A day after losing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-stun-india-by-18-runs-to-reach-world-cup-final-234755">New Zealand</a> in the semi-final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, India opening batsman Rohit Sharma admitted that they failed to deliver, and thanked fans for their colossal support to the Men in Blue during the tournament.

Sharma is the highest run-getter of the tournament as he amassed 648 runs.

Moreover, he scripted history by scoring five centuries in a single edition of the quadrennial tournament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/heartbroken-fans-still-proud-of-indian-team-after-world-cup-exit-234904">India</a>, who had topped the points table, faced fourth-positioned New Zealand on July 9.

However, after 46.1 overs, the match moved to the reserve day due to rain.

Continuing the match on the next day, New Zealand finished at a total of 240 runs.

India's top-order crumbled as they were on just five runs after the loss of three wickets in four overs.

All three top-order batsmen - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forty-five-minutes-of-bad-cricket-put-us-out-says-kohli-after-indias-shock-exit-234767">Virat Kohli</a> - scored just one run.

"We failed to deliver as a team when it mattered, 30 minutes of poor cricket yesterday &amp; that snatched away&nbsp;our chance for the cup. My heart is heavy as I'm sure yours is too. The support away from home was incredible. Thank you all for painting most of UK blue wherever we played," he tweeted on Thursday.

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We failed to deliver as a team when it mattered, 30 minutes of poor cricket yesterday &amp; that snatched away our chance for the cup. My heart is heavy as I’m sure yours is too.The support away from home was incredible.Thank you all for painting most of uk blue wherever we played 🇮🇳
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1149370770541465602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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However, Ravindra Jadeja and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-umpiring-error-haunts-india-as-ms-dhoni-lost-his-wicket-on-no-ball-234892">MS Dhoni</a> played cautiously and tried to save the sinking Indian side.

Jadeja scored 77 runs while Dhoni played a knock of 50 runs.

After the wickets of Jadeja and Dhoni, the match slipped from India's hands and New Zealand easily registered an 18-run victory to secure their spot in the tournament`s final.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-england-vs-new-zealand-in-final-on-july-14-the-world-will-see-a-new-cricket-champion-235146">New Zealand will face England</a>, who defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second semi-final on Thursday, for the 2019 World Cup final at Lord's on July 14.

A day after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, India opening batsman Rohit Sharma admitted that they failed to deliver, and thanked fans for their colossal support to the Men in Blue during the tournament.

A day after losing to New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, India opening batsman Rohit Sharma admitted that they failed to deliver, and thanked fans for their colossal support to the Men in Blue during the tournament. Sharma is the highest run-getter of the tournament as he amassed 648 runs. Moreover, he scripted history by scoring five centuries in a single edition of the quadrennial tournament. India, who had topped the points table, faced fourth-positioned New Zealand on July 9. However, after 46.1 overs, the match moved to the reserve day due to rain. Continuing the match on the next day, New Zealand finished at a total of 240 runs. India's top-order crumbled as they were on just five runs after the loss of three wickets in four overs. All three top-order batsmen - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli - scored just one run. "We failed to deliver as a team when it mattered, 30 minutes of poor cricket yesterday & that snatched away our chance for the cup. My heart is heavy as I'm sure yours is too. The support away from home was incredible. Thank you all for painting most of UK blue wherever we played," he tweeted on Thursday. We failed to deliver as a team when it mattered, 30 minutes of poor cricket yesterday & that snatched away our chance for the cup. My heart is heavy as I’m sure yours is too.The support away from home was incredible.Thank you all for painting most of uk blue wherever we played 🇮🇳 — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 11, 2019 × However, Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni played cautiously and tried to save the sinking Indian side. Jadeja scored 77 runs while Dhoni played a knock of 50 runs. After the wickets of Jadeja and Dhoni, the match slipped from India's hands and New Zealand easily registered an 18-run victory to secure their spot in the tournament`s final. New Zealand will face England, who defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second semi-final on Thursday, for the 2019 World Cup final at Lord's on July 14.

'We failed to deliver when it mattered,' says Rohit Sharma after World Cup semi-final loss

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-meteorological-department-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-234250&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAl9fF0K7jAhVHOI8KHeLABCoQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0nEIe14UATZj3_vXQKagtq">heavy rain</a> and floods swept through large parts of southern and central <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-china-is-afraid-of-us-abrams-tanks-to-be-delivered-to-taiwan-234260&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUmrOX0a7jAhUIPo8KHSvgA9oQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1_IOikyabaOWXicQ1MdY4T">China</a> this week, Chinese rescue authorities said.

