External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed deep grief over the killing of America`s first Sikh police officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal in Houston.

Extending condolences to the family of the officer, Jaishankar tweeted, "Deeply grieved to learn of the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh Indian-American officer in Houston. We have just visited that city. My condolences to his family."

"Dhaliwal died on Friday afternoon in the line of duty during a traffic stop. He was shot by a suspect and was taken to Memorial Hermann hospital in serious condition, where he later died. Dhaliwal is survived by a wife and three children.

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Deeply grieved to learn of the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh Indian-American officer in Houston. We have just visited that city. My condolences to his family. <a href="https://t.co/BBUJOFcjB8">https://t.co/BBUJOFcjB8</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1177807653038219264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In 2015, Dhaliwal made history when the police department allowed him to keep his beard and wear a dastar (turban) while on patrol -- a requirement of the Sikh religion. He became the first Sikh to be allowed to wear a turban and articles of the Sikh faith, while on duty. With the help of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Dhaliwal helped change the department`s policy and make it more inclusive.

Sikhs of America organisation called the death of Dhaliwal a "great loss to the Sikh community", adding that he will inspire more youth from the community to join the law enforcement agencies in the United States.

In a telephonic interview to ANI, Jesse Singh, chairman of Sikhs of America also condoled the demise of Dhaliwal and called him a "true American Hero". `It is a great loss to the Sikh community, Sandeep fought for the Sikh Identity and in his death, he will inspire more Sikh youth to join the Law enforcement agencies in the USA and carry his dream forward.` he further added.

`Deputy Dhaliwal was known to everybody as someone with a giving heart," Dr Pritpal Singh told ANI, someone, who has known Dhaliwal for some years now.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed deep grief over the killing of America`s first Sikh police officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal in Houston.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed deep grief over the killing of America`s first Sikh police officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal in Houston. Extending condolences to the family of the officer, Jaishankar tweeted, "Deeply grieved to learn of the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh Indian-American officer in Houston. We have just visited that city. My condolences to his family." "Dhaliwal died on Friday afternoon in the line of duty during a traffic stop. He was shot by a suspect and was taken to Memorial Hermann hospital in serious condition, where he later died. Dhaliwal is survived by a wife and three children. Deeply grieved to learn of the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh Indian-American officer in Houston. We have just visited that city. My condolences to his family. https://t.co/BBUJOFcjB8 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 28, 2019 × In 2015, Dhaliwal made history when the police department allowed him to keep his beard and wear a dastar (turban) while on patrol -- a requirement of the Sikh religion. He became the first Sikh to be allowed to wear a turban and articles of the Sikh faith, while on duty. With the help of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Dhaliwal helped change the department`s policy and make it more inclusive. Sikhs of America organisation called the death of Dhaliwal a "great loss to the Sikh community", adding that he will inspire more youth from the community to join the law enforcement agencies in the United States. In a telephonic interview to ANI, Jesse Singh, chairman of Sikhs of America also condoled the demise of Dhaliwal and called him a "true American Hero". `It is a great loss to the Sikh community, Sandeep fought for the Sikh Identity and in his death, he will inspire more Sikh youth to join the Law enforcement agencies in the USA and carry his dream forward.` he further added. `Deputy Dhaliwal was known to everybody as someone with a giving heart," Dr Pritpal Singh told ANI, someone, who has known Dhaliwal for some years now.

Deeply grieved over shooting of America's first Sikh police officer: S Jaishankar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-bear-with-me-el-salvador-presidents-selfie-eclipses-un-speech-252416">El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele</a> on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation.

He also defended an agreement allowing the United States to send back asylum seekers who cross the Central American country while journeying north, arguing it was part of his effort to combat irregular migration.

"If the U.S. government is serious about fighting irregular migration, it should support and encourage legal migration," he told reporters after giving a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, where the 38-year-old leader took a selfie on the podium.

He said the poor, violence-stricken country would be capable of taking in hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans who could be sent back if Trump ends the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, noting that most migrants with TPS had the means to support themselves and that El Salvador was their "home."

But Bukele said Trump should maintain the policy, arguing that most Salvadoran migrants with TPS were law-abiding and successful and wanted to remain with their families in the United States.

"The majority of people with TPS have means; that is not the struggle. The struggle is that if they were deported, it would break up families," he said.

