US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-misstates-location-of-ohio-shooting-rampage-241057">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against&nbsp;Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-sanders-emerge-as-top-two-candidates-for-the-2020-us-presidential-electionspolls-241096">2020 election</a>.

Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed&nbsp;Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited.

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... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a&nbsp;Google&nbsp;spokesperson said in an email statement.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation.

Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media.

Trump on Tuesday accused&nbsp;Google&nbsp;of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced.

"Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company.

Trump and&nbsp;Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of&nbsp;Google's work with China was "very, very limited."

Days later, Trump warned&nbsp;Google&nbsp;with a post on Twitter.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stepped up his accusations against Google, claiming without offering evidence that the technology company worked to subvert his 2016 presidential campaign and warning he was watching it "very closely" ahead of the 2020 election. Trump, in a series of early posts on Twitter, also slammed Google's Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, and again raised questions about the search engine's work with China, despite his administration's earlier comments that any such work was limited. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × "We go to great lengths to build our products and enforce our policies in ways that don't take political leanings into account," a Google spokesperson said in an email statement. Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020, has repeatedly slammed Google and a host of other technology companies, echoing conservative critics' claims of unfair treatment and raising the spectre of regulation. Lawmakers have also raised the possibility of regulating the industry, in part over security and misinformation concerns following the 2016 election, and findings of Russian interference in that vote that relied heavily on leveraging technology and social media. Trump on Tuesday accused Google of "very illegal" acts but offered no evidence, and no formal charges have been announced. "Distorting results for political purposes would harm our business and go against our mission of providing helpful content to all of our users," the spokesperson added. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what steps the administration was taking towards the company. Trump and Google's Pichai had met at the White House last month. Following the meeting, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said they both had been assured that any of Google's work with China was "very, very limited." Days later, Trump warned Google with a post on Twitter.

Ahead of 2020 US presidential election Trump accused Google of 'very illegal' acts

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 7th, 2019

Those in the U.S. that constantly flip flop on trade talks with China need to abandon their outdated zero sum thinking, said a China Media Group (CMG) commentary on Sunday.

U.S.'s zero sum thinking detrimental to all

The Trump administration froze all Venezuelan government assets in US. Watch video to know more.

Donald Trump freezes all Venezulean govt assests in US

President Donald Trump is set to visit El Paso on Wednesday, but some leaders are urging him to stay away from the city that is still grieving after a domestic terror attack at a Walmart store over the weekend left 22 people dead.

Donald Trump to visit El Paso town

Brent crude rose on Tuesday, after earlier falling to its lowest since January, as traders betting on falling prices bought back contracts to lock in profits from recent declines caused by the escalating trade dispute between the US&nbsp;and China.

Brent prices have plunged 7.6% since their close on July 31, the day before US&nbsp;President Donald Trump vowed to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports, causing China to retaliate against agricultural imports from the United States, which responded to a decline in the Chinese yuan on Monday by branding the country a currency manipulator later in the day.

Brent fell more than 3% on Monday as traders are concerned the ongoing trade dispute between the world's two biggest oil buyers will dent demand.

Brent crude futures climbed 47 cents, or 0.8%, to $60.28 a barrel by 0351 GMT after earlier dipping to $59.07, their lowest since January&nbsp;14.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 47 cents, or 0.9%, to $55.16 per barrel.

"The market is back short-covering and there's also some amount of profit-booking today," said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of Indian energy consultancy Trifecta, referring to when traders with short positions, or bets on falling prices, buy back futures to lock in profits.

The United States accused Beijing of manipulating its currency after China let the yuan drop to its lowest point in more than a decade. The falling yuan would support Chinese exports by making them cheaper but would raise the cost of oil imports that are priced in dollars. China is the world's biggest oil importer.

"Oil prices can't shake off falling demand concerns, as China's latest escalation with devaluing the yuan and limiting US&nbsp;agricultural purchases derail hopes for a trade deal to be reached this year," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York.

Concerns that the trade conflict has entered a phase of retaliatory action was weighing down on the sentiments in the oil market, which at the moment is taking lesser notice of the Middle East tensions, analysts said.

"Despite the ongoing threat of supply disruption in the Middle East, it is clear that the US-China trade dispute is of more significant concern at the moment," Stephen Innes, managing partner at VM Markets said in a note.

Iran on Monday said it will no longer tolerate "maritime offences" in the Strait of Hormuz, a day after it seized a second oil tanker near the strategic waterway that it accused of smuggling fuel.

