U.S President Donald Trump has called off peace talks with the Taliban just after the terror group claimed responsibility of a car bomb attack

Trump calls off peace talks with Taliban

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US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland.

Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war.

The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders.

The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States had good negotiations going on with the Taliban but had not yet reached a deal with the Islamist group on US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump made a remark to reporters at the White House before leaving for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland. Trump said on Thursday US troop levels in Afghanistan were being reduced to 8,600 but that American forces would remain in the country even if Washington reaches an agreement with the Taliban to end the 18-year war. The Taliban said on Wednesday it was close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise that the country would not become a haven for international militants. Both US and Taliban negotiators have reported progress in their talks in recent weeks, raising the prospect of an end to the conflict. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, was due to travel from Doha to Kabul this week for a meeting with Afghan leaders. The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and ousted its Taliban leaders after they refused to hand over members of the al Qaeda militant group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Trump says US has good negotiations with Taliban but no deal yet

US President Donald Trump said his longtime executive assistant Madeleine Westerhout had a "bad night" when she allegedly shared details about the first family at a dinner with reporters.

Trump's assistant resigns, said things that were "a little bit hurtful" - Trump

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again. Trump says the US economy does not have a 'tariff problem' and blames badly run companies.

US President Donald Trump blames federal policies again

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name.

"It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest.

The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic.&nbsp;

"My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time.

Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April.

The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming.

Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change.

She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes.

The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann.

Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however.

'Insane'

Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe.

Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman.

Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset."

A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies.

She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center.

The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her.

Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet.

"It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling.

Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday.

The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20.

The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity.

It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour).

Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe.

Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday.

Teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg said the "war on nature must end" and called on Donald Trump to listen to science after she sailed into New York on a zero-emissions yacht Wednesday. The 16-year-old completed a 15-day journey across the Atlantic shortly after 4:00 pm, stepping off the boat onto a Manhattan dock to cheering crowds chanting her name. "It is devastating and so horrible. It's hard to imagine. They are a clear sign that we need to stop destroying nature," she told waiting reporters when asked how she felt about raging fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest. The Swede also rebuked Trump, a notorious climate change sceptic. "My message for him is listen to the science and he obviously doesn't do that," she said, as she brought her environmental message to the United States for the first time. Thunberg poked fun at the president too by saying she was "pretty sure" windmills don't cause cancer, in reference to a comment Trump made at a Republican fundraising event in April. The teenager has become a symbol for climate action with her stark warnings of catastrophe if the world does not act now to cut carbon emissions and curb global warming. Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August 2018 to get members to act on climate change. She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. She will attend a summit on zero emissions at the United Nations next month but refused to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by planes. The Swede was offered a ride on the Malizia II racing yacht skippered by Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Monaco's Princess Caroline, and German round-the-world sailor Boris Herrmann. Thunberg has received criticism and abuse for her uncompromising attitude, however. 'Insane' Her voyage sparked controversy after a spokesman for co-skipper Herrmann told Berlin newspaper TAZ that several people would fly into New York to help take the yacht back to Europe. Hermann himself will also return by plane, according to the spokesman. Team Malizia's manager insisted, though, that the young activist's journey would be climate neutral, as the flights would "be offset." A few hundred well-wishers and activists clapped and chanted "Greta, Greta, Greta" as she completed her 3,000-nautical-mile (5,550 kilometers) trip under overcast skies. She passed the Statue of Liberty and headed up the Hudson River before docking at North Cove Marina near the World Trade Center. The United Nations sent a flotilla of 17 sailboats, one for each of its sustainable development goals for 2030, to welcome her. Thunberg endured rough seas and cramped conditions but said she never felt seasick once. She ate freeze-dried food and used a bucket as a toilet. "It's insane that a 16-year-old has to cross the Atlantic Ocean to make a stand. This, of course, is not something that I want everyone to do," she said, smiling. Thunberg added that she planned to rest before joining youngsters striking outside the UN on Friday. The Malizia II yacht left Plymouth in southern England on August 14, and the teenager marked the first anniversary of the start of her school strike on August 20. The 18-meter yacht features state-of-the-art solar panels on its deck and sides, and two hydro-generators provide the vessel's electricity. It can travel at speeds of around 35 knots (70 kilometers an hour). Thunberg has said that she does not yet know how she will return to Europe. Ahead of the UN summit on September 23, Thunberg will take part in youth demonstrations, before heading to Canada, Mexico and then to Chile for another UN conference in December.

'War on nature must end,' says activist Greta Thunberg in New York

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Earlier on August 22, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">PM Modi visited France</a> and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues.

PM&nbsp;Modi is also expected to interact with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877">US President Donald Trump</a> and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7.

