China on Tuesday denied it was to blame for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fentanyl-surpasses-heroin-as-deadliest-drug-in-us-183739">fentanyl deaths in the United States</a> after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its promise to crack down on the opioid.

US authorities have long accused China of being the main source of the potent drug, which caused 32,000 overdose deaths in the United States last year alone.

In an apparent gesture to Washington amid the US-China trade war, Beijing announced a crackdown on fentanyl earlier this year, designating all analogues of the drug as controlled substances from May 1.

The move aimed to prevent smugglers from skirting the law by changing formulas to make drugs similar to the painkiller.

Fentanyl sellers have used parcel services to send the drug to the United States, and China had also vowed to step up customs checks.

But Trump wrote on Twitter last month that while Xi had pledged to stop exports of fentanyl, "this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!"

Liu Yuejin, vice-commissioner of China's National Narcotics Control Commission, countered on Tuesday that no case of fentanyl smuggling has been reported since the May 1 ban.

"What President Trump concluded on Twitter is groundless," Liu said.

"China has strengthened its control of fentanyl but the number of deaths linked to this substance continues to rise in the United States," Liu said, suggesting that the drug came from elsewhere. 
&nbsp;

China on Tuesday denied it was to blame for fentanyl deaths in the United States after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its promise to crack down on the opioid.

China on Tuesday denied it was to blame for fentanyl deaths in the United States after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its promise to crack down on the opioid. US authorities have long accused China of being the main source of the potent drug, which caused 32,000 overdose deaths in the United States last year alone. In an apparent gesture to Washington amid the US-China trade war, Beijing announced a crackdown on fentanyl earlier this year, designating all analogues of the drug as controlled substances from May 1. The move aimed to prevent smugglers from skirting the law by changing formulas to make drugs similar to the painkiller. Fentanyl sellers have used parcel services to send the drug to the United States, and China had also vowed to step up customs checks. But Trump wrote on Twitter last month that while Xi had pledged to stop exports of fentanyl, "this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!" Liu Yuejin, vice-commissioner of China's National Narcotics Control Commission, countered on Tuesday that no case of fentanyl smuggling has been reported since the May 1 ban. "What President Trump concluded on Twitter is groundless," Liu said. "China has strengthened its control of fentanyl but the number of deaths linked to this substance continues to rise in the United States," Liu said, suggesting that the drug came from elsewhere.

Trump's conclusion on fentanyl deaths in US is groundless: China

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent&nbsp;enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday.

"If Iran decides, it can have 20 per cent&nbsp;enriched fuel within one to two days," Fars news agency quoted Kamalvandi as saying.

News agency AFP quoted Rouhani saying that Iran may further cut nuclear commitments in days.

Enriching uranium up to 20 per cent purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90 per cent pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb.

Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it.

Tehran had threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20 per cent or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons.

Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday.

"The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday.

However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations.

President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil.

Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon.

Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone calls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday.

Iran is capable of resuming production of 20 per cent enriched uranium within two days, the spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Tuesday. "If Iran decides, it can have 20 per cent enriched fuel within one to two days," Fars news agency quoted Kamalvandi as saying. News agency AFP quoted Rouhani saying that Iran may further cut nuclear commitments in days. Enriching uranium up to 20 per cent purity is considered an important intermediate stage on the path to obtaining the 90 per cent pure fissile uranium needed for a bomb. Iran has said it will breach the deal's limits on its nuclear activities one by one, ratcheting up pressure on the countries who still hope to save it. Tehran had threatened to take further steps by September 6, such as enriching uranium to 20 per cent or restarting mothballed centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use as fuel in power plants or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. Tehran is prepared to take a "stronger step" in reducing its commitments under the deal with world powers if European countries don't take action to save the pact, its foreign ministry's spokesman said on Monday. "The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran's rights and commitments to the JCPOA," state news agency IRNA quoted the foreign ministry's spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying on Monday. However, Iran had earlier stressed that these steps are "reversible" if the European signatories of the pact fulfilled their obligations. President Donald Trump last year exited the accord between Iran and six world powers aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme, which the West suspected sought to make a nuclear weapon, in exchange for the lifting of many international sanctions on Tehran. Washington has also reimposed sanctions on exports of Iranian oil. Iran denies ever having sought a nuclear weapon. Also, Iran's government spokesman said on Monday that Iran and France's views on the deal have moved closer, mainly after phone calls between President Hassan Rouhani and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

Will be able to resume production of 20% enriched uranium in 2 days: Iran atomic agency

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-withdraw-5000-troops-from-afghanistan-close-bases-zalmay-khalilzad-247234">shape with the Taliban</a>.

