A&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;was making its way on Thursday to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-italian-russian-blast-off-for-international-space-station-237339"> International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station </a>after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

Known as&nbsp;FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first&nbsp;humanoid&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-machine-meshed-superhumans-remain-stuff-of-fantasy-say-experts-237062">robot&nbsp;to be sent to&nbsp;space&nbsp;by&nbsp;Russia</a>.&nbsp;

NASA senthumanoid&nbsp;robot&nbsp;Robonaut 2 to&nbsp;space&nbsp;in 2011 to work in hazardous environments.

"The&nbsp;robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard&nbsp;spacecraft and in outer&nbsp;space,"&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The ISS is a joint project of the&nbsp;space&nbsp;agencies of the United States,&nbsp;Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14&nbsp;spacecraft,&nbsp;FEDOR&nbsp;is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said.

FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers.

"Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills.

A Russian humanoid robot was making its way on Thursday to the International Space Station after blasting off on a two-week mission to support the crew and test his skills. Known as FEDOR, which stands for Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research, the Skybot F-850 is the first humanoid robot to be sent to space by Russia. NASA senthumanoid robot Robonaut 2 to space in 2011 to work in hazardous environments. "The robot's main purpose is to be used in operations that are especially dangerous for humans onboard spacecraft and in outer space," Russian space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday after the launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The ISS is a joint project of the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Travelling in an unmanned Soyuz MS-14 spacecraft, FEDOR is expected to dock at the ISS on Saturday with 1,450 pounds (660 kg) of cargo including medical supplies and food rations for the crew waiting at the station, NASA said. FEDOR, who is the size an adult and can emulate movements of the human body, has embraced his mission, describing himself as "an assistant to the ISS crew" on his Twitter page, which has 4,600 followers. "Everything is normal," a tweet posted on his account said a few hours into his flight.

Russia launches humanoid robot into space

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joshua-wong-poster-child-of-hong-kongs-umbrella-movement-227835">Hong Kong student leaders</a> on Thursday announced a two-week boycott of lectures from the upcoming start of term, as they seek to keep protesters on the streets and pressure on the government.

The financial hub has been rocked by three months of unrest, with students making up a large number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-mounting-violence-and-warnings-from-china-hong-kong-protesters-flood-streets-in-peaceful-march-243848">the pro-democracy protesters</a> taking to the streets almost daily.

Student leaders representing most of the city's major universities said students will miss lectures between September 2 the planned start of the new term, and September 13.

They threatened further action if the government does not adequately respond to the protesters' five demands, which include spiking a controversial extradition bill, universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into alleged police abuses during the protests.

"Two weeks should be enough for the government to think through how to respond," said Davin Wong, acting president of the Hong Kong University Students' Union.

"As the situation has gotten more intense, we believe the social situation will bring more students into the boycott."

Wong said students will be encouraged to take time to "understand what happened in our society, what we can do for our city's future."

Students have featured prominently in the weeks of protests that have rocked Hong Kong.

The demonstrations were sparked by an attempt by the city's government to bring in a bill that would have allowed for extradition to China.

But they quickly morphed into a wider pro-democracy campaign, in a city where young people are boxed in by the soaring cost of living and worsening job prospects.

Hong Kong student leaders on Thursday announced a two-week boycott of lectures from the upcoming start of term, as they seek to keep protesters on the streets and pressure on the government.

Hong Kong student leaders on Thursday announced a two-week boycott of lectures from the upcoming start of term, as they seek to keep protesters on the streets and pressure on the government. The financial hub has been rocked by three months of unrest, with students making up a large number of the pro-democracy protesters taking to the streets almost daily. Student leaders representing most of the city's major universities said students will miss lectures between September 2 the planned start of the new term, and September 13. They threatened further action if the government does not adequately respond to the protesters' five demands, which include spiking a controversial extradition bill, universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into alleged police abuses during the protests. "Two weeks should be enough for the government to think through how to respond," said Davin Wong, acting president of the Hong Kong University Students' Union. "As the situation has gotten more intense, we believe the social situation will bring more students into the boycott." Wong said students will be encouraged to take time to "understand what happened in our society, what we can do for our city's future." Students have featured prominently in the weeks of protests that have rocked Hong Kong. The demonstrations were sparked by an attempt by the city's government to bring in a bill that would have allowed for extradition to China. But they quickly morphed into a wider pro-democracy campaign, in a city where young people are boxed in by the soaring cost of living and worsening job prospects.

