Iran is sending to Ukraine the black boxes of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military accidentally shot down this month, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

The Iranian authorities are also prepared for experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the boxes, the semi-official news agency said.

All 176 people aboard the plane were killed when the Ukrainian International Airlines flight was shot down on January&nbsp;8 shortly after take-off from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-iran-shot-down-ukranian-passenger-plane-after-us-jets-were-seen-at-its-borders-275045">Russia says Iran shot down Ukranian passenger plane after US jets were seen at its borders</a>

"With the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America we will try to read the (flight data recorder) in Kiev," Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization was quoted as saying by Tasnim.

"If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France."

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The black boxes will not be read in Iran, Rezaifar said, according to Tasnim.

Fifty seven of the dead were Canadian. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been pressing for a full investigation into the plane downing, said on Friday that Iran should send the black boxes to France for analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-countries-demand-iran-compensate-relatives-of-plane-crash-victims-274790">Five countries demand Iran compensate relatives of plane-crash victims</a>

France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders from the jet, which he said were badly damaged, Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa.

Iran has faced a deepening crisis abroad and at home over the plane disaster, with authorities taking several days to announce that its military had accidentally shot the plane down.

The downing occurred as Iran was on high alert for possible retaliatory action following its strikes on Iraqi bases housing US&nbsp;troops.

Those strikes were in revenge for the US&nbsp;killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone attack in Baghdad on January&nbsp;3.

Iran is sending to Ukraine the black boxes of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military accidentally shot down this month, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.

Iran is sending to Ukraine the black boxes of the Ukrainian passenger plane that its military accidentally shot down this month, Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday. The Iranian authorities are also prepared for experts from France, Canada and the United States to examine the data from the boxes, the semi-official news agency said. All 176 people aboard the plane were killed when the Ukrainian International Airlines flight was shot down on January 8 shortly after take-off from Tehran en route to the Ukrainian capital Kiev. Also read: Russia says Iran shot down Ukranian passenger plane after US jets were seen at its borders "With the use of the expertise of the countries of France, Canada and America we will try to read the (flight data recorder) in Kiev," Hassan Rezaifar, a director in charge of accident investigations at Iran's Civil Aviation Organization was quoted as saying by Tasnim. "If this effort is unsuccessful then the black box will be sent to France." × The black boxes will not be read in Iran, Rezaifar said, according to Tasnim. Fifty seven of the dead were Canadian. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has been pressing for a full investigation into the plane downing, said on Friday that Iran should send the black boxes to France for analysis. Also read: Five countries demand Iran compensate relatives of plane-crash victims France was one of the few countries with the ability to read the flight and cockpit data recorders from the jet, which he said were badly damaged, Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa. Iran has faced a deepening crisis abroad and at home over the plane disaster, with authorities taking several days to announce that its military had accidentally shot the plane down. The downing occurred as Iran was on high alert for possible retaliatory action following its strikes on Iraqi bases housing US troops. Those strikes were in revenge for the US killing of top military commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone attack in Baghdad on January 3.

Iran says it is sending black boxes of downed plane to Ukraine

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 20 a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case claiming that he was juvenile during the commission of the crime in 2012.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice R Banumathi and also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna will hear the petition.

Pawan Gupta had yesterday filed the SLP before the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to dismiss his plea claiming that he was juvenile at the time of the incident.

"Gupta was a juvenile at the time of the crime and the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact during the proceeding," the convict's lawyer AP Singh told ANI.

Pawan's date of birth as per the school record is October 8, 1996, but the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact, Singh has contended in the petition.

Yesterday, a Delhi court had issued a fresh death warrant against the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who would now be executed on February 1 at 6 am.

