Bangladesh’s central bank left key interest rates unchanged on Wednesday with Governor Fazle Kabir saying it aimed to achieve record economic growth while curbing inflationary pressures.

Kabir said policy would aim to keep average inflation within 5.5 per cent in the 2019/20 financial year that started in July, while achieving the government’s record 8.20 per cent growth target.

The bank left the policy repo rate at 6.00 per cent and the reverse repo rate at 4.75 per cent.

Meanwhile, the country has approved the purchase of 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia in an inter-state deal, officials at the state grains buying agency said on Tuesday, as South Asia's top wheat buyer looks to secure supplies.

The wheat is being bought at $267.30 a tonne, which includes cost, insurance and freight, and other port-related expenses.

Russian state firm Prodintorg will supply the wheat, with the first batch of around 52,000 tonnes arriving in the first week of August, one of the officials said.

The import price is slightly lower than the lowest offer of $267.98 a tonne that the state grains buyer received in its last tender to buy 50,000 tonnes of wheat.

Bangladesh imported 200,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia in an inter-state deal in 2017 after Dhaka rejected three cargoes of Russian wheat totalling 150,000 tonnes over quality concerns.

The country has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat in recent months because supply from India has dwindled as Indian grain is needed to meet its growing domestic demand.

The state grains buyer imported 550,000 tonnes of wheat in the year to June, officials said.

Apart from government purchases, private traders import about 5.5 million tonnes of wheat annually to meet growing demand, while the country's output has stagnated at about 1 million tonnes.

Bangladesh has been among the largest buyers of Russian wheat in recent years. It purchased 1.9 million tonnes of Russian wheat over the July 2018-May 2019 period.

Bangladesh’s central bank left key interest rates unchanged on Wednesday with Governor Fazle Kabir saying it aimed to achieve record economic growth while curbing inflationary pressures.

Bangladesh’s central bank left key interest rates unchanged on Wednesday with Governor Fazle Kabir saying it aimed to achieve record economic growth while curbing inflationary pressures. Kabir said policy would aim to keep average inflation within 5.5 per cent in the 2019/20 financial year that started in July, while achieving the government’s record 8.20 per cent growth target. The bank left the policy repo rate at 6.00 per cent and the reverse repo rate at 4.75 per cent. Meanwhile, the country has approved the purchase of 100,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia in an inter-state deal, officials at the state grains buying agency said on Tuesday, as South Asia's top wheat buyer looks to secure supplies. The wheat is being bought at $267.30 a tonne, which includes cost, insurance and freight, and other port-related expenses. Russian state firm Prodintorg will supply the wheat, with the first batch of around 52,000 tonnes arriving in the first week of August, one of the officials said. The import price is slightly lower than the lowest offer of $267.98 a tonne that the state grains buyer received in its last tender to buy 50,000 tonnes of wheat. Bangladesh imported 200,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia in an inter-state deal in 2017 after Dhaka rejected three cargoes of Russian wheat totalling 150,000 tonnes over quality concerns. The country has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat in recent months because supply from India has dwindled as Indian grain is needed to meet its growing domestic demand. The state grains buyer imported 550,000 tonnes of wheat in the year to June, officials said. Apart from government purchases, private traders import about 5.5 million tonnes of wheat annually to meet growing demand, while the country's output has stagnated at about 1 million tonnes. Bangladesh has been among the largest buyers of Russian wheat in recent years. It purchased 1.9 million tonnes of Russian wheat over the July 2018-May 2019 period.

Bangladesh's central bank keeps policy rates unchanged

Pakistani opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of intimidating broadcasters into a blackout on television coverage of his critics after several TV channels were briefly taken off-air and opposition protests and news conferences passed unreported.

Khan denies censoring the media, describing such accusations as "a joke" during a visit to Washington this month, but relations with the press and broadcasters have become increasingly strained since he took office nearly a year ago.

Fuelling the criticism, as Khan headed back from the United States last Wednesday a news conference by opposition leader Maryam Nawaz, which would normally be carried live on TV news stations, went unseen as broadcasters held back from coverage.

"Pakistan's media is facing the worst censorship," Nawaz told the news conference, which was broadcast on YouTube. "If any news channel tries to air our presser or rallies, it is threatened to go off air."

Media managers were reluctant to comment publicly when contacted by Reuters, but statements from industry bodies have complained about pressure on journalists and their employers.

Newsgroups have also been alarmed by proposals to establish special courts to hear cases relating to the media.

The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) described the proposal as institutionalised "arm-twisting".

"The media is already braving strong pressures in the form of press advices and measures of intimidation from ruling quarters which are tantamount to undeclared censorship," it said.

Khan's government dismisses the criticism and says it is dealing with the consequences of abuses by past administrations, who it says used lucrative government advertising business to buy favourable coverage.

His Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party earlier this month posted a series of tweets warning media houses and journalists that they should not "end up propagating (the) enemy's stance" in criticising the government.