Hong Kong students to boycott university lectures as protests continue

Two charities running rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea have said Italy has ignored requests to allow their ship to bring 356 migrants ashore, exposing Europe's latest failure to deal with African migration.

Two charities running rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea have said Italy has ignored requests to allow their ship to bring 356 migrants ashore, exposing Europe's latest failure to deal with African migration. The Norwegian-flagged ship, Ocean Viking, already stranded at sea for 13 days awaiting port access, has been denied entry by Malta and its two requests to Italian authorities have gone unanswered, they said. The ship is carrying mostly Africans from Sudan, plucked from the sea in four separate missions. They include more than 100 minors, around 90 of them unaccompanied, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said. Three children are under the age of five. The plight of the Ocean Viking, run by MSF and another French charity, SOS Méditerranée, threatens to create another migration standoff with Italy if it chooses to head there, after weeks of controversy involving another charity-run rescue ship. Around 100 migrants were stranded off Italy for almost three weeks on the Open Arms until a prosecutor intervened and ordered them brought ashore against Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's wishes. Five of Italy's EU partners will take them in. "This is shameful," said Jay Berger, project coordinator for MSF, speaking by satellite phone from the Ocean Viking, in international waters between Malta and the southern Italian island of Linosa. "Leaving migrants on rescue boats for weeks until the crisis becomes an emergency is becoming the new norm," he said. "We're not trying to force our way into Italian or Maltese waters. We're waiting for a solution but it is taking too long." The ship requested port access to Italian authorities on Aug. 9 and Aug. 12, the charities said. An Italian Transport Ministry spokesman declined to comment. Italy's Foreign Ministry did not respond immediately to an email seeking comment. Rome has banned entry to private rescue ships, which operate off Libya in international waters close to Italy. Salvini calls them "taxis" for people-smugglers and says Italy should not be "Europe's refugee camp". SUPPLIES RUNNING DOWN Aboard the Ocean Viking, supplies are running down and the crew has begun to ration showers to conserve water, said Frédéric Penard, SOS Mediterranee's director of operations. "A rescue ship is like an ambulance. People should be transported but not living on it," MSF's Berger said, adding that there was no certainty those on board could endure the wait Open Arms experienced, which would mean another week at sea. The European Commission has invited EU member states to show more "solidarity" and agree to take in migrants aboard the Ocean Viking, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. No port except for Tripoli has welcomed the ship, the charities say. They regard the Libyan port as unsafe and fear the migrants would be thrown into detention centres and suffer human rights abuses if returned to the country. Luca Pigozzi, a doctor on board, said that while most migrants were in a stable physical condition, he feared the impact of psychological damage caused by violence suffered when fleeing their home country. "The situation on board is becoming tenser," he said. Libya is a hub for migrants and refugees, many of whom try to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats, fleeing violence and dire poverty in Africa for a better life in Europe. So far this year, more than 600 people have died trying to make the crossing. Malta turned down the Ocean Viking requests saying it could not take the lead on any disembarkment. A Malta government spokesman said there was "no new update" on the OceanViking and declined to comment further. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has said Paris is ready to take in 40 people from Ocean Viking. "Talks are underway with our European partners and I discussed the matter yesterday with my counterpart in Malta," he said on Twitter. Norway, where the Ocean Viking is registered, has rejected a French request to take some of the migrants, Justice Minister Joeran Kallmyr told broadcaster NRK late on Tuesday.

Rescue ship awaits port access in migrant standoff in Mediterranean

&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/oil-prices-rise-after-us-crude-inventories-fall-154520">US crude inventories</a> fell by 2.7 million barrels last week, more than analysts expected.&nbsp;

Still, the US Energy Information Administration also said gasoline and distillate inventories rose.

Brent crude rose 46 cents to $60.76 a barrel by 1017 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 40 cents to $56.08.

Traders across the board are awaiting a speech from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dow-ends-above-27000-points-for-first-time-sp-500-hits-record-on-federal-reserve-rate-cut-optimism-235154"> Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell </a>on Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that could indicate whether the central bank will continue to cut interest rates.

"Oil&nbsp;looks in limbo at the moment," said Craig Erlam, an analyst at OANDA.&nbsp;

"It's been steadily rising over the last couple of weeks but not in any convincing way."

"A risk rally at the end of the week may get it moving again but that hangs on Powell."