TPS was granted to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bodies-of-drowned-salvadoran-migrant-and-2-year-old-child-back-in-el-salvador-231939">El Salvador</a> following two devastating 2001 earthquakes that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The programme offers protection from deportation to immigrants who already are in the United States, including those who entered illegally, from countries affected by natural disasters, civil conflicts and other problems.

Bukele also defended a deal with the United States, announced last Friday, which allows El Salvador to assess whether to extend refuge to migrants returned by the United States.

He pushed back on criticism that the policy turns <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-court-frees-woman-jailed-for-delivering-stillborn-197699">El Salvador</a> into an enforcer of the Trump administration's immigration policy, and also rejected suggestions it would lead to a massive influx of migrants.

"We have not put up any wall," Bukele said. "What we have done is support our largest natural ally."

Under the agreement - which will take effect only after details are hammered out - the United States will in exchange help El Salvador expand its tiny asylum system.

It is similar to "safe third country" deals the Trump administration wants with several Latin American countries traversed by U.S.-bound migrants.

Immigration advocates have criticized the deals, saying Central American countries - from which many people flee violence, poverty and corruption - lack the capacity to process more asylum claims and cannot assure migrants' safety.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele on Thursday said that the United States should promote legal migration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigration, calling on President Donald Trump to continue a programme shielding some migrants from deportation. He also defended an agreement allowing the United States to send back asylum seekers who cross the Central American country while journeying north, arguing it was part of his effort to combat irregular migration. "If the U.S. government is serious about fighting irregular migration, it should support and encourage legal migration," he told reporters after giving a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, where the 38-year-old leader took a selfie on the podium. He said the poor, violence-stricken country would be capable of taking in hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans who could be sent back if Trump ends the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme, noting that most migrants with TPS had the means to support themselves and that El Salvador was their "home." But Bukele said Trump should maintain the policy, arguing that most Salvadoran migrants with TPS were law-abiding and successful and wanted to remain with their families in the United States. "The majority of people with TPS have means; that is not the struggle. The struggle is that if they were deported, it would break up families," he said. TPS was granted to El Salvador following two devastating 2001 earthquakes that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The programme offers protection from deportation to immigrants who already are in the United States, including those who entered illegally, from countries affected by natural disasters, civil conflicts and other problems. Bukele also defended a deal with the United States, announced last Friday, which allows El Salvador to assess whether to extend refuge to migrants returned by the United States. He pushed back on criticism that the policy turns El Salvador into an enforcer of the Trump administration's immigration policy, and also rejected suggestions it would lead to a massive influx of migrants. "We have not put up any wall," Bukele said. "What we have done is support our largest natural ally." Under the agreement - which will take effect only after details are hammered out - the United States will in exchange help El Salvador expand its tiny asylum system. It is similar to "safe third country" deals the Trump administration wants with several Latin American countries traversed by U.S.-bound migrants. Immigration advocates have criticized the deals, saying Central American countries - from which many people flee violence, poverty and corruption - lack the capacity to process more asylum claims and cannot assure migrants' safety.

El Salvador President clicks selfie on U.N. podium, calls on Trump to rethink legal migration

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army.

The U.N. and several Western nations expressed concern over the promotion of Major General Shavendra Silva last month despite the allegations against him.

"In light of this appointment, the U.N. Department of Peace Operations is therefore suspending future Sri Lankan Army deployments...," Deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told AFP in New York.

"A Sri Lankan Army unit and individual officers currently serving with U.N. Peacekeeping will thus be repatriated, beginning next month, in accordance with their rotation dates and will not be replaced by Sri Lankan personnel," Haq said.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-forces-lending-rate-cuts-on-all-banks-251816">Sri Lanka</a>, the Foreign Ministry said that its secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, will meet the Department of Peace Operations on Friday.

Aryasinha is scheduled to "discuss this matter with the Under Secretary General of the U.N. Department of Peace Operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Some 490 Sri Lankan troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping operations in Mali, Lebanon and Sudan. Two Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in a mine attack in Mali this year.

Human Rights Watch welcomed the U.N. decision, saying it "sends a strong signal to governments that sweeping suspected war crimes under the carpet will not go unnoticed by the world body."

President Maithripala Sirisena promoted Silva as the new army chief brushing aside international outrage over his appointment.