It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26. Earlier on August 22, PM Modi visited France and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues. PM Modi is also expected to interact with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7. It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for France to attend G7 summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires</a>

European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-short-range-missiles-again-complicating-us-attempts-for-talks-245221">North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks</a>

North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-honoured-with-uaes-highest-civilian-award-245219">PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties</a>

Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-health-deteriorated-aiims-245239">Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources</a>

Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis. North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks. Trump heaps another 5% tariff on Chinese goods in latest tit-for-tat escalation US President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5 per cent duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world's two largest economies. PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year. Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health deteriorates, says AIIMS sources Two weeks after being hospitalised, former finance minister Arun Jaitley's health has been deteriorating, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) sources said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Gold&nbsp;surged&nbsp;2 per cent on&nbsp;Friday as investors interpreted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-eke-out-small-gains-ahead-of-federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell-speech-244921">US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome&nbsp;Powell</a>'s&nbsp;speech&nbsp;as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald&nbsp;Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China.

Spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;rose 1.9per cent at $1,526.60 an ounce by 14:08 pm EDT (1801 GMT), shaking off slight headwinds ahead of the Fed Chair's&nbsp;speech.

Prices earlier rose to $1,528.79, the highest since August&nbsp;13, when spot&nbsp;gold&nbsp;had scaled a six-year peak of $1,534.31.

US&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures settled up 1.9per cent to $1,537.60.

"The fact that he (Powell) said that they (the Fed) will act appropriately to sustain expansion is pretty bullish for&nbsp;gold. The two primary tools they have are quantitative easing (QE) or lower rates - both those tools will cause&nbsp;gold&nbsp;to go higher," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures.

"The move this morning is just more people buying&nbsp;gold&nbsp;simply with the expectations that interest rates will be lower by year-end."

Powell&nbsp;said the US economy is in a "favourable place," but gave few clues about interest rate cuts at its next meeting.

However, he listed a series of economic and geopolitical risks the Fed is monitoring, noting these were linked to the trade spat.

"We shouldn't be surprised if we see the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fedex-offers-cautious-2020-outlook-as-ceo-slams-united-states-china-on-trade-230487">Fed deliver a full percentage point</a> in rate cuts over the next 12 months and a new QE program as we may only need a couple of the following macro events to blow up: trade uncertainties, weakness in China and Germany, Brexit, Hong Kong, and the dissolution of the Italian government," Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

Powell's&nbsp;speech&nbsp;prompted a backlash from&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Twitter, asking whether the Fed chair was a greater "enemy" than China's leader Xi Jinping.

Trump&nbsp;also ratcheted up the rhetoric on China, ordering US companies to look at ways to close operations in the country, which sent equities tumbling and drove further inflows into safe-haven&nbsp;gold.

This came&nbsp;after&nbsp;China unveiled retaliatory tariffs against about $75 billion worth of US&nbsp;goods.

"This means there is no resolution, the escalation continues. Investors are selling the risk and buying&nbsp;gold," said SP Angel analyst Sergey Raevskiy.

Gold&nbsp;has risen nearly 8 per cent so far this month and about 19per cent this year and was set for a fourth straight week of gains.

Elsewhere, silver gained 2.3per cent to $17.39 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.1per cent at $858.11.

Palladium fell 1.7per cent to $1,461.83 an ounce, but the autocatalyst metal remained on track for a third straight weekly gain of about 0.9

Gold surged 2 per cent on Friday as investors interpreted US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China.

Gold surged 2 per cent on Friday as investors interpreted US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech as leaning toward a dovish monetary policy stance and President Donald Trump's latest comments exacerbated trade tensions with China. Spot gold rose 1.9per cent at $1,526.60 an ounce by 14:08 pm EDT (1801 GMT), shaking off slight headwinds ahead of the Fed Chair's speech. Prices earlier rose to $1,528.79, the highest since August 13, when spot gold had scaled a six-year peak of $1,534.31. US gold futures settled up 1.9per cent to $1,537.60. "The fact that he (Powell) said that they (the Fed) will act appropriately to sustain expansion is pretty bullish for gold. The two primary tools they have are quantitative easing (QE) or lower rates - both those tools will cause gold to go higher," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures. "The move this morning is just more people buying gold simply with the expectations that interest rates will be lower by year-end." Powell said the US economy is in a "favourable place," but gave few clues about interest rate cuts at its next meeting. However, he listed a series of economic and geopolitical risks the Fed is monitoring, noting these were linked to the trade spat. "We shouldn't be surprised if we see the Fed deliver a full percentage point in rate cuts over the next 12 months and a new QE program as we may only need a couple of the following macro events to blow up: trade uncertainties, weakness in China and Germany, Brexit, Hong Kong, and the dissolution of the Italian government," Edward Moya, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. Powell's speech prompted a backlash from Trump on Twitter, asking whether the Fed chair was a greater "enemy" than China's leader Xi Jinping. Trump also ratcheted up the rhetoric on China, ordering US companies to look at ways to close operations in the country, which sent equities tumbling and drove further inflows into safe-haven gold. This came after China unveiled retaliatory tariffs against about $75 billion worth of US goods. "This means there is no resolution, the escalation continues. Investors are selling the risk and buying gold," said SP Angel analyst Sergey Raevskiy. Gold has risen nearly 8 per cent so far this month and about 19per cent this year and was set for a fourth straight week of gains. Elsewhere, silver gained 2.3per cent to $17.39 an ounce, while platinum was up 0.1per cent at $858.11. Palladium fell 1.7per cent to $1,461.83 an ounce, but the autocatalyst metal remained on track for a third straight weekly gain of about 0.9