The price of Brent is up by about 13 per cent this year, supported by supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and export cuts in Iran and Venezuela which are under the US 
sanctions.

Iran on Wednesday said if its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exports are cut to zero, international waterways would not have the same security as before, cautioning Washington against raising pressure on Tehran.

But a slowdown in economic growth amid the US-China trade dispute and Brexit has been pressuring prices and forecasters such as the International Energy Agency have been lowering forecasts for world&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was "the chosen one" to address trade imbalances with China, even as congressional researchers warned his tariffs would reduce US economic output by 0.3per cent in 2020.

The Jackson Hole speech is important for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;as signals from the Fed on monetary easing affect the US dollar. A weaker US currency tends to support&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices, and the dollar eased on Thursday against a basket of currencies.

"The focus now is going to be on Jackson Hole, I think, to the end of the week," said Olivier Jakob,&nbsp;oil&nbsp;analyst at Petromatrix.

Oil rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed.

Oil rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed. US crude inventories fell by 2.7 million barrels last week, more than analysts expected. Still, the US Energy Information Administration also said gasoline and distillate inventories rose. Brent crude rose 46 cents to $60.76 a barrel by 1017 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 40 cents to $56.08. Traders across the board are awaiting a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that could indicate whether the central bank will continue to cut interest rates. "Oil looks in limbo at the moment," said Craig Erlam, an analyst at OANDA. "It's been steadily rising over the last couple of weeks but not in any convincing way." "A risk rally at the end of the week may get it moving again but that hangs on Powell." The price of Brent is up by about 13 per cent this year, supported by supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and export cuts in Iran and Venezuela which are under the US sanctions. Iran on Wednesday said if its oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways would not have the same security as before, cautioning Washington against raising pressure on Tehran. But a slowdown in economic growth amid the US-China trade dispute and Brexit has been pressuring prices and forecasters such as the International Energy Agency have been lowering forecasts for world oil demand. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was "the chosen one" to address trade imbalances with China, even as congressional researchers warned his tariffs would reduce US economic output by 0.3per cent in 2020. The Jackson Hole speech is important for oil as signals from the Fed on monetary easing affect the US dollar. A weaker US currency tends to support oil prices, and the dollar eased on Thursday against a basket of currencies. "The focus now is going to be on Jackson Hole, I think, to the end of the week," said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix.

Oil steadies above $60 over OPEC supply cuts, global slowdown worries

Net&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;to Britain sank to its&nbsp;lowest&nbsp;level&nbsp;since&nbsp;2013&nbsp;during the 12 months to the end of March, driven by a continued fall in the number of immigrants from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-believes-urgent-steps-needed-to-de-escalate-hong-kong-crisis-foreign-policy-chief-243721">European Union</a>&nbsp;since&nbsp;2016's Brexit referendum, official figures showed on Thursday.

Some 612,000 people moved to the United Kingdom during the 12 months to March, while 385,000 people emigrated, reducing&nbsp;net&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;to 226,000, its&nbsp;lowest&nbsp;since&nbsp;the 12 months to the end of&nbsp;December&nbsp;2013, the Office for National Statistics said.

The data are based on a new experimental series that aims to reduce previous flaws that led to an undercounting of EU long-term immigrants and overestimating how many non-EU students remained in Britain after their studies.

Net immigration to Britain sank to its lowest level since 2013 during the 12 months to the end of March, driven by a continued fall in the number of immigrants from the European Union since 2016's Brexit referendum, official figures showed on Thursday.

Net immigration to Britain sank to its lowest level since 2013 during the 12 months to the end of March, driven by a continued fall in the number of immigrants from the European Union since 2016's Brexit referendum, official figures showed on Thursday. Some 612,000 people moved to the United Kingdom during the 12 months to March, while 385,000 people emigrated, reducing net immigration to 226,000, its lowest since the 12 months to the end of December 2013, the Office for National Statistics said. The data are based on a new experimental series that aims to reduce previous flaws that led to an undercounting of EU long-term immigrants and overestimating how many non-EU students remained in Britain after their studies.

Net immigration to UK falls to lowest since December 2013: National survey

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;one&nbsp;person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and eight injured&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;fire&nbsp;broke&nbsp;out&nbsp;overnight in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-killed-as-militants-attack-pakistan-police-housing-complex-230633">hospital&nbsp;complex</a> on the&nbsp;outskirts of&nbsp;Paris, authorities said on Thursday.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;at the Henri Mondor&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;in Creteil broke&nbsp;out&nbsp;late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The cause of the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;has not yet been determined.

