In a move towards environmental protection, the UK is now extending its ban on single-use plastic. It is now illegal to use plastic cutlery, cups and boxes for takeaway foods. The ban is expected to cut down on littering and further reduce the amount of plastics present in the environment.

UK extends ban on single-use plastic

A major development regarding the Black Sea grain deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the deal the announcement was made by Tukiye. The deal was initially supposed to expire on July 17th. The Black Sea grain deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkiye in July 2022 to help alleviate the global food crises during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Erdogan: Putin agrees to extend the Black Sea grain deal

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility.

The high level delegation, led by the then Finance Minister and current advisor to the Prime Minister on finance Shaukat Tarin, Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior officials, had detailed deliberations with the IMF.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a>

However, the economic reform proposal and plan, which the delegation tabled in front of the IMF, did not convince them to resume the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

It was later revealed that the IMF would be issuing a statement, explaining how the fund's economic reform programme, which includes the $6 billion loan, can be revived.

Pakistan government officials maintain that the talks with the IMF are still on tract, expressing hopes that it would be making the announcement of resumption of the programme.

Pakistan was facilitated with the $6 billion bailout package in May 2019, when the country reached an agreement with the IMF after difficult negotiations.

The 39-month bailout programme puts strict bindings on Pakistan to ensure increased tax collection and economic reforms, review of which by the IMF is part of the mutual understanding.

The agreement demands reduction in domestic and external imbalance, removing hurdles in growth, increasing transparency and strengthening social spending.

The bailout agreement was put on hold in January 2020, when the Imran Khan led government refrained from increasing taxes on electricity and also add on more taxes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-unending-economic-crisis-imran-govt-needs-516-billion-external-financing-over-two-year-period-422270">Pakistan's unending economic crisis: Imran govt needs $51.6 billion external financing over two year period</a>

As per sources, the IMF expects Pakistan to increase per unit per of electricity by at least 4.95 PKR and impose taxes worth 150 billion PKR.

On the other hand, Pakistan government maintains that increasing tarrifs and taxes would only increase inflation in the country, which is already damaging the government`s reputation as livelihood of locals is moving from bad to worse.

However, the IMF has reminded Pakistan of the terms and conditions, it had agreed in the original agreement of 2019, which was supported by its ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda for three years.

Inflation in Pakistan is taking a serious toll on the lives of the locals as the income of a household has fallen by at least 35 per cent while the cost of living under basic facilities of food and shelter has surged by 40 to 50 per cent.

The recent increase in fuel prices, followed by increase in per unit price of electricity and gas, has now started to damage the public support Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoyed.

Experts say that this damage may show its effects against the sitting government during the next general elections.

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility.

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility. The high level delegation, led by the then Finance Minister and current advisor to the Prime Minister on finance Shaukat Tarin, Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior officials, had detailed deliberations with the IMF. Also Read | FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' However, the economic reform proposal and plan, which the delegation tabled in front of the IMF, did not convince them to resume the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). It was later revealed that the IMF would be issuing a statement, explaining how the fund's economic reform programme, which includes the $6 billion loan, can be revived. Pakistan government officials maintain that the talks with the IMF are still on tract, expressing hopes that it would be making the announcement of resumption of the programme. Pakistan was facilitated with the $6 billion bailout package in May 2019, when the country reached an agreement with the IMF after difficult negotiations. The 39-month bailout programme puts strict bindings on Pakistan to ensure increased tax collection and economic reforms, review of which by the IMF is part of the mutual understanding. The agreement demands reduction in domestic and external imbalance, removing hurdles in growth, increasing transparency and strengthening social spending. The bailout agreement was put on hold in January 2020, when the Imran Khan led government refrained from increasing taxes on electricity and also add on more taxes. Also Read | Pakistan's unending economic crisis: Imran govt needs $51.6 billion external financing over two year period As per sources, the IMF expects Pakistan to increase per unit per of electricity by at least 4.95 PKR and impose taxes worth 150 billion PKR. On the other hand, Pakistan government maintains that increasing tarrifs and taxes would only increase inflation in the country, which is already damaging the government`s reputation as livelihood of locals is moving from bad to worse. However, the IMF has reminded Pakistan of the terms and conditions, it had agreed in the original agreement of 2019, which was supported by its ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda for three years. Inflation in Pakistan is taking a serious toll on the lives of the locals as the income of a household has fallen by at least 35 per cent while the cost of living under basic facilities of food and shelter has surged by 40 to 50 per cent. The recent increase in fuel prices, followed by increase in per unit price of electricity and gas, has now started to damage the public support Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoyed. Experts say that this damage may show its effects against the sitting government during the next general elections.

