Former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/murray-excited-to-see-what-next-couple-of-years-can-bring-261800">Andy Murray</a> is in line to play Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round of the inaugural&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup, with Bulgaria qualifying among the final six teams in the nation-based tournament.

Briton Murray, on the comeback trail after hip surgery, was initially set to face Roger Federer in a blockbuster Group C clash in Sydney but the 20-times Grand Slam champion pulled out of the Jan. 3-12 tournament, making Switzerland ineligible.

Bulgaria has replaced Switzerland in the group, meaning Murray instead faces a prospective match with Dimitrov, dubbed "Baby Fed" for his similar playing style to the Swiss master.

Chile, Poland, Uruguay, Moldova and Norway are the other five teams that qualified for the 24-nation field at the close of the second and final deadline.

The six group winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups reach the&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;in Sydney.

Each tie comprises two singles and one double match.

World number one Rafa Nadal kicks off his tournament with Spain in Perth against Group B rivals Japan, Georgia and Uruguay, the tournament draw confirmed on Thursday.

Serbia, led by world number two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after-rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Novak Djokovic</a>, play Chile, France and South Africa in Group A in Brisbane.

Russian young gun Daniil Medvedev, beaten in the U.S. Open final by Nadal, will highlight Group D for Russia against the United States, Italy and Norway.

Group F has Germany, Greece, Canada and Australia playing off in Brisbane and boasts a mouthwatering array of young talent.

German world number six Alexander Zverev is likely to feature in the singles along with Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas and tempestuous Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Former world number one Andy Murray is in line to play Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round of the inaugural ATP Cup, with Bulgaria qualifying among the final six teams in the nation-based tournament.

Former world number one Andy Murray is in line to play Grigor Dimitrov in the opening round of the inaugural ATP Cup, with Bulgaria qualifying among the final six teams in the nation-based tournament. Briton Murray, on the comeback trail after hip surgery, was initially set to face Roger Federer in a blockbuster Group C clash in Sydney but the 20-times Grand Slam champion pulled out of the Jan. 3-12 tournament, making Switzerland ineligible. Bulgaria has replaced Switzerland in the group, meaning Murray instead faces a prospective match with Dimitrov, dubbed "Baby Fed" for his similar playing style to the Swiss master. Chile, Poland, Uruguay, Moldova and Norway are the other five teams that qualified for the 24-nation field at the close of the second and final deadline. The six group winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one double match. World number one Rafa Nadal kicks off his tournament with Spain in Perth against Group B rivals Japan, Georgia and Uruguay, the tournament draw confirmed on Thursday. Serbia, led by world number two Novak Djokovic, play Chile, France and South Africa in Group A in Brisbane. Russian young gun Daniil Medvedev, beaten in the U.S. Open final by Nadal, will highlight Group D for Russia against the United States, Italy and Norway. Group F has Germany, Greece, Canada and Australia playing off in Brisbane and boasts a mouthwatering array of young talent. German world number six Alexander Zverev is likely to feature in the singles along with Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas and tempestuous Australian Nick Kyrgios.

Murray faces 'Baby Fed' instead of Federer at ATP Cup

Australian employment suffered its sharpest fall in three years last month, data showed on Thursday, underlining the need for urgent stimulus to revive economic activity and wages.

The local dollar fell a third of a cent to $0.6806&nbsp;as the market narrowed the odds on a rate cut from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in December, though it was still considered an outside chance.

The disappointing report will also pile political pressure on the conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison to launch a fiscal rescue package for the economy.

Morrison has so far resisted all calls for action, in part by citing continued strength of the labour market.

That position will be harder to defend given net new jobs fell 19,000 in October, the largest drop since late 2016. The unemployment rate also nudged up to 5.3 per cent, reversing a promising dip in September.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a gain of 15,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent.&nbsp;

"Slower employment growth also presents an additional challenge for the RBA's outlook for a recovery in consumer spending," said NAB economist Kaixin Owyong.

"Ideally the government would step in to deliver an additional fiscal stimulus, but if this fails to eventuate the RBA could adopt unconventional policy and cut the cash rate to 0.25 per cent."

The central bank has already cut rates three times to a historic low of 0.75 per cent, but so far the only impact has been a revival in-home price inflation.

Financial markets imply around a 24 per cent&nbsp;probability of a quarter-point easing at the RBA's next meeting on Dec. 3, rising to 62% for February.

Just last week the RBA threw in the towel on getting wages going, forecasting miserly annual growth of 2.3 per cent&nbsp;right out to 2021. Indeed, data out on Wednesday showed wage growth actually went backwards to 2.2 per cent&nbsp;in the September quarter.