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in the residential block within the Henri Mondor&nbsp;hospital&nbsp;complex has now been brought under control thanks to the intervention of&nbsp;firefighters,"&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;public&nbsp;hospitals chief Martin Hirsch said on twitter.

"We regret to say that there has been&nbsp;one&nbsp;death," he said.

At least one person was killed and eight injured after a fire broke out overnight in a hospital complex on the outskirts of Paris, authorities said on Thursday. The fire at the Henri Mondor hospital in Creteil broke out late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning.

At least one person was killed and eight injured after a fire broke out overnight in a hospital complex on the outskirts of Paris, authorities said on Thursday. The fire at the Henri Mondor hospital in Creteil broke out late on Wednesday night and was eventually brought under control in the early hours of Thursday morning. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. "The fire in the residential block within the Henri Mondor hospital complex has now been brought under control thanks to the intervention of firefighters," Paris public hospitals chief Martin Hirsch said on twitter. "We regret to say that there has been one death," he said.

At least one killed after fire breaks out in hospital near Paris

South Korea will scrap an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid an intensifying dispute over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-open-to-dialogue-with-japan-amid-trade-row-243077">history and trade</a>, South Korea's presidential office said on Thursday.

The decision was made after a meeting of the presidential National Security Council. The deal was due to be automatically renewed on Saturday, unless either side decided to cancel it.

Japan created a "grave change" in the environment for bilateral security cooperation by removing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-in-the-dark-over-south-korea-trade-controls-minister-sung-yun-mo-242609">South Korea's fast-track</a> export status, said Kim You-geun, a deputy director of the National Security Council.

Relations between the two countries soured after the South Korean Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Korean wartime workers last October, a move strongly condemned by Tokyo, which says the matter was resolved by a 1965 treaty normalising ties.

The feud has spilled over into trade, after Japan tightened export controls on materials vital to South Korean chipmakers and then dropped Seoul from a list of countries eligible for fast-track exports, prompting South Korea to take a similar step towards Japan.

The number of South Korean tourists visiting Japan fell last month to its lowest in nearly a year, amid a far-reaching boycott of Japanese products and services, from cars to beer and tours.

Abe last month tightened curbs on exports to South Korea of three high-tech materials needed to make memory chips and display panels. The government this month cancelled South Korea's fast-track trade status.

Removing South Korea from a "white-list" of favoured export destinations means some Japanese exporters face more paperwork and on-site inspections before they can win permits, which could slow Korea-bound exports for a wide range of goods. 
&nbsp;

South Korea will scrap an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid an intensifying dispute over history and trade, South Korea's presidential office said on Thursday.

South Korea will scrap an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan amid an intensifying dispute over history and trade, South Korea's presidential office said on Thursday. The decision was made after a meeting of the presidential National Security Council. The deal was due to be automatically renewed on Saturday, unless either side decided to cancel it. Japan created a "grave change" in the environment for bilateral security cooperation by removing South Korea's fast-track export status, said Kim You-geun, a deputy director of the National Security Council. Relations between the two countries soured after the South Korean Supreme Court ordered some Japanese firms to compensate Korean wartime workers last October, a move strongly condemned by Tokyo, which says the matter was resolved by a 1965 treaty normalising ties. The feud has spilled over into trade, after Japan tightened export controls on materials vital to South Korean chipmakers and then dropped Seoul from a list of countries eligible for fast-track exports, prompting South Korea to take a similar step towards Japan. The number of South Korean tourists visiting Japan fell last month to its lowest in nearly a year, amid a far-reaching boycott of Japanese products and services, from cars to beer and tours. Abe last month tightened curbs on exports to South Korea of three high-tech materials needed to make memory chips and display panels. The government this month cancelled South Korea's fast-track trade status. Removing South Korea from a "white-list" of favoured export destinations means some Japanese exporters face more paperwork and on-site inspections before they can win permits, which could slow Korea-bound exports for a wide range of goods.

South Korea to scrap intelligence-sharing pact with Japan

Beijing on Thursday accused Ottawa of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-says-wont-back-down-in-dispute-with-china-urges-restraint-in-hong-kong-244764">worsening bilateral relations</a> after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to stand up to China amid deepening diplomatic and trade disputes.

