The United States has come far ahead from the time when fierce debates were held, public speeches were given and people marched in support of women's suffrage. Today, women voters play an equal role in government formation and have an equally significant impact on the presidential election results, with around 89 million women registered to vote this year.

The United States has come far ahead from the time when fierce debates were held, public speeches were given and people marched in support of women's suffrage. Today, women voters play an equal role in government formation and have an equally significant impact on the presidential election results, with around 89 million women registered to vote this year. In an effort to try to understand the political sentiment of these crucial women voters, the leading health policy and polling organisation of the United States, KFF, carried out various surveys among women voters and found that the wave has strongly shifted towards Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is at the losing end. This substantial shift in the political alignment of women voters has taken place over some key election issues like inflation, threats to democracy, and the increasing cost of healthcare with abortion trumping others but not in favour of Trump. "Kamala Harris's clear support for abortion rights resonates with many younger women voters, as data from the Pew Research Center shows that 63% of Americans favour legal abortion in most cases," said Annika Silva‑Leander, Head of North America and Permanent Observer to the United Nations, International IDEA, while speaking to WION. Referring to economic issues and inflation as "competing priorities" for the voters, Silva-Leander said, "Ultimately, while abortion may mobilize key segments of the electorate, the impact will depend on how voters balance these competing priorities, particularly in swing states." Trump's strained relations with women voters Days back while addressing a rally in Arizona, Trump was ogling his beautiful supporter and not really holding himself back from appreciating her beauty but moments later chose to go back on the path of political correctness by saying, "I'm not allowed to call you a beautiful woman". Also Read: Donald Trump to work in McDonald's, likely to try his hands on fry cooking This is not the first time Trump, who has been entangled in the hush money case with porn star Stormy Daniels, has been seen making uncomfortable remarks about women. "Trump's history of derogatory comments may alienate a demographic that is increasingly mobilised and engaged," said Saurabh Shukla, the founder of NewsMobile and strategic affairs expert, while speaking to WION from Washington, DC, United States. The culture of male dominance in Trump's campaign has further been highlighted by his running mate Senator JD Vance's "childless cat ladies" remark against Harris and her supporter and pop star Taylor Swift. Speaking about similar sentiments amid the Democratic crowd, Obama had recently said, “I’m sorry, gentlemen, I’ve noticed this, especially, with some men who seem to think some of Trump’s behaviour — the bullying and the putting people down — is a sign of strength. And I am here to tell you: That is not what real strength is. It never has been." With abortion emerging as the hottest topic for women voters, Trump's unclear stance on it with an attitude of "we’ll see what happens" is only pushing him further away from the female population. Speaking about the battle between the presidential nominees, Shukla said, "Harris has been vocal about protecting abortion rights, a position that resonates deeply with many constituents, especially in the wake of recent legislative changes that threaten reproductive freedoms. In contrast, Trump's approach appears to underestimate the impact of women voters. His history of derogatory comments may alienate a demographic that is increasingly mobilised and engaged." Experts are also not batting for Trump as the perfect presidential candidate to take the helm amid rising inflation and increasing cost of household expenses, another issue which deeply concerns female voters. Many economists have suggested that prices are likely to rise faster under Trump's administration and not if Harris comes to power. Watch: US Election 2024: Harris Mocks Trump Over Town Hall 'Dance' "The combination of these key issues—abortion rights and economic instability—creates a charged atmosphere in which women's voices could significantly influence the election outcome. If Harris successfully harnesses this momentum, she could not only bolster her own candidacy but reshape the narrative surrounding women's electoral power," emphasised the founder of NewsMobile. Why Kamala Harris is emerging as women's favourite? With Trump not really aligning with the ideas and thoughts of female voters, Kamala Harris seems to have slowly crept into the room left open for her mistakenly by her opponent. Harris, who is a woman of colour, appears to have resonated with many and her campaign by keeping her gender or race off the rails, has helped her gain mass popularity. But above all, her strong stance on the issue of abortion and a belief by experts that she will be able to control the reins of inflation are the factors keeping her ahead in the race. According to a poll, she has been leading among female voters in almost all swing states, except for Arizona. "As we move closer to the elections, it will be crucial to observe how these dynamics evolve. The implications for both candidates are profound, and the focus on women's issues could very well determine the trajectory of the electoral race," explained Shukla.

