Pakistan's coronavirus tally reached 294,638 after 445 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Six more patients died overnight due to the viral infection, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 6,274, it said.

With the 445 new cases, Pakistan's coronavirus tally now stands at 294,638, the ministry said, adding that 279,561 people have recovered so far from the disease.

Sindh reported the maximum number of 128,877 cases, followed by Punjab at 96,540, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 35,893, Islamabad at 15,562, Balochistan at 12,721, Gilgit-Baltistan at 2,773 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 2,272 cases.&nbsp;

Pakistan's coronavirus tally reached 294,638 after 445 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. Six more patients died overnight due to the viral infection, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 6,274, it said.

Pakistan's coronavirus tally reached 294,638 after 445 new cases were detected in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. Six more patients died overnight due to the viral infection, pushing the COVID-19 death toll to 6,274, it said. With the 445 new cases, Pakistan's coronavirus tally now stands at 294,638, the ministry said, adding that 279,561 people have recovered so far from the disease. Sindh reported the maximum number of 128,877 cases, followed by Punjab at 96,540, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 35,893, Islamabad at 15,562, Balochistan at 12,721, Gilgit-Baltistan at 2,773 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at 2,272 cases.

Pakistan reports 445 new COVID-19 cases, tally reaches 294,638

Sri Lanka will adopt an "India first approach" as its new foreign policy plank and protect New Delhi's strategic security interests, the country's Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage has said as he sought to allay concerns amid China's growing presence in the island nation.

Admiral Colombage became the first-ever foreign secretary from a military background when he was appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to head the Foreign Ministry on August 14.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-china-eyes-sri-lanka-indias-quad-alliance-can-push-back-the-dragon-317066">As China eyes Sri Lanka, India's Quad alliance can push back the Dragon</a>

In an interview published by Daily Mirror on Wednesday, Colombage said Sri Lanka is to adopt an 'India first approach' as its new regional foreign policy plank.

"That means Sri Lanka will not do anything harmful to India's strategic security interests," said Colombage, who was the chief of the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012-14 and later became a foreign policy analyst mostly on the Chinese initiatives in Sri Lanka and the immediate region.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-sri-lanka-wants-its-debt-trap-hambantota-port-back-314721/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Colombage said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would have an India first approach as the key to strategic security.

''China is the second-largest economy and India is considered the sixth-largest. In 2018 India was the world's fastest-growing economy. That means we are between two economic giants,''&nbsp;he said.

"Sri Lanka cannot afford, should not afford and will not afford any particular country to use it as a staging area to do anything against another country, especially so India," he said.

Commenting on the Chinese investment in the southern port of Hambantota, Colombage says that Sri Lanka had offered India Hambantota first.

India did not undertake it for whatever reason, then it went to a Chinese company,&nbsp;he said.

Now we have given 85 per cent stake of Hambantota port to China Merchant Holding Company. That should be limited to commercial activities. It is zero for military purposes," he said.

Colombage said that despite opposition from port worker trade unions, President Rajapaksa would go ahead with the memorandum of cooperation signed with India on the Colombo Port's Eastern terminal.

Colombo Port is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka. Located on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.

The previous Sirisena government had signed a "memorandum of cooperation" (MOC) with India and Japan for a tripartite effort to develop the terminal which is located just next to the USD 500 million Chinese-run Colombo International Container Terminal.

''The President has said that he is ready to honour the agreement. As per the new guidance of the President, no national asset is given with total control to any country," he said.

Colombage said that the Rajapaksa foreign policy shift would mean that Sri Lanka would not be anymore reliant on a West-oriented policy.

The most dynamic foreign office officials would be posted in Sri Lanka's neighbourhood, in the Middle East, Bangladesh, Africa and ASEAN in line with the new foreign policy shift where the emphasis would be on the neighbourhood.

China has been making significant forays into Sri Lanka, especially in the defence field. Beijing's activities have caused regional concerns, especially in India.

Sri Lankan in 2017 handed over the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease. There are regional concerns, mostly from India, that China may make a military presence at Hambantota, located on a key sea international shipping route.