The two countries have been locked in a feud since last December, when Canada detained top Huawei executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-says-another-citizen-detained-in-china-amid-huawei-cfo-row-235648">Meng Wanzhou </a>and -&nbsp;in apparent retaliation -&nbsp;China detained two Canadian nationals over espionage-linked accusations.

On Wednesday, Trudeau pushed back against Beijing in a speech that promised to "always defend Canadians and Canadian interests" and to not "back down".

"At present, China-Canadian relations are facing serious difficulties," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

"The responsibility lies entirely on the Canadian side," he told reporters at a press briefing in Beijing.

"We urge the Canadian side to reflect on its mistakes," Geng said, adding that Canada should "immediately" release Meng.

He also called on Canada to refrain from making "irresponsible remarks" about Hong Kong, which has been plunged into weeks of unrest by pro-democracy demonstrations.

Beijing had warned Canada on Sunday to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs after Ottawa and the European Union issued a joint statement in support of protestors' "fundamental right of assembly".

Canadians are one of the largest expatriate groups in Hong Kong, numbering 300,000, according to Canadian government figures.

Relations between Canada and China tumbled over the arrest of Meng on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions.

Since then, China has arrested Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, while blocking billions of dollars in Canadian agricultural shipments.

Beijing on Thursday accused Ottawa of worsening bilateral relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to stand up to China amid deepening diplomatic and trade disputes.

Beijing on Thursday accused Ottawa of worsening bilateral relations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to stand up to China amid deepening diplomatic and trade disputes. The two countries have been locked in a feud since last December, when Canada detained top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou and - in apparent retaliation - China detained two Canadian nationals over espionage-linked accusations. On Wednesday, Trudeau pushed back against Beijing in a speech that promised to "always defend Canadians and Canadian interests" and to not "back down". "At present, China-Canadian relations are facing serious difficulties," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. "The responsibility lies entirely on the Canadian side," he told reporters at a press briefing in Beijing. "We urge the Canadian side to reflect on its mistakes," Geng said, adding that Canada should "immediately" release Meng. He also called on Canada to refrain from making "irresponsible remarks" about Hong Kong, which has been plunged into weeks of unrest by pro-democracy demonstrations. Beijing had warned Canada on Sunday to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs after Ottawa and the European Union issued a joint statement in support of protestors' "fundamental right of assembly". Canadians are one of the largest expatriate groups in Hong Kong, numbering 300,000, according to Canadian government figures. Relations between Canada and China tumbled over the arrest of Meng on a US extradition request related to alleged Iran sanctions. Since then, China has arrested Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, while blocking billions of dollars in Canadian agricultural shipments.

Relations with Canada facing serious difficulties, responsibility lies entirely on the Canadian side: China

England batsman Jason Roy has passed a concussion test after being hit in the nets ahead of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-ruled-out-of-third-ashes-test-cricket-australia-244368"> third Ashes Test </a>against Australia at Headingley.

The 29-year-old opener was struck by a throw-down from ex-England international Marcus Trescothick, working with the team in a temporary coaching capacity, during practice on Tuesday.

Roy was assessed after taking the blow and was able to continue batting. But he also required a follow-up check on the eve of the match on Wednesday to determine any delayed symptoms.

Roy, 29, will be assessed again before the third Test starts on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ollie Pope, a Surrey team-mate of Roy's, has been placed on standby.

The 21-year-old Pope, who has played two Tests, is now on his way to Leeds.

But England captain Joe Root said he expected Roy to play, telling reporters at Headingley on Wednesday: "Jason's been monitored quite closely as you’d expect."&nbsp;

"He's undergone a couple of concussion tests so far and scored really well. So as it stands, I fully expect him to be fit and ready to go tomorrow."

Roy averages just 10 in four innings this series, having only made his Test debut earlier this season after starring at the top of the order in England's victorious World Cup-winning campaign.

England coach Trevor Bayliss said Roy may be more suited to the middle-order in Test cricket but Root insisted he could be a success as an opening batsman.&nbsp;

"I obviously think he should open, otherwise he’ll be batting at four," said Root.

"I think there's a lot of talk about the batting order because of the variety of options we have.&nbsp;

"At no stage are we trying to reinvent the wheel.&nbsp;

"But we've got to play to our strengths and be quite flexible over the course of the series. But I feel Jason can have a real big impact at the start of an innings.&nbsp;

"It might not have happened just yet but we fully expect him to go out and do that."

Meanwhile, Australia captain Tim Paine, whose Ashes-holders are 1-0 up in the five-match series, said his side were not taking Roy lightly.