In a notice published late on Thursday, China's Ministry of Emergency Management said 9,300 homes have collapsed and 371,100 hectares of farmland damaged during the floods, with direct economic losses now estimated at 13.35 billion yuan ($1.93 billion).

It said more than 4,300 people had been rescued from floodwaters, which have affected regions stretching from Guangdong province in the southeast to southwest China's Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river.

During the summer, China routinely suffers from droughts in the far north and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heavy-rains-flood-new-orleans-streets-forecasters-predict-hurricane-234833">flood</a>s in the south.

The emergency ministry has warned that northern regions face even lower precipitation levels this year, while heavy rains are expected to raise flood risks on the Yellow river's upstream.

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as heavy rain and floods swept through large parts of southern and central China this week, Chinese rescue authorities said.

As many as 61 people have been killed and 356,000 evacuated from their homes as heavy rain and floods swept through large parts of southern and central China this week, Chinese rescue authorities said. In a notice published late on Thursday, China's Ministry of Emergency Management said 9,300 homes have collapsed and 371,100 hectares of farmland damaged during the floods, with direct economic losses now estimated at 13.35 billion yuan ($1.93 billion). It said more than 4,300 people had been rescued from floodwaters, which have affected regions stretching from Guangdong province in the southeast to southwest China's Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river. During the summer, China routinely suffers from droughts in the far north and floods in the south. The emergency ministry has warned that northern regions face even lower precipitation levels this year, while heavy rains are expected to raise flood risks on the Yellow river's upstream.

At least 61 killed in floods; 350,000 evacuated: China rescue authorities

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/aftershocks-hit-california-town-near-quake-epicenter-233762&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjj5KXbzK7jAhUGpI8KHQTDBLwQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08a9k3uFTg11-6XgvNDdzU">California</a> lawmakers approved legislation on Thursday to create a $21 billion fund to help utilities in the state pay for claims arising from future wildfires sparked by their equipment, tackling a top issue for the state.

The approval came after power provider PG&amp;E Corp filed for bankruptcy in anticipation of more than $30 billion in wildfire liabilities.

The legislation now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor in June proposed California set up such a fund after S&amp;P Global Ratings warned it could lower its ratings on the state's two other major investor-owned power providers, Edison International's Southern California Edison and Sempra Energy's San Diego Gas &amp; Electric, to below investment-grade on or about July 12.

S&amp;P called for California's leaders to take "concrete actions" to reduce credit risks posed by wildfires to the state's utilities, which are under intense scrutiny after two years of brutal wildfires blamed on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/two-shot-two-others-hurt-in-san-francisco-area-shopping-mall-232599&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-o5eYzq7jAhWJLI8KHYHZA_gQFjAEegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1p1VVoYBAmKcpTK8bsXE4_">San Francisco</a>-based PG&amp;E's equipment.

Newsom in a statement cheered the bill approved by lawmakers, calling it a "decisive action."

"Strengthening our state's wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts will continue to be a top priority for my administration and our work with the legislature," the Democratic governor added.

State Senator Bill Dodd, a Democrat who co-authored the legislation, said he expects Newsom will approve the bill soon.

"All that's left is the governor's signature," Dodd said.

The legislation allows California investor-owned utilities access to the fund if they agree to put a combined $5 billion toward improvements in their electrical grids, Dodd said.

The utilities and their ratepayers would evenly split the cost of supporting the fund. Payments from ratepayers will come from a 15-year extension of an existing rate increase and PG&amp;E would make the lion's share of payments into the fund among the power providers after emerging from bankruptcy, Dodd said.

"For PG&amp;E to access this fund, they have to exit bankruptcy within a year," Dodd said.

PG&amp;E will also have to compensate victims of wildfires in 2017 and 2018 caused by its equipment, Dodd said.

PG&amp;E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January to reorganize its finances to help pay expected claims from the 2017 and 2018 blazes, including November's Camp <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-fire-erupts-at-power-station-outside-moscow-235028">Fire</a>. That blaze killed more than 80 people and levelled the town of Paradise in the deadliest and most destructive wildfire of California's modern history.

California is now bracing for fire season, with PG&amp;E working on a plan to remove 375,000 trees around its power lines in areas at high risk of wildfires this year.

PG&amp;E also aims to speed up equipment repairs and safety inspections and shut power lines if high temperatures and winds contribute to risks of wildfires.

