A Sikh priest's family has lodged an FIR in Pakistan after their daughter went missing for three days and returned after marrying a Muslim man.&nbsp;

The girl was allegedly forcibly married. The priest belongs&nbsp;to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birth place of Guru Nanak Sahib.

According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sikh-girl-abducted-and-forcibly-converted-to-islam-in-pakistan-246405/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The girl, however, claims she "voluntarily" married the man and converted to Islam.

The case has led India to issue a strong statement against Pakistan. India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said: "We have, time and again raised the issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan."

"They have an obligation towards these people, they must fulfil it. 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.

A Sikh priest's family has lodged an FIR in Pakistan after their daughter went missing for three days and returned after marrying a Muslim man. The girl was allegedly forcibly married.

A Sikh priest's family has lodged an FIR in Pakistan after their daughter went missing for three days and returned after marrying a Muslim man. The girl was allegedly forcibly married. The priest belongs to Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib in Pakistan's Punjab province. The town is the birth place of Guru Nanak Sahib. According to the FIR, six people abducted the girl at gunpoint on August 27-28. Watch Video: The girl, however, claims she "voluntarily" married the man and converted to Islam. The case has led India to issue a strong statement against Pakistan. India's foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said: "We have, time and again raised the issue of persecution, abduction, treatment of minorities and conversions in Pakistan." "They have an obligation towards these people, they must fulfil it. 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.

Sikh priest's daughter abducted in Pakistan, 'forcibly converted into Islam' as parents file FIR

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-says-deeply-concerned-about-developments-in-south-china-sea-244942">territorial claims in the waterway</a> after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office.

Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei.

"The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state.

A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines.&nbsp;

Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment.&nbsp;

He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks.

A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. &nbsp;

Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi.

"He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese."

"We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said.

"I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda."

Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war.

The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials.

The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it.

"He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte will bring up territorial issues in his Beijing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Philippines ambassador said on Thursday, as tensions rise over claims to the South China Sea. The Filipino leader faces growing pressure at home to confront China over its aggressive approach to upholding its contested territorial claims in the waterway after largely setting aside the standoff for his years in office. Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights, but the waters are also contested by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei. "The President has made it clear that from his point of view the time has come" to discuss the issue, said Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Santa Romana, noting Thursday's meeting will be the eighth between the two heads of state. A series of recent confrontations have stoked simmering domestic discontent in the Philippines. Duterte had shelved the issue to woo Chinese aid, trade and investment. He has now built up a reservoir of goodwill with China, Santa Romana said, according to an official transcript of his remarks. A UN-backed tribunal in 2016 ruled there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources in areas falling within its nine-dash line, which is based on a vague map that emerged in the 1940s. Santa Romana said Duterte would bring up the arbitration victory in the meeting with Xi. "He has decided that it's the time to include in the diplomatic agenda," said Santa Romana, adding "he's not coming here to provoke the Chinese." "We have no illusion that we can solve the issue overnight," he said. "I think the important thing is to bring it to the fore of the diplomatic agenda." Duterte enjoys firm popular backing, but he has faced criticism at home over his stance that confronting China is futile and will only lead to an unwinnable war. The issue has flared up since a Chinese fishing trawler hit and sank a Filipino boat in the South China Sea in June, sparking a string of small street protests and criticism from opposition politicians and former officials. The Chinese fishermen's association issued an apology over the incident before Duterte'S visit and the government accepted it. "He's here to build bridges not to burn bridges with China," said Santa Romana.

President Duterte to bring up territorial issues with China during meeting with President Xi: Philippines ambassador

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680"> 'safe zone' in northern Syria</a>, in comments published on Thursday.

Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia.

The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity.

"We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster.

Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria.

"The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal.

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey.

But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria.

He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment."

Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement.

Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday. Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia. The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity. "We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster. Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria. "The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal. Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union. But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey. But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria. He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment." Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement. Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

Won't allow US to delay establishment of 'safe zone' in northern Syria: Erdogan

The pound slumped more than one per cent versus the dollar and euro on Wednesday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">Britain's government moved</a> to extend the suspension of parliament, increasing the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit.

