<p>US president in a tweet said that Apple will no longer be given tariff waivers or relief for Mac Pro parts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/will-apples-roots-in-china-hold-fast-amid-political-storm-222619">which were&nbsp;made in China</a>.</p>

<p>"Make them in the USA, no tariffs!" the US president tweeted.&nbsp;Apple shares dipped slightly as Trump tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report in the Wall Street Journal last month had said that Apple was planning to shift production of Mac Pro computers to China amid the escalating trade war between the US and China.</p>

<p>Several experts felt the move could anger President Trump who has been pressing US companies to make things in America.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154755462925099008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Google, the US president tweeted, saying: "There may or may not be national security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China," adding, "if there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!!</p>

<p>In another report, Nikkei Asian Review had said that Apple Inc had&nbsp;asked its major suppliers to assess the cost implications of moving 15 per cent to 30 per cent&nbsp;of its&nbsp;production capacity from China to Southeast Asia to prepare&nbsp;for the&nbsp;restructuring of its supply chain due to the US-China trade spat.</p>

<p>Several iPhone assemblers including Foxconn, Pegatron Corp, Wistron Corp were reportedly asked to evaluate options outside of China with Mexico, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia being the hot favourites, with Nikkei quoting sources to cite that India and Vietnam were among the frontrunners&nbsp;for smartphones.<br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There may or may not be National Security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China. If there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154753932259991552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump's latest tweet&nbsp;comes in the backdrop of US Attorney General William Barr statement in which he said that "bipartisan group had held discussions centred on big tech companies stifling competition on the internet".</p>

<p>The US Justice Department had said&nbsp;that it was opening an investigation of major digital technology firms.</p>


US president in a tweet said that Apple will no longer be given tariff waivers or relief for Mac Pro parts which were made in China. "Make them in the USA, no tariffs!

US president in a tweet said that Apple will no longer be given tariff waivers or relief for Mac Pro parts which were made in China. "Make them in the USA, no tariffs!" the US president tweeted. Apple shares dipped slightly as Trump tweeted. A report in the Wall Street Journal last month had said that Apple was planning to shift production of Mac Pro computers to China amid the escalating trade war between the US and China. Several experts felt the move could anger President Trump who has been pressing US companies to make things in America. Apple will not be given Tariff wavers, or relief, for Mac Pro parts that are made in China. Make them in the USA, no Tariffs! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2019 × On Google, the US president tweeted, saying: "There may or may not be national security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China," adding, "if there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!! In another report, Nikkei Asian Review had said that Apple Inc had asked its major suppliers to assess the cost implications of moving 15 per cent to 30 per cent of its production capacity from China to Southeast Asia to prepare for the restructuring of its supply chain due to the US-China trade spat. Several iPhone assemblers including Foxconn, Pegatron Corp, Wistron Corp were reportedly asked to evaluate options outside of China with Mexico, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia being the hot favourites, with Nikkei quoting sources to cite that India and Vietnam were among the frontrunners for smartphones. There may or may not be National Security concerns with regard to Google and their relationship with China. If there is a problem, we will find out about it. I sincerely hope there is not!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 26, 2019 × Trump's latest tweet comes in the backdrop of US Attorney General William Barr statement in which he said that "bipartisan group had held discussions centred on big tech companies stifling competition on the internet". The US Justice Department had said that it was opening an investigation of major digital technology firms.

Apple will not be given tariff wavers or relief for Mac Pro parts made in China: Trump

<p>The thigh bone of a giant dinosaur was found this week by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-invites-british-pm-johnson-to-visit-238559&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNk-uMwtLjAhUkjOYKHXBmAwIQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2j6r1p_4Oxdpf2uKXIJ1qN">French</a> palaeontologists at an excavation site in southwestern France where remains of some of the largest animals that ever lived on land have been dug up since 2010.</p>

<p>The two-meter long femur at the Angeac-Charente site is thought to have belonged to a sauropod, herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks and tails which were widespread in the late Jurassic era, over 140 million years ago.</p>

<p>"This is a major discovery," Ronan Allain, a palaeontologist at the National History Museum of Paris told Reuters. "I was especially amazed by the state of preservation of that femur."</p>

<p>"These are animals that probably weighed 40 to 50 tonnes."</p>

<p>Allain said scientists at the site near the city of Cognac have found more than 7,500 fossils of more than 40 different species since 2010, making it one of the largest such finds in Europe.</p>


The thigh bone of a giant dinosaur was found this week by French palaeontologists at an excavation site in southwestern France where remains of some of the largest animals that ever lived on land have been dug up since 2010.