Pakistan fails to convince WB, IMF to resume $6 billion extended loan facility

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's Cabinet Division announced the decision in a circular on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

To combat the spread of the disease, Bangladesh declared an eight-day lockdown effective from April 14 to 21, which was later extended in phases to May 16.&nbsp;

According to the latest circular, offices and organisations related to revenue collection have been kept out of the purview of the restrictions.&nbsp;

Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to provide takeaway or online services during the period, it said.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, Bangladesh extended the closure of all secondary and higher secondary educational institutions following the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths since March.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the country’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported 363 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths, which increased the overall infection tally and fatalities to 780,159 and 12,149.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic.

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic. Bangladesh's Cabinet Division announced the decision in a circular on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency. To combat the spread of the disease, Bangladesh declared an eight-day lockdown effective from April 14 to 21, which was later extended in phases to May 16. According to the latest circular, offices and organisations related to revenue collection have been kept out of the purview of the restrictions. Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to provide takeaway or online services during the period, it said. On Saturday night, Bangladesh extended the closure of all secondary and higher secondary educational institutions following the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths since March. On Sunday, the country’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported 363 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths, which increased the overall infection tally and fatalities to 780,159 and 12,149. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Bangladesh extends lockdown till May 23 

The North African country of Egypt&nbsp;has been under a state of emergency since April 2017 bombings of two Coptic churches by an Islamic State group affiliate that killed more than 40 people.

The extension comes nine years after the January 2011 uprising that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak, who had also ruled for decades under a state of emergency.

"The president of Egypt ordered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/freedom-under-attack-in-egypt-256185">extension of the state of emergency</a> nationwide for three months starting Monday, January 27," said the official gazette on Sunday.&nbsp;

Under a state of emergency, police powers such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-ex-military-chief-of-staff-released-after-near-two-year-detention-269622">arresting and holding citizens</a> are extended and&nbsp;constitutional rights&nbsp;such as freedom of speech and assembly are curtailed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-seeks-to-parry-rights-criticism-after-mass-arrests-261743">Egypt seeks to parry human rights criticism after mass arrests</a>

Egypt has for years been battling an Islamist insurgency, which surged following the 2013 military ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi.

The attacks have been largely concentrated in the restive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-ethiopia-sudan-views-come-closer-on-giant-nile-dam-sudanese-minister-269627">northern Sinai Peninsula</a> but occasionally struck elsewhere in the country.

In February 2018, Egypt launched a large-scale nationwide anti-militant operation.

Rights groups say the state of emergency coupled with the government's effective protest ban since 2013 has helped it in crushing dissent.&nbsp;

In September, rare minor protests broke out in Egypt triggered by online calls for Sisi's removal.&nbsp;

Some 4,000 people were arrested in the following weeks, according to local rights groups.

Activists have called it one of the worst waves of a crackdown against any dissent that was launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The North African country of Egypt has been under a state of emergency since April 2017 bombings of two Coptic churches by an Islamic State group affiliate that killed more than 40 people.

