Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq.

Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq.&nbsp;

Iraq's high command said Tuesday that "no authorisation has been given for these troops to remain on Iraqi soil".

"All of the US troops who have withdrawn from Syria have obtained authorisation to enter Iraqi Kurdistan in order to leave Iraq."

On the previous leg of his tour in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Esper said the redeploying troops would stay in Iraq "temporarily" before returning to the United States.

He said the US forces were pulling out of Syria in phases, and had now moved from the "immediate zone of attack" to a northeastern corridor out of the country.

"Then we'll have another phase that will draw all the forces out. We will temporarily position in Iraq before bringing the troops home. They will be coming home," Esper said in an interview with CNN.

The United States currently has 5,200 troops in Iraq, part of a US-led international coalition against IS.

Their presence at several bases in Iraq has been the subject of debate, with pro-Iranian Shiite militias and politicians making frequent demands for their withdrawal.

Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq. Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq.

Pentagon chief Mark Esper arrived in Baghdad for talks on Wednesday as Washington pulled out its remaining troops from northern Syria through Iraq. Esper was due to meet his Iraqi counterpart Najah al-Shammari to address concerns among some in the government that the troops might stay in Iraq. Iraq's high command said Tuesday that "no authorisation has been given for these troops to remain on Iraqi soil". "All of the US troops who have withdrawn from Syria have obtained authorisation to enter Iraqi Kurdistan in order to leave Iraq." On the previous leg of his tour in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Esper said the redeploying troops would stay in Iraq "temporarily" before returning to the United States. He said the US forces were pulling out of Syria in phases, and had now moved from the "immediate zone of attack" to a northeastern corridor out of the country. "Then we'll have another phase that will draw all the forces out. We will temporarily position in Iraq before bringing the troops home. They will be coming home," Esper said in an interview with CNN. The United States currently has 5,200 troops in Iraq, part of a US-led international coalition against IS. Their presence at several bases in Iraq has been the subject of debate, with pro-Iranian Shiite militias and politicians making frequent demands for their withdrawal.

Pentagon chief visits Iraq as US quits northern Syria

Season of discontent: A look at protests across the world

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing.

"China invited the IEA delegation led by M. Baradar Akhund to participate in the conference. The meeting will be a continuation of Moscow and Qatar conferences," wrote Zabihullah, official spokesperson of the Taliban on Twitter.

"All attendees shall participate in an individual capacity and present personal views about finding a resolution to the Afghan issue," Zabihullah said.

Earlier in the day, Akhund also known as M. Abdul Gani Baradar, along with his delegation met with China's Special Representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun and the Ambassador of China to Qatar.

Both the sides discussed upcoming intra-Afghan conference in Beijing and the ongoing peace process between the US and the Taliban. Ever since US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled months-long talks between US officials and the Taliban, the terrorist group has approached various countries to make a breakthrough in the peace process.

Taliban has escalated its offensive after the collapse of talks. It has carried out various suicide bombings in several provinces of the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing.

China on Tuesday invited International Energy Agency (IEA) delegation led by Taliban leader M. Baradar Akhund to take part in the upcoming intra-Afghan conference to be held in Beijing. "China invited the IEA delegation led by M. Baradar Akhund to participate in the conference. The meeting will be a continuation of Moscow and Qatar conferences," wrote Zabihullah, official spokesperson of the Taliban on Twitter. "All attendees shall participate in an individual capacity and present personal views about finding a resolution to the Afghan issue," Zabihullah said. Earlier in the day, Akhund also known as M. Abdul Gani Baradar, along with his delegation met with China's Special Representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun and the Ambassador of China to Qatar. Both the sides discussed upcoming intra-Afghan conference in Beijing and the ongoing peace process between the US and the Taliban. Ever since US President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled months-long talks between US officials and the Taliban, the terrorist group has approached various countries to make a breakthrough in the peace process. Taliban has escalated its offensive after the collapse of talks. It has carried out various suicide bombings in several provinces of the country.

China invites Taliban representatives for intra-Afghan conference in Beijing

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unrest-continuous-in-hong-kong-protesters-call-for-march-256872">illegal march</a> on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.

But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest.

Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised</a> by men wielding hammers.

Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach.

Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong".

Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed.

"If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday.

Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide.

In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests.

In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August.

Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters.

Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China.

But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures.

Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China.

Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets.

But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists.

With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month.

Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds.

The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line.

Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam.

Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks.

The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm.

But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies.

