Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will return to Goa on Friday (June 15), according to the Goa chief minister office sources.

Parrikar was in the United States for medical attention as he had reportedly contracted pancreatic cancer.

Last month, in a video message, Parrikar said that his treatment was giving successful results.

Before moving to the United States for further medical treatment, Goa chief minister was hospitalised at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15, following mild pancreatitis problems and was discharged from there on February 22.

Parrikar was in the United States for medical attention as he had reportedly contracted pancreatic cancer

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will return to Goa on Friday (June 15), according to the Goa chief minister office sources. Parrikar was in the United States for medical attention as he had reportedly contracted pancreatic cancer. Last month, in a video message, Parrikar said that his treatment was giving successful results. Before moving to the United States for further medical treatment, Goa chief minister was hospitalised at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15, following mild pancreatitis problems and was discharged from there on February 22.

Parrikar likely to return to Goa on Friday

China urges all parties concerned to the Korean Peninsula issue to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts to find a political settlement of the Peninsula issue, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang.

Geng, the spokesman, made the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met in Singapore&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;for a landmark summit. The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit. The United States would be committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Geng said that a good beginning is half done.

"We think that after a long time of hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the US, it was of great and positive historic significance for the top leaders of the two countries to sit together and have dialogue on an equal footing. The achievements reached by the two leaders are an important step toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ending hostility and confrontation, and pursuing lasting peace and prosperity of the peninsula. The Korean Peninsula issue has its complexity and particularity, which cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts over the Korean Peninsula issue," said Geng.

Geng said China hopes and supports the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the Peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process.

"As a close neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the issue, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a mechanism for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and make positive efforts and contribution to early realization of long-term peace and stability of the peninsula," said Geng.

Geng also reiterated China's stance over the sanctions that United Nations (UN) has imposed on DPRK when answering a reporter's question.

"China always believes that sanctions are not the goals. All parties should support and cooperate with the efforts of diplomatic dialogues and denuclearization, and push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," said Geng.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit

China urges all parties concerned to the Korean Peninsula issue to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts to find a political settlement of the Peninsula issue, said Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang. Geng, the spokesman, made the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met in Singapore on Tuesday for a landmark summit. The two leaders signed a "comprehensive" joint statement after their summit. The United States would be committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Geng said that a good beginning is half done. "We think that after a long time of hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the US, it was of great and positive historic significance for the top leaders of the two countries to sit together and have dialogue on an equal footing. The achievements reached by the two leaders are an important step toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, ending hostility and confrontation, and pursuing lasting peace and prosperity of the peninsula. The Korean Peninsula issue has its complexity and particularity, which cannot be resolved overnight. It requires all parties to build perseverance, maintain patience and make unremitting efforts over the Korean Peninsula issue," said Geng. Geng said China hopes and supports the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the Peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process. "As a close neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the issue, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a mechanism for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and make positive efforts and contribution to early realization of long-term peace and stability of the peninsula," said Geng. Geng also reiterated China's stance over the sanctions that United Nations (UN) has imposed on DPRK when answering a reporter's question. "China always believes that sanctions are not the goals. All parties should support and cooperate with the efforts of diplomatic dialogues and denuclearization, and push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," said Geng.

China urges perseverance, patience from all parties over Korean Peninsula

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.

The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup.

The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada -&nbsp;and Morocco.

Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid.

On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result.

The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football&nbsp;carnival.

North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper -&nbsp;many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026.

FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won.

A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated".

The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup

FIFA members have voted and given their verdict that US, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup. The North American bid received 134 of the 203 votes, while Morocco polled 65 in the ballot at a FIFA Congress held in Moscow on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. The bid was between North American countries - the US, Mexico and Canada - and Morocco. Although, Morocco had African support to bring football's showpiece event back to the continent but they lost the bid. On the eve of the 2018 World Cup, delegates from 207 nations gathered in Moscow and delivered a clear result. The US will be hosting the FIFA World Cup after 1994, and Mexico hosted the event in 1970 and 1986. For Canda, this is the first opportunity to host the football carnival. North American bid had an upper hand as Morocco's bid exists largely on paper - many stadiums will need to be built and critics question how it will cope with a tournament that will be expanded to 48 teams in 2026. FIFA inspectors had classified the north African nation's stadiums, accommodation and transport as "high risk", awarding it just 2.7 out of five, with red flags raised over several critical aspects of the bid but still they won. A FIFA taskforce warned last month "the amount of new infrastructure required for the Morocco 2026 bid to become reality cannot be overstated". The report left the US-Canada-Mexico bid as the clear front-runner after giving it a rating of four out of five.

US, Mexico and Canada to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said&nbsp;on Wednesday.

"I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies.

UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies

Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Wednesday. "I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies. UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Bulgaria PM suggests joint drone manufacture with Israel

China said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure.

China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks.

China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US&nbsp;and South Korea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing

China said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would halt military exercises on the Korean peninsula shows China's "dual suspension" proposal is practical and tenable. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing, who also cautioned that the Korean peninsula issue is complicated and not likely to be resolved with a single measure. China has proposed what it calls a dual suspension, whereby North Korea would suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States suspend military exercises so they can sit down for talks. China is by far North Korea's biggest trade partner and has been the isolated country's traditional political ally. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the joint war games conducted by US and South Korea.

China says its proposal practical after Trump says to halt Korean drills

The Kremlin said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that a summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore&nbsp;on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour.

"We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago."

Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises.

Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;- had been right all along.

"In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting.

"But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue."

Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms.

Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a summit between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un showed Russian President Vladimir Putin had been right to advocate direct dialogue as the only way of reducing tensions with North Korea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call that the summit, held in Singapore on Tuesday, had helped reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. But he said it would have been wrong to have expected that all of the issues surrounding North Korea's missile and nuclear programme could have been solved in an hour. "We still need to analyse the results of the meeting," said Peskov. "But the fact that it took place can only be welcomed. Such meetings help ease tensions and move us away from the critical point reached several months ago." Russia and China have long been pushing a joint de-escalation plan that suggests Pyongyang suspend its ballistic missile programme in return for the United States and South Korea ceasing large-scale missile exercises. Peskov said the summit showed that Putin - who he said would meet Kim Yong Nam, a top official from North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly in Moscow on Thursday - had been right all along. "In such complicated conditions, it would have been wrong to hope that the problems could be solved in an hour," said Peskov, referring to the meeting. "But the very fact (that the summit took place) underlines that Putin was right. The only possible path is one of direct dialogue." Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Greek counterpart that Moscow advocated a return to six-party talks to work through some of the issues and that it was important that the entire Korean Peninsula, not just North Korea, was free of nuclear arms. Lavrov said it was unlikely that Washington and Pyongyang would be able to fully solve all the problems on the Korean Peninsula, saying a new security system was needed for all of north-east Asia.

Kremlin says Trump-Kim summit proves Putin was right about North Korea

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian criticised Donald Trump's "destabilising" foreign policy today after the US leader fell out with historic US allies then "practically hugged" North Korea's dictator in a matter of days.

Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was "an undoubted step forward", but he expressed concern about the US president's diplomatic manoeuvres.

"In the space of just a day you see President Trump attacking Mr Trudeau who is a historic ally, and you see President Trump breaking with his collective allies after the G7 meeting in Quebec, and the next day practically hugged a dictator born into a Communist dictatorship which just a few days ago he said he was completely opposed to," he said.

"We are in a destabilising situation," Le Drian told CNews television.

"President Trump has decided to progressively dismantle the tools of multilateralism created after the last war. It is a period of uncertainty and risk... America is shutting itself away in its fortress of power."

Trump's critics have seized on his warm embrace of Kim, days after a spectacular bust-up with G7 allies at a summit in Canada, as the latest sign of his rapport with autocrats.

Trump clashed badly with leaders of the G7's Western democracies over tariffs and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "dishonest and weak" at a summit that ended in farce last weekend.

Like many officials, Le Drian raised questions over how Kim's promise to help rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons could be achieved.

"There have already been in the past gestures towards denuclearisation by the father of Kim Jong Un that came to nothing," Le Drian said.

"So today it's good news, let's take it as such, but let's make sure this principle of denuclearisation which was flaunted at this summit is really irreversible and verifiable."

Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was 'an undoubted step forward'

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian criticised Donald Trump's "destabilising" foreign policy today after the US leader fell out with historic US allies then "practically hugged" North Korea's dictator in a matter of days. Le Drian said yesterday's historic summit between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un was "an undoubted step forward", but he expressed concern about the US president's diplomatic manoeuvres. "In the space of just a day you see President Trump attacking Mr Trudeau who is a historic ally, and you see President Trump breaking with his collective allies after the G7 meeting in Quebec, and the next day practically hugged a dictator born into a Communist dictatorship which just a few days ago he said he was completely opposed to," he said. "We are in a destabilising situation," Le Drian told CNews television. "President Trump has decided to progressively dismantle the tools of multilateralism created after the last war. It is a period of uncertainty and risk... America is shutting itself away in its fortress of power." Trump's critics have seized on his warm embrace of Kim, days after a spectacular bust-up with G7 allies at a summit in Canada, as the latest sign of his rapport with autocrats. Trump clashed badly with leaders of the G7's Western democracies over tariffs and accused Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being "dishonest and weak" at a summit that ended in farce last weekend. Like many officials, Le Drian raised questions over how Kim's promise to help rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons could be achieved. "There have already been in the past gestures towards denuclearisation by the father of Kim Jong Un that came to nothing," Le Drian said. "So today it's good news, let's take it as such, but let's make sure this principle of denuclearisation which was flaunted at this summit is really irreversible and verifiable."