Sri Lanka will adopt an "India first approach" as its new foreign policy plank and protect New Delhi's strategic security interests, the country's Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage has said as he sought to allay concerns amid China's growing presence in the island nation.

Sri Lanka will adopt an "India first approach" as its new foreign policy plank and protect New Delhi's strategic security interests, the country's Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage has said as he sought to allay concerns amid China's growing presence in the island nation. Admiral Colombage became the first-ever foreign secretary from a military background when he was appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to head the Foreign Ministry on August 14. Also read: As China eyes Sri Lanka, India's Quad alliance can push back the Dragon In an interview published by Daily Mirror on Wednesday, Colombage said Sri Lanka is to adopt an 'India first approach' as its new regional foreign policy plank. "That means Sri Lanka will not do anything harmful to India's strategic security interests," said Colombage, who was the chief of the Sri Lanka Navy between 2012-14 and later became a foreign policy analyst mostly on the Chinese initiatives in Sri Lanka and the immediate region. Colombage said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would have an India first approach as the key to strategic security. ''China is the second-largest economy and India is considered the sixth-largest. In 2018 India was the world's fastest-growing economy. That means we are between two economic giants,'' he said. "Sri Lanka cannot afford, should not afford and will not afford any particular country to use it as a staging area to do anything against another country, especially so India," he said. Commenting on the Chinese investment in the southern port of Hambantota, Colombage says that Sri Lanka had offered India Hambantota first. India did not undertake it for whatever reason, then it went to a Chinese company, he said. Now we have given 85 per cent stake of Hambantota port to China Merchant Holding Company. That should be limited to commercial activities. It is zero for military purposes," he said. Colombage said that despite opposition from port worker trade unions, President Rajapaksa would go ahead with the memorandum of cooperation signed with India on the Colombo Port's Eastern terminal. Colombo Port is the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka. Located on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River, it serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. The previous Sirisena government had signed a "memorandum of cooperation" (MOC) with India and Japan for a tripartite effort to develop the terminal which is located just next to the USD 500 million Chinese-run Colombo International Container Terminal. ''The President has said that he is ready to honour the agreement. As per the new guidance of the President, no national asset is given with total control to any country," he said. Colombage said that the Rajapaksa foreign policy shift would mean that Sri Lanka would not be anymore reliant on a West-oriented policy. The most dynamic foreign office officials would be posted in Sri Lanka's neighbourhood, in the Middle East, Bangladesh, Africa and ASEAN in line with the new foreign policy shift where the emphasis would be on the neighbourhood. China has been making significant forays into Sri Lanka, especially in the defence field. Beijing's activities have caused regional concerns, especially in India. Sri Lankan in 2017 handed over the Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease. There are regional concerns, mostly from India, that China may make a military presence at Hambantota, located on a key sea international shipping route.

Sri Lanka will follow 'India first policy', says Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage

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Police have arrested two&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;opposition lawmakers in relation to anti-government protests in July last year, one of whom was suspected of rioting, the Democratic Party said on Wednesday.

Lam Cheuk-ting and Ted Hui were detained after early-morning raids on their homes, according to their political party and the police.&nbsp;

Both are minority pro-democracy lawmakers in the city's partially elected legislature and vocal critics of both Beijing and the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-ways-hong-kong-has-changed-under-chinas-security-law-310644#legal-firewall-toppled-310646">Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law</a>

Opposition figures decried the arrests, which add to a mounting toll of prosecutions targeting Beijing's critics in the restless financial hub.

"This is out-and-out political persecution," James To, a veteran lawyer and member of the Democratic Party, told reporters after the arrests.

Lam was arrested on suspicion of rioting on July 21, last year, when pro-democracy protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city, his party's Facebook page said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-reveals-fear-of-arrest-322605">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong reveals fear of arrest</a>

During the unrest that day, protesters in the city's downtown area threw black paint at the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Liaison Office, China's top representative body, while in the Yuen Long district near the mainland border, a mob of over 100 men wielding sticks and poles attacked pro-democracy protesters and bystanders at the train station.

Lam was hospitalised after being wounded in the face as he livestreamed the attack on his Facebook page.