Up until now, Australia's problem was not a dearth of hiring. Some 251,800 net new positions were created in the year to October, with the majority full time.

Annual jobs growth ran at a solid 2.0 per cent, comfortably above the latest US&nbsp;performance of 1.4 per cent.

The trouble, ironically, is that the labour market has proved too flexible in providing the workers needed to fill those jobs. All the growth in employment was met by an increased supply of labour, thus keeping the jobless rate up.

Participation in the workforce is up near-record peaks at 66.0 per cent&nbsp;and, adding in those who want to work more hours, the underutilisation rate was a high 13.8 per cent.

This phenomenon is partly a direct result of government policy. Extending childcare and disability payments have lifted the share of females in the workforce to all-time peaks.

The conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also kept the doors wide open to skilled migration, with net arrivals running at almost 300,000 in the year to September, the highest in more than five years.

It has also imposed caps on pay rises for the public sector which has kept growth well under 3% for every year since 2013.

Australian employment suffered its sharpest fall in three years last month, data showed on Thursday, underlining the need for urgent stimulus to revive economic activity and wages.

Australian employment suffered its sharpest fall in three years last month, data showed on Thursday, underlining the need for urgent stimulus to revive economic activity and wages. The local dollar fell a third of a cent to $0.6806 as the market narrowed the odds on a rate cut from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in December, though it was still considered an outside chance. The disappointing report will also pile political pressure on the conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison to launch a fiscal rescue package for the economy. Morrison has so far resisted all calls for action, in part by citing continued strength of the labour market. That position will be harder to defend given net new jobs fell 19,000 in October, the largest drop since late 2016. The unemployment rate also nudged up to 5.3 per cent, reversing a promising dip in September. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a gain of 15,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent. "Slower employment growth also presents an additional challenge for the RBA's outlook for a recovery in consumer spending," said NAB economist Kaixin Owyong. "Ideally the government would step in to deliver an additional fiscal stimulus, but if this fails to eventuate the RBA could adopt unconventional policy and cut the cash rate to 0.25 per cent." The central bank has already cut rates three times to a historic low of 0.75 per cent, but so far the only impact has been a revival in-home price inflation. Financial markets imply around a 24 per cent probability of a quarter-point easing at the RBA's next meeting on Dec. 3, rising to 62% for February. Just last week the RBA threw in the towel on getting wages going, forecasting miserly annual growth of 2.3 per cent right out to 2021. Indeed, data out on Wednesday showed wage growth actually went backwards to 2.2 per cent in the September quarter. Up until now, Australia's problem was not a dearth of hiring. Some 251,800 net new positions were created in the year to October, with the majority full time. Annual jobs growth ran at a solid 2.0 per cent, comfortably above the latest US performance of 1.4 per cent. The trouble, ironically, is that the labour market has proved too flexible in providing the workers needed to fill those jobs. All the growth in employment was met by an increased supply of labour, thus keeping the jobless rate up. Participation in the workforce is up near-record peaks at 66.0 per cent and, adding in those who want to work more hours, the underutilisation rate was a high 13.8 per cent. This phenomenon is partly a direct result of government policy. Extending childcare and disability payments have lifted the share of females in the workforce to all-time peaks. The conservative government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also kept the doors wide open to skilled migration, with net arrivals running at almost 300,000 in the year to September, the highest in more than five years. It has also imposed caps on pay rises for the public sector which has kept growth well under 3% for every year since 2013.

Australian jobs suffer biggest drop in three years

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent&nbsp;quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday.

On an annual basis, gross domestic product expanded 0.5 per cent&nbsp;from July through September after a 0.3 per cent&nbsp;expansion in the previous three months, seasonally adjusted figures from the Federal Statistics Office showed.

"The German economy got away with a black eye: the technical recession could be avoided," Deka bank analyst Andreas Scheuerle said, but he added it was still too early to give the all-clear.

"Germany's economy is suffering from enormous global political uncertainty. Germany's flagship industry, the automobile sector, is not running smoothly anymore," he said.

Germany's manufacturers, whose exports have been a bedrock of the country's economic strength for decades, are struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

The automobile sector, an important driver of overall growth, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emission cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars.

"We do not have a technical recession, but the growth numbers are still too weak," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told ARD public television.

The Statistics Office said private households increased their spending from July through September while state spending and construction also supported overall growth.

