<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-ahead-of-opec-meeting-global-stocks-fall-265363">OPEC</a> is gearing up to deepen production cuts later this week but still needs to agree with allies such as Russia over details of a deal to support oil prices and head off a looming oil glut next year.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meets on Thursday in Vienna followed by a meeting with Russia and others, a grouping known as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-jump-to-61-over-opec-supply-cut-reports-265782"> OPEC+</a>, on Friday.

OPEC+ has been curbing output since 2017 to counter oversupply as a result of booming output in the United States, which has become the world's biggest producer and is not taking part in cuts.

Next year, rising production in non-OPEC countries such as Brazil and Norway threatens to add to the glut.

OPEC's actions in the past have angered US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly demanded OPEC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia to bring oil prices down if it wants Washington's to provide Riyadh with military support against arch-rival Iran.

In the past few months, Trump has remained silent on OPEC but he faces re-election in November next year when the issue of gasoline prices is likely to become a hot political topic again.

Washington's ongoing trade dispute with China has also clouded the economic and therefore oil demand outlook for 2020.

OPEC's second-largest oil producer Iraq said on Tuesday key members supported deepening cuts for OPEC+ from the current level of 1.2 million barrels per day, or 1.2 per cent of global demand.

"My understanding is that they (Saudis) do (prefer it)," Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer Ghadhban told reporters in Vienna.

The current deal expires in March and two OPEC sources have said it would be extended at least until June. Oman's oil minister Mohammed al-Rumhi said on Wednesday his delegation would recommend extending cuts until the end of 2020.

Saudi Arabia needs higher oil prices to support its budget revenue and the pending share sale of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco with pricing expected on Thursday.

OPEC's actions have supported oil prices at around $50-$75 per barrel over the past year and on Wednesday they traded at $61 per barrel.

Iraq's Ghadhban said new cuts could be expanded to 1.6 million BPD while OPEC sources have also said Riyadh was pressing fellow members Iraq and Nigeria to improve their compliance with quotas, which could provide an additional reduction of up to 400,000 BPD.

Not all OPEC members were convinced of the need to cut deeper, however. One OPEC delegate said the move would boost prices and help spur a new phase of US&nbsp;oil output growth.

Non-OPEC Russia has yet to agree to extend or deepen cuts from its current pledge of 228,000 BPD as its companies are arguing they are finding it tough to reduce output during winter months due to very low temperatures.

Russian Energy Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-contamination-crisis-is-almost-over-energy-minister-alexander-novak-225266">Alexander Novak</a> said on Tuesday that Moscow had yet to finalise its position: "Let's wait but I think the meeting, as usual, will be of a constructive nature."

A source familiar with the Russian thinking told Reuters that Moscow would "most likely" reach a consensus with OPEC this week and just needed to iron out a few outstanding issues.

One sticking point for Russia this time is how its output is measured it includes gas condensate in its figures, while other producers do not.

OPEC is gearing up to deepen production cuts later this week but still needs to agree with allies such as Russia over details of a deal to support oil prices and head off a looming oil glut next year.

OPEC is gearing up to deepen production cuts later this week but still needs to agree with allies such as Russia over details of a deal to support oil prices and head off a looming oil glut next year. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meets on Thursday in Vienna followed by a meeting with Russia and others, a grouping known as OPEC+, on Friday. OPEC+ has been curbing output since 2017 to counter oversupply as a result of booming output in the United States, which has become the world's biggest producer and is not taking part in cuts. Next year, rising production in non-OPEC countries such as Brazil and Norway threatens to add to the glut. OPEC's actions in the past have angered US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly demanded OPEC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia to bring oil prices down if it wants Washington's to provide Riyadh with military support against arch-rival Iran. In the past few months, Trump has remained silent on OPEC but he faces re-election in November next year when the issue of gasoline prices is likely to become a hot political topic again. Washington's ongoing trade dispute with China has also clouded the economic and therefore oil demand outlook for 2020. OPEC's second-largest oil producer Iraq said on Tuesday key members supported deepening cuts for OPEC+ from the current level of 1.2 million barrels per day, or 1.2 per cent of global demand. "My understanding is that they (Saudis) do (prefer it)," Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer Ghadhban told reporters in Vienna. The current deal expires in March and two OPEC sources have said it would be extended at least until June. Oman's oil minister Mohammed al-Rumhi said on Wednesday his delegation would recommend extending cuts until the end of 2020. Saudi Arabia needs higher oil prices to support its budget revenue and the pending share sale of state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco with pricing expected on Thursday. OPEC's actions have supported oil prices at around $50-$75 per barrel over the past year and on Wednesday they traded at $61 per barrel. Iraq's Ghadhban said new cuts could be expanded to 1.6 million BPD while OPEC sources have also said Riyadh was pressing fellow members Iraq and Nigeria to improve their compliance with quotas, which could provide an additional reduction of up to 400,000 BPD. Not all OPEC members were convinced of the need to cut deeper, however. One OPEC delegate said the move would boost prices and help spur a new phase of US oil output growth. Non-OPEC Russia has yet to agree to extend or deepen cuts from its current pledge of 228,000 BPD as its companies are arguing they are finding it tough to reduce output during winter months due to very low temperatures. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that Moscow had yet to finalise its position: "Let's wait but I think the meeting, as usual, will be of a constructive nature." A source familiar with the Russian thinking told Reuters that Moscow would "most likely" reach a consensus with OPEC this week and just needed to iron out a few outstanding issues. One sticking point for Russia this time is how its output is measured it includes gas condensate in its figures, while other producers do not.