Silva has been accused by the <a href="wionews.com/india-news/at-unga-today-pm-modi-to-lead-from-the-front-252332">U.N.</a> of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in May 2009.

The 55-year-old general has dismissed the allegations against him while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure.

The government has also rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job.

U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet said at the time she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment.

The US embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and&nbsp;credible".

Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year-long conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army.

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army. The U.N. and several Western nations expressed concern over the promotion of Major General Shavendra Silva last month despite the allegations against him. "In light of this appointment, the U.N. Department of Peace Operations is therefore suspending future Sri Lankan Army deployments...," Deputy U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told AFP in New York. "A Sri Lankan Army unit and individual officers currently serving with U.N. Peacekeeping will thus be repatriated, beginning next month, in accordance with their rotation dates and will not be replaced by Sri Lankan personnel," Haq said. In Sri Lanka, the Foreign Ministry said that its secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, will meet the Department of Peace Operations on Friday. Aryasinha is scheduled to "discuss this matter with the Under Secretary General of the U.N. Department of Peace Operations," the ministry said in a statement. Some 490 Sri Lankan troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping operations in Mali, Lebanon and Sudan. Two Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in a mine attack in Mali this year. Human Rights Watch welcomed the U.N. decision, saying it "sends a strong signal to governments that sweeping suspected war crimes under the carpet will not go unnoticed by the world body." President Maithripala Sirisena promoted Silva as the new army chief brushing aside international outrage over his appointment. Silva has been accused by the U.N. of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in May 2009. The 55-year-old general has dismissed the allegations against him while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure. The government has also rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job. U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet said at the time she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment. The US embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible". Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year-long conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

United Nations suspends Sri Lanka peacekeepers over new army chief appointment

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S &amp; P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535. At the National Stock Exchange, most sectoral indices were in the red except for financial services, PSU bank and FMCG.

Among stocks, Tata Motors lost by 3.2 per cent to Rs 120.45 per share after Jaguar Land Rover said it will suspend production for a week after the planned Brexit date of October 31 as a prudent measure.

Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta and Hindalco too suffered losses of over 2 per cent each.

The other prominent losers were ONGC, GAIL, Nestle Indian and Bharti Infratel.

However, FMCG major ITC gained by 2.1 per cent. The others which added gains were Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and HDFC.

Meanwhile, Asian shares were on course for a second straight week of losses.

The release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">whistleblower complaint against</a> US President Donald Trump heightened uncertainties about the global economy which is already reeling under the impact of US-China trade tariff issues.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slipped by 0.42 per cent while Japan's Nikkei slid by 1.27 per cent.

A whistleblower report released on Thursday said Trump not only abused his office in attempting to solicit Ukraine's interference in the US election for his political benefit but that the White House tried to lock down evidence about that conduct.

The report came after the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry into him.

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns. At 10:15 am, the BSE S & P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535.

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns. At 10:15 am, the BSE S & P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535. At the National Stock Exchange, most sectoral indices were in the red except for financial services, PSU bank and FMCG. Among stocks, Tata Motors lost by 3.2 per cent to Rs 120.45 per share after Jaguar Land Rover said it will suspend production for a week after the planned Brexit date of October 31 as a prudent measure. Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta and Hindalco too suffered losses of over 2 per cent each. The other prominent losers were ONGC, GAIL, Nestle Indian and Bharti Infratel. However, FMCG major ITC gained by 2.1 per cent. The others which added gains were Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and HDFC. Meanwhile, Asian shares were on course for a second straight week of losses. The release of a whistleblower complaint against US President Donald Trump heightened uncertainties about the global economy which is already reeling under the impact of US-China trade tariff issues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slipped by 0.42 per cent while Japan's Nikkei slid by 1.27 per cent. A whistleblower report released on Thursday said Trump not only abused his office in attempting to solicit Ukraine's interference in the US election for his political benefit but that the White House tried to lock down evidence about that conduct. The report came after the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry into him.

Equities subdued on global cues, auto and metal stocks suffer

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday.

Among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infant-among-at-least-20-killed-in-indonesian-quake-officials-252221">confirmed dead was an infant</a>, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city.

"The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement.&nbsp;

More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said.

Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts.&nbsp;

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth.&nbsp;

It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.&nbsp;

Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.&nbsp;

Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week.&nbsp;

In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that rocked Indonesia's remote Maluku islands has risen to 23, the disaster agency said Friday, as more than 15,000 people were evacuated to shelters. Terrified residents ran into the streets as buildings fell in around them with the 6.5-magnitude tremor sparking landslides that buried at least one victim on Thursday. Among the confirmed dead was an infant, with many killed by falling debris in and around quake-struck Ambon city. "The total number of people who died is 23," national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement. More than 100 people were also injured and at least 15,000 people had to evacuate because their houses were damaged by the strong jolt, Wibowo said. Hundreds of houses, offices, schools and public facilities have also been damaged in the disaster. Authorities have set up emergency tents and public kitchen for the evacuees in several districts. The US Geological Survey said the quake struck about 37 kilometres (23 miles) northeast of Ambon in Maluku province at a depth of 29 kilometres. The Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-prone nations on Earth. It experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last year, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. Nearly 60,000 people are still living in makeshift accommodation nearly a year after the double disaster, the Red Cross said this week. In 2004, a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra and triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.

Indonesia earthquake toll rises to 23

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday.

The advocate's statement comes after Antigua and Barbuda <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-will-be-extradited-antigua-pm-252096">Prime Minister Gaston Browne</a> told ANI that Choksi would be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Antigua PM: Mehul Choksi will be extradited to India

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"My client Mehul Choksi is a law-abiding citizen. He left India for his medical treatment and at that time there were no CBI or ED criminal proceedings pending against him nor was there anything conceived against him. He is exercising various legal remedies available in law," lawyer Vijay Aggarwal stated.

"He is not able to travel back to India due to serious health concerns. He has availed legal remedies available under Antiguan law also. Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty. He is entitled to avail of all legal remedies. He shall prove his innocence in due course of time," he added.

Speaking to ANI, Browne had said that "Indian authorities have the 'right'&nbsp;to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him.

They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with the Antiguan government.

Browne stated, "I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time."

Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook".

"In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen, the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said.

Choksi and his nephew <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/london-westminster-court-remands-nirav-modi-to-judicial-custody-till-september-19-244793">Nirav Modi</a>, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case.

Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam.

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday.

Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty, said fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's lawyer in an official statement on Thursday. The advocate's statement comes after Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told ANI that Choksi would be extradited after he exhausts all his appeals in the country. Watch Video: Antigua PM: Mehul Choksi will be extradited to India × "My client Mehul Choksi is a law-abiding citizen. He left India for his medical treatment and at that time there were no CBI or ED criminal proceedings pending against him nor was there anything conceived against him. He is exercising various legal remedies available in law," lawyer Vijay Aggarwal stated. "He is not able to travel back to India due to serious health concerns. He has availed legal remedies available under Antiguan law also. Every person who is facing any sort of accusations is presumed innocent until a court of law pronounces him guilty. He is entitled to avail of all legal remedies. He shall prove his innocence in due course of time," he added. Speaking to ANI, Browne had said that "Indian authorities have the 'right' to come to Antigua and Barbuda to interrogate him. They can come and if they wish to interview Choksi based on his willingness to participate, it has nothing to do with the Antiguan government. Browne stated, "I can assure you that he will be ultimately deported after exhausting all his appeals. He will be extradited back to India to face whatever charges against him. It is just a matter of time." Browne said that it is "unfortunate" that Choksi was cleared by Indian officials as a person in "good standing" only to be told later that he is a "crook". "In any case, our officials acted based on the information from India and made him a citizen, the Indian officials have to take the responsibility for that situation," he said. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, who both fled the country a year ago, are key accused in the $2 billion PNB fraud case. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018. On June 17, Choksi had submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court, stating that he is residing in Antigua and was willing to co-operate in the investigation into the PNB scam.

Every person facing accusations presumed innocent until proven guilty: Choksi's lawyer

Asian markets fell Friday following declines on Wall Street as the impeachment inquiry into United States&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-markets-fall-as-impeachment-process-against-donald-trump-begins-251880">President Donald Trump</a> weighed on sentiment.

Political turmoil in Washington following the release of a whistleblower's complaint overshadowed positive comments from Trump on US-China trade talks and steps towards a new agreement with Japan.

The incendiary complaint alleges Trump sought to enlist Ukraine to help his 2020 campaign and then conspired with staff to cover it up.

All three US markets ended lower, with the Dow down by 0.3 per cent, the S&amp;P off 0.2 per cent and the Nasdaq gave up 0.6 per cent.