On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters. Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters. But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest. Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers. Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach. Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong". Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed. "If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday. Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide. In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests. In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August. Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters. Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China. But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures. Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China. Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets. But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists. With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month. Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds. The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line. Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam. Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks. The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm. But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies. On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Hong Kong unrest: Democracy crowds defy police after activists attacked

A Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in an attack by Syrian Kurdish forces on Sunday despite a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, the defence ministry said.

"One of our heroic comrades fell martyr and another was wounded after anti-tank and small arms fire by... terrorists during their reconnaissance and surveillance mission" in the Tal Abyad border area, the ministry said in a statement.

The army returned fire in self-defence, it added.

Turkey had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ceasefire-hails-us-turkey-calls-it-a-pause-what-happened-when-washington-ankara-met-over-syria-offensive-256688"> agreed to suspend </a>its Syria offensive for five days to allow Kurdish forces to withdraw from a safe zone along the border.

But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned he will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">"crush the heads" </a>of Kurdish forces if they did not pull back from the zone.

On Saturday, Turkey and Kurdish forces accused one another for&nbsp;violating the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;

The Turkish defence ministry said Sunday that Kurdish forces carried out 20 attacks.

"Despite all the hostile acts in violation of the agreement, a convoy of 39 vehicles, mostly ambulances, safely entered and exited Ras al-Ain on Saturday" to help evacuate the wounded, the ministry said.

In an interview with AFP, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara abided by the agreement and urged the US to use its leverage to ensure Syrian Kurdish forces' pullout.

"We are committed to this agreement: Within five days they are supposed to leave and we have told our American colleagues to use their leverage, their connections to make sure that they leave without any incidents," he told AFP in Istanbul on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the top figure on the Kurdish side, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, told AFP that Turkey was blocking his forces' withdrawal and trying to blame the deal's collapse on the Kurds.

The Turkish offensive launched earlier this month has prompted hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian crisis of Syria's eight-year civil war.

A Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in an attack by Syrian Kurdish forces on Sunday despite a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, the defence ministry said.

A Turkish soldier was killed and another wounded in an attack by Syrian Kurdish forces on Sunday despite a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, the defence ministry said. "One of our heroic comrades fell martyr and another was wounded after anti-tank and small arms fire by... terrorists during their reconnaissance and surveillance mission" in the Tal Abyad border area, the ministry said in a statement. The army returned fire in self-defence, it added. Turkey had agreed to suspend its Syria offensive for five days to allow Kurdish forces to withdraw from a safe zone along the border. But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned he will "crush the heads" of Kurdish forces if they did not pull back from the zone. On Saturday, Turkey and Kurdish forces accused one another for violating the ceasefire agreement. The Turkish defence ministry said Sunday that Kurdish forces carried out 20 attacks. "Despite all the hostile acts in violation of the agreement, a convoy of 39 vehicles, mostly ambulances, safely entered and exited Ras al-Ain on Saturday" to help evacuate the wounded, the ministry said. In an interview with AFP, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Ankara abided by the agreement and urged the US to use its leverage to ensure Syrian Kurdish forces' pullout. "We are committed to this agreement: Within five days they are supposed to leave and we have told our American colleagues to use their leverage, their connections to make sure that they leave without any incidents," he told AFP in Istanbul on Saturday. Meanwhile, the top figure on the Kurdish side, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, told AFP that Turkey was blocking his forces' withdrawal and trying to blame the deal's collapse on the Kurds. The Turkish offensive launched earlier this month has prompted hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian crisis of Syria's eight-year civil war.

Turkish soldier killed in Syrian Kurd attack: Defence Ministry

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here.

"We Indians are also now coming up and have seen today's marathon, some of our Indian marathon runners are absolutely running shoulder-to-shoulder with the international runners. Of course, I'm more excited to see the old, specially-abled, and kids also," Rijiju told reporters.

The Great Delhi Run has registered an unprecedented 16,962 runners while the half marathon witnessed a spike of 11 per cent with 13,115 participants.

The 10k run registrations witnessed a jump of 77 per cent to 8,553.The senior citizen runs received 1,430 registrations, while the champions with a disability received 573 registrations.

These inspiring individuals are defying all odds to complete the distance. The IAAF Gold Label race has prize money of $275,000.

"It is a very exciting moment for all of us to see that Delhi Marathon has grown so big. Over the years, Delhi Half Marathon has been peaking up and 40,000 people running on the streets of Delhi early morning. It's a moment what we are waiting for," Rijiju said.