Gold soars 2% after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speech, Trump tweets

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/any-role-for-pakistan-backed-extremists-in-afghanistan-is-bad-news-for-south-asia-244288">Islamic extremists</a> as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-vows-to-eliminate-islamic-state-says-will-take-revenge-for-our-people-244235">US negotiates</a> a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He also warned Europeans to take back nationals captured fighting for the Islamic State, or he will release them back to their countries.

Asked by journalists if he is concerned about the reemergence of the Islamic State group in Iraq, Trump said forces under his lead had wiped out the extremists' caliphate.

Watch: Other countries need to take up fight against Islamic State militants, says Trump

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"At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, they are going to have to fight their battles too."

"We wiped out the caliphate 100 per cent. I did it in record time. But at a certain point, all of these other countries, where ISIS is around ... are going to have to fight them. Because do we want to stay there another 19 years? I don't think so."

He singled out India and Pakistan as frontline countries that are doing little to fight jihadist groups.

"Look, India's right there, they are not fighting it, we're fighting it. Pakistan is next door. They're fighting it, very little.... it's not fair. The United States is seven thousand miles away," he told reporters.

The Trump administration has reduced the US military presence in Syria and Iraq and is negotiating a US withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban insurgents.

But defence experts warn that a vacuum left by the United States could allow an extremist resurgence.

A recent Pentagon report said that the Islamic State is reforming and launching attacks after losing their hold on physical territory in Iraq and Syria.

Trump, meanwhile, assailed France and Germany for not repatriating citizens who had fought with the Islamic State and are now being held in camps in Syria.

"We're holding thousands of ISIS fighters right now. And Europe has to take them," he said.

"If Europe doesn't take them, I'll have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came. Which is Germany and France and other places."&nbsp;

"We captured them, we've got thousands of them, and now, as usual, our allies don't want 'em," he said.

"The United States is not going to put them in Guantanamo for the next 50 years and pay for it."

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against Islamic extremists as the US negotiates a withdrawal from Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that other countries must assume the battle against Islamic extremists as the US negotiates a withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also warned Europeans to take back nationals captured fighting for the Islamic State, or he will release them back to their countries. Asked by journalists if he is concerned about the reemergence of the Islamic State group in Iraq, Trump said forces under his lead had wiped out the extremists' caliphate. Watch: Other countries need to take up fight against Islamic State militants, says Trump × "At a certain point Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, they are going to have to fight their battles too." "We wiped out the caliphate 100 per cent. I did it in record time. But at a certain point, all of these other countries, where ISIS is around ... are going to have to fight them. Because do we want to stay there another 19 years? I don't think so." He singled out India and Pakistan as frontline countries that are doing little to fight jihadist groups. "Look, India's right there, they are not fighting it, we're fighting it. Pakistan is next door. They're fighting it, very little.... it's not fair. The United States is seven thousand miles away," he told reporters. The Trump administration has reduced the US military presence in Syria and Iraq and is negotiating a US withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban insurgents. But defence experts warn that a vacuum left by the United States could allow an extremist resurgence. A recent Pentagon report said that the Islamic State is reforming and launching attacks after losing their hold on physical territory in Iraq and Syria. Trump, meanwhile, assailed France and Germany for not repatriating citizens who had fought with the Islamic State and are now being held in camps in Syria. "We're holding thousands of ISIS fighters right now. And Europe has to take them," he said. "If Europe doesn't take them, I'll have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came. Which is Germany and France and other places." "We captured them, we've got thousands of them, and now, as usual, our allies don't want 'em," he said. "The United States is not going to put them in Guantanamo for the next 50 years and pay for it."

India should take a larger role in fighting terrorism in Afghanistan: Donald Trump

Greenland dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

Greenland tells Trump it is open for business but not for sale

The United States President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-kashmir-mediation-offer-not-on-table-anymore-indian-envoy-242696">Trump's offer to mediate</a> between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan had called Trump</a> on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter.

Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370.

A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

The development comes after the&nbsp;Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it."

Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore."

Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. Imran Khan had called Trump on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter. Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370. A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The development comes after the Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it." Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore." Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible-243530">US President Donald Trump</a> said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trump-goof-up-tim-cook-renames-his-twitter-handle-as-tim-apple-201972">Tim Cook of Apple</a>, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

"Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the US Great!" Trump, who is on a working vacation at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, said in a Twitter message.