Pompeo met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels as Washington tries to finalise an agreement with the Taliban after 18 years of war, under which the US would withdraw several thousand troops in return for security guarantees from the insurgents.

On Monday, a massive blast in a residential area of Kabul killed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-16-more-than-100-injured-in-kabul-blast-official-247236">at least 16 people</a>, the third major Taliban attack in as many days, underlining the fragile security situation in Afghanistan.

NATO ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in 2014, handing security responsibility over to the Afghans, but maintains up to 16,000 troops on the ground to train, advise and assist local defence forces.

"Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks &amp; NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces," Stoltenberg tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Great discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on current security issues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> fully supports efforts to achieve peace in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. I condemn recent horrific attacks &amp; NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces. <a href="https://t.co/8Adf6vw4xd">pic.twitter.com/8Adf6vw4xd</a>
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/jensstoltenberg/status/1168786714485317632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Under the proposed deal, the US will pull troops from five bases across Afghanistan under a final deal if the Taliban honour their end of the bargain.

The official number of US troops in Afghanistan is 14,000 -- though the real number is thought to be a bit less -- and President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence of about 8,600 troops initially, even after a deal with the Taliban.

That suggests around 5,400 US troops are set to leave Afghanistan under the initial terms of the deal, reducing the US military presence to about what it was before Trump came into office.

In return for the troop reduction, the Taliban would vow to cut ties with Al-Qaeda and open negotiations with the Afghan government with the aim of creating an eventual ceasefire.

Pompeo's talks with NATO came as part of a two-day visit to Brussels, where he also met the new EU leadership including commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen and incoming EU Council president Charles Michel.

Michel tweeted after their meeting that they had discussed "shared values and common interests".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking shape with the Taliban.

NATO "fully supports" American efforts to find peace in Afghanistan, the alliance chief said Tuesday after talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a deal taking shape with the Taliban. Pompeo met NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels as Washington tries to finalise an agreement with the Taliban after 18 years of war, under which the US would withdraw several thousand troops in return for security guarantees from the insurgents. On Monday, a massive blast in a residential area of Kabul killed at least 16 people, the third major Taliban attack in as many days, underlining the fragile security situation in Afghanistan. NATO ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in 2014, handing security responsibility over to the Afghans, but maintains up to 16,000 troops on the ground to train, advise and assist local defence forces. "Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks & NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces," Stoltenberg tweeted. Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks & NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces. pic.twitter.com/8Adf6vw4xd — Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 3, 2019 × Under the proposed deal, the US will pull troops from five bases across Afghanistan under a final deal if the Taliban honour their end of the bargain. The official number of US troops in Afghanistan is 14,000 -- though the real number is thought to be a bit less -- and President Donald Trump last week said America would maintain a permanent presence of about 8,600 troops initially, even after a deal with the Taliban. That suggests around 5,400 US troops are set to leave Afghanistan under the initial terms of the deal, reducing the US military presence to about what it was before Trump came into office. In return for the troop reduction, the Taliban would vow to cut ties with Al-Qaeda and open negotiations with the Afghan government with the aim of creating an eventual ceasefire. Pompeo's talks with NATO came as part of a two-day visit to Brussels, where he also met the new EU leadership including commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen and incoming EU Council president Charles Michel. Michel tweeted after their meeting that they had discussed "shared values and common interests".

Committed to supporting Afghan forces: NATO chief Stoltenberg

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-to-increase-border-patrols-and-deportations-to-curb-migrant-influx-246948">rescue vessel Eleonore</a> with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban.

"The Eleonore will soon arrive at Pozzallo," Sicily, tweeted German charity Lifeline which operates the vessel.

The ship has been at sea for eight days waiting for a safe port to dock after rescuing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ocean-viking-rescue-ship-awaits-port-access-in-latest-migrant-standoff-244800">around 100 migrants</a> in distress while crossing the Mediterranean.

Three charity vessels are currently banned from entering Italian territorial waters in accordance with the hardline politics of the outgoing League-Five Star Movement coalition government.

Italy customs officers seized the Eleonore as part of the draconian legislation after it sailed into Italian waters on Monday.

The ship's captain Claus-Pieter Reisch said he headed for Italy as "the situation on board is life-threatening" because of heavy rain overnight and stormy seas.