Talking about the 'Fit India Movement', Sports Ministers said that the movement can only be successful if these kinds of marathons are there.

He also praised the Indian athletes and said they are giving tough competition to international athletes.

"Fit India movement can only be enhanced and successful if we can have more marathons like this. The top-ranked international runners are here and they excite the Indian people also," he added.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju flagged off the Marathon from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Following a countdown, Rijiju fired a pistol in the air to begin the run.

The number of registrations for all categories in the ADHM has soared to an all-time high of 40,633 participants, organisers said.&nbsp;

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here. "We Indians are also now coming up and have seen today's marathon, some of our Indian marathon runners are absolutely running shoulder-to-shoulder with the international runners. Of course, I'm more excited to see the old, specially-abled, and kids also," Rijiju told reporters. The Great Delhi Run has registered an unprecedented 16,962 runners while the half marathon witnessed a spike of 11 per cent with 13,115 participants. The 10k run registrations witnessed a jump of 77 per cent to 8,553.The senior citizen runs received 1,430 registrations, while the champions with a disability received 573 registrations. These inspiring individuals are defying all odds to complete the distance. The IAAF Gold Label race has prize money of $275,000. "It is a very exciting moment for all of us to see that Delhi Marathon has grown so big. Over the years, Delhi Half Marathon has been peaking up and 40,000 people running on the streets of Delhi early morning. It's a moment what we are waiting for," Rijiju said. Talking about the 'Fit India Movement', Sports Ministers said that the movement can only be successful if these kinds of marathons are there. He also praised the Indian athletes and said they are giving tough competition to international athletes. "Fit India movement can only be enhanced and successful if we can have more marathons like this. The top-ranked international runners are here and they excite the Indian people also," he added. Earlier in the day, Rijiju flagged off the Marathon from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Following a countdown, Rijiju fired a pistol in the air to begin the run. The number of registrations for all categories in the ADHM has soared to an all-time high of 40,633 participants, organisers said.

More excited to see old, specially-abled, kids running marathon: Kiren Rijiju

Indian Army on Sunday inflicted heavy damages and casualty on the Pakistan side after two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara.

"Indian Forces caused heavy damages and casualty to Pakistan after two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector," an Indian Army spokesperson said.

The Pakistan Army, in the unprovoked ceasefire violation, had targeted civilian areas killing one civilian and injuring three others in the area.

The ceasefire violation from Pakistan Army was started to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to the sources.

The Indian Army is retaliating strongly all along the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector and fire assaults have been directed at Pakistani positions aiding and abetting infiltrators there, sources said.

Earlier on October 13, an Indian Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district.&nbsp;

Indian Army on Sunday inflicted heavy damages and casualty on the Pakistan side after two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara.

Indian Army on Sunday inflicted heavy damages and casualty on the Pakistan side after two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara. "Indian Forces caused heavy damages and casualty to Pakistan after two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector," an Indian Army spokesperson said. The Pakistan Army, in the unprovoked ceasefire violation, had targeted civilian areas killing one civilian and injuring three others in the area. The ceasefire violation from Pakistan Army was started to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to the sources. The Indian Army is retaliating strongly all along the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector and fire assaults have been directed at Pakistani positions aiding and abetting infiltrators there, sources said. Earlier on October 13, an Indian Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district.

Indian Army causes heavy damage to Pak side after 2 soldiers, 1 civilian killed in ceasefire violation

Months after Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney engagement in February, the pair tied the knots in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday. 
 
The wedding was celebrated among some exceptional guests as the Oscar-winning actor was joined by her family and friends including celebrities like Emma Stone, Kris Jenner, and Sienna Miller. 
 
Among the dazzling stars were also Lawrence's other friend and frequent collaborators, director David O. Russell, Adele, Ashley Olsen, Amy Schumer and Cameron Diaz, who not only graced the event couple's nuptials but also their reception that followed, reported a magazine. 
 
Lawrence and Maroney opted for the Belcourt of Newport castle, which was built in 1894 by American architect Richard Morris Hunt for the big ceremony. The couple's rehearsal dinner took place on Friday, during which the Lawrence and Maroney hosted a clambake under a white tent on Rose Island. They were joined by Richie, Joel Madden, Diaz, and Miller for the occasion. 
 
One of Jennifer Lawrence's representatives confirmed to a magazine&nbsp;that the actor and Maroney exchanged the rings in February. The 28-year-old star was then spotted with a ring on her finger while enjoying what appeared to be a celebratory dinner with 34-year-old Maroney, at Raoul's, a French restaurant in New York City. 
 