Britain's currency slid 1.1 per cent to $1.2157, while the euro bought 91.23 pence. Sterling later recovered to above $1.22 but remained heavily down on late Tuesday.

The pound's plunge boosted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uproar-as-british-pm-johnson-cuts-parliament-time-before-brexit-246245">London's benchmark FTSE</a> 100 index, which features numerous multinationals earnings in dollars.

"The pace of sterling's drop demonstrates yet again the currency’s susceptibility to Brexit fears," said Han Tan, market analyst at FXTM trading group.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday announced that the annual suspension of parliament would be extended until October 14 -&nbsp;just two weeks before the UK is set to leave the European Union.

"Such an event would curtail attempts to block a no-deal Brexit within the UK parliament," Tan added.

Anti-Brexit MPs said Johnson's move amounted to a coup and a declaration of war, branding the prime minister a dictator.

The extension "certainly caught markets off-guard and came at a time when the pound had been recouping some of its (previous Brexit-fuelled) losses", noted Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda.&nbsp;

"The FTSE, as ever, is the unintended beneficiary of the plunge in the currency, given that the vast majority of its earnings are generated outside of the UK."

By contrast, eurozone stock markets were down heavily owing to a stronger euro, and uncertainty over China-US trade talks that weighed also on Asian equities.

A poll Wednesday showed German consumer sentiment is stabilising after three months of decline and despite fears of a looming recession in Europe's biggest economy.

Pollsters GfK said their forward-looking consumer barometer stood at 9.7 points, unchanged from August when it had fallen to its April 2017 level.

In commodities trading, oil prices extended Tuesday's surge that came in response to figures showing US stockpiles dived more than 11 million barrels last week, lifting hopes for demand and offsetting worries about the impact of the trade war.

Also providing support was Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's call for the United States to lift all sanctions against before he would meet Trump, after the US leader had said he would be open to talks.

The Islamic republic's foreign minister has said the chances of a face-to-face were "unimaginable", meaning there was little chance of a thawing of tensions that would see the return of Iranian oil onto markets. 
&nbsp;

The pound slumped more than one per cent versus the dollar and euro on Wednesday as Britain's government moved to extend the suspension of parliament, increasing the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit.

The pound slumped more than one per cent versus the dollar and euro on Wednesday as Britain's government moved to extend the suspension of parliament, increasing the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit. Britain's currency slid 1.1 per cent to $1.2157, while the euro bought 91.23 pence. Sterling later recovered to above $1.22 but remained heavily down on late Tuesday. The pound's plunge boosted London's benchmark FTSE 100 index, which features numerous multinationals earnings in dollars. "The pace of sterling's drop demonstrates yet again the currency’s susceptibility to Brexit fears," said Han Tan, market analyst at FXTM trading group. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday announced that the annual suspension of parliament would be extended until October 14 - just two weeks before the UK is set to leave the European Union. "Such an event would curtail attempts to block a no-deal Brexit within the UK parliament," Tan added. Anti-Brexit MPs said Johnson's move amounted to a coup and a declaration of war, branding the prime minister a dictator. The extension "certainly caught markets off-guard and came at a time when the pound had been recouping some of its (previous Brexit-fuelled) losses", noted Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda. "The FTSE, as ever, is the unintended beneficiary of the plunge in the currency, given that the vast majority of its earnings are generated outside of the UK." By contrast, eurozone stock markets were down heavily owing to a stronger euro, and uncertainty over China-US trade talks that weighed also on Asian equities. A poll Wednesday showed German consumer sentiment is stabilising after three months of decline and despite fears of a looming recession in Europe's biggest economy. Pollsters GfK said their forward-looking consumer barometer stood at 9.7 points, unchanged from August when it had fallen to its April 2017 level. In commodities trading, oil prices extended Tuesday's surge that came in response to figures showing US stockpiles dived more than 11 million barrels last week, lifting hopes for demand and offsetting worries about the impact of the trade war. Also providing support was Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's call for the United States to lift all sanctions against before he would meet Trump, after the US leader had said he would be open to talks. The Islamic republic's foreign minister has said the chances of a face-to-face were "unimaginable", meaning there was little chance of a thawing of tensions that would see the return of Iranian oil onto markets.