Four men, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on December 16, 2012.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 20 a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case claiming that he was juvenile during the commission of the crime in 2012.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 20 a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by one of the death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case claiming that he was juvenile during the commission of the crime in 2012. A three-judge bench headed by Justice R Banumathi and also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and A S Bopanna will hear the petition. Pawan Gupta had yesterday filed the SLP before the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court's decision to dismiss his plea claiming that he was juvenile at the time of the incident. "Gupta was a juvenile at the time of the crime and the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact during the proceeding," the convict's lawyer AP Singh told ANI. Pawan's date of birth as per the school record is October 8, 1996, but the Delhi High Court had ignored this fact, Singh has contended in the petition. Yesterday, a Delhi court had issued a fresh death warrant against the four death-row convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case, who would now be executed on February 1 at 6 am. Four men, Vinay, Akshay, Pawan and Mukesh were convicted and sentenced to death for raping a 23-year-old woman in a moving bus in the national capital on December 16, 2012.

Nibhaya case: Death-row convict claims he was juvenile, Supreme Court to hear plea

BJP working president JP Nadda on Saturday lashed out at opposition parties over Citizenship Amendment Act and asked what was the problem with the new citizenship law.&nbsp;

He asked Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on the citizenship law and said that it is Congress party's misfortune that "its leadership has very limited intellect".&nbsp;

He said the opposition is misleading the country.&nbsp;

"I ask opposition parties 'what is the problem in CAA?' I ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on CAA. It is Congress' misfortune that its leadership has a very limited intellect. They know nothing about CAA. They are misleading the country," Nadda said.&nbsp;

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BJP working president JP Nadda: I ask opposition parties 'what is the problem in CAA?' I ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on CAA. It is Congress' misfortune that its leadership has a very limited intellect. They know nothing about CAA. They are misleading the country. <a href="https://t.co/4GqDHrsNYI">https://t.co/4GqDHrsNYI</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwMZ2PFODv">pic.twitter.com/lwMZ2PFODv</a>
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Meanwhile, a group of refugees from Pakistan on Saturday visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and JP Nadda for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The refugees were living in Delhi and Haryana. The group walked from Jantar Mantar to the BJP headquarters to express gratitude to the leaders for the amendments to the citizenship law.

The Citizenship Amendment Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

 
&nbsp;

BJP working president JP Nadda on Saturday lashed out at opposition parties over Citizenship Amendment Act and asked what was the problem with the new citizenship law.

BJP working president JP Nadda on Saturday lashed out at opposition parties over Citizenship Amendment Act and asked what was the problem with the new citizenship law. He asked Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on the citizenship law and said that it is Congress party's misfortune that "its leadership has very limited intellect". He said the opposition is misleading the country. "I ask opposition parties 'what is the problem in CAA?' I ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on CAA. It is Congress' misfortune that its leadership has a very limited intellect. They know nothing about CAA. They are misleading the country," Nadda said. BJP working president JP Nadda: I ask opposition parties 'what is the problem in CAA?' I ask Rahul Gandhi to speak 10 lines on CAA. It is Congress' misfortune that its leadership has a very limited intellect. They know nothing about CAA. They are misleading the country. https://t.co/4GqDHrsNYI pic.twitter.com/lwMZ2PFODv — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020 × Meanwhile, a group of refugees from Pakistan on Saturday visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and JP Nadda for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The refugees were living in Delhi and Haryana. The group walked from Jantar Mantar to the BJP headquarters to express gratitude to the leaders for the amendments to the citizenship law. The Citizenship Amendment Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress' leadership has very limited intellect, knows nothing about CAA: JP Nadda

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)."

While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws.

"This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added.

"You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added.

The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Saturday said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has to be implemented as there is no other option and the states have to implement it under Article 254. On being asked about several states opposing the implementation of the citizenship law, the Governor said: "CAA has to be implemented as there is no other option. It has to be implemented under Article 254 (by the states)." While attending an event in Jaipur, Khan further stated that people have the right to protest and give their opinions but they do not have the right to break the laws. "This is not the first time that protests are taking place, there have been protests before as well. Everyone has the right to protest, to put forward their opinions, we have the right to stick to our opinion but we do not have the right to break the laws. Nobody has the right to show muscle power and influence decisions," he added. "You can go to the Supreme Court on the basis of logic. CAA is the centre's matter and not of states," he added. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA that grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

States have to implement CAA under Article 254: Kerala Governor

Iraqi&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-us-troops-injured-in-january-8-iran-missile-attack-in-iraq-274776">killed</a> at least&nbsp;one&nbsp;protester&nbsp;and&nbsp;wounded&nbsp;25&nbsp;others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge,&nbsp;security&nbsp;and medical&nbsp;sources&nbsp;told Reuters.

