The German economy could have continued to shrink over the summer as industrial production drops amid a dearth of orders, the Bundesbank said on Monday, suggesting that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-yen-and-bond-bulls-charge-on-as-share-markets-falter-242412">euro zone's biggest economy is now in a recession</a>.

German growth contracted in the second quarter on slumping exports as a global trade war, China's slowdown and Brexit uncertainty sapped confidence, dealing a blow to an export-focused economy.

"Overall economic performance could again decline slightly," the Bundesbank said in a monthly report.

"The main reason for this is the continuing downturn in the industry," the central bank said, pointing to a significant decline in orders and a big drop in sentiment indicators for manufacturing firms.

While domestic consumption continues to isolate the economy, the jobs market is already showing signs of weakness and confidence in the services sector is also dropping, the Bundesbank added.

Still, the construction boom is likely to continue, providing some support.

While Germany has so far rejected the idea of boosting public spending to offset the slowdown, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said that Berlin has the financial strength to counter any future economic crisis "with full force".

Speaking on Sunday, Scholz said the global financial crisis in 2008/2009 had cost Germany roughly 50 billion euros and the government could again muster such a sum, if necessary.

Obsessed with running a balanced budget, Germany has produced surpluses for years, ignoring calls for more spending to boost growth.

The German economy could have continued to shrink over the summer as industrial production drops amid a dearth of orders, the Bundesbank said on Monday, suggesting that the euro zone's biggest economy is now in a recession.

The German economy could have continued to shrink over the summer as industrial production drops amid a dearth of orders, the Bundesbank said on Monday, suggesting that the euro zone's biggest economy is now in a recession. German growth contracted in the second quarter on slumping exports as a global trade war, China's slowdown and Brexit uncertainty sapped confidence, dealing a blow to an export-focused economy. "Overall economic performance could again decline slightly," the Bundesbank said in a monthly report. "The main reason for this is the continuing downturn in the industry," the central bank said, pointing to a significant decline in orders and a big drop in sentiment indicators for manufacturing firms. While domestic consumption continues to isolate the economy, the jobs market is already showing signs of weakness and confidence in the services sector is also dropping, the Bundesbank added. Still, the construction boom is likely to continue, providing some support. While Germany has so far rejected the idea of boosting public spending to offset the slowdown, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said that Berlin has the financial strength to counter any future economic crisis "with full force". Speaking on Sunday, Scholz said the global financial crisis in 2008/2009 had cost Germany roughly 50 billion euros and the government could again muster such a sum, if necessary. Obsessed with running a balanced budget, Germany has produced surpluses for years, ignoring calls for more spending to boost growth.

German economy could continue to shrink: Bundesbank

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a> on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

"Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter.

The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red.

However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic.

Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons.

"We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email.

"Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable".&nbsp;

Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up.

"Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user.

"False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another.

Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation.

Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago.&nbsp;

Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund.

Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily.

"Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said. 
&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images. "Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter. The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red. However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic. Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons. "We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email. "Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable". Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up. "Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user. "False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another. Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation. Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago. Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund. Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily. "Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said.

Brazil President Bolsonaro takes on Norway over whaling but bungles it

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday.

The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

"Ten people died instantly when the fuel truck lost control and hit three other vehicles, leading to multiple explosions that also burned 25 small shops," said regional police spokesman Martial Tumusiime.

"Of the people that were rushed to the hospital, nine of them have also died as a result of wounds," he added.&nbsp;

In 2002, 70 people were killed when an oil truck rammed into a bus in Rutoto, less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Kyambura.

And in 2013, 33 people died in an explosion after a fuel truck overturned many having rushed to the scene to siphon fuel.

The accident <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-reports-new-ebola-incident-in-uganda-amid-fears-of-virus-spreading-236699">in Uganda</a> came eight days after a fuel truck exploded in Tanzania.&nbsp;

The fireball engulfed a crowd thronging to collect petrol from the wrecked vehicle, leaving 95 dead.

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday. The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Nineteen people died when a fuel truck barrelled into other vehicles in a busy town in western Uganda and exploded, police said Monday. The blast occurred Sunday evening in the Kyambura trading centre, a mountainous area near the Queen Elizabeth National Park. "Ten people died instantly when the fuel truck lost control and hit three other vehicles, leading to multiple explosions that also burned 25 small shops," said regional police spokesman Martial Tumusiime. "Of the people that were rushed to the hospital, nine of them have also died as a result of wounds," he added. In 2002, 70 people were killed when an oil truck rammed into a bus in Rutoto, less than 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Kyambura. And in 2013, 33 people died in an explosion after a fuel truck overturned many having rushed to the scene to siphon fuel. The accident in Uganda came eight days after a fuel truck exploded in Tanzania. The fireball engulfed a crowd thronging to collect petrol from the wrecked vehicle, leaving 95 dead.