"The market isn't clear on what to make of the latest impeachment developments in the US, and this continues to increase uncertainly and could be weighing on investor sentiment," Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader, said in a note.

"Compounding this uncertainty is the stark reality that most of the global economy is moving in reverse while omnipresent geopolitical unease ensures the market remains in a constant wobble on a forever shifting trade war axis", Innes added.

In Asia, Tokyo was down 1.2 per cent as many shares went ex-dividend and Seoul was 1.1 per cent lower.

Hong Kong was down 0.3 per cent while Shanghai was up 0.1 per cent with trade cautious ahead of a weeklong holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan also retreated while Sydney was up 0.4 per cent, one of the few markets seeing gains.

Elsewhere, crude prices slipped following the swift recovery in Saudi production following the attacks on its oil infrastructure two weeks ago.

Both main contracts were lower, with WTI down 0.5 per cent and Brent off 0.8 per cent.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-markets-slip-amidst-us-china-trade-war-251380">market has been trading lower</a> as oil bulls have been discouraged by quicker than expected return of Saudi oil output," said AxiTrader's Innes.

Investors were also awaiting US inflation, durable goods and personal income data due later Friday for a take on the world's biggest economy.

"With the US consumer, the last man standing still to take cover from the global slowdown, a poor read from these numbers has the potential to floor equities and end the week on a sour note," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

&nbsp;

Asian markets fell Friday following declines on Wall Street as the impeachment inquiry into United States President Donald Trump weighed on sentiment. Political turmoil in Washington following the release of a whistleblower's complaint overshadowed positive comments from Trump on US-China trade talks and steps towards a new agreement with Japan.

Asian markets fell Friday following declines on Wall Street as the impeachment inquiry into United States President Donald Trump weighed on sentiment. Political turmoil in Washington following the release of a whistleblower's complaint overshadowed positive comments from Trump on US-China trade talks and steps towards a new agreement with Japan. The incendiary complaint alleges Trump sought to enlist Ukraine to help his 2020 campaign and then conspired with staff to cover it up. All three US markets ended lower, with the Dow down by 0.3 per cent, the S&P off 0.2 per cent and the Nasdaq gave up 0.6 per cent. "The market isn't clear on what to make of the latest impeachment developments in the US, and this continues to increase uncertainly and could be weighing on investor sentiment," Stephen Innes, Asia Pacific market strategist at AxiTrader, said in a note. "Compounding this uncertainty is the stark reality that most of the global economy is moving in reverse while omnipresent geopolitical unease ensures the market remains in a constant wobble on a forever shifting trade war axis", Innes added. In Asia, Tokyo was down 1.2 per cent as many shares went ex-dividend and Seoul was 1.1 per cent lower. Hong Kong was down 0.3 per cent while Shanghai was up 0.1 per cent with trade cautious ahead of a weeklong holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan also retreated while Sydney was up 0.4 per cent, one of the few markets seeing gains. Elsewhere, crude prices slipped following the swift recovery in Saudi production following the attacks on its oil infrastructure two weeks ago. Both main contracts were lower, with WTI down 0.5 per cent and Brent off 0.8 per cent. "The market has been trading lower as oil bulls have been discouraged by quicker than expected return of Saudi oil output," said AxiTrader's Innes. Investors were also awaiting US inflation, durable goods and personal income data due later Friday for a take on the world's biggest economy. "With the US consumer, the last man standing still to take cover from the global slowdown, a poor read from these numbers has the potential to floor equities and end the week on a sour note," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Asian markets fall as Trump impeachment saga continues

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-what-a-third-north-korean-summit-would-yield-251755">Washington and Pyongyang</a> is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise".

Washington has "done nothing for the implementing the joint statement" from the first US-North Korea summit held in Singapore last year, Kim Kye Gwan, advisor to North Korea's foreign ministry, wrote in a statement carried in Pyongyang's official news wire KCNA.

The official then slammed Washington for its joint military drills with the South, which it has long considered rehearsals for invasion.

He also claimed while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">Pyongyang has made "sincere efforts to build trust"</a>, US politicians remain "obsessed" with&nbsp;the idea of enforcing sanctions until Pyongyang completely gives up its nukes first.

"This makes me doubt whether a new breakthrough could be brought about in the DPRK-US&nbsp;relations though another DPRK-US&nbsp;summit talks may open," Kim Kye Gwan said in the statement, using North Korea's official name.