Exports edged up on the quarter while imports remained broadly flat, the office said, suggesting that net trade could have been a positive impulse on the economy as well.

Alexander Krueger from Bankhaus Lampe said that he expected meagre growth rates in the coming quarters as the trade outlook remained clouded. "The economic slowdown in China, the global trade dispute and the Brexit chaos are all pointing to a weaker economic momentum," Krueger said.

The Statistics Office revised the quarterly GDP rate for the second quarter to a 0.2 per cent&nbsp;quarter-on-quarter contraction from a previously reported 0.1 per cent&nbsp;decline.

But it revised up the growth figures for the first quarter to a 0.5 per cent&nbsp;expansion from a 0.4 per cent&nbsp;increase reported earlier.

Analysts polled by Reuters for the third quarter had expected a 0.1 per cent&nbsp;contraction quarter-on-quarter and a 0.5 per cent&nbsp;expansion year-on-year in seasonally adjusted terms.

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday.

The German economy escaped a recession in the third quarter as consumers, state spending and construction drove a 0.1 per cent quarterly expansion, defying expectations of another contraction in Europe's largest economy, preliminary data showed on Thursday. On an annual basis, gross domestic product expanded 0.5 per cent from July through September after a 0.3 per cent expansion in the previous three months, seasonally adjusted figures from the Federal Statistics Office showed. "The German economy got away with a black eye: the technical recession could be avoided," Deka bank analyst Andreas Scheuerle said, but he added it was still too early to give the all-clear. "Germany's economy is suffering from enormous global political uncertainty. Germany's flagship industry, the automobile sector, is not running smoothly anymore," he said. Germany's manufacturers, whose exports have been a bedrock of the country's economic strength for decades, are struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The automobile sector, an important driver of overall growth, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emission cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars. "We do not have a technical recession, but the growth numbers are still too weak," Economy Minister Peter Altmaier told ARD public television. The Statistics Office said private households increased their spending from July through September while state spending and construction also supported overall growth. Exports edged up on the quarter while imports remained broadly flat, the office said, suggesting that net trade could have been a positive impulse on the economy as well. Alexander Krueger from Bankhaus Lampe said that he expected meagre growth rates in the coming quarters as the trade outlook remained clouded. "The economic slowdown in China, the global trade dispute and the Brexit chaos are all pointing to a weaker economic momentum," Krueger said. The Statistics Office revised the quarterly GDP rate for the second quarter to a 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter contraction from a previously reported 0.1 per cent decline. But it revised up the growth figures for the first quarter to a 0.5 per cent expansion from a 0.4 per cent increase reported earlier. Analysts polled by Reuters for the third quarter had expected a 0.1 per cent contraction quarter-on-quarter and a 0.5 per cent expansion year-on-year in seasonally adjusted terms.

'Suffering' German economy dodges recession in third quarter

Hong Kong is expected to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mainland-china-students-flee-hong-kong-over-protest-violence-fears-261827">announce weekend curfew</a>, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources.

"#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post.

Hong Kong witnessed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-central-hong-kong-streets-as-chaos-grips-city-261782">large scale violent protests</a> in its universities as authorities struggled to control the student-led demonstrations.

Hong Kong authorities had ordered schools and universities closed due to the violence in the city. Authorities have ordered schools and universities to closed until next week.

Earlier in the week, Hong Kong Polytechnic University saw largescale student violence as police opened fire which hit a student who was later sent to a hospital. The government said nearly 70 people were hospitalised on Wednesday as the violence continued unabated.

Protesters have been calling for greater accountability from the Hong Kong government and steps to be taken towards police reforms.

There were clashes between students and authorities throughout the week as protesters set up barricades and students set up blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the cross-harbour tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area.

Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Several students barricaded themselves inside campuses and hurled petrol bombs as police tried to take control.

Students wearing facemasks clashed in various parts of the city as riot police confronted them at various points.

Amid the crisis, Carrie Lam&nbsp;met senior officials late on Wednesday, local media reported. Lam had said earlier in the week that protesters in the city were "selfish" and were now the enemy of the people. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hong Kong is expected to announce weekend curfew, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources. "#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post.

