In a shocking incident, a teenage Muslim girl was called a "terrorist" by a man who ripped off her hijab with a knife.&nbsp

The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia. The local police described the attack as an incident of a hate crime. Reports suggest that the 13-year-old girl was targeted "because of her religious attire".

The girl was attacked while walking in the Woodbridge area on April 6 wherein she was confronted by a stranger who swore at her and seized her arm. According to police, the girl removed her headscarf while the culprit tried covering her mouth as she tried to scream.&nbsp

The attacker fled when a motorist came by and saw him harassing the woman, the police said. The girl was reported to have suffered minor injuries.&nbsp

The police continue to investigate the matter.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia

In a shocking incident, a teenage Muslim girl was called a "terrorist" by a man who ripped off her hijab with a knife. The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia. The local police described the attack as an incident of a hate crime. Reports suggest that the 13-year-old girl was targeted "because of her religious attire". The girl was attacked while walking in the Woodbridge area on April 6 wherein she was confronted by a stranger who swore at her and seized her arm. According to police, the girl removed her headscarf while the culprit tried covering her mouth as she tried to scream. The attacker fled when a motorist came by and saw him harassing the woman, the police said. The girl was reported to have suffered minor injuries. The police continue to investigate the matter. (With inputs from PTI)

US: Attacker rips off Muslim girl's hijab, calls her 'terrorist'

Noted senior Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that the United States (US) has imposed drastic sanctions on the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC, saying, seeking permission to cross the radius of 25 kilometres will be mandatory for them from May 1.

"The US has made it mandatory for the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC to seek permission to step outside the radius of 25 kilometres since May 1," said Nusrat on a TV show titled 'Bol Bol Pakistan.'

With this move, the diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan, are expected to sour further, which are already going through a rough patch following an American envoy allegedly running down three people in Islamabad earlier this month.

"The restrictions are the ones which the US usually imposes on the countries it despises. For instance, the Russian diplomats have been expelled out of the country (over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain). However, such restrictions have not been slapped on Russia," the senior journalist noted.

Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall, Defence and Air attache at the US Embassy in Pakistan, on Saturday, ran down three persons in Daman-e-Koh, north of Islamabad, prompting Pakistan to summon the US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a formal protest.

However, unlike American intelligence operative Raymond Davis, who, in 2011, was arrested in Lahore on charges of killing two Pakistani citizens, stirring up a massive diplomatic rift with Islamabad, Hall is not in police custody and is back on the embassy compound.

Earlier, the US State Department had conveyed to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC that if it does not ease the travel of the US diplomats, reciprocal restrictions will be imposed on the Pakistan envoys in the US from May 1, including restrictions on travel beyond 25 kilometres of the city of posting.&nbsp

The diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan are already going through a rough patch

Noted senior Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that the United States (US) has imposed drastic sanctions on the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC, saying, seeking permission to cross the radius of 25 kilometres will be mandatory for them from May 1. "The US has made it mandatory for the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC to seek permission to step outside the radius of 25 kilometres since May 1," said Nusrat on a TV show titled 'Bol Bol Pakistan.' With this move, the diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan, are expected to sour further, which are already going through a rough patch following an American envoy allegedly running down three people in Islamabad earlier this month. "The restrictions are the ones which the US usually imposes on the countries it despises. For instance, the Russian diplomats have been expelled out of the country (over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain). However, such restrictions have not been slapped on Russia," the senior journalist noted. Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall, Defence and Air attache at the US Embassy in Pakistan, on Saturday, ran down three persons in Daman-e-Koh, north of Islamabad, prompting Pakistan to summon the US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a formal protest. However, unlike American intelligence operative Raymond Davis, who, in 2011, was arrested in Lahore on charges of killing two Pakistani citizens, stirring up a massive diplomatic rift with Islamabad, Hall is not in police custody and is back on the embassy compound. Earlier, the US State Department had conveyed to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC that if it does not ease the travel of the US diplomats, reciprocal restrictions will be imposed on the Pakistan envoys in the US from May 1, including restrictions on travel beyond 25 kilometres of the city of posting.

US imposed drastic restrictions on Pak diplomats in Washington DC: Pakistani journalist

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, for the first time, made a direct mention of&nbsp;the possible talks with the US over denuclearisation during a meeting on Monday ahead of a planned summit with Trump.&nbsp;

At the meeting of party officials on Monday, Kim delivered a report "on the development of the recent situation on the Korean peninsula", including the separate summit with South Korea to be held later this month.&nbsp;

The North Korean leader also talked about the "prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue” and “strategic and tactical issues to be maintained” by the party, “including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them.”&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the meeting with Kim Jong-un will take place in May or early June and said the summit will be an "exciting thing for the world".

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&nbsp;

The announcement came a day after Trump's administration revealed that North Korea has confirmed that it was willing to discuss denuclearisation with them.

"We have a meeting that is being set up with North Korea, so that will be very exciting, I think, for the world. I think it's going to be a very exciting thing for the world," The New York Times quoted Trump as saying.

Trump made this announcement when he was interacting with reporters at the beginning of a cabinet meeting at the White House.

There was no immediate word on the possible venue for the talks, which would be the first ever between a sitting US&nbsp;president and North Korean leader.

“The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula‎,” said a second US&nbsp;official.

US and North Korean officials have held secret contacts recently in which Pyongyang directly confirmed its willingness to hold the unprecedented summit, the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The communications, still at a preliminary stage, have involved State Department officials talking to North Korea apparently through its United Nations mission, and intelligence officers from both sides using a separate backchannel, the official said.

Until now, the United States had relied mostly on ally South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. However, Pyongyang has never officially confirmed its offer of denuclearisation talks to the White House, which was delivered by a South Korean envoy. 
&nbsp;

The North Korean leader also talked about the 'prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue' and 'strategic and tactical issues to be maintained' by the party, 'including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them'

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, for the first time, made a direct mention of the possible talks with the US over denuclearisation during a meeting on Monday ahead of a planned summit with Trump. At the meeting of party officials on Monday, Kim delivered a report "on the development of the recent situation on the Korean peninsula", including the separate summit with South Korea to be held later this month. The North Korean leader also talked about the "prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue” and “strategic and tactical issues to be maintained” by the party, “including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them.” United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the meeting with Kim Jong-un will take place in May or early June and said the summit will be an "exciting thing for the world". × The announcement came a day after Trump's administration revealed that North Korea has confirmed that it was willing to discuss denuclearisation with them. "We have a meeting that is being set up with North Korea, so that will be very exciting, I think, for the world. I think it's going to be a very exciting thing for the world," The New York Times quoted Trump as saying. Trump made this announcement when he was interacting with reporters at the beginning of a cabinet meeting at the White House. There was no immediate word on the possible venue for the talks, which would be the first ever between a sitting US president and North Korean leader. “The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula‎,” said a second US official. US and North Korean officials have held secret contacts recently in which Pyongyang directly confirmed its willingness to hold the unprecedented summit, the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The communications, still at a preliminary stage, have involved State Department officials talking to North Korea apparently through its United Nations mission, and intelligence officers from both sides using a separate backchannel, the official said. Until now, the United States had relied mostly on ally South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. However, Pyongyang has never officially confirmed its offer of denuclearisation talks to the White House, which was delivered by a South Korean envoy.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un addresses talks with US for the first time

Beijing has requested dispute consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization over US tariffs slapped on imports of Chinese steel and aluminium products, according to a WTO document published Tuesday.

China's representative to the world trade body has requested "consultations" with Washington over its decision to impose "additional ad valorem rate of duty on imports of certain steel and aluminium products," according to the document, which stated that the complaint was filed on April 5.

US President Donald Trump decided in March to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, primarily to target China.

China claims the duties of 25 percent and 10 percent on imports of its steel and aluminium products violate international trade rules.

The Chinese "request for consultations", which marks the first step in a full-blown legal challenge at the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body, is part of an escalating trade confrontation between Washington and Beijing.&nbsp;

Early last week, Washington also published a list of $50 billion in Chinese goods to be hit by tariffs over what Washington says is widespread theft of intellectual property and technology.

China quickly launched a challenge against those proposed tariffs, also requesting that the WTO organise consultations.&nbsp;

Beijing also retaliated by unveiling planned levies on $50 billion worth of major US exports including soybeans, cars and small aircraft.&nbsp;

But Trump hit back again late Thursday, instructing trade officials to consider tariffs on an additional $100 billion in Chinese imports.

Beijing also retaliated by unveiling planned levies on $50 billion worth of major US exports including soybeans, cars and small aircraft

Beijing has requested dispute consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization over US tariffs slapped on imports of Chinese steel and aluminium products, according to a WTO document published Tuesday. China's representative to the world trade body has requested "consultations" with Washington over its decision to impose "additional ad valorem rate of duty on imports of certain steel and aluminium products," according to the document, which stated that the complaint was filed on April 5. US President Donald Trump decided in March to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, primarily to target China. China claims the duties of 25 percent and 10 percent on imports of its steel and aluminium products violate international trade rules. The Chinese "request for consultations", which marks the first step in a full-blown legal challenge at the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body, is part of an escalating trade confrontation between Washington and Beijing. Early last week, Washington also published a list of $50 billion in Chinese goods to be hit by tariffs over what Washington says is widespread theft of intellectual property and technology. China quickly launched a challenge against those proposed tariffs, also requesting that the WTO organise consultations. Beijing also retaliated by unveiling planned levies on $50 billion worth of major US exports including soybeans, cars and small aircraft. But Trump hit back again late Thursday, instructing trade officials to consider tariffs on an additional $100 billion in Chinese imports.

China challenges US over steel, aluminium tariffs at WTO

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups.&nbsp

After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

"Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday.&nbsp

Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria.

"At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said.&nbsp

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles.

Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved.&nbsp 
However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack.

As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus".

Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an &nbsp"an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday

Syrian regime airbase east of the city of Homs was hit by several missiles on Monday morning, killing 14 including Iranian forces or members of Iran-backed groups. After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. "Several missiles hit the Tayfur airport," state news agency SANA said early on Monday. Pentagon said it was not conducting air strikes in Syria. "At this time, the Department of Defense is not conducting air strikes in Syria. “However, we continue to closely watch the situation and support the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold those who use chemical weapons, in Syria and otherwise, accountable." a Pentagon spokesman said. Syrian state TV reported loud explosions near the T-4 airfield in the desert east of Homs in the early hours of Monday. It said the airfield was targeted with several missiles and that the Syrian air defence was responding and had shot down eight incoming missiles. Also, the US and French presidents “agreed to exchange information on the nature of the attacks and coordinate a strong, joint response”. Macron has said chemical weapons attacks in Syria would cross a “red line” for France and that French forces would strike if the regime was proven to have been involved. However, the French army denied responsibility for Monday’s attack. As the reported use of chemical weapons was condemned worldwide the Syrian regime denied government forces had launched any chemical attack. Russia, President Assad's old ally, called the reports "bogus". Assad's other ally in West Asia, Iran said the reports of gas attack was "not based on facts" and was an "an excuse" by the United States and Western countries to take military action against Damascus.

Chemical attack row: 14 killed in Syria air base attack

US Forces confirmed Monday they had killed a top Islamic State commander in Afghanistan in an airstrike, describing the leader as "key" to foreign fighters entering the country's north.

Qari Hikmatullah -- also spelled Hekmat -- and his bodyguard were killed in the northern province of Faryab on Thursday, US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

The airstrike happened in Bal Chiragh district, the statement said. That borders Darzab district in Jowzjan province, which Afghan officials on Saturday had given as the location of the airstrike. Some had also said the incident happened on Friday.

Hikmatullah was a "native Uzbek" who previously belonged to other militant groups, including the Taliban, before joining IS's local franchise in northern Afghanistan, US Forces said.

The group has established a stronghold in Jowzjan after coming under intense pressure in the eastern province of Nangarhar.

Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Saturday that Hikmatullah was involved in or responsible for "deadly terrorist attacks" and had been replaced by Mawlawi Habib-ul-Rahman.

General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, vowed to kill "any successors" to Hikmatullah, adding that IS would be "eliminated".&nbsp;

Asked about the discrepancy in the location of the airstrike, defence ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish told AFP on Monday that some district borders were not marked clearly.

Afghan and US forces have ramped up airstrikes and ground offensives against IS fighters in Jowzjan in recent months as the group seeks to expand its foothold in the country.

Afghan security forces last month detained a French woman fighting for IS in Jowzjan. AFP has reported that French and Algerian fighters, some arriving from Syria, have joined IS in the restive province.

Also on Monday, at least six people were killed and another seven were wounded when explosives on a three-wheeled motorcycle exploded in the western province of Herat, officials said.

The airstrike happened in Bal Chiragh district, the statement said

US Forces confirmed Monday they had killed a top Islamic State commander in Afghanistan in an airstrike, describing the leader as "key" to foreign fighters entering the country's north. Qari Hikmatullah -- also spelled Hekmat -- and his bodyguard were killed in the northern province of Faryab on Thursday, US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement. The airstrike happened in Bal Chiragh district, the statement said. That borders Darzab district in Jowzjan province, which Afghan officials on Saturday had given as the location of the airstrike. Some had also said the incident happened on Friday. Hikmatullah was a "native Uzbek" who previously belonged to other militant groups, including the Taliban, before joining IS's local franchise in northern Afghanistan, US Forces said. The group has established a stronghold in Jowzjan after coming under intense pressure in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Saturday that Hikmatullah was involved in or responsible for "deadly terrorist attacks" and had been replaced by Mawlawi Habib-ul-Rahman. General John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, vowed to kill "any successors" to Hikmatullah, adding that IS would be "eliminated". Asked about the discrepancy in the location of the airstrike, defence ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish told AFP on Monday that some district borders were not marked clearly. Afghan and US forces have ramped up airstrikes and ground offensives against IS fighters in Jowzjan in recent months as the group seeks to expand its foothold in the country. Afghan security forces last month detained a French woman fighting for IS in Jowzjan. AFP has reported that French and Algerian fighters, some arriving from Syria, have joined IS in the restive province. Also on Monday, at least six people were killed and another seven were wounded when explosives on a three-wheeled motorcycle exploded in the western province of Herat, officials said.

US confirms top IS commander in Afghanistan killed in airstrike

North Korea has confirmed that they will hold&nbsp;talks on&nbsp;denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,"&nbsp;an administration official said.

This is the first time North Korea has officially confirmed that they will discuss this option after holding secret talks in which Pyongyang directly delivered the message of its willingness to hold the summit, the official told Reuters.&nbsp;

No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set.

South Korean emissaries, in a visit to the White House last month, had presented Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, who quickly agreed.

Until now, Washington had relied on South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. South Korean envoys visited Washington last month to convey Kim’s invitation to meet.&nbsp;

It has to be noted here that ever since that announcement, Pyongyang has not made any statement about the potential summit. Even when Kim visited Beijing earlier this month, no mention about the same came up.

No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set

North Korea has confirmed that they will hold talks on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday. "The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," an administration official said. This is the first time North Korea has officially confirmed that they will discuss this option after holding secret talks in which Pyongyang directly delivered the message of its willingness to hold the summit, the official told Reuters. No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set. South Korean emissaries, in a visit to the White House last month, had presented Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, who quickly agreed. Until now, Washington had relied on South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. South Korean envoys visited Washington last month to convey Kim’s invitation to meet. It has to be noted here that ever since that announcement, Pyongyang has not made any statement about the potential summit. Even when Kim visited Beijing earlier this month, no mention about the same came up.

North Korea ready to talk on denuclearisation with Trump during talks: US government

China warned on Monday that trade talks with the United States were "impossible" under current conditions after President Donald Trump reassured markets by suggesting that the dispute could be resolved.

The two sides have announced tit-for-tat tariffs and threatened to hit each other with more duties, raising the prospect of a trade war that could rattle the global economy.

Asian markets rose on Monday after Trump tweeted that he saw an end to the escalating dispute before the higher tariffs threatened on hundreds of billions of goods would come into effect.

But China's foreign ministry was less sanguine.

"Up to now, Chinese and US officials have not held any negotiations on the trade dispute," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters during a regular press briefing.

"Under the current conditions, it is impossible for the two sides to have any negotiations on this issue," Geng added.

A few hours later, Trump returned to tougher talk with an early-morning tweet railing against China's duties on US cars.

"When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%," Trump tweeted.

"Does that sound like free or fair trade. No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE -- going on for years!"

Trump had sounded an optimistic tone on Sunday, playing up his personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"President Xi and I will always be friends," Trump tweeted.

"China will take down its trade barriers because it is the right thing to do."

Trump had tweeted Monday that he saw an end to the escalating dispute

China warned on Monday that trade talks with the United States were "impossible" under current conditions after President Donald Trump reassured markets by suggesting that the dispute could be resolved. The two sides have announced tit-for-tat tariffs and threatened to hit each other with more duties, raising the prospect of a trade war that could rattle the global economy. Asian markets rose on Monday after Trump tweeted that he saw an end to the escalating dispute before the higher tariffs threatened on hundreds of billions of goods would come into effect. But China's foreign ministry was less sanguine. "Up to now, Chinese and US officials have not held any negotiations on the trade dispute," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters during a regular press briefing. "Under the current conditions, it is impossible for the two sides to have any negotiations on this issue," Geng added. A few hours later, Trump returned to tougher talk with an early-morning tweet railing against China's duties on US cars. "When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%," Trump tweeted. "Does that sound like free or fair trade. No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE -- going on for years!" Trump had sounded an optimistic tone on Sunday, playing up his personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "President Xi and I will always be friends," Trump tweeted. "China will take down its trade barriers because it is the right thing to do."

China says US trade talks currently 'impossible'

United States President Donald Trump yet again took a dig at the Chinese trade policies while blaming the latter for procuring higher taxes on the import of automobiles and calling it as "Stupid Trade".

Trump took to his Twitter account on Sunday to highlight the imbalance of trade between China and the United States while targeting the tariffs on automobile imports.

"When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%. Does that sound like a free or fair trade? No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE - going on for years!" President Trump tweeted.

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When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%. Does that sound like free or fair trade. No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE - going on for years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/983284198046826496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This comes in line with the on-going trade wars between the USA and China. The United States had earlier imposed 25% aluminium and steel tariffs prompting the latter to issue threats to impose tariffs on 106 US products amounting to USD 50 million.

On April 7 Trump had warned China to end unfair trade and only charge the reciprocal tariffs while claiming that unfair trade is causing an annual loss of $500 billion to the US.

Earlier on March 23 Trump had imposed massive trade tariffs amounting to USD 60 billion on China, in an effort to stop the latter from stealing "intellectual property" from American companies.

None of the tariffs has come into effect.&nbsp

On April 7 Trump had warned China to end unfair trade and only charge the reciprocal tariffs

United States President Donald Trump yet again took a dig at the Chinese trade policies while blaming the latter for procuring higher taxes on the import of automobiles and calling it as "Stupid Trade". Trump took to his Twitter account on Sunday to highlight the imbalance of trade between China and the United States while targeting the tariffs on automobile imports. "When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%. Does that sound like a free or fair trade? No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE - going on for years!" President Trump tweeted. When a car is sent to the United States from China, there is a Tariff to be paid of 2 1/2%. When a car is sent to China from the United States, there is a Tariff to be paid of 25%. Does that sound like free or fair trade. No, it sounds like STUPID TRADE - going on for years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 9, 2018 × This comes in line with the on-going trade wars between the USA and China. The United States had earlier imposed 25% aluminium and steel tariffs prompting the latter to issue threats to impose tariffs on 106 US products amounting to USD 50 million. On April 7 Trump had warned China to end unfair trade and only charge the reciprocal tariffs while claiming that unfair trade is causing an annual loss of $500 billion to the US. Earlier on March 23 Trump had imposed massive trade tariffs amounting to USD 60 billion on China, in an effort to stop the latter from stealing "intellectual property" from American companies. None of the tariffs has come into effect.

Donald Trump dubs China's trade policies 'stupid'

The former Russian double agent and his daughter, who are recovering in a UK hospital from a deadly nerve agent poisoning, will be offered new identities and repatriated to the US with the help of the CIA, a media report has claimed.

Sergei and Yulia Skripal are said to no longer be in a critical condition at a hospital in Salisbury, where they have been treated since being discovered slumped on a bench in the Wiltshire town in south-west England on March 4.

British intelligence officials at MI6 have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the father and daughter, 'The Sunday Times' reported.

"They will be offered new identities," the newspaper quoted a senior figure from the UK political establishment as saying.

Both victims are said to be conscious and ready to help investigators with their inquiries into the nerve agent attack, which the UK government believes was masterminded by the Kremlin.

For Britain to help the pair, a senior police officer is expected to issue the Skripals with a so-called "Osman warning", a formal notification that intelligence suggests there is a real and immediate "threat to life".

They could then be placed under a witness protection programme on the basis that the pair hold key evidence about a possible motive for the attack.

That could involve moving them to a "safe house" and being given round the clock armed police protection as well as new identities.

Security sources told the newspaper that Britain would want to ensure their safety by relocating them with one of the "five eyes" countries, the UK's intelligence-sharing partnership which includes the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Yulia, 33, a Russian citizen, has reportedly rejected demands by the Russian embassy in London to offer her and her father with consular support, a move that has convinced British officials she might move to the West permanently, the report said.

While her 66-year-old father is also awake now, British officials have warned that life for the Skripals "would likely never be the same again" and that they could have injuries that would "require ongoing medical care".

Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson accused Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn of being "the Kremlin's useful idiot" for refusing to blame Russia for the poison plot.

Johnson said the Labour leader was playing "Putin's game" by refusing to say "unequivocally&nbspthat the Russian state was responsible".

"There is only one thing that gives the Kremlin succour and lends false credibility to its propaganda onslaught. That is when politicians from the targeted countries join in. Sadly, I am driven to the conclusion that Jeremy Corbyn has joined this effort," he wrote in 'The Sunday Times.

A Labour party spokesperson hit back, claiming that the minister had "made a fool of himself and undermined the government" by misrepresenting the findings of the Porton Down laboratory on the source of the nerve agent.

The lab had said last week it was not the scientists' responsibility to pinpoint the origin of the military-grade Novichok but only its type, contradicting Johnson's claim that scientists were "categorical" the deadly nerve agent came from Russia.

"Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly said the evidence points to Russia being responsible, directly or indirectly, and that the Russian authorities must be held to account on the basis of evidence," the Labour spokesperson said.

The Russian government has repeatedly denied being responsible for the poisoning of the Skripals, as diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West took a turn for the worst with a number of countries expelling Russian diplomats as a show of support for the UK.

Moscow has said it wants the UK to "engage constructively" with the request for its UK ambassador Alexander Yakovenko to hold face-to-face talks with Johnson.

But the UK Foreign Office has branded the move as a "diversionary tactic".