The thigh bone of a giant dinosaur was found this week by French palaeontologists at an excavation site in southwestern France where remains of some of the largest animals that ever lived on land have been dug up since 2010. The two-meter long femur at the Angeac-Charente site is thought to have belonged to a sauropod, herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks and tails which were widespread in the late Jurassic era, over 140 million years ago. "This is a major discovery," Ronan Allain, a palaeontologist at the National History Museum of Paris told Reuters. "I was especially amazed by the state of preservation of that femur." "These are animals that probably weighed 40 to 50 tonnes." Allain said scientists at the site near the city of Cognac have found more than 7,500 fossils of more than 40 different species since 2010, making it one of the largest such finds in Europe.

Giant dinosaur bone found in southwestern France

<p>Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7mczc2NLjAhUWiXAKHVLAAMMQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rfEjC6AIX2EX6UwLc2YxP">Boris Johnson</a>'s approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.</p>

<p>Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing.</p>

<p>Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries.</p>

<p>"The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast.</p>

<p>"He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added.</p>

<p>The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign.</p>

<p>The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:</strong></p>

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<p>"The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said.</p>

<p>Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October&nbsp;31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal.</p>

<p>A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks.</p>

<p>Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon.</p>

<p>Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.</p>


Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to. Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing. Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries. "The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast. "He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added. The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign. The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement. WATCH: × "The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said. Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal. A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks. Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon. Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks. Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Johnson 'very unhelpful' on Brexit, risks no deal: Ireland

<p>Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit.</p>

<p>Johnson took office on Wednesday pledging to do a new Brexit deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-invites-british-pm-johnson-to-visit-238559">European Union </a>but also to ramp up no-deal preparations. He has announced a raft of spending pledges including increasing police numbers by 20,000 to help cut crime.</p>

<p>After a junior interior minister responsible for policing, Kit Malthouse, said Johnson had announced there was to be an emergency budget in the autumn, the prime minister's spokesman said there were no plans for one.</p>

<p>"There are no plans to do so," PM Johnson's spokesman said when asked if Britain would be holding an emergency budget. "Fiscal events, as you know, are announced by the Treasury."</p>

<p>Johnson has not announced an emergency budget. The finance ministry, known as the Treasury, said it was up to Sajid Javid, the finance minister whose official title is Chancellor of the Exchequer, to announce fiscal events.</p>

<p>Typically an autumn budget takes place between late October and early December.</p>

<p>If Johnson is unable to convince the European Union to do a new Brexit deal and lawmakers try to prevent a no-deal exit then there is speculation that he could call an election.</p>

<p>Johnson, who made more than 30 billion pounds ($37 billion) worth of spending commitments during his leadership campaign, said on Thursday his pledges had been modest "so far".</p>

<p>He has said spending could be financed using the 27 billion pound "fiscal headroom", an amount of extra borrowing possible without breaking a budget deficit cap of 2% of GDP introduced by former finance minister Philip Hammond.</p>

<p><strong>TAX CUTS</strong></p>

<p>Javid said during his failed bid to lead the Conservative Party that he would prepare for a no-deal Brexit with an emergency budget that would include tax cuts for businesses and individuals.</p>

<p>Before he was appointed to the post, Javid said he wanted to cut tax for the lowest earners but would also consider scrapping the top rate of income tax, if he thought it would inject more dynamism into the economy.</p>

<p>"The prime minister has also announced there's going to be an emergency budget in the autumn which will be designed to stimulate the economy," Malthouse told Sky News.</p>

<p>"What you hope is that a more strongly growing economy will produce greater tax revenue which we can pay for some of the things that we want to do," he said.</p>

<p>Malthouse said a pledge to boost police numbers would cost about 500 million pounds ($622 million) in the first year.</p>

<p>Malthouse said: "There's certainly headroom in the finances."</p>

<p>"We've gone from a situation at the start of 2010 where we were borrowing one pound in every four that the government spent to now borrowing one pound in every thirty-four so we've got a bit of room for manoeuvre."</p>


Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit.

Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit. Johnson took office on Wednesday pledging to do a new Brexit deal with the European Union but also to ramp up no-deal preparations. He has announced a raft of spending pledges including increasing police numbers by 20,000 to help cut crime. After a junior interior minister responsible for policing, Kit Malthouse, said Johnson had announced there was to be an emergency budget in the autumn, the prime minister's spokesman said there were no plans for one. "There are no plans to do so," PM Johnson's spokesman said when asked if Britain would be holding an emergency budget. "Fiscal events, as you know, are announced by the Treasury." Johnson has not announced an emergency budget. The finance ministry, known as the Treasury, said it was up to Sajid Javid, the finance minister whose official title is Chancellor of the Exchequer, to announce fiscal events. Typically an autumn budget takes place between late October and early December. If Johnson is unable to convince the European Union to do a new Brexit deal and lawmakers try to prevent a no-deal exit then there is speculation that he could call an election. Johnson, who made more than 30 billion pounds ($37 billion) worth of spending commitments during his leadership campaign, said on Thursday his pledges had been modest "so far". He has said spending could be financed using the 27 billion pound "fiscal headroom", an amount of extra borrowing possible without breaking a budget deficit cap of 2% of GDP introduced by former finance minister Philip Hammond. TAX CUTS Javid said during his failed bid to lead the Conservative Party that he would prepare for a no-deal Brexit with an emergency budget that would include tax cuts for businesses and individuals. Before he was appointed to the post, Javid said he wanted to cut tax for the lowest earners but would also consider scrapping the top rate of income tax, if he thought it would inject more dynamism into the economy. "The prime minister has also announced there's going to be an emergency budget in the autumn which will be designed to stimulate the economy," Malthouse told Sky News. "What you hope is that a more strongly growing economy will produce greater tax revenue which we can pay for some of the things that we want to do," he said. Malthouse said a pledge to boost police numbers would cost about 500 million pounds ($622 million) in the first year. Malthouse said: "There's certainly headroom in the finances." "We've gone from a situation at the start of 2010 where we were borrowing one pound in every four that the government spent to now borrowing one pound in every thirty-four so we've got a bit of room for manoeuvre."

UK denies emergency budget, after junior minister touts stimulatory plan

<p>Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-for-no-more-north-korean-provocations-hopes-to-resume-talks-238539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKxpqEzdLjAhUDaI8KHcUnC0kQFjAFegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BOBziYODgLsYPFJmrr2vN">United States</a> President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference.</p>

<p>Best known for his song "Praise the Lord", the 30-year-old performer, producer, and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained about three weeks ago following a street altercation with two men in Stockholm on June 30. A$AP Rocky, who was charged on Thursday, will go on trial next week.</p>

<p>Trump, who last week urged Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to free A$AP Rocky, fired off tweets on Thursday saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States. I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeRocky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeRocky</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154501344323080192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump added: "We do so much for Sweden but it doesn't seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM. We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeRocky?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeRocky</a></p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1154502673514684416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A spokesman for the Swedish government said on Friday the government would not get involved in the case.</p>

<p>"Sweden and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven have been very clear in the dialogue with both the White House and directly with the American president, that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law and that the government cannot interfere in legal proceedings," the spokesman said in a text message.</p>

<p>Mayers has said he is innocent and that the men provoked him and his two companions, who have also been charged with assault. If convicted, they could face up to two years in jail.</p>

<p>Trump has said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system.</p>

<p>Former prime minister Carl Bildt told the daily Aftonbladet that Lofven was right not to comment further on the case.</p>

<p>"I think it's right of the government not to go into a mud wrestling match with Trump. That is his element, and should not be Sweden's," Bildt said.</p>

<p>Mayers, also known by the pseudonym Lord Flacko, was in Stockholm to perform at the Smash hip-hop festival. His arrest forced him to cancel a dozen shows scheduled as part of his Europe tour.</p>


Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference.

Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference. Best known for his song "Praise the Lord", the 30-year-old performer, producer, and model, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained about three weeks ago following a street altercation with two men in Stockholm on June 30. A$AP Rocky, who was charged on Thursday, will go on trial next week. Trump, who last week urged Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to free A$AP Rocky, fired off tweets on Thursday saying he was "very disappointed" in Lofven and demanding: "Treat Americans fairly!" Very disappointed in Prime Minister Stefan Löfven for being unable to act. Sweden has let our African American Community down in the United States. I watched the tapes of A$AP Rocky, and he was being followed and harassed by troublemakers. Treat Americans fairly! #FreeRocky — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019 × Trump added: "We do so much for Sweden but it doesn't seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky." Give A$AP Rocky his FREEDOM. We do so much for Sweden but it doesn’t seem to work the other way around. Sweden should focus on its real crime problem! #FreeRocky — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019 × A spokesman for the Swedish government said on Friday the government would not get involved in the case. "Sweden and Prime Minister Stefan Lofven have been very clear in the dialogue with both the White House and directly with the American president, that in Sweden everyone is equal before the law and that the government cannot interfere in legal proceedings," the spokesman said in a text message. Mayers has said he is innocent and that the men provoked him and his two companions, who have also been charged with assault. If convicted, they could face up to two years in jail. Trump has said he would personally vouch for Mayers' bail. Sweden does not have a bail system. Former prime minister Carl Bildt told the daily Aftonbladet that Lofven was right not to comment further on the case. "I think it's right of the government not to go into a mud wrestling match with Trump. That is his element, and should not be Sweden's," Bildt said. Mayers, also known by the pseudonym Lord Flacko, was in Stockholm to perform at the Smash hip-hop festival. His arrest forced him to cancel a dozen shows scheduled as part of his Europe tour.

