<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-drama-at-saarc-meet-as-pakistans-foreign-minister-qureshi-boycotts-jaishankars-statement-252290">Pakistan</a> has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps.

Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-bid-to-internationalise-kashmir-fails-world-leans-on-indias-side-252264">rising tensions between India and Pakistan</a>.

"Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a&nbsp;statement.

Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a&nbsp;response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot.

"Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added.

On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into <a href="wionews.com/world/pakistan-called-out-by-us-for-staying-mum-over-chinas-treatment-of-muslims-252323">Pakistan</a> to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Since then,&nbsp;tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. "Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a statement. Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot. "Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added. On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Since then, tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.

Pakistan invites United Nations Security Council permanent members to inspect terror camps

Differing narratives: While PM Modi ticks all boxes at UN, Pak PM Imran Khan harps on Kashmir

Modi meets Rouhani: Key highlights of the bilateral meeting

Pakistan has approached United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a request to release monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

The council has 'approved'&nbsp;the letter after no objections were raised to it within the set deadline.

In a notification dated August 15 the UNSC committee pursuant to resolution 1267, 1989, 2253, said, "The Chair has the honor to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the Committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorize certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Haji Muhammad Ashraf&nbsp;and Zafar Iqbal&nbsp;to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)."

"The Chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set deadline of 15 August 2019 for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved and the Chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," the letter added.

Pakistan in a letter to UN Security Council 1267 Committee has contended that Hafiz Saeed supports a family of four members, as a sole supporter, he is responsible for food, drink and clothes expenses for all family members.

"The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United Nations presents Its compliments to the Security Council concerning Jamaat Ud Da'wa and associated Individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and has the honour to notify the committee, pursuant to paragraph 1(a) of security council resolution 1152(2002) and paragraph 81(a) of resolution 2360(2017), that the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has received a request from a Pakistani citizen Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who is listed on the list established and maintained by the committee under permanent reference 001.263," the letter stated.

"His bank account was blocked by the government of Pakistan under compliance with UNSC resolution 1267 requesting an asset freeze exemption to access frozen funds In the amount of Pakistani rupees 011,50,000 to cover the necessary basic living expenses for himself and his family," it added.

This development comes despite Pakistan claims that it is taking stringent actions against terrorist.

In May, Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department had booked Hafiz Saeed and top leaders of JuD under charges of terror financing. The authorities have also arrested Saeed.

However, India, who has always accused Pakistan of supporting and providing safe haven to terrorists, dismissed the recent arrest of Saeed as a mere "drama".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan has approached United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a request to release monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan has approached United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a request to release monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. The council has 'approved' the letter after no objections were raised to it within the set deadline. In a notification dated August 15 the UNSC committee pursuant to resolution 1267, 1989, 2253, said, "The Chair has the honor to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the Committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorize certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Haji Muhammad Ashraf and Zafar Iqbal to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)." "The Chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set deadline of 15 August 2019 for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved and the Chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," the letter added. Pakistan in a letter to UN Security Council 1267 Committee has contended that Hafiz Saeed supports a family of four members, as a sole supporter, he is responsible for food, drink and clothes expenses for all family members. "The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United Nations presents Its compliments to the Security Council concerning Jamaat Ud Da'wa and associated Individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and has the honour to notify the committee, pursuant to paragraph 1(a) of security council resolution 1152(2002) and paragraph 81(a) of resolution 2360(2017), that the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has received a request from a Pakistani citizen Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who is listed on the list established and maintained by the committee under permanent reference 001.263," the letter stated. "His bank account was blocked by the government of Pakistan under compliance with UNSC resolution 1267 requesting an asset freeze exemption to access frozen funds In the amount of Pakistani rupees 011,50,000 to cover the necessary basic living expenses for himself and his family," it added. This development comes despite Pakistan claims that it is taking stringent actions against terrorist. In May, Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department had booked Hafiz Saeed and top leaders of JuD under charges of terror financing. The authorities have also arrested Saeed. However, India, who has always accused Pakistan of supporting and providing safe haven to terrorists, dismissed the recent arrest of Saeed as a mere "drama".