"Now, after failing in their attempts in the UN and international chemical weapons watchdog this week and with the victims' condition improving, they seem to be pursuing a different diversionary tactic. We will, of course, consider their request and respond in due course," a Foreign Office spokersperson said.&nbsp

The former Russian double agent and his daughter, who are recovering in a UK hospital from a deadly nerve agent poisoning, will be offered new identities and repatriated to the US with the help of the CIA

The former Russian double agent and his daughter, who are recovering in a UK hospital from a deadly nerve agent poisoning, will be offered new identities and repatriated to the US with the help of the CIA, a media report has claimed. Sergei and Yulia Skripal are said to no longer be in a critical condition at a hospital in Salisbury, where they have been treated since being discovered slumped on a bench in the Wiltshire town in south-west England on March 4. British intelligence officials at MI6 have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the father and daughter, 'The Sunday Times' reported. "They will be offered new identities," the newspaper quoted a senior figure from the UK political establishment as saying. Both victims are said to be conscious and ready to help investigators with their inquiries into the nerve agent attack, which the UK government believes was masterminded by the Kremlin. For Britain to help the pair, a senior police officer is expected to issue the Skripals with a so-called "Osman warning", a formal notification that intelligence suggests there is a real and immediate "threat to life". They could then be placed under a witness protection programme on the basis that the pair hold key evidence about a possible motive for the attack. That could involve moving them to a "safe house" and being given round the clock armed police protection as well as new identities. Security sources told the newspaper that Britain would want to ensure their safety by relocating them with one of the "five eyes" countries, the UK's intelligence-sharing partnership which includes the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Yulia, 33, a Russian citizen, has reportedly rejected demands by the Russian embassy in London to offer her and her father with consular support, a move that has convinced British officials she might move to the West permanently, the report said. While her 66-year-old father is also awake now, British officials have warned that life for the Skripals "would likely never be the same again" and that they could have injuries that would "require ongoing medical care". Meanwhile, UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson accused Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn of being "the Kremlin's useful idiot" for refusing to blame Russia for the poison plot. Johnson said the Labour leader was playing "Putin's game" by refusing to say "unequivocally&nbspthat the Russian state was responsible". "There is only one thing that gives the Kremlin succour and lends false credibility to its propaganda onslaught. That is when politicians from the targeted countries join in. Sadly, I am driven to the conclusion that Jeremy Corbyn has joined this effort," he wrote in 'The Sunday Times. A Labour party spokesperson hit back, claiming that the minister had "made a fool of himself and undermined the government" by misrepresenting the findings of the Porton Down laboratory on the source of the nerve agent. The lab had said last week it was not the scientists' responsibility to pinpoint the origin of the military-grade Novichok but only its type, contradicting Johnson's claim that scientists were "categorical" the deadly nerve agent came from Russia. "Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly said the evidence points to Russia being responsible, directly or indirectly, and that the Russian authorities must be held to account on the basis of evidence," the Labour spokesperson said. The Russian government has repeatedly denied being responsible for the poisoning of the Skripals, as diplomatic relations between Moscow and the West took a turn for the worst with a number of countries expelling Russian diplomats as a show of support for the UK. Moscow has said it wants the UK to "engage constructively" with the request for its UK ambassador Alexander Yakovenko to hold face-to-face talks with Johnson. But the UK Foreign Office has branded the move as a "diversionary tactic". "Now, after failing in their attempts in the UN and international chemical weapons watchdog this week and with the victims' condition improving, they seem to be pursuing a different diversionary tactic. We will, of course, consider their request and respond in due course," a Foreign Office spokersperson said.

Poisoned Russian spy, daughter to be offered new identities: Report

&nbsp;

Hackers have attacked networks in a number of countries including data centres in Iran where they left the image of a US&nbsp;flag on screens along with a warning: "Don't mess with our elections", the Iranian IT ministry said on Saturday.

A number of Iranian websites were reportedly “down” for several hours following the Friday night attack.

"The attack apparently affected 200,000 router switches across the world in a widespread attack, including 3,500 switches in our country," the Communication and Information Technology Ministry said in a statement carried by Iran's official news agency IRNA.

The statement said the attack, which hit internet service providers and cut off web access for subscribers, was made possible by a vulnerability in routers from Cisco which had earlier issued a warning and provided a patch that some firms had failed to install over the Iranian new year holiday.

A blog published on Thursday by Nick Biasini, a threat researcher at Cisco's Talos Security Intelligence and Research Group, said: "Several incidents in multiple countries, including some specifically targeting critical infrastructure, have involved the misuse of the Smart Install protocol...

"As a result, we are taking an active stance, and are urging customers, again, of the elevated risk and available remediation paths."

On Saturday evening, Cisco said those postings were a tool to help clients identify weaknesses and repel a cyber attack.

Iran's IT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi posted a picture of a computer screen on Twitter with the image of the US&nbsp;flag and the hackers' message. He said it was not yet clear who had carried out the attack.

“Several Iranian data centers came under cyber attacks tonight. Some of the smaller routers have been changed to factory setting,” he wrote.

Azari-Jahromi said the attack mainly affected Europe, India and the United States, state television reported.

"Some 55,000 devices were affected in the United States and 14,000 in China, and Iran's share of affected devices was 2 percent," Azari-Jahromi was quoted as saying.

Later, in another tweet, Jahromi claimed that MAHER, Persian acronym for the Computer-related Events Operation and Coordination Center, “Has monitored and controlled the attack and the data centers’ settings have been brought back to normal.”

One day after the cyber-attack, Jahromi said that MAHER should have issued a “special warning.” He promised that his ministry would investigate and deal with the failure.

MAHER announced on Saturday, “Major companies and data centers including Afra Net, Asia Tech, Shuttle, Pars Online and Respina have resumed their normal operations.”

Hadi Sajadi, deputy head of the state-run Information Technology Organisation of Iran, said the attack was neutralised within hours and no data was lost.

'The attack apparently affected 200,000 router switches across the world in a widespread attack, including 3,500 switches in our country,' the Communication and Information Technology Ministry said in a statement carried by Iran's official news agency IRNA

Hackers have attacked networks in a number of countries including data centres in Iran where they left the image of a US flag on screens along with a warning: "Don't mess with our elections", the Iranian IT ministry said on Saturday. A number of Iranian websites were reportedly “down” for several hours following the Friday night attack. "The attack apparently affected 200,000 router switches across the world in a widespread attack, including 3,500 switches in our country," the Communication and Information Technology Ministry said in a statement carried by Iran's official news agency IRNA. The statement said the attack, which hit internet service providers and cut off web access for subscribers, was made possible by a vulnerability in routers from Cisco which had earlier issued a warning and provided a patch that some firms had failed to install over the Iranian new year holiday. A blog published on Thursday by Nick Biasini, a threat researcher at Cisco's Talos Security Intelligence and Research Group, said: "Several incidents in multiple countries, including some specifically targeting critical infrastructure, have involved the misuse of the Smart Install protocol... "As a result, we are taking an active stance, and are urging customers, again, of the elevated risk and available remediation paths." On Saturday evening, Cisco said those postings were a tool to help clients identify weaknesses and repel a cyber attack. Iran's IT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi posted a picture of a computer screen on Twitter with the image of the US flag and the hackers' message. He said it was not yet clear who had carried out the attack. “Several Iranian data centers came under cyber attacks tonight. Some of the smaller routers have been changed to factory setting,” he wrote. Azari-Jahromi said the attack mainly affected Europe, India and the United States, state television reported. "Some 55,000 devices were affected in the United States and 14,000 in China, and Iran's share of affected devices was 2 percent," Azari-Jahromi was quoted as saying. Later, in another tweet, Jahromi claimed that MAHER, Persian acronym for the Computer-related Events Operation and Coordination Center, “Has monitored and controlled the attack and the data centers’ settings have been brought back to normal.” One day after the cyber-attack, Jahromi said that MAHER should have issued a “special warning.” He promised that his ministry would investigate and deal with the failure. MAHER announced on Saturday, “Major companies and data centers including Afra Net, Asia Tech, Shuttle, Pars Online and Respina have resumed their normal operations.” Hadi Sajadi, deputy head of the state-run Information Technology Organisation of Iran, said the attack was neutralised within hours and no data was lost.

Iran hit by global cyber attack that left US flag on screens

Britain is considering offering poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia new identities and a fresh life in the United States in an attempt to protect them from further murder attempts, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

It said officials at the MI6 intelligence agency have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the victims poisoned last month in the English city of Salisbury.

"They will be offered new identities," it quoted an unidentified source as saying.

The paper said its sources believed Britain would want to ensure their safety by resettling them in one of the so-called "five eyes" countries, the intelligence-sharing partnership that

also includes the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

"The obvious place to resettle them is America because

they're less likely to be killed there and it's easier to protect them there under a new identity," it quoted what it called an intelligence source familiar with the negotiations as saying.

"There's a preference for them to be resettled in a five-eyes nation because their case would have huge security implications," the source added.

Britain's Foreign Office had no immediate comment on the report.

Relations between Russia and Britain have plunged to their lowest in decades since the pair were found slumped unconscious on a bench in Salisbury on March 4.

Yulia, a Russian citizen, had arrived in Britain only the day before to visit her father, who has been living in Britain for some seven years.

Both were found by Britain to be suffering from the effects of poisoning by a nerve agent but they are now recovering in hospital.

Britain blamed Russia for the poisoning, calling it attempted murder, and asked Moscow to explain what happened but Russia denies any involvement and has suggested Britain itself carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.

The attack prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War as allies in Europe and the United States sided with London's view that Moscow was either responsible or had lost control of the nerve agent.

Moscow has hit back by expelling Western diplomats, questioning how Britain knows that Russia was responsible and offering its rival interpretations, including that it amounted to a plot by British secret services.

It said officials at the MI6 intelligence agency have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the victims poisoned last month in the English city of Salisbury

Britain is considering offering poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia new identities and a fresh life in the United States in an attempt to protect them from further murder attempts, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. It said officials at the MI6 intelligence agency have had discussions with their counterparts in the CIA about resettling the victims poisoned last month in the English city of Salisbury. "They will be offered new identities," it quoted an unidentified source as saying. The paper said its sources believed Britain would want to ensure their safety by resettling them in one of the so-called "five eyes" countries, the intelligence-sharing partnership that also includes the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. "The obvious place to resettle them is America because they're less likely to be killed there and it's easier to protect them there under a new identity," it quoted what it called an intelligence source familiar with the negotiations as saying. "There's a preference for them to be resettled in a five-eyes nation because their case would have huge security implications," the source added. Britain's Foreign Office had no immediate comment on the report. Relations between Russia and Britain have plunged to their lowest in decades since the pair were found slumped unconscious on a bench in Salisbury on March 4. Yulia, a Russian citizen, had arrived in Britain only the day before to visit her father, who has been living in Britain for some seven years. Both were found by Britain to be suffering from the effects of poisoning by a nerve agent but they are now recovering in hospital. Britain blamed Russia for the poisoning, calling it attempted murder, and asked Moscow to explain what happened but Russia denies any involvement and has suggested Britain itself carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. The attack prompted the biggest Western expulsion of Russian diplomats since the Cold War as allies in Europe and the United States sided with London's view that Moscow was either responsible or had lost control of the nerve agent. Moscow has hit back by expelling Western diplomats, questioning how Britain knows that Russia was responsible and offering its rival interpretations, including that it amounted to a plot by British secret services.

Britain aims to resettle poisoned Russian ex-spy in the US

Amid allegations of China engaging in massive land grabbing in the Maldives, the Pentagon today said it was a cause of concern for the US.

Asserting that the US was "committed to a free and open" Indo-Pacific rules-based order, the Pentagon said anything else would cause the US concern.

"The US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific rules-based order. We have seen concerning developments in Maldives as far as the Chinese influence is concerned," Joe Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, told.

"It's in India's backyard. We know it's of concern to India. So, yes, (the situation in Maldives) is a concern. We will see how it plays out. It emphasizes some of our priorities identified in our National Defence Strategy," the top Pentagon official said.

He was responding to a question on the allegations of a Maldivian opposition leader and a former foreign minister, on the Chinese land grabbing activities in the island nation with the potential of developing them into a military outpost.

Felter said these developments were "a cause of concern" for all states that supported the maintenance of a rules-based order.

"If you look at similar activities across the region, it gives us some cause for concern. From Djibouti to, Gwadar put to Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, and now potentially the Maldives and then extending further east, it's of concern," he said.