Iran's seizure of the Iraqi oil tanker had raised some concerns about potential Middle East supply disruptions.

Oil prices may find some support later this week with a preliminary Reuters poll showing US&nbsp;crude oil inventories were expected to fall for an eighth consecutive week.

Brent crude rose on Tuesday, after earlier falling to its lowest since January, as traders betting on falling prices bought back contracts to lock in profits from recent declines caused by the escalating trade dispute between the US and China.

Brent crude rose on Tuesday, after earlier falling to its lowest since January, as traders betting on falling prices bought back contracts to lock in profits from recent declines caused by the escalating trade dispute between the US and China. Brent prices have plunged 7.6% since their close on July 31, the day before US President Donald Trump vowed to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports, causing China to retaliate against agricultural imports from the United States, which responded to a decline in the Chinese yuan on Monday by branding the country a currency manipulator later in the day. Brent fell more than 3% on Monday as traders are concerned the ongoing trade dispute between the world's two biggest oil buyers will dent demand. Brent crude futures climbed 47 cents, or 0.8%, to $60.28 a barrel by 0351 GMT after earlier dipping to $59.07, their lowest since January 14. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 47 cents, or 0.9%, to $55.16 per barrel. "The market is back short-covering and there's also some amount of profit-booking today," said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of Indian energy consultancy Trifecta, referring to when traders with short positions, or bets on falling prices, buy back futures to lock in profits. The United States accused Beijing of manipulating its currency after China let the yuan drop to its lowest point in more than a decade. The falling yuan would support Chinese exports by making them cheaper but would raise the cost of oil imports that are priced in dollars. China is the world's biggest oil importer. "Oil prices can't shake off falling demand concerns, as China's latest escalation with devaluing the yuan and limiting US agricultural purchases derail hopes for a trade deal to be reached this year," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA in New York. Concerns that the trade conflict has entered a phase of retaliatory action was weighing down on the sentiments in the oil market, which at the moment is taking lesser notice of the Middle East tensions, analysts said. "Despite the ongoing threat of supply disruption in the Middle East, it is clear that the US-China trade dispute is of more significant concern at the moment," Stephen Innes, managing partner at VM Markets said in a note. Iran on Monday said it will no longer tolerate "maritime offences" in the Strait of Hormuz, a day after it seized a second oil tanker near the strategic waterway that it accused of smuggling fuel. Iran's seizure of the Iraqi oil tanker had raised some concerns about potential Middle East supply disruptions. Oil prices may find some support later this week with a preliminary Reuters poll showing US crude oil inventories were expected to fall for an eighth consecutive week.

Oil prices rise, escalating US-China trade war caps gains

US-China trade war in 10 dates

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

"President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday.

"He is coming out here on Wednesday."

Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso- which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome.

But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit.

"This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters.

"I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said. "President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday. "He is coming out here on Wednesday." Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso- which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome. But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit. "This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters. "I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

Donald Trump to visit El Paso tomorrow following mass shooting: Mayor

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said.

"President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday.

"He is coming out here on Wednesday."

Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso -which has a mainly Hispanic population-&nbsp;have said that the president would not be welcome.

But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit.

"This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters.

"I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

US President Donald Trump will visit El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday following a mass shooting in the southern border town that killed 22 people, the local mayor said. "President Trump called me yesterday. He was very gracious in the call... (and) offered to help in any way he could," Dee Margo told a news conference on Monday. "He is coming out here on Wednesday." Trump has been accused by his opponents of helping to stir up resentment against ethnic minority groups with his divisive rhetoric, and some locals in El Paso -which has a mainly Hispanic population- have said that the president would not be welcome. But Margo, who is a member of Trump's Republican party and has been a vocal supporter of the president, defended the prospect of his visit. "This is the office of the mayor of El Paso in an official capacity welcoming the office of the president of United States, which I consider is my formal duty," he told reporters. "I will ask President Trump to support our efforts with any and all federal resources that are available."

Donald Trump To Visit El Paso Tomorrow Following Mass Shooting: Mayor

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll.

None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll.

Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans.

Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November 2020 general election.

According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment.

Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as&nbsp;Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others.

In one exchange&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from.

From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke.

Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July.

Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll.