But the official praised US President Trump as "different from his predecessors", adding he would like to "place hope" on Trump's "wise option and bold decision" for the future dialogues between the two countries.

"I and the DPRK Foreign Ministry will follow the future moves of the US," he said.

The North's statement came two weeks after Trump fired the hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, and said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang.

Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi - who was killed after being deposed in 2011.

Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly".

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-leader-kim-invited-trump-to-pyongyang-in-letter-report-249926">North</a> has described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker" and&nbsp;a "human defect" in the past and hailed his exit.&nbsp;

Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between Kim and Trump in February ended without a deal.

The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging".

There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between Washington and Pyongyang is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise".

United States aggression and an obsession with disarmament mean another summit between Washington and Pyongyang is looking doubtful, North Korea said on Friday, even as it praised US President Donald Trump as "bold" and "wise". Washington has "done nothing for the implementing the joint statement" from the first US-North Korea summit held in Singapore last year, Kim Kye Gwan, advisor to North Korea's foreign ministry, wrote in a statement carried in Pyongyang's official news wire KCNA. The official then slammed Washington for its joint military drills with the South, which it has long considered rehearsals for invasion. He also claimed while Pyongyang has made "sincere efforts to build trust", US politicians remain "obsessed" with the idea of enforcing sanctions until Pyongyang completely gives up its nukes first. "This makes me doubt whether a new breakthrough could be brought about in the DPRK-US relations though another DPRK-US summit talks may open," Kim Kye Gwan said in the statement, using North Korea's official name. But the official praised US President Trump as "different from his predecessors", adding he would like to "place hope" on Trump's "wise option and bold decision" for the future dialogues between the two countries. "I and the DPRK Foreign Ministry will follow the future moves of the US," he said. The North's statement came two weeks after Trump fired the hawkish former national security advisor John Bolton, and said he would consider trying a "new method" in talks with Pyongyang. Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi - who was killed after being deposed in 2011. Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us very back very badly". The North has described Bolton as "a nasty trouble-maker" and a "human defect" in the past and hailed his exit. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between Kim and Trump in February ended without a deal. The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, and Pyongyang has offered to hold those talks in late September, a move the US has described as "encouraging". There has been no announcement yet on the venue and precise schedule for the talks.

North Korea doubts prospects for future summit with United States

Exposing the double standards of Pakistan, the United States has asked Pakistan to express "same level" of concern about Muslims detentions in Western China as they do for Kashmir.

"I would like to see the same level of concern expressed also about Muslims who are being detained in Western China, literally in concentration-like conditions. And so being concerned about the human rights of Muslims does extend more broadly than Kashmir, and you've seen the administration very involved here during the UN General Assembly and trying to shine a light on the horrific conditions that continue to exist for Muslims throughout China," said Alice Wells, US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia on Thursday while replying to a question about Pakistan PM's alleged concerns about Kashmir.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Wells reaction came as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-is-desperate-because-its-left-with-no-option-on-jammu-and-kashmir-247611">Pakistan</a> has ramped up its rhetoric against India over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/removal-of-article-370-heralds-an-era-of-progress-for-jammu-and-kashmir-242889">abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir</a> and expressing concern over the situation of Muslims in the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan even had called himself an ambassador of Kashmiri people.

However, when it comes to China's treatment of Muslims, Pakistan has been mum and when asked to comment on it, the Pakistan PM has tried to brush it aside saying that there is a lot going on in its own country.

China has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

China has been accused of oppressing the Uighur by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending the community to undergo some form of forceful re-education or indoctrination.

In an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera that was aired on August 14, Imran Khan talked in length about his version of conditions of Kashmiris and how BJP led government is "racist" and "fascist" while shockingly expressing complete ignorance on the issues being faced by Uighur Muslims.

During the interview when journalist Mohammed Jamjoom asked Khan whether he had ever got a chance to discuss the issue of Uighur Muslims with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Khan replied that he does not know "much" about the problem and Beijing is Islamabad's "best friend".

Exposing the double standards of Pakistan, the United States has asked Pakistan to express "same level" of concern about Muslims detentions in Western China as they do for Kashmir.