PM Lofven is very clear, everyone is equal before the law: Sweden on Trump backing rapper A$AP Rocky

<p>The hot<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-records-hottest-temperature-since-records-began-238477"> air that smashed European</a> weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday.</p>

<p>Clare Nullis, spokeswoman for the UN&nbsp;World Meteorological Organization, said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-records-fall-as-europe-bakes-in-heatwave-238541">hot air moving up</a> from North Africa had not merely broken European temperature records on Thursday but surpassed them by 2, 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, which she described as "absolutely incredible".</p>

<p>"According to forecasts, and this is of concern, the atmospheric flow is now going to transport that heat towards&nbsp;Greenland," she told a regular UN&nbsp;briefing in Geneva.</p>

<p>"This will result in high temperatures and consequently enhanced melting of the&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;ice sheet," she said. "We don't know yet whether it will beat the 2012 level, but it's close."</p>

<p>Nullis cited data from Denmark's Polar Portal, which measures the daily gains and losses in surface mass of the&nbsp;Greenland&nbsp;Ice Sheet.</p>

<p>"In July alone, it lost 160 billion tonnes of ice through surface melting. That's roughly the equivalent of 64 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Just in July. Just surface melt - it's not including ocean melt as well."</p>

<p>Belgian zookeepers fed tigers with chickens encased in giant ice cubes on Wednesday as northern Europe baked in record temperatures during another heatwave that climate experts believe could become the new normal.</p>

<p>For the second time in a month, a high pressure system drew scorching air from the Sahara Desert, breaking records for Belgium and the Netherlands and threatening the same in Britain, Germany and France in a streak that is due to last until Friday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

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<p>Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up.</p>

<p>As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July.</p>

<p>An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday.</p>

<p>The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans.</p>

<p>In Spain, a wildfire in the northern province of Zaragoza was almost under control, but there was a risk of further outbreaks, especially in eastern parts, where the temperature was set to rise as high as 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit).</p>

<p>Peter Innes, a senior climate research scientist at Britain's University of Reading, said the recent greater frequency of hot summers was in line with expectations about manmade global warming.</p>

<p>He referred to a study looking at the European heatwave of 2003 and a finding that by the middle of the 21st century, this could be the norm.</p>

<p>"It has been estimated that about 35,000 people died as a result of the European heatwave in 2003, so this is not a trivial issue," he said.</p>


The hot air that smashed European weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday.

The hot air that smashed European weather records this week looks set to move towards Greenland, a worrying development that may take Greenland's ice sheet close to or below the record low seen in 2012, the United Nations said on Friday. Clare Nullis, spokeswoman for the UN World Meteorological Organization, said the hot air moving up from North Africa had not merely broken European temperature records on Thursday but surpassed them by 2, 3 or 4 degrees Celsius, which she described as "absolutely incredible". "According to forecasts, and this is of concern, the atmospheric flow is now going to transport that heat towards Greenland," she told a regular UN briefing in Geneva. "This will result in high temperatures and consequently enhanced melting of the Greenland ice sheet," she said. "We don't know yet whether it will beat the 2012 level, but it's close." Nullis cited data from Denmark's Polar Portal, which measures the daily gains and losses in surface mass of the Greenland Ice Sheet. "In July alone, it lost 160 billion tonnes of ice through surface melting. That's roughly the equivalent of 64 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Just in July. Just surface melt - it's not including ocean melt as well." Belgian zookeepers fed tigers with chickens encased in giant ice cubes on Wednesday as northern Europe baked in record temperatures during another heatwave that climate experts believe could become the new normal. For the second time in a month, a high pressure system drew scorching air from the Sahara Desert, breaking records for Belgium and the Netherlands and threatening the same in Britain, Germany and France in a streak that is due to last until Friday. Watch Video: Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up. As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July. An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday. The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans. In Spain, a wildfire in the northern province of Zaragoza was almost under control, but there was a risk of further outbreaks, especially in eastern parts, where the temperature was set to rise as high as 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit). Peter Innes, a senior climate research scientist at Britain's University of Reading, said the recent greater frequency of hot summers was in line with expectations about manmade global warming. He referred to a study looking at the European heatwave of 2003 and a finding that by the middle of the 21st century, this could be the norm. "It has been estimated that about 35,000 people died as a result of the European heatwave in 2003, so this is not a trivial issue," he said.