US elections: As abortion trumps women voters' key issues, is Donald heading to a losing game?

New York City police officers have finally arrested an armed man outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The police had already cordoned off the premises and surrounded the man.

This came after a two hours standoff with the man who was holding a shotgun loaded with one buckshot round pointed under his neck. According to reports, the man was a middle-aged white male with grey hair wearing a red sweater and tan jacket.

Harry Wedin, NYPD chief of special operations said, "We knew early on that this did not appear to be terror related."

He further highlighted that the man had some papers he wanted to deliver to the UN. "The dialogue went back and forth about how we might be able to accommodate his request and bring the incident to a peaceful conclusion," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-new-york-police-in-standoff-with-gun-wielding-man-outside-un-headquarters-433628">Also read |&nbsp;Watch | New York Police in standoff with gun-wielding man outside UN headquarters</a>

The members of the Emergency Service Unit took possession of the papers and managed to deliver them to the UN. After this, the individual immediately put down the shotgun and was taken into custody.&nbsp;

The lone man was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker said the man, who he declined to identify, had "some issues."&nbsp;

"Essentially, he wanted the UN to receive his documents, which is ultimately what we agreed to do, is provide those documents to the UN&nbsp;and he said if we could do that, he would put the gun down and end it, which is exactly what happened," Tucker said.

Images and videos went viral on social media which showed armed police surrounding the man standing on a sidewalk.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-with-gun-seen-outside-un-headquarter-threatened-to-kill-himself-433662/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

New York City police officers have finally arrested an armed man outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The police had already cordoned off the premises and surrounded the man.

New York City police officers have finally arrested an armed man outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The police had already cordoned off the premises and surrounded the man. This came after a two hours standoff with the man who was holding a shotgun loaded with one buckshot round pointed under his neck. According to reports, the man was a middle-aged white male with grey hair wearing a red sweater and tan jacket. Harry Wedin, NYPD chief of special operations said, "We knew early on that this did not appear to be terror related." He further highlighted that the man had some papers he wanted to deliver to the UN. "The dialogue went back and forth about how we might be able to accommodate his request and bring the incident to a peaceful conclusion," he said. Also read | Watch | New York Police in standoff with gun-wielding man outside UN headquarters The members of the Emergency Service Unit took possession of the papers and managed to deliver them to the UN. After this, the individual immediately put down the shotgun and was taken into custody. The lone man was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker said the man, who he declined to identify, had "some issues." "Essentially, he wanted the UN to receive his documents, which is ultimately what we agreed to do, is provide those documents to the UN and he said if we could do that, he would put the gun down and end it, which is exactly what happened," Tucker said. Images and videos went viral on social media which showed armed police surrounding the man standing on a sidewalk. (With inputs from agencies)

Police arrests armed man outside UN, says he wanted to get some papers delivered

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones.

The three weeks long UN subsidiary bodies meeting has finally concluded with little progress on a series of key issues. Aimed at clearing decks ahead of the COP26 gathering in Glasgow in November, the meeting was hindered by several factors including technical glitches, and multiple time zones. Ministers from 40 countries will meet in July to take the process forward. Various developing nations are worried that a lack of vaccines may hinder their ability to take part in the Glasgow conference. However, the UK said that it will ensure that all accredited delegates will get their jabs ahead of the summit. UK minister Alok Sharma, who will be chairing the global gathering, told a news conference that the delegates who are unable to get jabs from their own countries "will get support from us". Also Read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Despite an extended session, various issues remained unresolved. Quamrul Chowdhury, a climate negotiator from Bangladesh, was quoted by BBC saying that, "I think this was technically challenging for many parties, connectivity problems compounded and complicated the trust deficits that exist". He added, "Even the low hanging fruits couldn't be harvested". To move forward, the process will require ministerial intervention. Ambassador Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, who is a lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States, was quoted by BBC saying that, "Covid-19 remains a serious concern for many of us, and travel restrictions continue for many countries". She added, "A significant portion of our membership face onerous travel restrictions regardless of their personal vaccination status. Some islands in the Pacific have just two flights per month, with one month of quarantine, while other islands still have closed borders. This will not change unless their entire populations have vaccine access".