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Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the U.S. Great!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1162500362810642437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The White House did not immediately respond to a question about the agenda for the dinner and what Trump was referring to when he said Apple would be spending vast sums in the United States.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has said he wants Apple and other manufacturers to move their production from China and other countries to the United States.

Another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports had been due to take effect in Sept. 1, but the Trump administration this week delayed the tariffs on some products until December 15.

"We're doing this for Christmas season, just in case some of the tariffs would have an impact on US customers," Trump said on Tuesday after the announcement.

Levies on Apple's MacBooks and iPhones were delayed until December, while tariffs on its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod will go into effect as scheduled next month.

The United States and China are locked in a trade war over US demands that China change its policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other trade barriers.

Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September.

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States. "Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the US Great!" Trump, who is on a working vacation at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, said in a Twitter message. Having dinner tonight with Tim Cook of Apple. They will be spending vast sums of money in the U.S. Great! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2019 × The White House did not immediately respond to a question about the agenda for the dinner and what Trump was referring to when he said Apple would be spending vast sums in the United States. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump has said he wants Apple and other manufacturers to move their production from China and other countries to the United States. Another round of US tariffs on Chinese imports had been due to take effect in Sept. 1, but the Trump administration this week delayed the tariffs on some products until December 15. "We're doing this for Christmas season, just in case some of the tariffs would have an impact on US customers," Trump said on Tuesday after the announcement. Levies on Apple's MacBooks and iPhones were delayed until December, while tariffs on its AirPods, Apple Watch and HomePod will go into effect as scheduled next month. The United States and China are locked in a trade war over US demands that China change its policies on intellectual property protection, technology transfers, industrial subsidies and other trade barriers. Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September.

Having dinner on Friday with Tim Cook of Apple: Trump

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

"We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters.

Trump is due to visit Copenhagen in September and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-floating-nuclear-reactor-ready-for-arctic-operations-environmentalists-concerned-232605">Arctic will be on the agenda during meetings</a> with the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

Talk of a Greenland purchase was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that the notion had been laughed off by some advisers as a joke but was taken more seriously by others in the White House.

Danish politicians on Friday poured scorn on the idea.

"It has to be an April Fool's joke. Totally out of season," former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Twitter.

"If he is truly contemplating this, then this is final proof, that he has gone mad," foreign affairs spokesman for the Danish People's Party, Soren Espersen, told broadcaster DR.

"The thought of Denmark selling 50,000 citizens to the United States is completely ridiculous," he said.

Greenland, a self-ruling part of Denmark located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is dependant on Danish economic support. It handles its domestic affairs while Copenhagen looks after defence and foreign policy.

"I am sure a majority in Greenland believes it is better to have a relation to Denmark than the United States, in the long term," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, Danish MP from Greenland's second-largest party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), told Reuters.

"My immediate thought is 'No, thank you'," she said.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod were not available for comment but officials said they would respond later on Friday.

The US Embassy in Copenhagen was also not immediately available for comment.

"Oh dear lord. As someone who loves Greenland, has been there nine times to every corner and loves the people, this is a complete and total catastrophe," former US ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, said in on Twitter.

Greenland is gaining attention from global superpowers including China, Russia, and the United States due to its strategic location and its mineral resources.

In May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China's actions there had to be watched closely as well.

A defence treaty between Denmark and the United States dating back to 1951 gives the US military rights over the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland.

There has been no indication that a Greenland purchase will be on the agenda for Trump's talks with Danish officials.

Martin Lidegaard, the senior lawmaker of the Danish Social Liberal Party and a former foreign minister, called the idea "a grotesque proposal" which had no basis in reality.

"We are talking about real people and you can't just sell Greenland like an old colonial power," he told Reuters.

"But what we can take seriously is that the US stakes and interest in the Arctic is significantly on the rise and they want a much bigger influence," he added.

In 1917 Denmark sold off the then Danish West Indies islands for $25 million to the United States, which renamed them the United States Virgin Islands.

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island.