Other countries in the region have expressed similar concern, including India, he noted.

"We believe the interests of all states- large and small- are best served by maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based order. Some of China's activities that we've observed give us concern because they do not seem to be consistent with those interests. I suspect India shares these concerns as well," Felter said.

During a recent visit to the US, Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister of Maldives, had alleged that China was meddling in internal affairs of Maldives and had indulged itself in a massive land grabbing endeavour which if left unchecked would pose a major strategic threat to both the US and India.

China, he alleged, appeared to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines.&nbsp

''We have seen concerning developments in Maldives as far as the Chinese influence is concerned," Joe Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, told.

Amid allegations of China engaging in massive land grabbing in the Maldives, the Pentagon today said it was a cause of concern for the US. Asserting that the US was "committed to a free and open" Indo-Pacific rules-based order, the Pentagon said anything else would cause the US concern. "The US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific rules-based order. We have seen concerning developments in Maldives as far as the Chinese influence is concerned," Joe Felter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, told. "It's in India's backyard. We know it's of concern to India. So, yes, (the situation in Maldives) is a concern. We will see how it plays out. It emphasizes some of our priorities identified in our National Defence Strategy," the top Pentagon official said. He was responding to a question on the allegations of a Maldivian opposition leader and a former foreign minister, on the Chinese land grabbing activities in the island nation with the potential of developing them into a military outpost. Felter said these developments were "a cause of concern" for all states that supported the maintenance of a rules-based order. "If you look at similar activities across the region, it gives us some cause for concern. From Djibouti to, Gwadar put to Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, and now potentially the Maldives and then extending further east, it's of concern," he said. Other countries in the region have expressed similar concern, including India, he noted. "We believe the interests of all states- large and small- are best served by maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based order. Some of China's activities that we've observed give us concern because they do not seem to be consistent with those interests. I suspect India shares these concerns as well," Felter said. During a recent visit to the US, Ahmed Naseem, a former foreign minister of Maldives, had alleged that China was meddling in internal affairs of Maldives and had indulged itself in a massive land grabbing endeavour which if left unchecked would pose a major strategic threat to both the US and India. China, he alleged, appeared to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines.

Developments in Maldives cause of concern: Pentagon

China's foreign minister on Thursday called on the international community to oppose the United States' recent trade moves, saying they threatened global economic growth.

Addressing a news conference in Moscow, Wang Yi condemned a move by President Donald Trump's administration to slap tariffs on a list of Chinese goods and said the world should stand up to Washington over what he called its unilateral moves.

"The world community must together resist these sorts of unilateral actions and breaking of the rules, must jointly push for global economic growth and together help bring some common sense to those who think they can do anything they like," he said.

If the United States believes it could benefit from protectionism it is making a mistake, he said after meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

"If the US is using the sanctions stick, then they've got the wrong idea," Wang Yi said.

An escalating confrontation between Washington and Beijing has been inching closer to an all-out trade war since China on Wednesday threatened retaliation against key US exports over looming US tariffs on more than 1,000 Chinese goods.

"Our counter-measures were necessary and sufficient," Wang Yi said, adding they were "a legitimate defence of our interests and our rights".

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the international community to oppose the United States' recent trade moves, saying they threatened global economic growth

China's foreign minister on Thursday called on the international community to oppose the United States' recent trade moves, saying they threatened global economic growth. Addressing a news conference in Moscow, Wang Yi condemned a move by President Donald Trump's administration to slap tariffs on a list of Chinese goods and said the world should stand up to Washington over what he called its unilateral moves. "The world community must together resist these sorts of unilateral actions and breaking of the rules, must jointly push for global economic growth and together help bring some common sense to those who think they can do anything they like," he said. If the United States believes it could benefit from protectionism it is making a mistake, he said after meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "If the US is using the sanctions stick, then they've got the wrong idea," Wang Yi said. An escalating confrontation between Washington and Beijing has been inching closer to an all-out trade war since China on Wednesday threatened retaliation against key US exports over looming US tariffs on more than 1,000 Chinese goods. "Our counter-measures were necessary and sufficient," Wang Yi said, adding they were "a legitimate defence of our interests and our rights".

China calls on world to stand up to US over trade

The US on Thursday squarely blamed China for the ongoing tariff war between the world's top two economies, asking Beijing to stop its decades-long "unfair" trade practices.

The White House also indicated to toughen stance against Beijing by going ahead with the proposal to impose 25 per cent import duty on more than 1,300 Chinese products.

It took strong exception to China's plans to impose retaliatory tariffs worth USD 50 billion on 106 American products, including soybeans, cars and small aircraft.

The announcement of plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on American exports came after the US published a list of about 1,300 Chinese exports worth USD 50 billion that could be hit by US tariffs because of Beijing's alleged theft of intellectual property and technology.

"We're in the review process right now, but certainly, we expect China to make changes, and stop the unfair trade practices that it has participated in for decades," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"It will be a couple months before tariffs on either side would go into effect and be implemented. And we're hopeful that China will do the right thing," she said.

Sanders said that the problem has arisen because of China and President Trump was not to be blamed for.

"Look, China created this problem, not president Trump. But we finally actually have a president who's willing to stand up and say, 'Enough is enough.' We're going to stop the unfair trade practices. We're asking China to stop unfair trade practices, and we're going to work through that process over the next couple of months," Sanders said in response to a question.

Meanwhile, the US slammed China for its retaliatory measure saying it is "unjustified".

"Some of the reports have basically been like we did something to China, and now China's pushing back against us. And that's just simply not the chronology at all," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call.

"They have been engaged in repeated non-market behaviour for over a decade. And having tried everything else, we're trying to get them to change that behaviour, and now they're sort of lashing out with more unjustified, market-distorting actions," the official alleged.

The official said that the situation that the Trump administration faced when it came to power was the second-largest economy in the world refusing to adopt the market principles that everybody anticipated.

"When they joined, the WTO was actually insisting that we treat them as a market economy for purposes of anti-dumping laws even though they're not a market economy," the official said.

"And also insisting that they were going to apply these same non-market principles, not to more traditional industries like steel or aluminium, but now applying these to really high-tech sectors," the official said, adding that the Trump administration gave ample opportunities to China to fix its system.

"They simply haven't done it," the official said.

According to the official the US made "real efforts" to give China every chance to change its ways and engage in talks with America to help address its concerns.

"You see us not moving forward until we've conducted our investigation and we have a complete record to move on...On the other hand, China simply announced by fiat USD 50 billion worth of potential tariffs," the official said.

The official claimed that there was no investigation or legal theory as to why China could take such retaliatory measures and wondered how the World Trade Organisation allows it to take such steps.

"So that's obviously their decision. In our opinion, the appropriate response from China would be to change its behaviour. They've promised to do that many times in the past, but they've never fulfilled those promises," the official said.

In the interest of the world economy and people, the official said, China must simply make needed reforms, stop all the market-distorting policies, and quit attacking one of their best customers.&nbsp

The White House also indicated to toughen stance against Beijing by going ahead with the proposal to impose 25 per cent import duty on more than 1,300 Chinese products

The US on Thursday squarely blamed China for the ongoing tariff war between the world's top two economies, asking Beijing to stop its decades-long "unfair" trade practices. The White House also indicated to toughen stance against Beijing by going ahead with the proposal to impose 25 per cent import duty on more than 1,300 Chinese products. It took strong exception to China's plans to impose retaliatory tariffs worth USD 50 billion on 106 American products, including soybeans, cars and small aircraft. The announcement of plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on American exports came after the US published a list of about 1,300 Chinese exports worth USD 50 billion that could be hit by US tariffs because of Beijing's alleged theft of intellectual property and technology. "We're in the review process right now, but certainly, we expect China to make changes, and stop the unfair trade practices that it has participated in for decades," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference. "It will be a couple months before tariffs on either side would go into effect and be implemented. And we're hopeful that China will do the right thing," she said. Sanders said that the problem has arisen because of China and President Trump was not to be blamed for. "Look, China created this problem, not president Trump. But we finally actually have a president who's willing to stand up and say, 'Enough is enough.' We're going to stop the unfair trade practices. We're asking China to stop unfair trade practices, and we're going to work through that process over the next couple of months," Sanders said in response to a question. Meanwhile, the US slammed China for its retaliatory measure saying it is "unjustified". "Some of the reports have basically been like we did something to China, and now China's pushing back against us. And that's just simply not the chronology at all," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call. "They have been engaged in repeated non-market behaviour for over a decade. And having tried everything else, we're trying to get them to change that behaviour, and now they're sort of lashing out with more unjustified, market-distorting actions," the official alleged. The official said that the situation that the Trump administration faced when it came to power was the second-largest economy in the world refusing to adopt the market principles that everybody anticipated. "When they joined, the WTO was actually insisting that we treat them as a market economy for purposes of anti-dumping laws even though they're not a market economy," the official said. "And also insisting that they were going to apply these same non-market principles, not to more traditional industries like steel or aluminium, but now applying these to really high-tech sectors," the official said, adding that the Trump administration gave ample opportunities to China to fix its system. "They simply haven't done it," the official said. According to the official the US made "real efforts" to give China every chance to change its ways and engage in talks with America to help address its concerns. "You see us not moving forward until we've conducted our investigation and we have a complete record to move on...On the other hand, China simply announced by fiat USD 50 billion worth of potential tariffs," the official said. The official claimed that there was no investigation or legal theory as to why China could take such retaliatory measures and wondered how the World Trade Organisation allows it to take such steps. "So that's obviously their decision. In our opinion, the appropriate response from China would be to change its behaviour. They've promised to do that many times in the past, but they've never fulfilled those promises," the official said. In the interest of the world economy and people, the official said, China must simply make needed reforms, stop all the market-distorting policies, and quit attacking one of their best customers.

China created problem; US to stop unfair trade practices: White House

US diplomats expelled by Russia over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain were seen leaving the US embassy in Moscow on Thursday morning to make their way to the airport, the TASS news agency reported.

Russia expelled 60 US diplomats one week ago and ordered the closure of the US consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation for Washington's expulsion of the same number of Russian diplomats and closure of Russia's consulate in Seattle.

The US move was part of a much wider Western response to the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English city, a crime Britain blamed on Russia, which denies wrongdoing.

TASS reported that three coaches believed to be carrying departing diplomats were seen leaving the US embassy in central Moscow on Thursday morning to head for the airport.

Russia expelled 58 diplomats from the US embassy in Moscow and two from the US consulate in the city of Yekaterinburg.

US diplomats were seen leaving the US embassy in Moscow on Thursday morning

US diplomats expelled by Russia over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain were seen leaving the US embassy in Moscow on Thursday morning to make their way to the airport, the TASS news agency reported. Russia expelled 60 US diplomats one week ago and ordered the closure of the US consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation for Washington's expulsion of the same number of Russian diplomats and closure of Russia's consulate in Seattle. The US move was part of a much wider Western response to the nerve agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English city, a crime Britain blamed on Russia, which denies wrongdoing. TASS reported that three coaches believed to be carrying departing diplomats were seen leaving the US embassy in central Moscow on Thursday morning to head for the airport. Russia expelled 58 diplomats from the US embassy in Moscow and two from the US consulate in the city of Yekaterinburg.

Expelled US diplomats leave Russia: Reports

The US and Israel have agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's "malign influence" and destabilising activities, amid Saudi Arabia's change in position on the Jewish nation, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday and discussed the developments in the Middle East.

Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position.

"Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address recent developments in the Middle East," the White House said in a readout of the call.

"President Trump reiterated the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and the two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's malign influence and destabilising activities," the White House said.

Trump spoke earlier with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who asked the President to promote the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and emphasised Saudi Arabia's support for the creation a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Trump and the Saudi king also discussed the situation in Yemen and Iran's activities across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and Israel still have no formal diplomatic relations, but improvements in their ties have accelerated in recent years.

