China Tuesday hit back at US criticism of its Arctic presence, saying Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pattern-of-aggressive-behaviour-elsewhere-informs-how-it-treats-the-arctic-pompeo-216537">Pompeo had misrepresented facts</a> about its intentions in the resource-rich region.

Pompeo said ahead of a meeting of the eight members of the Arctic Council in Finland on Monday that the US planned to beef up its presence in the region to keep Russia and China's "aggressive behaviour" there in check.

Pompeo's remarks were "a misrepresentation of the facts that has ulterior motives", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

"We have no geopolitical calculations, and seek no exclusionary blocs," he said.

Pompeo warned against scenarios whereby nations become ensnared by debt and corruption, of low-quality investments, militarisation and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, all of which he said were potential effects of allowing rising Chinese influence.&nbsp;

Geng said China has participated in Arctic affairs with "an open, cooperative and win-win attitude".

China will "not intervene" in matters between Arctic countries, but it will also "not be absent" from global issues on the Arctic, he said.

While the US and Russia are members of the Arctic Council, China holds only observer status in the cooperation body and Washington has been wary of Beijing's attempts to style itself as a "near Arctic state".

Shuang said, "The Arctic issue is not only related to Arctic countries but is also of global significance and international influence".

He said China is willing to work with others to "protect the Arctic, to exploit the Arctic and to participate in the governance of the Arctic".

Beijing has invested massively in the region -- almost $90 billion between 2012 and 2017, according to Pompeo -- and intends to fully benefit from the advantages of the Northern Sea Route.

The shipping channel, which drastically cuts sailing times between the Pacific and Atlantic by passing north of Russia, is increasingly usable as the ice melts.

China Tuesday hit back at US criticism of its Arctic presence, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had misrepresented facts about its intentions in the resource-rich region.

China Tuesday hit back at US criticism of its Arctic presence, saying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had misrepresented facts about its intentions in the resource-rich region. Pompeo said ahead of a meeting of the eight members of the Arctic Council in Finland on Monday that the US planned to beef up its presence in the region to keep Russia and China's "aggressive behaviour" there in check. Pompeo's remarks were "a misrepresentation of the facts that has ulterior motives", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. "We have no geopolitical calculations, and seek no exclusionary blocs," he said. Pompeo warned against scenarios whereby nations become ensnared by debt and corruption, of low-quality investments, militarisation and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, all of which he said were potential effects of allowing rising Chinese influence. Geng said China has participated in Arctic affairs with "an open, cooperative and win-win attitude". China will "not intervene" in matters between Arctic countries, but it will also "not be absent" from global issues on the Arctic, he said. While the US and Russia are members of the Arctic Council, China holds only observer status in the cooperation body and Washington has been wary of Beijing's attempts to style itself as a "near Arctic state". Shuang said, "The Arctic issue is not only related to Arctic countries but is also of global significance and international influence". He said China is willing to work with others to "protect the Arctic, to exploit the Arctic and to participate in the governance of the Arctic". Beijing has invested massively in the region -- almost $90 billion between 2012 and 2017, according to Pompeo -- and intends to fully benefit from the advantages of the Northern Sea Route. The shipping channel, which drastically cuts sailing times between the Pacific and Atlantic by passing north of Russia, is increasingly usable as the ice melts.

Pompeo's Arctic comments a 'misrepresentation of facts': China

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adding-tariffs-cant-resolve-any-problem-says-china-on-trade-conflict-with-us-216682">pressure with plans to hike tariffs</a> and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments.

The commerce ministry confirmed in a brief statement that Vice Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping's trade pointman, would visit the US on Thursday and Friday.

The trip is taking place a day later than expected after President Donald Trump jolted global markets by announcing that tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise will more than double to 25 per cent on Friday.

"China always believes that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are the premise and the basis for reaching an agreement. Adding tariffs will not solve any problem," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fresh-tariffs-on-china-trump-spooks-global-markets-with-a-few-tweets-216519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Confirmation of Liu's travel plans lifted Asian stock markets as his presence could raise hopes that a deal is still possible.

The tariffs announcement tanked stock markets worldwide on Monday and worried US farmers and businesses who have been banking on a resolution to the year-long conflict that has engulfed $360 billion in two-way trade.

US officials had said the world's two largest economies were close to an agreement but Beijing reversed course in recent days.

"Over the course of the last week or so, we've seen an erosion in commitments by China, I would say retreating from commitments that have already been made in our judgement," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was quoted as saying in media reports on Monday.

He said the tariffs would increase at 12:01 am on Friday.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described the negotiations as 90 per cent complete but told reporters that in recent days the talks went "substantially backward", according to the media reports.

Complaining that talks were moving too slowly because China was trying to "renegotiate" the terms, Trump vowed Sunday to ratchet up existing tariffs this week and extend the 25 per cent punitive duties to the remaining $350 billion in Chinese goods imported into the country each year.

Speaking in Paris, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said "tensions between the United States and China are the threat for the world economy", and recent "rumours and tweets" made an agreement between the countries less likely.

'Precarious' position

Comments from officials in recent weeks indicated the sides were making progress towards an agreement aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about the forced transfer or outright theft of American technology, as well as reducing the US trade deficit with China.

"It is normal for the two sides to have divergences. China does not evade problems and is sincere in continuing consultations," Geng said.

But William Reinsch, trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China will never meet all the US demands.

"At some point, the president is going to figure out that they're not going to give him everything he wants," he told AFP.

That will put Trump in "a precarious political position", whether "to accept an agreement that will be criticised as weak, or not to have an agreement and be criticised for failing".

"And I can imagine that he is unhappy about that."

Freya Beamish of Pantheon Macroeconomics warned that Trump's aggressive tactics could backfire.

"It is much harder for China's leaders to do that if it looks like they have signed with a gun to their heads."

Restrained growth

US manufacturers and farmers were becoming more optimistic amid signs of progress and comments from officials that the talks were entering their final phase, reinforced by reports Beijing was sending 100 officials to this week's negotiations.

Trump credits the tariffs with the strong first quarter growth but economists and businesses have complained that the trade conflict is, in fact, hurting the bottom line and the uncertainty is causing them to delay investment.

Jake Colvin of the National Foreign Trade Council, a pro-trade US business group, said the tariffs "come at the expense of American businesses and farmers and consumers as well".

And escalating the tariffs to the remaining Chinese goods, which would be expected to spark further retaliation from Beijing, would cut 0.3 percentage points off US growth, according to Oxford Economics.

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up pressure with plans to hike tariffs and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments.