&nbsp;

California lawmakers approved legislation on Thursday to create a $21 billion fund to help utilities in the state pay for claims arising from future wildfires sparked by their equipment, tackling a top issue for the state.

California lawmakers approved legislation on Thursday to create a $21 billion fund to help utilities in the state pay for claims arising from future wildfires sparked by their equipment, tackling a top issue for the state. The approval came after power provider PG&E Corp filed for bankruptcy in anticipation of more than $30 billion in wildfire liabilities. The legislation now goes to Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor in June proposed California set up such a fund after S&P Global Ratings warned it could lower its ratings on the state's two other major investor-owned power providers, Edison International's Southern California Edison and Sempra Energy's San Diego Gas & Electric, to below investment-grade on or about July 12. S&P called for California's leaders to take "concrete actions" to reduce credit risks posed by wildfires to the state's utilities, which are under intense scrutiny after two years of brutal wildfires blamed on San Francisco-based PG&E's equipment. Newsom in a statement cheered the bill approved by lawmakers, calling it a "decisive action." "Strengthening our state's wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts will continue to be a top priority for my administration and our work with the legislature," the Democratic governor added. State Senator Bill Dodd, a Democrat who co-authored the legislation, said he expects Newsom will approve the bill soon. "All that's left is the governor's signature," Dodd said. The legislation allows California investor-owned utilities access to the fund if they agree to put a combined $5 billion toward improvements in their electrical grids, Dodd said. The utilities and their ratepayers would evenly split the cost of supporting the fund. Payments from ratepayers will come from a 15-year extension of an existing rate increase and PG&E would make the lion's share of payments into the fund among the power providers after emerging from bankruptcy, Dodd said. "For PG&E to access this fund, they have to exit bankruptcy within a year," Dodd said. PG&E will also have to compensate victims of wildfires in 2017 and 2018 caused by its equipment, Dodd said. PG&E filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January to reorganize its finances to help pay expected claims from the 2017 and 2018 blazes, including November's Camp Fire. That blaze killed more than 80 people and levelled the town of Paradise in the deadliest and most destructive wildfire of California's modern history. California is now bracing for fire season, with PG&E working on a plan to remove 375,000 trees around its power lines in areas at high risk of wildfires this year. PG&E also aims to speed up equipment repairs and safety inspections and shut power lines if high temperatures and winds contribute to risks of wildfires.

California lawmakers approve legislation for $21 billion wildfire fund

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-to-seek-rollback-of-indian-tariffs-during-trade-talk-report-235194">US</a> Attorney General William Barr has recused himself from the Justice Department's investigation into Boeing Co after two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ryanair-holdings-sees-risk-to-2020-growth-if-737-max-grounded-beyond-november-234886">737 MAX</a> aeroplane crashes killed 346 people, a spokeswoman for Barr said Thursday.

Bloomberg News reported on Thursday that Barr has recused himself because his former law firm is representing Boeing.&nbsp;

Reuters and other outlets reported in March that federal prosecutors aided by the FBI were scrutinizing the development of the 737 MAX jetliners. Boeing did not immediately comment.

US Attorney General William Barr has recused himself from the Justice Department's investigation into Boeing Co after two 737 MAX aeroplane crashes killed 346 people, a spokeswoman for Barr said Thursday.

US Attorney General William Barr has recused himself from the Justice Department's investigation into Boeing Co after two 737 MAX aeroplane crashes killed 346 people, a spokeswoman for Barr said Thursday. Bloomberg News reported on Thursday that Barr has recused himself because his former law firm is representing Boeing. Reuters and other outlets reported in March that federal prosecutors aided by the FBI were scrutinizing the development of the 737 MAX jetliners. Boeing did not immediately comment.

United States Attorney General William Barr has recused himself from Boeing 737 MAX probe: Justice Department

R&amp;B artist Robert Kelly, 52, was arrested by homeland security investigation agents and NYPD detectives on Thursday night on sex trafficking charges.

Kelly is expected to be brought to New York&nbsp;amid the arrest for trial.&nbsp;

The R&amp;B&nbsp;star has been the subject of different sexual abuse allegations for nearly two decades, with some of the alleged acts dating back to 1998.