The bridge is close to the capital's central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-iraqis-rally-against-government-iran-and-us-273470">Tahrir Square</a> where thousands have been camped out for months, with recent clashes causing the authorities to restrict access to the crossing. The&nbsp;protester&nbsp;died after a tear gas canister was launched directly at his neck, the medical&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

<img alt="Iraqi demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a980729-0987-49db-93f7-2a28d4c363ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2818%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ Iraqi&nbsp;demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests&nbsp;at the Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters)&nbsp;]

"Saboteurs attacked the barricades in the Sinak bridge area and&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;have been using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-rockets-hit-iraq-base-hosting-us-troops-military-sources-273824">non-lethal</a> methods to stop them for hours," said a spokesman for the prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October&nbsp;1 and&nbsp;protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most&nbsp;Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been&nbsp;killed.

<img alt="Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3a3f3e2b-1c4a-4478-bc5c-79d86a4b0832" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_6.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Despite numbers recently dwindling,&nbsp;protesters took to the streets again last week, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Washington</a>&nbsp;killed Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq.

Gunmen&nbsp;killed two local journalists covering protests last Friday in the southern city of Basra.

Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 25 others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge, security and medical sources told Reuters.

Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 25 others on Friday when they launched tear gas canisters to break up a crowd trying to breach Baghdad's Sinak bridge, security and medical sources told Reuters. The bridge is close to the capital's central Tahrir Square where thousands have been camped out for months, with recent clashes causing the authorities to restrict access to the crossing. The protester died after a tear gas canister was launched directly at his neck, the medical sources said. [ Iraqi demonstrators and tuk-tuk drivers are seen during ongoing anti-government protests at the Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "Saboteurs attacked the barricades in the Sinak bridge area and security forces have been using non-lethal methods to stop them for hours," said a spokesman for the prime minister. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. [ Demonstrators stand on a concrete wall during ongoing anti-government protests at Sinak bridge in Baghdad (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Despite numbers recently dwindling, protesters took to the streets again last week, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict after Washington killed Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests last Friday in the southern city of Basra.

Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report

The customary halwa ceremony, which marks the process of printing documents for the Budget, will be hosted by the Finance Ministry on January 20, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, other officials of the ministry and clerks will be present at the ceremony which will be held at North Block.

Every year, the government follows an annual tradition of hosting a halwa ceremony, a few days before the Budget is presented.

The making of halwa marks the official kick-off of events. The Indian dessert is prepared in a large vessel and served to the finance ministry staff as part of the ritual.

After the ceremony, the employees who are a part of the budget-making process, move to the basement of North Block for around 10 days. They will only emerge once the Finance Minister presents the Budget in Parliament.

This is done to prevent any leaks before the annual Budget is presented.The ceremony also recognises and lauds the efforts of every staff who have been a part of the budget-making process.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The customary halwa ceremony, which marks the process of printing documents for the Budget, will be hosted by the Finance Ministry on January 20, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1.

The customary halwa ceremony, which marks the process of printing documents for the Budget, will be hosted by the Finance Ministry on January 20, ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, other officials of the ministry and clerks will be present at the ceremony which will be held at North Block. Every year, the government follows an annual tradition of hosting a halwa ceremony, a few days before the Budget is presented. The making of halwa marks the official kick-off of events. The Indian dessert is prepared in a large vessel and served to the finance ministry staff as part of the ritual. After the ceremony, the employees who are a part of the budget-making process, move to the basement of North Block for around 10 days. They will only emerge once the Finance Minister presents the Budget in Parliament. This is done to prevent any leaks before the annual Budget is presented.The ceremony also recognises and lauds the efforts of every staff who have been a part of the budget-making process.