So far, police have arrested 44 people believed to had taken part in the mob attack, seven of whom have been charged with rioting.

It was unclear what caused police to suspect Lam of rioting on that night.

Lam, along with Hui, was also accused of being involved in a protest on July 6 in the Tuen Mun district, where amid rising anti-Beijing sentiment protesters marched against the "noise pollution" caused by middle-aged women singing and dancing to pop songs in Mandarin, the language spoken in mainland China.&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people speak mainly Cantonese.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a one country, two systems agreement with its former colonial master Britain that promised it wide-ranging freedoms unavailable on the Communist Party-ruled mainland.

The protests last year were fuelled by perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip on those freedoms, which authorities have denied.

They began with peaceful marches against a since-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but clashes between police and protesters became more violent over the following months.

Critics say a new national security law imposed by Beijing on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on June 30 has pushed the city onto a more authoritarian path, while its supporters say it will bring stability after a year of unrest.

The law allows for anything China considers to be secessionist, subversive, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces to be punished with up to life in prison.

There have been more protests this year, though far less relentless than they were in the second half of last year.

Restrictions on crowd sizes because of the coronavirus health scare have also helped limit demonstrations.

The protests last year were fuelled by perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip on those freedoms, which authorities have denied.

Police have arrested two Hong Kong opposition lawmakers in relation to anti-government protests in July last year, one of whom was suspected of rioting, the Democratic Party said on Wednesday.

Police have arrested two Hong Kong opposition lawmakers in relation to anti-government protests in July last year, one of whom was suspected of rioting, the Democratic Party said on Wednesday. Lam Cheuk-ting and Ted Hui were detained after early-morning raids on their homes, according to their political party and the police. Both are minority pro-democracy lawmakers in the city's partially elected legislature and vocal critics of both Beijing and the Hong Kong government. Also see: Five ways Hong Kong has changed under China's security law Opposition figures decried the arrests, which add to a mounting toll of prosecutions targeting Beijing's critics in the restless financial hub. "This is out-and-out political persecution," James To, a veteran lawyer and member of the Democratic Party, told reporters after the arrests. Lam was arrested on suspicion of rioting on July 21, last year, when pro-democracy protests erupted across the Chinese-ruled city, his party's Facebook page said. Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong reveals fear of arrest During the unrest that day, protesters in the city's downtown area threw black paint at the Hong Kong Liaison Office, China's top representative body, while in the Yuen Long district near the mainland border, a mob of over 100 men wielding sticks and poles attacked pro-democracy protesters and bystanders at the train station. Lam was hospitalised after being wounded in the face as he livestreamed the attack on his Facebook page. So far, police have arrested 44 people believed to had taken part in the mob attack, seven of whom have been charged with rioting. It was unclear what caused police to suspect Lam of rioting on that night. Lam, along with Hui, was also accused of being involved in a protest on July 6 in the Tuen Mun district, where amid rising anti-Beijing sentiment protesters marched against the "noise pollution" caused by middle-aged women singing and dancing to pop songs in Mandarin, the language spoken in mainland China. Hong Kong people speak mainly Cantonese. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a one country, two systems agreement with its former colonial master Britain that promised it wide-ranging freedoms unavailable on the Communist Party-ruled mainland. The protests last year were fuelled by perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip on those freedoms, which authorities have denied. They began with peaceful marches against a since-withdrawn bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but clashes between police and protesters became more violent over the following months. Critics say a new national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong on June 30 has pushed the city onto a more authoritarian path, while its supporters say it will bring stability after a year of unrest. The law allows for anything China considers to be secessionist, subversive, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces to be punished with up to life in prison. There have been more protests this year, though far less relentless than they were in the second half of last year. Restrictions on crowd sizes because of the coronavirus health scare have also helped limit demonstrations. The protests last year were fuelled by perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip on those freedoms, which authorities have denied.

Hong Kong police arrests two pro-democracy lawmakers over 2019 protests

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said Tuesday he has tested positive for coronavirus as the island nation battles an increase in new cases.

Gayoom, who held power for three decades, was checked after he developed a fever, a former aide close to the family told AFP. No word was available on his condition.