Pak approaches UNSC to allow release of monthly expenses for Hafiz Saeed, committee allows request

Abortion was decriminalised in Australia's State of New South Wales on Thursday after weeks of contentious debate, bringing its laws into line with the rest of the country.&nbsp;

Politicians from across the political spectrum voted to overturn the laws that date back to 1900 under which&nbsp;women seeking an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-passes-bill-to-decriminalise-abortion-241584">abortion</a> in Sydney or elsewhere in the state and their doctors could face up to 10 years in prison.

The legislation was delayed for months by a small group of conservatives from the ruling Liberal Party who rebelled against their leader.&nbsp;

The passage of the bill was cheered by pro-choice advocates, who had staged several large demonstrations in its support in recent months, countered by similarly passionate pro-life rallies.

Alex Greenwich, the independent representative for Sydney who introduced the bill, said that he was "sorry it has taken us so long" to remove abortion from the criminal code.&nbsp;

"My deepest gratitude goes to my parliamentary colleagues and to the dedicated women's rights campaigners who have fought toward this for decades," he said in a statement.

Though prosecutions were rare, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-senate-bans-nearly-all-abortions-including-rape-cases-218840">procedure</a> was only considered legal in Australia's most populous state if the doctor believed the woman's physical or mental health was in danger.

The new legislation allows abortions to be performed by a doctor on request up to 22 weeks, beyond which the consent of two doctors would be required.

It also makes it illegal for an unqualified person to perform an abortion, with the offence punishable by up to seven years in jail.

Amendments made to appease the bill's conservative opponents include tighter regulations on late-term abortions and mandated medical care for any baby born alive following a termination procedure.

New South Wales last year introduced "safe access zones" around medical clinics and hospitals that provide terminations, a measure aimed at stopping anti-abortion protesters from harassing women.

Abortion was decriminalised in Australia's State of New South Wales on Thursday after weeks of contentious debate, bringing its laws into line with the rest of the country.

Abortion was decriminalised in Australia's State of New South Wales on Thursday after weeks of contentious debate, bringing its laws into line with the rest of the country. Politicians from across the political spectrum voted to overturn the laws that date back to 1900 under which women seeking an abortion in Sydney or elsewhere in the state and their doctors could face up to 10 years in prison. The legislation was delayed for months by a small group of conservatives from the ruling Liberal Party who rebelled against their leader. The passage of the bill was cheered by pro-choice advocates, who had staged several large demonstrations in its support in recent months, countered by similarly passionate pro-life rallies. Alex Greenwich, the independent representative for Sydney who introduced the bill, said that he was "sorry it has taken us so long" to remove abortion from the criminal code. "My deepest gratitude goes to my parliamentary colleagues and to the dedicated women's rights campaigners who have fought toward this for decades," he said in a statement. Though prosecutions were rare, the procedure was only considered legal in Australia's most populous state if the doctor believed the woman's physical or mental health was in danger. The new legislation allows abortions to be performed by a doctor on request up to 22 weeks, beyond which the consent of two doctors would be required. It also makes it illegal for an unqualified person to perform an abortion, with the offence punishable by up to seven years in jail. Amendments made to appease the bill's conservative opponents include tighter regulations on late-term abortions and mandated medical care for any baby born alive following a termination procedure. New South Wales last year introduced "safe access zones" around medical clinics and hospitals that provide terminations, a measure aimed at stopping anti-abortion protesters from harassing women.

Abortion effectively decriminalised in Australia as New South Wales passes new bill

Austria will hold <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-president-calls-for-september-snap-elections-219898">snap elections</a> on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government.

The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself.

Coalition negotiations could last for months after election night -&nbsp;here are some of the scenarios:

Far-right deja-vu

With the far-right Freedom Party on around 20 per cent in the polls, observers say that a new coalition between the OeVP and the (FPOe) is a likely outcome.

The two parties formed an alliance in 2017 on their common platform of fighting immigration.

That broke apart in May when secret camera recordings showed then Vice-Vhancellor and FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer public contracts to a fake Russian backer in exchange for campaign help.

The scandal forced his resignation from all posts and the government collapsed.

Norbert Hofer, an aircraft engineer who now heads the FPOe, has openly said that he wants to work with Kurz again.