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up pressure with plans to hike tariffs and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments. The commerce ministry confirmed in a brief statement that Vice Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping's trade pointman, would visit the US on Thursday and Friday. The trip is taking place a day later than expected after President Donald Trump jolted global markets by announcing that tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise will more than double to 25 per cent on Friday. "China always believes that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are the premise and the basis for reaching an agreement. Adding tariffs will not solve any problem," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. Confirmation of Liu's travel plans lifted Asian stock markets as his presence could raise hopes that a deal is still possible. The tariffs announcement tanked stock markets worldwide on Monday and worried US farmers and businesses who have been banking on a resolution to the year-long conflict that has engulfed $360 billion in two-way trade. US officials had said the world's two largest economies were close to an agreement but Beijing reversed course in recent days. "Over the course of the last week or so, we've seen an erosion in commitments by China, I would say retreating from commitments that have already been made in our judgement," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was quoted as saying in media reports on Monday. He said the tariffs would increase at 12:01 am on Friday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described the negotiations as 90 per cent complete but told reporters that in recent days the talks went "substantially backward", according to the media reports. Complaining that talks were moving too slowly because China was trying to "renegotiate" the terms, Trump vowed Sunday to ratchet up existing tariffs this week and extend the 25 per cent punitive duties to the remaining $350 billion in Chinese goods imported into the country each year. Speaking in Paris, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said "tensions between the United States and China are the threat for the world economy", and recent "rumours and tweets" made an agreement between the countries less likely. 'Precarious' position Comments from officials in recent weeks indicated the sides were making progress towards an agreement aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about the forced transfer or outright theft of American technology, as well as reducing the US trade deficit with China. "It is normal for the two sides to have divergences. China does not evade problems and is sincere in continuing consultations," Geng said. But William Reinsch, trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China will never meet all the US demands. "At some point, the president is going to figure out that they're not going to give him everything he wants," he told AFP. That will put Trump in "a precarious political position", whether "to accept an agreement that will be criticised as weak, or not to have an agreement and be criticised for failing". "And I can imagine that he is unhappy about that." Freya Beamish of Pantheon Macroeconomics warned that Trump's aggressive tactics could backfire. "It is much harder for China's leaders to do that if it looks like they have signed with a gun to their heads." Restrained growth US manufacturers and farmers were becoming more optimistic amid signs of progress and comments from officials that the talks were entering their final phase, reinforced by reports Beijing was sending 100 officials to this week's negotiations. Trump credits the tariffs with the strong first quarter growth but economists and businesses have complained that the trade conflict is, in fact, hurting the bottom line and the uncertainty is causing them to delay investment. Jake Colvin of the National Foreign Trade Council, a pro-trade US business group, said the tariffs "come at the expense of American businesses and farmers and consumers as well". And escalating the tariffs to the remaining Chinese goods, which would be expected to spark further retaliation from Beijing, would cut 0.3 percentage points off US growth, according to Oxford Economics.

China's top trade negotiator to visit US despite tariffs

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

Tiger Woods awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

After dramatic appeals and testimony in Congress, Donald Trump's one-time<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-ex-lawyer-michael-cohen-of-perjury-citing-unpublished-book-200655&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjs5fHhl4biAhUM3o8KHbsEAncQFjAHegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UUPrP5UNJOqE017oDJdfu"> personal lawyer Michael Cohen</a> is due to report to jail Monday to serve a sentence he deems unjust because he was simply following his boss's orders.

The longtime Trump admirer who once said he was ready to "take a bullet" for Trump is awaited at the federal prison in Otisville, New York by 2:00 pm (1800 GMT).

He was sentenced to three years in prison in December, after admitting to having paid hush money during the 2016 election to two women who said they had had affairs with Trump -- in violation of electoral laws -- having committed tax fraud and having lied to Congress.

The father of two children in their twenties, Cohen had hoped until the last moment that his sentence would be reduced, offering information to investigators that could compromise Trump and his family, including over the Russia investigation.

But even if<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-criticises-attorney-general-barrs-depiction-of-russia-probe-reports-215002&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjInar_l4biAhUMTI8KHYTHCbU4ChAWMAN6BAgPEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2KrVBmWXq0ymv9OhWFRvDO"> Special Counsel Robert Mueller</a> referred to the ex-attorney more than a hundred times in his report on Russian meddling in the US elections, prosecutors have not budged on Cohen's sentence.

Why Cohen?&nbsp;

The child of a Holocaust survivor and a nurse will become one of just two close aides of the president jailed for a lengthy period of time after Paul Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign manager who was sentenced to 7.5 years of prison.

Cohen worked for the Trump Organization for a decade and insists that all reprehensible acts took place at the behest of the president, who the ex-attorney claims would be ready to cling to power even if he loses his bid for a second term in 2020.

"How come I'm the only one?" Cohen asked in an interview with The New Yorker.

"I didn't work for the campaign. I worked for him. And how come I'm the one that's going to prison? I'm not the one that slept with the porn star," he added, referring to Stormy Daniels, one of the women who received hush money.

Cohen's lawyer Lanny Davis said Friday that the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, should have gone to prison since he "signed hush money checks."

For the American president and his allies, Cohen's prison sentence has the taste of payback after the one-time attorney turned on his boss.

Trump called him "weak" and a "rat" ready to make up any lies necessary to avoid prison.

&nbsp;Final statements&nbsp;

Cohen, who has been disbarred and is running out of cash, has not said his last word.

This weekend, he told reporters following him in Manhattan as he spent his last moments of freedom with his son Jake, a student in Miami, that he would make some final statements Monday before going behind bars.

When he spoke to lawmakers earlier this year, Cohen mentioned plans to write a book and have his experiences made into a film.

In doing so, he would be following the example of Richard Nixon's ex-lawyer John Dean, who pleaded guilty for having bought the silence of the Watergate scandal burglars, and then wrote a book about his experience.

The Otisville prison conditions should allow Cohen to spend at least some time on such projects.

He is due to be held in the detention centre's low-security "camp," which holds detainees who are not considered to be dangerous, including many other white-collar criminals.

Practising Jews who are sentenced often request to be placed at Otisville because it provides kosher meals and detainees are allowed to follow the Shabbat day of rest.

The 120-some prisoners of this wing of the centre can use libraries, as well as basketball and tennis courts while wearing their beige uniforms.

Can Cohen hope for an expedited release for good behaviour?

"Because Congress eliminated parole in 1987, the best he can hope for is a 15 per cent reduction off his sentence for 'good behaviour,'" said criminal defence attorney Harlan Protass.

"He'll also likely spend the last six months of his sentence in a halfway house, like where former Congressman Anthony Weiner is now."

After dramatic appeals and testimony in Congress, Donald Trump's one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen is due to report to jail Monday to serve a sentence he deems unjust because he was simply following his boss's orders.

After dramatic appeals and testimony in Congress, Donald Trump's one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen is due to report to jail Monday to serve a sentence he deems unjust because he was simply following his boss's orders. The longtime Trump admirer who once said he was ready to "take a bullet" for Trump is awaited at the federal prison in Otisville, New York by 2:00 pm (1800 GMT). He was sentenced to three years in prison in December, after admitting to having paid hush money during the 2016 election to two women who said they had had affairs with Trump -- in violation of electoral laws -- having committed tax fraud and having lied to Congress. The father of two children in their twenties, Cohen had hoped until the last moment that his sentence would be reduced, offering information to investigators that could compromise Trump and his family, including over the Russia investigation. But even if Special Counsel Robert Mueller referred to the ex-attorney more than a hundred times in his report on Russian meddling in the US elections, prosecutors have not budged on Cohen's sentence. Why Cohen? The child of a Holocaust survivor and a nurse will become one of just two close aides of the president jailed for a lengthy period of time after Paul Manafort, Trump's ex-campaign manager who was sentenced to 7.5 years of prison. Cohen worked for the Trump Organization for a decade and insists that all reprehensible acts took place at the behest of the president, who the ex-attorney claims would be ready to cling to power even if he loses his bid for a second term in 2020. "How come I'm the only one?" Cohen asked in an interview with The New Yorker. "I didn't work for the campaign. I worked for him. And how come I'm the one that's going to prison? I'm not the one that slept with the porn star," he added, referring to Stormy Daniels, one of the women who received hush money. Cohen's lawyer Lanny Davis said Friday that the president's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, should have gone to prison since he "signed hush money checks." For the American president and his allies, Cohen's prison sentence has the taste of payback after the one-time attorney turned on his boss. Trump called him "weak" and a "rat" ready to make up any lies necessary to avoid prison. Final statements Cohen, who has been disbarred and is running out of cash, has not said his last word. This weekend, he told reporters following him in Manhattan as he spent his last moments of freedom with his son Jake, a student in Miami, that he would make some final statements Monday before going behind bars. When he spoke to lawmakers earlier this year, Cohen mentioned plans to write a book and have his experiences made into a film. In doing so, he would be following the example of Richard Nixon's ex-lawyer John Dean, who pleaded guilty for having bought the silence of the Watergate scandal burglars, and then wrote a book about his experience. The Otisville prison conditions should allow Cohen to spend at least some time on such projects. He is due to be held in the detention centre's low-security "camp," which holds detainees who are not considered to be dangerous, including many other white-collar criminals. Practising Jews who are sentenced often request to be placed at Otisville because it provides kosher meals and detainees are allowed to follow the Shabbat day of rest. The 120-some prisoners of this wing of the centre can use libraries, as well as basketball and tennis courts while wearing their beige uniforms. Can Cohen hope for an expedited release for good behaviour? "Because Congress eliminated parole in 1987, the best he can hope for is a 15 per cent reduction off his sentence for 'good behaviour,'" said criminal defence attorney Harlan Protass. "He'll also likely spend the last six months of his sentence in a halfway house, like where former Congressman Anthony Weiner is now."