All you need to know about halwa ceremony ahead of Budget

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi was injured in an accident which took place on Mumbai-Pune Express Highway on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
According to reports, her car was hit by a truck from behind near Khalapur toll plaza at around 3:30 pm.&nbsp;

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Raigad Police: Actor Shabana Azmi&amp;her driver got injured in accident near Kahalpur on Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe. Their vehicle was hit by a truck while they were travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Injured shifted to MGM Hospital <a href="https://t.co/bezuNWvUTa">https://t.co/bezuNWvUTa</a> <a href="https://t.co/8YWtZoEUSF">pic.twitter.com/8YWtZoEUSF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1218499390450491393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The driver of the Azmi's vehicle has also been injured in the accident. Both of them are admitted to the MGM Hospital in Panvel in Mumbai.&nbsp;Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe, say reports.

&nbsp;<img alt="sabana" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e6549cf-b2d9-494f-a958-d8b40083b502" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_6.jpg" />

This comes a day after Shabana and her family celebrated her husband Javed Akhtar's 75th birthday on Friday.

The celebration took place at her house in Bandra, Mumbai. Many popular Bollywood stars were present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi was injured in an accident which took place on Mumbai-Pune Express Highway on Saturday. According to reports, her car was hit by a truck from behind near Khalapur toll plaza at around 3:30 pm.

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi was injured in an accident which took place on Mumbai-Pune Express Highway on Saturday. According to reports, her car was hit by a truck from behind near Khalapur toll plaza at around 3:30 pm. Raigad Police: Actor Shabana Azmi&her driver got injured in accident near Kahalpur on Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe. Their vehicle was hit by a truck while they were travelling from Pune to Mumbai. Injured shifted to MGM Hospital https://t.co/bezuNWvUTa pic.twitter.com/8YWtZoEUSF — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020 × The driver of the Azmi's vehicle has also been injured in the accident. Both of them are admitted to the MGM Hospital in Panvel in Mumbai. Javed Akhtar was also present in the car, but he is safe, say reports. This comes a day after Shabana and her family celebrated her husband Javed Akhtar's 75th birthday on Friday. The celebration took place at her house in Bandra, Mumbai. Many popular Bollywood stars were present on the occasion.

Shabana Azmi injured in road accident on Mumbai-Pune expressway, rushed to hospital

HDFC Bank Ltd, India's largest private lender, on Saturday posted a nearly 33 per cent jump in standalone net profit for the quarter to December helped by growth in its loans portfolio.

HDFC Bank reported a net profit of 74.16 billion Indian rupees ($1.04 billion) for its third quarter, up from 55.86 billion a year earlier, it said in a regulatory filing.

That topped the 70.59 billion rupees expected by analysts on average, data showed.

Gross bad loans increased to 1.42 per cent of total loans from 1.38 per cent.

The bank's net interest margin (NIM), an indicator of profitability, remained stable at 4.2 per cent.

At a time when the industry has seen subdued loan growth, the bank saw its grow 19.9 per cent.

Deposits grew by 25.2 per cent, the bank said.

The bank remains well capitalised, with a capital adequacy ratio of 18.5 per cent&nbsp;at the end of the quarter, well above the regulatory requirement.

HDFC Bank Ltd, India's largest private lender, on Saturday posted a nearly 33 per cent jump in standalone net profit for the quarter to December helped by growth in its loans portfolio.

HDFC Bank Ltd, India's largest private lender, on Saturday posted a nearly 33 per cent jump in standalone net profit for the quarter to December helped by growth in its loans portfolio. HDFC Bank reported a net profit of 74.16 billion Indian rupees ($1.04 billion) for its third quarter, up from 55.86 billion a year earlier, it said in a regulatory filing. That topped the 70.59 billion rupees expected by analysts on average, data showed. Gross bad loans increased to 1.42 per cent of total loans from 1.38 per cent. The bank's net interest margin (NIM), an indicator of profitability, remained stable at 4.2 per cent. At a time when the industry has seen subdued loan growth, the bank saw its grow 19.9 per cent. Deposits grew by 25.2 per cent, the bank said. The bank remains well capitalised, with a capital adequacy ratio of 18.5 per cent at the end of the quarter, well above the regulatory requirement.