The North African country of Egypt has been under a state of emergency since April 2017 bombings of two Coptic churches by an Islamic State group affiliate that killed more than 40 people. The extension comes nine years after the January 2011 uprising that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak, who had also ruled for decades under a state of emergency. "The president of Egypt ordered the extension of the state of emergency nationwide for three months starting Monday, January 27," said the official gazette on Sunday. Under a state of emergency, police powers such as arresting and holding citizens are extended and constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and assembly are curtailed. Also Read: Egypt seeks to parry human rights criticism after mass arrests Egypt has for years been battling an Islamist insurgency, which surged following the 2013 military ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi. The attacks have been largely concentrated in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula but occasionally struck elsewhere in the country. In February 2018, Egypt launched a large-scale nationwide anti-militant operation. Rights groups say the state of emergency coupled with the government's effective protest ban since 2013 has helped it in crushing dissent. In September, rare minor protests broke out in Egypt triggered by online calls for Sisi's removal. Some 4,000 people were arrested in the following weeks, according to local rights groups. Activists have called it one of the worst waves of a crackdown against any dissent that was launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014.

Egypt extends state of emergency to three years

Voting in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghans-brave-militant-threat-to-vote-in-delayed-election-172438">Afghanistan's parliamentary election</a> will be extended to Sunday in some constituencies after technical and organizational problems stopped voters casting their ballot in some polling centres on Saturday, government officials said.

Abdul Badi Sayad, chairman of Independent Election Commission said the voting process will continue till Sunday in those places where election officers or election material arrived late.

Confusion over biometric voter registration equipment, polling stations not opening on time, missing election materials and delays forcing lengthy waits angered voters on Saturday.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dozens-of-casualties-as-multiple-blasts-rock-kabul-polling-centres-172457">multiple explosions</a> rocked polling centres across Kabul on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties, &nbsp;amid growing anger among voters as they waited hours to cast their ballots in long-delayed legislative elections.

At least 30 people have been taken to a trauma hospital run by the Italian NGO Emergency, including a dead child, the organisation said on Twitter, hours after the Taliban warned voters to boycott the ballot "to protect their lives".

Afghan officials confirmed there have been casualties but would not provide a number.&nbsp;

Voting in Afghanistan's parliamentary election will be extended to Sunday in some constituencies after technical and organizational problems stopped voters casting their ballot in some polling centres on Saturday, government officials said.

Voting in Afghanistan's parliamentary election will be extended to Sunday in some constituencies after technical and organizational problems stopped voters casting their ballot in some polling centres on Saturday, government officials said. Abdul Badi Sayad, chairman of Independent Election Commission said the voting process will continue till Sunday in those places where election officers or election material arrived late. Confusion over biometric voter registration equipment, polling stations not opening on time, missing election materials and delays forcing lengthy waits angered voters on Saturday. Meanwhile, multiple explosions rocked polling centres across Kabul on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties, amid growing anger among voters as they waited hours to cast their ballots in long-delayed legislative elections. At least 30 people have been taken to a trauma hospital run by the Italian NGO Emergency, including a dead child, the organisation said on Twitter, hours after the Taliban warned voters to boycott the ballot "to protect their lives". Afghan officials confirmed there have been casualties but would not provide a number.

Afghanistan extends election to Sunday due to chaos at polling stations

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad&#39;s stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. 
 
&quot;Turkey fully supports Pakistan&#39;s position on Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister&#39;s advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. 
 
Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. 
 
&quot;I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue,&quot; he said. 
 
Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there.&nbsp;Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 
 
Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt.&nbsp;He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. 
 
He said Gulen&#39;s organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. 
 
&quot;This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn&#39;t know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts,&quot; he said. 
 
He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism.&nbsp;On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan&#39;s unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. 
 
Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. 
 
(PTI)

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu extended his support in a press conference in Islamabad

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad's stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. "Turkey fully supports Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir," Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. "I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue," he said. Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there. Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt. He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. He said Gulen's organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. "This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn't know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts," he said. He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism. On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan's unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. (PTI)

Turkey backs Pakistan's stand on Jammu and Kashmir

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