Another rescue vessel, the Mare Jonio, with 31 rescued migrants on board was on Monday holding its position in international waters off Italy's southern Lampedusa island awaiting a safe port, Luca Faenzi spokesman told AFP.

The Mare Jonio rescued 98 people in distress off Libya last week, with 67 vulnerable people disembarked to Italy, including women, children and urgent medical cases, Faenzi said.

A third vessel, the Alan Kurdi operated by German charity Sea Eye, was on Monday sailing between Malta and Italy after also being banned from Italian waters by outgoing far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini.

Salvini, who is being removed from the government after he tried to bring it down, issued a tough security decree earlier this year which fines rescue vessels a million euros and provides for them to be seized and their captains prosecuted if they enter Italian waters without authorisation.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is in talks to form a new government without Salvini.

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity rescue vessel Eleonore with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban.

Italian authorities on Monday seized the charity rescue vessel Eleonore with around 100 migrants aboard, who are to disembark after the ship entered Italian territorial waters despite a ban. "The Eleonore will soon arrive at Pozzallo," Sicily, tweeted German charity Lifeline which operates the vessel. The ship has been at sea for eight days waiting for a safe port to dock after rescuing around 100 migrants in distress while crossing the Mediterranean. Three charity vessels are currently banned from entering Italian territorial waters in accordance with the hardline politics of the outgoing League-Five Star Movement coalition government. Italy customs officers seized the Eleonore as part of the draconian legislation after it sailed into Italian waters on Monday. The ship's captain Claus-Pieter Reisch said he headed for Italy as "the situation on board is life-threatening" because of heavy rain overnight and stormy seas. Another rescue vessel, the Mare Jonio, with 31 rescued migrants on board was on Monday holding its position in international waters off Italy's southern Lampedusa island awaiting a safe port, Luca Faenzi spokesman told AFP. The Mare Jonio rescued 98 people in distress off Libya last week, with 67 vulnerable people disembarked to Italy, including women, children and urgent medical cases, Faenzi said. A third vessel, the Alan Kurdi operated by German charity Sea Eye, was on Monday sailing between Malta and Italy after also being banned from Italian waters by outgoing far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini, who is being removed from the government after he tried to bring it down, issued a tough security decree earlier this year which fines rescue vessels a million euros and provides for them to be seized and their captains prosecuted if they enter Italian waters without authorisation. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is in talks to form a new government without Salvini.

Now, Italy seizes rescue vessel Eleonore with 100 migrants onboard

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-his-squadron-in-srinagar-205913">Indian Air Force pilot</a> whose aircraft was shot down inside Pak territory during a dog fight with Pakistani jets on February 27th, flew a MiG-21 for the first time today.

Abhinandan flew with Indian IAF chief Marshal BS Dhanoa.

Both men flew the trainer version of the MiG-21 Type 69 fighter aircraft. This was also the last sortie of the IAF chief in a combat aircraft.

Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was shot&nbsp;down by Pakistani fire as he engaged Pakistani jets who had entered Indian air space after the Balakot strikes on February 26.

Abhinandan was taken into custody by Pakistani authorities but was later returned amid tensions between India-Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force pilot whose aircraft was shot down inside Pak territory during a dog fight with Pakistani jets on February 27th, flew a MiG-21 for the first time today.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force pilot whose aircraft was shot down inside Pak territory during a dog fight with Pakistani jets on February 27th, flew a MiG-21 for the first time today. Abhinandan flew with Indian IAF chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. Both men flew the trainer version of the MiG-21 Type 69 fighter aircraft. This was also the last sortie of the IAF chief in a combat aircraft. Abhinandan's MiG-21 Bison was shot down by Pakistani fire as he engaged Pakistani jets who had entered Indian air space after the Balakot strikes on February 26. Abhinandan was taken into custody by Pakistani authorities but was later returned amid tensions between India-Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack on February 14th in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Abhinandan flies with IAF chief Dhanoa for first time after Pak air battle

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-moving-ahead-with-new-tariffs-on-chinese-products-246926">billions of dollars kicked in</a>, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month.

Hong Kong was also weighed down by another weekend of violence, fuelling worries about possible Chinese intervention in the financial hub, while the unrest has also hit property firms and Macau's casinos.

Washington's latest levies on<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apples-data-shows-a-deepening-dependence-on-china-as-trumps-tariffs-loom-246416"> imports from China</a> took effect on Sunday and were followed by Beijing's retaliation.

