Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a big rollback on taxation asserting&nbsp;that there would be no surcharge on long and short term capital gain.

Addressing a press conference, the finance minister said GST returns will be simplified even further. Sitharaman added that there would be no&nbsp;surcharge for FPI and domestic investors in the market.&nbsp;"All pending GST refunds due to MSMEs till now shall be paid within 30 days from today," the finance minister informed.

The minister said that Angel&nbsp;tax provisions for startups will be removed.

"Tax assessment will become faceless and random." "It is wrong to say the government is harassing taxpayers," she said. The minister said 1400 prosecutions were withdrawn and sixteen offences have been moved to "monetary penalty".

"BS4 vehicles purchased up to March 2020 will all remain operational for their entire period of registration," the finance minister added.

"Banks have now decided to pass on any rate cut through MCLR reduction to benefit all borrowers. This will result in reduced EMIs for housing loans, vehicles and other retail loans, by directly linking repo rates to the interest rates," the finance minister.

"CSR violation is not a criminal offence," the finance minister said.&nbsp;

I-T notices will be through a centralised system,&nbsp;Sitharaman added.

India's finance minister said the global growth rate is forecast at 3.2 per cent, asserting that global demand is weak at the present.

"Just to give you briefly a picture of what is happening globally. The current projected global GDP growth is of about 3.2 per cent and probably is going to be even revised downwards," the finance minister said.

Sitharaman said that surcharge on capital gains has been withdrawn.

"India is in a better position," Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman said the situation global trade was volatile while emphasising that reforms was&nbsp;a continues endeavour of the government.

"I had consultation with industry representatives, India's position is in a comfortable zone," she added. The government is responsive to the situation the ground, the finance minister assured the nation.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a big rollback on taxation asserting that there would be no surcharge on long and short term capital gain. Addressing a press conference, the finance minister said GST returns will be simplified even further.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a big rollback on taxation asserting that there would be no surcharge on long and short term capital gain. Addressing a press conference, the finance minister said GST returns will be simplified even further. Sitharaman added that there would be no surcharge for FPI and domestic investors in the market. "All pending GST refunds due to MSMEs till now shall be paid within 30 days from today," the finance minister informed. The minister said that Angel tax provisions for startups will be removed. "Tax assessment will become faceless and random." "It is wrong to say the government is harassing taxpayers," she said. The minister said 1400 prosecutions were withdrawn and sixteen offences have been moved to "monetary penalty". "BS4 vehicles purchased up to March 2020 will all remain operational for their entire period of registration," the finance minister added. "Banks have now decided to pass on any rate cut through MCLR reduction to benefit all borrowers. This will result in reduced EMIs for housing loans, vehicles and other retail loans, by directly linking repo rates to the interest rates," the finance minister. "CSR violation is not a criminal offence," the finance minister said. I-T notices will be through a centralised system, Sitharaman added. India's finance minister said the global growth rate is forecast at 3.2 per cent, asserting that global demand is weak at the present. "Just to give you briefly a picture of what is happening globally. The current projected global GDP growth is of about 3.2 per cent and probably is going to be even revised downwards," the finance minister said. Sitharaman said that surcharge on capital gains has been withdrawn. "India is in a better position," Sitharaman said. Sitharaman said the situation global trade was volatile while emphasising that reforms was a continues endeavour of the government. "I had consultation with industry representatives, India's position is in a comfortable zone," she added. The government is responsive to the situation the ground, the finance minister assured the nation.

Angel tax provisions for startups and investors withdrawn: Nirmala Sitharaman

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">Taiwan Strait</a> on Friday as the US&nbsp;military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US&nbsp;military said in a statement.

The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory.

Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">US Navy warship</a> sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam.

Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US military said in a statement. The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory. Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait. The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam. Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

'Free and open Indo-Pacific': US military ship passes through Taiwan Strait

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said he has ordered the military to prepare a "symmetric response" after Washington announced this week it had tested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tests-medium-range-cruise-missile-after-exiting-inf-treaty-244247">formerly banned missile</a>.

Putin said he had ordered an analysis of "the level of threat for our country created by the actions of the US and to take comprehensive measures to prepare a symmetric response".