Michael Cohen, Trump's one-time aide who turned on him, due to report to jail today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-ranjan-gogoi-gets-clean-chit-in-sexual-harassment-case-by-supreme-courts-in-house-panel-216443">CJI Ranjan Gogoi gets clean chit in sexual harassment case by Supreme Court's in-house panel</a>

The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case.&nbsp;

The committee, also comprises Justices Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, said it found no substance in the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-ready-for-any-us-attack-foreign-minister-216419">If United States opts for war, we will not only fight but win: Venezuela government</a>

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-ahmadi-community-faces-growing-discrimination-report-says-216405">Pakistan's Ahmadi community faces growing discrimination: Report</a>

Pakistan's Ahmadi community faces growing institutionalized discrimination fanned by last year's election campaign by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the minority movement said in a report issued on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pilot-says-lightning-caused-deadly-russian-crash-landing-216399">Pilot says lightning caused deadly Russian crash landing</a>

The pilot of a Russian passenger plane that erupted in a ball of fire on the runway of Moscow's busiest airport, killing 41 people, said lightning led to the emergency landing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">Live Lok Sabha phase 5 elections: 61% turn out recorded till 6:30 pm; West Bengal leads with 74%, Jharkhand 64%</a>

Jammu &amp; Kashmir: A petrol bomb was hurled at a polling station in south Kashmir’s Shopian today. No loss of life or injuries reported.&nbsp;

CJI Ranjan Gogoi gets clean chit in sexual harassment case by Supreme Court's in-house panel The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi gets clean chit in sexual harassment case by Supreme Court's in-house panel The in-house committee led by Justice S A Bobde on Monday gave a clean chit to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in a sexual harassment case. The committee, also comprises Justices Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee, said it found no substance in the sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi. If United States opts for war, we will not only fight but win: Venezuela government Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is ready to see off any attack from the United States, his foreign minister Jorge Arreaza said Monday in Moscow, after a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Pakistan's Ahmadi community faces growing discrimination: Report Pakistan's Ahmadi community faces growing institutionalized discrimination fanned by last year's election campaign by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the minority movement said in a report issued on Monday. Pilot says lightning caused deadly Russian crash landing The pilot of a Russian passenger plane that erupted in a ball of fire on the runway of Moscow's busiest airport, killing 41 people, said lightning led to the emergency landing. Live Lok Sabha phase 5 elections: 61% turn out recorded till 6:30 pm; West Bengal leads with 74%, Jharkhand 64% Jammu & Kashmir: A petrol bomb was hurled at a polling station in south Kashmir’s Shopian today. No loss of life or injuries reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Relentless pursuit of economic growth, twinned with the impact of climate change, has put an "unprecedented" one million species at risk of extinction, scientists said on Monday in a landmark report on the damage done by modern civilisation to the natural world.

Only a wide-ranging transformation of the global economic and financial system could pull ecosystems that are vital to the future of human communities worldwide back from the brink of collapse, concluded the report, which was endorsed by 130 countries, including the United States, Russia and China.

"The essential, interconnected web of life on Earth is getting smaller and increasingly frayed," said Professor Josef Settele, who co-chaired the study, launched in Paris on Monday by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

"This loss is a direct result of human activity and constitutes a direct threat to human well-being in all regions of the world."

Compiled by 145 expert authors from 50 countries, the study is a cornerstone of an emerging body of research that suggests the world may need to embrace a new "post-growth" form of economics if it is to avert the existential risks posed by the mutually-reinforcing consequences of pollution, habitat destruction and carbon emissions.

Known as the Global Assessment, the report found that up to one million of Earth's estimated eight million plant, insect and animal species is at risk of extinction, many within decades.

The authors identified industrial farming and fishing as major drivers – with the current rate of species extinction tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the last 10 million years.

Climate change caused by burning the coal, oil and gas produced by the fossil fuel industry is exacerbating the losses, the report found.

Change needed at every level

Robert Watson, a British environmental scientist who chairs the IPBES, said it would be possible to start conserving, restoring and using nature sustainably only if societies were prepared to confront "vested interests" committed to preserving the status quo.

"The report also tells us that it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global," Watson said in a statement.

"By transformative change, we mean a fundamental, system-wide reorganization across technological, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values."

The report's blunt language echoed the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which said in October that profound economic and social changes would be needed to curb greenhouse gases quickly enough to avert the most devastating consequences of a warming world.

The findings will also add to pressure for countries to agree bold action to protect wildlife at a major conference on biodiversity due to take place in China towards the end of next year, a focal point for governments and campaigners.

The Global Assessment contained a litany of estimates made after a three-year review of some 15,000 scientific papers that showed the profound impact of the rise of a globalised industrial society on the planet over the past half-century.

Combining wide-ranging disciplines to measure how the loss of the natural world affects human societies, the report identified a range of risks, from the disappearance of insects vital for pollinating food crops, to the destruction of coral reefs that support fish populations that sustain coastal communities, or the loss of medicinal plants.

The report found that the average abundance of native species in most major land-based habitats has fallen by at least 20 per cent, mostly since 1900.

The threatened list includes more than 40 per cent of amphibian species, almost 33 per cent of reef-forming corals, and more than a third of all marine mammals. The picture was less clear for insect species, but a tentative estimate suggests 10 per cent are at risk of extinction.

"We have been running from one frontier to another frontier trying to find cheap nature (to exploit) in every corner of the planet," Eduardo Brondizio, a professor of anthropology at Indiana University in the United States who co-chaired the Global Assessment, told Reuters.

Relentless pursuit of economic growth, twinned with the impact of climate change, has put an "unprecedented" one million species at risk of extinction, scientists said on Monday in a landmark report on the damage done by modern civilisation to the natural world.