HDFC Bank third-quarter net up 33 per cent on loan growth, beats estimates

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US&nbsp;troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US&nbsp;negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said.

If an agreement is sealed, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.

Taliban and US&nbsp;negotiators met on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the signing of a peace deal, according to a spokesman for the Taliban office in Qatar. The talks were "useful" and would continue for a few days, the spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter early on Friday.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had called off the stop-start talks to end the 18-year war in September after an US&nbsp;soldier was killed in an attack by the militant group.

They resumed but were interrupted again in December after the Taliban launched a suicide attack on a US&nbsp;base outside Kabul killing two civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-taliban-show-willingness-to-reduce-afghan-violence-274717">Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence - Pakistan</a>

Two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the Taliban's top leadership had now agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops once a deal was signed in Doha, and to "reduce" attacks against the Afghan government.

A senior Taliban commander said: "The US&nbsp;wanted us to announce a ceasefire during the peace talks which we had rejected. Our shura (council) has agreed to a ceasefire the day the peace accord is signed."

Once an agreement is in place, the Taliban and Afghan government could meet face to face in Germany, said the commander. Previously, the Taliban had refused to engage in talks with the Afghan government.

The US&nbsp;team in Doha had demanded a ceasefire "which we had declined due to some issues," the Taliban commander said. "Now most of our reservations have been addressed." Another source close to the talks confirmed the commander's version of events.

A signing date has not been fixed, but the Taliban commander said he expected it to be "very soon."

Both sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman declined to comment and the Pentagon referred queries to the State Department.

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Pakistan warns on withdrawal

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was visiting top US&nbsp;officials in Washington, said Islamabad had been facilitating the dialogue and had played its role in helping get the negotiations getting this far.

Qureshi noted that the Taliban ultimately sought the withdrawal of the roughly 13,000 American troops from Afghanistan in any agreement.

Qureshi stressed that Pakistan, which fears greater instability in neighbouring Afghanistan, did not want a precipitous US&nbsp;withdrawal.

"The Taliban want withdrawal of foreign forces. What we are saying is, yes, they should be withdrawn, but the withdrawal should be a responsible one," Qureshi said. "Let's not forget that there are forces, there are elements in Afghanistan that can take advantage if there is anarchy ... if there is some kind of civil war."

An Afghan presidency spokesman said a ceasefire was the only way to achieve sustainable and dignified peace. "Any plan which proposes a ceasefire as a basic step will be acceptable for the government," Sediqi Sediqqi tweeted on Friday.

Violence in Afghanistan rose after the breakdown of talks in September.

The Taliban's readiness to reduce violence revives odds of the peace process moving forward before the militant group launches what is usually an annual spring offensive around early April.

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said.