But whether the two parties can work together again may largely depend on whether Hofer insists that his deputy, Herbert Kickl, receive a ministerial position.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-announces-new-elections-over-corruption-scandal-219715">Kurz</a> has said he no longer wants to work with Kickl, who as the Interior Minister under the previous administration drew frequent criticism, including for a raid ordered on the domestic intelligence service.

Grand coalition

Another option for Kurz could be to work with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), who currently stand at a historic low of around 22 per cent in the polls, battling with the FPOe for second place.

This would be a return to the historical norm -&nbsp;the OeVP and SPOe have governed together for a total of 44 years since 1945.

But it was Kurz who ended the last "grand coalition" when he took over the OeVP in 2017, citing paralysis and infighting between the two parties.

He and the SPOe Head Pamela Rendi-Wagner have also consistently traded barbs.&nbsp;

In a recent television debate, the SPOe's Rendi-Wagner has said that the 33-year-old Kurz was still young and therefore capable of learning from his mistakes -&nbsp;including forming a coalition with the far-right.

Turquoise, green, and pink

Another oft-cited scenario would be for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrias-chancellor-sebastian-kurz-loses-no-confidence-vote-222068">OeVP</a> - whose party colour Kurz rebranded from black to turquoise when he took over - to work with smaller parties, most likely the Greens and the liberal Neos, whose colour is pink.

Amid growing concerns over climate change, the Greens are polling at 13 per cent, a significant improvement from their shock result in 2017 when they failed to clear the four per cent threshold to get into parliament.&nbsp;Neos is on around eight per cent.

However, analysts say an alliance with these two parties would require Kurz to rebrand himself and tack to the centre, potentially dropping his hardline anti-immigration stance.

Without Kurz

Kurz himself has repeatedly warned that other parties could do better than expected and form a coalition excluding the OeVP.

However, this is still unlikely based on current polling and may be aimed more at mobilising the OeVP's base.

Alternatively, if the OeVP fails to form a coalition, there could be a minority government, potentially continuing political uncertainty or even another election.

Ultimately it will be up to President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green leader, to approve any new government.

Van der Bellen stepped in following the May corruption scandal to appoint a government of technocrats to lead the country until this Sunday's poll.

Austria will hold snap elections on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government. The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself.

Austria will hold snap elections on Sunday after a corruption scandal caused the dramatic collapse of the previous right-wing coalition government. The centre-right People's Party (OeVP) of former chancellor Sebastian Kurz is again expected to come out on top - but if its poll rating of around 33 per cent is matched in the vote, it will not be able to form a government by itself. Coalition negotiations could last for months after election night - here are some of the scenarios: Far-right deja-vu With the far-right Freedom Party on around 20 per cent in the polls, observers say that a new coalition between the OeVP and the (FPOe) is a likely outcome. The two parties formed an alliance in 2017 on their common platform of fighting immigration. That broke apart in May when secret camera recordings showed then Vice-Vhancellor and FPOe leader Heinz-Christian Strache appearing to offer public contracts to a fake Russian backer in exchange for campaign help. The scandal forced his resignation from all posts and the government collapsed. Norbert Hofer, an aircraft engineer who now heads the FPOe, has openly said that he wants to work with Kurz again. But whether the two parties can work together again may largely depend on whether Hofer insists that his deputy, Herbert Kickl, receive a ministerial position. Kurz has said he no longer wants to work with Kickl, who as the Interior Minister under the previous administration drew frequent criticism, including for a raid ordered on the domestic intelligence service. Grand coalition Another option for Kurz could be to work with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPOe), who currently stand at a historic low of around 22 per cent in the polls, battling with the FPOe for second place. This would be a return to the historical norm - the OeVP and SPOe have governed together for a total of 44 years since 1945. But it was Kurz who ended the last "grand coalition" when he took over the OeVP in 2017, citing paralysis and infighting between the two parties. He and the SPOe Head Pamela Rendi-Wagner have also consistently traded barbs. In a recent television debate, the SPOe's Rendi-Wagner has said that the 33-year-old Kurz was still young and therefore capable of learning from his mistakes - including forming a coalition with the far-right. Turquoise, green, and pink Another oft-cited scenario would be for the OeVP - whose party colour Kurz rebranded from black to turquoise when he took over - to work with smaller parties, most likely the Greens and the liberal Neos, whose colour is pink. Amid growing concerns over climate change, the Greens are polling at 13 per cent, a significant improvement from their shock result in 2017 when they failed to clear the four per cent threshold to get into parliament. Neos is on around eight per cent. However, analysts say an alliance with these two parties would require Kurz to rebrand himself and tack to the centre, potentially dropping his hardline anti-immigration stance. Without Kurz Kurz himself has repeatedly warned that other parties could do better than expected and form a coalition excluding the OeVP. However, this is still unlikely based on current polling and may be aimed more at mobilising the OeVP's base. Alternatively, if the OeVP fails to form a coalition, there could be a minority government, potentially continuing political uncertainty or even another election. Ultimately it will be up to President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Green leader, to approve any new government. Van der Bellen stepped in following the May corruption scandal to appoint a government of technocrats to lead the country until this Sunday's poll.