Hong Kong is expected to announce weekend curfew, China state-run Global Times said in a tweet citing unnamed sources. "#HKSAR government is expected to announce curfew for the weekend," the Global Times said in a post. Hong Kong witnessed large scale violent protests in its universities as authorities struggled to control the student-led demonstrations. Hong Kong authorities had ordered schools and universities closed due to the violence in the city. Authorities have ordered schools and universities to closed until next week. Earlier in the week, Hong Kong Polytechnic University saw largescale student violence as police opened fire which hit a student who was later sent to a hospital. The government said nearly 70 people were hospitalised on Wednesday as the violence continued unabated. Protesters have been calling for greater accountability from the Hong Kong government and steps to be taken towards police reforms. There were clashes between students and authorities throughout the week as protesters set up barricades and students set up blockades of major roads, including the entrance to the cross-harbour tunnel that links Hong Kong island to the Kowloon area. Police fired tear gas near the tunnel early on Thursday to try to clear the protesters. Several students barricaded themselves inside campuses and hurled petrol bombs as police tried to take control. Students wearing facemasks clashed in various parts of the city as riot police confronted them at various points. Amid the crisis, Carrie Lam met senior officials late on Wednesday, local media reported. Lam had said earlier in the week that protesters in the city were "selfish" and were now the enemy of the people.

Hong Kong government expected to announce weekend curfew: Report

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-retaliates-as-200-rockets-fired-by-gaza-militant-10-people-killed-261693"> Israel launched airstrikes&nbsp;on Gaza </a>early on Wednesday morning.

Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537"> Abu Al-Atta in Gaza</a> belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border.

Israeli PM Netanyahu said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/50-rockets-fired-on-israel-from-gaza-261694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The death toll as a result of the strikes has now climbed to 12, several Israeli's were wounded after militants fired rockets, with some reaching Tel Aviv.

Israel carried out a series of strikes early on Wednesday as citizens ran for cover. &nbsp;Israeli military said Palestinian militants fired about 200 rockets into Israel throughout the day in retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to defend ourselves, adding,"this could take time."

Meanwhile, the US-backed the Israeli strikes in Gaza.

"Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand w(ith) our friend &amp; ally Israel," US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said. 
&nbsp;

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning. Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha Abu Al-Atta in Gaza belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border.

The Palestinian health ministry said today two more people were killed after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning. Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha Abu Al-Atta in Gaza belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border. Israeli PM Netanyahu said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike. Watch Video: The death toll as a result of the strikes has now climbed to 12, several Israeli's were wounded after militants fired rockets, with some reaching Tel Aviv. Israel carried out a series of strikes early on Wednesday as citizens ran for cover. Israeli military said Palestinian militants fired about 200 rockets into Israel throughout the day in retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to defend ourselves, adding,"this could take time." Meanwhile, the US-backed the Israeli strikes in Gaza. "Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Islamist terrorist org backed by Iran, is again attacking Israel with 100’s of missiles aimed at civilians. We stand w(ith) our friend & ally Israel," US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said.

Death toll in Israeli strikes in Gaza climbs to 12

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">crackdown of the Iraqi government</a> and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands.

"The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement.

The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions.

"Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption.

The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday. Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands. "The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement. The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions. "Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption. The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

Pompeo 'deplored' protests' death toll in phone call with Iraqi PM: US State Department

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States knows the location of the third in command to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who killed himself last month during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-baghdadis-death-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-leader-of-islamic-state-258617">US-led raid</a>.

"We have our eye on his third," Trump said during the question-and-answer session following a speech at the Economic Club of New York. "His third has got a lot of problems because we know where he is too."

Since Baghdadi's death, the United States and Turkey have targeted possible successors and sympathisers and arrested family members, seeking to prevent a resurgence of the militant group.

Trump did not identify the new target. Earlier this month, the United States, said it was looking into Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Quraishi, who has been appointed Islamic State's new leader.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States knows the location of the third in command to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who killed himself last month during a US-led raid.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States knows the location of the third in command to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who killed himself last month during a US-led raid. "We have our eye on his third," Trump said during the question-and-answer session following a speech at the Economic Club of New York. "His third has got a lot of problems because we know where he is too." Since Baghdadi's death, the United States and Turkey have targeted possible successors and sympathisers and arrested family members, seeking to prevent a resurgence of the militant group. Trump did not identify the new target. Earlier this month, the United States, said it was looking into Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Quraishi, who has been appointed Islamic State's new leader.

US has eye on Baghdadi's third in command: Trump

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said.

The New Development Bank (NDB) launched in 2014 by China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa has a subscribed capital of $50 billion, of which $10 billion is paid capital.

Diplomats for Brazil and one other BRICS nation said expansion of the bank is on the agenda at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-to-visit-brazil-for-brics-summit-261491">annual summit</a> November&nbsp;13-14.

NDB President K.V. Kamath said the bank's membership is open to all members of the United Nations and its mandate is to mobilize funds for sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries.