At least 19 killed in Uganda fuel truck blast: Police

Omar al-Bashir received $90 million in cash from Saudi royals, an investigator told a court at the opening Monday of the deposed Sudanese strongman's corruption trial.

Omar al-Bashir received $90 million in cash from Saudi royals, an investigator told a court at the opening Monday of the deposed Sudanese strongman's corruption trial. The former president, who was forced from power by months of protests in April after 30 years in power, sat in a metal cage wearing a traditional white gown. His relatives chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) as proceedings got underway in the Khartoum court where he arrived in a huge military convoy. Bashir faces a raft of charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide from the International Criminal Court over his role in the Darfur war but Monday's trial is over graft allegations. Large amounts of cash were found at this residence after he was toppled and the investigator said the case brought forward to the court probed some of that money. "The accused told us that the money was part of a sum of $25 million sent to him by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be used outside of the state budget," investigator Ahmed Ali said. According to him Bashir had said he also received two previous payments of $35 million and $30 million from Saudi King Abdullah, who died in 2015. "This money was not part of the state budget and I was the one who authorised its spending," the investigator quoted Bashir as saying. Bashir had said the Saudi money was exchanged and spent and that he could not remember how nor did he have documents providing further details, he added. Bashir looked calm during the nearly three-hour session, which an AFP photographer and correspondent attended. The next hearing was scheduled for August 24. Darfur crimes In May, Sudan's prosecutor general also said Bashir had been charged over killings during the anti-regime protests which eventually led to his ouster. London-based rights watchdog Amnesty International has warned however that the corruption trial should not distract from his Darfur indictments. "While this trial is a positive step towards accountability for some of his alleged crimes, he remains wanted for heinous crimes committed against the Sudanese people," Amnesty said. Amnesty urged the country's new transitional institutions to ratify the ICC's Rome Statute, a move that would allow for his transfer to the international tribunal. The Hague-based ICC has for years demanded that Bashir stand trial, and has renewed its call since his fall. The head of Bashir's defence team, Ahmed Ibrahim al-Tahir, said in July that the ousted leader's trial had no "political background". "It is an absolute criminal case with a baseless accusation." It was the sudden tripling of bread prices in December that sparked the mushrooming protests which led to the toppling of Bashir by the army in April. Sovereign Council The trial comes as the composition of the joint civilian and military sovereign council that will steer the country of 40 million through a 39-month transition was due to be unveiled on Monday. The line-up had been expected to be announced on Sunday but it was delayed after one of the five nominees put forward by the opposition alliance representing protest leaders turned down the job. The ruling sovereign council will be composed of 11 members including six civilians and five from the military. It will be headed by a general for the first 21 months and by a civilian for the remaining 18 months. The council will oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration including a cabinet and a legislative body. The transition's key documents were signed on Saturday at a ceremony attended by a host of foreign dignitaries, signalling that Sudan could be on its way to shedding the pariah status the Darfur atrocities and Bashir's international arrest warrant had conferred on it. Amidst the euphoria celebrating the promise of civilian rule, unease was palpable however within the protest camp that brought about one of the most crucial changes in Sudan's modern history. One of its main causes is the omnipresence in the transition of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a paramilitary commander and one of the signatories of the documents, whose forces are blamed for the deadly repression of the protests. And it remains unclear how the transitional institutions will tackle the daunting task of pacifying a country plagued by several conflicts, including in the regions of Darfur, Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

Sudan ex-president Bashir got $90 million from Saudi royal family: Investigator tells court

A man gathering firewood in Alaska discovered a bottle with a handwritten message inside wishing the finder "happy sailing" more than 50 years after it was dropped into the sea by a Russian sailor.

"Sincere greetings! From<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi05dLbjo_kAhXx4XMBHfi0CSYQFjAFegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3O32uCuXo6bDlZehRTt6hz"> the Russian Far East Fleet mother ship VRXF Sulak</a>," it read. "We wish you good health and long years of life and happy sailing. 20 June 1969."