Greenland on Friday dismissed the notion that it might be up for sale after reports that US President Donald Trump had privately discussed with his advisers the idea of buying the world's biggest island. "We are open for business, but we're not for sale," Greenland's foreign minister Ane Lone Bagger told Reuters. Trump is due to visit Copenhagen in September and the Arctic will be on the agenda during meetings with the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Talk of a Greenland purchase was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that the notion had been laughed off by some advisers as a joke but was taken more seriously by others in the White House. Danish politicians on Friday poured scorn on the idea. "It has to be an April Fool's joke. Totally out of season," former prime minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Twitter. "If he is truly contemplating this, then this is final proof, that he has gone mad," foreign affairs spokesman for the Danish People's Party, Soren Espersen, told broadcaster DR. "The thought of Denmark selling 50,000 citizens to the United States is completely ridiculous," he said. Greenland, a self-ruling part of Denmark located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, is dependant on Danish economic support. It handles its domestic affairs while Copenhagen looks after defence and foreign policy. "I am sure a majority in Greenland believes it is better to have a relation to Denmark than the United States, in the long term," Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, Danish MP from Greenland's second-largest party Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), told Reuters. "My immediate thought is 'No, thank you'," she said. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod were not available for comment but officials said they would respond later on Friday. The US Embassy in Copenhagen was also not immediately available for comment. "Oh dear lord. As someone who loves Greenland, has been there nine times to every corner and loves the people, this is a complete and total catastrophe," former US ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, said in on Twitter. Greenland is gaining attention from global superpowers including China, Russia, and the United States due to its strategic location and its mineral resources. In May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Russia was behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China's actions there had to be watched closely as well. A defence treaty between Denmark and the United States dating back to 1951 gives the US military rights over the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland. There has been no indication that a Greenland purchase will be on the agenda for Trump's talks with Danish officials. Martin Lidegaard, the senior lawmaker of the Danish Social Liberal Party and a former foreign minister, called the idea "a grotesque proposal" which had no basis in reality. "We are talking about real people and you can't just sell Greenland like an old colonial power," he told Reuters. "But what we can take seriously is that the US stakes and interest in the Arctic is significantly on the rise and they want a much bigger influence," he added. In 1917 Denmark sold off the then Danish West Indies islands for $25 million to the United States, which renamed them the United States Virgin Islands.

Greenland tells US President Donald Trump it is open for business but not for sale

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 14th, 2019

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia.

The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.95% higher at 11,029.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.96% at 37,311.53.

Shares in Tata Steel Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Vedanta Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, gaining amid a rise in commodity prices.

The Nifty metal index, which has slid nearly 24% since the beginning of the year, rose 2.3%.

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia. The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.

Indian stock indexes ended almost 1% higher on Wednesday, after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports, bringing relief to markets across Asia. The benchmark NSE Nifty ended 0.95% higher at 11,029.40, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.96% at 37,311.53. Shares in Tata Steel Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and Vedanta Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, gaining amid a rise in commodity prices. The Nifty metal index, which has slid nearly 24% since the beginning of the year, rose 2.3%.

Nifty, Sensex end higher after Trump delays China tariffs

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/india-charging-us-over-100-per-cent-tariffs-on-many-products-donald-trump-208487">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said that countries like<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-talks-to-restart-friday-amid-few-signs-of-compromise-234949"> India </a>and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO.

Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries -&nbsp;for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.”&nbsp;Right?&nbsp;They’re “growing nations.”&nbsp;We’re a “mature nation.”&nbsp;They’re growing.&nbsp;These are “growing nations," said US president.

"Well, they’ve grown.&nbsp;And they had tremendous advantages.&nbsp;But we’re not letting that happen anymore, okay?&nbsp;We’re not letting that happen anymore," he added

Donald Trump told the conference that economic growth promoted by his policies would help the world, in an attempt to square his “America First” agenda with globalism.

Trump, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products and has described the country as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariff-king-india-wants-trade-talks-us-immediately-says-trump-168847">"tariff king".</a>

Last February, India slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US.

Trade between and India and the US was worth $142.1 billion in 2018, with India having a surplus of $24.2 billion.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries - for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Addressing a gathering at Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said "China, India, many countries - for a long time, they viewed them as “they’re growing.” Right? They’re “growing nations.” We’re a “mature nation.” They’re growing. These are “growing nations," said US president. "Well, they’ve grown. And they had tremendous advantages. But we’re not letting that happen anymore, okay? We’re not letting that happen anymore," he added Donald Trump told the conference that economic growth promoted by his policies would help the world, in an attempt to square his “America First” agenda with globalism. Trump, championing his 'America First' policy, has been a vocal critic of India for levying "tremendously high" duties on US products and has described the country as a "tariff king". Last February, India slashed the customs duty on imported motorcycles like Harley-Davidson to 50 per cent after Trump called it "unfair" and threatened to increase the tariff on import of Indian bikes to the US. Trade between and India and the US was worth $142.1 billion in 2018, with India having a surplus of $24.2 billion.

Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 12th, 2019

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima.

Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer.

The 30-year-old's protest on Saturday -- which she told US media was aimed at "extreme injustice" - echoed the iconic raised fist protest of US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

On Friday, two-time Olympian fencer Race Imboden, 26, set the tone after 'taking a knee' as his team celebrated gold in the team foil event.

He was the latest US sports star to follow NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick,&nbsp;whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games in 2016 became a national issue.

"We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze," tweeted Imboden.

"My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list.&nbsp;

"I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change."

Imboden had already staged a similar kneeling protest at the 2017 Fencing World Cup in Egypt.

Mark Jones, vice president of communications for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), told ESPN that the governing body was considering what sanctions it might impose.

"Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature," Jones said in a statement to the US sports network.&nbsp;

"In these cases, the athletes didn't adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC.

"We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result."