Atmospheric flow now going to transport heat towards Greenland: UN

<p>Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij9_GHsNLjAhUbHo8KHfTpAw0QFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q6V_pmXlrHO0FOtaqNfXk">US-China trade war</a> capped gains.</p>

<p>Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week.</p>

<p>US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week.</p>

<p>Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf.</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait.</p>

<p>However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.</p>

<p>Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members</strong></p>

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<p>"Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said.</p>

<p>Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020.</p>

<p>"Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures.</p>

<p>The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year.</p>

<p>Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.</p>


Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains. Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week. US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week. Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait. However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said. Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry. WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members × "Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said. Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020. "Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures. The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year. Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rise as Iran tensions remain unresolved

<p>Britain&nbsp;has started sending a warship to escort&nbsp;all&nbsp;British-flagged&nbsp;vessels&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-uk-tanker-tensions-consular-access-for-tankers-indian-crew-238515&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjg88fCsdLjAhWMK48KHRHnBCAQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qxwXJpThW2Emq6QSOyl7F">Strait&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hormuz</a>, a crucial artery for the shipping of oil. It's a reversal in policy by the British government, which announced the change on Thursday. Previously it said it did not have sufficient resources to do so.</p>

<p>HMS Montrose, a British frigate now in the area, carried out the first mission under the new policy on Wednesday evening,&nbsp;escorting&nbsp;two merchant&nbsp;vessels, the Stena Important and the Sea Ploeg.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members</strong></p>

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<p>The new use of a Royal Navy vessel comes after the seizure of a British-flagged tanker on July 19 by Iranian commandos. That followed the capture of an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar by British forces two weeks ago. It was accused of violating sanctions on Syria by the&nbsp;UK</p>


Britain has started sending a warship to escort all British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the shipping of oil. It's a reversal in policy by the British government, which announced the change on Thursday.

Britain has started sending a warship to escort all British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the shipping of oil. It's a reversal in policy by the British government, which announced the change on Thursday. Previously it said it did not have sufficient resources to do so. HMS Montrose, a British frigate now in the area, carried out the first mission under the new policy on Wednesday evening, escorting two merchant vessels, the Stena Important and the Sea Ploeg. WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members × The new use of a Royal Navy vessel comes after the seizure of a British-flagged tanker on July 19 by Iranian commandos. That followed the capture of an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar by British forces two weeks ago. It was accused of violating sanctions on Syria by the UK

Britain begins escorting all UK vessels through Hormuz Strait

<p>After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-calling-for-free-hong-kong-converge-on-airport-238572">chanting ant-China slogans</a>, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere.</p>

<p>PLA troops are performing defensive duties in Hong Kong, they are key to Hong Kong's stability," China's foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>"I also want to emphasise that since the reunification of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong garrison has strictly abide by Hong Kong's Basic Law and Garrison Law, and faithfully fulfilling its duties of defence. They have become the guardian for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," the ministry spokesman said.</p>

<p>"We have already said that Hong Kong is&nbsp;China's Hong Kong and will never allow any foreign forces to intervene in any way."</p>

<p>"I recommend those who try to 'lead the wolf into the room' to study the history -- since when have those who colluded with external forces to create problems for a country come to a good end?" China foreign ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Hua Chunying said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, protesters shouting "free Hong Kong" made their way to the airport calling on the Chinese government to withdraw the extradition bill which has become a bone of contention with protests and violence seen on the city streets for the past two months.</p>

<p>As the protesters gathered at the airport, Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place. Some protesters were seen handing out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice," it warned citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page.</p>

<p>"United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. Reports said Cathay Pacific staff members attended the demonstrations</p>

<p>Meanwhile, reports added that Hong Kong is bracing itself for another weekend of rallies.</p>

<p>The police have banned a planned Saturday protest as authorities grapple with huge demonstrations which has disrupted normal life in the former British colony.</p>


After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere.