Both countries see Iran as their biggest outside threat and the US as their key ally.

Prince Salman said he believes that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation.

"I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations," he said.

Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position

The US and Israel have agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's "malign influence" and destabilising activities, amid Saudi Arabia's change in position on the Jewish nation, the White House said. US President Donald Trump called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday and discussed the developments in the Middle East. Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position. "Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address recent developments in the Middle East," the White House said in a readout of the call. "President Trump reiterated the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and the two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's malign influence and destabilising activities," the White House said. Trump spoke earlier with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who asked the President to promote the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and emphasised Saudi Arabia's support for the creation a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Trump and the Saudi king also discussed the situation in Yemen and Iran's activities across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and Israel still have no formal diplomatic relations, but improvements in their ties have accelerated in recent years. Both countries see Iran as their biggest outside threat and the US as their key ally. Prince Salman said he believes that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation. "I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations," he said.

Trump and Netanyahu confer over recent developments in Israel

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States is not in a trade war with China, as both sides shake global markets with tit-for-tat actions.

"We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the US," Trump said in a morning tweet.&nbsp;

"Now we have a Trade Deficit of $500 Billion a year, with Intellectual Property Theft of another $300 Billion. We cannot let this continue!"

Trump said the US&nbsp;cannot let its trade deficit with China continue.&nbsp;

The comments come after China unveiled plans to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-retaliates-with-tariff-hike-on-50-billion-of-us-goods-including-soybeans-aircraft-autos-128279">slap major US exports</a> worth $50 billion -- including soybeans, cars and small airplanes -- with retaliatory tariffs.&nbsp;

The Chinese action was, in turn, in response to the Trump administration's own $50-billion list of Chinese products that face US tariffs over Beijing's alleged theft of intellectual property and technology.

The effective start date for China's new tariffs will be revealed later, although China's Ministry of Commerce said the charges are designed to target up to $50 billion in US&nbsp;products annually. The 25 percent levy on US&nbsp;imports includes products such as soybeans, cars and whiskey, Beijing said.

The last month has seen the mercurial Republican leader rattle markets in announcing punishing new tariffs on exports from major trading partners, against warnings from industry groups and members of his own party.

The comments come after China unveiled plans to slap major US exports worth $50 billion -- including soybeans, cars and small airplanes -- with retaliatory tariffs

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States is not in a trade war with China, as both sides shake global markets with tit-for-tat actions. "We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the US," Trump said in a morning tweet. "Now we have a Trade Deficit of $500 Billion a year, with Intellectual Property Theft of another $300 Billion. We cannot let this continue!" Trump said the US cannot let its trade deficit with China continue. The comments come after China unveiled plans to slap major US exports worth $50 billion -- including soybeans, cars and small airplanes -- with retaliatory tariffs. The Chinese action was, in turn, in response to the Trump administration's own $50-billion list of Chinese products that face US tariffs over Beijing's alleged theft of intellectual property and technology. The effective start date for China's new tariffs will be revealed later, although China's Ministry of Commerce said the charges are designed to target up to $50 billion in US products annually. The 25 percent levy on US imports includes products such as soybeans, cars and whiskey, Beijing said. The last month has seen the mercurial Republican leader rattle markets in announcing punishing new tariffs on exports from major trading partners, against warnings from industry groups and members of his own party.

'Not in a trade war with China,' says Trump

United States President Donald Trump affirmed that the US "will not stop until ISIS is gone" while justifying the presence of the US troops in Syria.

Presidents of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia visited the White House on Wednesday to attend the Baltic Summit in the United States.

Trump took to his Twitter account to welcome all the three Presidents to the White House while congratulating Estonia on its 100th anniversary of Independence.

"Today, it was my honour to welcome Estonia President @KerstiKaljulaid, Lithuania President @Grybauskaite_LT, and Latvia President @Vejonis to the @WhiteHouse. Congratulations on your 100th anniversaries of independence! #BalticSummit", Trump tweeted.

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Today, it was my honor to welcome Estonia President <a href="https://twitter.com/KerstiKaljulaid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KerstiKaljulaid</a>, Lithuania President <a href="https://twitter.com/Grybauskaite_LT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Grybauskaite_LT</a>, and Latvia President <a href="https://twitter.com/Vejonis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vejonis</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhiteHouse</a>. Congratulations on your 100th anniversaries of independence! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BalticSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BalticSummit</a>: <a href="https://t.co/XAchZ3zUSe">https://t.co/XAchZ3zUSe</a> <a href="https://t.co/RRftyTGEvb">pic.twitter.com/RRftyTGEvb</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/981248899166932994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

The three Presidents of the Baltic nations hosted a joint press conference with Trump as part of the Baltic summit.

Trump, while addressing the conference, mentioned the World's Declaration of 1940 and US-Baltic Charter of 1998 and assured to stand with it.

He further acknowledged the assistance of the Baltic countries in providing military training to the soldiers to fight against military group ISIS in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp

Trump said, "We will not stop until ISIS is gone".Trump further called for expanding mutual trade relations between Baltic countries and US.

He encouraged the move of Lithuania to begin buying the liquid natural gas from the United States as part of an effort to secure alternative energy supplies and reduce its dependence on Russia.

Referring to US sanctions on Russia for its alleged role in the manipulation of the 2014 US elections, Trump said, "Nobody's been tougher on Russia than I have."Trump also praised the Baltic countries for their robust defence spending.&nbsp

Latvia and Lithuania come close to meeting the NATO benchmark of devoting two percent of their economies to defence while Estonia spends slightly more than two percent.

"When nations are committed to peace and to security, they have to pay their share and we will all enjoy a much more safe and prosperous future," Trump said.

Trump was followed by President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite, who focused on the defence issues being faced by the countries while mentioning the Article 5 of the US-Baltic Declaration.

Grybauskaite said, "Our discussions are more about bringing reforms in defence. We are helping the United States to combat terrorism in Afghanistan, Maali and wherever it is required. We see the willingness of US to see a different quality of NATO."&nbsp

Further, the Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis said the US has committed to apply deterrent policies in the Baltic regions.

"We will commit 2 per cent GDP towards military strengthening NATO in eastern area and contribute to international security," Vejonis said.

He further mentioned of combating military terrorism, cyber information warfare and nuclear proliferation, while highlighting the growth of the digital economy and trade relations with the US.

Further, Estonia's President Kersti Kaljulaid reiterated the commitment of Baltic nations towards military strengthening by saying, "Peace and security depend on strong sovereign nations. We stand together like-minded partners and allies.&nbsp

We find it important to contribute to counter-terrorism and spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence".

Presidents of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia visited the White House on Wednesday to attend the Baltic Summit in the US

United States President Donald Trump affirmed that the US "will not stop until ISIS is gone" while justifying the presence of the US troops in Syria. Presidents of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia visited the White House on Wednesday to attend the Baltic Summit in the United States. Trump took to his Twitter account to welcome all the three Presidents to the White House while congratulating Estonia on its 100th anniversary of Independence. "Today, it was my honour to welcome Estonia President @KerstiKaljulaid, Lithuania President @Grybauskaite_LT, and Latvia President @Vejonis to the @WhiteHouse. Congratulations on your 100th anniversaries of independence! #BalticSummit", Trump tweeted. Today, it was my honor to welcome Estonia President @KerstiKaljulaid, Lithuania President @Grybauskaite_LT, and Latvia President @Vejonis to the @WhiteHouse. Congratulations on your 100th anniversaries of independence! #BalticSummit: https://t.co/XAchZ3zUSe pic.twitter.com/RRftyTGEvb — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2018 × The three Presidents of the Baltic nations hosted a joint press conference with Trump as part of the Baltic summit. Trump, while addressing the conference, mentioned the World's Declaration of 1940 and US-Baltic Charter of 1998 and assured to stand with it. He further acknowledged the assistance of the Baltic countries in providing military training to the soldiers to fight against military group ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Trump said, "We will not stop until ISIS is gone".Trump further called for expanding mutual trade relations between Baltic countries and US. He encouraged the move of Lithuania to begin buying the liquid natural gas from the United States as part of an effort to secure alternative energy supplies and reduce its dependence on Russia. Referring to US sanctions on Russia for its alleged role in the manipulation of the 2014 US elections, Trump said, "Nobody's been tougher on Russia than I have."Trump also praised the Baltic countries for their robust defence spending. Latvia and Lithuania come close to meeting the NATO benchmark of devoting two percent of their economies to defence while Estonia spends slightly more than two percent. "When nations are committed to peace and to security, they have to pay their share and we will all enjoy a much more safe and prosperous future," Trump said. Trump was followed by President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite, who focused on the defence issues being faced by the countries while mentioning the Article 5 of the US-Baltic Declaration. Grybauskaite said, "Our discussions are more about bringing reforms in defence. We are helping the United States to combat terrorism in Afghanistan, Maali and wherever it is required. We see the willingness of US to see a different quality of NATO." Further, the Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis said the US has committed to apply deterrent policies in the Baltic regions. "We will commit 2 per cent GDP towards military strengthening NATO in eastern area and contribute to international security," Vejonis said. He further mentioned of combating military terrorism, cyber information warfare and nuclear proliferation, while highlighting the growth of the digital economy and trade relations with the US. Further, Estonia's President Kersti Kaljulaid reiterated the commitment of Baltic nations towards military strengthening by saying, "Peace and security depend on strong sovereign nations. We stand together like-minded partners and allies. We find it important to contribute to counter-terrorism and spend 2 per cent of GDP on defence".

Will not stop until ISIS is gone: Trump at Baltic summit

Several Silicon Valley leaders called for increased gun control on Tuesday afternoon after a woman at the headquarters of YouTube shot and wounded three people before taking her own life.

Tech companies have largely avoided the topic of gun control in the United States, but they have previously pushed for progressive stances on other hot-topic issues, ranging from climate change to same-sex marriage and comprehensive immigration reform. At least three major chief executives took up gun control after the shooting.&nbsp;

“We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots,” tweeted Twitter Inc and Square Inc CEO Jack Dorsey. “It’s beyond time to evolve our policies.”

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We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots. It’s beyond time to evolve our policies. This is a simple and reasonable approach, and it won’t solve all, but it’s a good start: <a href="https://t.co/ADYalbaO57">https://t.co/ADYalbaO57</a> <a href="https://t.co/nbXpH9DDyT">https://t.co/nbXpH9DDyT</a>
— jack (@jack) <a href="https://twitter.com/jack/status/981307599453700101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Joining Dorsey were Uber Technologies Inc CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Box Inc CEO Aaron Levie, who respectively sent tweets on Tuesday saying #EndGunViolence and #NeverAgain, two Twitter hashtags commonly used by proponents of gun control.

“On behalf of the team at @Uber, sending support to everyone @YouTube and @Google, and gratitude to the heroic first responders,” Khosrowshahi tweeted. “Another tragedy that should push us again to #EndGunViolence”

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On behalf of the team at <a href="https://twitter.com/Uber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Uber</a>, sending support to everyone <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTube</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Google?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Google</a>, and gratitude to the heroic first responders. Another tragedy that should push us again to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndGunViolence?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EndGunViolence</a>
— dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) <a href="https://twitter.com/dkhos/status/981300761039536128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sundar Pichai and Susan Wojcicki, the CEOs of Google and YouTube respectively, also issued statements on Tuesday while avoiding the topic of gun control.&nbsp;

A woman opened fire at YouTube's headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday. Three people were reported wounded after which the woman shot herself.&nbsp;

No further information about the woman, or her motives, was released by the police, however, senior law enforcement officials believe the motive behind the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, MSNBC and other media reported. Any possible links to terrorism have been ruled out by the local police.