"Opening the batting in Test cricket in England is difficult," he said.

"I know our guys are struggling a little bit as well to get the runs they would like. It's international cricket, it's tough," the wicket-keeper added.

"We've seen Jason Roy play amazing innings in one-day cricket, we've seen David Warner do the same thing in the early days of his career, and sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get used to Test cricket and the differences in that.&nbsp;

"We've seen that Jason is a highly-skilled batsman and on his day he can take a game away from you so at no point do we think or treat him like we've got the wood over him."

Australia's star batsman Steve Smith has already been ruled out of the match with concussion suffered when he was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the drawn second Test at Lord's. 
&nbsp;

England batsman Jason Roy has passed a concussion test after being hit in the nets ahead of the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley. The 29-year-old opener was struck by a throw-down from ex-England international Marcus Trescothick, working with the team in a temporary coaching capacity, during practice on Tuesday.

England batsman Jason Roy has passed a concussion test after being hit in the nets ahead of the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley. The 29-year-old opener was struck by a throw-down from ex-England international Marcus Trescothick, working with the team in a temporary coaching capacity, during practice on Tuesday. Roy was assessed after taking the blow and was able to continue batting. But he also required a follow-up check on the eve of the match on Wednesday to determine any delayed symptoms. Roy, 29, will be assessed again before the third Test starts on Thursday. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope, a Surrey team-mate of Roy's, has been placed on standby. The 21-year-old Pope, who has played two Tests, is now on his way to Leeds. But England captain Joe Root said he expected Roy to play, telling reporters at Headingley on Wednesday: "Jason's been monitored quite closely as you’d expect." "He's undergone a couple of concussion tests so far and scored really well. So as it stands, I fully expect him to be fit and ready to go tomorrow." Roy averages just 10 in four innings this series, having only made his Test debut earlier this season after starring at the top of the order in England's victorious World Cup-winning campaign. England coach Trevor Bayliss said Roy may be more suited to the middle-order in Test cricket but Root insisted he could be a success as an opening batsman. "I obviously think he should open, otherwise he’ll be batting at four," said Root. "I think there's a lot of talk about the batting order because of the variety of options we have. "At no stage are we trying to reinvent the wheel. "But we've got to play to our strengths and be quite flexible over the course of the series. But I feel Jason can have a real big impact at the start of an innings. "It might not have happened just yet but we fully expect him to go out and do that." Meanwhile, Australia captain Tim Paine, whose Ashes-holders are 1-0 up in the five-match series, said his side were not taking Roy lightly. "Opening the batting in Test cricket in England is difficult," he said. "I know our guys are struggling a little bit as well to get the runs they would like. It's international cricket, it's tough," the wicket-keeper added. "We've seen Jason Roy play amazing innings in one-day cricket, we've seen David Warner do the same thing in the early days of his career, and sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get used to Test cricket and the differences in that. "We've seen that Jason is a highly-skilled batsman and on his day he can take a game away from you so at no point do we think or treat him like we've got the wood over him." Australia's star batsman Steve Smith has already been ruled out of the match with concussion suffered when he was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the drawn second Test at Lord's.

Expect Jason Roy to be fit for third Ashes Test: England captain Joe Root

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-spread-to-subway-as-bank-warns-of-economic-fallout-244585">mob attack by suspected triad</a> gang members.

That assault on July 21 had pushed the city deeper into political violence, but the sit-in on Wednesday was largely peaceful until police vans arrived at the Yuen Long station close to the Chinese border and the atmosphere soured.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consulate-employee-in-hong-kong-being-held-in-china-foreign-ministry-244603">protesters put on hard hats</a> and gas masks, while others sprayed fire extinguishers and poured detergent, beer and oil on the concourse to impede entry by the police who had massed outside.

The demonstration was convened to mark a month since a gang wearing white T-shirts and armed with poles and sticks set upon anti-government protesters -&nbsp;unarmed and dressed in black -&nbsp;at the metro station.&nbsp;

The attack left nearly 50 people -&nbsp;including passers-by -&nbsp;in hospital, some with horrific wounds.

Hong Kong's police were heavily criticised for being slow to respond, fuelling rumours of collusion.

Police denied any links to the attack, but trust in the force -&nbsp;which was already facing an unprecedented challenge on the streets -- has since sunk to a nadir.&nbsp;

"People are here to tell the government that we are angry and we think that we need a fair judgment on the attackers," 23-year-old tutor Chloe told AFP, giving one name like many of the demonstrators.