Current athletes aren't the only ones who have used the Pan Am Games to call out Trump, with Olympic athletics legend Carl Lewis -- attending at the invitation of Lima Organizers -- also weighing in.

"We have a president who is racist and a misogynist, who doesn't value anybody but himself," said Lewis, who was asked to weigh in on the issue of gender equality in sport.

"My mother was a pioneer. My parents were teachers and they taught us that everyone deserves the same opportunities," said Lewis, who counts nine Olympic gold medals among his 10 total.

"Of course I'm for (equal pay) in athletics. We shouldn't even be talking about it."

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima. Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer.

Two US gold medal winners could face sanctions after staging dramatic podium protests against US President Donald Trump at the Pan American Games in Lima. Gwen Berry stunned the crowd when she raised a clenched right fist and bowed her head as the US national anthem closed her gold medal ceremony for the women's hammer. The 30-year-old's protest on Saturday -- which she told US media was aimed at "extreme injustice" - echoed the iconic raised fist protest of US sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. On Friday, two-time Olympian fencer Race Imboden, 26, set the tone after 'taking a knee' as his team celebrated gold in the team foil event. He was the latest US sports star to follow NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose kneeling protest during the US national anthem before NFL games in 2016 became a national issue. "We must call for change. This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze," tweeted Imboden. "My pride however has been cut short by the multiple shortcomings of the country I hold so dear to my heart. Racism, Gun Control, mistreatment of immigrants and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list. "I chose to sacrifice my moment today at the top of the podium to call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed. I encourage others to please use your platforms for empowerment and change." Imboden had already staged a similar kneeling protest at the 2017 Fencing World Cup in Egypt. Mark Jones, vice president of communications for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), told ESPN that the governing body was considering what sanctions it might impose. "Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature," Jones said in a statement to the US sports network. "In these cases, the athletes didn't adhere to the commitment they made to the organizing committee and the USOPC. "We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result." Current athletes aren't the only ones who have used the Pan Am Games to call out Trump, with Olympic athletics legend Carl Lewis -- attending at the invitation of Lima Organizers -- also weighing in. "We have a president who is racist and a misogynist, who doesn't value anybody but himself," said Lewis, who was asked to weigh in on the issue of gender equality in sport. "My mother was a pioneer. My parents were teachers and they taught us that everyone deserves the same opportunities," said Lewis, who counts nine Olympic gold medals among his 10 total. "Of course I'm for (equal pay) in athletics. We shouldn't even be talking about it."

US gold medallists at Pan American Games face sanctions over anti-Trump podium protests

A photo of U.S. President Donald Trump smiling broadly and giving a thumbs-up as his wife, Melania, cradles a baby orphaned in the El Paso, Texas mass shooting has become a social media talking point days after the first lady posted it on Twitter. The image was taken on Wednesday at the University Medical Center of El Paso during Trump's visit to the West Texas border city to meet with first responders, medical personnel and surviving victims from Saturday's gun violence at a Walmart store.

Trump thumbs-up photo with orphaned baby in El Paso sparks controversy

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 10th, 2019

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the&nbsp;United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees&nbsp;as it handed over its annual contribution of&nbsp;$5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US.

Indian mission in Palestine in a statement said, "India made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to UNRWA in solidarity with the Palestine refugees."

India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar handed over the cheque for $5 million at the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem.&nbsp;The contribution comes at that time when the agency faces a difficult financial situation.

US President Donald Trump last year announced that America will end support to the body.&nbsp;

The state department in a statement back then said, "The United States will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation."

UNRWA has been providing relief to 5.4 million Palestinians&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip since 1950.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Palestine in February 2018, India had announced that it will increase its contribution to the body from $1.25 million to $5 million.

India has been providing&nbsp;assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts. Under India-Palestine development partnership, New Delhi is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth of $ 59 million dollars including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem.

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees as it handed over its annual contribution of $5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US.

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees as it handed over its annual contribution of $5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US. Indian mission in Palestine in a statement said, "India made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to UNRWA in solidarity with the Palestine refugees." India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar handed over the cheque for $5 million at the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem. The contribution comes at that time when the agency faces a difficult financial situation. US President Donald Trump last year announced that America will end support to the body. The state department in a statement back then said, "The United States will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation." UNRWA has been providing relief to 5.4 million Palestinians refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip since 1950. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Palestine in February 2018, India had announced that it will increase its contribution to the body from $1.25 million to $5 million. India has been providing assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts. Under India-Palestine development partnership, New Delhi is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth of $ 59 million dollars including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem.

India contributes $5 million to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees

US President Donald Trump slams French President Emmanuel Macron for Iran diplomacy. Donald Trump tweeted, "nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself. No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!"

Donald Trump slams Macron for Iran diplomacy

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 8th, 2019

President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said Sunday that "hate has no place" in the United States after two mass shootings left 29 dead and sparked accusations that his rhetoric was part of the problem.