Kelly has always vigorously denied the&nbsp;charges.&nbsp;

Kelly’s publicist has said that he will be holding a press conference with more information on Friday morning.&nbsp;

Last month, Kelly had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rb-singer-r-kelly-pleads-not-guilty-to-new-felony-sexual-assault-counts-225119">pleaded not guilty</a> during a hearing in Chicago's Cook County after being charged with aggravated assault.&nbsp;

In February, he was charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, including at least 3 children.&nbsp;

In 2008, he was acquitted of child pornography charges after a video allegedly featuring him having sex with an underage girl surfaced.

Even though he was facing 15 years in prison for that charge, he was not arrested as the young woman did not confirm her presence in the video.&nbsp;

Kelly's controversial past was highlighted in the Lifetime series '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/singer-r-kelly-under-criminal-investigation-following-documentary-featuring-alleged-sexual-assault-victims-189229">Surviving R. Kelly</a>' which featured interviews with the artist's alleged accusers.&nbsp;

It was later announced that the network will produce a follow up special titled, 'Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact' to examine how the main series has affected conversation about sexual violence and popular culture at large.&nbsp;

Further details of Kelly's arrest are expected to be announced later today.

R&B artist Robert Kelly, 52, was arrested by homeland security investigation agents and NYPD detectives on Thursday night on sex trafficking charges. Kelly is expected to be brought to New York amid the arrest for trial.

R&B artist Robert Kelly, 52, was arrested by homeland security investigation agents and NYPD detectives on Thursday night on sex trafficking charges. Kelly is expected to be brought to New York amid the arrest for trial. The R&B star has been the subject of different sexual abuse allegations for nearly two decades, with some of the alleged acts dating back to 1998. Kelly has always vigorously denied the charges. Kelly’s publicist has said that he will be holding a press conference with more information on Friday morning. Last month, Kelly had pleaded not guilty during a hearing in Chicago's Cook County after being charged with aggravated assault. In February, he was charged with aggravated sexual abuse involving four victims, including at least 3 children. In 2008, he was acquitted of child pornography charges after a video allegedly featuring him having sex with an underage girl surfaced. Even though he was facing 15 years in prison for that charge, he was not arrested as the young woman did not confirm her presence in the video. Kelly's controversial past was highlighted in the Lifetime series 'Surviving R. Kelly' which featured interviews with the artist's alleged accusers. It was later announced that the network will produce a follow up special titled, 'Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact' to examine how the main series has affected conversation about sexual violence and popular culture at large. Further details of Kelly's arrest are expected to be announced later today.

Singer R Kelly arrested in Chicago over sex trafficking charges: Reports

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/harvey-weinstein-hires-two-new-attorneys-ahead-of-sex-assault-trial-231023">two new lawyers</a>, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September&nbsp;9 trial date. 
 
"Mr Weinstein, is that what you want?" Burke asked. 
 
"Yes," Weinstein answered. 
 
Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with sexually assaulting two women, in July 2006 and March 2013.

He has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include rape, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. 
 
Weinstein hired the new lawyers, both based in Chicago, last month. 
 
Rotunno and Cheronis are Weinstein's third legal team in the case. Prominent Florida defence lawyer Jose Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan both recently left, with Baez making his departure official at Thursday's hearing. 
 
They, in turn, had replaced New York defence lawyer Ben Brafman, who quit the case in January. 
 
The two accusers in the criminal case are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations. 
 
The accusations helped spark the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, politics, the news media and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse.

As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co-fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. The two new lawyers, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September 9 trial date.

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein got approval from a New York judge to hire a new legal team two months before his scheduled rape trial. The two new lawyers, Donna Rotunno and Damon Cheronis, appeared at a brief hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court before Justice James Burke to make their formal applications to take over Weinstein's defence before the September 9 trial date. "Mr Weinstein, is that what you want?" Burke asked. "Yes," Weinstein answered. Weinstein, 67, is charged in New York with sexually assaulting two women, in July 2006 and March 2013. He has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include rape, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. Weinstein hired the new lawyers, both based in Chicago, last month. Rotunno and Cheronis are Weinstein's third legal team in the case. Prominent Florida defence lawyer Jose Baez and Harvard University law professor Ronald Sullivan both recently left, with Baez making his departure official at Thursday's hearing. They, in turn, had replaced New York defence lawyer Ben Brafman, who quit the case in January. The two accusers in the criminal case are among some 70 women, mostly young actresses and women in the film industry, who have accused Weinstein of sexual assaults dating back decades. He has denied the allegations. The accusations helped spark the #MeToo movement in which hundreds of women have publicly accused powerful men in business, politics, the news media and entertainment of sexual harassment and abuse. As the accusations against Weinstein mounted, his company Weinstein Co-fired him and filed for bankruptcy, and he was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Wall Street Journal reported that Rotunno, a former Chicago prosecutor who specializes in the defence of men accused of sex crimes, said in an interview that she rejected the #MeToo movement.