After British PM Johnson suspends parliament, Pound slums over no-Brexit fears

Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-provide-75-subsidy-for-setting-mega-food-parks-in-jammu-and-kashmir-mos-rameshwar-teli-246050">J&amp;K administration</a> as he appealed to the youth to get involved.

"We appeal to the youth to get involved with full vigor, in the coming two or three months we will fill these positions," Governor&nbsp;Satya Pal Malik declared.

The governor said mobiles will go live in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-nri-businessmen-keen-to-participate-in-jammu-and-kashmir-investment-meet-india-245388">ten districts in J&amp;K</a> while it will be made available in two districts in Ladakh.

"The medium of phone and Internet is used less by us and mostly by terrorists and Pakistanis as well as for mobilisation and indoctrination. It is a kind of weapon used against us so we have stopped it. The services will be resumed gradually," the governor maintained.

"We are opening mobile phone connectivity in Kupwara and Handwara districts(of Kashmir), soon we will open connectivity in other districts as well," Governor Satya Pal Malik said.&nbsp;

The governor while outlining his economic agenda&nbsp;added that five new medical colleges will be opened in J&amp;K.

The governor said: "Every Kashmiri life is valuable to us, we don't want loss of even a single life. There have&nbsp;been no civilian casualties, only a&nbsp;few who turned violent were&nbsp;injured." &nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the J&K administration as he appealed to the youth to get involved.

Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday announced 50,000 jobs were available in the J&K administration as he appealed to the youth to get involved. "We appeal to the youth to get involved with full vigor, in the coming two or three months we will fill these positions," Governor Satya Pal Malik declared. The governor said mobiles will go live in ten districts in J&K while it will be made available in two districts in Ladakh. "The medium of phone and Internet is used less by us and mostly by terrorists and Pakistanis as well as for mobilisation and indoctrination. It is a kind of weapon used against us so we have stopped it. The services will be resumed gradually," the governor maintained. "We are opening mobile phone connectivity in Kupwara and Handwara districts(of Kashmir), soon we will open connectivity in other districts as well," Governor Satya Pal Malik said. The governor while outlining his economic agenda added that five new medical colleges will be opened in J&K. The governor said: "Every Kashmiri life is valuable to us, we don't want loss of even a single life. There have been no civilian casualties, only a few who turned violent were injured."

Governor Satya Pal Malik outlines J&K's economic plan; announces 50,000 government jobs for youth

Facebook Inc is tightening its political ad rules in the United States, it said on Wednesday, requiring new disclosures for its site and photo-sharing platform Instagram ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-trade-commission-probes-facebooks-acquisition-practices-report-240072">US presidential election</a> in November 2020.

The social media giant is introducing a "confirmed organisation" label for US political advertisers who show government-issued credentials to demonstrate their legitimacy.

All advertisers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-create-privacy-panel-pay-5-billion-to-us-to-settle-data-breach-allegations-238141">running ads on politics</a> or social issues will also have to post their contact information, even if they are not seeking the official label.

Advertisers must comply by mid-October or risk having their ads cut off.

Under scrutiny from regulators since Russia allegedly used social media platforms to meddle in the 2016 US presidential election, Facebook has been rolling out ad transparency tools country by country since last year.

Since May 2018, Facebook has required political advertisers in the United States to put a "paid for by" disclaimer on their ads. But the company said some had used misleading disclaimers or tried to register as organizations that do&nbsp;not exist.

"In 2018 we did see evidence of misuse in these disclaimers and so this is our effort to strengthen the process," said Sarah Schiff, product manager at Facebook.