In June, she called Maroney "the greatest human being I've ever met"."He really is, and he gets better," she added while speaking on Catt Sadler's podcast 'Naked with Catt Sadler'. 
 
"I don't know, I started with the basics," the actor continued, when asked why she chose to marry him. "How do I feel? Is he nice? Is he kind?&nbsp;It's just this is the one, I know that sounds really stupid but he's just, he's you know. He's the greatest person I've ever met, so I feel very honoured to become a Maroney". 
 
Following their engagement, a source told a magazine that Maroney is an ideal mate for Jennifer,&nbsp;adding, "They have many of the same interests in the arts, culture and living a life that includes both of their passions, yet sits outside of it. They respect each other and see the world in a similar fashion ".

Months after Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney engagement in February, the pair tied the knots in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday. The wedding was celebrated among some exceptional guests as the Oscar-winning actor was joined by her family and friends including celebrities like Emma Stone, Kris Jenner, and Sienna Miller.

Months after Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney engagement in February, the pair tied the knots in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday. The wedding was celebrated among some exceptional guests as the Oscar-winning actor was joined by her family and friends including celebrities like Emma Stone, Kris Jenner, and Sienna Miller. Among the dazzling stars were also Lawrence's other friend and frequent collaborators, director David O. Russell, Adele, Ashley Olsen, Amy Schumer and Cameron Diaz, who not only graced the event couple's nuptials but also their reception that followed, reported a magazine. Lawrence and Maroney opted for the Belcourt of Newport castle, which was built in 1894 by American architect Richard Morris Hunt for the big ceremony. The couple's rehearsal dinner took place on Friday, during which the Lawrence and Maroney hosted a clambake under a white tent on Rose Island. They were joined by Richie, Joel Madden, Diaz, and Miller for the occasion. One of Jennifer Lawrence's representatives confirmed to a magazine that the actor and Maroney exchanged the rings in February. The 28-year-old star was then spotted with a ring on her finger while enjoying what appeared to be a celebratory dinner with 34-year-old Maroney, at Raoul's, a French restaurant in New York City. In June, she called Maroney "the greatest human being I've ever met"."He really is, and he gets better," she added while speaking on Catt Sadler's podcast 'Naked with Catt Sadler'. "I don't know, I started with the basics," the actor continued, when asked why she chose to marry him. "How do I feel? Is he nice? Is he kind? It's just this is the one, I know that sounds really stupid but he's just, he's you know. He's the greatest person I've ever met, so I feel very honoured to become a Maroney". Following their engagement, a source told a magazine that Maroney is an ideal mate for Jennifer, adding, "They have many of the same interests in the arts, culture and living a life that includes both of their passions, yet sits outside of it. They respect each other and see the world in a similar fashion ".

Jennifer Lawrence ties the knot with Cooke Maroney in star-studded ceremony

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea.

The decision comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vietnam-pulls-dreamworks-abominable-film-over-south-china-sea-map-255992">Vietnam pulled</a> the Universal Pictures movie from theatres days ago and the Philippines' foreign secretary called for the segment to be excised.

"Universal has decided not to make the censor cut required by the Malaysian censor board and as such will not be able to release the film in Malaysia," United International Pictures Malaysia said in an email to AFP.

The animated film about a Chinese teenager helping a yeti return to his home shows a chart featuring the "nine-dash" line which sets out Beijing's expansive claims to the flashpoint waters.

By including the U-shaped line, the movie -- a joint production by Universal Pictures subsidiary DreamWorks and China's Pearl Studio -- has stumbled into a festering row that has long been a source of friction between Beijing and Southeast Asia.

Malaysia's film censorship board chief Mohamad Zamberi Abdul Aziz had said that the movie -- due for release on November 7 -- could be screened in the country "with the condition that the map, which has become controversial, is removed".

Beijing has based its claims to almost all the resource-rich South China Sea, which is home to important shipping routes, on historic documents. As well as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are rival claimants.

The movie was released in Vietnam on October 4 but the country's main cinema franchise CGV said it would no longer show the film after it was notified about the map.

The cartoon also opened in Philippine cinemas earlier this month, with the adverse reaction not surfacing until later. &nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said that "of course they should cut out the offending scene".

A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling said China's claim was without basis, something Beijing has ignored.

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea.