Relentless pursuit of economic growth, twinned with the impact of climate change, has put an "unprecedented" one million species at risk of extinction, scientists said on Monday in a landmark report on the damage done by modern civilisation to the natural world. Only a wide-ranging transformation of the global economic and financial system could pull ecosystems that are vital to the future of human communities worldwide back from the brink of collapse, concluded the report, which was endorsed by 130 countries, including the United States, Russia and China. "The essential, interconnected web of life on Earth is getting smaller and increasingly frayed," said Professor Josef Settele, who co-chaired the study, launched in Paris on Monday by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). "This loss is a direct result of human activity and constitutes a direct threat to human well-being in all regions of the world." Compiled by 145 expert authors from 50 countries, the study is a cornerstone of an emerging body of research that suggests the world may need to embrace a new "post-growth" form of economics if it is to avert the existential risks posed by the mutually-reinforcing consequences of pollution, habitat destruction and carbon emissions. Known as the Global Assessment, the report found that up to one million of Earth's estimated eight million plant, insect and animal species is at risk of extinction, many within decades. The authors identified industrial farming and fishing as major drivers – with the current rate of species extinction tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the last 10 million years. Climate change caused by burning the coal, oil and gas produced by the fossil fuel industry is exacerbating the losses, the report found. Change needed at every level Robert Watson, a British environmental scientist who chairs the IPBES, said it would be possible to start conserving, restoring and using nature sustainably only if societies were prepared to confront "vested interests" committed to preserving the status quo. "The report also tells us that it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global," Watson said in a statement. "By transformative change, we mean a fundamental, system-wide reorganization across technological, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values." The report's blunt language echoed the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which said in October that profound economic and social changes would be needed to curb greenhouse gases quickly enough to avert the most devastating consequences of a warming world. The findings will also add to pressure for countries to agree bold action to protect wildlife at a major conference on biodiversity due to take place in China towards the end of next year, a focal point for governments and campaigners. The Global Assessment contained a litany of estimates made after a three-year review of some 15,000 scientific papers that showed the profound impact of the rise of a globalised industrial society on the planet over the past half-century. Combining wide-ranging disciplines to measure how the loss of the natural world affects human societies, the report identified a range of risks, from the disappearance of insects vital for pollinating food crops, to the destruction of coral reefs that support fish populations that sustain coastal communities, or the loss of medicinal plants. The report found that the average abundance of native species in most major land-based habitats has fallen by at least 20 per cent, mostly since 1900. The threatened list includes more than 40 per cent of amphibian species, almost 33 per cent of reef-forming corals, and more than a third of all marine mammals. The picture was less clear for insect species, but a tentative estimate suggests 10 per cent are at risk of extinction. "We have been running from one frontier to another frontier trying to find cheap nature (to exploit) in every corner of the planet," Eduardo Brondizio, a professor of anthropology at Indiana University in the United States who co-chaired the Global Assessment, told Reuters.

One million species risk extinction due to modern civilisation: Scientists

US President Donald Trump says the United States will raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, complaining of a lack of progress in trade talks. "The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate.

US President Trump to hike tariffs on $200 bn of China goods

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000.

"I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination.

"Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added.

Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare. Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000. "I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination. "Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added. Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD). SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

Get your children vaccinated or face fine: German health minister

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday.

The United States, which last year withdrew from a 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers, has told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions.

Iran says it will continue to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-and-britain-condemn-us-oil-and-nuclear-sanctions-on-iran-215981">export oil in defiance of US sanctions</a>, part of a campaign by Washington aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power.

"We have mobilised all of the country's resources and are selling oil in the 'grey market'," state news agency IRNA quoted Zamaninia as saying.

Zamaninia gave no details about the "grey market", but Iran is widely reported to have sold oil at steep discounts and often through private firms during sanctions earlier this decade.

"We certainly won't sell 2.5 million barrels per day as under the (nuclear deal)," Zamaninia said, giving no figures for current sales.

"We will need to make serious decisions about our financial and economic management, and the government is working on that."

"This is not smuggling. This is countering sanctions which we do not see as just or legitimate," Zamaninia said.

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday.

Iran has mobilised all its resources to sell oil in a "grey market", bypassing US sanctions that Tehran sees as illegitimate, state media quoted Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia as saying on Sunday. The United States, which last year withdrew from a 2015 Iran nuclear deal with world powers, has told buyers of Iranian oil to stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions. Iran says it will continue to export oil in defiance of US sanctions, part of a campaign by Washington aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power. "We have mobilised all of the country's resources and are selling oil in the 'grey market'," state news agency IRNA quoted Zamaninia as saying. Zamaninia gave no details about the "grey market", but Iran is widely reported to have sold oil at steep discounts and often through private firms during sanctions earlier this decade. "We certainly won't sell 2.5 million barrels per day as under the (nuclear deal)," Zamaninia said, giving no figures for current sales. "We will need to make serious decisions about our financial and economic management, and the government is working on that." "This is not smuggling. This is countering sanctions which we do not see as just or legitimate," Zamaninia said.

Iran using all resources to sell oil in 'grey market': Deputy minister

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-to-give-migrants-dna-tests-to-prove-family-ties-215190">migrants seeking refuge in the United States</a> to pass an initial screening.

The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said.

Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US&nbsp;Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis.

The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said.

The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US&nbsp;border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-did-not-raise-election-meddling-with-putin-in-phone-call-216036">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent.

The first step in the long US&nbsp;asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country.

If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum.

Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient.

'Big fat con job'

The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration.

The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States.

Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted.

Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said.

USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions."

Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses.

The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents.

US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment.

An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol.

Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases.

The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country.

At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job."

"You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world."

Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US&nbsp;courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits.

Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials.

By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening.

The Trump administration has revised training guidelines for asylum officers in ways that could make it harder for migrants seeking refuge in the United States to pass an initial screening. The revisions to a lesson plan used by hundreds of asylum officers suggest the Trump administration is finding new ways to narrow who can access asylum as bolder policy proposals with that same goal have been blocked by federals courts, said former government officials and immigration experts who reviewed the internal plan that was shared with Reuters. The changes could potentially lead to more denials and deportations before migrants' full cases can be heard, they said. Jessica Collins, a spokeswoman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees asylum applications, said the agency periodically updates its training documents and that it processes all claims on a case-by-case basis. The lesson plan has been revised in 2006, 2014 and February 2017. The new version, dated April 30, goes into effect this month, USCIS said. The ballooning number of mostly Central American families turning themselves into border agents and asking for asylum has pushed US border agencies to a breaking point. In March, more than 100,000 people were caught at the US-Mexico border, the highest monthly level in more than a decade. US President Donald Trump has claimed the migrants are exploiting "loopholes" in immigration law and says many asylum claims are fraudulent. The first step in the long US asylum process is an interview by a USCIS official specially trained in asylum and refugee law to determine whether a migrant has a "credible fear" of returning to their home country. If they pass that first hurdle, a low bar, they go on to immigration court where a judge can grant them asylum if they prove they have been persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Around three-quarters of the thousands of monthly applicants regularly pass the first "credible fear" interviews, according to government data. But most Central American migrants fleeing general violence and corruption ultimately do not qualify for asylum. Trump has said repeatedly that the standards for entry into the United States are too lenient. 'Big fat con job' The revised lesson plan is "a significant and disturbing step towards making it more difficult to pass credible fear interviews," said Victoria Neilson, who worked in the USCIS refugee and asylum division during the Obama administration. The new plan deletes a paragraph from the previous guidance that told "credible fear" interviewers to consider that asylum seekers may not have all the evidence to prove their claims when they first arrive in the United States. Guidance to consider trauma and cultural background when assessing credibility has also been deleted. Instructions to be warier of fraud were inserted. Stephen Legomsky, a former USCIS chief counsel said that asylum seekers who arrive in the United States without documents to prove their persecution back home have to rely on their own testimony. "Without taking cultural and psychological factors into account, evaluating the person's credibility becomes nearly impossible," Legomsky said. USCIS' Collins said the agency's officers take into account "relevant country conditions information" and adhere "to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions." Currently, asylum officers are required to complete weeks of in-person training followed by regular ongoing refresher courses. The White House is seeking $23 million of funding to train border patrol agents to perform "credible fear" interviews that are usually done by specialized USCIS asylum officers. It was not clear whether or not this new lesson plan would be used to train border patrol agents. US Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, referred questions about its agents conducting interviews to the US Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond to a request for comment. An April 29 White House memo said agencies should "reprioritize" immigration officials to do "credible fear" screenings, without specifically mentioning Border Patrol. Migrants who pass the initial "credible fear" interview are often allowed stay in the United States until their asylum cases are decided, a process that can take months or years because of a massive backlog of immigration court cases. The Trump administration has said people are gaming the legal system in order to stay in the country. At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, Trump called the asylum process "a big, fat con job." "You have people coming up, they are all met by the lawyers," he said, "and they say, say the following phrase, 'I'm very afraid for my life' ... and then I look at the guy, he looks like he just got out of the ring, he's the heavyweight champion of the world." Under a new Trump policy started in January, hundreds of asylum seekers have been forced to return to wait in Mexico while their cases lumber through US courts. That policy is being challenged by lawsuits. Trump has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexico border but a physical barrier would have little effect on migrants who turn themselves into officials. By changing the rules for asylum screenings the government "is erecting an invisible wall," for those seeking protection, said Dree Collopy, an immigration attorney at a Washington, DC-based law firm.