When asked who would be most likely to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll. None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll. Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans. Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat Trump in the November 2020 general election. According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment. Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating Trump among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others. In one exchange Trump told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from. From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke. Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July. Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll. When asked who would be most likely to beat Trump in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Biden and Sanders emerge as top two candidates for the 2020 US presidential elections:Polls

U.S President Donald Trump to visit El Paso after the mass shooting

US President Donald Trump has been widely criticised for mentioning the wrong Ohio city in his tweet. Dayton, where mass shooting takes place earlier this week where 9 people were reported dead.

Trump mentions wrong Ohio city as shooting site

US President Donald Trump on Monday mistakenly offered condolences to people in Toledo, Ohio, following a mass shooting over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio. Trump, who has been accused of not doing enough to tackle extremist groups, also said he was directing the Department of Justice to investigate domestic terrorism, and propose legislation to ensure that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty.

US President Donald Trump on Monday mistakenly offered condolences to people in Toledo, Ohio, following a mass shooting over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio. Trump, who has been accused of not doing enough to tackle extremist groups, also said he was directing the Department of Justice to investigate domestic terrorism, and propose legislation to ensure that those who commit hate crimes and mass murders face the death penalty. A gunman shot dead nine people in the city of Dayton, Ohio, in the latest US mass shooting killed his victims in less than a minute. Within less than a minute, the 24-year-old shooter was shot dead himself by police officers who rushed to the scene while on patrol nearby.

Trump misstates location of Ohio shooting rampage

President Donald Trump on Monday denounced racism and white supremacy after two incidents of mass shootings in less than 24 hours massacred 29 people.

US President Donald Trump described mass shootings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-investigating-texas-shooting-as-possible-hate-crime-chief-240518">Texas</a> and <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/ohio-mass-shooting-gunman-killed-within-30-seconds-after-firing-started-say-police-240693">Ohio</a> as a "crime against all of humanity" as he addressed the nation on Monday after the attacks that left in 29 people dead.

"These barbaric slaughters are... an attack upon a nation, and a crime against all of humanity," he said.

"We must stop the glorification of violence," Trump said, referencing what he called "gruesome and grisly video games" and blaming mental illness &amp; "troubled youth" for the recent mass shootings. "Mental illness and hatred pulls the trigger, not the gun," he continued

“In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy. These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America,” the president said in a speech from the White House Monday.

He added that the United States was outraged by the "cruelty, the hatred, the malice, the bloodshed, and the terror" that unfolded as 20 people were shot dead while shopping at a crowded Walmart in El Paso on Saturday morning, and nine more outside a bar in a popular nightlife district in Dayton just 13 hours later.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Donald Trump on Monday denounced racism and white supremacy after two incidents of mass shootings in less than 24 hours massacred 29 people. US President Donald Trump described mass shootings in Texas and Ohio as a "crime against all of humanity" as he addressed the nation on Monday after the attacks that left in 29 people dead.

President Donald Trump on Monday denounced racism and white supremacy after two incidents of mass shootings in less than 24 hours massacred 29 people. US President Donald Trump described mass shootings in Texas and Ohio as a "crime against all of humanity" as he addressed the nation on Monday after the attacks that left in 29 people dead. "These barbaric slaughters are... an attack upon a nation, and a crime against all of humanity," he said. "We must stop the glorification of violence," Trump said, referencing what he called "gruesome and grisly video games" and blaming mental illness & "troubled youth" for the recent mass shootings. "Mental illness and hatred pulls the trigger, not the gun," he continued “In one voice, our nation must condemn racism, bigotry and white supremacy. These sinister ideologies must be defeated. Hate has no place in America,” the president said in a speech from the White House Monday. He added that the United States was outraged by the "cruelty, the hatred, the malice, the bloodshed, and the terror" that unfolded as 20 people were shot dead while shopping at a crowded Walmart in El Paso on Saturday morning, and nine more outside a bar in a popular nightlife district in Dayton just 13 hours later. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump strongly denounces white supremacists, domestic terrorists after weekend mass shootings

Donald Trump Is Raking Up Kashmir Because He Wants Pakistan's Support To Ensure U.S.' Safe Exit From Afghanistan

Gravitas: Why Trump keeps bringing up Kashmir?

Experts Weigh In On Trump's Mental Health. To know more watch the video

Gravitas: What drives Trump's worst tendencies?

Trump Provokes India Again As He Reiterates Offer To Mediate In Kashmir

Gravitas: Trump again offers to mediate in Kashmir

The Jammu & Kashmir Issue: A Look In The Rearview Mirror

Gravitas: The Kashmir Story & the many offers of Mediation

Trade war whiplash and other market themes for the week ahead

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold.