Tyler Ivanoff, a teacher's aide in Shishmaref, Alaska, spotted the bottle on the shore near his village and pried off the plastic stopper with his teeth.

"It was still dry on the inside and still smelled like wine or whatever, old alcohol. The note was dry," he told the Nome Nugget newspaper.&nbsp;

Ivanoff posted a picture of the bottle and the note on Facebook on August 5.

But the yarn doesn't end there.

Rossiya 1, a Russian television network, tracked it by its return address in Vladivostok to a retired Soviet ship captain now living in Crimea.

Anatoly Botsanenko, interviewed by the station in a naval uniform, said he served on the Sulak in 1969 when he was 35.

Peering at the message on the reporter's smartphone, Botsanenko said, "That's not my handwriting." But he then recognized the return address as his old home in Vladivostok.

"It's pretty cool how a small photo grew into a story," Ivanoff posted on Facebook.

A man gathering firewood in Alaska discovered a bottle with a handwritten message inside wishing the finder "happy sailing" more than 50 years after it was dropped into the sea by a Russian sailor.

A man gathering firewood in Alaska discovered a bottle with a handwritten message inside wishing the finder "happy sailing" more than 50 years after it was dropped into the sea by a Russian sailor. "Sincere greetings! From the Russian Far East Fleet mother ship VRXF Sulak," it read. "We wish you good health and long years of life and happy sailing. 20 June 1969." Tyler Ivanoff, a teacher's aide in Shishmaref, Alaska, spotted the bottle on the shore near his village and pried off the plastic stopper with his teeth. "It was still dry on the inside and still smelled like wine or whatever, old alcohol. The note was dry," he told the Nome Nugget newspaper. Ivanoff posted a picture of the bottle and the note on Facebook on August 5. But the yarn doesn't end there. Rossiya 1, a Russian television network, tracked it by its return address in Vladivostok to a retired Soviet ship captain now living in Crimea. Anatoly Botsanenko, interviewed by the station in a naval uniform, said he served on the Sulak in 1969 when he was 35. Peering at the message on the reporter's smartphone, Botsanenko said, "That's not my handwriting." But he then recognized the return address as his old home in Vladivostok. "It's pretty cool how a small photo grew into a story," Ivanoff posted on Facebook.

Russian sailor's message in bottle found 50 years later in Alaska

As schools reopened in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/normalcy-back-to-kashmir-schools-reopen-amid-tight-security-244007">Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)</a> after 15 days, Syed Sehrish Asgar, director of information said there was no major law and order situation reported across the Valley with life returning to normal.

"The public, in general, has been cooperative," Asgar said, adding," the government urges people not to believe in any kind of rumour-mongering by the vested interests."

J&amp;K governor Satya Pal Malik had said last week that restrictions in the Valley would be eased in a phased manner.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-kashmir-is-slowly-but-surely-marching-towards-normalcy-243523/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

On Saturday, the state government had restored 2G mobile internet services in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts. Landline services also resumed in 17 telephone exchanges in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

Reports said that over fifty thousand landline phones were made operational in J&amp;K after a general clampdown was put into effect&nbsp;in the wake of the scrapping of Article 370 by the government, a move which was ratified by an act of Parliament.

Rohit Kansal, Principal secretary to Jammu and Kashmir had said earlier that no untoward incident had taken place after restictions were partly lifted.

As schools reopened in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) after 15 days, Syed Sehrish Asgar, director of information said there was no major law and order situation reported across the Valley with life returning to normal.

As schools reopened in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) after 15 days, Syed Sehrish Asgar, director of information said there was no major law and order situation reported across the Valley with life returning to normal. "The public, in general, has been cooperative," Asgar said, adding," the government urges people not to believe in any kind of rumour-mongering by the vested interests." J&K governor Satya Pal Malik had said last week that restrictions in the Valley would be eased in a phased manner. On Saturday, the state government had restored 2G mobile internet services in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts. Landline services also resumed in 17 telephone exchanges in the Kashmir Valley. Reports said that over fifty thousand landline phones were made operational in J&K after a general clampdown was put into effect in the wake of the scrapping of Article 370 by the government, a move which was ratified by an act of Parliament. Rohit Kansal, Principal secretary to Jammu and Kashmir had said earlier that no untoward incident had taken place after restictions were partly lifted.