Turbulent relations

Pakistan's press has had a turbulent relationship with successive governments and the powerful military over many years. Some in the media complained of a severe crackdown in the run-up to the 2018 general election that saw Khan's PTI party sweep to power.

Writers and bloggers say several cases of reporters being abducted and beaten, critical columnists being denied space, advertising business cut to media houses and sackings of unfavourable TV commentators have created a climate of fear and self-censorship.

The military and government have denied state agencies have been involved in any of those incidents. They also reject opposition accusations that the army colluded in bringing the PTI to power.

Nawaz's PML-N party says it is the main target of a renewed crackdown, which comes after it aired a video apparently showing one of the judges who convicted party founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last year on corruption charges saying he had been blackmailed to deliver a guilty verdict. The judge, who later denied the allegations, has since been sacked.

In recent weeks planned interviews with party leader Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif's daughter, have been pulled without explanation at the last minute, while her voice has been repeatedly muted mysteriously during interviews.

Geo News TV, the country's biggest private broadcaster, has suffered a series of problems since late July.

Coverage was abruptly suspended and its position on cable dials dropped from a favourable place at the top of the list to a slot near the bottom.

Geo TV's Managing Director Azhar Abbas said the broadcaster had received no warning or explanation and had not been notified of who had ordered the changes.

"The closure is without any prior notice to the organization by the regulatory authority or the government," he told Reuters. "We have made fervent attempts to reach out to ... the military media wing, but officials there also deny any involvement."

"Big brother"

Three other TV channels, 24 News, AbbTakk News and Capital TV, were shut down for one day after they gave Maryam Nawaz live coverage earlier this month.

"I was informed by management that they received instructions this couldn't be carried," said Najam Sethi, a 24 News anchor, who had scheduled an interview with Maryam.

"We, media owners and journalists alike, are in a state of siege. The pressure to control, manipulate, plant, tilt, block and propagate the news and analysis cycle comes from overt and covert civil-military platforms. Big brother isn't just watching anymore. He is cracking the whip and it's painful."

Ansar Naqvi, the station's director programming and current affairs, said Sethi was asked not to conduct the interview in line with a request from the country's broadcasting regulator.

"We have verbal instructions from the regulator to ban Maryam's coverage completely," he told Reuters, adding that there was no written directive.

Mohammad Tahir, spokesman for the state-run regulator Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (PEMRA), denied that it had issued instructions to broadcasters not to run interviews. Asked who pulled the interviews, he told Reuters: "We didn't."

The government's main spokesperson, Firdous Aashiq Awan, told a meeting of Pakistani newspaper editors in Karachi last week that the PEMRA was an independent body just doing its job. She did not comment on who was behind the blackouts.

The Pakistan Broadcast Association (PBA) has condemned the shutdowns, while the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the blockage of Geo TV was "an unfortunate illustration of how widespread censorship has become in Pakistan".

Journalists' bodies in Pakistan have held demonstrations nationwide.

Reporters without Borders said in a statement last week that PEMRA, "takes its lead from the military establishment".

The military, which routinely denies accusations of interfering in civilian matters, said it would not respond to unspecified accusations.

In Washington, Khan dismissed concerns about media freedom, saying it was freer than the media in Britain.

"The criticism I have received from my own press, unprecedented," he said. "So, to say that there are curbs on Pakistan press is a joke."

Pakistani opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of intimidating broadcasters into a blackout on television coverage of his critics after several TV channels were briefly taken off-air and opposition protests and news conferences passed unreported.