The suspect is believed to be in her 30s. According to reports, she approached an outdoor patio and dining area on the YouTube campus around lunchtime and began to fire, before turning the gun on herself.&nbsp;

According to San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini, the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun.&nbsp;

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The weapon used in today’s shooting at YouTube headquarters in San Bruno was a handgun, according to San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaketapper/status/981321491689111552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One of the victims, a 36-year-old man, was critically injured and was admitted to the San Francisco General Hospital. Another victim, a 32-year-old woman, was listed in serious condition and a 27-year-old woman was injured but was in fair condition. Authorities did not release names of the victims.

All three people were victims of gunshot wounds; none of them had undergone surgery. A fourth person was taken to a local hospital with an ankle injury from fleeing the scene.

US President Donald Trump condemned the incident and offered his prayers to those involved.&nbsp;

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved,” Trump tweeted. “Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene.”&nbsp;

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Was just briefed on the shooting at YouTube’s HQ in San Bruno, California. Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved. Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/981287536520847360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Google said on Twitter that it was coordinating with local authorities.

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Re: YouTube situation, we are coordinating with authorities and will provide official information here from Google and YouTube as it becomes available.
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google_Comms/status/981267668350115840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey tweeted: "We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots. It’s beyond time to evolve our policies."&nbsp;

Google CEO Sundar Pichai released an official statement stating that the situation is "contained".

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Here is the note that <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sundarpichai</a> just sent to Googlers worldwide. <a href="https://t.co/bdC6KeTl9c">pic.twitter.com/bdC6KeTl9c</a>
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) <a href="https://twitter.com/Google_Comms/status/981314129725079553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We are doing everything we can to support them (the victims) and their families at this time. I am grateful to everyone inside and outside the company for the outpouring of support and best wishes. I am especially thankful to the first responders and our own security team who acted so quickly to keep people safe," read the statement.&nbsp;

The shooting was the latest in an epidemic of mass killings that have plagued the United States in recent years. Most recently, the massacre of 17 people at a Florida high school has led to calls for tighter restrictions on gun ownership.

Last month, YouTube announced it would ban content promoting the sale of guns and gun accessories as well as videos that teach how to make guns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The shooting was the latest in an epidemic of mass killings that have plagued the United States in recent years

Several Silicon Valley leaders called for increased gun control on Tuesday afternoon after a woman at the headquarters of YouTube shot and wounded three people before taking her own life. Tech companies have largely avoided the topic of gun control in the United States, but they have previously pushed for progressive stances on other hot-topic issues, ranging from climate change to same-sex marriage and comprehensive immigration reform. At least three major chief executives took up gun control after the shooting. “We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots,” tweeted Twitter Inc and Square Inc CEO Jack Dorsey. “It’s beyond time to evolve our policies.” We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots. It’s beyond time to evolve our policies. This is a simple and reasonable approach, and it won’t solve all, but it’s a good start: https://t.co/ADYalbaO57 https://t.co/nbXpH9DDyT — jack (@jack) April 3, 2018 × Joining Dorsey were Uber Technologies Inc CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Box Inc CEO Aaron Levie, who respectively sent tweets on Tuesday saying #EndGunViolence and #NeverAgain, two Twitter hashtags commonly used by proponents of gun control. “On behalf of the team at @Uber, sending support to everyone @YouTube and @Google, and gratitude to the heroic first responders,” Khosrowshahi tweeted. “Another tragedy that should push us again to #EndGunViolence” On behalf of the team at @Uber, sending support to everyone @YouTube and @Google, and gratitude to the heroic first responders. Another tragedy that should push us again to #EndGunViolence — dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) April 3, 2018 × Sundar Pichai and Susan Wojcicki, the CEOs of Google and YouTube respectively, also issued statements on Tuesday while avoiding the topic of gun control. A woman opened fire at YouTube's headquarters near San Francisco on Tuesday. Three people were reported wounded after which the woman shot herself. No further information about the woman, or her motives, was released by the police, however, senior law enforcement officials believe the motive behind the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, MSNBC and other media reported. Any possible links to terrorism have been ruled out by the local police. The suspect is believed to be in her 30s. According to reports, she approached an outdoor patio and dining area on the YouTube campus around lunchtime and began to fire, before turning the gun on herself. According to San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini, the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun. The weapon used in today’s shooting at YouTube headquarters in San Bruno was a handgun, according to San Bruno Police Chief Ed Barberini. — Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 4, 2018 × One of the victims, a 36-year-old man, was critically injured and was admitted to the San Francisco General Hospital. Another victim, a 32-year-old woman, was listed in serious condition and a 27-year-old woman was injured but was in fair condition. Authorities did not release names of the victims. All three people were victims of gunshot wounds; none of them had undergone surgery. A fourth person was taken to a local hospital with an ankle injury from fleeing the scene. US President Donald Trump condemned the incident and offered his prayers to those involved. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved,” Trump tweeted. “Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene.” Was just briefed on the shooting at YouTube’s HQ in San Bruno, California. Our thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved. Thank you to our phenomenal Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders that are currently on the scene. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2018 × Google said on Twitter that it was coordinating with local authorities. Re: YouTube situation, we are coordinating with authorities and will provide official information here from Google and YouTube as it becomes available. — Google Communications (@Google_Comms) April 3, 2018 × Twitter Chief Executive Jack Dorsey tweeted: "We can’t keep being reactive to this, thinking and praying it won’t happen again at our schools, jobs, or our community spots. It’s beyond time to evolve our policies." Google CEO Sundar Pichai released an official statement stating that the situation is "contained". Here is the note that @sundarpichai just sent to Googlers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/bdC6KeTl9c — Google Communications (@Google_Comms) April 3, 2018 × "We are doing everything we can to support them (the victims) and their families at this time. I am grateful to everyone inside and outside the company for the outpouring of support and best wishes. I am especially thankful to the first responders and our own security team who acted so quickly to keep people safe," read the statement. The shooting was the latest in an epidemic of mass killings that have plagued the United States in recent years. Most recently, the massacre of 17 people at a Florida high school has led to calls for tighter restrictions on gun ownership. Last month, YouTube announced it would ban content promoting the sale of guns and gun accessories as well as videos that teach how to make guns. (With inputs from Reuters)

YouTube headquarters shooting: Silicon Valley leaders call for stringent gun control

The United States today announced a proposed list of products imported from China that could be subject to additional tariffs of 25 per cent amounting to USD 50 billion.

The US Trade Representative (USTR) said the proposed list of products is based on extensive interagency economic analysis and would target products that benefit from China's industrial plans while minimizing the impact on the US economy.

Sectors subject to the proposed tariffs include industries such as aerospace, information and communication technology, robotics, and machinery.

The list covers approximately 1,300 separate tariff lines and will undergo further review in a public notice and comment process, including a hearing. After completion of this process, the USTR will issue a final determination on the products subject to the additional duties.

The total value of imports subject to the tariff increase is commensurate with an economic analysis of the harm caused by China's unreasonable technology transfer policies to the US economy, the USTR said.

China had said yesterday that its door for talks with the Trump administration is open but if there is a trade war it will "fight till the end". The comments came a day after Beijing imposed tariffs on 128 American products as a retaliation against US duties on steel and aluminium.

China had imposed tariffs on 128 US imports worth USD 3 billion, including meat, fruit and pork, as retaliation against taxes approved by US President Donald Trump on imported steel and aluminium.

Last month, Trump announced that the US will impose tariffs on approximately USD 50 billion worth of Chinese imports and take other actions in response to China's policies that coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises.

These policies bolster China's stated intention of seizing economic leadership in advanced technology as set forth in its industrial plans, such as "Made in China 2025".

Trump raked up the issue of trade gap with China once again, saying the US cannot afford to have a USD 500 billion a year trade deficit with Beijing.

"We have a problem with China. They've created a trade deficit, and I really blame our representatives and, frankly, our preceding presidents for this. They have a trade deficit of USD 500 billion a year.

It's not something we can live with," Trump told reporters during a media interaction with visiting Baltic leaders.

The theft of intellectual property alone, he said, is probably around USD 200-300 billion a year.

"The US has to do something on trade with certain countries. And obviously, China is the leader in terms of deficits. We've never had a situation where a country -- nor has there ever been in -- in history, a situation where a country has done that to another country," he said.

However several industry groups were quick to oppose Trump's proposal to impose tariff on some 1300 selected Chinese products.

"The Trump administration is right to push back against China's abuse of economic and trade policy, but imposing tariffs on producer goods will inadvertently hurt Americans through reduced capital investment and lower productivity growth.

"The list of tariffs that the USTR has proposed today would hurt companies in the US by raising the prices and reducing consumption of the capital equipment they rely on to produce their goods and services," Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) President Robert D Atkinson said.

Attempts to roll back Chinese innovation mercantilism should be more carefully targeted than this. The focus should be on things that will create the most leverage over China without raising prices and dampening investment in the kinds of machinery, equipment, and other technology that drives innovation and productivity across the economy, he said.

Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of International Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce said the administration is rightly focused on restoring equity and fairness in US trade relationship with China.

"However, imposing taxes on products used daily by American consumers and job creators is not the way to achieve those ends. The US Chamber looks forward to working with the administration throughout the comment period to make the business community's voice heard on the US-China economic relationship," he said.

But several US lawmakers supported Trump's move.

"Publishing this preliminary list is an important step that will allow US companies to evaluate the implications and convey their views about the effect of such tariffs on our economy. I'm confident that we can protect national security and minimize unfair trading practices while protecting American consumers and jobs," House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady said.

"We must address China's theft of technology and intellectual property belonging to American companies. It is a serious problem that requires action," said Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Chairman Dave Reichert.

Trump raked up the issue of trade gap with China once again, saying the US cannot afford to have a USD 500 billion a year trade deficit with Beijing

The United States today announced a proposed list of products imported from China that could be subject to additional tariffs of 25 per cent amounting to USD 50 billion. The US Trade Representative (USTR) said the proposed list of products is based on extensive interagency economic analysis and would target products that benefit from China's industrial plans while minimizing the impact on the US economy. Sectors subject to the proposed tariffs include industries such as aerospace, information and communication technology, robotics, and machinery. The list covers approximately 1,300 separate tariff lines and will undergo further review in a public notice and comment process, including a hearing. After completion of this process, the USTR will issue a final determination on the products subject to the additional duties. The total value of imports subject to the tariff increase is commensurate with an economic analysis of the harm caused by China's unreasonable technology transfer policies to the US economy, the USTR said. China had said yesterday that its door for talks with the Trump administration is open but if there is a trade war it will "fight till the end". The comments came a day after Beijing imposed tariffs on 128 American products as a retaliation against US duties on steel and aluminium. China had imposed tariffs on 128 US imports worth USD 3 billion, including meat, fruit and pork, as retaliation against taxes approved by US President Donald Trump on imported steel and aluminium. Last month, Trump announced that the US will impose tariffs on approximately USD 50 billion worth of Chinese imports and take other actions in response to China's policies that coerce American companies into transferring their technology and intellectual property to domestic Chinese enterprises. These policies bolster China's stated intention of seizing economic leadership in advanced technology as set forth in its industrial plans, such as "Made in China 2025". Trump raked up the issue of trade gap with China once again, saying the US cannot afford to have a USD 500 billion a year trade deficit with Beijing. "We have a problem with China. They've created a trade deficit, and I really blame our representatives and, frankly, our preceding presidents for this. They have a trade deficit of USD 500 billion a year. It's not something we can live with," Trump told reporters during a media interaction with visiting Baltic leaders. The theft of intellectual property alone, he said, is probably around USD 200-300 billion a year. "The US has to do something on trade with certain countries. And obviously, China is the leader in terms of deficits. We've never had a situation where a country -- nor has there ever been in -- in history, a situation where a country has done that to another country," he said. However several industry groups were quick to oppose Trump's proposal to impose tariff on some 1300 selected Chinese products. "The Trump administration is right to push back against China's abuse of economic and trade policy, but imposing tariffs on producer goods will inadvertently hurt Americans through reduced capital investment and lower productivity growth. "The list of tariffs that the USTR has proposed today would hurt companies in the US by raising the prices and reducing consumption of the capital equipment they rely on to produce their goods and services," Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) President Robert D Atkinson said. Attempts to roll back Chinese innovation mercantilism should be more carefully targeted than this. The focus should be on things that will create the most leverage over China without raising prices and dampening investment in the kinds of machinery, equipment, and other technology that drives innovation and productivity across the economy, he said. Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of International Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce said the administration is rightly focused on restoring equity and fairness in US trade relationship with China. "However, imposing taxes on products used daily by American consumers and job creators is not the way to achieve those ends. The US Chamber looks forward to working with the administration throughout the comment period to make the business community's voice heard on the US-China economic relationship," he said. But several US lawmakers supported Trump's move. "Publishing this preliminary list is an important step that will allow US companies to evaluate the implications and convey their views about the effect of such tariffs on our economy. I'm confident that we can protect national security and minimize unfair trading practices while protecting American consumers and jobs," House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady said. "We must address China's theft of technology and intellectual property belonging to American companies. It is a serious problem that requires action," said Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Chairman Dave Reichert.