Life returning to normal in Kashmir Valley: J&K government

China slammed Taiwan Monday for offering asylum to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-facing-biggest-crisis-since-handover-senior-china-official-241270">Hong Kong people facing prosecution</a> for involvement in anti-government protests, telling the island's leaders to "stop meddling" in the territory's affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fights-break-out-as-taiwans-president-tsai-visits-new-york-235282">Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen</a> voiced support last month for granting asylum to some Hong Kong protesters, with the semi-autonomous financial hub during an unprecedented political crisis.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, warned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party to "stop undermining the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs, and stop indulging criminals in any way".

Taiwanese authorities "ignore the facts and reverse black and white, not only masking the crimes of a small number of Hong Kong militants but also fuelling their arrogance for destroying Hong Kong", said Ma.

Last month after dozens of Hong Kong activists reportedly involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament fled to Taiwan, the Taipei said it would assist those seeking sanctuary.

"They openly claim to provide (protesters) asylum, making Taiwan into a 'haven sheltering criminals', where does this put the safety and welfare of the Taiwan people?" asked Ma.&nbsp;

Beijing regards Taiwan as a part of China awaiting reunification, but the island is a self-ruled democracy.

The protest movement in Hong Kong was sparked by widespread opposition to a plan for allowing extraditions to the Chinese mainland but has since morphed into a broader call for democratic rights.

Taiwan's history of providing sanctuary to Chinese dissidents has been mixed.&nbsp;

The island still does not recognise the legal concept of asylum but has, on occasions, allowed dissidents to stay on long-term visas.

Ties with Beijing have soured since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China slammed Taiwan Monday for offering asylum to Hong Kong people facing prosecution for involvement in anti-government protests, telling the island's leaders to "stop meddling" in the territory's affairs.

China slammed Taiwan Monday for offering asylum to Hong Kong people facing prosecution for involvement in anti-government protests, telling the island's leaders to "stop meddling" in the territory's affairs. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen voiced support last month for granting asylum to some Hong Kong protesters, with the semi-autonomous financial hub during an unprecedented political crisis. Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, warned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party to "stop undermining the rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs, and stop indulging criminals in any way". Taiwanese authorities "ignore the facts and reverse black and white, not only masking the crimes of a small number of Hong Kong militants but also fuelling their arrogance for destroying Hong Kong", said Ma. Last month after dozens of Hong Kong activists reportedly involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament fled to Taiwan, the Taipei said it would assist those seeking sanctuary. "They openly claim to provide (protesters) asylum, making Taiwan into a 'haven sheltering criminals', where does this put the safety and welfare of the Taiwan people?" asked Ma. Beijing regards Taiwan as a part of China awaiting reunification, but the island is a self-ruled democracy. The protest movement in Hong Kong was sparked by widespread opposition to a plan for allowing extraditions to the Chinese mainland but has since morphed into a broader call for democratic rights. Taiwan's history of providing sanctuary to Chinese dissidents has been mixed. The island still does not recognise the legal concept of asylum but has, on occasions, allowed dissidents to stay on long-term visas. Ties with Beijing have soured since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

China lashes out at Taiwan over offer to Hong Kong protesters

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have for nearly four months ramped up bombardment of the last major jihadist-run bastion in the country after eight years of brutal conflict.