Animated film "Abominable" will not be shown in Malaysia after its distributor Sunday said it could not comply with censors' demands to cut a controversial scene showing Beijing's disputed claims in the South China Sea. The decision comes after Vietnam pulled the Universal Pictures movie from theatres days ago and the Philippines' foreign secretary called for the segment to be excised. "Universal has decided not to make the censor cut required by the Malaysian censor board and as such will not be able to release the film in Malaysia," United International Pictures Malaysia said in an email to AFP. The animated film about a Chinese teenager helping a yeti return to his home shows a chart featuring the "nine-dash" line which sets out Beijing's expansive claims to the flashpoint waters. By including the U-shaped line, the movie -- a joint production by Universal Pictures subsidiary DreamWorks and China's Pearl Studio -- has stumbled into a festering row that has long been a source of friction between Beijing and Southeast Asia. Malaysia's film censorship board chief Mohamad Zamberi Abdul Aziz had said that the movie -- due for release on November 7 -- could be screened in the country "with the condition that the map, which has become controversial, is removed". Beijing has based its claims to almost all the resource-rich South China Sea, which is home to important shipping routes, on historic documents. As well as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are rival claimants. The movie was released in Vietnam on October 4 but the country's main cinema franchise CGV said it would no longer show the film after it was notified about the map. The cartoon also opened in Philippine cinemas earlier this month, with the adverse reaction not surfacing until later. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said that "of course they should cut out the offending scene". A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling said China's claim was without basis, something Beijing has ignored.

'Abominable' won't be screened in Malaysia over South China Sea map row

The trade negotiations between India and the United States are going in full swing, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said, expressing hope that the two sides will reach a trade deal soon.

Responding to a question by ANI on where the trade negotiations between the two countries stand, Sitharaman said, "That is something on which Robert Lightizher, the US Trade Representative, and Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary, are working on. My inputs are that (the) negotiations are going in full speed and there's a great intensity with which both the sides are engaging."

"Hopefully, the deal will be struck soon," she said on Saturday. Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples.

India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers.

The Finance Minister stated that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is expected to visit India soon. "I expect to have a lot more detailed discussion with him then," she said.

The Finance Minister's remarks came following her address at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington.

Sitharaman said that she will prepare a blueprint for the businesses contemplating to move out of China are considering India as their preferential investment destination.

"India is one of the biggest options to consider for investors. Vietnam is getting saturated. They do not have enough manpower to address expansionary programs of investment There is saturation," she said."Businesses getting out of China are certainly looking at India. It's now important for the government to meet up with them," she added.

"I will design a blueprint and approach them, put forward to them why India is a more preferable destination."

That could also be in specific areas in which India has common capacity ecosystem building, whether it's electronics, lithium-ion battery or any other semiconductors and so on, she added.

The Finance Minister said that the government's decision regarding the same is not just going to be purely on the basis of what is happening presently between the United States and China.

"That could either aggravate the situation or probably just influence at some level. But the fact remains that there are companies which are looking at relocating for various other reasons also," she said.

"That is why I gave that little fine line that I'm drawing about companies which would want to locate elsewhere outside of China. Even as I said that, I said that not every company wants to lock, stock and barrel get out of China, there are companies which will remain there to service the Chinese market."

After all, China has a very big domestic market. Their purchasing power and consumption style may be very different from what it is in India. But I'm making that margin already.

Companies will probably be there to service the Chinese market, tension or no tension," the Union minister said referring to the tensions between US and China.

The minister emphasised that the government wants to create an ecosystem to invite these companies.

Sitharaman said that the global economic slowdown and the estimates for growth next year are largely dependent on India and China's growth estimates.

"I'm saying this with a sense of responsibility that the global economic slowdown and the estimates about the growth for the next year are largely pegging on India and China`s growth estimates. On their performance depends the rest of the global growth also," she said.

"The slowdown, while it is affecting the rest of the world in a particular fashion, at least in India and China, the slowdown is not so bad. In fact, when you talk about next year, the impact of India's growth is much better than even that is shown (in the IMF's World Economic Outlook report) of China's," she added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The trade negotiations between India and the United States are going in full swing, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said, expressing hope that the two sides will reach a trade deal soon.