Possible scenarios in Austria's upcoming snap elections

Donald Trump, the United States President&nbsp;on Wednesday dismissed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-launch-trump-impeachment-inquiry-over-ukraine-controversy-251842">impeachment enquiry</a> against him as a "joke", while Democrats stood firm in accusing him&nbsp;of a "mafia-style shakedown" of his Ukrainian counterpart.

Trump denied claims that he abused his office by repeatedly urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to probe his rival Joe Biden - as confirmed in a call transcript released by the White House.

The next episode in the&nbsp;impeachment debacle&nbsp;is set for Thursday when Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph McGuire will testify at&nbsp;Capitol Hill.

"They are getting hit hard on this witch hunt because when they look at the information, it's a joke," said the President, at his first news conference since Democrats launched an official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-begins-trump-impeachment-inquiry-over-call-to-ukraine-leader-251866">impeachment inquiry.</a>

"Impeachment for that? When you have a wonderful meeting or you have a wonderful phone conversation?", he asked.

Trump had earlier insisted that he exerted "no pressure" on Zelensky, who appeared side-by-side with the US leader at a long-planned meeting at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

As two competing narratives took hold, Republican Party's Senator Mitt Romney referred to the escalation as "deeply troubling."

Trump and his allies claimed that the July 25 call contained no evidence of a quid pro quo, pressuring Zelensky to probe the President's top Democratic rival for the White House.

"This is how a mafia boss talks," charged senior Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff.&nbsp;

"'What have you done for us? We've done so much for you but there's not much reciprocity. I have a favour to ask you. And what is that favour? Of course, the favour is to investigate his political rival, to investigate the Bidens", he added.

The call summary -&nbsp;which is not a verbatim transcript -&nbsp;has Trump saying that the&nbsp;US Attorney General Bill Barr and the President's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani would be in touch about probing the Ukraine-related activities of Biden and his son.

In announcing the impeachment probe, House Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosi-wasting-her-time-on-manufactured-crisis-says-trump-on-impeachment-inquiry-over-ukraine-controversy-252066">Nancy Pelosi</a> said Trump's actions amounted to a betrayal of his oath of office and of national security.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch Video: Trump-Zelensky call row escalates</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-usa-direct-trump-zelensky-call-row-escalates-252070/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'A nothing call'

As Barack Obama's Vice President, Biden and other Western leaders pressured Ukraine to get rid of the country's top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because he was seen as not tough enough on corruption.

"There's a lot of talk about Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the attorney general would be great," Trump told Zelensky in the call.

"Biden went around bragging that he stopped the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-steps-up-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-248698">prosecution</a> so if you can look into it... It sounds horrible to me", he added.&nbsp;

The transcript did not show Trump explicitly tying aid to Ukraine to Zelensky probing Biden, which has fed the calls to impeach him.

But the two did discuss a major aid package, which had been frozen by Trump at the time and was only released in recent weeks.

The memo also shows Trump asking Zelensky for a "favour" on an issue unconnected to Biden -&nbsp;just after noting that the US had been "very, very good to Ukraine."

Analysts noted that the transcript uses ellipses -&nbsp;denoting words or entire passages are missing - on three occasions, all when Trump is making requests of Zelensky.

Others pointed out that it was supposed to summarize a 30-minute call, yet the transcript runs to around just 12 minutes.