The Syrian regime and its ally Russia have for nearly four months ramped up bombardment of the last major jihadist-run bastion in the country after eight years of brutal conflict. On Sunday, following fierce battles with jihadists and rebels, pro-regime forces entered the key town of Khan Sheikhun in northwestern Idlib province for the first time since they lost control of it in 2014. According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, the strikes pummelling Idlib have claimed more than 860 civilian lives since late April. The UN says more than 400,000 people have been displaced. Here is some background. Jihadist stronghold Strikes by the regime and Russia pick up after the powerful Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist alliance, led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, takes control of the area on January 2019. A major escalation begins in late April after clashes and strikes since February had already killed more than 200 civilians, according to the UN. Bordering rebel backer Turkey, the region under HTS control covers nearly all of Idlib province and parts of neighbouring Aleppo, Hama and Latakia provinces. It hosts some three million people. Escalation On April 26, Russia and the regime's other main ally Iran pledge along with Turkey to cooperate to "ultimately eliminate" HTS. After Russian raids on April 26-27 kill around 15 civilians, the UN warns Moscow to abide by its commitment to "avoid large-scale military offensives" on the region. Russia denies targeting civilians. 'Humanitarian disaster' By early May the strikes have forced 150,000 people to flee and knocked 12 hospitals and 10 schools out of action, the UN says. Britain, France, the United States, and eight other countries at the UN Security Council warned on May 10 of a "potential humanitarian catastrophe". On May 17, Amnesty International accuses the regime and Russia of a "deliberate and systematic assault" on hospitals. Banned weapons The US says on May 22 there are indications the Syrian government used chemical weapons in Idlib. France says it has similar information. Neither offered proof. On June 3, Human Rights Watch accuses the regime and Russia of using "internationally banned" weapons in attacks on civilians. They include cluster munitions and large air-dropped "barrel bombs", it says. No, let up After days of deadly violence, a new flare-up starts on June 15 when at least 45 people, including 10 civilians are killed in airstrikes and clashes. Five days later regime bombardment kills another 20 civilians. Strikes on July 21 killed 18 civilians including seven children, among them a young citizen journalist Anas al-Dyab, who was a member of the White Helmets rescue group and also contributed to AFP. The following day, regime and Russian airstrikes kill 50 people, many at a vegetable market in Maaret al-Numan. Inching closer The regime resumes military operations against the region on August 5, scrapping a ceasefire that had held for four days. The Syrian army accuses jihadists of launching rockets on the Hmeimim airbase west of the bastion, causing "great human and material losses" nearby. On August 11 the regime seizes the town of Al-Habeet on the edge of Idlib, after clashes that left more than 130 fighters dead. On August 14, jihadists down a regime plane and capture the pilot, a first since the escalation in April, according to the Observatory. At the same time, regime forces wage fierce battles with jihadists and rebels to try to take back the town of Khan Sheikhun. On August 18 they enter the town and set their sights on a highway that connects government-held Damascus with the northern city of Aleppo, which the regime retook from rebels in December 2016. A day later Damascus condemns the deployment of a Turkish military convoy towards Khan Sheikhun.

Russia, Syria ramp up bombing campaign on Idlib

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-economy-shrinks-as-brexit-global-worries-mount-purchasing-managers-index-232725">Bank of England governor Mark Carney</a> has withdrawn from a high-profile business event with China's ambassador to London, sources said Monday, as pro-democracy protests continue in Hong Kong.

Carney had been due to speak at the dinner, aimed at boosting Chinese business links, which is scheduled for September 3 at the Guildhall, the administrative centre of the City of London financial district.

However he will not now attend because of "diary issues", a source close to the matter told AFP.

Some local politicians are reportedly unhappy at the timing of the event, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-during-another-weekend-of-protests-242034">Hong Kong police continue to clash with democracy activists</a>.

"The City must use this event to remind China of its responsibilities on human rights, democracy and free speech in Hong Kong," City Councillor Richard Crossan told Monday's edition of London's free daily financial newspaper City AM.

"As the situation in Hong Kong develops, the City must also remember that it is not just a financial services lobbying group.

"It has moral responsibilities, whether it wants them or not."

Another source suggested that a BoE representative could be sent in Carney's place.

Carney had been due to attend alongside China's ambassador to London, Liu Xiaoming, and Catherine McGuinness, who is policy chief for the City of London Corporation.

Both the Bank of England and the City of London Corporation declined to comment.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has withdrawn from a high-profile business event with China's ambassador to London, sources said Monday, as pro-democracy protests continue in Hong Kong.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has withdrawn from a high-profile business event with China's ambassador to London, sources said Monday, as pro-democracy protests continue in Hong Kong. Carney had been due to speak at the dinner, aimed at boosting Chinese business links, which is scheduled for September 3 at the Guildhall, the administrative centre of the City of London financial district. However he will not now attend because of "diary issues", a source close to the matter told AFP. Some local politicians are reportedly unhappy at the timing of the event, as Hong Kong police continue to clash with democracy activists. "The City must use this event to remind China of its responsibilities on human rights, democracy and free speech in Hong Kong," City Councillor Richard Crossan told Monday's edition of London's free daily financial newspaper City AM. "As the situation in Hong Kong develops, the City must also remember that it is not just a financial services lobbying group. "It has moral responsibilities, whether it wants them or not." Another source suggested that a BoE representative could be sent in Carney's place. Carney had been due to attend alongside China's ambassador to London, Liu Xiaoming, and Catherine McGuinness, who is policy chief for the City of London Corporation. Both the Bank of England and the City of London Corporation declined to comment.