Ahead of September trial, judge allows Harvey Weinstein to hire new legal team

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tightens-cuba-sanctions-ends-group-travel-224316">on travel to the Caribbean island</a>, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.

Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism.

"These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly.

The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year.

Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country.

US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them.

But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government.

Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector.

Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits.

Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer.

"Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016.

"Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said.

Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example.

Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client.

Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget.

José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry.

"A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy.

Tourism to Cuba will likely drop 8.5 per cent this year in the wake of tighter US restrictions on travel to the Caribbean island, the government said on Thursday, and the decline in arrivals will further hurt Cuba's already ailing centrally planned economy. A boom in tourism over the last few years has helped offset weaker exports and a steep decline in aid from key ally Venezuela that has forced the government to take austerity measures like cutting imports. The administration of US President Donald Trump has decided to squeeze that hard currency revenue stream too as part of its attempt to force the Communist government to reform and stop supporting Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Last month it banned cruise ships and private planes and yachts from travelling to the island and ended a heavily used educational category of travel allowed as an exemption to the overall ban on US tourism. "These measures sparked a 20.33% reduction in tourist activity," tourism minister Manuel Marrero was quoted as saying by state news agencies in a speech to the National Assembly. The minister estimated 4.3 million people would visit Cuba this year, down from the goal of more than 5 million, and 4.7 million last year. Looser restrictions on US travel to Cuba under former President Barack Obama, the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and commercial flights and cruises had caused a spike in US visits to the country. US travellers excluding Cuban-Americans became the second- biggest group of tourists on the island in recent years after Canadians, with cruise travellers accounting for half of them. But Trump has rolled back much of Obama's detente and taken additional measures to punish the economy and government. Marrero noted the Trump administration's decision in April to allow US lawsuits against foreign companies deemed to be "trafficking" in properties in Cuba nationalised after Cuba's 1959 revolution was also affecting the tourism sector. Several hotel operators and a unit of online travel agency Expedia have been targeted with lawsuits. Cubans working in the tourism sector complain that while the policy targets the government, they are the ones who suffer. "Our income has dropped by 80 per cent," said Carlos Cristobal Marquez, owner of the private restaurant San Cristobal, where Obama dined on his historic trip to Havana in 2016. "Many restaurants will have to close, while others will have a hard time. Trump has said he wants to support the private sector, but he isn't," he said. Marrero said the country would continue to develop the tourism sector regardless of the US measures. It is planning new dolphinariums and the country's first amusement park, for example. Cranes tower around Havana at the construction sites of what are to be the city's first generation of luxury hotels, in a bid to attract a new type of client. Cuba, which receives just two-thirds of the visitors that neighbouring Dominican Republic does although it is twice as large, has traditionally focused on resort tourism or travellers on a medium budget. José Luis Perelló, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cuba's tourism industry, said the country should not take short-term shifts in US policy too much into account in the long-term development of its tourism industry. "A large part of the revenues we use weekly... comes from tourism," President Miguel Diaz-Canel told the National Assembly. "For this reason, we must continue betting on the development of tourism."

Cuba's tourism industry hit after Trump ban on cruise ship stopovers

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-us-will-regret-detaining-our-oil-tanker-irans-elite-revolutionary-guards-deputy-commander-234959">Iranian boats threatened a British</a> oil tanker.

The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping."

"I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-vessels-impeded-passage-of-commercial-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-turned-away-after-verbal-warning-uk-234877">Iran's economy in free fall</a> following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program.

The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-boats-tried-to-intercept-british-tanker-235001/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage.

"We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said.

Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo.

Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation.

Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation.

Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.&nbsp;

British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident.

But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf.&nbsp;

"France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said.

"Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us."

A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping." "I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with Iran's economy in free fall following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program. The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal. Watch Video: Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage. "We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said. Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo. Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation. Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation. Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident. But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf. "France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said. "Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us." A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

Attempting coalition military, naval escort for commercial ships in the Gulf: Pentagon

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-talks-to-restart-friday-amid-few-signs-of-compromise-234949">Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed</a> Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank."

"I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air," Trump wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472282584072192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National and International," he added.