UN subsidiary bodies meeting makes little progress on key issues

Politics is all about possibilities. Nothing is forever, neither friendships, nor rivalries. More than 70 years back, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan. It was carnage. At least 200,000 Japanese were wiped out. Despite that, the US and Japan are not sworn enemies. Instead, they have cultivated excellent ties. Today, Tokyo is America's most trusted Asian ally. &nbsp;

What's the point we're trying to make? Political relationships are always changing and this change is not natural. It is the product of hard work, compromises, understandings behind the scenes and a lot of haggling. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-vs-russia-are-we-heading-towards-cold-war-20-377630/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The question is, are Russia and US ready for this diplomatic dance? For decades, Moscow was Washington's public enemy number one. Every Hollywood movie had a Russian villain. Every US President saw Russia as the final frontier, but the rivalry has diluted in recent years. &nbsp;

There are two reasons for this. One that the US has pulled ahead of Russia as the two countries are not equal anymore, and number two is the rise of China. The new Washington consensus is clear. Beijing is the bigger threat to the United States. So, where does this leave Russia? Is it an old foe? Is it a bystander to the emerging cold war? Is it a power that can be co-opted against a bigger adversary?&nbsp;

These questions are important as Joe Biden wants to meet Vladimir Putin. He wants to settle differences with Russia. It's easier said than done. &nbsp;

That's because we are talking about an endless list of differences and disputes. Russia supports every single American rival. It trades with Iran, it buys oil from Venezuela, it backs the Assad regime in Syria, and don't forget, Russian hackers tried to meddle in America's presidential elections. First in 2016 and then again last year. &nbsp;

A sit-down between Biden and Putin will not solve these issues because at the centre of it is a trust deficit. And Biden's reputation doesn't help. He's a known Russia hawk. He is from the cold war generation. A generation that was taught to live in fear of a Soviet missile. Which is why he talks about a tough competition with China but doesn't flinch before calling Putin "a killer".

So, is there no scope for cooperation?&nbsp;

Russia and the US recently renewed a missile treaty. They do see eye-to-eye on nuclear weapons. What brings them on the same page? The idea of mutual survival, more than anything else. Nonetheless, it counts as cooperation. So going forward, Moscow and Washington have a lot to discuss. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Climate change is a key issue, so is the Arctic. Russia has major energy goals in the Arctic but how will the world carve up this region? It's the next frontier. US-Russia talks will be vital to peace in the Arctic. What about China? Where does China fit in?&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing are in a state of undeclared alliance. They support the same regimes. They are both sanctioned by the Americans, and their leaders have a great personal equation. They gift each other ice cream and flip pancakes together. Xi Jinping once called Putin his best friend. The Chinese President could probably count all his friends in a single hand but beyond the praises, is there substance to this relationship?&nbsp;

Trade between the two has grown but political and military integration is missing. In the West, there is NATO and&nbsp;Five Eyes alliance, but there is no&nbsp;Sino-Russian equivalent. At least, not yet. So, Putin's aggression in eastern Ukraine is largely a solo mission. NATO is closing ranks against him. US warships are heading to the Black Sea. If this is an attempt at war, it is not a good one.&nbsp;

To the south of eastern Ukraine is Turkey, a NATO ally, albiet a difficult one. To the south-west, Bulgaria and Romania, again Nato allies. Move further west, and you reach Nato heartland, France, Germany and the UK. So, the doomsday predictions may be a bit far-fetched. Russia isn't even trying to hide its deployments and that's not a good strategy but is this a prelude to war? Or is this just Putin trying to test Joe Biden's resolve?&nbsp;

How far is Joe Biden willing to go to protect Ukraine? Will he bring Ukraine into the NATO? As vice president, Biden witnessed the annexation of Crimea. Today, the Russian buildup is almost at the same level. Moscow may not pull the trigger this time, but Biden is not taking that chance. At 78, he has the appetite for one cold war, not two.

For a change, Washington is choosing its battles.&nbsp;

Politics is all about possibilities. Nothing is forever, neither friendships, nor rivalries. More than 70 years back, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan.