Bank of England chief pulls out of Chinese event

India has taken up with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overwhelmingly-peaceful-says-british-high-commission-on-protests-outside-indian-high-commission-in-london-243434">United Kingdom the violent protests</a> which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.&nbsp;

Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London clashed violently outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence Day even as the authorities tried to control the mob.&nbsp;

Though the Indian mission was informed that protests will take place and asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked.&nbsp;

The protestors raised anti-India slogans and were carrying anti-India placards and tried to attack members of Indian diaspora who were at Indian mission to celebrate Independence Day. &nbsp;London's &nbsp;Metropolitan Police has arrested four people in the aftermath of the clashes in which one person was injured. &nbsp;

In a statement, Metropolitan Police said: "The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon."&nbsp;

"Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the Metropolitan police added.&nbsp;

Even as the protests were taking place, Indian High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanshyam unfurled the Indian flag at the India House amid the slogans of Jai hind and Vande Matram.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the British High Commission in New Delhi speaking to WION said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day."&nbsp;

Many members of Indian diaspora were trapped in the premises of the Indian High Commission as members of Pakistani diaspora and Khalistanis clashed with police.&nbsp;

Protests by Pakistani groups have taken place outside the Indian mission in South Korea, Washington, London, Belgium, Germany in the aftermath of Indian government's decision to remove the special status for erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India has taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.

India has taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined. Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London clashed violently outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence Day even as the authorities tried to control the mob. Though the Indian mission was informed that protests will take place and asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked. The protestors raised anti-India slogans and were carrying anti-India placards and tried to attack members of Indian diaspora who were at Indian mission to celebrate Independence Day. London's Metropolitan Police has arrested four people in the aftermath of the clashes in which one person was injured. In a statement, Metropolitan Police said: "The event was largely peaceful but officers did have to react and deal with a small number of incidents as they happened. In total there were four arrests for Section 4 of the Public Order Act, affray, obstruction of police and possession of an offensive weapon." "Public order trained officers were policing today's demonstration as part of a planned operation. One person was injured during the demonstrations," the Metropolitan police added. Even as the protests were taking place, Indian High Commissioner Ruchi Ghanshyam unfurled the Indian flag at the India House amid the slogans of Jai hind and Vande Matram. Meanwhile, the British High Commission in New Delhi speaking to WION said, "Yesterday’s protest outside the Indian High Commission in London was overwhelmingly peaceful. We were in close contact with our colleagues at the Indian High Commission throughout the day." Many members of Indian diaspora were trapped in the premises of the Indian High Commission as members of Pakistani diaspora and Khalistanis clashed with police. Protests by Pakistani groups have taken place outside the Indian mission in South Korea, Washington, London, Belgium, Germany in the aftermath of Indian government's decision to remove the special status for erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

After violent protests by Pak groups outside Indian High Commission, India takes up issue with UK

&nbsp;Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../high-end-rebrand-makes-life-sweet-for-japans- ice-farmers-243768">Japan</a>'s neighbours see the shrine as a symbol of the country's former militarism, since it honours 14 Japanese leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals, along with other war dead.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of Japan's World War Two surrender, but refrained from visiting in person.

Details such as the motives, address and occupation of the man arrested for property damage were unclear, a police official said.

No one was immediately available for comment at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.

Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said. Japan's neighbours see the shrine as a symbol of the country's former militarism, since it honours 14 Japanese leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals, along with other war dead. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of Japan's World War Two surrender, but refrained from visiting in person. Details such as the motives, address and occupation of the man arrested for property damage were unclear, a police official said. No one was immediately available for comment at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.

Japan shrine for war dead vandalised by man claiming to be Chinese

US intermediate-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;will not be deployed in&nbsp;Australia,&nbsp;Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison said on Monday, after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-stand-idly-if-us-deploys-missiles-in-asia-warns-china-240969"> the United States revealed ambitions to site&nbsp;missiles</a>&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region.

Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence.

During the talks,&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week.

Esper's comments prompted speculation that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had been asked to&nbsp;host&nbsp;the&nbsp;missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;would decline if it was asked in the future.

"It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland.

A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market.

Beijing last week described&nbsp;Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory".

Australia&nbsp;worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean.

Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

US intermediate-range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

US intermediate-range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence. During the talks, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy missiles in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week. Esper's comments prompted speculation that Australia had been asked to host the missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said Australia would decline if it was asked in the future. "It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put Australia in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market. Beijing last week described Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory". Australia worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

Australia won't host US missiles: PM Scott Morrison

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