"I have tested positive for Covid-19," the 82-year-old politician wrote on Twitter. "May Almighty Allah bless me and all other sick people with a speedy recovery and good health!"

After leaving office in 2008 Gayoom has remained an active political figure. Opponents have accused him of being an autocratic leader during his three decades in power.

However, he is also credited with being an early campaigner against global warming and sea level rise which he had warned could wipe the low-lying Maldives off the face of the earth.

The Maldives, known for upmarket island tourism, reopened its international borders to visitors in mid-July after a three-month halt that crippled the hospitality industry.

It has seen a steady increase in cases in recent weeks and has reported a total of 7,047 infections and 28 deaths since the virus began to spread globally earlier this year.

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said Tuesday he has tested positive for coronavirus as the island nation battles an increase in new cases. Gayoom, who held power for three decades, was checked after he developed a fever, a former aide close to the family told AFP.

Former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said Tuesday he has tested positive for coronavirus as the island nation battles an increase in new cases. Gayoom, who held power for three decades, was checked after he developed a fever, a former aide close to the family told AFP. No word was available on his condition. "I have tested positive for Covid-19," the 82-year-old politician wrote on Twitter. "May Almighty Allah bless me and all other sick people with a speedy recovery and good health!" After leaving office in 2008 Gayoom has remained an active political figure. Opponents have accused him of being an autocratic leader during his three decades in power. However, he is also credited with being an early campaigner against global warming and sea level rise which he had warned could wipe the low-lying Maldives off the face of the earth. The Maldives, known for upmarket island tourism, reopened its international borders to visitors in mid-July after a three-month halt that crippled the hospitality industry. It has seen a steady increase in cases in recent weeks and has reported a total of 7,047 infections and 28 deaths since the virus began to spread globally earlier this year.

Maldives ex-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom tests positive for coronavirus

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;at a meeting of a top committee issued&nbsp;warnings on&nbsp;coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health.

Kim's comments come amid conjecture over his health condition after South Korea's spy agency said he had delegated some authority to his sister Kim Yo Jong to relieve his "governance stress".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-sister-is-de-facto-second-in-command-says-lawmaker-322027">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker</a>

A former aide to late South Korean president Kim Dae-jung even said on Facebook he thought the North's leader was in a coma, though with no apparent evidence.

But Kim presided over a meeting Tuesday of a top committee of the ruling Workers' Party, the official KCNA news agency reported, where he assessed "defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus".

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eba393a4-dda1-4a3b-8b6d-7fc8df080bc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_6.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-in-coma-a-former-south-korean-diplomat-claims-322584">North Korea's Kim Jong Un in coma? A former South Korean diplomat claims!</a>

An enlarged meeting of the politburo of the Workers Party took place amid a pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North&nbsp;Korean economy, battered by recent border closures and flood damage.

<img alt="North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5eafb652-192b-482d-8355-1e2e83240280" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2846%29_5.jpg" />

North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;(WPK), in Pyongyang, North&nbsp;Korea/&nbsp;REUTERS

The meeting assessed "some defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus", KCNA said in a statement.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has not reported any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, but Kim said last month that the virus "could be said to have entered" the country and imposed a lockdown after a man was reported to have symptoms. Later test results on the man were inconclusive, according to the World Health Organisation.

Kim had this month lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the coronavirus there.

The meeting discussed state emergency measures on preventing crop damage and casualties from Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit the country within days, KCNA reported. Heavy rain and flooding have raised concern about food supplies in the isolated country.