The rampages turned innocent snippets of everyday life into nightmares of bloodshed: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-paso-shooting-walmart-massacre-to-be-probed-as-domestic-terror-case-240685">20 people were shot dead</a> while shopping at a crowded Walmart in El Paso, Texas on Saturday morning, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-mass-shooting-gunman-killed-within-30-seconds-after-firing-started-say-police-240693">nine more outside a bar</a> in a popular nightlife district in Dayton, Ohio just 13 hours later.

"Hate has no place in our country,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said, but he also blamed mental illness for the violence.

"This is also a mental illness problem if you look at both of those cases," added the US president, who is under increased pressure over mass shootings.&nbsp;

"These are really people that are very, very seriously mentally ill," he said, despite the fact that police have not confirmed this to be the case.

"We have to get it stopped. This has been going on for years... and years in our country," the president said.

In Texas, 26 people were wounded, and 27 in Ohio, where the shooter was killed in roughly 30 seconds by police who were patrolling nearby and prevented a casualty toll that could have been many times greater.

100-round drum magazine

Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl told a news conference that the quick police response was "crucial," preventing the shooter from entering a bar where "there would have been... catastrophic injury and loss of life." 
But the shooter still managed to mow down dozens of people.

Biehl said the gunman wore a mask and a bullet-proof vest and was armed with an assault rifle fitted with a 100-round drum magazine.&nbsp;

"You could see the bodies actually start to fall and we knew it was bigger than just even a shoot-out," Anthony Reynolds, who was outside the Dayton bar when the shooting started, told NBC News.&nbsp;

Police named the gunman as a 24-year-old white man called Connor Betts and said that his sister was among those killed. She had gone with him to the scene of the massacre.

Six of the nine people shot dead were black, but Biehl said the gunman's motive was still unclear.

In Texas, police said the suspect surrendered standing on a sidewalk near the scene of the massacre. He was described in media reports as a 21-year-old white man named Patrick Crusius.

He was believed to have posted online a manifesto denouncing a "Hispanic invasion" of Texas. El Paso, on the border with Mexico, is majority Latino.

'Amplifying and condoning' hate

Six of the 20 people killed in the El Paso shooting were Mexican, the country's president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said Sunday.

The manifesto posted shortly before the shooting also praises the killing of 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in&nbsp; 
March.

Police said the suspected shooter has been charged with murder offences that can carry the death penalty, and a federal official said investigators are treating the El Paso shooting as a case of domestic terrorism.

While the country stood aghast over its latest spasm of gun violence,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for five days.

At the Walmart in El Paso, terrified shoppers cowered in aisles or ran out of the store as gunfire echoed.

Most of the victims were inside the store but some were also in the parking lot outside, police said.

"Shooting kids and women and men, to him it mostly mattered that they were Hispanic," said Manuel Sanchez, a resident of the city.

These were the 250th and 251st mass shootings this year in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an NGO that defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are wounded or killed.

The latest two shootings ended a particularly tragic week for gun violence in America: three people died in a shooting at a food festival last Sunday in California, and two more Tuesday in a shooting in a Walmart in Mississippi.

On Twitter,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;described the El Paso attack as "an act of cowardice." 
But critics said&nbsp;Trump's custom of speaking in derogatory terms about immigrants is pushing hatred of foreigners into the political mainstream and encouraging white supremacist thinking that can lead to violence.

"To pretend that his administration and the hateful rhetoric it spreads doesn't play a role in the kind of violence that we saw yesterday in El Paso is ignorant at best and irresponsible at worst," said the Southern Poverty Law Center, a major civil rights group.

It cited&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;actions like calling Mexican migrants rapists and drug dealers and doing nothing when a crowd at a&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;rally chanted "send her back" in reference to a Somali-born congresswoman.

The Republican mayor of El Paso, Dee Margo, seemed to discount any race element to the Texas shooting, telling Fox News the gunman was "deranged."

But several Democratic presidential hopefuls said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;bears some of the blame for such violence.

Watch:&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />Gunman kills 20 at Texas Walmart store

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/texas-shooting-gunman-kills-20-at-texas-walmart-store-240658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our president isn't just failing to confront and disarm these domestic terrorists, he is amplifying and condoning their hate," Mayor Pete Buttigieg tweeted.