The trade negotiations between India and the United States are going in full swing, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said, expressing hope that the two sides will reach a trade deal soon. Responding to a question by ANI on where the trade negotiations between the two countries stand, Sitharaman said, "That is something on which Robert Lightizher, the US Trade Representative, and Wilbur Ross, US Commerce Secretary, are working on. My inputs are that (the) negotiations are going in full speed and there's a great intensity with which both the sides are engaging." "Hopefully, the deal will be struck soon," she said on Saturday. Tensions on the trade front between the two countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers. The Finance Minister stated that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is expected to visit India soon. "I expect to have a lot more detailed discussion with him then," she said. The Finance Minister's remarks came following her address at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. Sitharaman said that she will prepare a blueprint for the businesses contemplating to move out of China are considering India as their preferential investment destination. "India is one of the biggest options to consider for investors. Vietnam is getting saturated. They do not have enough manpower to address expansionary programs of investment There is saturation," she said."Businesses getting out of China are certainly looking at India. It's now important for the government to meet up with them," she added. "I will design a blueprint and approach them, put forward to them why India is a more preferable destination." That could also be in specific areas in which India has common capacity ecosystem building, whether it's electronics, lithium-ion battery or any other semiconductors and so on, she added. The Finance Minister said that the government's decision regarding the same is not just going to be purely on the basis of what is happening presently between the United States and China. "That could either aggravate the situation or probably just influence at some level. But the fact remains that there are companies which are looking at relocating for various other reasons also," she said. "That is why I gave that little fine line that I'm drawing about companies which would want to locate elsewhere outside of China. Even as I said that, I said that not every company wants to lock, stock and barrel get out of China, there are companies which will remain there to service the Chinese market." After all, China has a very big domestic market. Their purchasing power and consumption style may be very different from what it is in India. But I'm making that margin already. Companies will probably be there to service the Chinese market, tension or no tension," the Union minister said referring to the tensions between US and China. The minister emphasised that the government wants to create an ecosystem to invite these companies. Sitharaman said that the global economic slowdown and the estimates for growth next year are largely dependent on India and China's growth estimates. "I'm saying this with a sense of responsibility that the global economic slowdown and the estimates about the growth for the next year are largely pegging on India and China`s growth estimates. On their performance depends the rest of the global growth also," she said. "The slowdown, while it is affecting the rest of the world in a particular fashion, at least in India and China, the slowdown is not so bad. In fact, when you talk about next year, the impact of India's growth is much better than even that is shown (in the IMF's World Economic Outlook report) of China's," she added.

Trade negotiations between India, US going in full swing: Sitharaman

Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said that there is a need to reintroduce Mahatma Gandhi to India and the world in the face of changing global scenario.

"We all know that we should be clean. But you (Narendra Modi) re-introduced it with Swacchta Abhiyaan. We all came to know about it. There was more awareness. The idea was good," he said with the Prime Minister by his side during an interaction with the celebrities from the creative and entertainment industry to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"So I truly believe that Gandhiji needs to be re-loaded. Gandhiji 2.0 is what we need because the world is changing. You have digitalised everything. Payment gateways have been opened," the actor added.

Khan further said, "How do we all come forward and try and entice our youth of this country to understand the same simple things that our parents taught us."

During his address, Modi congratulated the people from the "world of films and television" for their work in popularising Gandhi's ideals.

October 2 marked the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in Porbandar in Gujarat.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said that there is a need to reintroduce Mahatma Gandhi to India and the world in the face of changing global scenario. "We all know that we should be clean.

Actor Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said that there is a need to reintroduce Mahatma Gandhi to India and the world in the face of changing global scenario. "We all know that we should be clean. But you (Narendra Modi) re-introduced it with Swacchta Abhiyaan. We all came to know about it. There was more awareness. The idea was good," he said with the Prime Minister by his side during an interaction with the celebrities from the creative and entertainment industry to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "So I truly believe that Gandhiji needs to be re-loaded. Gandhiji 2.0 is what we need because the world is changing. You have digitalised everything. Payment gateways have been opened," the actor added. Khan further said, "How do we all come forward and try and entice our youth of this country to understand the same simple things that our parents taught us." During his address, Modi congratulated the people from the "world of films and television" for their work in popularising Gandhi's ideals. October 2 marked the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in 1869 in Porbandar in Gujarat.

Gandhi 2.0 needed as world is changing: Shah Rukh Khan

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troops-in-northern-syria-ordered-to-leave-country-us-official-255927">troops withdrawing from northern Syria</a> are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq."

"Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East.

It is unclear whether the US&nbsp;troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants.

The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area</a>.

Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said.

"We are executing the order," the official told AFP.

Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies.

But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely.

Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq." "Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants. The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area. Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said. "We are executing the order," the official told AFP. Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies. But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely. Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

All United States troops withdrawing from Syria expected to go to Iraq: Pentagon chief

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