The ruling party had said it will hold a congress next year to decide a new five-year plan, after a party meeting noted serious delays in improving the national economy and living standards.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting of a top committee issued warnings on coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting of a top committee issued warnings on coronavirus and a looming typhoon, following international speculation over his state of health. Kim's comments come amid conjecture over his health condition after South Korea's spy agency said he had delegated some authority to his sister Kim Yo Jong to relieve his "governance stress". Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker A former aide to late South Korean president Kim Dae-jung even said on Facebook he thought the North's leader was in a coma, though with no apparent evidence. But Kim presided over a meeting Tuesday of a top committee of the ruling Workers' Party, the official KCNA news agency reported, where he assessed "defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus". Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un in coma? A former South Korean diplomat claims! An enlarged meeting of the politburo of the Workers Party took place amid a pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North Korean economy, battered by recent border closures and flood damage. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends an enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea/ REUTERS The meeting assessed "some defects in the state emergency anti-epidemic work for checking the inroads of the malignant virus", KCNA said in a statement. North Korea has not reported any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, but Kim said last month that the virus "could be said to have entered" the country and imposed a lockdown after a man was reported to have symptoms. Later test results on the man were inconclusive, according to the World Health Organisation. Kim had this month lifted a three-week lockdown in the city of Kaesong after a suspected case of the coronavirus there. The meeting discussed state emergency measures on preventing crop damage and casualties from Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to hit the country within days, KCNA reported. Heavy rain and flooding have raised concern about food supplies in the isolated country. The ruling party had said it will hold a congress next year to decide a new five-year plan, after a party meeting noted serious delays in improving the national economy and living standards.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations

China&nbsp;has lodged "stern representations" with the United States, accusing it of sending a US&nbsp;plane into a no-fly zone over Chinese live-fire military drills,&nbsp;branding it an act of provocation on Tuesday, further ratcheting up tensions between Beijing and Washington.

China&nbsp;has long denounced US&nbsp;surveillance activities, while the United States has complained of "unsafe" intercepts by Chinese aircraft. While such missions happen regularly, for&nbsp;China&nbsp;to talk about them publicly is unusual.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-jinping-warns-period-of-turbulent-change-as-external-risks-rise-322953" hreflang="en">China: Jinping warns 'period of turbulent change' as external risks rise</a>

The U-2 reconnaissance jet's flight over an area in northern China violated safety rules between the two nations, Xinhua reported, citing Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian.

"The US action could easily have resulted in misjudgments and even accidents," said the report, adding "that the move was an obvious provocation."

"China firmly opposes such provocative actions and has lodged solemn representations with the US side."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

Beijing's anger comes as US and Chinese relations have deteriorated to historic lows, with confrontations simmering on trade, military and political matters.

On the military front, US naval forces regularly conduct operations near Taiwan and in the South China Sea, effectively challenging China's territorial claims.

In April 2001, an intercept of a US&nbsp;spy plane by a Chinese fighter jet resulted in a collision that killed the Chinese pilot and forced the American plane to make an emergency landing at a base on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

The 24 US&nbsp;air crew members were held for 11 days until Washington apologised for the incident.

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States, accusing it of sending a US plane into a no-fly zone over Chinese live-fire military drills, branding it an act of provocation on Tuesday, further ratcheting up tensions between Beijing and Washington.

China has lodged "stern representations" with the United States, accusing it of sending a US plane into a no-fly zone over Chinese live-fire military drills, branding it an act of provocation on Tuesday, further ratcheting up tensions between Beijing and Washington. China has long denounced US surveillance activities, while the United States has complained of "unsafe" intercepts by Chinese aircraft. While such missions happen regularly, for China to talk about them publicly is unusual. Also read: China: Jinping warns 'period of turbulent change' as external risks rise The U-2 reconnaissance jet's flight over an area in northern China violated safety rules between the two nations, Xinhua reported, citing Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian. "The US action could easily have resulted in misjudgments and even accidents," said the report, adding "that the move was an obvious provocation." "China firmly opposes such provocative actions and has lodged solemn representations with the US side." Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse Beijing's anger comes as US and Chinese relations have deteriorated to historic lows, with confrontations simmering on trade, military and political matters. On the military front, US naval forces regularly conduct operations near Taiwan and in the South China Sea, effectively challenging China's territorial claims. In April 2001, an intercept of a US spy plane by a Chinese fighter jet resulted in a collision that killed the Chinese pilot and forced the American plane to make an emergency landing at a base on the southern Chinese island of Hainan. The 24 US air crew members were held for 11 days until Washington apologised for the incident.