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....Similarly, Facebook Libra’s “virtual currency” will have little standing or dependability. If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472284702208000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump's comments come one day after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers that Facebook's plan to build a digital currency called Libra cannot move forward unless it addresses concerns over privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
...and International. We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever, both dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the World, and it will always stay that way. It is called the United States Dollar!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149472285905940480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Powell said the Fed has established a working group to follow the project and is coordinating with other government's central banks. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators that identifies risks to the financial system, is also expected to make a review.

Hours earlier on Thursday, Trump criticised large technology companies at an event at the White House, who he said treated conservative voices unfairly.

The Internet Association, a trade group representing major tech firms like Facebook, Twitter and Google, said, "Internet companies are not biased against any political ideology, and conservative voices in particular have used social media to great effect." 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticised Bitcoin, Facebook's proposed Libra digital coin and other cryptocurrencies and demanded that companies seek a banking charter and make themselves subject to US and global regulations if they wanted to "become a bank." "I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air," Trump wrote on Twitter. I am not a fan of Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies, which are not money, and whose value is highly volatile and based on thin air. Unregulated Crypto Assets can facilitate unlawful behavior, including drug trade and other illegal activity.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × "If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National and International," he added. ....Similarly, Facebook Libra’s “virtual currency” will have little standing or dependability. If Facebook and other companies want to become a bank, they must seek a new Banking Charter and become subject to all Banking Regulations, just like other Banks, both National... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × Trump's comments come one day after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers that Facebook's plan to build a digital currency called Libra cannot move forward unless it addresses concerns over privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability. ...and International. We have only one real currency in the USA, and it is stronger than ever, both dependable and reliable. It is by far the most dominant currency anywhere in the World, and it will always stay that way. It is called the United States Dollar! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2019 × Powell said the Fed has established a working group to follow the project and is coordinating with other government's central banks. The US Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of regulators that identifies risks to the financial system, is also expected to make a review. Hours earlier on Thursday, Trump criticised large technology companies at an event at the White House, who he said treated conservative voices unfairly. The Internet Association, a trade group representing major tech firms like Facebook, Twitter and Google, said, "Internet companies are not biased against any political ideology, and conservative voices in particular have used social media to great effect."

If Facebook's Libra wants to become a bank, it must seek new banking charter: Trump

Oil prices rose on Friday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-barry-nears-new-orleans-raising-flood-threat-235161">US oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico</a> cut more than half their output in the face of a tropical storm and as tensions continued in the Middle East.

Brent crude futures were up 37 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $66.89 per barrel by 0115 GMT. The international benchmark settled down 0.7 per cent on Thursday after hitting its highest since May 30 at $67.52 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 34 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $60.54 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.38 per cent lower on Thursday after marking its highest since May 23 at $60.94.

By Thursday, oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico had cut more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of output, or 53 per cent&nbsp;of the region's production, due to Tropical Storm Barry.

The storm was forecast to become a category one hurricane with at least 74-mile-per hour (119 km-per-hour) winds.

"Brent crude oil ... extended its gains as storms in the Gulf of Mexico halted production of oil and US oil inventories continued to recede more than expected," ANZ Bank said in a note.

US crude oil inventories have decreased for four consecutive weeks. US crude stocks fell 9.5 million barrels in the week to July 5, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, a drop that was more than triple the 3.1 million-barrel draw expected by analysts.

Meanwhile, Iran's alleged attempt to block a British-owned tanker heightened tensions in the Middle East in the wake of attacks on tankers and the downing of US drone by Iran in June.

"While a full-scale military conflict remains the least likely scenario, the strong increases for cost of insurance will make for most costly transportation of crude and see new routes explored, delaying crude arrivals," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York.

But a lower 2020 oil demand outlook from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries kept price gains in check. OPEC said the world would need 29.27 million bpd of crude from its 14 members in 2020, down 1.34 million bpd this year.

Oil prices rose on Friday as US oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico cut more than half their output in the face of a tropical storm and as tensions continued in the Middle East.