Pakistani opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of intimidating broadcasters into a blackout on television coverage of his critics after several TV channels were briefly taken off-air and opposition protests and news conferences passed unreported. Khan denies censoring the media, describing such accusations as "a joke" during a visit to Washington this month, but relations with the press and broadcasters have become increasingly strained since he took office nearly a year ago. Fuelling the criticism, as Khan headed back from the United States last Wednesday a news conference by opposition leader Maryam Nawaz, which would normally be carried live on TV news stations, went unseen as broadcasters held back from coverage. "Pakistan's media is facing the worst censorship," Nawaz told the news conference, which was broadcast on YouTube. "If any news channel tries to air our presser or rallies, it is threatened to go off air." Media managers were reluctant to comment publicly when contacted by Reuters, but statements from industry bodies have complained about pressure on journalists and their employers. Newsgroups have also been alarmed by proposals to establish special courts to hear cases relating to the media. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) described the proposal as institutionalised "arm-twisting". "The media is already braving strong pressures in the form of press advices and measures of intimidation from ruling quarters which are tantamount to undeclared censorship," it said. Khan's government dismisses the criticism and says it is dealing with the consequences of abuses by past administrations, who it says used lucrative government advertising business to buy favourable coverage. His Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party earlier this month posted a series of tweets warning media houses and journalists that they should not "end up propagating (the) enemy's stance" in criticising the government. Turbulent relations Pakistan's press has had a turbulent relationship with successive governments and the powerful military over many years. Some in the media complained of a severe crackdown in the run-up to the 2018 general election that saw Khan's PTI party sweep to power. Writers and bloggers say several cases of reporters being abducted and beaten, critical columnists being denied space, advertising business cut to media houses and sackings of unfavourable TV commentators have created a climate of fear and self-censorship. The military and government have denied state agencies have been involved in any of those incidents. They also reject opposition accusations that the army colluded in bringing the PTI to power. Nawaz's PML-N party says it is the main target of a renewed crackdown, which comes after it aired a video apparently showing one of the judges who convicted party founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last year on corruption charges saying he had been blackmailed to deliver a guilty verdict. The judge, who later denied the allegations, has since been sacked. In recent weeks planned interviews with party leader Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif's daughter, have been pulled without explanation at the last minute, while her voice has been repeatedly muted mysteriously during interviews. Geo News TV, the country's biggest private broadcaster, has suffered a series of problems since late July. Coverage was abruptly suspended and its position on cable dials dropped from a favourable place at the top of the list to a slot near the bottom. Geo TV's Managing Director Azhar Abbas said the broadcaster had received no warning or explanation and had not been notified of who had ordered the changes. "The closure is without any prior notice to the organization by the regulatory authority or the government," he told Reuters. "We have made fervent attempts to reach out to ... the military media wing, but officials there also deny any involvement." "Big brother" Three other TV channels, 24 News, AbbTakk News and Capital TV, were shut down for one day after they gave Maryam Nawaz live coverage earlier this month. "I was informed by management that they received instructions this couldn't be carried," said Najam Sethi, a 24 News anchor, who had scheduled an interview with Maryam. "We, media owners and journalists alike, are in a state of siege. The pressure to control, manipulate, plant, tilt, block and propagate the news and analysis cycle comes from overt and covert civil-military platforms. Big brother isn't just watching anymore. He is cracking the whip and it's painful." Ansar Naqvi, the station's director programming and current affairs, said Sethi was asked not to conduct the interview in line with a request from the country's broadcasting regulator. "We have verbal instructions from the regulator to ban Maryam's coverage completely," he told Reuters, adding that there was no written directive. Mohammad Tahir, spokesman for the state-run regulator Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (PEMRA), denied that it had issued instructions to broadcasters not to run interviews. Asked who pulled the interviews, he told Reuters: "We didn't." The government's main spokesperson, Firdous Aashiq Awan, told a meeting of Pakistani newspaper editors in Karachi last week that the PEMRA was an independent body just doing its job. She did not comment on who was behind the blackouts. The Pakistan Broadcast Association (PBA) has condemned the shutdowns, while the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the blockage of Geo TV was "an unfortunate illustration of how widespread censorship has become in Pakistan". Journalists' bodies in Pakistan have held demonstrations nationwide. Reporters without Borders said in a statement last week that PEMRA, "takes its lead from the military establishment". The military, which routinely denies accusations of interfering in civilian matters, said it would not respond to unspecified accusations. In Washington, Khan dismissed concerns about media freedom, saying it was freer than the media in Britain. "The criticism I have received from my own press, unprecedented," he said. "So, to say that there are curbs on Pakistan press is a joke."

News TV blackouts in Pakistan draw fresh accusations of censorship

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/old-habits-die-hard-saudi-arabia-struggles-to-end-oil-addiction-238374">Saudi Arabia</a>-led military coalition fighting in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-led-airstrike-on-market-kill-13-in-northern-yemen-239413">Yemen</a> killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-among-14-civilians-killed-in-syria-strikes-235562">child casualties</a>, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year.

Guterres also reported that the highest number of Palestinian children had been killed or injured last year since 2014, mainly by Israeli forces, though no parties were blacklisted in the annex to the annual Children in Armed Conflict report, seen by Reuters.

The report, which does not subject those listed to action but rather shames parties to conflicts in the hope of pushing them to implement measures to protect children, has long been controversial with diplomats saying Saudi Arabia and Israel both exerted pressure in recent years in a bid to stay off the list.

The Israeli UN&nbsp;mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest report. In 2015 the United Nations left Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas off the blacklist, after they had been included in an earlier draft, but criticized Israel over its 2014 military operations. Israel denied lobbying then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the issue.

Saudi UN&nbsp;Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said the report acknowledges steps taken by the coalition to safeguard children, noting that "every child's life is precious." But he also questioned the sourcing and accuracy of the report, describing the numbers as "exaggerated."

The coalition had been briefly added to the blacklist in 2016 and then removed by Ban pending review. At the time, Ban accused Saudi Arabia of exerting "unacceptable" undue pressure after sources told Reuters that Riyadh threatened to cut some UN&nbsp;funding. Saudi Arabia denied threatening Ban.

Highest child <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-highway-blast-kills-at-least-35-on-bus-injures-27-239691">casualties in Afghanistan </a>

In an effort to dampen controversy surrounding the report, the blacklist released in 2017 by Guterres was split into two categories. One lists parties that have put in place measures to protect children and the other includes parties that have not.