Politics is all about possibilities. Nothing is forever, neither friendships, nor rivalries. More than 70 years back, the United States dropped two nuclear bombs on Japan. It was carnage. At least 200,000 Japanese were wiped out. Despite that, the US and Japan are not sworn enemies. Instead, they have cultivated excellent ties. Today, Tokyo is America's most trusted Asian ally. What's the point we're trying to make? Political relationships are always changing and this change is not natural. It is the product of hard work, compromises, understandings behind the scenes and a lot of haggling. The question is, are Russia and US ready for this diplomatic dance? For decades, Moscow was Washington's public enemy number one. Every Hollywood movie had a Russian villain. Every US President saw Russia as the final frontier, but the rivalry has diluted in recent years. There are two reasons for this. One that the US has pulled ahead of Russia as the two countries are not equal anymore, and number two is the rise of China. The new Washington consensus is clear. Beijing is the bigger threat to the United States. So, where does this leave Russia? Is it an old foe? Is it a bystander to the emerging cold war? Is it a power that can be co-opted against a bigger adversary? These questions are important as Joe Biden wants to meet Vladimir Putin. He wants to settle differences with Russia. It's easier said than done. That's because we are talking about an endless list of differences and disputes. Russia supports every single American rival. It trades with Iran, it buys oil from Venezuela, it backs the Assad regime in Syria, and don't forget, Russian hackers tried to meddle in America's presidential elections. First in 2016 and then again last year. A sit-down between Biden and Putin will not solve these issues because at the centre of it is a trust deficit. And Biden's reputation doesn't help. He's a known Russia hawk. He is from the cold war generation. A generation that was taught to live in fear of a Soviet missile. Which is why he talks about a tough competition with China but doesn't flinch before calling Putin "a killer". So, is there no scope for cooperation? Russia and the US recently renewed a missile treaty. They do see eye-to-eye on nuclear weapons. What brings them on the same page? The idea of mutual survival, more than anything else. Nonetheless, it counts as cooperation. So going forward, Moscow and Washington have a lot to discuss. Climate change is a key issue, so is the Arctic. Russia has major energy goals in the Arctic but how will the world carve up this region? It's the next frontier. US-Russia talks will be vital to peace in the Arctic. What about China? Where does China fit in? Moscow and Beijing are in a state of undeclared alliance. They support the same regimes. They are both sanctioned by the Americans, and their leaders have a great personal equation. They gift each other ice cream and flip pancakes together. Xi Jinping once called Putin his best friend. The Chinese President could probably count all his friends in a single hand but beyond the praises, is there substance to this relationship? Trade between the two has grown but political and military integration is missing. In the West, there is NATO and Five Eyes alliance, but there is no Sino-Russian equivalent. At least, not yet. So, Putin's aggression in eastern Ukraine is largely a solo mission. NATO is closing ranks against him. US warships are heading to the Black Sea. If this is an attempt at war, it is not a good one. To the south of eastern Ukraine is Turkey, a NATO ally, albiet a difficult one. To the south-west, Bulgaria and Romania, again Nato allies. Move further west, and you reach Nato heartland, France, Germany and the UK. So, the doomsday predictions may be a bit far-fetched. Russia isn't even trying to hide its deployments and that's not a good strategy but is this a prelude to war? Or is this just Putin trying to test Joe Biden's resolve? How far is Joe Biden willing to go to protect Ukraine? Will he bring Ukraine into the NATO? As vice president, Biden witnessed the annexation of Crimea. Today, the Russian buildup is almost at the same level. Moscow may not pull the trigger this time, but Biden is not taking that chance. At 78, he has the appetite for one cold war, not two. For a change, Washington is choosing its battles.

Will US, Russia fight it out or resolve issues? 

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

"They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. &nbsp;

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. &nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. "They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said. Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said. The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.

Jaishankar meets Uzbekistan counterpart, discusses issues of mutual interest

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds. 
 
Bhutto made the comments after he met his father who is currently under treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Geo News reported. 
 
The PPP leader said that the party will not back out from its political point of view and submit the petition on Tuesday. 
 
Zardari was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 and admitted to the cardiology department's VIP ward. He underwent a number of tests and was declared to be out of danger. 
 
Earlier this month, an accountability court had rejected a plea seeking permission to shift Zardari to Karachi for medical treatment. 
 
The former president's counsel Farooq H Naik had moved the court seeking better facilities for Zardari's sister, Faryal Talpur. 
 
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. 
 
On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. 
 