OPEC gearing up for deeper oil cuts, Russia yet to agree

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-treason-case-against-me-baseless-lawyer-not-being-heard-musharraf-266085">Islamabad High Court</a> (IHC) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-former-president-asif-ali-zardaris-bail-application-admitted-in-high-court-266001">Asif Ali Zardari</a> and his sister Faryal Talpur's bail petitions in connection with two money laundering cases.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Athar Minallah presided over the hearing of the bail applications in the graft cases through fake bank accounts and Park Lane corruption references, Dunya News reported.

The applications were filed by Farooq H Naek on behalf of both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-peoples-party-a-brief-history--149576">Pakistan Peoples Party</a> (PPP) leaders. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-accountability-bureau-to-freeze-shehbaz-sharifs-properties-in-disproportionate-assets-case-236464">National Accountability Bureau</a> (NAB) and the federal government have been made respondents in the petitions.

The applications maintained that the NAB has failed to provide any evidence against the PPP leaders since their arrest, which took place more than five months ago.

On Tuesday, Zardari had filed two bail applications on medical grounds in two references whereas Talpur sought bail from the same court in one corruption reference, while pleading with the court that she was a mother of a differently-abled child, and therefore she needed to take care of that child.

The former president, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Islamabad, has maintained in the bail plea that he is suffering from a heart condition as well as diabetes and needs medical care.

On July 1, the NAB had arrested Zardari in the Park Lane case while he was already in custody with the bureau's Rawalpindi directorate in connection with the fake accounts case.

On July 29, an accountability court issued copies of the Park Lane reference against former president Zardari which states that the former president had taken Rs 1.5 billion loan from the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in the name of fake company Parthenon.

The PPP leader was 25 per cent shareholder in Park Lane Company and he also made a fake company Parthenon in the name of his employees. Besides, the property was also bought in the IBC Center where the bureau has sealed eight floors.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur's bail petitions in connection with two money laundering cases.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur's bail petitions in connection with two money laundering cases. A two-member bench headed by Justice Athar Minallah presided over the hearing of the bail applications in the graft cases through fake bank accounts and Park Lane corruption references, Dunya News reported. The applications were filed by Farooq H Naek on behalf of both Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the federal government have been made respondents in the petitions. The applications maintained that the NAB has failed to provide any evidence against the PPP leaders since their arrest, which took place more than five months ago. On Tuesday, Zardari had filed two bail applications on medical grounds in two references whereas Talpur sought bail from the same court in one corruption reference, while pleading with the court that she was a mother of a differently-abled child, and therefore she needed to take care of that child. The former president, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Islamabad, has maintained in the bail plea that he is suffering from a heart condition as well as diabetes and needs medical care. On July 1, the NAB had arrested Zardari in the Park Lane case while he was already in custody with the bureau's Rawalpindi directorate in connection with the fake accounts case. On July 29, an accountability court issued copies of the Park Lane reference against former president Zardari which states that the former president had taken Rs 1.5 billion loan from the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in the name of fake company Parthenon. The PPP leader was 25 per cent shareholder in Park Lane Company and he also made a fake company Parthenon in the name of his employees. Besides, the property was also bought in the IBC Center where the bureau has sealed eight floors.

Court adjourns hearing of Zardari, Talpur's bail applications till December 11

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/growth-may-have-come-down-but-not-a-recession-yet-sitharaman-264953">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt.

"It will be the first corporate ETF, which will provide additional money for PSUs (public sector undertakings) as well as other government organisations," Sitharaman told reporters after the proposal was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-india-japan-alliance-is-the-next-global-power-play-265918">Narendra Modi</a>.

The ETF, called Bharat Bond ETF, will have a fixed maturity of three and ten years and will trade on the local stock exchange. It will invest in a portfolio of bonds of state-run companies and other government entities, a government statement said.

Retail investors will be able to invest in the bonds with as little as 1,000 rupees ($14), it said.

The move reflects Modi's push to ease rules for state companies to raise funds through debt instruments and further develop domestic capital markets.

"It is a positive development for retail investors," said A. Prasanna, head of fixed income research at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership in Mumbai.

"Compared to existing options, the new ETF will have lower fees and better tax treatment," he said, adding it was unlikely to have a big impact in the short term on the corporate bond market.

India has so far allowed only equity ETFs, and the government raised nearly 144 billion rupees ($2 billion) through ETFs in the 2019/20 fiscal year beginning April.

In general, ETFs have become a popular investment vehicle for investors because they allow them to invest in a diverse collection of assets.

According to government estimates, India's state-run social security fund, Employees Provident Fund (EPFO), has invested about 870 billion rupees in ETFs.

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt.

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt. "It will be the first corporate ETF, which will provide additional money for PSUs (public sector undertakings) as well as other government organisations," Sitharaman told reporters after the proposal was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ETF, called Bharat Bond ETF, will have a fixed maturity of three and ten years and will trade on the local stock exchange. It will invest in a portfolio of bonds of state-run companies and other government entities, a government statement said. Retail investors will be able to invest in the bonds with as little as 1,000 rupees ($14), it said. The move reflects Modi's push to ease rules for state companies to raise funds through debt instruments and further develop domestic capital markets. "It is a positive development for retail investors," said A. Prasanna, head of fixed income research at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership in Mumbai. "Compared to existing options, the new ETF will have lower fees and better tax treatment," he said, adding it was unlikely to have a big impact in the short term on the corporate bond market. India has so far allowed only equity ETFs, and the government raised nearly 144 billion rupees ($2 billion) through ETFs in the 2019/20 fiscal year beginning April. In general, ETFs have become a popular investment vehicle for investors because they allow them to invest in a diverse collection of assets. According to government estimates, India's state-run social security fund, Employees Provident Fund (EPFO), has invested about 870 billion rupees in ETFs.