The Taliban will implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops, a reduction in violence with Afghan forces and discussions with Afghan government officials if it reaches a deal with US negotiators in talks in Doha, two sources have said. If an agreement is sealed, it could revive hopes for a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. Taliban and US negotiators met on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the signing of a peace deal, according to a spokesman for the Taliban office in Qatar. The talks were "useful" and would continue for a few days, the spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said on Twitter early on Friday. US President Donald Trump had called off the stop-start talks to end the 18-year war in September after an US soldier was killed in an attack by the militant group. They resumed but were interrupted again in December after the Taliban launched a suicide attack on a US base outside Kabul killing two civilians. Also read: Taliban showing willingness to reduce Afghan violence - Pakistan Two sources close to the matter told Reuters on Wednesday that the Taliban's top leadership had now agreed to implement a 10-day ceasefire with US troops once a deal was signed in Doha, and to "reduce" attacks against the Afghan government. A senior Taliban commander said: "The US wanted us to announce a ceasefire during the peace talks which we had rejected. Our shura (council) has agreed to a ceasefire the day the peace accord is signed." Once an agreement is in place, the Taliban and Afghan government could meet face to face in Germany, said the commander. Previously, the Taliban had refused to engage in talks with the Afghan government. The US team in Doha had demanded a ceasefire "which we had declined due to some issues," the Taliban commander said. "Now most of our reservations have been addressed." Another source close to the talks confirmed the commander's version of events. A signing date has not been fixed, but the Taliban commander said he expected it to be "very soon." Both sources asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. A US State Department spokeswoman declined to comment and the Pentagon referred queries to the State Department. × Pakistan warns on withdrawal Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was visiting top US officials in Washington, said Islamabad had been facilitating the dialogue and had played its role in helping get the negotiations getting this far. Qureshi noted that the Taliban ultimately sought the withdrawal of the roughly 13,000 American troops from Afghanistan in any agreement. Qureshi stressed that Pakistan, which fears greater instability in neighbouring Afghanistan, did not want a precipitous US withdrawal. "The Taliban want withdrawal of foreign forces. What we are saying is, yes, they should be withdrawn, but the withdrawal should be a responsible one," Qureshi said. "Let's not forget that there are forces, there are elements in Afghanistan that can take advantage if there is anarchy ... if there is some kind of civil war." An Afghan presidency spokesman said a ceasefire was the only way to achieve sustainable and dignified peace. "Any plan which proposes a ceasefire as a basic step will be acceptable for the government," Sediqi Sediqqi tweeted on Friday. Violence in Afghanistan rose after the breakdown of talks in September. The Taliban's readiness to reduce violence revives odds of the peace process moving forward before the militant group launches what is usually an annual spring offensive around early April.

Taliban open to 10-day ceasefire with US, talks with Afghan government: Report

According to an intelligence bureau report a plot has been hatched to bound the Indian missions in Afghanistan. The intelligence report states that Pakistan’s ISI is forging a partnership between LeT and Islamic State to carry out car bomb suicide attacks on Indian missions in Afghanistan. #ISI #IntelligenceReport #Afghanistan #PakistanISI #SuicideAttacks

Intel report reveals Indian missions to be targeted in Afghanistan

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal on Saturday said that voice and SMS services on all local prepaid SIM cards shall be restored across Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

 
"2G mobile data on postpaid mobile for accessing white-listed websites shall be allowed in all 10 districts of Jammu and Kupwara, Bandipora in Kashmir division. Mobile internet shall remain suspended in Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Srinagar, Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama," Kansal told media today during a press conference.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-review-on-all-restrictive-orders-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-article-370-abrogation-273307">Supreme Court orders review on all restrictive orders in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation</a>

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Rohit Kansal:2G mobile data on postpaid mobile for accessing whitelisted websites shall be allowed in all 10 districts of Jammu&amp;Kupwara, Bandipora in Kashmir division. Mobile internet shall remain suspended in Budgam, Ganderbal,Baramulla,Srinagar,Kulgam,Anantnag, Shopian&amp;Pulwama <a href="https://t.co/HEXpQySXWp">https://t.co/HEXpQySXWp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1218456536202137601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Telecom services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir last year in August after the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, restrictions on the internet services in parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/broadband-and-mobile-internet-services-partially-restored-in-jammu-kashmir-274350">Jammu and Kashmir were lifted in five districts</a>.

Access to the internet was said to be granted to institutions catering to duties and websites of the government such as the banking firms.

The move came after the Supreme Court, earlier this month, directed the administration to review within a week all telecom restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The top court also ordered restoring internet services for essential services in Jammu and Kashmir. "It is no doubt that freedom of speech is an essential tool in a democratic setup. Freedom of Internet access is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of free speech," the SC said.&nbsp;

It also said that the suspension of internet services is a violation of telecom laws.

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal on Saturday said that voice and SMS services on all local prepaid SIM cards shall be restored across Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported.