US proposes $50 billion tariffs on 1,300 Chinese products

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the US&nbsp;House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 11, the panel said on Wednesday.

Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks after it was revealed that the personal data of 50 million users of the website fell into the hands of a political consulting firm that worked for US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's campaign.

The statement was issued by the US House Energy and Commerce Committee

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify before the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on April 11, the panel said on Wednesday. Facebook has come under fire in recent weeks after it was revealed that the personal data of 50 million users of the website fell into the hands of a political consulting firm that worked for US President Donald Trump's campaign.

Mark Zuckerberg to testify before US House Commerce panel on April 11

China on Wednesday announced plans to hit the United States with new tariffs of 25 percent on soybeans, airplanes, cars and other imports worth $50 billion, hours after Washington unveiled its own target list.

China's commerce ministry listed 106 products that will be targeted and said a date for the implementation of the tariffs would be announced separately.

China's latest tariff hike announcement comes after US escalated the trade war between two superpowers by&nbsp;proposing 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports.&nbsp;

The Trump administration on Tuesday escalated its aggressive actions on trade by proposing 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports to protest Beijing’s alleged theft of American technology.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a list targeting 1,300 Chinese products, including industrial robots and telecommunications equipment. The suggested tariffs wouldn’t take effect right way: A public comment period will last until May 11, and a hearing on the tariffs is set for May 15. Companies and consumers will have the opportunity to lobby to have some products taken off the list or have others added.

(With AFP inputs)

&nbsp;

China announced Wednesday plans to hit the United States with new tariffs of 25 percent on soybeans, airplanes, cars and other imports worth $50 billion, hours after Washington unveiled its own target list.

China on Wednesday announced plans to hit the United States with new tariffs of 25 percent on soybeans, airplanes, cars and other imports worth $50 billion, hours after Washington unveiled its own target list. China's commerce ministry listed 106 products that will be targeted and said a date for the implementation of the tariffs would be announced separately. China's latest tariff hike announcement comes after US escalated the trade war between two superpowers by proposing 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports. The Trump administration on Tuesday escalated its aggressive actions on trade by proposing 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports to protest Beijing’s alleged theft of American technology. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a list targeting 1,300 Chinese products, including industrial robots and telecommunications equipment. The suggested tariffs wouldn’t take effect right way: A public comment period will last until May 11, and a hearing on the tariffs is set for May 15. Companies and consumers will have the opportunity to lobby to have some products taken off the list or have others added. (With AFP inputs)

China retaliates with tariff hike on $50 billion of US goods including soybeans, aircraft, autos

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said.

San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years.

"That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said.

"Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said.

Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said.

The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers.

"When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job, regardless of where those workers happen to have been born, their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing.

Daniel Culbertson, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.Com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017."

"This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added.

The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels.

"There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.

"That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," said San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said. San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years. "That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said. "Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said. Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said. The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers. "When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job, regardless of where those workers happen to have been born, their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said. According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing. Daniel Culbertson, an economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.Com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017." "This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added. The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels. "There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.

Indian companies dramatically reduced H1B visa filing: US daily

In an apparent dig at China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US today voiced its concern over the financing structure of connectivity projects, cautioning nations may compromise their sovereignty if they could not sustainably pay back their loans.

"We're concerned, with the financing structures for connectivity projects," Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs told reporters during a news conference here when asked how the Trump administration is going to really propose the alternative for the infrastructure support as against those by China.

"Because if they're not structured in a way in which the nations of the region can sustainably pay them back, over time, you will see that tends to compromise their sovereignty," Wong said.

"We're concerned with how projects are conceived of and implemented because we want these projects to be economically feasible. We want them to be connected with the economies of these nations in a smart way that increases their GDP, truly drives regional integration, and doesn't weigh them down," he said.

The American interest, he said, is in infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Indo-Pacific.

"We're less concerned with where the financing or from which country financing for infrastructure across the region comes from. We are more concerned with how that financing for infrastructure is structured, and how the particular infrastructure projects are conceived of and implemented," he said.

For decades, the US has been advocating for strong connectivity principles, facilitating good connectivity projects, preparing the investment frameworks and the investment environments in the region to drive private capital to these types of projects, he said.

"In the Indo-Pacific, the Asian Development Bank says that there's about a $1.7 trillion per year investment gap for infrastructure, what they truly need to encourage the type of GDP growth been seen for a number of years in the Indo-Pacific. But that gap won't be filled by only state-backed financing, he said.

"It can only be filled by getting private sector money off the sidelines," Wong said. Currently, there is $50 trillion in private sector capital and cash instruments that are uninvested around the world.

"If we can get that into the Indo-Pacific to invest in quality best-value infrastructure, that'll be to the benefit of many of the countries in the region, to our benefit, as the GDP of the region grows and our trade and our investment grow," he said.

But there is a problem right now in the Indo-Pacific, Wong said. In the developed world, for every one dollar in state financing that goes to infrastructure, one gets two dollars in private capital. But in the Indo-Pacific, for every one dollar in state financing, one only gets 30 cents of private capital into these projects.

"There's a gap there, and we need to help the nations of the region ensure that they can access that private capital, craft the projects in a way that does attract investment money, ensure that their regulatory environments and their bidding processes are attractive to private capital.

"Then if we can do that, we can fill that infrastructure gap, provide the alternatives that are needed by the nations of the region, so that infrastructure is done right and truly ensures economic growth," Wong said.

In an apparent dig at China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US today voiced its concern over the financing structure of connectivity projects

In an apparent dig at China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the US today voiced its concern over the financing structure of connectivity projects, cautioning nations may compromise their sovereignty if they could not sustainably pay back their loans. "We're concerned, with the financing structures for connectivity projects," Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs told reporters during a news conference here when asked how the Trump administration is going to really propose the alternative for the infrastructure support as against those by China. "Because if they're not structured in a way in which the nations of the region can sustainably pay them back, over time, you will see that tends to compromise their sovereignty," Wong said. "We're concerned with how projects are conceived of and implemented because we want these projects to be economically feasible. We want them to be connected with the economies of these nations in a smart way that increases their GDP, truly drives regional integration, and doesn't weigh them down," he said. The American interest, he said, is in infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Indo-Pacific. "We're less concerned with where the financing or from which country financing for infrastructure across the region comes from. We are more concerned with how that financing for infrastructure is structured, and how the particular infrastructure projects are conceived of and implemented," he said. For decades, the US has been advocating for strong connectivity principles, facilitating good connectivity projects, preparing the investment frameworks and the investment environments in the region to drive private capital to these types of projects, he said. "In the Indo-Pacific, the Asian Development Bank says that there's about a $1.7 trillion per year investment gap for infrastructure, what they truly need to encourage the type of GDP growth been seen for a number of years in the Indo-Pacific. But that gap won't be filled by only state-backed financing, he said. "It can only be filled by getting private sector money off the sidelines," Wong said. Currently, there is $50 trillion in private sector capital and cash instruments that are uninvested around the world. "If we can get that into the Indo-Pacific to invest in quality best-value infrastructure, that'll be to the benefit of many of the countries in the region, to our benefit, as the GDP of the region grows and our trade and our investment grow," he said. But there is a problem right now in the Indo-Pacific, Wong said. In the developed world, for every one dollar in state financing that goes to infrastructure, one gets two dollars in private capital. But in the Indo-Pacific, for every one dollar in state financing, one only gets 30 cents of private capital into these projects. "There's a gap there, and we need to help the nations of the region ensure that they can access that private capital, craft the projects in a way that does attract investment money, ensure that their regulatory environments and their bidding processes are attractive to private capital. "Then if we can do that, we can fill that infrastructure gap, provide the alternatives that are needed by the nations of the region, so that infrastructure is done right and truly ensures economic growth," Wong said.

Connectivity projects in Indo-Pacific could compromise nations' sovereignty: US

In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization.

In a simultaneous move, seven members of MML central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorist. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which according to the

Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan.

The move comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan asked the MML to produce a clearance certificate by the interior ministry for its registration as a political party.

The election commission had earlier rejected the MML's application for registration as a political party after the interior ministry objected to its ties to banned militant outfits.

The State Department said the move was aimed at denying the LeT the resources it needs to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks.

"Both MML and TAJK are LeT fronts created to circumvent the sanctions against it (LeT)...Today's amendments take aim at LeT's efforts to circumvent sanctions and deceive the public about its true character," said Nathan A Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," Sales said.

Among other consequences of the designations, LeT's property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group.

"LeT continues to operate freely within Pakistan, holding public rallies, raising funds, and plotting and training for terrorist attacks," the State Department said.

The LeT was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group on December 26, 2001. Its leader, Saeed, is also designated as an SDGT.

To avoid sanctions, LeT has repeatedly changed its name over the years, the State Department alleged.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4HR4fiZsSE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In January 2017, LeT began operating under the name TAJK. Under this name, the LeT has engaged in inciting terrorism, as well as recruiting and fundraising.

In August 2017, Saeed created the MML to serve as a political front for the group.

"LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature," the State Department said.

Concurrently with today's State Department actions, the US Department of the Treasury designated seven members of the MML central leadership body for acting for on behalf of the LeT: Saifullah Khalid (president), Muzammil Iqbal Hashimi (vice president), Muhammad Harris Dar (Joint Secretary), Tabish Qayyuum (Information Secretary), Fayyaz Ahmad (General Secretary), Faisal Nadeem (Broadcast and Publications Secretary), and Muhammad Ehsan (Finance Secretary).

Today's actions notify the US public and the international community that TAJK and MML are aliases of the LeT. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments.

"Treasury is targeting the MML and a group of seven global terrorists who are complicit in LeT's attempts to undermine Pakistan's political process," said Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker, adding that the MML is not a recognized political party and it relies on the leadership of the LeT for guidance and direction.

"We will continue to target terrorist organizations like LeT, even when they attempt to cloak themselves as political parties or hide their extremism behind other facades," Mandelker said. He also cautioned people against working with the MML, including providing financial donations, saying they should "think twice" about doing so or risk exposure to US sanctions.