Oil prices rose on Friday as US oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico cut more than half their output in the face of a tropical storm and as tensions continued in the Middle East. Brent crude futures were up 37 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $66.89 per barrel by 0115 GMT. The international benchmark settled down 0.7 per cent on Thursday after hitting its highest since May 30 at $67.52 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 34 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $60.54 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.38 per cent lower on Thursday after marking its highest since May 23 at $60.94. By Thursday, oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico had cut more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of output, or 53 per cent of the region's production, due to Tropical Storm Barry. The storm was forecast to become a category one hurricane with at least 74-mile-per hour (119 km-per-hour) winds. "Brent crude oil ... extended its gains as storms in the Gulf of Mexico halted production of oil and US oil inventories continued to recede more than expected," ANZ Bank said in a note. US crude oil inventories have decreased for four consecutive weeks. US crude stocks fell 9.5 million barrels in the week to July 5, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, a drop that was more than triple the 3.1 million-barrel draw expected by analysts. Meanwhile, Iran's alleged attempt to block a British-owned tanker heightened tensions in the Middle East in the wake of attacks on tankers and the downing of US drone by Iran in June. "While a full-scale military conflict remains the least likely scenario, the strong increases for cost of insurance will make for most costly transportation of crude and see new routes explored, delaying crude arrivals," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York. But a lower 2020 oil demand outlook from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries kept price gains in check. OPEC said the world would need 29.27 million bpd of crude from its 14 members in 2020, down 1.34 million bpd this year.

Oil prices rise over Storm Barry, Middle East tensions

Shocked passengers described being tossed around an Air Canada passenger jet as it hit a pocket of turbulence on its way to Australia on Thursday and was forced to make an emergency landing.

Flight AC33 from Vancouver to Sydney hit trouble around two hours beyond Hawaii and diverted back to the US island chain's capital Honolulu, the company said in a statement.

The Boeing 777-200 landed "normally" at 6.45 am (1645 GMT), the statement went on, adding that "approximately 35 people appear to have sustained minor injuries."

Passenger Jess Smith, told the local television station KHON that "we all hit the roof, and everything fell down... people went flying."

The aircraft suddenly dropped, and "some people that weren't strapped in, you saw them rise in the air and hit their heads on the roof... it was quite intense," another traveller, Fais Asad, said to KHON.

A spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration quoted by Canadian broadcaster CBC said the incident took place at 36,000 feet (10,973 meters), about 600 miles (966 km) southwest of Honolulu.

The aircraft was carrying 269 passengers and 15 crew members.

Air Canada was arranging hotels and food for passengers in Honolulu and looking at resuming the flight, the statement said. 
&nbsp;

Shocked passengers described being tossed around an Air Canada passenger jet as it hit a pocket of turbulence on its way to Australia on Thursday and was forced to make an emergency landing.

Shocked passengers described being tossed around an Air Canada passenger jet as it hit a pocket of turbulence on its way to Australia on Thursday and was forced to make an emergency landing. Flight AC33 from Vancouver to Sydney hit trouble around two hours beyond Hawaii and diverted back to the US island chain's capital Honolulu, the company said in a statement. The Boeing 777-200 landed "normally" at 6.45 am (1645 GMT), the statement went on, adding that "approximately 35 people appear to have sustained minor injuries." Passenger Jess Smith, told the local television station KHON that "we all hit the roof, and everything fell down... people went flying." The aircraft suddenly dropped, and "some people that weren't strapped in, you saw them rise in the air and hit their heads on the roof... it was quite intense," another traveller, Fais Asad, said to KHON. A spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration quoted by Canadian broadcaster CBC said the incident took place at 36,000 feet (10,973 meters), about 600 miles (966 km) southwest of Honolulu. The aircraft was carrying 269 passengers and 15 crew members. Air Canada was arranging hotels and food for passengers in Honolulu and looking at resuming the flight, the statement said.

Air Canada hits turbulence; several injured as plane makes emergency landing

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-mps-to-take-150-kilometres-march-on-gandhi-jayanti-234213"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi's</a> oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands".

"I had the opportunity to visit India with President (Barack) Obama. After President Obama and Prime Minister Modi had an exchange with the business community, we went to a room where the two leaders made their appearance. I must say Prime Minister Modi made one of the most fantastic speeches ever I have heard," she said in a conversation with Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) John Chambers at the second edition of the event.

"He (Modi) spoke in English. It was very inspirational and he spoke about values about all the things we talk about like valuing our planet and people... But it was quite spectacular and different. We have our vision, knowledge and strategy. But the message is important and he is a master in that. He had the audience in the palm of his hands," she remarked.&nbsp;

Calling herself a "worshipper" of Mahatma Gandhi, she recalled an incident saying, "I was wearing a hat in the school and a nun asked me that "who do think you are? Mahatma Gandhi?" I had no idea about it."&nbsp;

"I went to the library and there was a lot of books on Mahatma Gandhi back in the 1950s. At college, I used to get all the books on Mahatma Gandhi in the class. I learnt more and more about him. I became completely worshipping at the shrine of Mahatma Gandhi," she continued.