India to launch first debt exchange-traded fund

Tesla Chief Executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedo-guy-tweet-not-meant-to-be-taken-literally-elon-musk-266052">Elon Musk</a> was due to resume testifying in his own defense on Wednesday at the trial for a defamation lawsuit filed by a British diver whom the Silicon Valley billionaire called "pedo guy" on Twitter.

Musk, the 48-year-old South African-born entrepreneur, apologized for the tweet during his first day on the witness stand in US&nbsp;District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, saying he was responding to an "unprovoked" insult by plaintiff Vernon Unsworth.

Unsworth was leading a rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last year when he mocked Musk's offer of a mini-submersible as a public relations stunt in an interview on CNN, adding that the Tesla Inc founder should "stick his submarine where it hurts."

"I assume he did not mean to sodomize me with a submarine. ... Just as I didn't literally mean he was a pedophile," Musk said from the witness stand under questioning by Unsworth's attorney, Lin Wood.

Unsworth is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages from Musk, who also founded rocket company SpaceX, saying the false claims that he is a pedophile harmed his reputation.

Musk was called to testify on Tuesday by the plaintiff's lawyers after a jury was selected in the high-profile case and lawyers for both sides delivered opening statements.

US&nbsp;District Judge Stephen Wilson has said the case hinges on whether a reasonable person would take <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-trial-in-us-court-over-pedo-guy-tweet-266004">Musk's tweet</a> to mean that he was calling Unsworth a pedophile.

To win the defamation case, Unsworth needs to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part does not need to be proven because the judge has deemed Unsworth a private individual, not a public figure.

Although the case does not involve&nbsp;Tesla, Musk's Twitter habits have long been under close scrutiny, with the company's investors and regulators expressing concerns about his tweets.

With 29.8 million followers, Musk's social media account is a major source of publicity for his Palo Alto, California-based electric car company, which does not advertise.

In his opening statement, Unsworth attorney Taylor Wilson said the tweet was more than a slip-up, and Musk had wrongly branded Unsworth a predator "in what should have been one of the proudest moments of his life."

Musk lawyer Alex Spiro countered that Unsworth did not act after the tweet like a man who suffered because of it.

"The plaintiff is saying he has been horribly damaged, and deserves money," Spiro said. "He doesn't."

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk was due to resume testifying in his own defense on Wednesday at the trial for a defamation lawsuit filed by a British diver whom the Silicon Valley billionaire called "pedo guy" on Twitter.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk was due to resume testifying in his own defense on Wednesday at the trial for a defamation lawsuit filed by a British diver whom the Silicon Valley billionaire called "pedo guy" on Twitter. Musk, the 48-year-old South African-born entrepreneur, apologized for the tweet during his first day on the witness stand in US District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, saying he was responding to an "unprovoked" insult by plaintiff Vernon Unsworth. Unsworth was leading a rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand last year when he mocked Musk's offer of a mini-submersible as a public relations stunt in an interview on CNN, adding that the Tesla Inc founder should "stick his submarine where it hurts." "I assume he did not mean to sodomize me with a submarine. ... Just as I didn't literally mean he was a pedophile," Musk said from the witness stand under questioning by Unsworth's attorney, Lin Wood. Unsworth is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages from Musk, who also founded rocket company SpaceX, saying the false claims that he is a pedophile harmed his reputation. Musk was called to testify on Tuesday by the plaintiff's lawyers after a jury was selected in the high-profile case and lawyers for both sides delivered opening statements. US District Judge Stephen Wilson has said the case hinges on whether a reasonable person would take Musk's tweet to mean that he was calling Unsworth a pedophile. To win the defamation case, Unsworth needs to show that Musk was negligent in publishing a falsehood that clearly identified the plaintiff and caused him harm. "Actual malice" on Musk's part does not need to be proven because the judge has deemed Unsworth a private individual, not a public figure. Although the case does not involve Tesla, Musk's Twitter habits have long been under close scrutiny, with the company's investors and regulators expressing concerns about his tweets. With 29.8 million followers, Musk's social media account is a major source of publicity for his Palo Alto, California-based electric car company, which does not advertise. In his opening statement, Unsworth attorney Taylor Wilson said the tweet was more than a slip-up, and Musk had wrongly branded Unsworth a predator "in what should have been one of the proudest moments of his life." Musk lawyer Alex Spiro countered that Unsworth did not act after the tweet like a man who suffered because of it. "The plaintiff is saying he has been horribly damaged, and deserves money," Spiro said. "He doesn't."

Elon Musk due back on witness stand in defamation trial stemming from tweets

Public opinion always fractures along party lines when it comes to President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-according-to-call-records-nunes-had-frequent-contact-with-giuliani-266054">Donald Trump</a>, and the congressional impeachment inquiry into whether he abused his office for personal political gain in his handling of Ukraine has done little to change that.

While most Democrats want to see him impeached, most Republicans do not. And the televised hearings last month that were meant to build public support for impeachment appear to have pushed the two sides further apart. With Democrats and Republicans increasingly dug in, the balance may shift according to the feelings of those few Americans who do not favor either party and are nearly evenly split on impeachment: political independents.

Here is what Americans have said about the impeachment inquiry over the past year, according to polling by Reuters/Ipsos:

Most Americans believe the kind of thing that Trump is accused of using his power to unfairly attack a political rival is common in US&nbsp;politics. Yet they differ on what to do with those officials who are caught.