France alarmed after Trump 'practically hugged' Kim: Minister

President Donald Trump said it himself to Congress and the American people: “No regime has oppressed its own citizens more totally or brutally than the cruel dictatorship in North Korea.”

But when it comes to human rights, don’t expect Trump to hold Kim Jong Un’s feet to the fire at the Singapore summit. The focus is on nuclear weapons, and the young autocrat’s international standing is likely to be boosted regardless of the outcome.

In the run-up to Tuesday’s historic face-to-face with Kim, Trump has appeared unconcerned about the implications of feting an authoritarian leader suspected of ordering the public assassination of his half brother with a nerve agent, executing his uncle by firing squad and presiding over a notorious gulag estimated to hold 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners.

While Trump highlighted Pyongyang’s problematic human rights record in January during his State of the Union address — where he also said the “depraved character of the North Korean regime” demonstrated the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose — the president has skirted those concerns since agreeing in March to Kim’s suggestion of a summit.

When Trump met former North Korean military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol at the White House two weeks ago, the president said they didn’t discuss human rights, underscoring that it was not a primary concern. At a pre-summit briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, the issue didn’t get a mention.

Robert King, who served as U.S. envoy on North Korean human-rights issues under the Obama administration, said Trump has used human rights as an instrument to get Kim Jong Un to negotiate on nuclear weapons, but not as a policy priority in its own right.

“The other problem is that he’s anxious to see some progress at the summit, and human rights is not an easy issue to raise with Kim Jong Un,” King said.

U.S. presidents have always faced a predicament in balancing national security and geopolitical priorities with democratic values. But Trump has notably avoided calling out authoritarian leaders on human rights when he wants closer ties with them, whether it’s adversaries like China and Russia or allies like Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

At the same time, he’s taken a confrontational path toward Western allies on issues like trade, climate and the Iran nuclear deal. He bounced to the Singapore summit after a tempestuous G-7 summit where the U.S. was isolated from its key European partners as never before and Trump even derided his Canadian host, a paragon of liberal democracy, as “dishonest” and “weak.”

Kim, meanwhile, will be granted a measure of validation from Washington that eluded his father and grandfather. They only ever met with former U.S. presidents, a symptom of six decades of hostility between the U.S. and North Korea, which remains a pariah in the eyes of the West not just for its nuclear and missile threats but for flouting international norms of diplomatic behavior.

Human-rights advocates who lauded Trump when he hosted eight North Korean defectors at the White House days after his State of the Union speech are now uneasy about his engagement with Kim, whom the president recently praised as “very honorable.”

Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the U.S.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper at the Simon Wiesenthal Center urged Trump to seek “the complete, verifiable, irreversible dismantlement” of North Korean political prison camps — mimicking the formulation used by the U.S. in its demand for that nation’s denuclearization.

“Kim Jong Un wants security guarantees,” they wrote Monday, “but history has taught time and again liberal democracies shouldn’t try to guarantee the survival of a regime that runs political prison camps and commits crimes against humanity.”

During a quarter-century of on-off negotiations, human rights have played second fiddle for U.S. administrations seeking to ameliorate the threat posed by the North’s nukes, and there’s a reason. Raising human rights risks playing into North Korean suspicions that the U.S is intent on toppling its hereditary, totalitarian regime by seeking to open its political system, which only reinforces Pyongyang’s notion that it needs a nuclear deterrent to ensure its survival.

Joseph Yun, former U.S. envoy for North Korea policy, alluded to that when he told a Senate hearing last week that there’s a risk of “overloading the agenda” for the summit. He said if the U.S. is going to offer North Korea the security guarantees it seeks in return for denuclearization, it “also means you’re not going to interfere in domestic happenings, domestic politics” — like human rights.

But John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch in Washington, contends that rights issues can’t be separated from the goal of reaching a nuclear deal with North Korea. International inspections and verification of such a deal would require more openness from the North, typically allergic to outside scrutiny. And under a 2016 U.S. law, relief from U.S. sanctions that target the North Korean government would require progress on human rights, he said.

While human rights will get a low billing in Singapore, Trump hasn’t totally ignored the issue.

After he met Kim’s close aide Kim Yong Chol on June 1, Trump said human rights “probably” would be discussed at the summit, and he has committed several times to raise the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s — a longstanding request of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he reiterated to the president in person last week.

In the run-up to Tuesday’s historic face-to-face with Kim, Trump has appeared unconcerned about the implications of feting an authoritarian leader suspected of ordering the public assassination of his half brother with a nerve agent, executing his uncle by firing squad and presiding over a notorious gulag estimated to hold 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners

President Donald Trump said it himself to Congress and the American people: “No regime has oppressed its own citizens more totally or brutally than the cruel dictatorship in North Korea.” But when it comes to human rights, don’t expect Trump to hold Kim Jong Un’s feet to the fire at the Singapore summit. The focus is on nuclear weapons, and the young autocrat’s international standing is likely to be boosted regardless of the outcome. In the run-up to Tuesday’s historic face-to-face with Kim, Trump has appeared unconcerned about the implications of feting an authoritarian leader suspected of ordering the public assassination of his half brother with a nerve agent, executing his uncle by firing squad and presiding over a notorious gulag estimated to hold 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners. While Trump highlighted Pyongyang’s problematic human rights record in January during his State of the Union address — where he also said the “depraved character of the North Korean regime” demonstrated the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose — the president has skirted those concerns since agreeing in March to Kim’s suggestion of a summit. When Trump met former North Korean military intelligence chief Kim Yong Chol at the White House two weeks ago, the president said they didn’t discuss human rights, underscoring that it was not a primary concern. At a pre-summit briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday, the issue didn’t get a mention. Robert King, who served as U.S. envoy on North Korean human-rights issues under the Obama administration, said Trump has used human rights as an instrument to get Kim Jong Un to negotiate on nuclear weapons, but not as a policy priority in its own right. “The other problem is that he’s anxious to see some progress at the summit, and human rights is not an easy issue to raise with Kim Jong Un,” King said. U.S. presidents have always faced a predicament in balancing national security and geopolitical priorities with democratic values. But Trump has notably avoided calling out authoritarian leaders on human rights when he wants closer ties with them, whether it’s adversaries like China and Russia or allies like Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. At the same time, he’s taken a confrontational path toward Western allies on issues like trade, climate and the Iran nuclear deal. He bounced to the Singapore summit after a tempestuous G-7 summit where the U.S. was isolated from its key European partners as never before and Trump even derided his Canadian host, a paragon of liberal democracy, as “dishonest” and “weak.” Kim, meanwhile, will be granted a measure of validation from Washington that eluded his father and grandfather. They only ever met with former U.S. presidents, a symptom of six decades of hostility between the U.S. and North Korea, which remains a pariah in the eyes of the West not just for its nuclear and missile threats but for flouting international norms of diplomatic behavior. Human-rights advocates who lauded Trump when he hosted eight North Korean defectors at the White House days after his State of the Union speech are now uneasy about his engagement with Kim, whom the president recently praised as “very honorable.” Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the U.S.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper at the Simon Wiesenthal Center urged Trump to seek “the complete, verifiable, irreversible dismantlement” of North Korean political prison camps — mimicking the formulation used by the U.S. in its demand for that nation’s denuclearization. “Kim Jong Un wants security guarantees,” they wrote Monday, “but history has taught time and again liberal democracies shouldn’t try to guarantee the survival of a regime that runs political prison camps and commits crimes against humanity.” During a quarter-century of on-off negotiations, human rights have played second fiddle for U.S. administrations seeking to ameliorate the threat posed by the North’s nukes, and there’s a reason. Raising human rights risks playing into North Korean suspicions that the U.S is intent on toppling its hereditary, totalitarian regime by seeking to open its political system, which only reinforces Pyongyang’s notion that it needs a nuclear deterrent to ensure its survival. Joseph Yun, former U.S. envoy for North Korea policy, alluded to that when he told a Senate hearing last week that there’s a risk of “overloading the agenda” for the summit. He said if the U.S. is going to offer North Korea the security guarantees it seeks in return for denuclearization, it “also means you’re not going to interfere in domestic happenings, domestic politics” — like human rights. But John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch in Washington, contends that rights issues can’t be separated from the goal of reaching a nuclear deal with North Korea. International inspections and verification of such a deal would require more openness from the North, typically allergic to outside scrutiny. And under a 2016 U.S. law, relief from U.S. sanctions that target the North Korean government would require progress on human rights, he said. While human rights will get a low billing in Singapore, Trump hasn’t totally ignored the issue. After he met Kim’s close aide Kim Yong Chol on June 1, Trump said human rights “probably” would be discussed at the summit, and he has committed several times to raise the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s — a longstanding request of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he reiterated to the president in person last week.

At Trump-Kim summit, human rights is a back-burner issue

A hostage drama in Florida ended&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said.

The ordeal began&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day&nbsp;Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11.

"A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before&nbsp;midnight.

"It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added.

Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day.

The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones.

In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about&nbsp;9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported.

It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses.

Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said.