The blacklist submitted to the Security Council on Friday named the Saudi-led military coalition and Yemen government forces on the first list, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebel group, pro-Yemen government militia, the Security Belt Forces and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on the second list.

The UN&nbsp;report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

"I condemn the increasing number of child casualties, which are often a result of attacks in densely populated areas and against civilian objects, including schools and hospitals," Guterres said in the report, produced by UN&nbsp;Children and Armed Conflict envoy Virginia Gamba and issued in Guterres' name.

"The rise in the number of child casualties attributed to the Government Forces and the Coalition and the persistent killing and maiming of children by the Popular Resistance are increasingly worrying," the report said.

Last year, the report verified that 59 Palestinian children had been killed - 56 by Israeli forces - and another 2,756 injured, while six Israeli children were injured. The report found Israeli forces injured some 2,674 children "in the context of demonstrations, clashes and search and arrest operations.”

Guterres urged "Israel to immediately put in place preventive and protective measures to end the excessive use of force" and "all Palestinian actors to refrain from encouraging children's participation in violence."

The annual children and armed conflict report is produced at the request of the UN&nbsp;Security Council.

"In Afghanistan, the number of child casualties remained the highest such number in the present report (3,062) and children accounted for 28 per cent of all civilian casualties. In the Syrian Arab Republic, airstrikes, barrel bombs and cluster munitions resulted in 1,854 child casualties," the report said.

A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition fighting in Yemen killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total child casualties, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year.

A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition fighting in Yemen killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total child casualties, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year. Guterres also reported that the highest number of Palestinian children had been killed or injured last year since 2014, mainly by Israeli forces, though no parties were blacklisted in the annex to the annual Children in Armed Conflict report, seen by Reuters. The report, which does not subject those listed to action but rather shames parties to conflicts in the hope of pushing them to implement measures to protect children, has long been controversial with diplomats saying Saudi Arabia and Israel both exerted pressure in recent years in a bid to stay off the list. The Israeli UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest report. In 2015 the United Nations left Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas off the blacklist, after they had been included in an earlier draft, but criticized Israel over its 2014 military operations. Israel denied lobbying then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the issue. Saudi UN Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said the report acknowledges steps taken by the coalition to safeguard children, noting that "every child's life is precious." But he also questioned the sourcing and accuracy of the report, describing the numbers as "exaggerated." The coalition had been briefly added to the blacklist in 2016 and then removed by Ban pending review. At the time, Ban accused Saudi Arabia of exerting "unacceptable" undue pressure after sources told Reuters that Riyadh threatened to cut some UN funding. Saudi Arabia denied threatening Ban. Highest child casualties in Afghanistan In an effort to dampen controversy surrounding the report, the blacklist released in 2017 by Guterres was split into two categories. One lists parties that have put in place measures to protect children and the other includes parties that have not. The blacklist submitted to the Security Council on Friday named the Saudi-led military coalition and Yemen government forces on the first list, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebel group, pro-Yemen government militia, the Security Belt Forces and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on the second list. The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties. "I condemn the increasing number of child casualties, which are often a result of attacks in densely populated areas and against civilian objects, including schools and hospitals," Guterres said in the report, produced by UN Children and Armed Conflict envoy Virginia Gamba and issued in Guterres' name. "The rise in the number of child casualties attributed to the Government Forces and the Coalition and the persistent killing and maiming of children by the Popular Resistance are increasingly worrying," the report said. Last year, the report verified that 59 Palestinian children had been killed - 56 by Israeli forces - and another 2,756 injured, while six Israeli children were injured. The report found Israeli forces injured some 2,674 children "in the context of demonstrations, clashes and search and arrest operations.” Guterres urged "Israel to immediately put in place preventive and protective measures to end the excessive use of force" and "all Palestinian actors to refrain from encouraging children's participation in violence." The annual children and armed conflict report is produced at the request of the UN Security Council. "In Afghanistan, the number of child casualties remained the highest such number in the present report (3,062) and children accounted for 28 per cent of all civilian casualties. In the Syrian Arab Republic, airstrikes, barrel bombs and cluster munitions resulted in 1,854 child casualties," the report said.

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach.

On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, Biden will be flanked at center stage by Harris and Cory Booker, US&nbsp;senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role.

Seven other candidates, including former US&nbsp;Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US&nbsp;Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will join them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns.

On Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeatedly defended their progressive proposals under heavy fire from more moderate rivals who argued their plans to provide universal healthcare, fight climate change and decriminalize illegal border crossings would hurt Democrats at the polls next year.

The crowded field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the Democratic race to pick a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.

Biden did not figure prominently on the first night of the debate but is likely to be the focus of the second.

The former vice president has engaged for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle.

Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US&nbsp;Senate decades ago.

The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden's feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters.