While eight out of 10 Democrats think they should be removed, Republicans are much more likely to argue to keep them in office. Only five out of 10 Republicans think elected officials should be removed if they use the power of their office to attack a rival. And that support plunges to one in 10 when Republicans are asked about a US&nbsp;president, not just an elected official, who leverages the office for personal gain.

Independents are in the middle. While a majority share the Democrats’ stance on removing elected officials who improperly use the power of their position, independents are much more lenient on presidents.

A majority of independents oppose an impeachment inquiry for anything short of outright lawbreaking by the president.

Eight in 10 said they oppose an inquiry for a president who uses the office to do something that is unethical “but not strictly illegal” and seven in 10 opposed an inquiry for a president who uses the office to get an unfair political advantage.

Six in 10 independents said an inquiry was justified for a president who breaks the law, and four in 10 said it was not.

Independents generally lean toward supporting the congressional inquiry. Yet many are skeptical of the Democrat-led proceedings in the House, and they may sour on the entire process if it slows down other business in Washington.

About four in 10 independents say they think the congressional impeachment inquiry is not being conducted fairly.

And more than six in 10 said that Congress should “focus on fixing important problems facing Americans, rather than focusing on investigating President Trump.”

Support for impeachment is generally higher now than it was earlier in 2019.

However, Democrats are responsible for much of the increase. Republicans continue to be mostly opposed and independents are split.

The latest poll, conducted November&nbsp;25-26, found that 47 per cent&nbsp;of Americans supported impeachment, including eight in 10 Democrats, one in 10 Republicans and four in 10 independents. It also found that 40 per cent&nbsp;of Americans opposed impeachment, including one in 10 Democrats, eight in 10 Republicans and five in 10 independents.

Public opinion always fractures along party lines when it comes to President Donald Trump, and the congressional impeachment inquiry into whether he abused his office for personal political gain in his handling of Ukraine has done little to change that.

Public opinion always fractures along party lines when it comes to President Donald Trump, and the congressional impeachment inquiry into whether he abused his office for personal political gain in his handling of Ukraine has done little to change that. While most Democrats want to see him impeached, most Republicans do not. And the televised hearings last month that were meant to build public support for impeachment appear to have pushed the two sides further apart. With Democrats and Republicans increasingly dug in, the balance may shift according to the feelings of those few Americans who do not favor either party and are nearly evenly split on impeachment: political independents. Here is what Americans have said about the impeachment inquiry over the past year, according to polling by Reuters/Ipsos: Most Americans believe the kind of thing that Trump is accused of using his power to unfairly attack a political rival is common in US politics. Yet they differ on what to do with those officials who are caught. While eight out of 10 Democrats think they should be removed, Republicans are much more likely to argue to keep them in office. Only five out of 10 Republicans think elected officials should be removed if they use the power of their office to attack a rival. And that support plunges to one in 10 when Republicans are asked about a US president, not just an elected official, who leverages the office for personal gain. Independents are in the middle. While a majority share the Democrats’ stance on removing elected officials who improperly use the power of their position, independents are much more lenient on presidents. A majority of independents oppose an impeachment inquiry for anything short of outright lawbreaking by the president. Eight in 10 said they oppose an inquiry for a president who uses the office to do something that is unethical “but not strictly illegal” and seven in 10 opposed an inquiry for a president who uses the office to get an unfair political advantage. Six in 10 independents said an inquiry was justified for a president who breaks the law, and four in 10 said it was not. Independents generally lean toward supporting the congressional inquiry. Yet many are skeptical of the Democrat-led proceedings in the House, and they may sour on the entire process if it slows down other business in Washington. About four in 10 independents say they think the congressional impeachment inquiry is not being conducted fairly. And more than six in 10 said that Congress should “focus on fixing important problems facing Americans, rather than focusing on investigating President Trump.” Support for impeachment is generally higher now than it was earlier in 2019. However, Democrats are responsible for much of the increase. Republicans continue to be mostly opposed and independents are split. The latest poll, conducted November 25-26, found that 47 per cent of Americans supported impeachment, including eight in 10 Democrats, one in 10 Republicans and four in 10 independents. It also found that 40 per cent of Americans opposed impeachment, including one in 10 Democrats, eight in 10 Republicans and five in 10 independents.

How US public opinion has evolved on impeachment of Trump

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent&nbsp;this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result.

"The competition is getting tougher, the headwinds are getting stronger," Bernhard Mattes, president of industry association VDA, told reporters, adding that the association expected global car sales to fall by 4.1 million to 80.1 million this year.

Germany's export-dependent car industry is struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-china-says-no-time-limit-on-trade-deal-with-us-266194">Donald Trump</a>'s 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

The sector, an important driver of overall growth in Europe's largest economy, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emissions-cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars.

"Capacity utilization has declined, limited-term employment contracts are not being renewed, and the instrument of short-time work is being employed once again," Mattes said. This meant that the number of permanent staff in car factories was likely to fall further.

Mattes said the association already expected a drop in employment this year, and this trend would worsen in 2020, though he gave no figures for the predicted layoffs.

In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest level since 1991.

VDA expects car sales in Germany to fall by 4 per cent&nbsp;to 3.43 million in 2020 and to drop by 2 per cent&nbsp;to 15.3 million in Europe.

The US&nbsp;market for light vehicles is seen shrinking by 3 per cent&nbsp;to 16.5 million while car sales in China are expected to go down by 2 per cent&nbsp;to 20.5 million, VDA said.

Mattes called on Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky ruling coalition to get its act together and help companies to better master the structural changes in the car industry that also include trends like digitisation and autonomous driving.

"Now it must be all about improving the framework conditions in Germany as an industrial business location," Mattes said. "What we need right now, therefore, is a stable government capable of taking action."