That woman called police after fleeing the apartment&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;night.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11

A hostage drama in Florida ended Monday with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said. The ordeal began Sunday in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition. The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11. "A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before midnight. "It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added. Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day. The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones. In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about 9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported. It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses. Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said. That woman called police after fleeing the apartment Sunday night.

Four children killed in US hostage drama

Just hours after Kim Jong Unwrapped up a surprise evening sightseeing tour of Singapore&nbsp;on Monday, the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun crammed its front page with photographs snapped of the reclusive leader.

The official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea featured 14 photographs, covering more than half of the front page of its&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;issue, showing Kim jovially walking with officials from the city-state at a tropical garden as well as beside an infinity pool.

The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen.

The sense of fun in the reporting is also a contrast with the more sober way in which the North Korean media would usually handle an official trip.

It appears to reflect a new confidence among officials in North Korea that the isolated country has really been accepted onto the world stage. This is the furthest Kim is known to have travelled since he came to power in 2011 and there has never previously been a meeting between a US&nbsp;president and a North Korean leader.

Despite all pomp and circumstance, ordinary North Koreans are not confident that improvement in relations between the North and the United States will last long and give them a better economy, defectors say.

"They weren't too excited about the summit. North Korea had rice and medicine aid from the United States and other countries before, but that did not trickle down to ordinary people," said Park Hyun-sook, a defector who spoke to two relatives inside the North by phone&nbsp;on Saturday.

"Under sanctions, we have figured out the way to live on our own. Even under any better relationship with the US, it would be the same," Park told Reuters. Park used to smuggle North Korean goods into China to make a living near the border.

Many North Koreans are still filled with deep-rooted distrust towards Trump, which state media previously called a "lunatic old man", said Daily NK, a news website run by North Korean defectors who retain contacts with sources inside.

North Korea's official media brought a large number of reporters and camera operators to Singapore for the Kim trip, and they had access to various locations that was denied to media from elsewhere in the world.

For previous trips by Kim to China, state media had mostly reported the visits after Kim had returned to Pyongyang. In the case of the inter-Korea summit - which began on the morning of&nbsp;April 27&nbsp;- the coverage was largely delayed until early the next day.

In addition to the pictures of Kim on the tour&nbsp;on Tuesday, separate landscape shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, and a bird's-eye view of Singapore from the hotel's observation deck were also shown.

KCNA reported Kim as saying of the sightseeing tour that "Singapore is clean and beautiful and every building is stylish as he heard of in the past, adding he is going to learn a lot from the good knowledge and experience of Singapore in various fields in the future."

On Monday, Rodong Sinmun had shown Kim just before departing Pyongyang for Singapore, shaking hands with his officials and waving his hand inside the entrance of an Air China airplane ahead of takeoff.

State television aired the same photographs of Kim's departure as well as his arrival in Singapore and the North Korean leader's meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace.

The North Korean media still faces some barriers, though. It doesn't go live for such sensitive events.

In the capital of Pyongyang, North Koreans watched a big TV screen playing still photographs of Kim's visit to Singapore and read a newspaper about the trip at a subway station, media photographs showed.

But,&nbsp;on Tuesday, while all other international networks went live with Kim and Trump's first handshake and opening remarks at their meeting, the official Korean Central Television remained blank, choosing not to break with its usual broadcast schedule that usually begins&nbsp;five hours later.

The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen

Just hours after Kim Jong Unwrapped up a surprise evening sightseeing tour of Singapore on Monday, the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun crammed its front page with photographs snapped of the reclusive leader. The official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea featured 14 photographs, covering more than half of the front page of its Tuesday issue, showing Kim jovially walking with officials from the city-state at a tropical garden as well as beside an infinity pool. The speed of the coverage in Rodong Sinmun and other state media is unusual in a country where events are often reported a full day, if not longer after they happen. The sense of fun in the reporting is also a contrast with the more sober way in which the North Korean media would usually handle an official trip. It appears to reflect a new confidence among officials in North Korea that the isolated country has really been accepted onto the world stage. This is the furthest Kim is known to have travelled since he came to power in 2011 and there has never previously been a meeting between a US president and a North Korean leader. Despite all pomp and circumstance, ordinary North Koreans are not confident that improvement in relations between the North and the United States will last long and give them a better economy, defectors say. "They weren't too excited about the summit. North Korea had rice and medicine aid from the United States and other countries before, but that did not trickle down to ordinary people," said Park Hyun-sook, a defector who spoke to two relatives inside the North by phone on Saturday. "Under sanctions, we have figured out the way to live on our own. Even under any better relationship with the US, it would be the same," Park told Reuters. Park used to smuggle North Korean goods into China to make a living near the border. Many North Koreans are still filled with deep-rooted distrust towards Trump, which state media previously called a "lunatic old man", said Daily NK, a news website run by North Korean defectors who retain contacts with sources inside. North Korea's official media brought a large number of reporters and camera operators to Singapore for the Kim trip, and they had access to various locations that was denied to media from elsewhere in the world. For previous trips by Kim to China, state media had mostly reported the visits after Kim had returned to Pyongyang. In the case of the inter-Korea summit - which began on the morning of April 27 - the coverage was largely delayed until early the next day. In addition to the pictures of Kim on the tour on Tuesday, separate landscape shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, and a bird's-eye view of Singapore from the hotel's observation deck were also shown. KCNA reported Kim as saying of the sightseeing tour that "Singapore is clean and beautiful and every building is stylish as he heard of in the past, adding he is going to learn a lot from the good knowledge and experience of Singapore in various fields in the future." On Monday, Rodong Sinmun had shown Kim just before departing Pyongyang for Singapore, shaking hands with his officials and waving his hand inside the entrance of an Air China airplane ahead of takeoff. State television aired the same photographs of Kim's departure as well as his arrival in Singapore and the North Korean leader's meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Presidential Palace. The North Korean media still faces some barriers, though. It doesn't go live for such sensitive events. In the capital of Pyongyang, North Koreans watched a big TV screen playing still photographs of Kim's visit to Singapore and read a newspaper about the trip at a subway station, media photographs showed. But, on Tuesday, while all other international networks went live with Kim and Trump's first handshake and opening remarks at their meeting, the official Korean Central Television remained blank, choosing not to break with its usual broadcast schedule that usually begins five hours later.

North Korea state media plasters front pages with leader's Singapore trip

India on Tuesday welcomed the historic summit that took place between United States President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. "This is a positive development. India has always supported all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. We hope that the outcomes of the US-DPRK Summit will be implemented, thus paving the way for lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read.

The MEA statement added, "We also hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages extending to India`s neighbourhood."

The meeting came after months of deliberations between two countries over the time and venue of the summit. Both the leaders signed a joint agreement, according to which Kim committed to&nbsp;'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula', as per media reports.

Prior to the signing of the comprehensive document, both the leaders had a working lunch and walked around Capella, where they held a bilateral meeting in the morning. Despite Kim threatening to call off the summit talks following the 'Max military drills'&nbsp;and Trump announcing to call off the event, citing "tremendous anger and open hostility" from North Korea as the reason, the historic summit finally culminated successfully.

Trump has departed for the US from Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase aboard Air Force One, after holding talks with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. He's headed back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, with brief stops in Guam and Hawaii first, CNN reported. Trump's departure followed the press conference that the US president addressed after the summit.

The meeting came after months of deliberations between two countries over the time and venue of the summit

India on Tuesday welcomed the historic summit that took place between United States President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. "This is a positive development. India has always supported all efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy. We hope that the outcomes of the US-DPRK Summit will be implemented, thus paving the way for lasting peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. The MEA statement added, "We also hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages extending to India`s neighbourhood." The meeting came after months of deliberations between two countries over the time and venue of the summit. Both the leaders signed a joint agreement, according to which Kim committed to 'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula', as per media reports. Prior to the signing of the comprehensive document, both the leaders had a working lunch and walked around Capella, where they held a bilateral meeting in the morning. Despite Kim threatening to call off the summit talks following the 'Max military drills' and Trump announcing to call off the event, citing "tremendous anger and open hostility" from North Korea as the reason, the historic summit finally culminated successfully. Trump has departed for the US from Singapore's Paya Lebar Airbase aboard Air Force One, after holding talks with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. He's headed back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, with brief stops in Guam and Hawaii first, CNN reported. Trump's departure followed the press conference that the US president addressed after the summit.

This is positive development: India welcomes Trump-Kim Summit

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-has-dropped-war-games-in-korean-peninsula-ready-to-change-the-world-says-trump-after-meeting-kim-143832">'</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-has-dropped-war-games-in-korean-peninsula-ready-to-change-the-world-says-trump-after-meeting-kim-143832">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-has-dropped-war-games-in-korean-peninsula-ready-to-change-the-world-says-trump-after-meeting-kim-143832"> has dropped war games in Korean Peninsula, ready to change the world,' says Trump after meeting Kim</a>

US President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/spiritual-leader-bhaiyyuji-maharaj-shoots-himself-dead-143835">Spiritual leader turned minister Bhaiyyuji Maharaj shoots self</a>

According to reports, self-styled guru and Hindu spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj allegedly shot himself today. He was rushed to Indore's Bombay Hospital where he was declared dead.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/facebook-launches-user-review-potential-bans-for-advertisers-143891">Facebook launches user review, potential bans for advertisers</a>

Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would allow users to review businesses that advertise on the social network and possibly ban those that receive the most negative feedback.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-begins-hunger-strike-as-cm-others-wait-to-meet-143853">'Dharna without reason' says L-G's office as Kejriwal continues sit-in</a>

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues, who spent the night at the lieutenant governor's office, today dug in their heels with Health Minister Satyendar Jain beginning an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-supreme-court-rejects-7-year-old-zainab-killers-appeal-143883">Pakistani Supreme court rejects 7-year-old Zainab killer's appeal</a>

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday rejected an appeal against the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in the eastern city of Kasur, a crime which shocked the country at the beginning of the year and triggered protests in several cities nationwide.