She said that civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. had visited India in the 1950s where he studied about Mahatma Gandhi and learnt about non-violence and "satyagraha", which she stressed was "insistence of truth".

"The 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 90th anniversary of Martin Luther King is a strong connection for all of us," Pelosi underlined while calling "satyagraha" as a spiritual gift that India has given to the US.

The Speaker underlined that the US is "blessed" with the Indian diaspora in her country.

"We have a running start on how we go forward in this particular relationship. We have to be respectful of India's priorities. There is a need to recognise the public part of the public-private partnership," Pelosi said.&nbsp;

The House Speaker called "strategic" and "partnership" as two important words in the US-India bilateral ties.

"There is an opportunity to lift the values of the whole world, create more markets, and be more entrepreneurial through the US-India strategic partnership."&nbsp;

"We all have to play a role in eradication of diseases, preservation of our planet and also to end corruption which is rampant in so many places and hampers economic growth that is needed in good markets for US and India for their businesses to take advantage of," she said while calling for continuous cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

Pelosi also termed the US relationship with China as "complicated".

"If you look at China, you can talk about growing middle class and growing economy. But it is also a very repressive place. Three million Uighurs in "education" camps, what they are doing in Hong Kong to diminish democracy there and the diminishing culture, language and religion in Tibet," she said.

However, Pelosi hailed China for taking "giant steps" in reducing carbon emissions in the Asian country.

"We do work together on climate in spite of the fact that they tried so many things to reduce pollution, which is a political and health problem in China," she further said.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands".

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday was all praises for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oratory skills, saying the Indian leader is "spectacular" and had the people in the "palm of his hands". "I had the opportunity to visit India with President (Barack) Obama. After President Obama and Prime Minister Modi had an exchange with the business community, we went to a room where the two leaders made their appearance. I must say Prime Minister Modi made one of the most fantastic speeches ever I have heard," she said in a conversation with Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) John Chambers at the second edition of the event. "He (Modi) spoke in English. It was very inspirational and he spoke about values about all the things we talk about like valuing our planet and people... But it was quite spectacular and different. We have our vision, knowledge and strategy. But the message is important and he is a master in that. He had the audience in the palm of his hands," she remarked. Calling herself a "worshipper" of Mahatma Gandhi, she recalled an incident saying, "I was wearing a hat in the school and a nun asked me that "who do think you are? Mahatma Gandhi?" I had no idea about it." "I went to the library and there was a lot of books on Mahatma Gandhi back in the 1950s. At college, I used to get all the books on Mahatma Gandhi in the class. I learnt more and more about him. I became completely worshipping at the shrine of Mahatma Gandhi," she continued. She said that civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. had visited India in the 1950s where he studied about Mahatma Gandhi and learnt about non-violence and "satyagraha", which she stressed was "insistence of truth". "The 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 90th anniversary of Martin Luther King is a strong connection for all of us," Pelosi underlined while calling "satyagraha" as a spiritual gift that India has given to the US. The Speaker underlined that the US is "blessed" with the Indian diaspora in her country. "We have a running start on how we go forward in this particular relationship. We have to be respectful of India's priorities. There is a need to recognise the public part of the public-private partnership," Pelosi said. The House Speaker called "strategic" and "partnership" as two important words in the US-India bilateral ties. "There is an opportunity to lift the values of the whole world, create more markets, and be more entrepreneurial through the US-India strategic partnership." "We all have to play a role in eradication of diseases, preservation of our planet and also to end corruption which is rampant in so many places and hampers economic growth that is needed in good markets for US and India for their businesses to take advantage of," she said while calling for continuous cooperation between the two countries. Pelosi also termed the US relationship with China as "complicated". "If you look at China, you can talk about growing middle class and growing economy. But it is also a very repressive place. Three million Uighurs in "education" camps, what they are doing in Hong Kong to diminish democracy there and the diminishing culture, language and religion in Tibet," she said. However, Pelosi hailed China for taking "giant steps" in reducing carbon emissions in the Asian country. "We do work together on climate in spite of the fact that they tried so many things to reduce pollution, which is a political and health problem in China," she further said.

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi praises PM Modi's oratory skills, says he had 'audience in the palm of his hands'

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