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result.

Germany's main automobile industry body said on Wednesday it expects global car sales to fall by 5 per cent this year, the steepest drop since the financial crisis, and warned of more job cuts in 2020 as a result. "The competition is getting tougher, the headwinds are getting stronger," Bernhard Mattes, president of industry association VDA, told reporters, adding that the association expected global car sales to fall by 4.1 million to 80.1 million this year. Germany's export-dependent car industry is struggling with weaker foreign demand, tariff disputes sparked by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies and business uncertainty linked to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The sector, an important driver of overall growth in Europe's largest economy, is also having trouble adjusting to stricter regulation following an emissions-cheating scandal and managing a broader shift away from combustion engines toward electric cars. "Capacity utilization has declined, limited-term employment contracts are not being renewed, and the instrument of short-time work is being employed once again," Mattes said. This meant that the number of permanent staff in car factories was likely to fall further. Mattes said the association already expected a drop in employment this year, and this trend would worsen in 2020, though he gave no figures for the predicted layoffs. In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest level since 1991. VDA expects car sales in Germany to fall by 4 per cent to 3.43 million in 2020 and to drop by 2 per cent to 15.3 million in Europe. The US market for light vehicles is seen shrinking by 3 per cent to 16.5 million while car sales in China are expected to go down by 2 per cent to 20.5 million, VDA said. Mattes called on Chancellor Angela Merkel's shaky ruling coalition to get its act together and help companies to better master the structural changes in the car industry that also include trends like digitisation and autonomous driving. "Now it must be all about improving the framework conditions in Germany as an industrial business location," Mattes said. "What we need right now, therefore, is a stable government capable of taking action."

German car industry to slash more jobs in 2020

France was Wednesday preparing for one of its biggest nationwide strikes in years with stoppages by transport workers and teachers expected to paralyse the country in an intensifying showdown between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">President Emmanuel Macron</a> and unions.

Some 90 per cent of high-speed trains have been axed, most of the Paris metro will be shut, hundreds of flights cancelled and the majority of schools closed in Thursday's strike over Macron's planned pension reforms.

The strike, which is open-ended and could last several days, has drawn comparisons between the struggle between government and unions in November-December 1995 when the country was paralysed for some three weeks.

Workers across France will have to work from home or find novel ways to access their offices using car-sharing services, rental bikes or e-scooters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-metro-faces-severe-disruptions-from-december-5-strike-265089">The strikes</a> will be a major test of whether Macron, who came to power on the back of a promise to transform France and has also sought a prominent place on the international stage, has the political strength to push through his vision.

The president is regarded to have seen off the threat posed by the "yellow vest" protesters whose weekly demonstrations against the lack of equality shook France since November last year.

But their anger could feed into the strike movement called by the unions and a transport strike on September 13 that caused gridlock in Paris might prove a harbinger of things to come.

"It will be a Black Thursday in transport," prophesied the Le Parisien daily.

But the Le Monde daily argued that channelling the anger of "yellow vests" movement represented both an opportunity but also a risk for the unions, who could lose control of the movement.

"The unions have embarked on an adventure that has little chance of achieving its aim by forcing Emmanuel Macron to give up the reform," it said in an analysis, arguing that "2019 is not 1995".

On the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-metro-faces-severe-disruptions-from-december-5-strike-265089">Paris metro</a>, 11 of the city's 16 lines will shut down completely Thursday, with only the two fully automated lines running as normal.

Rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains, as well as regional trains across the country, would be cancelled, while international services like the Eurostar and Thalys would be severely disrupted.

Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said he expected 55 per cent of teaching staff to strike nationwide Thursday, with 78 per cent walking out in Paris, and just 30 per cent of schools being able to open.

With some air traffic controllers also walking out, flag-carrier Air France said it was axing 30 per cent of its internal flights and 15 per cent of short-haul international routes.

British low-cost carrier EasyJet has cancelled 223 domestic and short-haul international flights and warned others risk being delayed.

Macron wants to implement a signature campaign promise that would see a "universal" retirement system.

It would do away with 42 "special regimes" for sectors ranging from rail and energy workers to lawyers and Paris Opera employees, which often grant workers higher pensions or early retirement.

But unions say the changes would effectively require millions of private-sector workers to work beyond the legal retirement age of 62 if they want to receive the full pension they have been promised.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who has acknowledged French workers will gradually work longer, is set to unveil details of the reform on December 12.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Wednesday that 245 demonstrations were expected nationwide, warning that a radical fringe of demonstrators could cause trouble.

"We know there will be lots of people in these protests and we know the risks. I have requested that systematically when there is rioting or violence we make arrests immediately," he said.

Two major demonstrations are planned for Paris that will converge on the Place de la Nation, with officials ordering Paris businesses along the routes to close on Thursday.

France was Wednesday preparing for one of its biggest nationwide strikes in years with stoppages by transport workers and teachers expected to paralyse the country in an intensifying showdown between President Emmanuel Macron and unions.