Putin's reaction comes after the Pentagon had announced on Monday that it had tested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-inf-missile-treaty-clears-way-for-new-arms-race-with-russia-240039">conventionally-configured cruise missile</a> that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out of a major arms control treaty with Russia on August 2.

Putin said Russia could not stand idly by, and that US talk of deploying new missiles in the Asia-Pacific region "affects our core interests as it is close to Russia's borders", according to a transcript of his remarks on the Kremlin website.

"As you know, we have never wanted, do not want and will not get involved in a costly, destructive arms race," Putin said.

Russia and China had asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to Reuters.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China.

"We want to make sure that we, as we need to, have the capability to deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our own capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said.

Esper had said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon.

Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which US officials believe was associated with the Kremlin's hypersonic cruise missile program.

“Clearly they are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty.

(Inputs: Reuters &amp; AFP) 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said he has ordered the military to prepare a "symmetric response" after Washington announced this week it had tested a formerly banned missile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said he has ordered the military to prepare a "symmetric response" after Washington announced this week it had tested a formerly banned missile. Putin said he had ordered an analysis of "the level of threat for our country created by the actions of the US and to take comprehensive measures to prepare a symmetric response". Putin's reaction comes after the Pentagon had announced on Monday that it had tested a conventionally-configured cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out of a major arms control treaty with Russia on August 2. Putin said Russia could not stand idly by, and that US talk of deploying new missiles in the Asia-Pacific region "affects our core interests as it is close to Russia's borders", according to a transcript of his remarks on the Kremlin website. "As you know, we have never wanted, do not want and will not get involved in a costly, destructive arms race," Putin said. Russia and China had asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to Reuters. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China. "We want to make sure that we, as we need to, have the capability to deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our own capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said. Esper had said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon. Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which US officials believe was associated with the Kremlin's hypersonic cruise missile program. “Clearly they are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty. (Inputs: Reuters & AFP)

Putin orders Russian military to prepare 'symmetric response' after US missile test

PM Modi and French <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-french-president-macron-delegation-level-talks-to-begin-soon-244889">President Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;issued a&nbsp;joint statement after their&nbsp;delegation-level talks on Thursday evening.

"I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side.

"We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important."

"Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister.

The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month.

During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena.

"We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters.

PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision.&nbsp;

Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge".

PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser.&nbsp;

"I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen."

"We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said.

PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris.

PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue.

"France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said.

"Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy.

PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror.&nbsp;

"We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said.

Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.

On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side. "We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important." "Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister. The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month. During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena. "We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters. PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision. Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge". PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser. "I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen." "We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said. PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris. PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue. "France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said. "Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy. PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror. "We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said. Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France. On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

India, Pak should resolve J&K issue bilaterally: Macron during meeting with PM Modi

Just hours <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-arrives-in-paris-set-to-meet-president-macron-shortly-244875">after arriving in Paris</a>, PM Modi met French President Macron at the&nbsp;Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening.

This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. India and France delegation-level talks began as the two leaders met today. It will be followed by a joint press conference.

Later, the French president will host a dinner meeting for the Indian prime minister.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Indian prime minister was welcomed by the Indian community at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.

On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

Just hours after arriving in Paris, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President.

Just hours after arriving in Paris, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. India and France delegation-level talks began as the two leaders met today. It will be followed by a joint press conference. Later, the French president will host a dinner meeting for the Indian prime minister. Earlier, the Indian prime minister was welcomed by the Indian community at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France. On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

PM Modi meets French President Macron; delegation-level talks begin

American officials are working to secure the release of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/relations-with-canada-facing-serious-difficulties-responsibility-lies-entirely-on-the-canadian-side-china-244785"> two Canadians held by China</a>, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Thursday as he sat down with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - were detained in December and accused of espionage.

The detention came nine days after Canada had arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US warrant. While no official link was made, the arrest of the two men was widely viewed as retaliation.

"Please note that our team is focused on helping those two Canadians be released," Pompeo told Trudeau. "We're working on it diligently."

"It's wrong that they are being held," he added.