'Obvious provocation': China accuses US spy plane of entering no-fly zone

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-dismisses-navalny-poisoning-us-calls-for-full-and-transparent-investigation-323082">Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation'</a>

<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ffe2278-7dc5-4de2-8115-37a996f0d55c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Alexi1_1.jpg" />

Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-blocks-trump-administrations-bid-to-trigger-snapback-sanctions-on-iran-323084">UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e222db1b-a02f-4e33-a0b1-da45a7857455" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TrumpTalk_0.jpg" />

Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-american-jacob-blake-shot-at-by-police-paralyzed-with-shattered-spine-323083">African-American Jacob Blake shot at by police paralyzed with shattered spine</a>

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Demonstrations against police brutality erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina as police and protesters engaged in physical conflicts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-blocks-release-of-intelligence-documents-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-323085">Canada court blocks release of intelligence documents to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou</a>

<img alt="Meng" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92e8a6d1-b59e-4bfa-9eda-4a9fae978b0b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/e07673d3d12b489697d5582554d7aca8_18.jpg" />

A Canadian court on Tuesday blocked Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request for intelligence documents over national security concerns. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-blocks-release-of-intelligence-documents-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-323085">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-extreme-staycation-the-stay-at-home-vacation-323080">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Extreme Staycation: The Stay-At-Home Vacation</a>

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Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation' Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader.

Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation' Russia's foreign ministry said there was 'suspicious haste' to determine Navalny was poisoned while stating that it was "deeply offensive" to the Russian doctors who treated the Opposition leader. UN blocks Trump administration's bid to trigger 'snapback' sanctions on Iran Indonesia which is the president of the Council said it was "not in a position to take further action" on the US request after thirteen council members had expressed their opposition on Friday. African-American Jacob Blake shot at by police paralyzed with shattered spine Demonstrations against police brutality erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina as police and protesters engaged in physical conflicts Canada court blocks release of intelligence documents to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou A Canadian court on Tuesday blocked Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's request for intelligence documents over national security concerns. Read more Watch: Gravitas: Extreme Staycation: The Stay-At-Home Vacation

Morning news brief: Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning, UN blocks US 'snapback' on Iran sanctions

August 26 in history: Liberia gains independence, Houdini escapes underwater chains and more

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing.

Kabul and the Taliban were supposed to have begun talks in March, but are at loggerheads over a controversial prisoner swap that includes hundreds of militant inmates tied to high-profile attacks conducted over the past 19 years.

"Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan's consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward," the Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-invites-sanctioned-taliban-members-to-islamabad-for-talks-322648" hreflang="en">Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks</a>

The Islamabad meeting between Qureshi and the Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group's co-founder who spent eight years in Pakistani custody, came shortly after a suicide bombing near an army base in the northern Afghan province of Balkh.

The Taliban-claimed assault comes amid continued violence in Afghanistan, with insurgents conducting daily attacks across the country and in Kabul.

It killed two civilians and one commando and wounded more than 40 other people, military spokesman for the region Hanif Rezayee said. Many houses were damaged or destroyed and soldiers were helping get victims to safety, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-set-for-intra-afghan-talks-322741" hreflang="en">Taliban set for intra-Afghan talks</a>

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was revenge for a video circulating online that appeared to show Afghan troops desecrating the bodies of Taliban fighters in the south.

Pakistan's foreign ministry released images of Qureshi greeting the Taliban without making physical contact. A similar visit last year drew scorn from Afghan officials when Qureshi and the Taliban were shown smiling and embracing.

Tuesday's greeting was without hugs, apparently to maintain social distancing between the two parties, most of whom were wearing masks.

Tensions remain high between Islamabad and Kabul, with the administration of President Ashraf Ghani frequently lashing out at Pakistan for allegedly sheltering, funding and supplying the Taliban.

Pakistan, which was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime in the 1990s, denies the claims.

Islamabad has said that its influence over the Taliban has encouraged the militants to join talks with the US that culminated in February with a deal that would see foreign military forces quit Afghanistan.

Qureshi "emphasised the implementation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations," the foreign ministry stated.

Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Pakistan should do more to bring peace.