Hong Kong's political crisis was spurred by an attempt to bundle through a bill allowing extradition to China through parliament.

But protests have billowed out into a wider pro-democracy movement, which has seen the financial centre's airport closed, violent street clashes with police and million-strong peaceful marches through city streets.

It is unclear in which direction the protests, which are leaderless and organised on social media, are heading after nearly three months of draining street action. &nbsp;

The city has enjoyed several peaceful protests recently -- &nbsp;without police baton charges, tear gas or protesters hurling rocks.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's government has so far refused to buck to any of their demands, including scrapping the extradition bill completely, the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam and a full independent inquiry into police actions during the protests.

But they say they are digging in for the long haul.

"Although we are so tired, we know that the momentum for the protests is still there," said a sit-in participant who identified himself only as Leung.

Hong Kong police on Tuesday said they had arrested 28 people over the July 21 incident.

Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a mob attack by suspected triad gang members.

Hundreds of masked protesters used bins and ticket machines as barricades against riot police late Wednesday at a flashpoint Hong Kong metro station, where they earlier marked one month since a mob attack by suspected triad gang members. That assault on July 21 had pushed the city deeper into political violence, but the sit-in on Wednesday was largely peaceful until police vans arrived at the Yuen Long station close to the Chinese border and the atmosphere soured. Some protesters put on hard hats and gas masks, while others sprayed fire extinguishers and poured detergent, beer and oil on the concourse to impede entry by the police who had massed outside. The demonstration was convened to mark a month since a gang wearing white T-shirts and armed with poles and sticks set upon anti-government protesters - unarmed and dressed in black - at the metro station. The attack left nearly 50 people - including passers-by - in hospital, some with horrific wounds. Hong Kong's police were heavily criticised for being slow to respond, fuelling rumours of collusion. Police denied any links to the attack, but trust in the force - which was already facing an unprecedented challenge on the streets -- has since sunk to a nadir. "People are here to tell the government that we are angry and we think that we need a fair judgment on the attackers," 23-year-old tutor Chloe told AFP, giving one name like many of the demonstrators. Hong Kong's political crisis was spurred by an attempt to bundle through a bill allowing extradition to China through parliament. But protests have billowed out into a wider pro-democracy movement, which has seen the financial centre's airport closed, violent street clashes with police and million-strong peaceful marches through city streets. It is unclear in which direction the protests, which are leaderless and organised on social media, are heading after nearly three months of draining street action. The city has enjoyed several peaceful protests recently -- without police baton charges, tear gas or protesters hurling rocks. Hong Kong's government has so far refused to buck to any of their demands, including scrapping the extradition bill completely, the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam and a full independent inquiry into police actions during the protests. But they say they are digging in for the long haul. "Although we are so tired, we know that the momentum for the protests is still there," said a sit-in participant who identified himself only as Leung. Hong Kong police on Tuesday said they had arrested 28 people over the July 21 incident. Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

Masked protesters mark 'triad' attack at Hong Kong metro station

Twitter have reacted to calls for more to be done in preventing racist abuse of footballers on social media platforms by agreeing to meet with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-disgusted-by-racist-abuse-of-paul-pogba-244407">representatives of Manchester United </a>they announced on Wednesday.

United executives were keen for a meeting with Twitter after their French World Cup winning midfielder Paul Pogba was the victim of abuse following his penalty miss in Monday's 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. &nbsp; &nbsp;

His team-mate Harry Maguire demanded that Twitter and Instagram be more proactive in stopping "pathetic trolls". England women's football manager Phil Neville said football players should boycott social media.

Pogba was the third footballer to suffer racial abuse in a week for missing a penalty -- the others being Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and second tier side Reading's Yakou Meite.

"Over the next few weeks, Twitter representatives will meet with Manchester United, Kick It Out (anti-discrimination organisation within football) and any other civil society stakeholders interested in hearing about the proactive work Twitter is doing to address online racist abuse towards certain footballers in the UK," Twitter said in a statement.

"We have always maintained an open and healthy dialogue with our partners in this space, but we know we need to do more to protect our users. Racist behaviour has no place on our platform and we strongly condemn it.

"To this end, we look forward to working more closely with our partners to develop shared solutions together. In the meantime, for Twitter's part, we will continue to proactively monitor the conversation, and take aggressive enforcement action when content violates our Rules."