Last year, Vice News journalists managed to place ads on behalf of figures and groups including US Vice President Mike Pence and "Islamic State." Just last week, Facebook banned conservative news outlet The Epoch Times from advertising on the platform after it used different pages to push pro-Trump ads.

Paid Facebook ads have become a major tool for political campaigns and other organizations to target voters.

President Donald Trump's re-election campaign has spent about $9.6 million this year on ads on the site, making him the top spender among 2020 candidates, according to Bully Pulpit Interactive, a Democratic firm that tracks digital ad spending.

Last year, Facebook began requiring political advertisers to submit a US mailing address and identity document. Under the new rules, they will also have to supply a phone number, business email and website.

To get a "confirmed organization" label, advertisers must submit a Federal Election Commission ID number, tax-registered organization ID number, or government website domain matching an official email.

Facebook has continuously revamped its policies around political advertising, which differ by country.

In 2018, it launched an online library of political ads, although the database has been criticized by researchers for being poorly maintained and failing to provide useful ad targeting information.

Facebook Inc is tightening its political ad rules in the United States, it said on Wednesday, requiring new disclosures for its site and photo-sharing platform Instagram ahead of the US presidential election in November 2020.

Facebook Inc is tightening its political ad rules in the United States, it said on Wednesday, requiring new disclosures for its site and photo-sharing platform Instagram ahead of the US presidential election in November 2020. The social media giant is introducing a "confirmed organisation" label for US political advertisers who show government-issued credentials to demonstrate their legitimacy. All advertisers running ads on politics or social issues will also have to post their contact information, even if they are not seeking the official label. Advertisers must comply by mid-October or risk having their ads cut off. Under scrutiny from regulators since Russia allegedly used social media platforms to meddle in the 2016 US presidential election, Facebook has been rolling out ad transparency tools country by country since last year. Since May 2018, Facebook has required political advertisers in the United States to put a "paid for by" disclaimer on their ads. But the company said some had used misleading disclaimers or tried to register as organizations that do not exist. "In 2018 we did see evidence of misuse in these disclaimers and so this is our effort to strengthen the process," said Sarah Schiff, product manager at Facebook. Last year, Vice News journalists managed to place ads on behalf of figures and groups including US Vice President Mike Pence and "Islamic State." Just last week, Facebook banned conservative news outlet The Epoch Times from advertising on the platform after it used different pages to push pro-Trump ads. Paid Facebook ads have become a major tool for political campaigns and other organizations to target voters. President Donald Trump's re-election campaign has spent about $9.6 million this year on ads on the site, making him the top spender among 2020 candidates, according to Bully Pulpit Interactive, a Democratic firm that tracks digital ad spending. Last year, Facebook began requiring political advertisers to submit a US mailing address and identity document. Under the new rules, they will also have to supply a phone number, business email and website. To get a "confirmed organization" label, advertisers must submit a Federal Election Commission ID number, tax-registered organization ID number, or government website domain matching an official email. Facebook has continuously revamped its policies around political advertising, which differ by country. In 2018, it launched an online library of political ads, although the database has been criticized by researchers for being poorly maintained and failing to provide useful ad targeting information.

Now, Facebook tightens rules for US political advertisers ahead of 2020 polls

India's external affairs minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today.

&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

"I look forward for productive talks,"&nbsp;Jaishankar&nbsp;told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts.

PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit.

Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-complex-relationship-with-china-a-relationship-with-great-future-s-jaishankar-in-moscow-246164">addressed the Valdai Club</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific".

"All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate."

"There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added.

On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow today. Jaishankar told his Russian counterpart that he had started his diplomatic career in the Russian capital. "I look forward for productive talks," Jaishankar told Lavrov as the Indian delegation met their hosts. PM Modi will be visiting Vladivostok next week for the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 4 to 6. The Indian prime minister will also be meeting President Putin at the 20th annual bilateral summit. Jaishankar who is on a two-day visit to Moscow ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official engagement had addressed the Valdai Club on Tuesday where he discussed the "Indo-Pacific concept" and hoped that Russia will have its own "version of Indo-pacific". "All interested powers look at it with an open mind, treat the Indo-Pacific as part of the changing world and look at it as an old concept that has found a new relevance and join the debate." "There is an Indo-Pacific message in Vladivostok," he added. On the first day, S Jaishankar unveiled a Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of 'father of nation' Mahatma Gandhi.