After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere. PLA troops are performing defensive duties in Hong Kong, they are key to Hong Kong's stability," China's foreign ministry said. "I also want to emphasise that since the reunification of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong garrison has strictly abide by Hong Kong's Basic Law and Garrison Law, and faithfully fulfilling its duties of defence. They have become the guardian for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," the ministry spokesman said. "We have already said that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and will never allow any foreign forces to intervene in any way." "I recommend those who try to 'lead the wolf into the room' to study the history -- since when have those who colluded with external forces to create problems for a country come to a good end?" China foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. Watch Video: On Friday, protesters shouting "free Hong Kong" made their way to the airport calling on the Chinese government to withdraw the extradition bill which has become a bone of contention with protests and violence seen on the city streets for the past two months. As the protesters gathered at the airport, Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place. Some protesters were seen handing out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists. "Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice," it warned citizens. The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page. "United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. Reports said Cathay Pacific staff members attended the demonstrations Meanwhile, reports added that Hong Kong is bracing itself for another weekend of rallies. The police have banned a planned Saturday protest as authorities grapple with huge demonstrations which has disrupted normal life in the former British colony.

Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, will never allow any foreign forces to intervene: Foreign ministry

<p>About 115 people are missing and feared to have drowned and another 134 were rescued by Libyan coast guards and local fishermen after a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off Libya, a Libyan navy official said on Thursday.</p>

<p>Earlier, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said that up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-150-people-feared-dead-in-shipwreck-off-libya-unhcr-238504">150 people were feared dead</a>.</p>

<p>"The worst Mediterranean tragedy of this year has just occurred," UNHCR head Filippo Grandi said in a tweet.</p>

<p>There were about 250 people on board, mainly from Eritrea and other sub-Saharan Africa and Arab countries, when the boat capsized off the coast near Komas, east of the capital Tripoli, Libyan navy spokesman Ayoub Qassem said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/libya-shipwreck-survivor-recounts-tragedy-238602/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>Libya is a hub for migrants and refugees, many of whom try to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats.</p>

<p>The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.</p>

<p>"Until we address the reasons why people take these dangerous boat journeys, sadly, this is unlikely to be the last tragedy like this that we see," he said.</p>

<p>Yaxley said survivors of the wreck were likely to be brought to two detention centres in Libya where they would face further risks, and he called for their immediate release.</p>

<p>"We know that inside these detention centres there's insufficient food, water, often unsanitary conditions, there have been widespread reports of human rights violations taking place," he said.</p>

<p>Libya says the migrants are illegally entering and leaving the country. It regularly detains them in centres that the UN says are effectively jails, exposing them to the added risk of being caught up in the country's civil war.</p>

<p>One detention centre in Tripoli was hit by an air strike earlier this month, killing more than 50 people. UNHCR subsequently said it had been closed, but rescued migrants have continued to be sent there.</p>

<p>Human rights activists have accused politicians in the European Union of turning a blind eye and letting people die rather than risk a voter backlash by appearing soft on immigration. Europe struggled to cope with an influx of more than one million refugees and migrants in 2015.</p>

<p>Italy, many African migrants' intended first destination, has taken a tough line since a populist government took office in 2018, and immediately sought to close the nation's ports to rescued migrants.</p>


About 115 people are missing and feared to have drowned and another 134 were rescued by Libyan coast guards and local fishermen after a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off Libya, a Libyan navy official said on Thursday.

About 115 people are missing and feared to have drowned and another 134 were rescued by Libyan coast guards and local fishermen after a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized off Libya, a Libyan navy official said on Thursday. Earlier, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said that up to 150 people were feared dead. "The worst Mediterranean tragedy of this year has just occurred," UNHCR head Filippo Grandi said in a tweet. There were about 250 people on board, mainly from Eritrea and other sub-Saharan Africa and Arab countries, when the boat capsized off the coast near Komas, east of the capital Tripoli, Libyan navy spokesman Ayoub Qassem said. Watch Video: Libya is a hub for migrants and refugees, many of whom try to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats. The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said. "Until we address the reasons why people take these dangerous boat journeys, sadly, this is unlikely to be the last tragedy like this that we see," he said. Yaxley said survivors of the wreck were likely to be brought to two detention centres in Libya where they would face further risks, and he called for their immediate release. "We know that inside these detention centres there's insufficient food, water, often unsanitary conditions, there have been widespread reports of human rights violations taking place," he said. Libya says the migrants are illegally entering and leaving the country. It regularly detains them in centres that the UN says are effectively jails, exposing them to the added risk of being caught up in the country's civil war. One detention centre in Tripoli was hit by an air strike earlier this month, killing more than 50 people. UNHCR subsequently said it had been closed, but rescued migrants have continued to be sent there. Human rights activists have accused politicians in the European Union of turning a blind eye and letting people die rather than risk a voter backlash by appearing soft on immigration. Europe struggled to cope with an influx of more than one million refugees and migrants in 2015. Italy, many African migrants' intended first destination, has taken a tough line since a populist government took office in 2018, and immediately sought to close the nation's ports to rescued migrants.