&nbsp

'US has dropped war games in Korean Peninsula, ready to change the world,' says Trump after meeting Kim US President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday. Spiritual leader turned minister Bhaiyyuji Maharaj shoots self According to reports, self-styled guru and Hindu spiritual leader Bhaiyyuji Maharaj allegedly shot himself today. He was rushed to Indore's Bombay Hospital where he was declared dead. Facebook launches user review, potential bans for advertisers Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would allow users to review businesses that advertise on the social network and possibly ban those that receive the most negative feedback. 'Dharna without reason' says L-G's office as Kejriwal continues sit-in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues, who spent the night at the lieutenant governor's office, today dug in their heels with Health Minister Satyendar Jain beginning an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands. Pakistani Supreme court rejects 7-year-old Zainab killer's appeal The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday rejected an appeal against the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in the eastern city of Kasur, a crime which shocked the country at the beginning of the year and triggered protests in several cities nationwide.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa&nbsp;left for Kabul to meet President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday.

As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted.

"Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter.

Pakistan's President&nbsp;Mamnoon Hussain&nbsp;on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan.

Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao.

"Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said.

Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban, calling it a positive move.

Afghanistan President&nbsp;Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;had earlier announced a ceasefire with the&nbsp;Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of&nbsp;Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19).

In response to Ghani's announcement, the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the&nbsp;Eid&nbsp;holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire.

This is the first time the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001.

Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan

Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa left for Kabul to meet President Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday. As per Geo News, the invitation to Bajwa was extended by the Afghan president, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted. "Pakistan wishes to see the National Unity Government and US/ NATO succeeding to bring peace in Afghanistan," Pak military spokesperson wrote on twitter. Pakistan's President Mamnoon Hussain on Sunday said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will work together to draft a detailed strategy for establishing peace in Afghanistan. Hussain said this at a session of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. "Pakistan and Afghanistan are working on a comprehensive strategy on a bilateral basis to establish peace in Afghanistan," Hussain said. Pakistan's president appreciated Afghanistan for announcing a ceasefire with the Taliban, calling it a positive move. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had earlier announced a ceasefire with the Taliban starting from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19). In response to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday declared a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, two days after the Afghan government announced the ceasefire. This is the first time the Taliban has agreed to a ceasefire since the US invasion in 2001. Hussain concluded his speech by urging the leaders to take measures for capacity building and skill development of the youth in member states.

Pak Chief of Army Staff  leaves for Kabul to meet Ghani

Indian shares rose&nbsp;on Tuesday, in line with broader Asian peers, as sentiment turned upbeat after U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.59 per cent at 35,692.52, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.52 per cent higher at 10,842.85 ahead of retail inflation data that will be released later in the day.

Both indexes posted their highest closing level since&nbsp;Feb. 1.

Lupin Ltd led gains on the NSE index, ending 6.4 per cent higher. The Nifty Pharma index rose 2.58 per cent to close at its highest in over one month.

The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.59 per cent at 35,692.52

Indian shares rose on Tuesday, in line with broader Asian peers, as sentiment turned upbeat after U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.59 per cent at 35,692.52, while the broader NSE Nifty ended 0.52 per cent higher at 10,842.85 ahead of retail inflation data that will be released later in the day. Both indexes posted their highest closing level since Feb. 1. Lupin Ltd led gains on the NSE index, ending 6.4 per cent higher. The Nifty Pharma index rose 2.58 per cent to close at its highest in over one month.

Sensex hits four-month high over Kim-Trump talks

The president of the United States said Monday there was excitement in the air in Singapore ahead of the historic summit on Tuesday when he will meet with the North Korean leader.

"Great to be in Singapore, excitement in the air!" Donald Trump wrote on his Twitter account.

The US president arrived in Singapore on Sunday night and on Monday morning he was scheduled to meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Istana, the presidential office and residence.

Trump was also due to have a working lunch with Lee and representatives of both governments before meeting in the afternoon with staff of the US embassy in Singapore.

The agenda of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who arrived in Singapore on Sunday afternoon and also met with Lee, remains unknown.

Meanwhile, the delegations from the US and North Korea began a meeting on Monday at the Ritz-Carlton hotel at 10 am local time to finalize the agenda of the summit. Sung Kim - a Washington delegate who has led talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program over the past decade - was heading the US team, according to the White House.

The summit between Trump and Kim is scheduled to start at 9 am on Tuesday at the Capella Singapore. It will mark the first encounter between North Korean and US leaders after nearly 70 years of confrontation and 25 years of failed negotiations as well as tensions as a result of Pyongyang's nuclear programs.

Despite the summit looming, it appeared Trump could not free his mind from the trade row he had with his allies during the G7 summit in La Malbaie, Canada, on Saturday.

"Why should I, as President of the United States, allow countries to continue to make Massive Trade Surpluses, as they have for decades. Not fair to the PEOPLE of America!" Trump wrote in a series of tweets on the subject on Monday.

After the weekend's G7 summit, the US president rejected a joint communique over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking out against Washington's new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Trudeau has wowed "retaliatory tariffs."

The US president arrived in Singapore on Sunday night and on Monday morning he was scheduled to meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Istana, the presidential office and residence

The president of the United States said Monday there was excitement in the air in Singapore ahead of the historic summit on Tuesday when he will meet with the North Korean leader. "Great to be in Singapore, excitement in the air!" Donald Trump wrote on his Twitter account. The US president arrived in Singapore on Sunday night and on Monday morning he was scheduled to meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at The Istana, the presidential office and residence. Trump was also due to have a working lunch with Lee and representatives of both governments before meeting in the afternoon with staff of the US embassy in Singapore. The agenda of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who arrived in Singapore on Sunday afternoon and also met with Lee, remains unknown. Meanwhile, the delegations from the US and North Korea began a meeting on Monday at the Ritz-Carlton hotel at 10 am local time to finalize the agenda of the summit. Sung Kim - a Washington delegate who has led talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program over the past decade - was heading the US team, according to the White House. The summit between Trump and Kim is scheduled to start at 9 am on Tuesday at the Capella Singapore. It will mark the first encounter between North Korean and US leaders after nearly 70 years of confrontation and 25 years of failed negotiations as well as tensions as a result of Pyongyang's nuclear programs. Despite the summit looming, it appeared Trump could not free his mind from the trade row he had with his allies during the G7 summit in La Malbaie, Canada, on Saturday. "Why should I, as President of the United States, allow countries to continue to make Massive Trade Surpluses, as they have for decades. Not fair to the PEOPLE of America!" Trump wrote in a series of tweets on the subject on Monday. After the weekend's G7 summit, the US president rejected a joint communique over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking out against Washington's new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Trudeau has wowed "retaliatory tariffs."

Excitement in the air, Trump says ahead of Singapore summit

U.S. and North Korean officials were in talks in Singapore on Monday in a late bid to narrow differences before their leaders hold an unprecedented summit meeting aimed at finding ways to end a nuclear stand-off on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the tropical city-state on Sunday for the historic meeting, which will be the first time leaders of the two countries have come face-to-face.

Key gaps remain over what denuclearisation would entail for two countries that have been enemies since the 1950-1953 Korean War, and the officials were trying to push the agenda forward before the leaders meet on Tuesday.

Commenting for the first time on the agenda, North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency said the two sides would exchange "wide-ranging and profound views" to re-set relations. It heralded the summit as part of a "changed era".

Discussions would focus on "the issue of building a permanent and durable peace-keeping mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, the issue of realising the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and other issues of mutual concern," KCNA said.

In the lead up to the summit, North Korea rejected any unilateral nuclear disarmament, and KCNA's reference to denuclearisation of the peninsula has historically meant that Pyongyang wants the United States to remove its "nuclear umbrella" protecting South Korea and Japan.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also in Singapore, said in a tweet that Washington was "committed to the complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

Many experts on North Korea, one of the most insular and unpredictable countries in the world, remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon its cherished nuclear weapons. They believe Kim's latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease the crippling sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country.

A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. side was entering the talks with a sense of optimism and an equal dose of scepticism given North Korea's long history of developing nuclear weapons.

"We will not be surprised by any scenario," said the official.

With the eyes of the world following him, Trump flew into Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base aboard Air Force One on Sunday, fresh from a divisive G7 meeting in Canada with some of Washington's closest allies that further strained global trade ties.

Asked by a reporter how he felt about the summit, Trump said: "Very good".

In a tweet on Monday, he said: "Great to be in Singapore, excitement in the air!"

Kim had arrived hours earlier in a plane loaned by China, which for decades has been North Korea's only major ally. Both leaders were greeted on arrival by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

The summit's venue is the Capella hotel on Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's port with luxury hotels, a Universal Studios theme park and man-made beaches.

Trump, speaking in Canada on Saturday, said any agreement at the summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace".

He initially touted the potential for a grand bargain with North Korea to rid itself of a nuclear missile programme that has advanced rapidly to threaten the United States.

But he has since lowered expectations, backing away from an original demand for North Korea's swift denuclearisation.