Trump administration's new training guidelines for asylum screenings reflect tougher US stance on migrants

North Korea fired several short-range projectiles off its east coast on Saturday, in a move likely to raise tensions as denuclearization talks with the United States remain stalled.

North Korea launches Short-Range Missiles, claims South Korea

Twenty-four US&nbsp;members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut.

"In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs.

A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US&nbsp;trade deficit and repeatedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-india-vietnam-charged-us-big-tariffs-trump-at-wisconsin-rally-214388">called out India for high tariffs</a>.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war.

The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US&nbsp;farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs.

But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added.

India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan.

India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said.

"They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said.

The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added.

Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US&nbsp;companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it.

Twenty-four US members of Congress sent a letter on Friday to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, urging him not to end a vital trade concession for India, a day before the Trump administration is likely to announce a decision on it. Ending the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from India, would impose "hundreds of millions of dollars annually in new taxes" on American companies, the lawmakers said in a bipartisan letter led by Democratic Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut. "In the past, even temporary lapses in such benefits have caused companies to lay off workers, cut salaries and benefits, and delay or cancel job-creating investments in the United States," the letter says. They urged the administration to continue negotiating a deal with India that would protect American jobs. A decision to scrap the trade privilege comes as President Donald Trump has vowed to cut the US trade deficit and repeatedly called out India for high tariffs. India is the world's largest beneficiary of GSP, which dates from the 1970s, and ending its participation would not only be the strongest punitive action against the country since Trump took office, but would also open a new front in the global trade war. The elimination of GSP is likely to bring retaliatory tariffs from New Delhi, according to a senior source with direct knowledge of the matter. Last June, India said it would step up import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs. But it has since repeatedly delayed adopting the higher duties - a move that could be implemented if GSP is withdrawn, the source added. India is hoping the decision to end the trade privilege is delayed and the Trump administration is open to further negotiations, the source said. In April, Republican Senator John Cornyn and Democratic Senator Mark Warner, co-chairs of the Senate India caucus, urged Lighthizer to delay adopting the plan. India sent a trade package listing the concessions it was willing to make to the USTR in late February but hasn't heard from them, the source said. "They are usually very responsive so it is highly unusual for them to not respond to the trade package that was sent," the source said. The decision to drop GSP is also ill-timed as it comes in the middle of elections in India, hampering the country's ability to negotiate further, the source added. Despite close political ties between the two countries, trade between India and the United States, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. Trade relations suffered in the past few months after India adopted new rules on e-commerce, reining in how US companies such as Amazon.com Inc and Walmart Inc can do business in the country.

US lawmakers urge Trump administration to not end India's trade privileges

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report.

US President Donald Trump in his South Asia speech in 2017 encouraged India to play a greater role in Afghanistan's economic development, the latest report on Afghanistan by the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said.

"India has been the largest regional contributor to Afghan reconstruction but New Delhi has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Kabul," according to the report dated May 1.

"This, along with other administration messaging, has compounded Pakistani concerns over Indian activity in Afghanistan," said the bipartisan research wing of the US Congress which prepares period reports on issues of interest for the members of the Congress.

CRS reports are prepared for US lawmakers to take informed decisions. These are not an official report of the US Congress.

Regional dynamics and the involvement of outside powers are central to the conflict in Afghanistan, it said.

The neighbouring state widely considered most important in this regard is Pakistan, which has played an active, and by many accounts negative role in Afghan affairs for decades, the CRS report said.

The CRS report said that Trump has directly accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting".

Afghan leaders, along with US military commanders, attribute much of the insurgency's power and longevity either directly or indirectly to Pakistan.

Experts debate the extent to which Pakistan is committed to Afghan stability or is attempting to exert control in Afghanistan through ties to insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, semiautonomous component of the Taliban, it said.

US officials have repeatedly identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some observers question the validity of that charge in light of the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself.

Pakistan, it said, may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority).

However, at least some Pakistani leaders have stated that instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, it said.

"Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan.

"Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS report added.&nbsp;

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report.

India has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Afghanistan even as it has been the largest regional contributor to the war-torn country's reconstruction, according to a US Congressional report. US President Donald Trump in his South Asia speech in 2017 encouraged India to play a greater role in Afghanistan's economic development, the latest report on Afghanistan by the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said. "India has been the largest regional contributor to Afghan reconstruction but New Delhi has not shown an inclination to pursue a deeper defence relationship with Kabul," according to the report dated May 1. "This, along with other administration messaging, has compounded Pakistani concerns over Indian activity in Afghanistan," said the bipartisan research wing of the US Congress which prepares period reports on issues of interest for the members of the Congress. CRS reports are prepared for US lawmakers to take informed decisions. These are not an official report of the US Congress. Regional dynamics and the involvement of outside powers are central to the conflict in Afghanistan, it said. The neighbouring state widely considered most important in this regard is Pakistan, which has played an active, and by many accounts negative role in Afghan affairs for decades, the CRS report said. The CRS report said that Trump has directly accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting". Afghan leaders, along with US military commanders, attribute much of the insurgency's power and longevity either directly or indirectly to Pakistan. Experts debate the extent to which Pakistan is committed to Afghan stability or is attempting to exert control in Afghanistan through ties to insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, semiautonomous component of the Taliban, it said. US officials have repeatedly identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some observers question the validity of that charge in light of the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself. Pakistan, it said, may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority). However, at least some Pakistani leaders have stated that instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, it said. "Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan. "Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS report added.

India hasn't shown inclination to pursue deeper defence ties with Afghanistan: US report 

Asian markets limped into the weekend Friday with energy firms again taking a hit from a plunge in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-dip-on-record-us-output-as-iran-oil-exemption-ends-215229&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9i4fpyP7hAhVP6nMBHXwkC70QFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MwaD7oiX8HCsPd61LWwAe">oil prices</a>, while investors look ahead to the release of key US jobs data later in the day.

Observers said there may have been some caution setting in after a report suggesting the long-running trade talks between China and the United States had hit a snag.

With optimism fuelled by a broadly strong earnings season beginning to fade, dealers are taking their cash off the table after a strong start to the year, while analysts noted May is a traditionally weak month for equities.

Energy firms were once again in the firing line, dropping in tandem with crude prices owing to worries about rising supplies and falling demand.