115 people feared drowned, 134 rescued after migrant boat capsize: Libya Navy

<p>Australia said it would establish the world's first dedicated office to police <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-create-privacy-panel-pay-5-billion-to-us-to-settle-data-breach-allegations-238141&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj36anBpdLjAhXJrY8KHYA-CLwQFjAHegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1s3tXY3k3_9nycsyvVh1Tr">Facebook Inc</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/big-tech-faces-broad-us-justice-department-antitrust-probe-238042&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj36anBpdLjAhXJrY8KHYA-CLwQFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1uT8BUjqeLr30Z5u6gK1Kq">Google</a>&nbsp;as part of reforms designed to rein in the US technology giants, potentially setting a precedent for global lawmakers.</p>

<p>The move tightens the regulatory screws on the online platforms, which have governments from the United States to Europe scrambling to address concerns ranging from anti-trust issues to the spread of "fake news" and hate speech.</p>

<p>Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the $5 billion fine slapped on Facebook in the United States this month for privacy breaches showed regulators were now taking such issues extremely seriously.</p>

<p><strong>Watch Video:</strong></p>

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<p>"These companies are among the most powerful and valuable in the world," Frydenberg told reporters in Sydney after the release of a much-anticipated report on future regulation of the dominant digital platforms.</p>

<p>"They need to be held to account and their activities need to be more transparent."</p>

<p>Canberra would form a special branch of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the antitrust watchdog, to scrutinise how the companies used algorithms to match advertisements with viewers, giving them a stronghold on the main income generator of media operators.</p>

<p>The new office was one of 23 recommendations in the ACCC's report, including strengthening privacy laws, protections for the news media and a code of conduct requiring regulatory approval to govern how internet giants profit from users' content.</p>

<p>Frydenberg said the government intended to "lift the veil" on the closely guarded algorithms the firms use to collect and monetise users' data, and accepted the ACCC's "overriding conclusion that there is a need for reform".</p>

<p>The proposals would be subject to a 12-week public consultation process before the government acts on the report, he added.</p>

<p>Google and Facebook have opposed tighter regulation while traditional media owners, including Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, have backed reform.</p>

<p>News Corp's local executive chairman, Michael Miller, welcomed the "strength of the language and the identification of the problems", and said the publisher would work with the government to ensure "real change".</p>

<p>Facebook and Google said they would engage with the government during the consultation process, but had no comment on the specific recommendations.</p>

<p>The firms have previously rejected the need for tighter regulation and said the ACCC had underestimated the level of competition for online advertising.</p>

<p>ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the regulator had five investigations of the two companies underway, and "I believe more will follow".</p>

<p>He said he was shocked at the amount of personal data the firms collected, often without users' knowledge.</p>

<p>"There needs to be a lot more transparency and oversight of Google and Facebook and their operations and practices," he said.</p>

<p>Among other recommendations in the report, the ACCC said it wanted privacy law updated to give people the right to erase personal data stored online, aligning Australia with some elements of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.</p>

<p>"We cannot leave these issues to be dealt with by commercial entities with substantial reach and market power. It's really up to government and regulators to get up to date and stay up to date in relation to all these issues," Sims said.</p>

<p>While the regulator did not recommend breaking up the tech giants, Sims also did not rule it out.</p>

<p>"If it turns out that ... divestiture is a better approach, then that can always be recommended down the track," he said.</p>


Australia said it would establish the world's first dedicated office to police Facebook Inc and Google as part of reforms designed to rein in the US technology giants, potentially setting a precedent for global lawmakers.