Booker, who was not on stage with Biden at the last debate, has stepped up his attacks. He called Biden "the architect of mass incarceration" during the NAACP convention in Detroit last week, a reference to Biden's work as a senator on the 1994 crime bill, which critics say led to the disproportionate imprisonment of African-American men.

Biden and his campaign fired back, sharply criticizing Booker's tenure as mayor of Newark, New Jersey, where he led a police department that became embroiled in a federal civil rights investigation.

'Fantasy world'

Biden has also taken swipes at Harris, calling her promise she could institute her version of a Medicare for All health insurance plan without a middle-class tax hike "a fantasy world."

The debate lineup will create a stark visual contrast between Biden, a white 76-year-old, and his younger rivals Harris, 54, and Booker, 50, potentially making Biden look out of step in a party increasingly driven by the grassroots energy of younger and more diverse activists.

Biden, who could face intensifying questions about his age and front-runner status with another poor debate performance, promises to take the fight to Harris and Booker this time.

"I got a past I'm proud of. They got a past that's not quite so good," said Biden, who refers frequently to his eight years as No. 2 to the first black US&nbsp;president, Barack Obama.

The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage.

The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns. So far, only about a third of the field has met the qualifications.

Castro, who also served as mayor of San Antonio, got a slight bump in polls and fundraising after an aggressive performance in the first debate. He will be under pressure to do it again if he hopes to claw into the upper tier.

Gillibrand, Inslee and the other participants on Wednesday will simply be on a desperate quest to get recognized.

The other candidates on stage for the second night will be US&nbsp;Senator Michael Bennet, US&nbsp;Representative Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach.

Democratic presidential front-runner Joe Biden and rival Kamala Harris will stage a rematch of last month's explosive debate confrontation during Round 2 on Wednesday, with a re-energized Biden promising a more aggressive approach. On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, Biden will be flanked at center stage by Harris and Cory Booker, US senators who are the most prominent black contenders in a Democratic nominating contest in which race has played a prominent role. Seven other candidates, including former US Housing Secretary Julian Castro, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will join them on stage in Detroit in search of a breakout moment that will generate new momentum for their campaigns. On Tuesday night, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren repeatedly defended their progressive proposals under heavy fire from more moderate rivals who argued their plans to provide universal healthcare, fight climate change and decriminalize illegal border crossings would hurt Democrats at the polls next year. The crowded field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the Democratic race to pick a challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Biden did not figure prominently on the first night of the debate but is likely to be the focus of the second. The former vice president has engaged for weeks in an escalating fight with Harris and Booker for the support of black voters, a vital constituency in the Democratic nominating battle. Biden admitted he was taken by surprise last month when Harris criticized him for opposing federally mandated busing for school integration in the 1970s and for working with segregationists while serving in the US Senate decades ago. The sharp attack gave Harris a bump in the polls, and Biden's feeble response led to a dip in his standing. He has recovered in some recent polls and still maintains a firm grip on first place, helped by strong support from black voters. Booker, who was not on stage with Biden at the last debate, has stepped up his attacks. He called Biden "the architect of mass incarceration" during the NAACP convention in Detroit last week, a reference to Biden's work as a senator on the 1994 crime bill, which critics say led to the disproportionate imprisonment of African-American men. Biden and his campaign fired back, sharply criticizing Booker's tenure as mayor of Newark, New Jersey, where he led a police department that became embroiled in a federal civil rights investigation. 'Fantasy world' Biden has also taken swipes at Harris, calling her promise she could institute her version of a Medicare for All health insurance plan without a middle-class tax hike "a fantasy world." The debate lineup will create a stark visual contrast between Biden, a white 76-year-old, and his younger rivals Harris, 54, and Booker, 50, potentially making Biden look out of step in a party increasingly driven by the grassroots energy of younger and more diverse activists. Biden, who could face intensifying questions about his age and front-runner status with another poor debate performance, promises to take the fight to Harris and Booker this time. "I got a past I'm proud of. They got a past that's not quite so good," said Biden, who refers frequently to his eight years as No. 2 to the first black US president, Barack Obama. The debates come about six months before Iowa holds the first nominating contest, and the two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many of the lower-tier contenders to make an appearance on the national debate stage. The Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for the next debates in September and October, leaving out more candidates and raising questions about their ability to continue their campaigns. So far, only about a third of the field has met the qualifications. Castro, who also served as mayor of San Antonio, got a slight bump in polls and fundraising after an aggressive performance in the first debate. He will be under pressure to do it again if he hopes to claw into the upper tier. Gillibrand, Inslee and the other participants on Wednesday will simply be on a desperate quest to get recognized. The other candidates on stage for the second night will be US Senator Michael Bennet, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, entrepreneur Andrew Yang and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Biden and Harris to square off in Round-2 of Democratic presidential debate

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his priority was to try to restore the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland on a visit when he will meet local parties.

The power-sharing administration was suspended two-and-a-half years ago because of differences between the parties representing mainly Protestant pro-British unionists and mainly Catholic nationalists who favour a united Ireland.