Exposing the double standards of Pakistan, the United States has asked Pakistan to express "same level" of concern about Muslims detentions in Western China as they do for Kashmir. "I would like to see the same level of concern expressed also about Muslims who are being detained in Western China, literally in concentration-like conditions. And so being concerned about the human rights of Muslims does extend more broadly than Kashmir, and you've seen the administration very involved here during the UN General Assembly and trying to shine a light on the horrific conditions that continue to exist for Muslims throughout China," said Alice Wells, US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia on Thursday while replying to a question about Pakistan PM's alleged concerns about Kashmir. Wells reaction came as Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against India over the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and expressing concern over the situation of Muslims in the region. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan even had called himself an ambassador of Kashmiri people. However, when it comes to China's treatment of Muslims, Pakistan has been mum and when asked to comment on it, the Pakistan PM has tried to brush it aside saying that there is a lot going on in its own country. China has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. China has been accused of oppressing the Uighur by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending the community to undergo some form of forceful re-education or indoctrination. In an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera that was aired on August 14, Imran Khan talked in length about his version of conditions of Kashmiris and how BJP led government is "racist" and "fascist" while shockingly expressing complete ignorance on the issues being faced by Uighur Muslims. During the interview when journalist Mohammed Jamjoom asked Khan whether he had ever got a chance to discuss the issue of Uighur Muslims with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Khan replied that he does not know "much" about the problem and Beijing is Islamabad's "best friend".

Pakistan called out by US for staying mum over China's treatment of Muslims

A&nbsp;group&nbsp;of 66&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-renewed-central-africa-violence-un-2076">African&nbsp;refugees</a>&nbsp;and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the&nbsp;first&nbsp;of what could be thousands relocated&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-should-set-up-giant-refugee-city-in-libya-hungary-pm-6756">Libya</a>&nbsp;under a new programme.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;signed a deal with the&nbsp;African&nbsp;Union (AU) and the United Nations&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;agency UNHCR agreeing to take in&nbsp;African&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;and asylum-seekers stranded in&nbsp;Libya.&nbsp;

The Rwandan government has said it is prepared to accommodate as many as 30,000 evacuees, although the plan is for the programme to unfold in batches of 500 to prevent the country of 12 million&nbsp;from&nbsp;feeling overwhelmed.

"Just landed!" the United Nations&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;agency wrote on its Twitter account as the&nbsp;first&nbsp;group&nbsp;of unaccompanied minors, single mothers and families landed in the Rwandan capital.

The youngest passenger was a two-month-old girl born to Somali parents in&nbsp;Libya.

A UN official told AFP Wednesday that a subsequent flight carrying 125 people was planned for "between 10-12 October".&nbsp;

They will be housed in a transit centre in&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;before being resettled elsewhere unless they agree to return to their home countries.&nbsp;

In the chaos that followed the fall and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising,&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;became a key transit point for sub-Saharan&nbsp;African&nbsp;migrants seeking to embark on dangerous journeys to Europe.

The UN says some 42,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;are currently in&nbsp;Libya.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame&nbsp;first&nbsp;offered to take in Africans stuck in&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;back in November 2017, the same month a CNN report showed what appeared to be a slave market there.

The issue took on new urgency in July when more than 40 people were killed in an airstrike on a migrant detention centre in the Libyan town of Tajoura.

The UN has been criticised for its handling of a transit mechanism for evacuees&nbsp;from&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;established in 2017 on the other side of the continent, in Niger.

The facilities there have struggled with overcrowding and the slow pace of resettlement.

But UN and Rwandan officials say they have learned&nbsp;from&nbsp;Niger's experience.&nbsp;

A group of 66 African refugees and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the first of what could be thousands relocated from Libya under a new programme.