"The membership will be expanded gradually," he told Reuters in an interview by email but declined to name any countries.

Kamath rebuffed criticism that the bank has taken a long time to deliver loans to help boost economies amid slowing global growth.

"The NDB has gone a long way in four years, something that took some of our peer institutions decades to achieve," he said referring to other multilateral lending institutions.

As of Monday, the bank's total project approvals stood at $12.5 billion for 45 projects. In 2019 alone it approved 14 loans worth $4.4 billion, he said.

By the end of 2019, the bank projects total approvals to reach $14 billion to $15 billion, almost double the portfolio of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Among recent loans, the bank last month approved $500 million for Brazil's national Climate Fund project, known as Fundo Clima in Portuguese, which is aimed at helping the country meet its Nationally Determined Contribution, a target reducing carbon emissions under the Paris climate accord.

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said.

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said. The New Development Bank (NDB) launched in 2014 by China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa has a subscribed capital of $50 billion, of which $10 billion is paid capital. Diplomats for Brazil and one other BRICS nation said expansion of the bank is on the agenda at the annual summit November 13-14. NDB President K.V. Kamath said the bank's membership is open to all members of the United Nations and its mandate is to mobilize funds for sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. "The membership will be expanded gradually," he told Reuters in an interview by email but declined to name any countries. Kamath rebuffed criticism that the bank has taken a long time to deliver loans to help boost economies amid slowing global growth. "The NDB has gone a long way in four years, something that took some of our peer institutions decades to achieve," he said referring to other multilateral lending institutions. As of Monday, the bank's total project approvals stood at $12.5 billion for 45 projects. In 2019 alone it approved 14 loans worth $4.4 billion, he said. By the end of 2019, the bank projects total approvals to reach $14 billion to $15 billion, almost double the portfolio of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Among recent loans, the bank last month approved $500 million for Brazil's national Climate Fund project, known as Fundo Clima in Portuguese, which is aimed at helping the country meet its Nationally Determined Contribution, a target reducing carbon emissions under the Paris climate accord.

BRICS nations to study adding more countries to development bank

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday reconvened parliament for December&nbsp;5, when he will reach out to the opposition to back his minority government and its agenda, which includes tax cuts and measures to fight climate change.

Liberal Party leader Trudeau held onto power in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-canada-elections-trudeau-secures-a-narrow-victory-257594">October&nbsp;21 election</a>, but unlike his first term, the prime minister does not hold a majority of seats in the 338-member House of Commons.

"Last month Canadians elected a parliament that they expect to work together, and that's exactly what I'm going to be focussing on doing," Trudeau said in his office just before a meeting with Andrew Scheer, the Conservative Party leader.

Trudeau cited affordability, a tax-cut for the middle class, and the fight against climate change as priorities of his new government, which will be sworn in on November&nbsp;20.

During the campaign, polls suggested that Scheer had a chance to defeat Trudeau, but in the end the Conservatives won decisively only in Canada's western oil patch, where the Liberals did not pick up a single seat, but fared poorly in the more populous provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

"We found some areas of common ground, such as tax cuts for new parents," Scheer told reporters after meeting the prime minister. Scheer would not say whether he would back the so-called Throne Speech, which will outline the government's priorities and will be followed by a confidence vote.

The Throne Speech is likely to be delivered on December&nbsp;5 after the House elects a speaker, a government official said, but the confidence vote could come the following week.

Trudeau also met on Tuesday with the right-leaning premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, who wants the federal carbon pricing scheme put on hold because he says it hurts the economy.

Moe was critical afterward, saying, "I did not hear that there was going to be anything different ... I heard more of the same."

Trudeau's most likely ally going forward is not a conservative but the left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP), which shares much of the Liberals' agenda.

The NDP, whose 24 seats would be enough to help secure a majority, last month challenged Trudeau to act immediately on universal coverage for prescription drugs.