"It's great to be here in Northern Ireland and clearly the people of Northern Ireland have been without a government, without Stormont for two years and six months so my prime focus this morning is to do everything I can to help that get up and running again," Johnson told journalists, adding that he expected Brexit would also come up in talks. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his priority was to try to restore the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland on a visit when he will meet local parties.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday his priority was to try to restore the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland on a visit when he will meet local parties. The power-sharing administration was suspended two-and-a-half years ago because of differences between the parties representing mainly Protestant pro-British unionists and mainly Catholic nationalists who favour a united Ireland. "It's great to be here in Northern Ireland and clearly the people of Northern Ireland have been without a government, without Stormont for two years and six months so my prime focus this morning is to do everything I can to help that get up and running again," Johnson told journalists, adding that he expected Brexit would also come up in talks.

My focus is restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland: UK PM Boris Johnson

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday.

The group said militants attacked a military post in Baga and killed at least 15 soldiers before carrying out a second attack on an army barracks in the town of Benisheik, where they killed around 25 more.

Locals and military sources told Reuters there were clashes between insurgents and soldiers in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the number of people killed or injured in those clashes.

An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls requesting comment.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in northeast Nigeria since 2009 in an Islamist insurgency.

At the weekend at least 65 people were killed in Borno, the birthplace of the insurgency, when militants targeted civilians travelling from a funeral.

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday.

Islamic State said via its Amaq news agency that it killed or wounded more than 40 soldiers in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno in two separate attacks on Tuesday. The group said militants attacked a military post in Baga and killed at least 15 soldiers before carrying out a second attack on an army barracks in the town of Benisheik, where they killed around 25 more. Locals and military sources told Reuters there were clashes between insurgents and soldiers in the state on Monday and Tuesday. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the number of people killed or injured in those clashes. An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls requesting comment. More than 30,000 people have been killed in northeast Nigeria since 2009 in an Islamist insurgency. At the weekend at least 65 people were killed in Borno, the birthplace of the insurgency, when militants targeted civilians travelling from a funeral.

Islamic State says killed or wounded more than 40 Nigerian soldiers: Report

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week.

Brigadier General Amir Hatami stopped short of explicitly confirming the test. A US&nbsp;defence official said last week Iran had launched what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile that travelled some 1,000 km (620 miles) and added that the test by Washington's arch-foe in the Middle East posed no threat to shipping or US&nbsp;personnel in the region.

"Such things are normal across the world," Hatami was quoted by the semi-official news agency ISNA as saying, after being asked about the reported missile test.

"The research programmes of the armed forces are drawn up and carried out every year...including missile tests."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump left world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year, arguing that he wanted a wider accord that not only limited Iran's nuclear activity but also curbed its ballistic missile programme and reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to scuttle its oil exports.

Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says has only defence and deterrent purposes. The Islamic Republic denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

On Saturday, Iran said missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, without confirming last Wednesday's reported test.

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week.

Iran's defence minister said on Wednesday it was "normal" for the country to test missiles as part of its defence research, Iranian media reported after Washington said Tehran had test-fired a medium-range missile last week. Brigadier General Amir Hatami stopped short of explicitly confirming the test. A US defence official said last week Iran had launched what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile that travelled some 1,000 km (620 miles) and added that the test by Washington's arch-foe in the Middle East posed no threat to shipping or US personnel in the region. "Such things are normal across the world," Hatami was quoted by the semi-official news agency ISNA as saying, after being asked about the reported missile test. "The research programmes of the armed forces are drawn up and carried out every year...including missile tests." US President Donald Trump left world powers' 2015 nuclear deal with Iran last year, arguing that he wanted a wider accord that not only limited Iran's nuclear activity but also curbed its ballistic missile programme and reined in its support for proxies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Trump tightened sanctions on Iran in May to try to scuttle its oil exports. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says has only defence and deterrent purposes. The Islamic Republic denied that its missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful. On Saturday, Iran said missile tests were part of its defensive needs and were not directed against any country, without confirming last Wednesday's reported test.

It's 'normal' for Iran to test missiles: Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami

Global soft drink-making giants <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coca-cola-hbc-targets-up-to-6-annual-revenue-growth-for-next-six-years-223940">Coca Cola</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reckitt-picks-pepsico-executive-as-ceo-going-outside-for-first-time-226588">Pepsi</a> have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging.&nbsp;

According to American media reports, the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable - a move to ensure stepping away from single-use plastic.&nbsp;

Pepsi and Coca Cola are among the newest beverage-making giants to have hopped onto the bandwagon of companies that have severed ties with Plastics Industry Association - a trade association that represents the plastics industry.

Clorox, Becton Dickinson and Ecolab were among the companies that had ended their association with the PIA last year.&nbsp;

In a statement issued last week, Coca Cola said that the company's commitments and goals are not consistent with PIA's position.