Brent has tumbled around 6.5 per cent and WTI is off more than seven per cent from six-month highs touched just last week, taking another hit Thursday from data showing a surge in US stockpiles and output.

The commodity had been rallying in recent weeks on the back of output cuts led by OPEC and Russia (OPEC+) unrest in Libya, the political crisis in Venezuela and hopes for the China-US trade talks.

But analysts pointed out that a would-be coup in Caracas has fizzled,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-libya-peace-return-of-refugees-to-syria-212319&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiu87Cgyf7hAhWKiXAKHZj0ADEQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iXxQDDcSjHcT--QBUxI0I"> tensions in Libya</a> have eased and the major producing countries appear to be rolling back on commitments to turn off the taps.

"Expectations are dwindling that OPEC+ will be able to deliver on any extension on production cuts," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA.

"Even if they do show optimism at the next... meeting on May 17th, many will not expect an extended cut agreement to have the same effect as the first one.

Right now the path of least resistance for oil remains to the downside."

Trade talks questions&nbsp;

Hong Kong-listed CNOOC dived more than two per cent and PetroChina almost one per cent, while Woodside Petroleum shed 1.1 per cent in Sydney and Santos sank two per cent.

On broader stock markets, Hong Kong fell 0.7 per cent, Singapore gave up 0.5 per cent and Seoul sank 0.8 per cent with Wellington and Jakarta also lower.

However, Sydney and Taipei edged up slightly while Manila rallied 0.8 per cent.

Attention is now on the release Friday of US non-farm payrolls data that will provide a fresh snapshot of the world's top economy.

The figures come after the head of the Federal Reserve disappointed markets by saying recent weak inflation was "transitory", denting hopes the bank would consider an interest rate cut this year.

A strong jobs report would reinforce Jerome Powell's view that the economy was broadly healthy and all but kill off any chance of a cut in the near future.

There is also some unease after a report in Chinese media speculated that negotiators from China and the US had hit an impasse in the trade talks, citing the fact there were few details from their most recent talks in Beijing this week.

"Whilst these are just initial reports, clearly anything that suggests the US and China won’t agree a deal will rattle investors," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst for Markets.com.

However, National Australia Bank pointed out that the comments contradicted reports by Politico and CNBC saying a deal could come as soon as next Friday.

Asian markets limped into the weekend Friday with energy firms again taking a hit from a plunge in oil prices, while investors look ahead to the release of key US jobs data later in the day.

Asian markets limped into the weekend Friday with energy firms again taking a hit from a plunge in oil prices, while investors look ahead to the release of key US jobs data later in the day. Observers said there may have been some caution setting in after a report suggesting the long-running trade talks between China and the United States had hit a snag. With optimism fuelled by a broadly strong earnings season beginning to fade, dealers are taking their cash off the table after a strong start to the year, while analysts noted May is a traditionally weak month for equities. Energy firms were once again in the firing line, dropping in tandem with crude prices owing to worries about rising supplies and falling demand. Brent has tumbled around 6.5 per cent and WTI is off more than seven per cent from six-month highs touched just last week, taking another hit Thursday from data showing a surge in US stockpiles and output. The commodity had been rallying in recent weeks on the back of output cuts led by OPEC and Russia (OPEC+) unrest in Libya, the political crisis in Venezuela and hopes for the China-US trade talks. But analysts pointed out that a would-be coup in Caracas has fizzled, tensions in Libya have eased and the major producing countries appear to be rolling back on commitments to turn off the taps. "Expectations are dwindling that OPEC+ will be able to deliver on any extension on production cuts," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. "Even if they do show optimism at the next... meeting on May 17th, many will not expect an extended cut agreement to have the same effect as the first one. Right now the path of least resistance for oil remains to the downside." Trade talks questions Hong Kong-listed CNOOC dived more than two per cent and PetroChina almost one per cent, while Woodside Petroleum shed 1.1 per cent in Sydney and Santos sank two per cent. On broader stock markets, Hong Kong fell 0.7 per cent, Singapore gave up 0.5 per cent and Seoul sank 0.8 per cent with Wellington and Jakarta also lower. However, Sydney and Taipei edged up slightly while Manila rallied 0.8 per cent. Attention is now on the release Friday of US non-farm payrolls data that will provide a fresh snapshot of the world's top economy. The figures come after the head of the Federal Reserve disappointed markets by saying recent weak inflation was "transitory", denting hopes the bank would consider an interest rate cut this year. A strong jobs report would reinforce Jerome Powell's view that the economy was broadly healthy and all but kill off any chance of a cut in the near future. There is also some unease after a report in Chinese media speculated that negotiators from China and the US had hit an impasse in the trade talks, citing the fact there were few details from their most recent talks in Beijing this week. "Whilst these are just initial reports, clearly anything that suggests the US and China won’t agree a deal will rattle investors," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst for Markets.com. However, National Australia Bank pointed out that the comments contradicted reports by Politico and CNBC saying a deal could come as soon as next Friday.

Asian markets drag as oil prices plunge; investors await US jobs data

The worst measles outbreak in at least two decades has shown no sign of abating, and New York State accounts for the majority of cases, despite persistent pleas from officials to vaccinate.

Gravitas: What We Know About the Measles Outbreak in US

Israel and the United States are putting the financial squeeze on the Palestinian Authority (PA), where opposition to a long-awaited U.S. peace plan and anger over Israeli sanctions remain strong.

As Trump team prepares Mideast plan, Palestinians face financial crisis

The U.S. Has Attempted To Bring In Democratic Regimes In Several Countries, Only To See Them Revert Back To Authoritarianism. Has The U.S. Failed To Learn Its Lessons? Here's a look at the flawed experiments of the U.S. to usher in democratic regimes in oil-rich countries to gain influence over oil markets.

Gravitas: How America uses 'Democracy' as a bait to control oil-rich countries

As The U.S. & Russia Indulge In A Battle For Oil, We Take A Holistic Look At How Oil Is Linked To Geopolitics. What's common between Iran, Venezuela and Libya? It's not just that these countries are in crisis or facing sanctions. They are also oil-rich. Here's Palki explaining how Oil continues to remain the most sought after commodity and how the U.S. and Russia interfere in oil-rich countries and spark geo-political conflict to control the oil markets.

Gravitas: How the battle for oil sparks wars & influences geopolitics

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido</a>.

"The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House.

"People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. 
"So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-topple-venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-215414">Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro?</a>

Meanwhile, a US official said&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland.

The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi.

"I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said.

Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-open-to-adopt-a-plan-to-improve-venezuelas-condition-215356">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, an ally of Moscow.

Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela.

Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law."

The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension.

The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido.

President Donald Trump appealed for a swift end to the "brutal repression" of the Venezuelan people, following an abortive military uprising by forces backing the US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. "The brutal repression of the Venezuelan people must end, and it must end soon," Trump said as he hosted a national day of prayer service at the White House. "People are starving. They have no food they have no water, and this was once one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said the president. "So we wish them well, we'll be there to help and we are there to help." Also read: Will opposition leader Juan Guaido topple Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro? Meanwhile, a US official said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss disagreements on the Venezuela crisis with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov when they meet next week in Finland. The official said the top diplomats would take up a range of tensions between the rival powers when they see each other on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting starting Monday in the northern Finnish city of Rovaniemi. "I would expect that the secretary and he (Lavrov) will have an opportunity, obviously, to talk," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "When they have a chance to get together they can review a whole range of issues including our concerns about Russia's behaviour that includes Ukraine and, certainly, Venezuela," he said. Lavrov and Pompeo had a tense call on Wednesday over Venezuela, where the United States is trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Moscow. Pompeo told Lavrov that Russia's assistance to the leftist leader, whose re-election last year was widely criticized internationally as fraudulent, was "destabilizing" Venezuela. Lavrov, in turn, denounced the "destructive influence" of the United States in what he called a "flagrant violation of international law." The United States and its European allies have been imposing sanctions on Russia since its 2014 takeover of Crimea, with Moscow's ongoing support of separatists in Ukraine becoming a major source of tension. The encounter with Lavrov also comes after the long-awaited release of an investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller who said that Russia worked extensively to try to sway the 2016 US election in Donald Trump's favour.