Pompeo was in Ottawa to discuss trade, China and the upcoming G7 summit with Trudeau and foreign minister Chrystia Freeland.

He also met with Canadian business executives - including Canada's largest agricultural exporter Richardson International, which saw its canola shipments to China blocked earlier this year.

On the eve of the Pompeo visit, Trudeau vowed in a speech that he would "always defend Canadians and Canadian interests" and not "back down" in deepening diplomatic and trade disputes with China.

Beijing quickly shot back, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang blaming Ottawa for the row and renewing Beijing's demands that Canada immediately release of Meng.

The two countries have been locked in a feud since Meng's arrest during a flight stopover in Vancouver.

The US is seeking her extradition to face fraud charges for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks - accusations that her lawyers dispute.

American officials are working to secure the release of two Canadians held by China, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Thursday as he sat down with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

American officials are working to secure the release of two Canadians held by China, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said on Thursday as he sat down with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - were detained in December and accused of espionage. The detention came nine days after Canada had arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US warrant. While no official link was made, the arrest of the two men was widely viewed as retaliation. "Please note that our team is focused on helping those two Canadians be released," Pompeo told Trudeau. "We're working on it diligently." "It's wrong that they are being held," he added. Pompeo was in Ottawa to discuss trade, China and the upcoming G7 summit with Trudeau and foreign minister Chrystia Freeland. He also met with Canadian business executives - including Canada's largest agricultural exporter Richardson International, which saw its canola shipments to China blocked earlier this year. On the eve of the Pompeo visit, Trudeau vowed in a speech that he would "always defend Canadians and Canadian interests" and not "back down" in deepening diplomatic and trade disputes with China. Beijing quickly shot back, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang blaming Ottawa for the row and renewing Beijing's demands that Canada immediately release of Meng. The two countries have been locked in a feud since Meng's arrest during a flight stopover in Vancouver. The US is seeking her extradition to face fraud charges for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks - accusations that her lawyers dispute.

Focused on getting two Canadians released from China: Pompeo to Trudeau

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-believes-osama-bin-ladens-son-hamza-is-dead-official-239806">death of Hamza Bin Laden</a>, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden.

"That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead.

"I don't have the details on that. And if I did I'm not sure how much I could share with you," he added.

US media reported at the beginning of August that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hamza-bin-ladens-death-no-big-blow-to-al-qaeda-report-240318">Hamza bin Laden</a> was killed during the last two years in an operation that involved the United States, citing US intelligence officials.

But President Donald Trump and other senior officials have refused to confirm or deny it publicly.

"I don't want to comment on it," Trump told reporters when asked.

The 15th of Osama bin Laden's twenty&nbsp;children and a son of his third wife, Hamza, thought to be about 30 years old, was "emerging as a leader in the Al-Qaeda franchise," the State Department had said in announcing the reward.

Sometimes dubbed the "crown prince of jihad," he had put out audio and video messages calling for attacks on the United States and other countries, especially to avenge his father's killing by US forces in Pakistan in May 2011, the department said.

That work made him important in attracting a new generation of followers to the extremist group which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US which left nearly 3,000 dead.

His father's death in 2011 and the rise of the more virulent Islamic State group saw Al-Qaeda lose currency with younger jihadists, but the group appears to have been plotting a stealthy comeback under leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the death of Hamza Bin Laden, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. "That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the death of Hamza Bin Laden, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. "That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead. "I don't have the details on that. And if I did I'm not sure how much I could share with you," he added. US media reported at the beginning of August that Hamza bin Laden was killed during the last two years in an operation that involved the United States, citing US intelligence officials. But President Donald Trump and other senior officials have refused to confirm or deny it publicly. "I don't want to comment on it," Trump told reporters when asked. The 15th of Osama bin Laden's twenty children and a son of his third wife, Hamza, thought to be about 30 years old, was "emerging as a leader in the Al-Qaeda franchise," the State Department had said in announcing the reward. Sometimes dubbed the "crown prince of jihad," he had put out audio and video messages calling for attacks on the United States and other countries, especially to avenge his father's killing by US forces in Pakistan in May 2011, the department said. That work made him important in attracting a new generation of followers to the extremist group which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US which left nearly 3,000 dead. His father's death in 2011 and the rise of the more virulent Islamic State group saw Al-Qaeda lose currency with younger jihadists, but the group appears to have been plotting a stealthy comeback under leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US secretary of defence Mark Esper confirms death of Al-Qaeda's Hamza bin Laden

Prime minister Modi arrived at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-macron-attend-g7-as-he-begins-three-nation-tour-france-uae-and-bahrain-244742">Charles de Gaulle airport</a> in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting.

PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President.

PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively.&nbsp;

On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference.

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

PM Modi arrives in Paris, set to meet President Macron shortly

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-says-trump-tweets-go-against-what-makes-america-great-237130">German Chancellor Angela&nbsp;Merkel</a>&nbsp;said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a&nbsp;solution&nbsp;for the so-called Irish&nbsp;backstop, saying they could also&nbsp;have&nbsp;time&nbsp;until&nbsp;Oct.&nbsp;31, when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

"I said that what one&nbsp;can&nbsp;achieve in three or two years&nbsp;can&nbsp;also be achieved in 30 days. Better said, one must say that one&nbsp;can&nbsp;also achieve it by&nbsp;October&nbsp;31,"&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;told a news conference in the Hague.

Merkel&nbsp;had suggested on&nbsp;Wednesday that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-germany-hints-at-compromise-france-tells-uk-no-new-brexit-deal-244700"> Britain and the EU </a>could find a&nbsp;solution&nbsp;to the sticking point of the Irish&nbsp;backstop&nbsp;in the next 30 days, a possible signal she was willing to compromise with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a solution for the so-called Irish backstop, saying they could also have time until Oct.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a solution for the so-called Irish backstop, saying they could also have time until Oct. 31, when Britain is due to leave the European Union. "I said that what one can achieve in three or two years can also be achieved in 30 days. Better said, one must say that one can also achieve it by October 31," Merkel told a news conference in the Hague. Merkel had suggested on Wednesday that Britain and the EU could find a solution to the sticking point of the Irish backstop in the next 30 days, a possible signal she was willing to compromise with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

We can have until October 31 for Brexit backstop solution: Merkel

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-germany-hints-at-compromise-france-tells-uk-no-new-brexit-deal-244700">solution to Brexit</a> while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday.

Like German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, Macron supported allowing another 30 days to find a solution to the vexed issue of the Irish border which has bedevilled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-seems-most-likely-scenario-french-presidential-aide-244673">negotiations since 2017</a>.

"We need to try to have a useful month," Macron said alongside Johnson who insisted that solutions were "readily available" to prevent checkpoints returning in divided Ireland.

But Macron, who admitted he had a reputation as the "hardest in the gang" on Brexit, has rejected Johnson's calls to scrap a key arrangement for Ireland negotiated between the EU and former British premier Theresa May.

At stake is the so-called "backstop", which is a provision guaranteeing that border checks will not return between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of Britain.

Johnson considers the backstop to be "anti-democratic" and an affront to British sovereignty because it will require London to keep its regulations aligned with the EU during a transition exit period.

"The technical solutions are readily available (to avoid checkpoints) and they have been discussed at great length," Johnson said. "You can have trusted trader schemes, you can have electronic pre-clearing."

The EU argues the backstop is necessary to avoid the re-emergence of checkpoints which could lead to a return of fighting on the divided island where anti-British violence has claimed thousands of lives.

"I want to be very clear. In the coming month, we will not find a new withdrawal agreement that is far from the fundamentals," Macron said at the Elysee palace in central Paris.

Since Johnson's ascent to power last month, the chances of a "no deal" Brexit on October 31 have risen, which economists see as likely to wreak economic damage on Britain and the EU.

"The EU and member states need to take the possibility of a 'no deal' outcome much more seriously than before," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels on Thursday on condition of anonymity.

A French official said on Wednesday that this was becoming the "most likely" scenario.

The Paris visit was the second leg of Johnson's first foreign trip as prime minister.