"Mr President: stop your racist, hateful and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Your language creates a climate which emboldens violent extremists," Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on Twitter.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that "hate has no place" in the United States after two mass shootings left 29 dead and sparked accusations that his rhetoric was part of the problem.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that "hate has no place" in the United States after two mass shootings left 29 dead and sparked accusations that his rhetoric was part of the problem. The rampages turned innocent snippets of everyday life into nightmares of bloodshed: 20 people were shot dead while shopping at a crowded Walmart in El Paso, Texas on Saturday morning, and nine more outside a bar in a popular nightlife district in Dayton, Ohio just 13 hours later. "Hate has no place in our country," Trump said, but he also blamed mental illness for the violence. "This is also a mental illness problem if you look at both of those cases," added the US president, who is under increased pressure over mass shootings. "These are really people that are very, very seriously mentally ill," he said, despite the fact that police have not confirmed this to be the case. "We have to get it stopped. This has been going on for years... and years in our country," the president said. In Texas, 26 people were wounded, and 27 in Ohio, where the shooter was killed in roughly 30 seconds by police who were patrolling nearby and prevented a casualty toll that could have been many times greater. 100-round drum magazine Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl told a news conference that the quick police response was "crucial," preventing the shooter from entering a bar where "there would have been... catastrophic injury and loss of life." But the shooter still managed to mow down dozens of people. Biehl said the gunman wore a mask and a bullet-proof vest and was armed with an assault rifle fitted with a 100-round drum magazine. "You could see the bodies actually start to fall and we knew it was bigger than just even a shoot-out," Anthony Reynolds, who was outside the Dayton bar when the shooting started, told NBC News. Police named the gunman as a 24-year-old white man called Connor Betts and said that his sister was among those killed. She had gone with him to the scene of the massacre. Six of the nine people shot dead were black, but Biehl said the gunman's motive was still unclear. In Texas, police said the suspect surrendered standing on a sidewalk near the scene of the massacre. He was described in media reports as a 21-year-old white man named Patrick Crusius. He was believed to have posted online a manifesto denouncing a "Hispanic invasion" of Texas. El Paso, on the border with Mexico, is majority Latino. 'Amplifying and condoning' hate Six of the 20 people killed in the El Paso shooting were Mexican, the country's president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said Sunday. The manifesto posted shortly before the shooting also praises the killing of 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in March. Police said the suspected shooter has been charged with murder offences that can carry the death penalty, and a federal official said investigators are treating the El Paso shooting as a case of domestic terrorism. While the country stood aghast over its latest spasm of gun violence, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for five days. At the Walmart in El Paso, terrified shoppers cowered in aisles or ran out of the store as gunfire echoed. Most of the victims were inside the store but some were also in the parking lot outside, police said. "Shooting kids and women and men, to him it mostly mattered that they were Hispanic," said Manuel Sanchez, a resident of the city. These were the 250th and 251st mass shootings this year in the US, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an NGO that defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are wounded or killed. The latest two shootings ended a particularly tragic week for gun violence in America: three people died in a shooting at a food festival last Sunday in California, and two more Tuesday in a shooting in a Walmart in Mississippi. On Twitter, Trump described the El Paso attack as "an act of cowardice." But critics said Trump's custom of speaking in derogatory terms about immigrants is pushing hatred of foreigners into the political mainstream and encouraging white supremacist thinking that can lead to violence. "To pretend that his administration and the hateful rhetoric it spreads doesn't play a role in the kind of violence that we saw yesterday in El Paso is ignorant at best and irresponsible at worst," said the Southern Poverty Law Center, a major civil rights group. It cited Trump actions like calling Mexican migrants rapists and drug dealers and doing nothing when a crowd at a Trump rally chanted "send her back" in reference to a Somali-born congresswoman. The Republican mayor of El Paso, Dee Margo, seemed to discount any race element to the Texas shooting, telling Fox News the gunman was "deranged." But several Democratic presidential hopefuls said Trump bears some of the blame for such violence. Watch: Gunman kills 20 at Texas Walmart store "Our president isn't just failing to confront and disarm these domestic terrorists, he is amplifying and condoning their hate," Mayor Pete Buttigieg tweeted. "Mr President: stop your racist, hateful and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Your language creates a climate which emboldens violent extremists," Senator Bernie Sanders wrote on Twitter.

Mental illness problem if you look at both cases: Trump on US shootings

This INF nuclear pact was signed between the U.S. and the then Soviet Union in 1987 by Mikhail Gorbachev & Ronald Reagan. This limits the use of missiles with a range of 500-5,500 Kms. Watch this video to know more.

Trump decides to undone 32 years-old INF Nuclear treaty between U.S-Soviet Union

North Korean launched yet another projectile. According to the reports, the North Korean projectiles launched early Friday are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, Kyodo News reported, citing unnamed Japanese government officials.

North Korea: 3rd missile test in over a week

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-imran-are-fantastic-people-if-they-want-i-can-intervene-in-kashmir-issue-trump-240059">PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump</a>

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-more-missiles-third-round-of-tests-in-a-week-240037">North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week</a>

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescuers-retrieve-55-migrant-bodies-from-capsized-boat-off-libyan-coast-240042">Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast</a>

Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval</a>

Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-lost-bit-of-love-for-cricket-at-one-point-says-steve-smith-after-ashes-comeback-century-240047">I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century</a>

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation." North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday. Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

North Korea test more missiles, South Korea holds emergency meeting

US stocks slumped and bond prices spiked after US President Donald Trump imposed a new 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of goods from China beginning next month. Watch this video to know more.

Trump to impose fresh tariffs on China

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