Jaishankar meets Russian foreign minister Lavrov in Moscow

A Chinese Catholic bishop has been ordained with the joint approval of the Pope and Beijing for the first time <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-announces-historic-china-accord-appoint-bishops-167126">under an agreement</a> intended to encourage a rapprochement between China and the Holy See.

China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy were chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the Vatican.

But under the terms of the deal agreed in September last year, both Beijing and the Vatican will now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops.

China's official church, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, said Yao Shun was ordained as bishop of the diocese of Ulanqab in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Monday.

The law in China requires priests and bishops to register and align with the country's official church.

But the Vatican said the bishop, who it named as Antonio Yao Shun, had also "received the Papal Mandate" at the ordination, according to a statement by Matteo Bruni of the Holy See press office.

It said the ordination was the "first to take place in the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China", which severed diplomatic relations in 1951.

According to a report in the state-run Global Times on Wednesday, China faces a shortage of bishops, with around a third of the 98 dioceses having no bishops and many older ones set to retire.

State media reports said another Chinese bishop was set to be ordained Wednesday, although the official church did not confirm this.

Pope Francis recognised seven clergy appointed by China as part of the September deal, despite fears the accord would be used by Beijing to further crack down on worshippers outside the official church.

"The consecration of Father Yao Shun is good news for the Vatican," said Ian Johnson, an author who writes on Chinese religion.

"This was someone they wanted installed in office and now Beijing has allowed that to happen. It shows that the compromises are not all one-way, which is how some of the Pope's critics have portrayed the deal."

Although ties have improved as China's Catholic population grows and the Vatican intensifies efforts to restore relations, tensions remain.

The Vatican is the only European diplomatic ally of self-ruled Taiwan, which is viewed by China as a breakaway province awaiting reunification.

In June, the Vatican called for Beijing not to intimidate Catholics who were still choosing to worship at underground churches that refuse to swear allegiance to the official state church.

Recent years have also seen a clampdown on religious worship in China on multiple fronts, with churches destroyed in some regions and restrictions on the sale of Bibles.

The agreement met with fierce criticism from some quarters when it was announced last year.

Hong Kong's outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen said at the time that the deal was "a major step toward the annihilation of the real Church in China". 
&nbsp;

A Chinese Catholic bishop has been ordained with the joint approval of the Pope and Beijing for the first time under an agreement intended to encourage a rapprochement between China and the Holy See.

A Chinese Catholic bishop has been ordained with the joint approval of the Pope and Beijing for the first time under an agreement intended to encourage a rapprochement between China and the Holy See. China's roughly 12 million Catholics have for decades been split between a government-run association, whose clergy were chosen by the atheist Communist Party, and an unofficial underground church loyal to the Vatican. But under the terms of the deal agreed in September last year, both Beijing and the Vatican will now have a say in appointing Catholic bishops. China's official church, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, said Yao Shun was ordained as bishop of the diocese of Ulanqab in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Monday. The law in China requires priests and bishops to register and align with the country's official church. But the Vatican said the bishop, who it named as Antonio Yao Shun, had also "received the Papal Mandate" at the ordination, according to a statement by Matteo Bruni of the Holy See press office. It said the ordination was the "first to take place in the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China", which severed diplomatic relations in 1951. According to a report in the state-run Global Times on Wednesday, China faces a shortage of bishops, with around a third of the 98 dioceses having no bishops and many older ones set to retire. State media reports said another Chinese bishop was set to be ordained Wednesday, although the official church did not confirm this. Pope Francis recognised seven clergy appointed by China as part of the September deal, despite fears the accord would be used by Beijing to further crack down on worshippers outside the official church. "The consecration of Father Yao Shun is good news for the Vatican," said Ian Johnson, an author who writes on Chinese religion. "This was someone they wanted installed in office and now Beijing has allowed that to happen. It shows that the compromises are not all one-way, which is how some of the Pope's critics have portrayed the deal." Although ties have improved as China's Catholic population grows and the Vatican intensifies efforts to restore relations, tensions remain. The Vatican is the only European diplomatic ally of self-ruled Taiwan, which is viewed by China as a breakaway province awaiting reunification. In June, the Vatican called for Beijing not to intimidate Catholics who were still choosing to worship at underground churches that refuse to swear allegiance to the official state church. Recent years have also seen a clampdown on religious worship in China on multiple fronts, with churches destroyed in some regions and restrictions on the sale of Bibles. The agreement met with fierce criticism from some quarters when it was announced last year. Hong Kong's outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen said at the time that the deal was "a major step toward the annihilation of the real Church in China".