He has said the talks would be more about starting a relationship with Kim for a negotiating process that would take more than one summit.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said U.S. and North Korean officials would hold working-level talks on Monday. She said the U.S. delegation would be led by Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat who recently held talks with North Korean officials.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Monday's meeting appeared aimed at making 11th-hour progress ahead of the summit since Sung Kim's earlier talks did little to narrow a gap between the two sides on the definition of denuclearisation or win agreement on tangible commitments from Pyongyang toward dismantling its nuclear arsenal.

Trump is to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday while Kim has no official agenda.

Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state, wearing his trademark dark "Mao suit" and distinctive high-cut hairstyle. He has not left his country since taking office in 2011 other than to visit China and the South Korean side of the border Demilitarised Zone.

Travelling with him were top officials including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and Kim Yong Chol, a close aide of Kim who has been instrumental in the diplomacy that culminated in Tuesday's summit.

Kim Yo Jong, leader Kim's younger sister, was also spotted in his delegation. She emerged as an influential figure in Pyongyang's opaque leadership in February, when she led a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Officials who arrived with Trump include Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

Bolton’s hardline rhetoric last month infuriated North Korea and nearly derailed the summit. He called for North Korea to follow a "Libya model" in negotiations. Libya unilaterally surrendered its nuclear weapons programme in 2003, but its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in 2011 by NATO-backed rebels.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the tropical city-state on Sunday for the historic meeting, which will be the first time leaders of the two countries have come face-to-face

U.S. and North Korean officials were in talks in Singapore on Monday in a late bid to narrow differences before their leaders hold an unprecedented summit meeting aimed at finding ways to end a nuclear stand-off on the Korean peninsula. North Korea's Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in the tropical city-state on Sunday for the historic meeting, which will be the first time leaders of the two countries have come face-to-face. Key gaps remain over what denuclearisation would entail for two countries that have been enemies since the 1950-1953 Korean War, and the officials were trying to push the agenda forward before the leaders meet on Tuesday. Commenting for the first time on the agenda, North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency said the two sides would exchange "wide-ranging and profound views" to re-set relations. It heralded the summit as part of a "changed era". Discussions would focus on "the issue of building a permanent and durable peace-keeping mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, the issue of realising the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and other issues of mutual concern," KCNA said. In the lead up to the summit, North Korea rejected any unilateral nuclear disarmament, and KCNA's reference to denuclearisation of the peninsula has historically meant that Pyongyang wants the United States to remove its "nuclear umbrella" protecting South Korea and Japan. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also in Singapore, said in a tweet that Washington was "committed to the complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". Many experts on North Korea, one of the most insular and unpredictable countries in the world, remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon its cherished nuclear weapons. They believe Kim's latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease the crippling sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country. A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. side was entering the talks with a sense of optimism and an equal dose of scepticism given North Korea's long history of developing nuclear weapons. "We will not be surprised by any scenario," said the official. With the eyes of the world following him, Trump flew into Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base aboard Air Force One on Sunday, fresh from a divisive G7 meeting in Canada with some of Washington's closest allies that further strained global trade ties. Asked by a reporter how he felt about the summit, Trump said: "Very good". In a tweet on Monday, he said: "Great to be in Singapore, excitement in the air!" Kim had arrived hours earlier in a plane loaned by China, which for decades has been North Korea's only major ally. Both leaders were greeted on arrival by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The summit's venue is the Capella hotel on Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's port with luxury hotels, a Universal Studios theme park and man-made beaches. Trump, speaking in Canada on Saturday, said any agreement at the summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace". He initially touted the potential for a grand bargain with North Korea to rid itself of a nuclear missile programme that has advanced rapidly to threaten the United States. But he has since lowered expectations, backing away from an original demand for North Korea's swift denuclearisation. He has said the talks would be more about starting a relationship with Kim for a negotiating process that would take more than one summit. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said U.S. and North Korean officials would hold working-level talks on Monday. She said the U.S. delegation would be led by Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat who recently held talks with North Korean officials. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Monday's meeting appeared aimed at making 11th-hour progress ahead of the summit since Sung Kim's earlier talks did little to narrow a gap between the two sides on the definition of denuclearisation or win agreement on tangible commitments from Pyongyang toward dismantling its nuclear arsenal. Trump is to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday while Kim has no official agenda. Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state, wearing his trademark dark "Mao suit" and distinctive high-cut hairstyle. He has not left his country since taking office in 2011 other than to visit China and the South Korean side of the border Demilitarised Zone. Travelling with him were top officials including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and Kim Yong Chol, a close aide of Kim who has been instrumental in the diplomacy that culminated in Tuesday's summit. Kim Yo Jong, leader Kim's younger sister, was also spotted in his delegation. She emerged as an influential figure in Pyongyang's opaque leadership in February, when she led a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea. Officials who arrived with Trump include Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. Bolton’s hardline rhetoric last month infuriated North Korea and nearly derailed the summit. He called for North Korea to follow a "Libya model" in negotiations. Libya unilaterally surrendered its nuclear weapons programme in 2003, but its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in 2011 by NATO-backed rebels.

North Korean, US officials meet to narrow differences on eve of Trump-Kim summit

U.S. President Donald Trump may have promised that North Korea will become "very rich" on the back of American investment if Pyongyang ditches nuclear weapons but economists and academics who have studied the isolated country say it is China not the U.S. that will be the engine of any transformation.

The nearest template would not be based on American-style capitalism, but China's state-controlled market economy first championed by Deng Xiaoping, who became China's leader in 1978, these experts said. China was just coming out of the turmoil of the 27-year reign of Mao Zedong, a period during which capitalism was banned and private businesses and property were seized by the state and placed under collective ownership.

Deng introduced wrenching reforms that are widely regarded as creating the foundations of China's economic miracle in the past 40 years. The changes were massive, the growth phenomenal, but most importantly the Chinese Communist Party has achieved all of this while not only retaining power but increasing its control over the country.

And in the run up to the unprecedented summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday in Singapore, it has been China that Pyongyang has been increasingly turning to.

Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs.

That delegation went to China only weeks after Kim declared an end to nuclear and missile tests and vowed an all-out effort toward "socialist economic construction."

Chinese media labelled Kim's announcement North Korea's "opening and reform", shorthand for Deng's policies, sparking a flurry of investment in housing in Dandong, the Chinese border town.

"Kim is talking to Trump because he needs to get the United States to back off sanctions. After that, headlines will be all about Kim and Xi Jinping," said Jeon Kyong-man, an economist at the Institute for Korean Integration of Society, with reference to the Chinese president.

China is already North Korea's most important ally and biggest trade partner. And since Kim assumed power in 2011 the trade relationship has become even more important. China now represents more than 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade, making it just about North Korea's only economic lifeline.

Stagnating economic growth in China's northeastern rustbelt has also spurred interest in ramping up Chinese economic ties with North Korea, according to Adam Cathcart, an expert on China-North Korea relations at Leeds University in the United Kingdom.

China's model of shifting from a planned economy to a market economy is attractive for Pyongyang because it was achieved with political, economic and social stability, according to Zhang Anyuan, chief economist at Dongxing Securities in Beijing.

"Taking into consideration geographic location, economic system, market size, economic development stage, China-North Korean economic cooperation has advantages that are irreplaceable and hard to replicate," Zhang said.

But Cathcart said that progress on economic liberalisation would likely be slow because North Korea will want to be careful about the increased political risks that could come from relaxing restrictions on the currency and migration.

As well as China, North Korea may also look to other economies where tight top-down control has been kept, including Vietnam or even the 'chaebol' business structures of South Korea, which could allow something closer to "a capital dictatorship," according to Cathcart.

Xi, under intense pressure from Trump, started enforcing sanctions strictly in the second half of 2017. By March this year, China imported no iron ore, coal or lead from North Korea for a sixth month in a row, in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions.

That has hurt North Korea's coal-intensive heavy industries and manufacturing sectors. But more importantly, plunging trade with Beijing has been "killing the most thriving part of the economy" - unofficial markets where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell mostly Chinese-made consumer goods and agricultural products, Jeon said.

"More than anything, it was China's decision to enforce sanctions that squeezed the economy and made removing of the sanctions an urgent task for Kim," he said.

Even after sanctions are lifted, North Korea will likely pursue state-managed growth because loosening controls is potentially destabilising for the regime, says Kim Byung-yeon, an economics professor at Seoul National University. "It could leave Kim Jong Un with less than half the power he has now."

As part of efforts to maintain control, any opening could initially be limited to "special economic zones," where Pyongyang has sought to combine its cheap labour with China's financial firepower and technological know-how, according to BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group.

The Wonsan Special Tourist Zone in the east coast, or the suspended inter-Korean factory park in the North's border city of Kaesong are some other examples Kim might pursue to maintain state controls over the economy, experts say.

In Wonsan, Kim has already built a ski resort and a new airport to turn the city of 360,000 people into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot.

"These are the sorts of projects that are most likely to get underway first if the sanctions are eased," BMI Research said.

Jeon says this is "mosquito-net style" reform - similar to Deng Xiaoping's model - with limited foreign investment and market liberalisation contained within firm strictures of state control.

Deng championed a string of special economic zones along China's east coast where unique local legislation encouraged foreign investment in manufacturing joint-ventures that sold to export markets, while protecting Chinese industries from going head-to-head with multinationals.