US President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10% tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning markets and ending a month-long trade truce. China vowed on Friday to fight back.

In response, China's yuan weakened beyond the key 7-per-dollar threshold in a move that threatens to lead to massive capital outflows.

"We could see a more prolonged period of risk aversion," analysts at Singapore-based TD Securities wrote in a note.

"We think the latest development reiterates our view that trade will remain a lingering headwind for the economy and business investment in particular."

Asian shares sold off broadly with every single market posting steep losses.

Japan's Nikkei tumbled almost 2% to the lowest since early June, while Australian shares slipped about 1% to spend their fourth straight session in the red. South Korea's Kospi tumbled 1.2% to hit the lowest since December 2016.

That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.7% to 495.68, a level not seen since late January and marking the longest stretch of losses since October 2018.

In China, shares opened lower, with the blue-chip index skidding 1% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 2.2%.

E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P500 fell 1% in Asian trading.

Oil prices were also pulled down again on demand worries.

The grim mood followed declines on Wall Street on Friday with MSCI's gauge of world stocks posting its largest weekly loss of the year.

The trade war between the world's two largest economies has already disrupted global supply chains and slowed economic growth.

The abrupt escalation capped a critical week for global markets after the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated interest rate cut and played down expectations of further easing.

However, investors were not buying Fed Chair Jerome Powell's claim that the 25-basis-point rate reduction was a mere "mid-cycle adjustment to policy".

Futures are now pricing in deeper cuts than before last week's Fed meeting. The terminal US rate is now seen at 1.22%, 93 basis points below the current effective rate.

TD is forecasting five more cuts from the Fed, amounting to 125 basis points of easing, over next year.

Expectations of further monetary policy easing sent the dollar skidding. It slipped to a seven-month trough of 105.78 against the Japanese yen while the dollar index against a basket of six major rivals inched lower to 97.91 after two straight days of losses.

The Australian dollar, a liquid proxy for emerging market assets, slipped to a fresh seven-month trough at $0.6748 after losing 1.6% last week.

The yen and the Swiss franc were boosted by safe-haven demand from the escalating trade tensions. Trump is also eyeing tariffs on the European Union but is yet to make any formal announcements.

The euro held firm after two days of gains against the dollar at $1.1119.

Sterling hovered near 2017 lows at $1.2159, pressured by concerns about Britain exiting the European Union without a deal in place. The pound has been whiplashed since late last month when Boris Johnson, a figurehead for the "leave" campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum, became the country's prime minister.

Safe-haven assets have been in vogue with yields on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes at 1.7890%, their lowest since Trump's election in November 2016, from 1.8550% on Friday.

German 10-year government bond yields on Friday dropped to an all-time low of -0.502% and the country's entire government bond yield curve turning negative for the first time ever.

Spot gold firmed to $1,451.61, within striking distance of a recent high of $1,452.60.

Oil extended losses with US crude off 26 cents at 55.40 and Brent down 35 cents at $61.54.

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold.