"There was no pressure whatsoever," Trump told reporters earlier Wednesday, saying Democrats had built up the exchange as the "call from hell" but that "it&nbsp;turned out to be a nothing call."

Zelensky insisted meanwhile that he had not been "pushed" by Trump during the controversial call.

'Very troubling'

Faced with the possibility of being impeached, Trump has pushed back hard - branding the probe the "single greatest witch hunt in American history... a disgraceful thing."&nbsp;

Pelosi had for months resisted pressure from the party rank-and-file for impeachment, preferring to focus on next year's election fight.

But on Tuesday, she relented, 11 days after news that an anonymous US intelligence official had filed a whistleblower complaint on Trump's alleged double-dealing with Ukraine.

Democrats made clear the White House's release of the call record would not satisfy their investigation into whether the US leader broke the law, and the complaint has now been reviewed by lawmakers.

Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer told reporters after reading the whistleblower complaint that "it's very troubling" -- an assessment echoed by Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who said that "there's obviously lots that is very troubling there."

Schumer later called in a statement for the contents of the complaint to be made public, saying: "The public has a right to read the whistleblower's complaint for themselves."

Donald Trump, the United States President on Wednesday dismissed the impeachment enquiry against him as a "joke", while Democrats stood firm in accusing him of a "mafia-style shakedown" of his Ukrainian counterpart.

Donald Trump, the United States President on Wednesday dismissed the impeachment enquiry against him as a "joke", while Democrats stood firm in accusing him of a "mafia-style shakedown" of his Ukrainian counterpart. Trump denied claims that he abused his office by repeatedly urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to probe his rival Joe Biden - as confirmed in a call transcript released by the White House. The next episode in the impeachment debacle is set for Thursday when Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph McGuire will testify at Capitol Hill. "They are getting hit hard on this witch hunt because when they look at the information, it's a joke," said the President, at his first news conference since Democrats launched an official impeachment inquiry. "Impeachment for that? When you have a wonderful meeting or you have a wonderful phone conversation?", he asked. Trump had earlier insisted that he exerted "no pressure" on Zelensky, who appeared side-by-side with the US leader at a long-planned meeting at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. As two competing narratives took hold, Republican Party's Senator Mitt Romney referred to the escalation as "deeply troubling." Trump and his allies claimed that the July 25 call contained no evidence of a quid pro quo, pressuring Zelensky to probe the President's top Democratic rival for the White House. "This is how a mafia boss talks," charged senior Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff. "'What have you done for us? We've done so much for you but there's not much reciprocity. I have a favour to ask you. And what is that favour? Of course, the favour is to investigate his political rival, to investigate the Bidens", he added. The call summary - which is not a verbatim transcript - has Trump saying that the US Attorney General Bill Barr and the President's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani would be in touch about probing the Ukraine-related activities of Biden and his son. In announcing the impeachment probe, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Trump's actions amounted to a betrayal of his oath of office and of national security. Watch Video: Trump-Zelensky call row escalates 'A nothing call' As Barack Obama's Vice President, Biden and other Western leaders pressured Ukraine to get rid of the country's top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, because he was seen as not tough enough on corruption. "There's a lot of talk about Biden's son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and a lot of people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the attorney general would be great," Trump told Zelensky in the call. "Biden went around bragging that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it... It sounds horrible to me", he added. The transcript did not show Trump explicitly tying aid to Ukraine to Zelensky probing Biden, which has fed the calls to impeach him. But the two did discuss a major aid package, which had been frozen by Trump at the time and was only released in recent weeks. The memo also shows Trump asking Zelensky for a "favour" on an issue unconnected to Biden - just after noting that the US had been "very, very good to Ukraine." Analysts noted that the transcript uses ellipses - denoting words or entire passages are missing - on three occasions, all when Trump is making requests of Zelensky. Others pointed out that it was supposed to summarize a 30-minute call, yet the transcript runs to around just 12 minutes. "There was no pressure whatsoever," Trump told reporters earlier Wednesday, saying Democrats had built up the exchange as the "call from hell" but that "it turned out to be a nothing call." Zelensky insisted meanwhile that he had not been "pushed" by Trump during the controversial call. 'Very troubling' Faced with the possibility of being impeached, Trump has pushed back hard - branding the probe the "single greatest witch hunt in American history... a disgraceful thing." Pelosi had for months resisted pressure from the party rank-and-file for impeachment, preferring to focus on next year's election fight. But on Tuesday, she relented, 11 days after news that an anonymous US intelligence official had filed a whistleblower complaint on Trump's alleged double-dealing with Ukraine. Democrats made clear the White House's release of the call record would not satisfy their investigation into whether the US leader broke the law, and the complaint has now been reviewed by lawmakers. Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer told reporters after reading the whistleblower complaint that "it's very troubling" -- an assessment echoed by Republican Senator Ben Sasse, who said that "there's obviously lots that is very troubling there." Schumer later called in a statement for the contents of the complaint to be made public, saying: "The public has a right to read the whistleblower's complaint for themselves."