"Deng designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone and made that sleepy fishing village to a manufacturing hub of the world," Jeon said. "Kim will be eager for those, especially as he will want minimal changes to other parts of the economy."

Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs

U.S. President Donald Trump may have promised that North Korea will become "very rich" on the back of American investment if Pyongyang ditches nuclear weapons but economists and academics who have studied the isolated country say it is China not the U.S. that will be the engine of any transformation. The nearest template would not be based on American-style capitalism, but China's state-controlled market economy first championed by Deng Xiaoping, who became China's leader in 1978, these experts said. China was just coming out of the turmoil of the 27-year reign of Mao Zedong, a period during which capitalism was banned and private businesses and property were seized by the state and placed under collective ownership. Deng introduced wrenching reforms that are widely regarded as creating the foundations of China's economic miracle in the past 40 years. The changes were massive, the growth phenomenal, but most importantly the Chinese Communist Party has achieved all of this while not only retaining power but increasing its control over the country. And in the run up to the unprecedented summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday in Singapore, it has been China that Pyongyang has been increasingly turning to. Kim has made two visits to meet Xi since March, while a high-level delegation from his ruling Workers' Party toured China's industrial hubs in an 11-day visit in May that focused on China's high-tech urban transport and latest scientific breakthroughs. That delegation went to China only weeks after Kim declared an end to nuclear and missile tests and vowed an all-out effort toward "socialist economic construction." Chinese media labelled Kim's announcement North Korea's "opening and reform", shorthand for Deng's policies, sparking a flurry of investment in housing in Dandong, the Chinese border town. "Kim is talking to Trump because he needs to get the United States to back off sanctions. After that, headlines will be all about Kim and Xi Jinping," said Jeon Kyong-man, an economist at the Institute for Korean Integration of Society, with reference to the Chinese president. China is already North Korea's most important ally and biggest trade partner. And since Kim assumed power in 2011 the trade relationship has become even more important. China now represents more than 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade, making it just about North Korea's only economic lifeline. Stagnating economic growth in China's northeastern rustbelt has also spurred interest in ramping up Chinese economic ties with North Korea, according to Adam Cathcart, an expert on China-North Korea relations at Leeds University in the United Kingdom. China's model of shifting from a planned economy to a market economy is attractive for Pyongyang because it was achieved with political, economic and social stability, according to Zhang Anyuan, chief economist at Dongxing Securities in Beijing. "Taking into consideration geographic location, economic system, market size, economic development stage, China-North Korean economic cooperation has advantages that are irreplaceable and hard to replicate," Zhang said. But Cathcart said that progress on economic liberalisation would likely be slow because North Korea will want to be careful about the increased political risks that could come from relaxing restrictions on the currency and migration. As well as China, North Korea may also look to other economies where tight top-down control has been kept, including Vietnam or even the 'chaebol' business structures of South Korea, which could allow something closer to "a capital dictatorship," according to Cathcart. Xi, under intense pressure from Trump, started enforcing sanctions strictly in the second half of 2017. By March this year, China imported no iron ore, coal or lead from North Korea for a sixth month in a row, in line with U.N. Security Council sanctions. That has hurt North Korea's coal-intensive heavy industries and manufacturing sectors. But more importantly, plunging trade with Beijing has been "killing the most thriving part of the economy" - unofficial markets where individuals and wholesalers buy and sell mostly Chinese-made consumer goods and agricultural products, Jeon said. "More than anything, it was China's decision to enforce sanctions that squeezed the economy and made removing of the sanctions an urgent task for Kim," he said. Even after sanctions are lifted, North Korea will likely pursue state-managed growth because loosening controls is potentially destabilising for the regime, says Kim Byung-yeon, an economics professor at Seoul National University. "It could leave Kim Jong Un with less than half the power he has now." As part of efforts to maintain control, any opening could initially be limited to "special economic zones," where Pyongyang has sought to combine its cheap labour with China's financial firepower and technological know-how, according to BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group. The Wonsan Special Tourist Zone in the east coast, or the suspended inter-Korean factory park in the North's border city of Kaesong are some other examples Kim might pursue to maintain state controls over the economy, experts say. In Wonsan, Kim has already built a ski resort and a new airport to turn the city of 360,000 people into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot. "These are the sorts of projects that are most likely to get underway first if the sanctions are eased," BMI Research said. Jeon says this is "mosquito-net style" reform - similar to Deng Xiaoping's model - with limited foreign investment and market liberalisation contained within firm strictures of state control. Deng championed a string of special economic zones along China's east coast where unique local legislation encouraged foreign investment in manufacturing joint-ventures that sold to export markets, while protecting Chinese industries from going head-to-head with multinationals. "Deng designated Shenzhen as a special economic zone and made that sleepy fishing village to a manufacturing hub of the world," Jeon said. "Kim will be eager for those, especially as he will want minimal changes to other parts of the economy."

North Korea seen looking to China, not US, for help in any economic transformation

As multi-agency probe continues in India into alleged lapses involving ICICI Bank's chief Chanda Kochhar and her family members, the matter has also come under the scanner of the US markets regulator SEC.

Besides, the Indian regulators and investigative agencies are mulling seeking help from their overseas counterparts including in Mauritius as part of their own probes, officials said.

When asked about its probe into matters related to ICICI Bank and Kochhar, a spokesperson for the SEC Office of Public Affairs declined to comment. 
The queries sent to ICICI Bank also remained unanswered. The bank has already instituted an independent enquiry into allegations of 'conflict of interest' and 'quid pro quo' in Kochhar's dealing with certain borrowers. 
Earlier in March, when the reports first surfaced in this regard, the bank had said that its board has "full confidence and reposes full faith" in Kochhar.

Sources said the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is actively looking into the matter as ICICI Bank is listed in the US also and it may seek further details from its Indian counterpart the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), which has already issued show-cause notices to ICICI Bank and Kochhar as part of its probe.

Officials said the Sebi has been approached for some clarificatory details which would be provided to the bank and its CEO, among others to whom notices have been served.

Those looking into the matter also include the banking regulator RBI and the corporate affairs ministry, while the CBI had earlier registered a preliminary enquiry against Kochhar's husband, among others, and extensively questioned her brother-in-law in April.

The cases under scanner include the bank's Rs 3,250 crore loan to Videocon Group in 2012 and the involvement of Kochhar family members in the restructuring of the loan.

Last week, interim finance minister Piyush Goyal said the law will take its own course in the alleged case of nepotism at ICICI Bank, even though it is a good bank with "very robust processes" and there was no cause for concern for any of the stakeholders of ICICI Bank per se.

There are allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits.

It has been alleged that family members of the bank's chief, including her husband Deepak Kochhar, got financial favours from the borrowers against the loans sanctioned by the bank.

It was also alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar.

Sebi has served a notice on Kochhar on dealings of the bank with Videocon Group and Nupower.

There are also allegations that NuPower got investments of Rs 325 crore from Mauritius-based Firstland Holdings, a company owned by Nishant Kanodia, son-in-law of Essar Group co-founder Ravi Ruia.

An independent probe was ordered by ICICI Bank board after fresh allegations of quid pro quo were levelled by activist and whistle-blower Arvind Gupta, who also accused Ruia brothers of Essar group of having got undue favours from the bank for "round-tripping" investments into NuPower Group.

The allegations have been dismissed as "motivated" by the Essar Group, which maintains it has no business interest in Firstland Holdings.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is looking into companies involved in the ICICI Bank controversy of an alleged conflict of interest in Chanda Kochhar's dealings with certain borrowers, according to a senior official.

The official also said the affairs of ICICI Bank are not being looked into by the ministry as that is completely under the purview of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"The ministry is looking at allegations with respect to fraudulent, preferential or under-valued transactions... (related to) those companies which have come into controversy in the light of ICICI Bank issue," the official said.

The ICICI bank has already instituted an independent enquiry into allegations of 'conflict of interest' and 'quid pro quo' in Kochhar's dealing with certain borrowers.

As multi-agency probe continues in India into alleged lapses involving ICICI Bank's chief Chanda Kochhar and her family members, the matter has also come under the scanner of the US markets regulator SEC. Besides, the Indian regulators and investigative agencies are mulling seeking help from their overseas counterparts including in Mauritius as part of their own probes, officials said. When asked about its probe into matters related to ICICI Bank and Kochhar, a spokesperson for the SEC Office of Public Affairs declined to comment. The queries sent to ICICI Bank also remained unanswered. The bank has already instituted an independent enquiry into allegations of 'conflict of interest' and 'quid pro quo' in Kochhar's dealing with certain borrowers. Earlier in March, when the reports first surfaced in this regard, the bank had said that its board has "full confidence and reposes full faith" in Kochhar. Sources said the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is actively looking into the matter as ICICI Bank is listed in the US also and it may seek further details from its Indian counterpart the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), which has already issued show-cause notices to ICICI Bank and Kochhar as part of its probe. Officials said the Sebi has been approached for some clarificatory details which would be provided to the bank and its CEO, among others to whom notices have been served. Those looking into the matter also include the banking regulator RBI and the corporate affairs ministry, while the CBI had earlier registered a preliminary enquiry against Kochhar's husband, among others, and extensively questioned her brother-in-law in April. The cases under scanner include the bank's Rs 3,250 crore loan to Videocon Group in 2012 and the involvement of Kochhar family members in the restructuring of the loan. Last week, interim finance minister Piyush Goyal said the law will take its own course in the alleged case of nepotism at ICICI Bank, even though it is a good bank with "very robust processes" and there was no cause for concern for any of the stakeholders of ICICI Bank per se. There are allegations of impropriety in ICICI Bank extending loans to some companies and enjoying reciprocal benefits. It has been alleged that family members of the bank's chief, including her husband Deepak Kochhar, got financial favours from the borrowers against the loans sanctioned by the bank. It was also alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar. Sebi has served a notice on Kochhar on dealings of the bank with Videocon Group and Nupower. There are also allegations that NuPower got investments of Rs 325 crore from Mauritius-based Firstland Holdings, a company owned by Nishant Kanodia, son-in-law of Essar Group co-founder Ravi Ruia. An independent probe was ordered by ICICI Bank board after fresh allegations of quid pro quo were levelled by activist and whistle-blower Arvind Gupta, who also accused Ruia brothers of Essar group of having got undue favours from the bank for "round-tripping" investments into NuPower Group. The allegations have been dismissed as "motivated" by the Essar Group, which maintains it has no business interest in Firstland Holdings. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is looking into companies involved in the ICICI Bank controversy of an alleged conflict of interest in Chanda Kochhar's dealings with certain borrowers, according to a senior official. The official also said the affairs of ICICI Bank are not being looked into by the ministry as that is completely under the purview of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "The ministry is looking at allegations with respect to fraudulent, preferential or under-valued transactions... (related to) those companies which have come into controversy in the light of ICICI Bank issue," the official said.