First bishop ordained in China under Vatican deal

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-open-to-g7-aid-if-macron-withdraws-insults-246047">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy.

"He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said.

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I have gotten to know President <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairbolsonaro</a> well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1166357258726498304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-rejects-g7-aid-of-20-million-euros-to-fight-amazon-fires-245885">had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros</a> to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe".

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-reveals-aftermath-of-amazon-fires-245993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes.

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check.

According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires".

As the Amazon fire raged and the Brazilian government rejected G7 aid, US President Trump that President Jair Bolsonaro was "working very hard on the Amazon fires". Trump said in all respects Bolsonaro was doing a great job for the people of Brazil, adding that it wasn't easy. "He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!, the US president said. I have gotten to know President @jairbolsonaro well in our dealings with Brazil. He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil - Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019 × On Tuesday, Bolsonaro's government had refused G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight the Amazon fires with Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro asserting that the money was "more relevant to reforest Europe". "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni asked. Watch Video: Hundreds of new fires have flared up in the Amazon in Brazil, data showed Monday, even as military aircraft dumped water over hard-hit areas and G7 nations pledged to help combat the blazes. Two C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying thousands of liters of water on Sunday had begun dousing fires devouring chunks of the world's largest rainforest, which is seen as crucial to keeping climate change in check. According to the latest official figures, 80,626 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since at least 2013.

Bolsonaro working very hard on Amazon fires, doing a great job: Trump

How China, Pak arms deal is changing military dynamics in South Asia

Iran has jailed two people including a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sold-oil-from-tanker-released-by-gibraltar-iran-245692">British dual national </a>for ten&nbsp;years for spying for Israel and another two years for receiving illegal payments, the judiciary said on&nbsp;Tuesday.

Anousheh Ashouri, a woman with British and Iranian citizenship, got ten&nbsp;years in prison for feeding information to Israel's Mossad spy agency, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said.

She was also handed a two-year prison sentence for receiving $36,600&nbsp;in illicit funds from Israel and ordered to pay the same amount in fines.

Ali Johari, an Iranian national, got 10 years for various espionage offences&nbsp;including "widespread connections with Mossad... and meeting with various elements linked to the Zionists," Esmaili said, quoted by the judiciary's website.

Johari had been in contact with operatives in India, Laos and Sri Lanka, among other countries, and also travelled to "occupied lands", the judiciary added.

He had been in the process of "getting citizenship from this country", said Esmaili, in an apparent reference to Israel.

Johari also received two years for accepting illicit funds and was ordered to pay that unspecified amount in fines, said Esmaili.

Ashouri is the latest Iranian national with a Western passport to be detained in Iran.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian project manager with Thomson Reuters Foundation, has been held in Tehran since 2016 on sedition charges, a case that has caused major tensions with the United Kingdom.

Other Iranian dual nationals jailed in Iran include Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, who are serving 10-year sentences for espionage in a case that has outraged Washington.