President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province. The JuD was designated by the Department of State as an alias of LeT pursuant April 2016 and was added to the United Nations Sanctions list as an alias of the LeT in December 2008.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. It was declared as an FTO by the US in June 2014.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province

In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization. In a simultaneous move, seven members of MML central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorist. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which according to the Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan. The move comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan asked the MML to produce a clearance certificate by the interior ministry for its registration as a political party. The election commission had earlier rejected the MML's application for registration as a political party after the interior ministry objected to its ties to banned militant outfits. The State Department said the move was aimed at denying the LeT the resources it needs to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks. "Both MML and TAJK are LeT fronts created to circumvent the sanctions against it (LeT)...Today's amendments take aim at LeT's efforts to circumvent sanctions and deceive the public about its true character," said Nathan A Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," Sales said. Among other consequences of the designations, LeT's property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group. "LeT continues to operate freely within Pakistan, holding public rallies, raising funds, and plotting and training for terrorist attacks," the State Department said. The LeT was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group on December 26, 2001. Its leader, Saeed, is also designated as an SDGT. To avoid sanctions, LeT has repeatedly changed its name over the years, the State Department alleged. In January 2017, LeT began operating under the name TAJK. Under this name, the LeT has engaged in inciting terrorism, as well as recruiting and fundraising. In August 2017, Saeed created the MML to serve as a political front for the group. "LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature," the State Department said. Concurrently with today's State Department actions, the US Department of the Treasury designated seven members of the MML central leadership body for acting for on behalf of the LeT: Saifullah Khalid (president), Muzammil Iqbal Hashimi (vice president), Muhammad Harris Dar (Joint Secretary), Tabish Qayyuum (Information Secretary), Fayyaz Ahmad (General Secretary), Faisal Nadeem (Broadcast and Publications Secretary), and Muhammad Ehsan (Finance Secretary). Today's actions notify the US public and the international community that TAJK and MML are aliases of the LeT. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments. "Treasury is targeting the MML and a group of seven global terrorists who are complicit in LeT's attempts to undermine Pakistan's political process," said Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker, adding that the MML is not a recognized political party and it relies on the leadership of the LeT for guidance and direction. "We will continue to target terrorist organizations like LeT, even when they attempt to cloak themselves as political parties or hide their extremism behind other facades," Mandelker said. He also cautioned people against working with the MML, including providing financial donations, saying they should "think twice" about doing so or risk exposure to US sanctions. President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province. The JuD was designated by the Department of State as an alias of LeT pursuant April 2016 and was added to the United Nations Sanctions list as an alias of the LeT in December 2008. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. It was declared as an FTO by the US in June 2014.

US designates Hafiz Saeed's Milli Muslim League as terrorist outfit

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has laid charges over a fraudulent cryptocurrency fundraiser that boxer Floyd Mayweather and rapper DJ Khaled touted on social media.

Neither celebrity is accused in the scheme which the SEC yesterday said raised more than $32 million from thousands of investors.

The SEC charged Sohrab "Sam" Sharma and Robert Farkas, co-founders of Centra Tech Inc, with violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions of US securities laws.

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) have sprung from nowhere to become a hugely popular way for start-ups to raise funds online, offering self-created digital "tokens" or coins to any willing buyer.

But regulators around the world have warned of the risks of fraud, the volatility of virtual currencies and the lack of clarity on what a "token" represents.

Sharma and Farkas are accused of masterminding a fraudulent ICO in which Centra offered and sold unregistered investments through a "CTR Token."

The charges, filed in New York, also say the pair "claimed that funds raised in the ICO would help build a suite of financial products," such as debit cards that would allow users to instantly convert hard-to-spend cryptocurrencies into legal tender.

In reality, there was no relationship with legitimately-backed debit cards, the complaint alleges. 
Centra "sold investors on the promise of new digital technologies by using a sophisticated marketing campaign," an SEC statement said.

"The defendants relied heavily on celebrity endorsements and social media to market their scheme," Steve Peikin, co-director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement, said in a statement.

"Endorsements and glossy marketing materials are no substitute for the SEC's registration and disclosure requirements as well as diligence by investors."

The value of ICOs exploded last year when investors poured $3.6 billion into 228 projects, up from USD 96 million for 46 ICOs in 2016.

The gold-rush fever surrounding ICOs partly stems from the soaring success of bitcoin, and firms issuing ICOs have raised their visibility by enlisting celebrities.

Participants bet that the value of their "tokens" will go up and that they will eventually be able to trade them for established cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and Ethereum, which can, in turn, be exchanged for traditional currencies.

Neither celebrity is accused in the scheme which the SEC yesterday said raised more than $32 million from thousands of investors

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has laid charges over a fraudulent cryptocurrency fundraiser that boxer Floyd Mayweather and rapper DJ Khaled touted on social media. Neither celebrity is accused in the scheme which the SEC yesterday said raised more than $32 million from thousands of investors. The SEC charged Sohrab "Sam" Sharma and Robert Farkas, co-founders of Centra Tech Inc, with violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions of US securities laws. Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) have sprung from nowhere to become a hugely popular way for start-ups to raise funds online, offering self-created digital "tokens" or coins to any willing buyer. But regulators around the world have warned of the risks of fraud, the volatility of virtual currencies and the lack of clarity on what a "token" represents. Sharma and Farkas are accused of masterminding a fraudulent ICO in which Centra offered and sold unregistered investments through a "CTR Token." The charges, filed in New York, also say the pair "claimed that funds raised in the ICO would help build a suite of financial products," such as debit cards that would allow users to instantly convert hard-to-spend cryptocurrencies into legal tender. In reality, there was no relationship with legitimately-backed debit cards, the complaint alleges. Centra "sold investors on the promise of new digital technologies by using a sophisticated marketing campaign," an SEC statement said. "The defendants relied heavily on celebrity endorsements and social media to market their scheme," Steve Peikin, co-director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement, said in a statement. "Endorsements and glossy marketing materials are no substitute for the SEC's registration and disclosure requirements as well as diligence by investors." The value of ICOs exploded last year when investors poured $3.6 billion into 228 projects, up from USD 96 million for 46 ICOs in 2016. The gold-rush fever surrounding ICOs partly stems from the soaring success of bitcoin, and firms issuing ICOs have raised their visibility by enlisting celebrities. Participants bet that the value of their "tokens" will go up and that they will eventually be able to trade them for established cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and Ethereum, which can, in turn, be exchanged for traditional currencies.

Fraud rap for cryptocurrency promoted by DJ Khaled, Mayweather

The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era pollution and fuel efficiency rules for cars and light trucks on Monday, saying they were too stringent.&nbsp;

The decision by President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency means the emission standards for vehicles in the 2022-2025 model years will be revised, as sought by automakers.

"The Obama administration's determination was wrong," said EPA chief Scott Pruitt.

Former President Barack Obama's EPA "made assumptions about the standards that didn't comport with reality, and set the standards too high," Pruitt said in a statement.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers applauded the move, saying it would "keep new vehicles affordable to more Americans."

"This was the right decision, and we support the administration for pursuing a data-driven effort and a single national program as it works to finalize future standards," said the industry group representing Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen and others.

The rules set in 2012, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFE standards, sought to reduce pollutants released into the air by gradually increasing fuel efficiency across all models offered by manufacturers to 54.5 miles per gallon (4.32 litres per 100 kilometres), compared to 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016.

Pruitt said the EPA in 2012 cut short its review of the standards for "politically charged expediency," but he will work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop new, "more appropriate" rules.

The agency is also examining the waiver that allows California, the most popular US state, to impose tougher requirements than called for under the Clean Air Act.

One state cannot "dictate standards for the rest of the country," Pruitt said.

"EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford - while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars."

This is likely to open a long legal battle between California, a traditionally Democratic state, and Trump's Republican administration.&nbsp;

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the EPA's "assault" on CAFE standards "risks our ability to protect our children`s health, tackle climate change and save hardworking Americans money."&nbsp;

"We're ready to file suit if needed to protect these critical standards and to fight the Administration`s war on our environment," Becerra said.

Trump has been scaling back many types of regulations, including environmental standards, set by his Democratic predecessor, including pulling out of the Paris climate accord.

'The Obama administration's determination was wrong,' said Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt

The Trump administration rolled back Obama-era pollution and fuel efficiency rules for cars and light trucks on Monday, saying they were too stringent. The decision by President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency means the emission standards for vehicles in the 2022-2025 model years will be revised, as sought by automakers. "The Obama administration's determination was wrong," said EPA chief Scott Pruitt. Former President Barack Obama's EPA "made assumptions about the standards that didn't comport with reality, and set the standards too high," Pruitt said in a statement. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers applauded the move, saying it would "keep new vehicles affordable to more Americans." "This was the right decision, and we support the administration for pursuing a data-driven effort and a single national program as it works to finalize future standards," said the industry group representing Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen and others. The rules set in 2012, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFE standards, sought to reduce pollutants released into the air by gradually increasing fuel efficiency across all models offered by manufacturers to 54.5 miles per gallon (4.32 litres per 100 kilometres), compared to 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016. Pruitt said the EPA in 2012 cut short its review of the standards for "politically charged expediency," but he will work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop new, "more appropriate" rules. The agency is also examining the waiver that allows California, the most popular US state, to impose tougher requirements than called for under the Clean Air Act. One state cannot "dictate standards for the rest of the country," Pruitt said. "EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford - while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars." This is likely to open a long legal battle between California, a traditionally Democratic state, and Trump's Republican administration. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the EPA's "assault" on CAFE standards "risks our ability to protect our children`s health, tackle climate change and save hardworking Americans money." "We're ready to file suit if needed to protect these critical standards and to fight the Administration`s war on our environment," Becerra said. Trump has been scaling back many types of regulations, including environmental standards, set by his Democratic predecessor, including pulling out of the Paris climate accord.

Trump rolls back Obama-era fuel efficiency rules

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said.

San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years.

"That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said.&nbsp

"Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off.

This year the number of H-1B applications received dropped to 1,99,000 from 2,36,000 in 2017.&nbsp

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.&nbsp

The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said.

Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said.

The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers.

"When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job -- regardless of where those workers happen to have been born -- their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing.

Daniel Culbertson, the economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017."&nbsp

"This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added.&nbsp

The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels.

"There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.&nbsp

This year the number of H-1B applications received dropped to 1,99,000 from 2,36,000 in 2017.

Indian IT companies have dramatically reduced their H-1B visa filings and foreign nationals are exhibiting reluctance to make the jump to a US company due to the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance, a top Silicon Valley newspaper has said. San Francisco Chronicle's editorial board has said applicants for the H-1B visa programme are anticipating the hardest process in many years. "That's affected both the applicants and the companies that employ them," it said. "Indian consulting firms, which have been accused of flooding the system with applications, have dramatically reduced their filings. Foreign nationals are exhibiting new reluctance to make the jump to a US company," the paper said as the process for filing H-1B visa application for the 2019 fiscal beginning October 1, kicked off. This year the number of H-1B applications received dropped to 1,99,000 from 2,36,000 in 2017. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The Trump administration's hard-line anti-immigration stance is taking its toll, the daily said. Envoy Global, a technology-oriented immigration services provider, reports that 26 per cent of employers it surveyed have had to delay projects, and 22 per cent of them have relocated work overseas as a result of the current uncertainties in the US immigration system, San Francisco Chronicle said. The daily argued that study after study has shown that foreign-born workers are good for the US economy and good for US-born workers. "When companies are allowed to hire the workers with the best skills for the job -- regardless of where those workers happen to have been born -- their increased competitiveness boosts all the industries around them," it said. According to The Wall Street Journal, evidence suggests market demand for H-1B visas is ebbing. Daniel Culbertson, the economist at Indeed Hiring Lab, says "searches related to the H-1B visa, as a share of all searches on Indeed.com, have consistently declined through 2017 and into 2018. In February 2018, searches for H-1B as a share of all searches on our site are down nine percent from 2017." "This also marks the thirteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. The decreased interest in H-1B related work from job seekers is a trend, not a temporary shift in preferences," he added. The Wall Street Journal said corporations continue to struggle with a paradoxical labour market where 548,000 tech jobs remain open while unemployment in the technology sector hovers below full employment levels. "There are lots of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them," it said.

Indian companies dramatically reduced H-1B visa filing: Report

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday.&nbsp

US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place.

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday. US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington. The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

US officials to reach India for trilateral meeting with Japan

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