France was Wednesday preparing for one of its biggest nationwide strikes in years with stoppages by transport workers and teachers expected to paralyse the country in an intensifying showdown between President Emmanuel Macron and unions. Some 90 per cent of high-speed trains have been axed, most of the Paris metro will be shut, hundreds of flights cancelled and the majority of schools closed in Thursday's strike over Macron's planned pension reforms. The strike, which is open-ended and could last several days, has drawn comparisons between the struggle between government and unions in November-December 1995 when the country was paralysed for some three weeks. Workers across France will have to work from home or find novel ways to access their offices using car-sharing services, rental bikes or e-scooters. The strikes will be a major test of whether Macron, who came to power on the back of a promise to transform France and has also sought a prominent place on the international stage, has the political strength to push through his vision. The president is regarded to have seen off the threat posed by the "yellow vest" protesters whose weekly demonstrations against the lack of equality shook France since November last year. But their anger could feed into the strike movement called by the unions and a transport strike on September 13 that caused gridlock in Paris might prove a harbinger of things to come. "It will be a Black Thursday in transport," prophesied the Le Parisien daily. But the Le Monde daily argued that channelling the anger of "yellow vests" movement represented both an opportunity but also a risk for the unions, who could lose control of the movement. "The unions have embarked on an adventure that has little chance of achieving its aim by forcing Emmanuel Macron to give up the reform," it said in an analysis, arguing that "2019 is not 1995". On the Paris metro, 11 of the city's 16 lines will shut down completely Thursday, with only the two fully automated lines running as normal. Rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains, as well as regional trains across the country, would be cancelled, while international services like the Eurostar and Thalys would be severely disrupted. Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said he expected 55 per cent of teaching staff to strike nationwide Thursday, with 78 per cent walking out in Paris, and just 30 per cent of schools being able to open. With some air traffic controllers also walking out, flag-carrier Air France said it was axing 30 per cent of its internal flights and 15 per cent of short-haul international routes. British low-cost carrier EasyJet has cancelled 223 domestic and short-haul international flights and warned others risk being delayed. Macron wants to implement a signature campaign promise that would see a "universal" retirement system. It would do away with 42 "special regimes" for sectors ranging from rail and energy workers to lawyers and Paris Opera employees, which often grant workers higher pensions or early retirement. But unions say the changes would effectively require millions of private-sector workers to work beyond the legal retirement age of 62 if they want to receive the full pension they have been promised. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who has acknowledged French workers will gradually work longer, is set to unveil details of the reform on December 12. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Wednesday that 245 demonstrations were expected nationwide, warning that a radical fringe of demonstrators could cause trouble. "We know there will be lots of people in these protests and we know the risks. I have requested that systematically when there is rioting or violence we make arrests immediately," he said. Two major demonstrations are planned for Paris that will converge on the Place de la Nation, with officials ordering Paris businesses along the routes to close on Thursday.

France braces for shutdown as Macron clashes with unions

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security.

Speaking via video conference as India and Maldives jointly inaugurated key development projects, Modi said that New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and Male's India First policies have helped in strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all sectors.

"As a close friend and a maritime member, India is committed to continuing partnering with the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," said Modi.

New Delhi has initiated the process to roll out RuPay card in the Maldives and an LED lighting projects in Male. Commenting on the same, the Prime Minister said, "RuPay Payment mechanism will further ease the travel of Indians to the Maldives. I'm glad that this has been launched through the Bank of Maldives."

"Today we dedicated LED street lighting to the people of Male. India is very happy to bring to them benefits of these environment-friendly lights," he added.

The two countries are jointly working on building a Cancer Hospital and a Cricket Stadium in Hulhulmale, the Prime Minister announced.

"In the coming years, the projects under Indian assistance will bring even more benefits to the people of the Maldives," Modi said.

RuPay card facilitates electronic payment at all Indian banks and financial institutions.

The ties between the two countries are on an upswing after Solih became President in November 2018.&nbsp;

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security.

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security. Speaking via video conference as India and Maldives jointly inaugurated key development projects, Modi said that New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and Male's India First policies have helped in strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all sectors. "As a close friend and a maritime member, India is committed to continuing partnering with the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," said Modi. New Delhi has initiated the process to roll out RuPay card in the Maldives and an LED lighting projects in Male. Commenting on the same, the Prime Minister said, "RuPay Payment mechanism will further ease the travel of Indians to the Maldives. I'm glad that this has been launched through the Bank of Maldives." "Today we dedicated LED street lighting to the people of Male. India is very happy to bring to them benefits of these environment-friendly lights," he added. The two countries are jointly working on building a Cancer Hospital and a Cricket Stadium in Hulhulmale, the Prime Minister announced. "In the coming years, the projects under Indian assistance will bring even more benefits to the people of the Maldives," Modi said. RuPay card facilitates electronic payment at all Indian banks and financial institutions. The ties between the two countries are on an upswing after Solih became President in November 2018.

India committed to partnering with Maldives for development: PM Modi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India at the end of this month to hold talks on boundary issues between the two countries, sources said. 
Wang will hold talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the visit.

Incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a bone of contention between China and India.

In 2017, a 73-day standoff between the armies of the two countries in Doklam -- known as the Doklam crisis -- had emerged as a major challenge in the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

This will be the first visit by a senior Chinese government official after the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mamallapuram back in October this year.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India at the end of this month to hold talks on boundary issues between the two countries, sources said. Wang will hold talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the visit.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India at the end of this month to hold talks on boundary issues between the two countries, sources said. Wang will hold talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during the visit. Incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has remained a bone of contention between China and India. In 2017, a 73-day standoff between the armies of the two countries in Doklam -- known as the Doklam crisis -- had emerged as a major challenge in the bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing. This will be the first visit by a senior Chinese government official after the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Mamallapuram back in October this year.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi likely to visit India this month

The government said on Wednesday that there was no plan to conduct the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise across the country on religious lines.

Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, gave the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

He was responding to a question of Trinamool Congress member Ahamed Hassan who had asked if the government had decided to conduct National Register of Citizens exercise across the country on religious lines.

"No," Rai said in his reply.

"Does not arise" the minister said to Hassan's subsequent question about the amount allocated for planning NRC.

The Trinamool Congress member also sought to know if the government had identified sites for detention centres across the country for the exercise and if so, the state-wise detention centres to be constructed in the next five years.