"Pakistan has so far failed to deliver on its commitments when it comes to peace and stability in Afghanistan," Sediqqi told AFP.

"We expect the Pakistani government to take practical steps and cooperate with the Afghan government and the international community to help bring stability in the region."

The warring Taliban and Afghan government had signalled they were prepared to launch negotiations immediately after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which ended earlier this month, but the process became bogged down over the prisoner swap.

Both sides have fought for nearly two decades in a conflict that has left tens of thousands of people dead.&nbsp;

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, when it was ousted by a US-led invasion. Ghani condemned Tuesday's attack on the military base and urged the Taliban to begin talks.

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing.

Pakistan's foreign minister urged senior Taliban leaders Tuesday to start delayed peace talks with Kabul, telling them the Afghanistan war has "no military solution" just hours after the insurgents claimed another deadly bombing. Kabul and the Taliban were supposed to have begun talks in March, but are at loggerheads over a controversial prisoner swap that includes hundreds of militant inmates tied to high-profile attacks conducted over the past 19 years. "Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi underscored Prime Minister Imran Khan's consistent stance that there was no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and that a political settlement was the only way forward," the Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement. Also read: Pakistan invites sanctioned Taliban members to Islamabad for talks The Islamabad meeting between Qureshi and the Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the group's co-founder who spent eight years in Pakistani custody, came shortly after a suicide bombing near an army base in the northern Afghan province of Balkh. The Taliban-claimed assault comes amid continued violence in Afghanistan, with insurgents conducting daily attacks across the country and in Kabul. It killed two civilians and one commando and wounded more than 40 other people, military spokesman for the region Hanif Rezayee said. Many houses were damaged or destroyed and soldiers were helping get victims to safety, he added. Also read: Taliban set for intra-Afghan talks Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attack was revenge for a video circulating online that appeared to show Afghan troops desecrating the bodies of Taliban fighters in the south. Pakistan's foreign ministry released images of Qureshi greeting the Taliban without making physical contact. A similar visit last year drew scorn from Afghan officials when Qureshi and the Taliban were shown smiling and embracing. Tuesday's greeting was without hugs, apparently to maintain social distancing between the two parties, most of whom were wearing masks. Tensions remain high between Islamabad and Kabul, with the administration of President Ashraf Ghani frequently lashing out at Pakistan for allegedly sheltering, funding and supplying the Taliban. Pakistan, which was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime in the 1990s, denies the claims. Islamabad has said that its influence over the Taliban has encouraged the militants to join talks with the US that culminated in February with a deal that would see foreign military forces quit Afghanistan. Qureshi "emphasised the implementation of the US-Taliban Peace Agreement, in its entirety, paving the way for the earliest possible commencement of Intra-Afghan Negotiations," the foreign ministry stated. Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Pakistan should do more to bring peace. "Pakistan has so far failed to deliver on its commitments when it comes to peace and stability in Afghanistan," Sediqqi told AFP. "We expect the Pakistani government to take practical steps and cooperate with the Afghan government and the international community to help bring stability in the region." The warring Taliban and Afghan government had signalled they were prepared to launch negotiations immediately after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which ended earlier this month, but the process became bogged down over the prisoner swap. Both sides have fought for nearly two decades in a conflict that has left tens of thousands of people dead. The Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, when it was ousted by a US-led invasion. Ghani condemned Tuesday's attack on the military base and urged the Taliban to begin talks.

Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future.

First lady Melania Trump and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will highlight the program in speeches that have drawn complaints from Democrats for using the White House and a diplomatic trip for partisan purposes.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/takeaways-from-the-first-night-of-the-republican-national-convention-322889">Takeaways from the first night of the Republican National Convention</a>

Hours before&nbsp;Republicans reconvened, the president issued a pardon to a convicted Nevada bank robber, Jon Ponder, who has become an advocate for other inmates and will speak to the convention on Tuesday.

"Jon's life is a beautiful testament to the power of redemption," Trump said in a video.