Trudeau will meet with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh on Thursday, according to the government official, and he will meet with the leader of the Bloc Quebecois, another potential ally on some issues, on Wednesday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday reconvened parliament for December 5, when he will reach out to the opposition to back his minority government and its agenda, which includes tax cuts and measures to fight climate change.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday reconvened parliament for December 5, when he will reach out to the opposition to back his minority government and its agenda, which includes tax cuts and measures to fight climate change. Liberal Party leader Trudeau held onto power in the October 21 election, but unlike his first term, the prime minister does not hold a majority of seats in the 338-member House of Commons. "Last month Canadians elected a parliament that they expect to work together, and that's exactly what I'm going to be focussing on doing," Trudeau said in his office just before a meeting with Andrew Scheer, the Conservative Party leader. Trudeau cited affordability, a tax-cut for the middle class, and the fight against climate change as priorities of his new government, which will be sworn in on November 20. During the campaign, polls suggested that Scheer had a chance to defeat Trudeau, but in the end the Conservatives won decisively only in Canada's western oil patch, where the Liberals did not pick up a single seat, but fared poorly in the more populous provinces of Ontario and Quebec. "We found some areas of common ground, such as tax cuts for new parents," Scheer told reporters after meeting the prime minister. Scheer would not say whether he would back the so-called Throne Speech, which will outline the government's priorities and will be followed by a confidence vote. The Throne Speech is likely to be delivered on December 5 after the House elects a speaker, a government official said, but the confidence vote could come the following week. Trudeau also met on Tuesday with the right-leaning premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, who wants the federal carbon pricing scheme put on hold because he says it hurts the economy. Moe was critical afterward, saying, "I did not hear that there was going to be anything different ... I heard more of the same." Trudeau's most likely ally going forward is not a conservative but the left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP), which shares much of the Liberals' agenda. The NDP, whose 24 seats would be enough to help secure a majority, last month challenged Trudeau to act immediately on universal coverage for prescription drugs. Trudeau will meet with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh on Thursday, according to the government official, and he will meet with the leader of the Bloc Quebecois, another potential ally on some issues, on Wednesday.

Canadian PM Trudeau to seek formal backing for minority government

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-2-killed-4-injured-in-suicide-car-bombing-261050">Afghanistan's capital Kabul</a>, the country's interior ministry said.

Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added.

The ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomb went off near the interior ministry&nbsp;and north of Kabul airport.

No group has taken responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred even as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced on Tuesday that three Taliban prisoners would be released in a prisoner swap for&nbsp;two Western hostages.

The three Taliban prisoners include Anas Haqqani, who was arrested in 2014.

"We have decided to conditionally release three Taliban prisoners who... have been in Bagram prison in the custody of the Afghan government for some time," Ghani said in an announcement&nbsp;

Last week, an Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province.

Another attack had taken place in Afghanistan's Logar province in which four judges were killed.

Afghanistan has seen months of uncertainity even as it&nbsp;prepares to announce the results of the presidential polls which has been delayed for several weeks. The results of elections which had taken place on September 28 was due to be out on October 19 but slow work on data entry and tackling extensive voter fraud has delayed the announcement.&nbsp;

Eighty-five civilians were killed and more than 370 wounded in militant attacks and violence on the day of the election, the United Nations had said last month.

Ghani and Abdullah had both claimed victory before the ballots were tallied.

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, the country's interior ministry said. Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added.

At least seven people were killed after a car bomb explosion in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, the country's interior ministry said. Seven people were injured as a result of the blast, the ministry added. The ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the bomb went off near the interior ministry and north of Kabul airport. No group has taken responsibility for the attack. The blast occurred even as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced on Tuesday that three Taliban prisoners would be released in a prisoner swap for two Western hostages. The three Taliban prisoners include Anas Haqqani, who was arrested in 2014. "We have decided to conditionally release three Taliban prisoners who... have been in Bagram prison in the custody of the Afghan government for some time," Ghani said in an announcement Last week, an Afghan police officer and a terrorist were killed and four police officers sustained injuries in a suicide car bombing carried out by the Taliban at a military camp in southern Kandahar province. Another attack had taken place in Afghanistan's Logar province in which four judges were killed. Afghanistan has seen months of uncertainity even as it prepares to announce the results of the presidential polls which has been delayed for several weeks. The results of elections which had taken place on September 28 was due to be out on October 19 but slow work on data entry and tackling extensive voter fraud has delayed the announcement. Eighty-five civilians were killed and more than 370 wounded in militant attacks and violence on the day of the election, the United Nations had said last month. Ghani and Abdullah had both claimed victory before the ballots were tallied.

At least seven killed in car bomb blast in Kabul

A suspected suicide bombing outside a police station in Indonesia has left at least one attacker dead, authorities said Wednesday.

The explosion happened around 8:45 am local time (0145 GMT) at a police compound in Medan on Sumatra island.&nbsp;

"We suspect this is a suicide bombing with one attacker killed," national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta.

An AFP reporter at the scene saw a body lying on the ground outside the station.

A police source who did not want to be named told AFP that the attack was perpetrated by at least two suicide bombers, but that was not officially confirmed.