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal on Saturday said that voice and SMS services on all local prepaid SIM cards shall be restored across Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported. "2G mobile data on postpaid mobile for accessing white-listed websites shall be allowed in all 10 districts of Jammu and Kupwara, Bandipora in Kashmir division. Mobile internet shall remain suspended in Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Srinagar, Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama," Kansal told media today during a press conference. Also read: Supreme Court orders review on all restrictive orders in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation Rohit Kansal:2G mobile data on postpaid mobile for accessing whitelisted websites shall be allowed in all 10 districts of Jammu&Kupwara, Bandipora in Kashmir division. Mobile internet shall remain suspended in Budgam, Ganderbal,Baramulla,Srinagar,Kulgam,Anantnag, Shopian&Pulwama https://t.co/HEXpQySXWp — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020 × Telecom services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir last year in August after the abrogation of Article 370. Earlier this week, restrictions on the internet services in parts of Jammu and Kashmir were lifted in five districts. Access to the internet was said to be granted to institutions catering to duties and websites of the government such as the banking firms. The move came after the Supreme Court, earlier this month, directed the administration to review within a week all telecom restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The top court also ordered restoring internet services for essential services in Jammu and Kashmir. "It is no doubt that freedom of speech is an essential tool in a democratic setup. Freedom of Internet access is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of free speech," the SC said. It also said that the suspension of internet services is a violation of telecom laws.

Jammu and Kashmir: Voice call, SMS services to be restored for prepaid mobile users

Japanese environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi created ripples in the country after his announcement of taking a paternity leave once he becomes a father. The minister now seeks to avail two weeks of leave, spread over three months, after the birth of his baby boy on Friday.

Koizumi has been heavily criticised for his paternity leave move with lawmakers suggesting him to prioritise his duties towards the state.&nbsp;

The minister, son of charismatic former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, says he wants to set an example and become a role-model for Japan's working fathers.&nbsp;

Koizumi says he will try his best to juggle his public duties and take out time for his child as well.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-announces-free-fertility-treatment-to-couples-in-a-bid-to-boost-its-declining-population-273629">Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population</a>

"I'll keep a priority on policy and on managing anything unexpected that comes up, while also carving out time for child care," he said as reported by news agency Reuters.

In a bid to strengthen women's employment in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also all up for Japanese fathers to take paternity leave.&nbsp;

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Interestingly, countries like China, India and the United States are among over 90 such countries with no national policy for fathers to take paid leave for their newborns.

As per a &nbsp;2018 UNICEF report, nearly two-thirds of the world's children under 12 months come from countries where fathers are not entitled to paid paternity leave.&nbsp;

Russia, Japan, UK, Australia are some of the countries wherein fathers get to avail paid paternity leave for 14 weeks or more.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Japanese environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi created ripples in the country after his announcement of taking a paternity leave once he becomes a father. The minister now seeks to avail two weeks of leave, spread over three months, after the birth of his baby boy on Friday.

Japanese environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi created ripples in the country after his announcement of taking a paternity leave once he becomes a father. The minister now seeks to avail two weeks of leave, spread over three months, after the birth of his baby boy on Friday. Koizumi has been heavily criticised for his paternity leave move with lawmakers suggesting him to prioritise his duties towards the state. The minister, son of charismatic former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, says he wants to set an example and become a role-model for Japan's working fathers. Koizumi says he will try his best to juggle his public duties and take out time for his child as well. Also read: Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population "I'll keep a priority on policy and on managing anything unexpected that comes up, while also carving out time for child care," he said as reported by news agency Reuters. In a bid to strengthen women's employment in Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also all up for Japanese fathers to take paternity leave. × Interestingly, countries like China, India and the United States are among over 90 such countries with no national policy for fathers to take paid leave for their newborns. As per a 2018 UNICEF report, nearly two-thirds of the world's children under 12 months come from countries where fathers are not entitled to paid paternity leave. Russia, Japan, UK, Australia are some of the countries wherein fathers get to avail paid paternity leave for 14 weeks or more. (With inputs from Reuters)

Paternity leave row: Japanese minister welcomes baby boy, looks forward to balancing public duties with child care

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