Asian shares slid to 6-1/2-month lows on Monday and the yuan plunged as a rapid escalation in the Sino-US trade war drove nervous investors to safe-havens such as the yen, bonds and gold. US President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10% tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning markets and ending a month-long trade truce. China vowed on Friday to fight back. In response, China's yuan weakened beyond the key 7-per-dollar threshold in a move that threatens to lead to massive capital outflows. "We could see a more prolonged period of risk aversion," analysts at Singapore-based TD Securities wrote in a note. "We think the latest development reiterates our view that trade will remain a lingering headwind for the economy and business investment in particular." Asian shares sold off broadly with every single market posting steep losses. Japan's Nikkei tumbled almost 2% to the lowest since early June, while Australian shares slipped about 1% to spend their fourth straight session in the red. South Korea's Kospi tumbled 1.2% to hit the lowest since December 2016. That left MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 1.7% to 495.68, a level not seen since late January and marking the longest stretch of losses since October 2018. In China, shares opened lower, with the blue-chip index skidding 1% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 2.2%. E-Mini futures for the S&P500 fell 1% in Asian trading. Oil prices were also pulled down again on demand worries. The grim mood followed declines on Wall Street on Friday with MSCI's gauge of world stocks posting its largest weekly loss of the year. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has already disrupted global supply chains and slowed economic growth. The abrupt escalation capped a critical week for global markets after the US Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated interest rate cut and played down expectations of further easing. However, investors were not buying Fed Chair Jerome Powell's claim that the 25-basis-point rate reduction was a mere "mid-cycle adjustment to policy". Futures are now pricing in deeper cuts than before last week's Fed meeting. The terminal US rate is now seen at 1.22%, 93 basis points below the current effective rate. TD is forecasting five more cuts from the Fed, amounting to 125 basis points of easing, over next year. Expectations of further monetary policy easing sent the dollar skidding. It slipped to a seven-month trough of 105.78 against the Japanese yen while the dollar index against a basket of six major rivals inched lower to 97.91 after two straight days of losses. The Australian dollar, a liquid proxy for emerging market assets, slipped to a fresh seven-month trough at $0.6748 after losing 1.6% last week. The yen and the Swiss franc were boosted by safe-haven demand from the escalating trade tensions. Trump is also eyeing tariffs on the European Union but is yet to make any formal announcements. The euro held firm after two days of gains against the dollar at $1.1119. Sterling hovered near 2017 lows at $1.2159, pressured by concerns about Britain exiting the European Union without a deal in place. The pound has been whiplashed since late last month when Boris Johnson, a figurehead for the "leave" campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum, became the country's prime minister. Safe-haven assets have been in vogue with yields on benchmark 10-year Treasury notes at 1.7890%, their lowest since Trump's election in November 2016, from 1.8550% on Friday. German 10-year government bond yields on Friday dropped to an all-time low of -0.502% and the country's entire government bond yield curve turning negative for the first time ever. Spot gold firmed to $1,451.61, within striking distance of a recent high of $1,452.60. Oil extended losses with US crude off 26 cents at 55.40 and Brent down 35 cents at $61.54.

Asian stocks skid to 6-1/2-month lows as US-China trade row shakes markets

The suspected shooter in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-paso-shooting-walmart-massacre-to-be-probed-as-domestic-terror-case-240685">El&nbsp;Paso&nbsp;massacre that left 20 people dead</a> has been charged with murder offences that can carry the death penalty, police said Sunday.

"The suspect has been charged for capital murder," police spokesman Sergeant Robert Gomez told a news conference.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Saturday's rampage appeared to be a hate crime, and police cited a manifesto they attributed to the suspect as evidence that the bloodshed was racially motivated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walmart-to-keep-selling-guns-despite-recent-shootings-at-its-stores-in-el-paso-240710">Also read:&nbsp;Walmart to keep selling guns despite recent shootings at its stores in El Paso</a>

On Twitter, US President Donald Trump branded the shooting "an act of cowardice," adding, "I know that I stand with everyone in this country to condemn today's hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people."

Police said the suspect Patrick Crusius, 21, of Allen, Texas opened fire with a rifle on shoppers, many of them bargain-hunting for back-to-school supplies, then surrendered to officers who confronted him outside the store.

El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen said the suspect was cooperating with investigators.

Watch:&nbsp;United States bloody history of mass shootings

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"He basically didn't hold anything back," Allen said at Sunday's news conference but declined to elaborate.

The suspected shooter in the El Paso massacre that left 20 people dead has been charged with murder offences that can carry the death penalty, police said Sunday.

The suspected shooter in the El Paso massacre that left 20 people dead has been charged with murder offences that can carry the death penalty, police said Sunday. "The suspect has been charged for capital murder," police spokesman Sergeant Robert Gomez told a news conference. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Saturday's rampage appeared to be a hate crime, and police cited a manifesto they attributed to the suspect as evidence that the bloodshed was racially motivated. Also read: Walmart to keep selling guns despite recent shootings at its stores in El Paso On Twitter, US President Donald Trump branded the shooting "an act of cowardice," adding, "I know that I stand with everyone in this country to condemn today's hateful act. There are no reasons or excuses that will ever justify killing innocent people." Police said the suspect Patrick Crusius, 21, of Allen, Texas opened fire with a rifle on shoppers, many of them bargain-hunting for back-to-school supplies, then surrendered to officers who confronted him outside the store. El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen said the suspect was cooperating with investigators. Watch: United States bloody history of mass shootings "He basically didn't hold anything back," Allen said at Sunday's news conference but declined to elaborate.

El Paso shooting suspect charged with 'capital murder': Police

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 5th, 2019

Javad Zarif, Iran's top diplomat on a mission. Know about Iran's FM Javad Zarif.

Who is Iran's FM Javad Zarif?