Unconfirmed local media reports said at least one police officer had been rushed to hospital after the bombing but that their condition was not immediately known.

In August, Indonesian authorities shot and arrested a suspected militant who attacked police officers at a station in the country's second-biggest city Surabaya. 
&nbsp;

A suspected suicide bombing outside a police station in Indonesia has left at least one attacker dead, authorities said Wednesday. The explosion happened around 8:45 am local time (0145 GMT) at a police compound in Medan on Sumatra island.

A suspected suicide bombing outside a police station in Indonesia has left at least one attacker dead, authorities said Wednesday. The explosion happened around 8:45 am local time (0145 GMT) at a police compound in Medan on Sumatra island. "We suspect this is a suicide bombing with one attacker killed," national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta. An AFP reporter at the scene saw a body lying on the ground outside the station. A police source who did not want to be named told AFP that the attack was perpetrated by at least two suicide bombers, but that was not officially confirmed. Unconfirmed local media reports said at least one police officer had been rushed to hospital after the bombing but that their condition was not immediately known. In August, Indonesian authorities shot and arrested a suspected militant who attacked police officers at a station in the country's second-biggest city Surabaya.

Suspected suicide attack in Indonesia; 1 dead

Israel's military killed a commander from Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad in a strike on his home in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537">triggering exchanges of fire</a> in a violent escalation that left another nine Gazans dead.

The targeted strike prompted a retaliatory barrage of almost 200 rockets fired into Israel, followed by Israeli air raids. Gaza's health ministry reported a total of 10 people killed and more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-gaza-fighting-could-take-time-261596">40 wounded in the Palestinian enclave</a>.

Israel said its airstrikes targeted Islamic Jihad militant sites as well as rocket-launching squads.

The rocket fire into Israel caused damage and a number of injuries, with at least one rocket hitting a house and another narrowly missing passing cars on a highway.&nbsp;

A factory in the city of Sderot was also hit, sparking a fire.

Israeli medics said they had treated 46 people, 21 of whom had "stress symptoms" related to the rocket fire.

Reports that a separate strike targeted an Islamic Jihad member in Damascus added to the day's tensions.

Islamic Jihad confirmed one of its officials, Akram Ajouri, was targeted, with Syrian state news agency SANA reporting an Israeli strike had hit Ajouri's home in Damascus, "killing his son Muadh and another person".

Israel did not comment on that strike.

The initial Israeli raid in Gaza early Tuesday, thought to have been carried out by a drone, killed Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 41.

Islamic Jihad confirmed his death, along with that of his wife.

Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he had been preparing further attacks.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-palestine-tensions-spike-50-rockets-launched-on-israel-261688/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As the retaliatory rocket fire followed, air raid sirens rang out in various parts of Israel as residents took cover in bomb shelters.

Israel's military said Tuesday night that some 190 rockets had been fired at its territory throughout the day, with dozens intercepted by air defences.

More than half of the rockets fell in open areas, it said.

Footage posted online showing the rocket that hit the highway near the central Israeli city of Gan Yavne, narrowly missing cars.

- Schools closed - 
Islamic Jihad, allied to Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, claimed responsibility for rocket fire from the Strip.

Schools were closed in both the Gaza Strip and in parts of Israel, including in the commercial capital Tel Aviv.

The Israeli army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv, central Israel and the Gaza border region to stay home, banning public gatherings.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged that Ata had over the past year "planned and executed many attacks" and "fired hundreds of rockets at communities adjoining Gaza".

"Israel is not interested in escalation, but we shall do everything necessary in order to defend ourselves," he said in a televised statement from defence headquarters.

"I'm telling you in advance, it could take time."

Nadav Argaman, head of domestic security agency Shin Bet, said the operation "allowed us to reach the level of the bed in which he slept, the small room in which he lived, in which he hid."

Damage from a blast could be seen at Ata's home in the Shejayia district of eastern Gaza City.&nbsp;

Mosque loudspeakers rang out with news of Ata's death early Tuesday and crowds joined his funeral procession through the streets of the city, occasionally firing guns into the air.

A joint statement by Gaza's militant groups said Israel had crossed "all red lines" and would face consequences.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said "today's crime and the Israeli bombardment in Gaza are added to the Israeli criminal record that is intended to liquidate the Palestinian cause".

- Politically sensitive time - 
Israel said Ata was behind rocket fire towards a music festival in the Israeli city of Sderot in August as well as further rocket attacks at the start of November.

It has also accused him of being behind sniper fire and drone launchings.