And last month Iran confirmed the arrest of French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah, 60, without giving any details on the case. 
&nbsp;

Iran has jailed two people including a British dual national for ten years for spying for Israel and another two years for receiving illegal payments, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

Iran has jailed two people including a British dual national for ten years for spying for Israel and another two years for receiving illegal payments, the judiciary said on Tuesday. Anousheh Ashouri, a woman with British and Iranian citizenship, got ten years in prison for feeding information to Israel's Mossad spy agency, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said. She was also handed a two-year prison sentence for receiving $36,600 in illicit funds from Israel and ordered to pay the same amount in fines. Ali Johari, an Iranian national, got 10 years for various espionage offences including "widespread connections with Mossad... and meeting with various elements linked to the Zionists," Esmaili said, quoted by the judiciary's website. Johari had been in contact with operatives in India, Laos and Sri Lanka, among other countries, and also travelled to "occupied lands", the judiciary added. He had been in the process of "getting citizenship from this country", said Esmaili, in an apparent reference to Israel. Johari also received two years for accepting illicit funds and was ordered to pay that unspecified amount in fines, said Esmaili. Ashouri is the latest Iranian national with a Western passport to be detained in Iran. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian project manager with Thomson Reuters Foundation, has been held in Tehran since 2016 on sedition charges, a case that has caused major tensions with the United Kingdom. Other Iranian dual nationals jailed in Iran include Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, who are serving 10-year sentences for espionage in a case that has outraged Washington. And last month Iran confirmed the arrest of French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah, 60, without giving any details on the case.

Iran court jails two for spying for Israel, including UK dual national

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-yang-hengjun-arrested-in-china-over-spying-charges-245874">China's judicial processes</a> after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage.

"I would like to emphasize that China is a country ruled by law and the Australian side should earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and must not intervene in any cases handled in China," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

China's statement comes after an Australian pro-democracy academic held for seven months in China was formally arrested for spying.

Australian Foreign minister Marise Payne had said Tuesday she demanded Beijing uphold "basic standards" of justice.

Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun &nbsp;- a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage".

Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage".

Yang had been detained after returning to China from the United States in January.

Now in his 50s, he had used popular blog and social media posts to criticise Beijing's authoritarian government. He has a following of more than 125,000 on Twitter alone.

After months without access to his lawyer or family, Yang now faces trial on charges that could bring a lengthy prison sentence.

China's near-silence about Yang's fate has been a point of friction in relations with Australia that have markedly deteriorated in recent months.

In a sharply worded statement, Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters.

"Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," Payne said, referencing international rules prohibiting torture.

"Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits."

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in China's judicial processes after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage.

Beijing said on Tuesday that Canberra should not "intervene" in China's judicial processes after confirming Australian national Yang Jun had been arrested for alleged espionage. "I would like to emphasize that China is a country ruled by law and the Australian side should earnestly respect China's judicial sovereignty and must not intervene in any cases handled in China," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. China's statement comes after an Australian pro-democracy academic held for seven months in China was formally arrested for spying. Australian Foreign minister Marise Payne had said Tuesday she demanded Beijing uphold "basic standards" of justice. Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage". Payne said she was "very concerned" that Chinese-born Yang Hengjun - a former official turned author - had been arrested on "suspicion of espionage". Yang had been detained after returning to China from the United States in January. Now in his 50s, he had used popular blog and social media posts to criticise Beijing's authoritarian government. He has a following of more than 125,000 on Twitter alone. After months without access to his lawyer or family, Yang now faces trial on charges that could bring a lengthy prison sentence. China's near-silence about Yang's fate has been a point of friction in relations with Australia that have markedly deteriorated in recent months. In a sharply worded statement, Payne said she had raised the case five times with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in person and via letters. "Dr Yang has been held in Beijing in harsh conditions without charge for more than seven months," Payne said, referencing international rules prohibiting torture. "Since that time, China has not explained the reasons for Dr Yang's detention, nor has it allowed him access to his lawyers or family visits."

Australia shouldn't intervene: China on detained citizen case

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