On Wednesday, he was in Berlin for talks with Merkel who appeared to offer a glimmer of hope by saying Britain should try to find a breakthrough to the issue over the next month.

"I want a deal," Johnson told Macron. "I think we can get a deal and a good deal."

He added that he had been "powerfully encouraged" by his talks with Merkel. "I admire that 'can do' spirit that she seemed to have."

But many Brexit watchers see Merkel's remarks as fitting a pattern in which she has often been more conciliatory in public about Brexit than Macron, whose abrasive remarks have caused anger in London in the past.

"There is not the width of cigarette paper between Paris and Berlin on these issues," a senior aide to Macron said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

The EU official in Brussels added that the EU was "a little concerned based on what we heard yesterday (in Berlin)."

"We are waiting for new facts, workable ideas," the official added.

- Blame game - 
Johnson, who has deployed his French language skills to charm diplomats in Paris before, has staked his leadership on withdrawing Britain from the EU by the current deadline of October 31 &nbsp;-- "do or die".

Some analysts see a risk of relations between Macron and Johnson becoming stormy in public, which could lead to a blame game about a "no deal" Brexit.&nbsp;

Johnson reportedly once called the French "turds" over their stance on Brexit during his time as foreign secretary -- remarks he later said he could not recall.

But Macron pre-empted any attempt to deflect blame onto the European side during a press conference on Wednesday before Johnson's arrival.

"It will be the responsibility of the British government, always, because firstly it was the British people that decided Brexit, and the British government has the possibility up to the last second to revoke Article 50," he said.

Article 50 is the legal mechanism used by EU members states to withdraw from the bloc which was triggered by Britain in March 2017.

At the weekend, Macron, Merkel and Johnson will meet US President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of both Brexit and Johnson, at a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a solution to Brexit while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday.

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a solution to Brexit while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday. Like German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, Macron supported allowing another 30 days to find a solution to the vexed issue of the Irish border which has bedevilled negotiations since 2017. "We need to try to have a useful month," Macron said alongside Johnson who insisted that solutions were "readily available" to prevent checkpoints returning in divided Ireland. But Macron, who admitted he had a reputation as the "hardest in the gang" on Brexit, has rejected Johnson's calls to scrap a key arrangement for Ireland negotiated between the EU and former British premier Theresa May. At stake is the so-called "backstop", which is a provision guaranteeing that border checks will not return between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of Britain. Johnson considers the backstop to be "anti-democratic" and an affront to British sovereignty because it will require London to keep its regulations aligned with the EU during a transition exit period. "The technical solutions are readily available (to avoid checkpoints) and they have been discussed at great length," Johnson said. "You can have trusted trader schemes, you can have electronic pre-clearing." The EU argues the backstop is necessary to avoid the re-emergence of checkpoints which could lead to a return of fighting on the divided island where anti-British violence has claimed thousands of lives. "I want to be very clear. In the coming month, we will not find a new withdrawal agreement that is far from the fundamentals," Macron said at the Elysee palace in central Paris. Since Johnson's ascent to power last month, the chances of a "no deal" Brexit on October 31 have risen, which economists see as likely to wreak economic damage on Britain and the EU. "The EU and member states need to take the possibility of a 'no deal' outcome much more seriously than before," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels on Thursday on condition of anonymity. A French official said on Wednesday that this was becoming the "most likely" scenario. The Paris visit was the second leg of Johnson's first foreign trip as prime minister. On Wednesday, he was in Berlin for talks with Merkel who appeared to offer a glimmer of hope by saying Britain should try to find a breakthrough to the issue over the next month. "I want a deal," Johnson told Macron. "I think we can get a deal and a good deal." He added that he had been "powerfully encouraged" by his talks with Merkel. "I admire that 'can do' spirit that she seemed to have." But many Brexit watchers see Merkel's remarks as fitting a pattern in which she has often been more conciliatory in public about Brexit than Macron, whose abrasive remarks have caused anger in London in the past. "There is not the width of cigarette paper between Paris and Berlin on these issues," a senior aide to Macron said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity. The EU official in Brussels added that the EU was "a little concerned based on what we heard yesterday (in Berlin)." "We are waiting for new facts, workable ideas," the official added. - Blame game - Johnson, who has deployed his French language skills to charm diplomats in Paris before, has staked his leadership on withdrawing Britain from the EU by the current deadline of October 31 -- "do or die". Some analysts see a risk of relations between Macron and Johnson becoming stormy in public, which could lead to a blame game about a "no deal" Brexit. Johnson reportedly once called the French "turds" over their stance on Brexit during his time as foreign secretary -- remarks he later said he could not recall. But Macron pre-empted any attempt to deflect blame onto the European side during a press conference on Wednesday before Johnson's arrival. "It will be the responsibility of the British government, always, because firstly it was the British people that decided Brexit, and the British government has the possibility up to the last second to revoke Article 50," he said. Article 50 is the legal mechanism used by EU members states to withdraw from the bloc which was triggered by Britain in March 2017. At the weekend, Macron, Merkel and Johnson will meet US President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of both Brexit and Johnson, at a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