The measures are the latest in the long-running trade war between the world's top two economies, which has rattled markets and hit growth across the globe.

Still, Trump said negotiators would meet this month to discuss the issue. "We are talking to China, the meeting is still on," he told reporters.

However, analysts warned there was unlikely to be any end in the near term.

"After a rough August traders should buckle up for more volatility in September," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "Trade and tariffs continue to gnaw away at investor confidence."

Tokyo and Sydney each ended 0.4 per cent lower, while Singapore shed 0.8 per cent, with Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta also down.

But Shanghai rose more than one percent after a better-than-expected reading on Chinese factory activity, though another index showed the sector remained in contraction and investors remain uncertain about the outlook as the trade war bites deeper. There were also gains in Seoul, Wellington and Taipei.

Hong Kong sank 0.8 percent after a weekend that saw some of the worst violence since protests began three months ago, with the airport targeted again, and demonstrators have called for a general strike on Monday though there was little sign that had been heeded.

The unrest has dragged a range of sectors, with tourist numbers tumbling, hitting casinos and hotel chains, while real estate shares are also being sold off.

"Markets are fretting on the increased likelihood of direct Chinese intervention and what that would mean for the future of one of Asia's leading financial centres," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA.

"The answer is, not good, to put it bluntly. The economic impact will surely show in Hong Kong data going forward and may temper the mood of equity traders in Asia as the new month begins."

Oil prices extended Friday's steep losses owing to worries about the impact of the trade war on demand, while dealers were also concerned about reports that the Russian output cut last month fell short of an agreement with OPEC.

"A fissure is forming in OPEC+ compliance, which saw oil prices crater," said Stephen Innes, APAC Market Strategist at AxiTrader.

"On the surface, while it is not likely a significant divergence, it's the messaging that Russia is sending that spooks markets. While it could be little more than a tempest in an oil can at this stage, it's worth monitoring nonetheless."

Investors will be keeping an eye on markets in Argentina later in the day after the government imposed foreign-exchange controls on exporters following a week that saw a sharp drop in the peso.

In early trade London rose 0.3 per cent, with traders bracing for a tough week in Westminster as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition from MPs across the political spectrum who have vowed legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit.

Also, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc will not change the divorce deal agreed with for PM Theresa May, fuelling expectations Britain will crash out with no agreement in place.

Paris and Frankfurt were both 0.1 per cent higher. 
&nbsp;

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars kicked in, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month.

Most Asian markets fell on Monday as fresh Chinese and US tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars kicked in, though Donald Trump reiterated that the two sides were still due to hold talks this month. Hong Kong was also weighed down by another weekend of violence, fuelling worries about possible Chinese intervention in the financial hub, while the unrest has also hit property firms and Macau's casinos. Washington's latest levies on imports from China took effect on Sunday and were followed by Beijing's retaliation. The measures are the latest in the long-running trade war between the world's top two economies, which has rattled markets and hit growth across the globe. Still, Trump said negotiators would meet this month to discuss the issue. "We are talking to China, the meeting is still on," he told reporters. However, analysts warned there was unlikely to be any end in the near term. "After a rough August traders should buckle up for more volatility in September," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "Trade and tariffs continue to gnaw away at investor confidence." Tokyo and Sydney each ended 0.4 per cent lower, while Singapore shed 0.8 per cent, with Manila, Bangkok and Jakarta also down. But Shanghai rose more than one percent after a better-than-expected reading on Chinese factory activity, though another index showed the sector remained in contraction and investors remain uncertain about the outlook as the trade war bites deeper. There were also gains in Seoul, Wellington and Taipei. Hong Kong sank 0.8 percent after a weekend that saw some of the worst violence since protests began three months ago, with the airport targeted again, and demonstrators have called for a general strike on Monday though there was little sign that had been heeded. The unrest has dragged a range of sectors, with tourist numbers tumbling, hitting casinos and hotel chains, while real estate shares are also being sold off. "Markets are fretting on the increased likelihood of direct Chinese intervention and what that would mean for the future of one of Asia's leading financial centres," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA. "The answer is, not good, to put it bluntly. The economic impact will surely show in Hong Kong data going forward and may temper the mood of equity traders in Asia as the new month begins." Oil prices extended Friday's steep losses owing to worries about the impact of the trade war on demand, while dealers were also concerned about reports that the Russian output cut last month fell short of an agreement with OPEC. "A fissure is forming in OPEC+ compliance, which saw oil prices crater," said Stephen Innes, APAC Market Strategist at AxiTrader. "On the surface, while it is not likely a significant divergence, it's the messaging that Russia is sending that spooks markets. While it could be little more than a tempest in an oil can at this stage, it's worth monitoring nonetheless." Investors will be keeping an eye on markets in Argentina later in the day after the government imposed foreign-exchange controls on exporters following a week that saw a sharp drop in the peso. In early trade London rose 0.3 per cent, with traders bracing for a tough week in Westminster as Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces opposition from MPs across the political spectrum who have vowed legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit. Also, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc will not change the divorce deal agreed with for PM Theresa May, fuelling expectations Britain will crash out with no agreement in place. Paris and Frankfurt were both 0.1 per cent higher.