The minister said in his reply that detention centres "are established by States/UT Administrations as per requirement".&nbsp;

The government said on Wednesday that there was no plan to conduct the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise across the country on religious lines. Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, gave the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The government said on Wednesday that there was no plan to conduct the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise across the country on religious lines. Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, gave the information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. He was responding to a question of Trinamool Congress member Ahamed Hassan who had asked if the government had decided to conduct National Register of Citizens exercise across the country on religious lines. "No," Rai said in his reply. "Does not arise" the minister said to Hassan's subsequent question about the amount allocated for planning NRC. The Trinamool Congress member also sought to know if the government had identified sites for detention centres across the country for the exercise and if so, the state-wise detention centres to be constructed in the next five years. The minister said in his reply that detention centres "are established by States/UT Administrations as per requirement".

No plan to conduct NRC across country on religious lines: Government

A US&nbsp;House Intelligence Committee report laying out the Democratic case for President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-row-according-to-call-records-nunes-had-frequent-contact-with-giuliani-266054">Donald Trump's impeachment</a> will be publicly released on Tuesday, the panel's chairman said in a television interview.

"We’re putting the finishing touches on the report, which will be released tomorrow,” Democrat Adam Schiff said on MSNBC on Monday night.

The Democratic-controlled panel is expected to vote on the report's approval on Tuesday night.

A copy of the report was made available privately to House Intelligence members on Monday night for a 24-hour review period.

Republican Representative Jim Jordan, an ardent defender of Trump, told reporters he had read portions of the report in a secure room at the Capitol but was instructed not to discuss the contents until Tuesday night.

House Republicans issued their own rebuttal report on Monday, saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-report-makes-forceful-impeachment-case-against-trump-266049">Democrats</a> had not established an impeachable offense by Trump.

Democrats have been looking into the Republican president's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, the former US&nbsp;vice president who is seeking the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the 2020 election, and his son Hunter Biden, who was a board member of a Ukrainian energy company.

Congressional Democrats on Monday named the four witnesses who will testify this week at a public hearing in the impeachment inquiry of Trump, in what is seen as a likely precursor to the announcement of formal charges within weeks.

As opinion polls show Americans are bitterly divided over whether to impeach Trump, the Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will feature four legal scholars discussing the constitutional grounds for removing a US&nbsp;president from office.

The impeachment inquiry has heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was conditioned on investigations into the Bidens and a debunked conspiracy theory about Ukraine interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says a July 25 phone call with Zelenskiy, in which he pressed for the probes, was "perfect." He and fellow Republicans say Democrats are seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election.

Wednesday's hearing, while academic in nature, will set the stage for the Judiciary Committee to begin determining whether Trump should face formal articles of impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to supporters last week that Trump had committed "bribery" and needed to be held accountable.

The hearing witnesses, announced by the committee on Monday, are Noah Feldman of Harvard Law School, Pamela Karlan of Stanford Law School, Michael Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina School of Law and Jonathan Turley of the George Washington University Law School.

Also watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for Dec 4

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In a defiant response on Sunday night, the White House informed Democrats that Trump and his lawyers would not participate in Wednesday's hearing, citing a lack of "fundamental fairness."

Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on Monday en route to London for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">NATO summit</a>, Trump said he had declined to participate in the hearing because it was a hoax.

Representative Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, called the White House's decision "unfortunate" and said that allowing Trump to participate had been a priority from the outset of the impeachment probe.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone has not ruled out taking part in future proceedings if Democrats address a list of procedural complaints.

The committee, which is not expected to consider evidence against Trump until next week, has given the president until 5 p.m. (2200 GMT) on Friday to say whether he plans to mount a defense by calling witnesses and introducing evidence.

The 110-page House Republican report said the witnesses called during the impeachment inquiry had painted a picture of "unelected bureaucrats" who "fundamentally disagreed with President Trump's style, world view and decisions," and had presented no evidence that amounted to an impeachable offense.

Schiff said the Republican report "ignores voluminous evidence that the president used the power of his office to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival," which Schiff said was outside the law and "a violation of his oath of office."

If the House approves articles of impeachment, the Republican-controlled Senate would hold a trial to see if Trump should be removed from office. That move is unlikely, as few Senate Republicans have shown an appetite for removing the president.

But the impeachment inquiry has cast a shadow over Trump's already tumultuous presidency and sharpened a divide among Americans that is likely to intensify as election campaigning heats up in the coming weeks.

Democratic aides said a vote on possible articles of impeachment would follow quickly on the heels of an evidentiary hearing.

A US House Intelligence Committee report laying out the Democratic case for President Donald Trump's impeachment will be publicly released on Tuesday, the panel's chairman said in a television interview.