Twitter rules prohibit users from promoting violence against, threatening or harassing people on the basis of race, ethnicity or other protected groups.

Since 2018, it has increased the number of accounts suspended for evading a previous ban on the service by 45% and tripled the number of accounts suspended within 24 hours after receiving a report.

Twitter have reacted to calls for more to be done in preventing racist abuse of footballers on social media platforms by agreeing to meet with representatives of Manchester United they announced on Wednesday.

Twitter have reacted to calls for more to be done in preventing racist abuse of footballers on social media platforms by agreeing to meet with representatives of Manchester United they announced on Wednesday. United executives were keen for a meeting with Twitter after their French World Cup winning midfielder Paul Pogba was the victim of abuse following his penalty miss in Monday's 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. His team-mate Harry Maguire demanded that Twitter and Instagram be more proactive in stopping "pathetic trolls". England women's football manager Phil Neville said football players should boycott social media. Pogba was the third footballer to suffer racial abuse in a week for missing a penalty -- the others being Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and second tier side Reading's Yakou Meite. "Over the next few weeks, Twitter representatives will meet with Manchester United, Kick It Out (anti-discrimination organisation within football) and any other civil society stakeholders interested in hearing about the proactive work Twitter is doing to address online racist abuse towards certain footballers in the UK," Twitter said in a statement. "We have always maintained an open and healthy dialogue with our partners in this space, but we know we need to do more to protect our users. Racist behaviour has no place on our platform and we strongly condemn it. "To this end, we look forward to working more closely with our partners to develop shared solutions together. In the meantime, for Twitter's part, we will continue to proactively monitor the conversation, and take aggressive enforcement action when content violates our Rules." Twitter rules prohibit users from promoting violence against, threatening or harassing people on the basis of race, ethnicity or other protected groups. Since 2018, it has increased the number of accounts suspended for evading a previous ban on the service by 45% and tripled the number of accounts suspended within 24 hours after receiving a report.

Twitter representatives to meet Manchester United over Pogba racist abuse

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-urges-merkel-to-budge-on-brexit-244587">Boris Johnson visits Paris</a> for talks with President Emmanuel Macron.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-opening-brexit-bid-rip-out-the-irish-border-backstop-244376">Johnson's demand</a> that the so-called "backstop" mechanism to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland be scrapped.

And he also contradicted Johnson's claim that if Britain leaves the EU without a deal it would not have to pay $47 billion&nbsp;divorce bill that has already been negotiated.

"The scenario that is becoming the most likely is one of no deal," the official said ahead of the first meeting between Macron and Johnson since the British premier took office a month ago.&nbsp;

"The idea of saying 'there's not a deal, so I won't pay' does not work," the official said. "We cannot imagine that a country like the UK would back out of an international commitment."

The official added: "There's no magic wand that makes this bill disappear." &nbsp;

The French official said that a letter sent by Johnson to EU Council President Donald Tusk on Monday asking for what he called the "anti-democratic" backstop to be withdrawn "posed a problem" for the whole EU.&nbsp;

The backstop is a mechanism to avoid border checks between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the UK, with checkpoints there removed as part of a 1998 peace deal on the divided island.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Wednesday of the economic impact of a chaotic no-deal Brexit, hours before she was to receive Johnson on his first foreign visit. 
&nbsp;

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before Boris Johnson visits Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron.

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before Boris Johnson visits Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected Johnson's demand that the so-called "backstop" mechanism to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland be scrapped. And he also contradicted Johnson's claim that if Britain leaves the EU without a deal it would not have to pay $47 billion divorce bill that has already been negotiated. "The scenario that is becoming the most likely is one of no deal," the official said ahead of the first meeting between Macron and Johnson since the British premier took office a month ago. "The idea of saying 'there's not a deal, so I won't pay' does not work," the official said. "We cannot imagine that a country like the UK would back out of an international commitment." The official added: "There's no magic wand that makes this bill disappear." The French official said that a letter sent by Johnson to EU Council President Donald Tusk on Monday asking for what he called the "anti-democratic" backstop to be withdrawn "posed a problem" for the whole EU. The backstop is a mechanism to avoid border checks between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the UK, with checkpoints there removed as part of a 1998 peace deal on the divided island. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Wednesday of the economic impact of a chaotic no-deal Brexit, hours before she was to receive Johnson on his first foreign visit.

No-deal Brexit seems 'most likely' scenario: French presidential aide

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Rustam

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.