The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 
 
The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high-profile persons. 
 
The case was later taken over by NAB on the Pakistan Supreme Court's orders.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds. Bhutto made the comments after he met his father who is currently under treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Geo News reported. The PPP leader said that the party will not back out from its political point of view and submit the petition on Tuesday. Zardari was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 and admitted to the cardiology department's VIP ward. He underwent a number of tests and was declared to be out of danger. Earlier this month, an accountability court had rejected a plea seeking permission to shift Zardari to Karachi for medical treatment. The former president's counsel Farooq H Naik had moved the court seeking better facilities for Zardari's sister, Faryal Talpur. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high-profile persons. The case was later taken over by NAB on the Pakistan Supreme Court's orders.

Pakistan: Bail plea to be submitted for Zardari's release on medical grounds

In an effort to normalise their bilateral relationship, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday decided to form a technical committee to "solve" their "problems and issues related to Afghan market" in Peshawar.

The decision was taken during the meeting between Afghanistan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General Faiz Hameed."NSA @hmohib met w/ Faiz Hameed Director General&nbsp;of Inter-Services Intelligence and Suhail Mahmood Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. They talked over efforts to normalize Afghan-Pak relations, the formation of a technical committee to solve the problems &amp; issue of Afghan Market in Peshawar," Hamdullah Mohib`s spokesperson Kabir Haqmal tweeted.

The Hameed-led delegation reached Kabul to discuss the escalation of tension between the two countries after Pakistani policemen raided Afghan market in Peshawar last month. In protest, Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar.

Kabul has accused Pakistani police of repeatedly attacking the Afghan market and taking down the Afghan national flag. "Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Shukrullah Atif Mashal had said on October 12.

The Afghan Consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul.

The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity. "Making the matter worse, Pakistan Foreign Office, early this month, had summoned the Afghan envoy to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel.

On November 4, Afghanistan had objected to the summoning of its charge d`affaires by Pakistan`s Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country`s embassy in Kabul.

A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on last Monday had said: "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan`s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity`s personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles."

In an effort to normalise their bilateral relationship, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday decided to form a technical committee to "solve" their "problems and issues related to Afghan market" in Peshawar.

In an effort to normalise their bilateral relationship, Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday decided to form a technical committee to "solve" their "problems and issues related to Afghan market" in Peshawar. The decision was taken during the meeting between Afghanistan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief General Faiz Hameed."NSA @hmohib met w/ Faiz Hameed Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence and Suhail Mahmood Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. They talked over efforts to normalize Afghan-Pak relations, the formation of a technical committee to solve the problems & issue of Afghan Market in Peshawar," Hamdullah Mohib`s spokesperson Kabir Haqmal tweeted. The Hameed-led delegation reached Kabul to discuss the escalation of tension between the two countries after Pakistani policemen raided Afghan market in Peshawar last month. In protest, Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar. Kabul has accused Pakistani police of repeatedly attacking the Afghan market and taking down the Afghan national flag. "Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Shukrullah Atif Mashal had said on October 12. The Afghan Consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity. "Making the matter worse, Pakistan Foreign Office, early this month, had summoned the Afghan envoy to convey its concerns over the safety and security of its diplomatic personnel. On November 4, Afghanistan had objected to the summoning of its charge d`affaires by Pakistan`s Foreign Ministry over the harassment claims made by Pakistani diplomats working in the country`s embassy in Kabul. A statement by Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on last Monday had said: "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expresses its severe objection and deepest concern over the summoning of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Islamabad by Pakistan`s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and the misconduct of the entity`s personnel, and deems this action in clear contradiction with diplomatic norms and principles."

Pakistan, Afghanistan to form technical committee to 'solve' market-related issues in Peshawar

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-teesta-water-sharing-agreement-s-jaishankar-244424">Teesta water-sharing</a> one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,'&nbsp;Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5.

Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India.

Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development.

Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health.

Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added.

About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying.

Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October. 'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,' Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday. The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported. Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5. Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India. Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development. Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health. Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added. About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying. Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.

Sheikh Hasina expects positive response from India over unresolved issues, including Teesta

The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to Deepak Kochhar, husband of ICICI bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar, in connection with its ongoing tax evasion probe in the Videocon bank loan case, an official said on Tuesday.