I think we can get Brexit deal and a good deal: Johnson to Macron

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-pace-star-jofra-archer-throws-down-gauntlet-to-aussie-batsmen-242489">Jofra&nbsp;Archer&nbsp;</a>removed Australia opener, Marcus Harris, to leave Australia on 12-1 at lunch as&nbsp;rained hampered the start of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-look-to-smith-again-as-england-take-charge-of-first-ashes-test-240501"> third Ashes Test </a>at Headingley on Thursday.

Play got underway late in damp conditions in West Yorkshire, with Stuart Broad and&nbsp;Archer&nbsp;bowling well, Broad almost tempting David Warner into edging the ball on more than one occasion.

But it was Warner's opening partner Harris, the replacement for Cameron Bancroft at the top of the order, who fell first, caught behind off&nbsp;Archer&nbsp;for eight.

Rain&nbsp;took the players off immediately after Harris' dismissal, and lunch was taken&nbsp;early, with just four overs having been bowled in the&nbsp;morning&nbsp;session.

Jofra Archer removed Australia opener, Marcus Harris, to leave Australia on 12-1 at lunch as rained hampered the start of the third Ashes Test at Headingley on Thursday.

Jofra Archer removed Australia opener, Marcus Harris, to leave Australia on 12-1 at lunch as rained hampered the start of the third Ashes Test at Headingley on Thursday. Play got underway late in damp conditions in West Yorkshire, with Stuart Broad and Archer bowling well, Broad almost tempting David Warner into edging the ball on more than one occasion. But it was Warner's opening partner Harris, the replacement for Cameron Bancroft at the top of the order, who fell first, caught behind off Archer for eight. Rain took the players off immediately after Harris' dismissal, and lunch was taken early, with just four overs having been bowled in the morning session.

Archer strikes early in rain-delayed morning session in third Ashes Test

Indonesia&nbsp;has arrested&nbsp;34&nbsp;people and cut&nbsp;internet&nbsp;access in its easternmost region of&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;to rein in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-deploys-more-troops-as-violence-escalates-in-papua-244617"> violence after protesters torched buildings</a>, a market and prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination.

Police have flown in 1,200 more officers to quell sometimes violent&nbsp;protests&nbsp;since Monday in towns such as Manokwari, Sorong, Fakfak and Timika, near the giant Grasberg copper mine operated by<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-blocks-internet-in-papua-to-help-curb-violent-protests-244734"> Freeport McMoran's&nbsp;Indonesian</a> unit.

The communication ministry has blocked the&nbsp;internet&nbsp;and telecoms data to prevent&nbsp;Papuans from accessing social media since Wednesday, although telephone calls and text messages are unaffected, said ministry spokesman Ferdinandus Setu.

"This is an effort to&nbsp;curb&nbsp;hoaxes and, most importantly, stop people from sharing provocative messages that can incite racial hatred," he added.

A separatist movement has simmered in&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;for decades, with frequent complaints of rights abuses by security forces, but the recent anger appears to be linked to racist slurs against&nbsp;Papuan students who were detained last week.

The students were arrested in a dormitory in the city of Surabaya in East Java after being accused of disrespecting the&nbsp;Indonesian flag during an Independence Day celebration.