A group of 66 African refugees and asylum-seekers arrived in Kigali late Thursday, the UN said, the first of what could be thousands relocated from Libya under a new programme. Earlier this month, Rwanda signed a deal with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR agreeing to take in African refugees and asylum-seekers stranded in Libya. The Rwandan government has said it is prepared to accommodate as many as 30,000 evacuees, although the plan is for the programme to unfold in batches of 500 to prevent the country of 12 million from feeling overwhelmed. "Just landed!" the United Nations refugee agency wrote on its Twitter account as the first group of unaccompanied minors, single mothers and families landed in the Rwandan capital. The youngest passenger was a two-month-old girl born to Somali parents in Libya. A UN official told AFP Wednesday that a subsequent flight carrying 125 people was planned for "between 10-12 October". They will be housed in a transit centre in Rwanda before being resettled elsewhere unless they agree to return to their home countries. In the chaos that followed the fall and killing of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a 2011 uprising, Libya became a key transit point for sub-Saharan African migrants seeking to embark on dangerous journeys to Europe. The UN says some 42,000 refugees are currently in Libya. Rwandan President Paul Kagame first offered to take in Africans stuck in Libya back in November 2017, the same month a CNN report showed what appeared to be a slave market there. The issue took on new urgency in July when more than 40 people were killed in an airstrike on a migrant detention centre in the Libyan town of Tajoura. The UN has been criticised for its handling of a transit mechanism for evacuees from Libya established in 2017 on the other side of the continent, in Niger. The facilities there have struggled with overcrowding and the slow pace of resettlement. But UN and Rwandan officials say they have learned from Niger's experience.

Rwanda welcomes first group of African refugees from Libya

Union Finance Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-an-attractive-destination-to-relocate-supply-chains-nirmala-sitharaman-251248">Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a meeting</a> in Delhi with secretaries and financial advisors of key selected ministries to review the total Capital Expenditure (CapEx) by the ministries in 2019-20 on Friday.

The main agenda of this meeting is to discuss measures to revive the economy and push up investments.

The discussion is also likely to be held on the future plan for CapEx in the current financial year.

CapEx is incurred when a business acquires assets that could be beneficial beyond the current tax year.

The meeting comes days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-reviews-performance-of-banks-with-top-management-250694">Sitharaman announced a reduction</a> in the country`s effective corporate tax rate from around 35 per cent to 25 per cent.

For companies that do not avail of any other incentive or commission, the effective tax rate would be just 22 per cent.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a meeting in Delhi with secretaries and financial advisors of key selected ministries to review the total Capital Expenditure (CapEx) by the ministries in 2019-20 on Friday.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold a meeting in Delhi with secretaries and financial advisors of key selected ministries to review the total Capital Expenditure (CapEx) by the ministries in 2019-20 on Friday. The main agenda of this meeting is to discuss measures to revive the economy and push up investments. The discussion is also likely to be held on the future plan for CapEx in the current financial year. CapEx is incurred when a business acquires assets that could be beneficial beyond the current tax year. The meeting comes days after Sitharaman announced a reduction in the country`s effective corporate tax rate from around 35 per cent to 25 per cent. For companies that do not avail of any other incentive or commission, the effective tax rate would be just 22 per cent.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to meet secretaries, financial advisors of key ministries today

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he&nbsp;and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility.

In an interview with a German newspaper, Juncker said he and Barnier were working intensively for a deal because it would be a catastrophe for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-at-johnsons-rhetoric-in-brexit-impasse-252210">Britain and Europe</a> if Britain left the EU without an organised withdrawal process.

"Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier and I are doing everything possible to get an agreement," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "But if we don`t succeed in the end, the responsibility would lie exclusively on the British side", he said.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on October&nbsp;31. Officials in Brussels say <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-flies-back-to-face-uk-parliament-as-brexit-chaos-deepens-251977">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has made little progress in negotiating a new exit deal to replace the one agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, but which was rejected three times by the British parliament.

Juncker added that negotiations on a future trade relationship between Britain and the EU would be greatly complicated by a disorderly Brexit.

"We will want to and need to seal a free trade agreement," he said. "But that won`t happen just like that, as some in Britain imagine. Some of the trade deals we sealed in my term of office took many years to reach", he added.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility. In an interview with a German newspaper, Juncker said he and Barnier were working intensively for a deal because it would be a catastrophe for Britain and Europe if Britain left the EU without an organised withdrawal process. "Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier and I are doing everything possible to get an agreement," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "But if we don`t succeed in the end, the responsibility would lie exclusively on the British side", he said. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on October 31. Officials in Brussels say Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made little progress in negotiating a new exit deal to replace the one agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, but which was rejected three times by the British parliament. Juncker added that negotiations on a future trade relationship between Britain and the EU would be greatly complicated by a disorderly Brexit. "We will want to and need to seal a free trade agreement," he said. "But that won`t happen just like that, as some in Britain imagine. Some of the trade deals we sealed in my term of office took many years to reach", he added.

European Commission's Juncker says Britain will be responsible if no Brexit deal

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