Trump calls Democratic impeachment enquiry a 'joke'

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

"Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

"Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added.

An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton.

On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India.

Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit.

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the motion on Kashmir passed by the UK`s opposition Labour Party, saying it was a clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests and regretted the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the British political outfit. "Government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on 25 September pertaining to the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement. "Clearly, this is an attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests. There is no question of engaging with the Labour Party or its representatives on this issue," he added. An emergency motion was recently passed by the Labour Party on Kashmir at their annual party conference in Brighton. On August 5, the Indian government passed a resolution abrogating Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the region into two separate Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. India has repeatedly maintained that constitutional changes made by its government on Kashmir are strictly an internal matter, a stance supported by several countries, including those from SAARC and Arab World.Pakistan, on the other hand, has "condemned" the move and downgraded its bilateral ties with India. Islamabad has since resorted to anti-India rhetoric and has attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but to no avail.

Clear attempt at pandering to vote-bank interests: India condemns Labour Party motion on Kashmir

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.&nbsp;

"Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added.&nbsp;

Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi

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"We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires&nbsp;a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION.&nbsp;

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-gandhi-solar-park-at-un-headquarters-launches-commemorative-postage-stamp-251853">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">time for talk is over</a>, the world needs to act now".

"What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit.

"We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted.

Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change. "Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added. Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi × "We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world". Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talk is over, the world needs to act now". "What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit. "We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted. Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said, "Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

India making headway, assuming leadership on climate change: Kailash Satyarthi tells WION

Howdy, America! - Key highlights of PM Modi's US visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called Pakistan a "challenging neighbour" and stressed while there is terrorism globally, there is no country in the world that sponsors terror consciously and deliberately against India.

"You have a neighbour who will not trade with you who will not allow you connectivity who has slowed down regionalism who filters people-to-people interaction. It is a very challenging neighbour," he said in an interactive session with Frank G. Wisner, a former US ambassador to India.

"You have terrorism in different parts of the world, but there is no part of the world where a country uses it consciously and deliberately as a large scale industry against its neighbour," the minister stressed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-misread-indias-action-to-nullify-article-370-jaishankar-251943">Jaishankar </a>said that a country is ready to have a dialogue with their neighbour, but questioned that how India can have negotiations with a nation that is nurturing terror and following a policy of implausible deniability, in a reference to Pakistan.

"The issue is not whether to talk or not, everybody wants to talk to their neighbour. The issue is how do I talk to a country that is conducting terrorism and follows a policy of implausible deniability," he said.

He said he does not think that the fundamental issue between India and Pakistan is Kashmir.

"To my mind, the big challenge before us is if you have differences with a neighbour, how do you resolve it? Now, these differences are not normal because they are rooted in our history, which is not normal," Jaishankar remarked.

"Now all of that you could still handle if they do not do the one thing which is actually unacceptable &nbsp;to conduct terrorism, which in their eyes is a legitimate tool of statecraft as a way to pressure you to come to the negotiating table," he said, adding that it was not acceptable as a norm in international relations.

India has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not be initiated until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil.

Calling Pakistan "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-talking-to-pakistan-but-have-problem-talking-to-terroristan-jaishankar-251859">terroristan</a>", Jaishankar on Tuesday had said that Islamabad has created an "entire industry of terrorism" to fuel unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi cannot talk to a country that sponsors terror.