Also speaking will be Richard Beasley, the FBI agent, now retired, who arrested Ponder in 2004. They are among an array of Americans to testify that Trump's policies have helped them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-warns-american-businesses-to-stop-dealing-with-chinese-companies-322844" hreflang="en">FBI warns American businesses to stop dealing with Chinese companies</a>

"I strongly support President Trump’s re-election. When he sees something isn't right, he’s fearless in fixing it. He listens to working people," Maine lobsterman Jason Joyce was expected to say, according to advance excerpts.

Other Americans speaking in defense of Trump's policies on Tuesday had been expected to include Mary Ann Mendoza, whose police officer son died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who was in the country illegally. She was pulled from the program after retweeting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. She later apologised.

Also scheduled to make&nbsp;the case for Trump against his Democratic rival Joe Biden include Trump's son, Eric, and daughter, Tiffany, as well as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and US&nbsp;Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.

On Monday, the opening day,&nbsp;Republicans painted a dire portrait of a future America under Biden's leadership, with Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle asserting that Democrats want to "destroy this country."

The tone drew complaints from Democrats who said Trump was to blame for mismanaging the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 177,000 Americans - more than any other country in the world - and thrown millions out of work.

"Last night was grim and spiteful and fear-inducing," Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer told reporters in a call.

Adding to the dark picture, parts of Kenosha, Wisconsin, were smoldering after another night of unrest sparked by the shooting of a Black man by police. The man, who remains in intensive care, was shot in the back.

Biden leads in the polls

With 70 days remaining until the November&nbsp;3 election, Biden, 77, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, leads Trump, 74, in opinion polls. Democrats nominated Biden to challenge Trump at their party's convention last week.

A total of 17 million people watched the&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;convention's first night on Monday, according to Nielsen, fewer than the 19.7 million TV viewers who watched the first night of the Democratic National Convention last week.

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future.

Republicans pressed their case on Tuesday for US President Donald Trump's re-election over Democrat Joe Biden, arguing as their convention opened for a second day that Trump's leadership was vital to the country's economic and political future. First lady Melania Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will highlight the program in speeches that have drawn complaints from Democrats for using the White House and a diplomatic trip for partisan purposes. Also see: Takeaways from the first night of the Republican National Convention Hours before Republicans reconvened, the president issued a pardon to a convicted Nevada bank robber, Jon Ponder, who has become an advocate for other inmates and will speak to the convention on Tuesday. "Jon's life is a beautiful testament to the power of redemption," Trump said in a video. Also speaking will be Richard Beasley, the FBI agent, now retired, who arrested Ponder in 2004. They are among an array of Americans to testify that Trump's policies have helped them. Also read: FBI warns American businesses to stop dealing with Chinese companies "I strongly support President Trump’s re-election. When he sees something isn't right, he’s fearless in fixing it. He listens to working people," Maine lobsterman Jason Joyce was expected to say, according to advance excerpts. Other Americans speaking in defense of Trump's policies on Tuesday had been expected to include Mary Ann Mendoza, whose police officer son died in a head-on collision with a drunk driver who was in the country illegally. She was pulled from the program after retweeting an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. She later apologised. Also scheduled to make the case for Trump against his Democratic rival Joe Biden include Trump's son, Eric, and daughter, Tiffany, as well as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. On Monday, the opening day, Republicans painted a dire portrait of a future America under Biden's leadership, with Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle asserting that Democrats want to "destroy this country." The tone drew complaints from Democrats who said Trump was to blame for mismanaging the coronavirus outbreak that has killed more than 177,000 Americans - more than any other country in the world - and thrown millions out of work. "Last night was grim and spiteful and fear-inducing," Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer told reporters in a call. Adding to the dark picture, parts of Kenosha, Wisconsin, were smoldering after another night of unrest sparked by the shooting of a Black man by police. The man, who remains in intensive care, was shot in the back. Biden leads in the polls With 70 days remaining until the November 3 election, Biden, 77, who served as vice president under Barack Obama, leads Trump, 74, in opinion polls. Democrats nominated Biden to challenge Trump at their party's convention last week. A total of 17 million people watched the Republican convention's first night on Monday, according to Nielsen, fewer than the 19.7 million TV viewers who watched the first night of the Democratic National Convention last week.

Republicans press their case for Trump as party begins Day 2 of convention

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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