They said the notice has been issued to Deepak Kochhar under section 131 (power regarding discovery, production of evidence) of the I-T Act and he has been asked to furnish details of his personal finances, Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last few years and business transactions with the firm NuPower Renewables.

The department, the officials said, has launched a probe into the finances of the company and those associated with it. Few more notices have been sent to the people associated with the firm and based on their replies, further action will be taken, they said.

In a related development, the CBI officials said that Deepak Kochhar, who has been named in a prelimnary enquiry, will be called for questioning soon. The CBI had questioned a few ICICI bank officials as part of a preliminary enquiry to find if any quid pro quo was involved in the bank issuing a Rs 3,250 crore loan to the Videocon Group in 2012.

The deal recently made news after reports questioned the loan and linked it to a possible quid pro quo that Videocon group promoter Venugopal Dhoot allegedly had with NuPower Renewables, a company founded by Deepak Kochchar.

The CBI enquiry had named Dhoot, Deepak Kochhar and unidentified others, officials said. A prelimnary enquiry (PE) is a precursor before the agency lodges an FIR to probe criminal charges on the basis of evidence collected during the former exercise.

Last week, the ICICI Bank board came out in support of Chanda Kochhar, saying it has full faith and confidence in her and described reports against her over the credit disbursement to Videocon group as “malicious and unfounded rumours”. The board had also reviewed the banks internal processes for credit approval and found them robust, the private sector lender had said in a statement.

With regard to loans to the Videocon group, the board had said the banks current exposure is part of a syndicated consortium arrangement. “ICICI Bank was not the lead bank for this consortium and the bank only sanctioned its share of facilities aggregating approximately Rs 3,250 crore which was less than 10 per cent of the total consortium facility in April 2012,” it added. The bank had clarified that none of the investors of NuPower Renewables are borrowers of ICICI Bank.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The notice has been issued to Deepak Kochhar under section 131 of the I-T Act and he has been asked to furnish details of his personal finances, Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last few years and business transactions with the firm NuPower Renewables.

The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to Deepak Kochhar, husband of ICICI bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar, in connection with its ongoing tax evasion probe in the Videocon bank loan case, an official said on Tuesday. They said the notice has been issued to Deepak Kochhar under section 131 (power regarding discovery, production of evidence) of the I-T Act and he has been asked to furnish details of his personal finances, Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last few years and business transactions with the firm NuPower Renewables. The department, the officials said, has launched a probe into the finances of the company and those associated with it. Few more notices have been sent to the people associated with the firm and based on their replies, further action will be taken, they said. In a related development, the CBI officials said that Deepak Kochhar, who has been named in a prelimnary enquiry, will be called for questioning soon. The CBI had questioned a few ICICI bank officials as part of a preliminary enquiry to find if any quid pro quo was involved in the bank issuing a Rs 3,250 crore loan to the Videocon Group in 2012. The deal recently made news after reports questioned the loan and linked it to a possible quid pro quo that Videocon group promoter Venugopal Dhoot allegedly had with NuPower Renewables, a company founded by Deepak Kochchar. The CBI enquiry had named Dhoot, Deepak Kochhar and unidentified others, officials said. A prelimnary enquiry (PE) is a precursor before the agency lodges an FIR to probe criminal charges on the basis of evidence collected during the former exercise. Last week, the ICICI Bank board came out in support of Chanda Kochhar, saying it has full faith and confidence in her and described reports against her over the credit disbursement to Videocon group as “malicious and unfounded rumours”. The board had also reviewed the banks internal processes for credit approval and found them robust, the private sector lender had said in a statement. With regard to loans to the Videocon group, the board had said the banks current exposure is part of a syndicated consortium arrangement. “ICICI Bank was not the lead bank for this consortium and the bank only sanctioned its share of facilities aggregating approximately Rs 3,250 crore which was less than 10 per cent of the total consortium facility in April 2012,” it added. The bank had clarified that none of the investors of NuPower Renewables are borrowers of ICICI Bank. (With inputs from Agencies)

Videocon loan case: I-T department issues notice to Deepak Kochhar

Apple Inc plans to issue bonds in Taiwan for the first time, with the aim of raising $1 billion, joining the list&nbsp;of big global names that have sold billions of dollars on Taiwan&#39;s busy debt market,&nbsp;sources said.