Asian markets down as China-US tariffs kick in

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-priests-daughter-abducted-in-pakistan-forcibly-converted-into-islam-as-parents-file-fir-246414">Sikh girl with the Pakistan</a> government.&nbsp;

"We have shared the concerns with the Pakistan government and asked for immediate remedial action," External affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

A Sikh priest's family had filed an FIR after their daughter was allegedly abducted at gunpoint. The girl was later forcibly married, according to reports.&nbsp;

The priest belongs to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib.

According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28.

The foreign ministry had said on Thursday that it had raised the "issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan"&nbsp;and had asked it to "fulfill" its obligation.

"They must check themselves before saying anything to others, their home is burning, so they must first focus on it," India's foreign ministry spokesman added.

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor Sikh girl with the Pakistan government.

India's ministry of external affairs ministry said today that it had shared its concerns over reports of "abduction and forced conversion" of a minor Sikh girl with the Pakistan government. "We have shared the concerns with the Pakistan government and asked for immediate remedial action," External affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. A Sikh priest's family had filed an FIR after their daughter was allegedly abducted at gunpoint. The girl was later forcibly married, according to reports. The priest belongs to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Sahib. According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28. The foreign ministry had said on Thursday that it had raised the "issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan" and had asked it to "fulfill" its obligation. "They must check themselves before saying anything to others, their home is burning, so they must first focus on it," India's foreign ministry spokesman added.

Shared our concern over abduction and forced conversion of Sikh girl with Pakistan government: India

Russia on Friday announced that Syrian government forces would ceasefire in the northwestern province of Idlib from Saturday morning.

An agreement was reached on "a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian government forces in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-allow-us-to-delay-establishment-of-safe-zone-in-northern-syria-erdogan-246385">Idlib de-escalation zone</a>, from 6:00 am on August 31," the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria said in a statement.

The announcement came after Russian-backed regime forces advanced in the jihadist-held bastion, one of the last holdouts of opposition to President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

The statement said the ceasefire aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib and urged anti-government fighters to "abandon armed provocations and join the peace process".

After months of intense bombardment, regime forces launched a ground offensive against Idlib earlier this month.

Syria's war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011.

Russia launched a military intervention in support of Assad's regime in 2015, helping his forces to reclaim large parts of the country from opposition fighters and jihadists.

Russia on Friday announced that Syrian government forces would ceasefire in the northwestern province of Idlib from Saturday morning. An agreement was reached on "a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian government forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone, from 6:00 am on August 31," the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria said in a statement.

Russia on Friday announced that Syrian government forces would ceasefire in the northwestern province of Idlib from Saturday morning. An agreement was reached on "a unilateral ceasefire by Syrian government forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone, from 6:00 am on August 31," the Russian Reconciliation Centre for Syria said in a statement. The announcement came after Russian-backed regime forces advanced in the jihadist-held bastion, one of the last holdouts of opposition to President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The statement said the ceasefire aimed "to stabilise the situation" in Idlib and urged anti-government fighters to "abandon armed provocations and join the peace process". After months of intense bombardment, regime forces launched a ground offensive against Idlib earlier this month. Syria's war has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011. Russia launched a military intervention in support of Assad's regime in 2015, helping his forces to reclaim large parts of the country from opposition fighters and jihadists.

Russia announces government ceasefire in Syria's Idlib from Saturday

A new show on WION that takes you through Hollywood premiers, film reviews, the latest trailers and chart-topping music.

Hosted by Alyson Le Grange, ‘WION Silver Screen’ would be your guide to the world of entertainment.

A new show on WION that takes you through Hollywood premiers, film reviews, the latest trailers and chart-topping music. Hosted by Alyson Le Grange, ‘WION Silver Screen’ would be your guide to the world of entertainment.