There seems to be an increase in mounting pressure on companies across the globe to limit the use of plastic - or initiate using more recycled plastic - in the wake of escalating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/company-fined-254000-for-shipping-plastic-waste-to-cambodia-239515">plastic pollution</a>.&nbsp;

According to UN Environment, single-use or disposable plastic has "severe environmental consequences".

"Around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away," the UN body says on its website, adding that today around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is being produced annually which equals to the total weight of the entire human population on the planet.&nbsp;

Global soft drink-making giants Coca Cola and Pepsi have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging.

Global soft drink-making giants Coca Cola and Pepsi have decided to abandon the plastic lobby and are reportedly trying to increase the volume of recycled plastic in the manufacturing of their packaging. According to American media reports, the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable - a move to ensure stepping away from single-use plastic. Pepsi and Coca Cola are among the newest beverage-making giants to have hopped onto the bandwagon of companies that have severed ties with Plastics Industry Association - a trade association that represents the plastics industry. Clorox, Becton Dickinson and Ecolab were among the companies that had ended their association with the PIA last year. In a statement issued last week, Coca Cola said that the company's commitments and goals are not consistent with PIA's position. There seems to be an increase in mounting pressure on companies across the globe to limit the use of plastic - or initiate using more recycled plastic - in the wake of escalating plastic pollution. According to UN Environment, single-use or disposable plastic has "severe environmental consequences". "Around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away," the UN body says on its website, adding that today around 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is being produced annually which equals to the total weight of the entire human population on the planet.

In a bid to curb plastic pollution, Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association 

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-renew-sanctions-waivers-for-five-iran-nuclear-programs-report-239595">protect it from US sanctions</a> by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

"Under the current circumstances and until the necessary measures are taken (by the Europeans), the Republic of Iran will absolutely implement the third step (in cutting commitments)," Mohammad Javad Zarif said, adding that its European partners should guarantee Iran could sell its oil and collect the revenue.

Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

Meanwhile, the commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that <a href="http://wionews.com/world/uk-warship-commander-says-iran-trying-to-test-britain-in-gulf-239693">Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve</a>.

William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio.

"That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate.

"The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added.

"They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters.

"They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from US sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Iran is set to further cut its commitments to its international nuclear deal unless its European partners move to protect it from US sanctions by ensuring it can sell oil and receive income, its foreign minister said on Wednesday. "Under the current circumstances and until the necessary measures are taken (by the Europeans), the Republic of Iran will absolutely implement the third step (in cutting commitments)," Mohammad Javad Zarif said, adding that its European partners should guarantee Iran could sell its oil and collect the revenue. Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. Meanwhile, the commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve. William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio. "That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate. "The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added. "They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters. "They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Will reduce more nuclear deal commitments unless Europe protects Iran from US sanctions: Javad Zarif

Economic growth in the eurozone slowed to 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year, down from 0.4 per cent in the previous three months.&nbsp;

Eurostat's figures, published Wednesday, also showed inflation in the 19-nation single currency group dropping from 1.3 per cent in June to 1.1 in July.

This falls even further short of the European Central bank's 2.0 per cent target for a healthy economy and amounts to further evidence of a worrying slowdown.&nbsp;

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate nevertheless also fell, from a revised 7.6 per cent in May to 7.5 in June, its lowest level in ten years.

The wider 28-member European Union, which includes countries outside the euro, also saw second-quarter growth shrink to 0.2 per cent, down from 0.5 in the previous period.

All these figures were in line with market expectations as estimated by data firm Factset.

Economic growth in the eurozone slowed to 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year, down from 0.4 per cent in the previous three months. Eurostat's figures, published Wednesday, also showed inflation in the 19-nation single currency group dropping from 1.

Economic growth in the eurozone slowed to 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year, down from 0.4 per cent in the previous three months. Eurostat's figures, published Wednesday, also showed inflation in the 19-nation single currency group dropping from 1.3 per cent in June to 1.1 in July. This falls even further short of the European Central bank's 2.0 per cent target for a healthy economy and amounts to further evidence of a worrying slowdown. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate nevertheless also fell, from a revised 7.6 per cent in May to 7.5 in June, its lowest level in ten years. The wider 28-member European Union, which includes countries outside the euro, also saw second-quarter growth shrink to 0.2 per cent, down from 0.5 in the previous period. All these figures were in line with market expectations as estimated by data firm Factset.

Eurozone growth slows to 0.2% in second quarter

Hong Kong's economy remained sluggish in the second quarter amid the ongoing US-China trade dispute, government figures released Wednesday showed, as weeks of civil unrest threatened further headwinds in the financial hub.

Beijing and Washington have already imposed duties on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, roiling global financial markets and weighing heavily on manufacturing output in both countries.

The city's economy grew 0.6 per cent in the three months to June, the same rate as the first quarter but down from the 1.2 per cent recorded at the end of last year.

"Overall economic performance was subdued," the government's statistics department said in a statement, blaming a 5.4 per cent drop in exports and "sluggish" domestic demand.