Trump says 'brutal repression' of Venezuelan people 'must end'

The House Judiciary Committee has been informed that Attorney General Bill Barr will not testify at a planned hearing. Watch full video to know more.

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&nbsp;Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he&nbsp;did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history.

The United States has requested the extradition of Assange, who was dragged from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/assange-may-have-been-victim-of-espionage-in-embassy-lawyers-213956&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdgcuE2fzhAhVVk3AKHSXLCSUQFjAGegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0o1b9fNZi4sSiKfqvUTsWA">Ecuadorean embassy </a>in London on April 11 and has charged him with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion which carries a maximum penalty of five years.

Asked at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court whether he agreed to be extradited to the United States, Assange, appearing via a video link from a British prison, said he did not wish to surrender to extradition.

The case was adjourned until May 30 for a procedural hearing with a more substantial hearing planned for June 12. The full extradition hearing was some months away, the court was told.

Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison by a British court on Wednesday for skipping bail when he holed up in Ecuador's London embassy for seven years until police dragged him out last month.

Assange sought refuge in the embassy in June 2012 to avoid an extradition order to Sweden over an allegation of rape, which he denies.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange told a London court on Thursday that he did not want to be extradited to the United States to face trial for one of the largest compromises of classified information in history. The United States has requested the extradition of Assange, who was dragged from the Ecuadorean embassy in London on April 11 and has charged him with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion which carries a maximum penalty of five years. Asked at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court whether he agreed to be extradited to the United States, Assange, appearing via a video link from a British prison, said he did not wish to surrender to extradition. The case was adjourned until May 30 for a procedural hearing with a more substantial hearing planned for June 12. The full extradition hearing was some months away, the court was told. Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison by a British court on Wednesday for skipping bail when he holed up in Ecuador's London embassy for seven years until police dragged him out last month. Assange sought refuge in the embassy in June 2012 to avoid an extradition order to Sweden over an allegation of rape, which he denies.

Julian Assange says he does not want to be extradited to the United States

India's Envoy to UK Syed Akbaruddin speaks exclusively to WION. He tells that the listing was supported by many countries, its a win for India and years of pressure and Diplomatic efforts have paid off. he, however refused to share backroom chats on what Pakistan had to say about the listing

India's Envoy to UN Syed Akbaruddin speaks exclusively to WION

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-says-attempted-coup-under-way-214775">Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators.

"I am calling on the armed forces to continue their march in 'Operation Freedom.' Tomorrow, May 1, we will continue... across all of Venezuela, we will be on the streets," Guaido said in a video message released on social media.

Meanwhile, Maduro appeared in a state television broadcast on Tuesday night together with defence minister Vladimir Padrino, his first public appearance since the opposition called for a military uprising earlier in the day.

Maduro said in the broadcast he had reinstated Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the head of the Sebin intelligence agency, without providing details on the exit of Manuel Cristopher Figuera at the helm of the agency. Cristopher Figuera replaced Gonzalez Lopez at Sebin last year.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-venezuelas-political-crisis-deepens-214883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guaido has vowed that protests on Wednesday for the May 1 workers' holiday will be the biggest in Venezuela's history, heightening fears that the crisis will turn violent.&nbsp;

The State Department in a travel alert advised US citizens in Venezuela to take shelter in the coming days if they cannot leave the country.

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-fully-supports-venezuelan-people-as-juan-guaido-calls-for-uprising-against-nicolas-maduro-214849">United States threw its full weight behind Guaido</a>, as the opposition leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro.

"The US Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated," Pompeo wrote. The US Treasury Department said the US and its allies stood ready "to leverage the tools of the international financial community to help swiftly restart Venezuela's economy."

In a video recorded at a Caracas military air base posted on social media, the US-backed Guaido said troops had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido called for a fresh round of protests on Wednesday against President Nicolas Maduro, after clashes broke out between security forces and anti-regime demonstrators. "I am calling on the armed forces to continue their march in 'Operation Freedom.' Tomorrow, May 1, we will continue... across all of Venezuela, we will be on the streets," Guaido said in a video message released on social media. Meanwhile, Maduro appeared in a state television broadcast on Tuesday night together with defence minister Vladimir Padrino, his first public appearance since the opposition called for a military uprising earlier in the day. Maduro said in the broadcast he had reinstated Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as the head of the Sebin intelligence agency, without providing details on the exit of Manuel Cristopher Figuera at the helm of the agency. Cristopher Figuera replaced Gonzalez Lopez at Sebin last year. Guaido has vowed that protests on Wednesday for the May 1 workers' holiday will be the biggest in Venezuela's history, heightening fears that the crisis will turn violent. The State Department in a travel alert advised US citizens in Venezuela to take shelter in the coming days if they cannot leave the country. Meanwhile, the United States threw its full weight behind Guaido, as the opposition leader said troops had joined his campaign to oust President Nicolas Maduro. "The US Government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated," Pompeo wrote. The US Treasury Department said the US and its allies stood ready "to leverage the tools of the international financial community to help swiftly restart Venezuela's economy." In a video recorded at a Caracas military air base posted on social media, the US-backed Guaido said troops had heeded months of urging to join his campaign to oust Maduro. (With inputs from agencies)

Maduro appears with defence minister as Guaido calls to continue 'Operation Freedom'

Three women and a man were found dead – with gunshot wounds – in their home in a suburban Ohio community, a coroner confirmed on Tuesday, 30 April.

1 Indian, 3 Indian-origin shot dead in United States' Ohio

President Donald Trump is working to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the White House said on Tuesday, which would bring sanctions against Egypt's oldest Islamist movement.

Trump weighs labeling Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle.

Dalvir Singh, a heroin addict, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of kidnapping, felonious assault for dragging Nita Coburn, 69 and grand theft, Middletown Division of Police said in a statement.

Coburn was injured when as she tried to stop Singh as the kids jumped out of the car.

The police is also hailing Coburn's 8-year old grandson Chance as a hero for saving his 10-year old sister's life by pulling her out of the car as Singh took off in it.

The Middletown Police said that on the evening of April 25, it received a call that a car with children inside had been stolen at a medical centre in Middletown, Ohio and that an elderly lady was injured.&nbsp;

Coburn had taken another woman to the hospital and her two grandchildren were with her in the back seat. When they got to the emergency room, she pulled up close to the door and was helping the other woman into the emergency room.

About 10 seconds after she got out of the car, Singh jumped into the driver's seat and took off with the children still in the back.&nbsp;

The little boy opened the door to escape and his sister Skylar started to jump out also but Singh grabbed the hoodie of the little girl not allowing her to leave. As she tried to get away, Chance grabbed hold of her and pulled her away from Singh and they both tumbled out of the vehicle as it was moving.