WION Silver Screen with Alyson Le Grange

India's GDP growth slowed down to 5 per cent in the first quarter of the financial year FY20&nbsp;indicating that that slowdown in the Indian economy persists.

The GDP growth fell from 5.8 per cent to 5 per cent in the April to June period in 2019.

In May, the government had announced India's GDP figures for January-March quarter of 2018-19&nbsp;had slipped to 5.8 per cent against 6.6 per cent in the third quarter due to poor performance in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) had said that GDP growth during 2018-19 fiscal had stood at 6.8 per cent&nbsp;lower than 7.2 per cent in the previous financial year.

India's GDP growth slowed down to 5 per cent in the first quarter of the financial year FY20 indicating that that slowdown in the Indian economy persists. The GDP growth fell from 5.

India's GDP growth slowed down to 5 per cent in the first quarter of the financial year FY20 indicating that that slowdown in the Indian economy persists. The GDP growth fell from 5.8 per cent to 5 per cent in the April to June period in 2019. In May, the government had announced India's GDP figures for January-March quarter of 2018-19 had slipped to 5.8 per cent against 6.6 per cent in the third quarter due to poor performance in agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) had said that GDP growth during 2018-19 fiscal had stood at 6.8 per cent lower than 7.2 per cent in the previous financial year.

India's GDP growth falls to 5 per cent in April-June 2019

An Iranian tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran changed course again on Friday and was heading back to Turkey, shipping data showed.

The Adrian Darya, formerly called Grace 1, was now headed for the southeastern Turkish port of Iskenderun, tracking site Marine Traffic showed.

It is the third time the ship has changed destination in the last ten days. Iskenderun is roughly 200 km north of the Baniyas refinery in Syria - the suspected original destination of the tanker.

Carrying two million barrels of oil, the Adrian Darya was released from detention off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

The US, which says the tanker is controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards it considers a terrorist group, has warned countries in the region not to assist the vessel.

An Iranian government spokesman was quoted on Monday as saying Iran had sold the oil aboard the tanker and that the vessel's owner, whose identity he did not disclose, would decide its destination.

After its release, it stated that its destination was the Greek port of Kalamata, then Turkey's Mersin. On Thursday, it abruptly changed course, making almost a U-turn away from the Turkish coast.

While west of Cyprus on Friday morning, it did a similar manouevre, doubling back on itself. 
--

An Iranian tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran changed course again on Friday and was heading back to Turkey, shipping data showed.

An Iranian tanker at the centre of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran changed course again on Friday and was heading back to Turkey, shipping data showed. The Adrian Darya, formerly called Grace 1, was now headed for the southeastern Turkish port of Iskenderun, tracking site Marine Traffic showed. It is the third time the ship has changed destination in the last ten days. Iskenderun is roughly 200 km north of the Baniyas refinery in Syria - the suspected original destination of the tanker. Carrying two million barrels of oil, the Adrian Darya was released from detention off Gibraltar in mid-August after a five-week standoff over whether it was carrying Iranian oil to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. The US, which says the tanker is controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards it considers a terrorist group, has warned countries in the region not to assist the vessel. An Iranian government spokesman was quoted on Monday as saying Iran had sold the oil aboard the tanker and that the vessel's owner, whose identity he did not disclose, would decide its destination. After its release, it stated that its destination was the Greek port of Kalamata, then Turkey's Mersin. On Thursday, it abruptly changed course, making almost a U-turn away from the Turkish coast. While west of Cyprus on Friday morning, it did a similar manouevre, doubling back on itself. --

Iran tanker switches course again, heads to Turkey: Ship tracking data

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-near-agreement-on-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-246210"> Taliban</a> and that a permanent presence will remain.

"We're going down to 8,600 and then we make a determination from there," Trump said in an interview with Fox News radio. "We're always going to have a presence."

Trump also said that if an attack on the United States originated from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-deal-will-not-stop-attacks-on-afghan-forces-some-taliban-say-245828"> Afghanistan</a> "we would come back with a force like... never before."

The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -&nbsp;ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that US troop levels will drop to 8,600 in Afghanistan if a peace deal is reached with the Taliban and that a permanent presence will remain. "We're going down to 8,600 and then we make a determination from there," Trump said in an interview with Fox News radio. "We're always going to have a presence." Trump also said that if an attack on the United States originated from Afghanistan "we would come back with a force like... never before." The United States, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 - ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls next year.

Will drop troop level but permanent presence to remain in Afghanistan: Trump

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