Australia said it would establish the world's first dedicated office to police Facebook Inc and Google as part of reforms designed to rein in the US technology giants, potentially setting a precedent for global lawmakers. The move tightens the regulatory screws on the online platforms, which have governments from the United States to Europe scrambling to address concerns ranging from anti-trust issues to the spread of "fake news" and hate speech. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the $5 billion fine slapped on Facebook in the United States this month for privacy breaches showed regulators were now taking such issues extremely seriously. Watch Video: "These companies are among the most powerful and valuable in the world," Frydenberg told reporters in Sydney after the release of a much-anticipated report on future regulation of the dominant digital platforms. "They need to be held to account and their activities need to be more transparent." Canberra would form a special branch of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the antitrust watchdog, to scrutinise how the companies used algorithms to match advertisements with viewers, giving them a stronghold on the main income generator of media operators. The new office was one of 23 recommendations in the ACCC's report, including strengthening privacy laws, protections for the news media and a code of conduct requiring regulatory approval to govern how internet giants profit from users' content. Frydenberg said the government intended to "lift the veil" on the closely guarded algorithms the firms use to collect and monetise users' data, and accepted the ACCC's "overriding conclusion that there is a need for reform". The proposals would be subject to a 12-week public consultation process before the government acts on the report, he added. Google and Facebook have opposed tighter regulation while traditional media owners, including Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, have backed reform. News Corp's local executive chairman, Michael Miller, welcomed the "strength of the language and the identification of the problems", and said the publisher would work with the government to ensure "real change". Facebook and Google said they would engage with the government during the consultation process, but had no comment on the specific recommendations. The firms have previously rejected the need for tighter regulation and said the ACCC had underestimated the level of competition for online advertising. ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the regulator had five investigations of the two companies underway, and "I believe more will follow". He said he was shocked at the amount of personal data the firms collected, often without users' knowledge. "There needs to be a lot more transparency and oversight of Google and Facebook and their operations and practices," he said. Among other recommendations in the report, the ACCC said it wanted privacy law updated to give people the right to erase personal data stored online, aligning Australia with some elements of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. "We cannot leave these issues to be dealt with by commercial entities with substantial reach and market power. It's really up to government and regulators to get up to date and stay up to date in relation to all these issues," Sims said. While the regulator did not recommend breaking up the tech giants, Sims also did not rule it out. "If it turns out that ... divestiture is a better approach, then that can always be recommended down the track," he said.

Now, Australia to 'lift veil' on Facebook, Google algorithms to protect privacy

<p>President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs.</p>

<p>The United States said last week it was removing NATO ally Turkey from the F-35 programme, as it long threatened after Ankara purchased and received delivery of Russian<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-shipment-of-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-completed-second-planned-turkey-238397"> S-400 missile defences</a>. US President Donald Trump has yet to decide on sanctions on Turkey that appear to be required by US law.</p>

<p>Erdogan, speaking publicly about Ankara's strained ties with Washington for the first time in 11 days, said he hoped US officials would be "reasonable" on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-expresses-disappointment-over-turkeys-acquisition-of-russian-s-400-missiles-237351">question of sanctions</a>.</p>

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<p>The head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate had said earlier that Russia and Turkey are in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov.</p>

<p>After the Pentagon announcement, Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement: "We invite the United States to return from this mistake which would open irreparable wounds in strategic relations."</p>

<p>NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum in Aspen, Colorado, said he was concerned at Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 programme.</p>

<p>"The S-400, the Russian air defence system, it’s not possible to integrate into the integrated NATO air defence and missile system, which is about sharing, you know, radar picture, about joint air policing, which is about shared capabilities. And Turkey has not asked for that," Stoltenberg said.</p>

<p>The S-400 acquisition is one of several issues that have frayed ties between the two allies, including a dispute over strategy in Syria east of the Euphrates River, where the United States is allied with Kurdish forces that Turkey views as foes.</p>

<p>The Pentagon had already laid out a plan to remove Turkey from the programme, which included halting training for Turkish pilots on the aircraft.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs. The United States said last week it was removing NATO ally Turkey from the F-35 programme, as it long threatened after Ankara purchased and received delivery of Russian S-400 missile defences. US President Donald Trump has yet to decide on sanctions on Turkey that appear to be required by US law. Erdogan, speaking publicly about Ankara's strained ties with Washington for the first time in 11 days, said he hoped US officials would be "reasonable" on the question of sanctions. The head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate had said earlier that Russia and Turkey are in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov. After the Pentagon announcement, Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement: "We invite the United States to return from this mistake which would open irreparable wounds in strategic relations." NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum in Aspen, Colorado, said he was concerned at Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 programme. "The S-400, the Russian air defence system, it’s not possible to integrate into the integrated NATO air defence and missile system, which is about sharing, you know, radar picture, about joint air policing, which is about shared capabilities. And Turkey has not asked for that," Stoltenberg said. The S-400 acquisition is one of several issues that have frayed ties between the two allies, including a dispute over strategy in Syria east of the Euphrates River, where the United States is allied with Kurdish forces that Turkey views as foes. The Pentagon had already laid out a plan to remove Turkey from the programme, which included halting training for Turkish pilots on the aircraft.

Turkey will turn elsewhere if US does not sell F-35 fighter jets: Erdogan

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