ICICI Bank, Chanda Kochhar face US regulatory probe; Indian agencies may seek foreign help

US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that could lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes and the transformation of the isolated Asian nation.

Trump flew into Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base aboard Air Force One, looking to strike a deal that will lead to the denuclearisation of one of America's bitterest foes. He came from a divisive G7 meeting in Canada with some of Washington's closest allies that further strained global trade ties.

After stepping down from Air Force One on a steamy tropical night, Trump was greeted by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

Asked by a reporter how he felt about the summit, Trump said: "Very good".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/inside-the-hotel-where-donald-trump-will-meet-kim-jong-un-142636">Inside the hotel where Donald Trump will meet Kim Jong-Un</a>

North Korea's Kim landed in Singapore earlier on Sunday.

When Trump and Kim meet on Tuesday at Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's port with a Universal Studios theme park and man-made beaches, they will be making history.

Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders of North Korea and the United States have never met previously - or even spoken on the telephone.

Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state, wearing his trademark dark "Mao suit" and distinctive high-cut hairstyle. He has not left his country since taking office in 2011 other than to visit China and the South Korean side of the border Demilitarised Zone.

Arriving on a plane loaned by China, which for decades has been North Korea's only major ally, Kim was also greeted by Balakrishnan.

Travelling with him were top officials including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Kim Yong Chol, a close aide of Kim who has been instrumental in the diplomacy that culminated in Tuesday's summit.

Kim Yo Jong, leader Kim's younger sister, was also spotted in his delegation. She emerged as an influential figure in Pyongyang's opaque leadership in February, when she led a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Officials who arrived with Trump include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

Bolton’s hardline rhetoric last month infuriated North Korea and nearly derailed the summit. He called for North Korea to follow a "Libya model" in negotiations. Libya unilaterally surrendered its nuclear weapons programme in 2003, but its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in 2011 by NATO-backed rebels.

'SPUR OF THE MOMENT'

Trump, speaking in Canada on Saturday, said any agreement at the summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace".

He initially touted the potential for a grand bargain with North Korea to rid itself of a nuclear missile programme that has advanced rapidly to threaten the United States.

But he has since lowered expectations, backing away from an original demand for North Korea's swift denuclearisation.

He has said the talks would be more about starting a relationship with Kim for a negotiating process that would take more than one summit.

Non-proliferation expert Daryl Kimball, director of the Arms Control Association, said that to make the summit a success, Trump and Kim would need to agree on a framework for expert-level negotiations "to hammer out the details and time frame for specific action-for-action steps".

"As the leaders arrive in Singapore it is still not clear yet whether Trump and Kim are on the same page about the end goals, the pace, and the sequencing of the many steps involved in the complete 'denuclearisation' of the Korean peninsula," he said in a Twitter message.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said US&nbsp;and North Korean officials would hold working-level talks on Monday. She said the U.S. delegation would be led by Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat who recently held talks with North Korean officials.

A US&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Monday's meeting appeared aimed at making 11th-hour progress ahead of the summit since Sung Kim's earlier talks did little to narrow a gap between the two sides on the definition of denuclearisation or win agreement on tangible commitments from Pyongyang toward dismantling its nuclear arsenal.

WARNED OFF

Kim met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shortly after his arrival, driving from the St. Regis Hotel where he is staying, through the famous Orchard Road shopping district, which was closed off for his tightly guarded motorcade.

Bodyguards in dark suits jogged alongside his limousine.

At the hotel lobby, grim-faced North Korean security guards warned other hotel guests not to take pictures as Kim walked to his Mercedes Benz limousine.

When a couple of guests took a picture, a North Korean official stormed up to them, demanding to check their phones.

"I saw them taking a photo of our chairman. How dare they do so, they shouldn't," the official told Reuters later. He declined to be identified. Under the watchful eye of the official, and St. Regis staff, one male guest deleted his photos.

In his first public comments since arriving, Kim said Singapore's role would be recorded in history if the summit was a success.

Trump, who is staying in a separate hotel, the Shangri-La, is due to meet Lee on Monday.

North Korea spent decades developing nuclear weapons, culminating in the test of a thermonuclear device in 2017. It also successfully tested missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland.

The tests came amid a campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea, led by the United States, that tightened economic sanctions and the possibility of military action.

The two leaders exchanged insults as fears of war grew.

But then in a New Year's address, Kim sounded a conciliatory note, saying his country had completed development of its nuclear programme and would focus on economic development.

He also suggested a meeting with South Korea.

After a flurry of contacts between the two Koreas, South Korean officials suggested to Trump in March that Kim would be willing to meet face-to-face and the U.S. president agreed.

Many experts on North Korea, one of the most insular and unpredictable countries in the world, remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon its cherished nuclear weapons. They believe Kim's latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease the crippling sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country.

Believed to be 34, Kim is one of the youngest heads of state in the world and looks an unlikely candidate to be making history of the kind that has eluded his father and grandfather, both past leaders of North Korea.

But since taking power after his father's death, the youthful Kim has displayed a mixture of ruthlessness, pragmatism and statecraft to get this prize: to sit across the table with the leader of the United States and be treated as an equal.

For Trump, a successful summit will give him a win on the international stage.

While foreign policy isn't usually a major aspect of congressional elections, it is unclear if Trump’s focus on getting tough with trade partners and solving the North Korean nuclear issue will have some influence on voters in the mid-term polls in November.

The two leaders meet at 9 am&nbsp;(0100 GMT) on Tuesday at the Capella on Sentosa island, a refurbished British Army artillery mess that is one of Singapore's most expensive hotels.

Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders of North Korea and the United States have never met previously — or even spoken on the telephone. Asked by a reporter how he felt about the summit, Trump said: 'Very good'