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. The drills come after Pyongyang tested a series of short-range projectiles in recent days, calling one of them a "solemn warning" to Seoul against pursuing the mainly computer-simulated drills with Washington. South Korean defence minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told parliament that the joint exercise began Monday, adding that Seoul was "clearly maintaining its readiness posture against any military action by North Korea". Details about the training have not been disclosed, but a ministry official in Seoul said this year's exercise will include verifying South Korea's abilities to take operational control in wartime. Under the US-South Korea security treaty, an American general will take command of their combined forces in the event of armed conflict, but Seoul has long sought to reverse the position. Analysts say the military activities by both sides could delay talks on the North's weapons programmes - which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of UN Security Council sanctions - until later this year. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tensions, US President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting in Singapore last year, when Kim signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. The nuclear-armed North - which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War - has always been infuriated by military exercises between the US and the South, decrying them as rehearsals for invasion. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's description of them as "provocative" at an extraordinary, freewheeling press conference. War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) and scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended. And the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, which took place every spring and involved tens of thousands of troops, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. Changing stance The August drills were scaled down earlier this year, Yonhap news agency reported, and have not been named, with an official from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) telling AFP that they "cannot comment any further" on their designation. South Korean media have dubbed the command post exercise "19-2 Dong Maeng", indicating the second Dong Maeng exercise of 2019. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington push ahead with the manoeuvres. And on Friday, North Korea carried out its third weapons test in the space of eight days, firing what it called a new "large calibre multiple launch guided rocket system". Seoul's presidential office said it was highly likely to be "a new type of short-range ballistic missile". Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP: "Drills might not have taken place today if there had been some concrete progress with the nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington, considering UFG was suspended last year." The North's recent launches also affected the allies' decision, he added. "This also signals Seoul's changing stance on Pyongyang." Trump has brushed off the North's tests, saying Kim will not want to "disappoint" him because he has "far too much to lose". "He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!" he said. There are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea to protect it against its neighbour, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek - Washington's biggest overseas military facility.

US, South Korea defy North's warnings, start joint drills

The United States is acting alone against Tehran and its allies are too "ashamed" to join its forces in the Gulf, Iran's top diplomat said Monday, dismissing its calls for talks as a sham.

The United States is acting alone against Tehran and its allies are too "ashamed" to join its forces in the Gulf, Iran's top diplomat said Monday, dismissing its calls for talks as a sham. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also confirmed he turned down an offer to meet President Donald Trump last month despite the threat of US sanctions against him. "Today the United States in alone in the world and cannot create a coalition. Countries that are its friends are too ashamed of being in a coalition with them," Zarif told a news conference in Tehran. "They brought this situation upon themselves, with lawbreaking, by creating tensions and crises." Tehran and Washington have been locked in a battle of nerves since May 2018 when Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 deal placing limits on Iran's nuclear programme and began reimposing sanctions. Tensions have soared since the Trump administration began stepping up a US campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, with drones downed and tankers mysteriously attacked in Gulf waters. At the height of the crisis, Trump called off airstrikes against Iran at the last minute in June after the Islamic republic's forces shot down a US drone. Iran said on Sunday its forces seized a "foreign" tanker carrying smuggled fuel in what would be the third such seizure in less than a month in Gulf waters - a conduit for much of the world's crude oil. On July 18, the Guards said they had detained the Panama-flagged MT Riah for alleged fuel smuggling. A day later, they announced they had impounded the British-flagged Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking "international maritime rules". In response to such incidents, the United States has been seeking to form a coalition whose mission - dubbed Operation Sentinel - it says is to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Gulf. However, it has been struggling to build such a coalition, with European countries reticent and believed to be concerned about being dragged into a possible conflict. Arsonist cannot be fireman "An arsonist cannot be a fireman," said Zarif, adding that since the Americans had come to the Gulf there was nothing but "violence, war and slaughter". Asked about reports he had been invited to meet Trump in the White House, Zarif said he had turned it down despite the threat of sanctions against him. "I was told in New York I would be sanctioned in two weeks unless I accepted that offer, which fortunately I did not," Iran's top diplomat said. The New Yorker magazine reported on Friday that Senator Rand Paul met Zarif in the US on July 15 and had Trump's blessing when he extended an invitation to the Iranian minister to go to the White House. The United States imposed sanctions against Zarif on Wednesday, targeting any assets he has in America and squeezing his ability to function as a globe-trotting diplomat. The designation of Zarif under the same sanctions already applied to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the latest in a series of US moves against Iran. Zarif dismissed as disingenuous US "claims" that it wants to engage in dialogue with Iran. "They were the ones who left the table, sanctioned the foreign minister of Iran, sanctioned the highest authority of the Islamic republic. Who do they want to negotiate with?" he said. "The US only wants to impose its will on the Islamic republic. "They should not expect us to negotiate as long as they engage in economic terrorism." But Zarif did not rule out talks in the future. "In my view negotiations and diplomacy will never end. Negotiation has always been and will always be on my agenda. Even in times of war negotiations will exist." Zarif said he did not believe Trump would go to war with Iran unless hawks around him like his national security adviser John Bolton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had their way. "I believe Mr Trump does not seek war. But Mr Bolton and Netanyahu have always sought war," he said. "They're willing to fight their wars till the last American soldier."