"They have to accept the model which they have built for themselves, no longer works. You cannot in this day and age, conduct policy using terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft that is at the heart of the issue. We have no problem in talking to Pakistan, we have a problem talking to terroristan," the minister said during an interview with Asia Society Policy Institute's President Kevin Rudd.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called Pakistan a "challenging neighbour" and stressed while there is terrorism globally, there is no country in the world that sponsors terror consciously and deliberately against India.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called Pakistan a "challenging neighbour" and stressed while there is terrorism globally, there is no country in the world that sponsors terror consciously and deliberately against India. "You have a neighbour who will not trade with you who will not allow you connectivity who has slowed down regionalism who filters people-to-people interaction. It is a very challenging neighbour," he said in an interactive session with Frank G. Wisner, a former US ambassador to India. "You have terrorism in different parts of the world, but there is no part of the world where a country uses it consciously and deliberately as a large scale industry against its neighbour," the minister stressed. Jaishankar said that a country is ready to have a dialogue with their neighbour, but questioned that how India can have negotiations with a nation that is nurturing terror and following a policy of implausible deniability, in a reference to Pakistan. "The issue is not whether to talk or not, everybody wants to talk to their neighbour. The issue is how do I talk to a country that is conducting terrorism and follows a policy of implausible deniability," he said. He said he does not think that the fundamental issue between India and Pakistan is Kashmir. "To my mind, the big challenge before us is if you have differences with a neighbour, how do you resolve it? Now, these differences are not normal because they are rooted in our history, which is not normal," Jaishankar remarked. "Now all of that you could still handle if they do not do the one thing which is actually unacceptable to conduct terrorism, which in their eyes is a legitimate tool of statecraft as a way to pressure you to come to the negotiating table," he said, adding that it was not acceptable as a norm in international relations. India has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not be initiated until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil. Calling Pakistan "terroristan", Jaishankar on Tuesday had said that Islamabad has created an "entire industry of terrorism" to fuel unrest in Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi cannot talk to a country that sponsors terror. "They have to accept the model which they have built for themselves, no longer works. You cannot in this day and age, conduct policy using terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft that is at the heart of the issue. We have no problem in talking to Pakistan, we have a problem talking to terroristan," the minister said during an interview with Asia Society Policy Institute's President Kevin Rudd.

Pakistan is a very challenging neighbour: Jaishankar

The ninth India-China Financial Dialogue held here on Wednesday saw the two countries exchanged views on macroeconomic situation and policy, cooperation in multilateral framework and discussed bilateral investment and financial cooperation.

An official release said the two sides expressed commitment to promote a favorable environment to enable continuous growth of bilateral trade and investment and strengthen their efforts to promote a more balanced and healthier development of trade and economic cooperation.

A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zou Jiayi, Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance, People's Republic of China interacted with the Indian delegation led by Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs.

The release said that India and China's bilateral relationship has entered into a new era after the historic informal summit between Prime Minister of India and China's President held in Wuhan in April 2018.

The India-China Financial Dialogue is a mechanism between the two countries to promote cooperation in the financial sector.

&nbsp;A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the dialogue reflecting the mutual understanding and shared vision of both the countries to further strengthen cooperation in the financial sector.

The next round of India-China Financial Dialogue will be held in China.

The ninth India-China Financial Dialogue held here on Wednesday saw the two countries exchanged views on macroeconomic situation and policy, cooperation in multilateral framework and discussed bilateral investment and financial cooperation.

The ninth India-China Financial Dialogue held here on Wednesday saw the two countries exchanged views on macroeconomic situation and policy, cooperation in multilateral framework and discussed bilateral investment and financial cooperation. An official release said the two sides expressed commitment to promote a favorable environment to enable continuous growth of bilateral trade and investment and strengthen their efforts to promote a more balanced and healthier development of trade and economic cooperation. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zou Jiayi, Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance, People's Republic of China interacted with the Indian delegation led by Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs. The release said that India and China's bilateral relationship has entered into a new era after the historic informal summit between Prime Minister of India and China's President held in Wuhan in April 2018. The India-China Financial Dialogue is a mechanism between the two countries to promote cooperation in the financial sector. A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the dialogue reflecting the mutual understanding and shared vision of both the countries to further strengthen cooperation in the financial sector. The next round of India-China Financial Dialogue will be held in China.

India, China discuss bilateral investment at financial dialogue meeting

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