Police said Coburn did not realise that the children were able to escape because they flew out of the passenger side and by that time she was chasing the car on the driver's side.&nbsp;

She opened the driver's door to regain control of the vehicle she thought her grandchildren were in, but Singh slammed the door shut again and locked the door.&nbsp;

She hung onto the vehicle panicking because she thought the children were still inside. The vehicle dragged her until it accelerated at a high rate of speed and she was forced to let go.

Two police officers observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the scene and chased Singh, who was then taken into custody and charged.

Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw lauded the heroic attempt by Chance to save himself and his sister from the kidnapping attempt.

"This little guy is a hero. No question. He pulled his sister out of the car&nbsp;with no concern for his own safety. That is incredible at his age," he said.

The Middletown Division of Police said it will be recognising the little boy's quick action to not only get out of the vehicle but also making sure that his sister got out with him.&nbsp;

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle.

A 24-year-old Indian man has been charged with kidnapping, assault and theft after he drove off in an elderly woman's car from outside a medical centre in the US with her grandchildren inside the vehicle. Dalvir Singh, a heroin addict, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of kidnapping, felonious assault for dragging Nita Coburn, 69 and grand theft, Middletown Division of Police said in a statement. Coburn was injured when as she tried to stop Singh as the kids jumped out of the car. The police is also hailing Coburn's 8-year old grandson Chance as a hero for saving his 10-year old sister's life by pulling her out of the car as Singh took off in it. The Middletown Police said that on the evening of April 25, it received a call that a car with children inside had been stolen at a medical centre in Middletown, Ohio and that an elderly lady was injured. Coburn had taken another woman to the hospital and her two grandchildren were with her in the back seat. When they got to the emergency room, she pulled up close to the door and was helping the other woman into the emergency room. About 10 seconds after she got out of the car, Singh jumped into the driver's seat and took off with the children still in the back. The little boy opened the door to escape and his sister Skylar started to jump out also but Singh grabbed the hoodie of the little girl not allowing her to leave. As she tried to get away, Chance grabbed hold of her and pulled her away from Singh and they both tumbled out of the vehicle as it was moving. Police said Coburn did not realise that the children were able to escape because they flew out of the passenger side and by that time she was chasing the car on the driver's side. She opened the driver's door to regain control of the vehicle she thought her grandchildren were in, but Singh slammed the door shut again and locked the door. She hung onto the vehicle panicking because she thought the children were still inside. The vehicle dragged her until it accelerated at a high rate of speed and she was forced to let go. Two police officers observed the stolen vehicle fleeing the scene and chased Singh, who was then taken into custody and charged. Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw lauded the heroic attempt by Chance to save himself and his sister from the kidnapping attempt. "This little guy is a hero. No question. He pulled his sister out of the car with no concern for his own safety. That is incredible at his age," he said. The Middletown Division of Police said it will be recognising the little boy's quick action to not only get out of the vehicle but also making sure that his sister got out with him.

Indian charged with kidnapping after driving away two children in car in US

Oil prices dipped on Tuesday on expectations rising output from the United States and producer club OPEC would offset most of the shortfall expected from US sanctions on Iran, but analysts said markets remained tight.

Brent crude futures were at $71.86 per barrel at 0103 GMT, down 18 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their last close.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $63.42 per barrel, down 8 cents from their previous settlement.

Oil prices surged by around 40 per cent between January and April, lifted by supply cuts led by the Middle East-dominated producer club of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as by US&nbsp;sanctions on producers Iran and Venezuela.

But prices came under downward pressure late last week after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump openly pressured OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia to raise output to meet the supply shortfall caused by the tightening Iran sanctions.

Stephen Innes, head of trading at SPI Asset Management, said the producer group "will want to avoid at all cost oil prices surging to levels that will trigger demand devastation, (while) it is clearly in OPEC's best interest to maintain a solid floor on prices".

Bank of America Merrill Lynch said, "Iranian oil production will fall to 1.9 million barrels per day in 2H19 from 3.6 million barrels per day in 3Q18 as US sanctions kick in and waivers eventually expire".

Despite this, the bank said it expected "a nearly balanced market in 2019" as output from OPEC and also the United States will rise.

French bank BNP Paribas said it expected oil prices "to rise in the near-term" as crude producers were "over-tightening the market in the face of unplanned supply outages and resilient oil demand".

The bank said it expected crude markets to climb until the third quarter of 2019, adding that prices would then "start to become vulnerable to a sharp rise in US exports of light crude thanks to pipeline and terminal capacity expansion".

US exports exceeded 3 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in early 2019 amid a more than 2 million bpd production surge over the past year, to a record of more than 12 million bpd.

BNP Paribas said it saw WTI averaging $63 per barrel in 2019, up $2 from its previous forecast, while Brent will average $71 per barrel, up $3 from an earlier estimate.

"In 2020, we see WTI averaging $64 per barrel and Brent $68 per barrel," the bank said.

Oil prices dipped on Tuesday on expectations rising output from the United States and producer club OPEC would offset most of the shortfall expected from US sanctions on Iran, but analysts said markets remained tight.

Oil prices dipped on Tuesday on expectations rising output from the United States and producer club OPEC would offset most of the shortfall expected from US sanctions on Iran, but analysts said markets remained tight. Brent crude futures were at $71.86 per barrel at 0103 GMT, down 18 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their last close. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $63.42 per barrel, down 8 cents from their previous settlement. Oil prices surged by around 40 per cent between January and April, lifted by supply cuts led by the Middle East-dominated producer club of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as by US sanctions on producers Iran and Venezuela. But prices came under downward pressure late last week after US President Donald Trump openly pressured OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia to raise output to meet the supply shortfall caused by the tightening Iran sanctions. Stephen Innes, head of trading at SPI Asset Management, said the producer group "will want to avoid at all cost oil prices surging to levels that will trigger demand devastation, (while) it is clearly in OPEC's best interest to maintain a solid floor on prices". Bank of America Merrill Lynch said, "Iranian oil production will fall to 1.9 million barrels per day in 2H19 from 3.6 million barrels per day in 3Q18 as US sanctions kick in and waivers eventually expire". Despite this, the bank said it expected "a nearly balanced market in 2019" as output from OPEC and also the United States will rise. French bank BNP Paribas said it expected oil prices "to rise in the near-term" as crude producers were "over-tightening the market in the face of unplanned supply outages and resilient oil demand". The bank said it expected crude markets to climb until the third quarter of 2019, adding that prices would then "start to become vulnerable to a sharp rise in US exports of light crude thanks to pipeline and terminal capacity expansion". US exports exceeded 3 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first time in early 2019 amid a more than 2 million bpd production surge over the past year, to a record of more than 12 million bpd. BNP Paribas said it saw WTI averaging $63 per barrel in 2019, up $2 from its previous forecast, while Brent will average $71 per barrel, up $3 from an earlier estimate. "In 2020, we see WTI averaging $64 per barrel and Brent $68 per barrel," the bank said.

Oil dips as rising OPEC, US output seen making up for Iran sanctions shortfall

Sri Lankan security forces maintained a high level of alert on Tuesday after the Easter Sunday bombings, officials said, amid intelligence reports that Islamist terrorists were planning fresh attacks before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

Sri Lanka blasts: Nation on high alert till Ramadan

The United States warns of fresh attacks in Sri Lanka. Washington DC suggests that terrorists are planning for more attacks in Sri Lanka. Watch video to know more.

United States warns of fresh attacks in Sri Lanka

US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Sunday (April 28) said the possibility of a peace agreement with the Taliban depends on the declaration of a permanent ceasefire and a commitment to end the ongoing war.

Afghan peace deal hinges on ceasefire by Taliban: US peace envoy

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