Iran says US acting alone as allies 'ashamed'

Mike Pompeo became the first US Secretary of State to visit Micronesia Monday, as Washington's signalled a renewed interest in its Pacific allies, no matter how small, in the face of regional competition with China.

Mike Pompeo became the first US Secretary of State to visit Micronesia Monday, as Washington's signalled a renewed interest in its Pacific allies, no matter how small, in the face of regional competition with China. Pompeo touched down on the paradise island of Pohnpei and spent a few hours meeting leaders from Micronesia's Federated States, as well as neighbouring micro-states like Palau and the Marshall Islands. "Your small islands are big strongholds of freedom," he said while encouraging American tourists to visit. The diplomatic courtship follows a visit by Pacific Island leaders to the White House earlier this year, part of America's drive for a "free and open" region to counter China's increasingly muscular and expansionist policies. "We want to help nations of the Indo-Pacific to continue their decades-long rise and maintain their sovereignty both in the political and economic spheres," he said. "We know China seeks to engage and to influence this region," Pompeo added, expressing confidence that Pacific islands would understand "other Pacific democracies, are the best partnerships." The President of the Federated States of Micronesia David Panuelo tried to play down concerns, saying "our relation with the US is first and foremost" while adding that the relationship with China was purely "economic and technical cooperation." Elizabeth Economy of the Council on Foreign Relations told AFP that over the past year, the US had "worked aggressively" to shore up its position in the Pacific Islands region, considering it "of significant strategic interest". Hugging the equator, the Federated States of Micronesia are scattered along nearly 3,000 kilometres (1,900 miles) of the Pacific, a significant area given Sino-American disputes over freedom of navigation. Duelling charm offensives Washington is no stranger to the Federation - which brings together four island states and more than 600 islands and atolls - thanks to a compact that guarantees US development aid and military protection. Formerly part of the Caroline Islands, which were American trust territories, the federation and other nations signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States on gaining independence more than three decades ago. Pompeo announced that "the US has begun negotiations on extending our respective compacts of free association with each country". China has launched a regional charm offensive that has alarmed the Trump administration, offering infrastructure loans and seemingly trying to have the Marshall Islands and Palau break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. "The United States can no longer afford to take the Pacific Islands for granted," said Economy. At times, the United States has looked to these island states at the United Nations - where their voice is equal to any other state - in looking for support for issues such as recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. But the major point of difference remains climate change, an existential challenge for low-lying nations but a trend that the Trump administration has variously dismissed as a hoax or unimportant. "We did talk about climate change, we talked about the concerns about rising sea level here," Pompeo said, attempting to square the circle following talks.

US Secretary Mike Pompeo makes history in Pohnpei, courts Pacific allies

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 4th, 2019

Tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have the potential to blow up into a regional crisis and it is the right time for US President Donald Trump to mediate, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday.

"President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as the situation deteriorates there and along the LOC (line of control) with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces," Khan said on Twitter.

The latest statement came days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-tells-pakistan-to-receive-the-bodies-of-slain-army-regulars-terrorists-240534">Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt</a> by Pakistani Border Action Team&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran Sector while eliminating five-seven Pakistani Army regulars and terrorists.

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President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as situation deteriorates there and along the LOC with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces. This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1157963122981920768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis," Khan said.

India accuses Pakistan of funding armed terrorists, as well as separatist groups in Kashmir. Islamabad denies any wrongdoing, saying it provides only diplomatic and moral support to a separatist movement.

In July, Trump told reporters that&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him during a meeting in Japan if he would like to be a mediator on Kashmir. India denied that Modi ever asked for any mediation.

Tensions have been high in the Kashmir region since Friday when the&nbsp;government issued an alert over possible terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based groups.

Pakistan has rejected those assertions, but thousands of Indian tourists, pilgrims and workers have left the region in panic.