A US House Intelligence Committee report laying out the Democratic case for President Donald Trump's impeachment will be publicly released on Tuesday, the panel's chairman said in a television interview. "We’re putting the finishing touches on the report, which will be released tomorrow,” Democrat Adam Schiff said on MSNBC on Monday night. The Democratic-controlled panel is expected to vote on the report's approval on Tuesday night. A copy of the report was made available privately to House Intelligence members on Monday night for a 24-hour review period. Republican Representative Jim Jordan, an ardent defender of Trump, told reporters he had read portions of the report in a secure room at the Capitol but was instructed not to discuss the contents until Tuesday night. House Republicans issued their own rebuttal report on Monday, saying Democrats had not established an impeachable offense by Trump. Democrats have been looking into the Republican president's efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden, the former US vice president who is seeking the Democratic nomination to face Trump in the 2020 election, and his son Hunter Biden, who was a board member of a Ukrainian energy company. Congressional Democrats on Monday named the four witnesses who will testify this week at a public hearing in the impeachment inquiry of Trump, in what is seen as a likely precursor to the announcement of formal charges within weeks. As opinion polls show Americans are bitterly divided over whether to impeach Trump, the Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives will feature four legal scholars discussing the constitutional grounds for removing a US president from office. The impeachment inquiry has heard testimony from current and former officials that military aid was withheld from Ukraine and that a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was conditioned on investigations into the Bidens and a debunked conspiracy theory about Ukraine interference in the 2016 US election. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says a July 25 phone call with Zelenskiy, in which he pressed for the probes, was "perfect." He and fellow Republicans say Democrats are seeking to overturn the results of the 2016 presidential election. Wednesday's hearing, while academic in nature, will set the stage for the Judiciary Committee to begin determining whether Trump should face formal articles of impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to supporters last week that Trump had committed "bribery" and needed to be held accountable. The hearing witnesses, announced by the committee on Monday, are Noah Feldman of Harvard Law School, Pamela Karlan of Stanford Law School, Michael Gerhardt of the University of North Carolina School of Law and Jonathan Turley of the George Washington University Law School. Also watch: Donald Trump impeachment hearings set for Dec 4 × In a defiant response on Sunday night, the White House informed Democrats that Trump and his lawyers would not participate in Wednesday's hearing, citing a lack of "fundamental fairness." Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on Monday en route to London for a NATO summit, Trump said he had declined to participate in the hearing because it was a hoax. Representative Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, called the White House's decision "unfortunate" and said that allowing Trump to participate had been a priority from the outset of the impeachment probe. White House counsel Pat Cipollone has not ruled out taking part in future proceedings if Democrats address a list of procedural complaints. The committee, which is not expected to consider evidence against Trump until next week, has given the president until 5 p.m. (2200 GMT) on Friday to say whether he plans to mount a defense by calling witnesses and introducing evidence. The 110-page House Republican report said the witnesses called during the impeachment inquiry had painted a picture of "unelected bureaucrats" who "fundamentally disagreed with President Trump's style, world view and decisions," and had presented no evidence that amounted to an impeachable offense. Schiff said the Republican report "ignores voluminous evidence that the president used the power of his office to pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival," which Schiff said was outside the law and "a violation of his oath of office." If the House approves articles of impeachment, the Republican-controlled Senate would hold a trial to see if Trump should be removed from office. That move is unlikely, as few Senate Republicans have shown an appetite for removing the president. But the impeachment inquiry has cast a shadow over Trump's already tumultuous presidency and sharpened a divide among Americans that is likely to intensify as election campaigning heats up in the coming weeks. Democratic aides said a vote on possible articles of impeachment would follow quickly on the heels of an evidentiary hearing.

US House panel impeachment report to be released Tuesday: Adam Schiff

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country.

He said that perceptional differences between the two countries about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) sometimes lead to transgressions by the armies which are settled through existing mechanisms.

Singh told Lok Sabha that the defence forces were fully alert and capable of dealing with any challenge to the security of the country and there was no need of worry.

He was responding to concerns expressed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during zero hour who said India adopts a tough stance against Pakistan for its inimical acts but was relatively soft towards China.

Singh said border infrastructure was being boosted.

"The infrastructure on India-China border, such as roads, tunnels, airfields and railway lines, is being developed so that the country`s unity and integrity are ensured fully. The work is being done at a fast pace," he said.

Singh said there have been perceptional differences about the LAC for a long time between forces of the two sides due to which some incidents of transgression or confrontation have taken place.

He said the armies patrol areas according to their understanding of the LAC and "sometimes our forces also go (in the area claimed by China)".

The minister, who faced interruptions from Congress members, said the two armies have mechanisms in place to prevent escalation in such situations and these include flag meetings and hotline.

Singh said the government was fully alert to the security needs of the country, conducts reviews from time to time and takes requisite steps.

"There is no need to feel concerned about the country`s security. There is no need to worry about border security of the country," he said.

He said the long-term steps to deal with border issues with China include talks between special representatives of the two countries, joint secretary-level meetings and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that infrastructure such as roads, railway lines and airfields was being ramped up at a fast pace along the border with China to ensure the security of the country. He said that perceptional differences between the two countries about the Line of Actual Control (LAC) sometimes lead to transgressions by the armies which are settled through existing mechanisms. Singh told Lok Sabha that the defence forces were fully alert and capable of dealing with any challenge to the security of the country and there was no need of worry. He was responding to concerns expressed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury during zero hour who said India adopts a tough stance against Pakistan for its inimical acts but was relatively soft towards China. Singh said border infrastructure was being boosted. "The infrastructure on India-China border, such as roads, tunnels, airfields and railway lines, is being developed so that the country`s unity and integrity are ensured fully. The work is being done at a fast pace," he said. Singh said there have been perceptional differences about the LAC for a long time between forces of the two sides due to which some incidents of transgression or confrontation have taken place. He said the armies patrol areas according to their understanding of the LAC and "sometimes our forces also go (in the area claimed by China)". The minister, who faced interruptions from Congress members, said the two armies have mechanisms in place to prevent escalation in such situations and these include flag meetings and hotline. Singh said the government was fully alert to the security needs of the country, conducts reviews from time to time and takes requisite steps. "There is no need to feel concerned about the country`s security. There is no need to worry about border security of the country," he said. He said the long-term steps to deal with border issues with China include talks between special representatives of the two countries, joint secretary-level meetings and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

Infrastructure being ramped up at fast pace along China border: Rajnath Singh tells Lok Sabha

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