Smaller demonstrations and rallies in support of&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;flared nationwide on Thursday, while the chief security minister, police chief and military commander visited Sorong to inspect the sites of the most violent&nbsp;protests.

An official said two rallies in the Nabire and Yahukimo areas of&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;were peaceful, the Kompas news site said.

In Jakarta, the capital, more than a hundred&nbsp;Papuan students marched from army headquarters to the gates of the presidential palace, shouting pro-independence slogans demanding "Referendum for&nbsp;Papua" or "Freedom for&nbsp;Papua".

Some held posters demanding the right to self-determination and an end to racism and colonialism in West&nbsp;Papua.

Papuan students also held a smaller protest in the nearby city of Bogor.

President Joko Widodo told reporters he would invite religious and community leaders from across&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;for talks next week.

Widodo has urged the army and police chiefs to act against officers who behaved in a "racist manner" towards students, his chief of staff told news channel CNN&nbsp;Indonesia.

Police have arrested&nbsp;34&nbsp;people in Timika, where thousands of protesters threw stones at a parliament building, houses, shops, and a hotel on Wednesday, police said.

They accused 13 of being members of a pro-Papu an independence separatist group.

Papua&nbsp;and West&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, were a Dutch colony that was incorporated into&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969.

Widodo has sought to ease tension and improve welfare by building infrastructure.

He has visited the region more often than any of his predecessors, and plans to open a bridge next month in Jayapura, the capital of&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;province, his secretariat said.

Indonesia has arrested 34 people and cut internet access in its easternmost region of Papua to rein in violence after protesters torched buildings, a market and prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination.

Indonesia has arrested 34 people and cut internet access in its easternmost region of Papua to rein in violence after protesters torched buildings, a market and prison over the mistreatment of students and perceived ethnic discrimination. Police have flown in 1,200 more officers to quell sometimes violent protests since Monday in towns such as Manokwari, Sorong, Fakfak and Timika, near the giant Grasberg copper mine operated by Freeport McMoran's Indonesian unit. The communication ministry has blocked the internet and telecoms data to prevent Papuans from accessing social media since Wednesday, although telephone calls and text messages are unaffected, said ministry spokesman Ferdinandus Setu. "This is an effort to curb hoaxes and, most importantly, stop people from sharing provocative messages that can incite racial hatred," he added. A separatist movement has simmered in Papua for decades, with frequent complaints of rights abuses by security forces, but the recent anger appears to be linked to racist slurs against Papuan students who were detained last week. The students were arrested in a dormitory in the city of Surabaya in East Java after being accused of disrespecting the Indonesian flag during an Independence Day celebration. Smaller demonstrations and rallies in support of Papua flared nationwide on Thursday, while the chief security minister, police chief and military commander visited Sorong to inspect the sites of the most violent protests. An official said two rallies in the Nabire and Yahukimo areas of Papua were peaceful, the Kompas news site said. In Jakarta, the capital, more than a hundred Papuan students marched from army headquarters to the gates of the presidential palace, shouting pro-independence slogans demanding "Referendum for Papua" or "Freedom for Papua". Some held posters demanding the right to self-determination and an end to racism and colonialism in West Papua. Papuan students also held a smaller protest in the nearby city of Bogor. President Joko Widodo told reporters he would invite religious and community leaders from across Papua for talks next week. Widodo has urged the army and police chiefs to act against officers who behaved in a "racist manner" towards students, his chief of staff told news channel CNN Indonesia. Police have arrested 34 people in Timika, where thousands of protesters threw stones at a parliament building, houses, shops, and a hotel on Wednesday, police said. They accused 13 of being members of a pro-Papu an independence separatist group. Papua and West Papua provinces, the resource-rich western part of the island of New Guinea, were a Dutch colony that was incorporated into Indonesia after a widely criticised UN-backed referendum in 1969. Widodo has sought to ease tension and improve welfare by building infrastructure. He has visited the region more often than any of his predecessors, and plans to open a bridge next month in Jayapura, the capital of Papua province, his secretariat said.

Indonesia arrests 34, blocks internet in Papua to curb protests

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