Ata "is responsible for most of the terror attacks in the last year from the Gaza Strip," the army said, describing him as a "ticking bomb".

It alleged he was "promoting preparations to commit immediate terror attacks in various ways towards Israeli civilians and (Israeli) troops during the recent few days".

The strikes and rocket fire raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

They have fought three wars since 2008 and Gaza has been under strict Israeli blockade for more than a decade.

Islamic Jihad is the second most-powerful militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas.

The flare-up comes at a politically sensitive time for Israel.

A September 17 general election ended in a deadlock and a new government is yet to be formed.&nbsp;

It was the second election since April, when polls also ended inconclusively. 
&nbsp;

Israel's military killed a commander from Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad in a strike on his home in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, triggering exchanges of fire in a violent escalation that left another nine Gazans dead.

Israel's military killed a commander from Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad in a strike on his home in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, triggering exchanges of fire in a violent escalation that left another nine Gazans dead. The targeted strike prompted a retaliatory barrage of almost 200 rockets fired into Israel, followed by Israeli air raids. Gaza's health ministry reported a total of 10 people killed and more than 40 wounded in the Palestinian enclave. Israel said its airstrikes targeted Islamic Jihad militant sites as well as rocket-launching squads. The rocket fire into Israel caused damage and a number of injuries, with at least one rocket hitting a house and another narrowly missing passing cars on a highway. A factory in the city of Sderot was also hit, sparking a fire. Israeli medics said they had treated 46 people, 21 of whom had "stress symptoms" related to the rocket fire. Reports that a separate strike targeted an Islamic Jihad member in Damascus added to the day's tensions. Islamic Jihad confirmed one of its officials, Akram Ajouri, was targeted, with Syrian state news agency SANA reporting an Israeli strike had hit Ajouri's home in Damascus, "killing his son Muadh and another person". Israel did not comment on that strike. The initial Israeli raid in Gaza early Tuesday, thought to have been carried out by a drone, killed Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 41. Islamic Jihad confirmed his death, along with that of his wife. Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he had been preparing further attacks. Watch Video: As the retaliatory rocket fire followed, air raid sirens rang out in various parts of Israel as residents took cover in bomb shelters. Israel's military said Tuesday night that some 190 rockets had been fired at its territory throughout the day, with dozens intercepted by air defences. More than half of the rockets fell in open areas, it said. Footage posted online showing the rocket that hit the highway near the central Israeli city of Gan Yavne, narrowly missing cars. - Schools closed - Islamic Jihad, allied to Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, claimed responsibility for rocket fire from the Strip. Schools were closed in both the Gaza Strip and in parts of Israel, including in the commercial capital Tel Aviv. The Israeli army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv, central Israel and the Gaza border region to stay home, banning public gatherings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu charged that Ata had over the past year "planned and executed many attacks" and "fired hundreds of rockets at communities adjoining Gaza". "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we shall do everything necessary in order to defend ourselves," he said in a televised statement from defence headquarters. "I'm telling you in advance, it could take time." Nadav Argaman, head of domestic security agency Shin Bet, said the operation "allowed us to reach the level of the bed in which he slept, the small room in which he lived, in which he hid." Damage from a blast could be seen at Ata's home in the Shejayia district of eastern Gaza City. Mosque loudspeakers rang out with news of Ata's death early Tuesday and crowds joined his funeral procession through the streets of the city, occasionally firing guns into the air. A joint statement by Gaza's militant groups said Israel had crossed "all red lines" and would face consequences. Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said "today's crime and the Israeli bombardment in Gaza are added to the Israeli criminal record that is intended to liquidate the Palestinian cause". - Politically sensitive time - Israel said Ata was behind rocket fire towards a music festival in the Israeli city of Sderot in August as well as further rocket attacks at the start of November. It has also accused him of being behind sniper fire and drone launchings. Ata "is responsible for most of the terror attacks in the last year from the Gaza Strip," the army said, describing him as a "ticking bomb". It alleged he was "promoting preparations to commit immediate terror attacks in various ways towards Israeli civilians and (Israeli) troops during the recent few days". The strikes and rocket fire raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. They have fought three wars since 2008 and Gaza has been under strict Israeli blockade for more than a decade. Islamic Jihad is the second most-powerful militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas. The flare-up comes at a politically sensitive time for Israel. A September 17 general election ended in a deadlock and a new government is yet to be formed. It was the second election since April, when polls also ended inconclusively.

Israel retaliates as 200 rockets fired by Gaza militants; 10 people killed

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