Liquidity in the Taiwanese bond market is flush, with long-term buyers of debt, primarily life insurance firms, seeking creditworthy names and chasing higher yields. Blue-chip multinationals regularly issue dollar bonds of such size on the island, home to Apple&#39;s supply chain.

In December, U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp sold $915 million of 30-year bonds with yields of 4.7 per cent. A month later, global brewer Anheuser Busch InBev SA issued a $1.47 billion bond of the same maturity at 4.915 per cent, according to data from the Taipei Exchange, Taiwan&#39;s over-the-counter market.

Cash-rich and yield-hungry investors in Taiwan have made the island a haven for debt financing. These investors tend to hold through maturity, letting issuers lock in cheap pricing.

&quot;Taiwan insurance companies don&#39;t have enough good (quality) fixed-income investment targets,&quot; said an official at a local securities house, declining to be identified as he was not authorised to talk to the media.

&quot;But their funds continue to grow because in this low rate macro-environment. Consumers prefer to buy financial products offered by insurance companies rather than park money in a bank deposit,&quot; he said.

The planned offering is likely to help Apple secure solid partnership with its suppliers, analysts said. Taiwan is home to Apple&#39;s massive supply chain that includes iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and lens producer Largan Precision Co.

The U.S. dollar bonds will have a tenor of 30 years and be calleable after the second year, the sources told Reuters on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Apple declined to comment when asked about the plan.

So far this year, upwards of $16 billion in new U.S. dollar bonds have been issued, already more than half of the $29 billion in U.S. dollar bonds sold for all of 2015, OTC exchange data shows.

The OTC exchange, where corporate bonds can trade in the secondary market, said it was not aware of any plan by Apple to issue bonds. In Taiwan, bond issuers only need three days or less to notify the exchange before being listed.

Market participants have been looking at initial yields of around 4.2 per cent to 4.3 per cent on the planned Apple bonds, two of the sources said.

Taiwan&#39;s 30-year government bond, which is less liquid in the secondary market, was last quoted around 1.6475 per cent.

Apple to issue bonds in Taiwan for the first time.

Apple Inc plans to issue bonds in Taiwan for the first time, with the aim of raising $1 billion, joining the list of big global names that have sold billions of dollars on Taiwan's busy debt market, sources said. Liquidity in the Taiwanese bond market is flush, with long-term buyers of debt, primarily life insurance firms, seeking creditworthy names and chasing higher yields. Blue-chip multinationals regularly issue dollar bonds of such size on the island, home to Apple's supply chain. In December, U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp sold $915 million of 30-year bonds with yields of 4.7 per cent. A month later, global brewer Anheuser Busch InBev SA issued a $1.47 billion bond of the same maturity at 4.915 per cent, according to data from the Taipei Exchange, Taiwan's over-the-counter market. Cash-rich and yield-hungry investors in Taiwan have made the island a haven for debt financing. These investors tend to hold through maturity, letting issuers lock in cheap pricing. "Taiwan insurance companies don't have enough good (quality) fixed-income investment targets," said an official at a local securities house, declining to be identified as he was not authorised to talk to the media. "But their funds continue to grow because in this low rate macro-environment. Consumers prefer to buy financial products offered by insurance companies rather than park money in a bank deposit," he said. The planned offering is likely to help Apple secure solid partnership with its suppliers, analysts said. Taiwan is home to Apple's massive supply chain that includes iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and lens producer Largan Precision Co. The U.S. dollar bonds will have a tenor of 30 years and be calleable after the second year, the sources told Reuters on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. Apple declined to comment when asked about the plan. So far this year, upwards of $16 billion in new U.S. dollar bonds have been issued, already more than half of the $29 billion in U.S. dollar bonds sold for all of 2015, OTC exchange data shows. The OTC exchange, where corporate bonds can trade in the secondary market, said it was not aware of any plan by Apple to issue bonds. In Taiwan, bond issuers only need three days or less to notify the exchange before being listed. Market participants have been looking at initial yields of around 4.2 per cent to 4.3 per cent on the planned Apple bonds, two of the sources said. Taiwan's 30-year government bond, which is less liquid in the secondary market, was last quoted around 1.6475 per cent.

Apple plans to sell 30-yr bonds worth $1 billion in Taiwan

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