US officials met their Chinese counterparts in Shanghai on Wednesday in an attempt to resolve the yearlong trade dispute, but talks ended earlier than expected without signs of concrete progress.

The financial hub's chief executive Carrie Lam had earlier warned business leaders that subdued growth was forecast to continue through the end of the year as the trade row continued.

There was "no room for optimism for the second quarter and the entire year", Lam said Wednesday, according to a government statement.

Semi-autonomous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-appear-in-court-to-face-riot-charge-239669">Hong Kong has endured more than seven weeks of protests</a> that began with a government bid to introduce a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and have since evolved into a movement for deeper democratic reforms.

Analysts say that the unrest could signal further economic woes in the city.

"Growing discontent with the heavy-handed police response, public backlashes, and the government's seeming inability to address the public's concerns could cause long-lasting damage to business confidence," said Andrew Fennell, director of credit rating agency Fitch.

Hong Kong's economy remained sluggish in the second quarter amid the ongoing US-China trade dispute, government figures released Wednesday showed, as weeks of civil unrest threatened further headwinds in the financial hub.

Hong Kong's economy remained sluggish in the second quarter amid the ongoing US-China trade dispute, government figures released Wednesday showed, as weeks of civil unrest threatened further headwinds in the financial hub. Beijing and Washington have already imposed duties on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, roiling global financial markets and weighing heavily on manufacturing output in both countries. The city's economy grew 0.6 per cent in the three months to June, the same rate as the first quarter but down from the 1.2 per cent recorded at the end of last year. "Overall economic performance was subdued," the government's statistics department said in a statement, blaming a 5.4 per cent drop in exports and "sluggish" domestic demand. US officials met their Chinese counterparts in Shanghai on Wednesday in an attempt to resolve the yearlong trade dispute, but talks ended earlier than expected without signs of concrete progress. The financial hub's chief executive Carrie Lam had earlier warned business leaders that subdued growth was forecast to continue through the end of the year as the trade row continued. There was "no room for optimism for the second quarter and the entire year", Lam said Wednesday, according to a government statement. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has endured more than seven weeks of protests that began with a government bid to introduce a law that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China and have since evolved into a movement for deeper democratic reforms. Analysts say that the unrest could signal further economic woes in the city. "Growing discontent with the heavy-handed police response, public backlashes, and the government's seeming inability to address the public's concerns could cause long-lasting damage to business confidence," said Andrew Fennell, director of credit rating agency Fitch.

Hong Kong growth stalls amid trade war, protests

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve.

William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio.

"That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate.

"The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added.

"They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters.

"They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Montrose, on a three-year deployment in the region since April based at a British naval hub opened in Bahrain last year, began the escorts through the world's busiest oil shipping lane earlier this month.

It followed Iranian threats of retribution for Royal Marines helping Gibraltar -&nbsp;a British Overseas Territory -&nbsp;seize one of its tankers on July 4 on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

Despite Montrose's presence in the Gulf, Iran intercepted the British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" on July 19 as it made its way through the strait and has detained the ship at an Iranian port.

Britain on Monday ruled out swapping the tankers and has proposed the formation of a European-led naval escort mission for global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

It comes as US President Donald Trump exerts a "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions and stepped-up military presence aimed at forcing Tehran to renegotiate a landmark 2015 nuclear pact he pulled out of last year.

However, amid the escalating tensions, King said contact with Iran remained "professional" and "cordial" on the choppy waters of the Gulf.

"There's a healthy understanding, shall I say respect between mariners, which now seems to be established," he added.

Montrose will return to port later this week for pre-planned maintenance and crew changeover and will be replaced by HMS Duncan, a destroyer which arrived in the region on Sunday.

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve.

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve. William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio. "That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate. "The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added. "They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters. "They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to." Montrose, on a three-year deployment in the region since April based at a British naval hub opened in Bahrain last year, began the escorts through the world's busiest oil shipping lane earlier this month. It followed Iranian threats of retribution for Royal Marines helping Gibraltar - a British Overseas Territory - seize one of its tankers on July 4 on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. Despite Montrose's presence in the Gulf, Iran intercepted the British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" on July 19 as it made its way through the strait and has detained the ship at an Iranian port. Britain on Monday ruled out swapping the tankers and has proposed the formation of a European-led naval escort mission for global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as US President Donald Trump exerts a "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions and stepped-up military presence aimed at forcing Tehran to renegotiate a landmark 2015 nuclear pact he pulled out of last year. However, amid the escalating tensions, King said contact with Iran remained "professional" and "cordial" on the choppy waters of the Gulf. "There's a healthy understanding, shall I say respect between mariners, which now seems to be established," he added. Montrose will return to port later this week for pre-planned maintenance and crew changeover and will be replaced by HMS Duncan, a destroyer which arrived in the region on Sunday.

UK warship commander says Iran trying 'to test' Britain in Gulf

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