil Baijal in consultation with Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. Imran Hussain will now be holding only two portfolios- Food and Supply and Election. After the reshuffle, Gahlot will now be dealing with five portfolios- Administrative Reforms; Information & Technology; Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs; Transport; Revenue; and Environment, Forest & Wildlife.

Delhi: Kailash Gahlot appointed as new environment minister

Air Chief Marshal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-chief-birender-singh-dhanoa-embarks-on-four-day-visit-to-russia-233971&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k1QSkpQxxFBE6I8JtR0Hy">B S Dhanoa</a> on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again.

"Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

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Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. <a href="https://t.co/EBVNmFB3YO">pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151080157358317575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20th-year-of-kargil-war-indian-air-force-turns-gwalior-air-base-into-war-theatre-229911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B99-sGZFfnG95SxiDeGOz">Kargil War</a>, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately.&nbsp;

We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately.

"The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999.

It is celebrated on July 26 every year.

India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders.

To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts.

The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict. 
&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict. Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the Kargil War, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately. We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately. "The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999. It is celebrated on July 26 every year. India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders. To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts. The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict.

Well prepared for a Kargil-like conflict again: IAF Chief BS Dhanoa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/goldman-sachs-ditches-single-use-plastic-products-193983">Goldman Sachs Group Inc</a> reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-notches-all-time-highs-as-rate-cut-hopes-lift-investor-spirits-235406">Wall Street investment bank</a> benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies.

The bank, like its rivals, is facing several challenges in growing its revenue in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about the impact of future interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

Goldman is also shifting its business model away from a focus on trading to a more stable, consumer-focused revenue stream.

Revenue fell at three of its four major businesses, with the biggest declines in trading and investment management.

Institutional client revenue, which includes trading, slipped 3 per cent, while investment banking revenue was down 9 per cent. However, revenue from the bank's investing and lending business rose 16 per cent.

"Given the strength of our client franchise, we are well-positioned to benefit from a growing global economy," Chief Executive Officer David Solomon said in a statement.

While revenue slipped in the quarter, lower compensation expenses provided some relief. Total operating expenses were nearly flat at $6.12 billion.

The bank is aiming to generate $5 billion in new revenue by 2020, and is currently undergoing a front-to-back review of all its businesses started last October when Solomon took control as CEO.

While the final strategy is not expected until early next year, the bank has already made moves to expand its consumer division, by growing online bank Marcus and launching a credit card with Apple Inc. It also announced plans in May to acquire United Capital, a boutique wealth management firm.

The bank's net earnings applicable to common shareholders fell 6 per cent to $2.20 billion in the quarter ended June 30. Earnings per share fell to $5.81 from $5.98 a year earlier.

Total net revenue fell 2 per cent to $9.46 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of $4.89 per share and revenue of $8.83 billion, according to IBES estimate from Refinitiv.

Goldman's main rival Morgan Stanley is expected to report quarterly results later in the week.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the Wall Street investment bank benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday as the Wall Street investment bank benefited from higher equity trading and an increase in lending to its wealthy clients and companies. The bank, like its rivals, is facing several challenges in growing its revenue in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about the impact of future interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. Goldman is also shifting its business model away from a focus on trading to a more stable, consumer-focused revenue stream. Revenue fell at three of its four major businesses, with the biggest declines in trading and investment management. Institutional client revenue, which includes trading, slipped 3 per cent, while investment banking revenue was down 9 per cent. However, revenue from the bank's investing and lending business rose 16 per cent. "Given the strength of our client franchise, we are well-positioned to benefit from a growing global economy," Chief Executive Officer David Solomon said in a statement. While revenue slipped in the quarter, lower compensation expenses provided some relief. Total operating expenses were nearly flat at $6.12 billion. The bank is aiming to generate $5 billion in new revenue by 2020, and is currently undergoing a front-to-back review of all its businesses started last October when Solomon took control as CEO. While the final strategy is not expected until early next year, the bank has already made moves to expand its consumer division, by growing online bank Marcus and launching a credit card with Apple Inc. It also announced plans in May to acquire United Capital, a boutique wealth management firm. The bank's net earnings applicable to common shareholders fell 6 per cent to $2.20 billion in the quarter ended June 30. Earnings per share fell to $5.81 from $5.98 a year earlier. Total net revenue fell 2 per cent to $9.46 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of $4.89 per share and revenue of $8.83 billion, according to IBES estimate from Refinitiv. Goldman's main rival Morgan Stanley is expected to report quarterly results later in the week.

Goldman Sachs profit beats expectations on equity trading, lending

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