India on Saturday said it had killed at least five Pakistan-based militants who tried to attack its forces, an allegation Pakistan denied.

Tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have the potential to blow up into a regional crisis and it is the right time for US President Donald Trump to mediate, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday.

Tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir have the potential to blow up into a regional crisis and it is the right time for US President Donald Trump to mediate, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday. "President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as the situation deteriorates there and along the LOC (line of control) with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces," Khan said on Twitter. The latest statement came days after the Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt by Pakistani Border Action Team in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran Sector while eliminating five-seven Pakistani Army regulars and terrorists. President Trump offered to mediate on Kashmir. This is the time to do so as situation deteriorates there and along the LOC with new aggressive actions being taken by Indian occupation forces. This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 4, 2019 × "This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis," Khan said. India accuses Pakistan of funding armed terrorists, as well as separatist groups in Kashmir. Islamabad denies any wrongdoing, saying it provides only diplomatic and moral support to a separatist movement. In July, Trump told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him during a meeting in Japan if he would like to be a mediator on Kashmir. India denied that Modi ever asked for any mediation. Tensions have been high in the Kashmir region since Friday when the government issued an alert over possible terrorist attacks by Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan has rejected those assertions, but thousands of Indian tourists, pilgrims and workers have left the region in panic. India on Saturday said it had killed at least five Pakistan-based militants who tried to attack its forces, an allegation Pakistan denied.

Right time for Donald Trump mediation on Kashmir as situation deteriorates: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Iran will take ''third step'' to reduce its commitments to a landmark <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-warns-iran-against-further-breaches-of-nuclear-deal-232313">2015 nuclear deal</a> within the framework of the pact, Iranian parliamentary news agency ICANA stated on Saturday quoting the country's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. &nbsp;

"The third step in reducing commitments to (the nuclear deal) will be implemented in the current situation," Zarif said.

"We have said that if (the deal) is not completely implemented by others then we will also implement it in the same incomplete manner. And, of course, all of our actions have been within the framework of (the deal)," he added.

Since the US pulled out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-missile-tests-defensive-needs-no-ones-permission-238915">landmark 2015 deal</a> also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran has exceeded the limit of low enriched uranium under the terms of the agreement. &nbsp;

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported in June that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg (661 lb) limit allowed under the deal.

The UN&nbsp;nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit.&nbsp;

Iran will take ''third step'' to reduce its commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal within the framework of the pact, Iranian parliamentary news agency ICANA stated on Saturday quoting the country's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Iran will take ''third step'' to reduce its commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal within the framework of the pact, Iranian parliamentary news agency ICANA stated on Saturday quoting the country's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. "The third step in reducing commitments to (the nuclear deal) will be implemented in the current situation," Zarif said. "We have said that if (the deal) is not completely implemented by others then we will also implement it in the same incomplete manner. And, of course, all of our actions have been within the framework of (the deal)," he added. Since the US pulled out of the landmark 2015 deal also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran has exceeded the limit of low enriched uranium under the terms of the agreement. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported in June that the country's enriched uranium stockpile has now passed the 300-kg (661 lb) limit allowed under the deal. The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors Iran's nuclear programme under the deal, confirmed in Vienna that Tehran had breached the limit.

Will take 'third step' to reduce commitments to 2015 nuclear deal: Iran foreign minister

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-opens-new-migrant-shelter-as-us-continues-to-send-back-asylum-seekers-240177">migrants from claiming asylum</a> unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-migrant-numbers-at-us-border-down-40-since-may-239609">Mexico</a> and request asylum.

Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported.

Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said.

The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing.

Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border

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Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges.

Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico.

That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico.

Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country.

The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier.

Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported. The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from Mexico and request asylum. Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported. Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said. The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing. Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border × Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges. Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico. That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico. Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country. The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier. Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Judge blocks Trump asylum restriction: Reports

US President Donald Trump has told an Ohio rally "we will be ending the AIDS epidemic shortly in America, and curing childhood cancer very shortly." Watch this video to know more.

Another of Trump's wild promises

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Ahead of 2020 US presidential election Trump accused Google of 'very illegal' acts

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 7th, 2019

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Gravitas: The Kashmir Story & the many offers of Mediation

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 5th, 2019

Who is Iran's FM Javad Zarif?

US, South Korea defy North's warnings, start joint drills

Iran says US acting alone as allies 'ashamed'

US Secretary Mike Pompeo makes history in Pohnpei, courts Pacific allies