US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday for a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that could lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the old foes and the transformation of the isolated Asian nation. Trump flew into Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base aboard Air Force One, looking to strike a deal that will lead to the denuclearisation of one of America's bitterest foes. He came from a divisive G7 meeting in Canada with some of Washington's closest allies that further strained global trade ties. After stepping down from Air Force One on a steamy tropical night, Trump was greeted by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Asked by a reporter how he felt about the summit, Trump said: "Very good". Also read: Inside the hotel where Donald Trump will meet Kim Jong-Un North Korea's Kim landed in Singapore earlier on Sunday. When Trump and Kim meet on Tuesday at Sentosa, a resort island off Singapore's port with a Universal Studios theme park and man-made beaches, they will be making history. Enemies since the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders of North Korea and the United States have never met previously - or even spoken on the telephone. Kim arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport after his longest trip overseas as head of state, wearing his trademark dark "Mao suit" and distinctive high-cut hairstyle. He has not left his country since taking office in 2011 other than to visit China and the South Korean side of the border Demilitarised Zone. Arriving on a plane loaned by China, which for decades has been North Korea's only major ally, Kim was also greeted by Balakrishnan. Travelling with him were top officials including Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and Kim Yong Chol, a close aide of Kim who has been instrumental in the diplomacy that culminated in Tuesday's summit. Kim Yo Jong, leader Kim's younger sister, was also spotted in his delegation. She emerged as an influential figure in Pyongyang's opaque leadership in February, when she led a North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea. Officials who arrived with Trump include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. Bolton’s hardline rhetoric last month infuriated North Korea and nearly derailed the summit. He called for North Korea to follow a "Libya model" in negotiations. Libya unilaterally surrendered its nuclear weapons programme in 2003, but its leader, Muammar Gaddafi, was killed in 2011 by NATO-backed rebels. 'SPUR OF THE MOMENT' Trump, speaking in Canada on Saturday, said any agreement at the summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace". He initially touted the potential for a grand bargain with North Korea to rid itself of a nuclear missile programme that has advanced rapidly to threaten the United States. But he has since lowered expectations, backing away from an original demand for North Korea's swift denuclearisation. He has said the talks would be more about starting a relationship with Kim for a negotiating process that would take more than one summit. Non-proliferation expert Daryl Kimball, director of the Arms Control Association, said that to make the summit a success, Trump and Kim would need to agree on a framework for expert-level negotiations "to hammer out the details and time frame for specific action-for-action steps". "As the leaders arrive in Singapore it is still not clear yet whether Trump and Kim are on the same page about the end goals, the pace, and the sequencing of the many steps involved in the complete 'denuclearisation' of the Korean peninsula," he said in a Twitter message. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said US and North Korean officials would hold working-level talks on Monday. She said the U.S. delegation would be led by Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat who recently held talks with North Korean officials. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Monday's meeting appeared aimed at making 11th-hour progress ahead of the summit since Sung Kim's earlier talks did little to narrow a gap between the two sides on the definition of denuclearisation or win agreement on tangible commitments from Pyongyang toward dismantling its nuclear arsenal. WARNED OFF Kim met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shortly after his arrival, driving from the St. Regis Hotel where he is staying, through the famous Orchard Road shopping district, which was closed off for his tightly guarded motorcade. Bodyguards in dark suits jogged alongside his limousine. At the hotel lobby, grim-faced North Korean security guards warned other hotel guests not to take pictures as Kim walked to his Mercedes Benz limousine. When a couple of guests took a picture, a North Korean official stormed up to them, demanding to check their phones. "I saw them taking a photo of our chairman. How dare they do so, they shouldn't," the official told Reuters later. He declined to be identified. Under the watchful eye of the official, and St. Regis staff, one male guest deleted his photos. In his first public comments since arriving, Kim said Singapore's role would be recorded in history if the summit was a success. Trump, who is staying in a separate hotel, the Shangri-La, is due to meet Lee on Monday. North Korea spent decades developing nuclear weapons, culminating in the test of a thermonuclear device in 2017. It also successfully tested missiles that can reach the U.S. mainland. The tests came amid a campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea, led by the United States, that tightened economic sanctions and the possibility of military action. The two leaders exchanged insults as fears of war grew. But then in a New Year's address, Kim sounded a conciliatory note, saying his country had completed development of its nuclear programme and would focus on economic development. He also suggested a meeting with South Korea. After a flurry of contacts between the two Koreas, South Korean officials suggested to Trump in March that Kim would be willing to meet face-to-face and the U.S. president agreed. Many experts on North Korea, one of the most insular and unpredictable countries in the world, remain sceptical Kim will ever completely abandon its cherished nuclear weapons. They believe Kim's latest engagement is aimed at getting the United States to ease the crippling sanctions that have squeezed the impoverished country. Believed to be 34, Kim is one of the youngest heads of state in the world and looks an unlikely candidate to be making history of the kind that has eluded his father and grandfather, both past leaders of North Korea. But since taking power after his father's death, the youthful Kim has displayed a mixture of ruthlessness, pragmatism and statecraft to get this prize: to sit across the table with the leader of the United States and be treated as an equal. For Trump, a successful summit will give him a win on the international stage. While foreign policy isn't usually a major aspect of congressional elections, it is unclear if Trump’s focus on getting tough with trade partners and solving the North Korean nuclear issue will have some influence on voters in the mid-term polls in November. The two leaders meet at 9 am (0100 GMT) on Tuesday at the Capella on Sentosa island, a refurbished British Army artillery mess that is one of Singapore's most expensive hotels.

Trump and Kim Jong-Un land in Singapore for Tuesday summit, officials to hold talks Monday

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit.

"We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical.

Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point."

Earlier&nbsp;on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted&nbsp;on Friday.

"Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet.

In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them&nbsp;tomorrow."

On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, What about subsidies? Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical

United States President Donald Trump, who is attending two-day Group of Seven summit in Canada`s La Malbaie, reportedly pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies at the summit. "We should at least consider no tariffs, no barriers - scrapping all of it," the US media reported Trump, as saying to the assembled leaders. Trump`s latest suggestion is ironic as it comes amid a tit-for-tat trade war, which the US President launched lately. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly challenged Trump`s remarks, asking, "What about subsidies?"Politico reported that leaders present for the meeting took Trump`s suggestion as largely rhetorical. Optimistically responding to Trump`s suggestion, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is reported to have told him, "We`ll take it as a starting point." Earlier on Friday, Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, lashing out at them in a series of tweets over the criticism on U.S` imposition of trade tariff."Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US. Totally unfair to our farmers, workers and companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted on Friday. "Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow." On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU).

Trump pitches ending trade tariffs at G-7 summit: Reports

Days after Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani announced a temporary ceasefire with Taliban on June 7, the United States has now expressed its willingness to initiate talks with the outfit.

Deputy Assistant to US President Donald Trump and Senior Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council, Lisa Curtis, said US cannot talk on behalf of Kabul but is willing to be a part of talks.

"The United States is ready to participate in the discussion, but we cannot serve as a substitute for the Afghan government and the Afghan people. A political settlement must be negotiated through a process that is Afghan-lead and Afghan-owned, Curtis said.

Referring to the haven provided to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network in Pakistan, she also added that they have asked Pakistan to cooperate and assist in developing peace in the region.

The Taliban and the Haqqani network have sought refuge in Pakistan for over 16 years.

Following the ceasefire announcement by the Afghan government, the&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-for-the-first-time-announce-ceasefire-for-eid-143235">Afghan&nbsp;Taliban has also announced a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday</a> at the end of this week, their first such offer.

The militants said foreign forces would be excluded from the ceasefire and that operations against them would continue.

&nbsp;

'The United States is ready to participate in the discussion, but we cannot serve as a substitute for the Afghan government and the Afghan people. A political settlement must be negotiated through a process that is Afghan-lead and Afghan-owned' Deputy Assistant to US President said

Days after Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani announced a temporary ceasefire with Taliban on June 7, the United States has now expressed its willingness to initiate talks with the outfit. Deputy Assistant to US President Donald Trump and Senior Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council, Lisa Curtis, said US cannot talk on behalf of Kabul but is willing to be a part of talks. "The United States is ready to participate in the discussion, but we cannot serve as a substitute for the Afghan government and the Afghan people. A political settlement must be negotiated through a process that is Afghan-lead and Afghan-owned, Curtis said. Referring to the haven provided to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network in Pakistan, she also added that they have asked Pakistan to cooperate and assist in developing peace in the region. The Taliban and the Haqqani network have sought refuge in Pakistan for over 16 years. Following the ceasefire announcement by the Afghan government, the Afghan Taliban has also announced a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday at the end of this week, their first such offer. The militants said foreign forces would be excluded from the ceasefire and that operations against them would continue.

US willing to hold talks with Taliban

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California.

The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors.

The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history."

Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

&nbsp

The travelling exhibition entitled The Daily Show Presents: The Donald J. Trump PresidentialTwitter Library

An exhibition consisting of, and inspired by, the tweets of US President&nbspDonald&nbspTrump has opened in West Hollywood, California. The travelling exhibition entitled "The Daily Show Presents: The&nbspDonald&nbspJ.&nbspTrump&nbspPresidentialTwitter&nbspLibrary" has already proved popular in New York. Part museum, part tongue-in-cheek take on U.S. presidential libraries, the exhibit also doubles as a selfie photo booth for its visitors. The satirical installation " honours our Commander in Chief's preferred vessel for communicating with the public - his&nbspTwitter&nbspfeed - and gives patrons the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to memorialize and celebrate the many 'unpresidented' moments of President&nbspTrump's&nbspTwitter history." Although the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, didn't attend the opening on Friday (June 8), correspondents Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. were on hand to talk to visitors.

Donald Trump Twitter library opens in Los Angeles

China hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of secret information on the Navy's weapons plans as well as other sensitive information about military technology, reports said on Friday.&nbsp;

The hack attack resulted in the Chinese government stealing over 600 gigabytes of data about US Navy's missile project. The revelation of the cyber attack,&nbsp;comes days before President Trump attends a summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts Beijing among his allies.

The attack targeted the contractor's unclassified network.

Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020.

The breaches took place in January and February, the officials told the Post, speaking on condition of anonymity about an ongoing investigation led by the Navy and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

"Per federal regulations, there are measures in place that require companies to notify the government when a 'cyber incident' has occurred that has actual or potential adverse effects on their networks that contain controlled unclassified information. It would be inappropriate to discuss further details at this time," the US&nbsp;Navy said in response to a query from Reuters.

The Chinese Embassy apparently does not know about the hacking, adding that the Chinese government "staunchly upholds cybersecurity, firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with law."

The hacked material comprised 614 gigabytes relating to a project known as Sea Dragon, as well as signals and sensor data, submarine radio room information relating to cryptographic systems and the Navy submarine development unit’s electronic warfare library, the Post reported.

Reports of the hack come as tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to rise over a range of issues including trade and military matters.

Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020

China hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of secret information on the Navy's weapons plans as well as other sensitive information about military technology, reports said on Friday. The hack attack resulted in the Chinese government stealing over 600 gigabytes of data about US Navy's missile project. The revelation of the cyber attack, comes days before President Trump attends a summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts Beijing among his allies. The attack targeted the contractor's unclassified network. Among the stolen data planned for a supersonic anti-ship missile that was planned to be on US submarines by 2020. The breaches took place in January and February, the officials told the Post, speaking on condition of anonymity about an ongoing investigation led by the Navy and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. "Per federal regulations, there are measures in place that require companies to notify the government when a 'cyber incident' has occurred that has actual or potential adverse effects on their networks that contain controlled unclassified information. It would be inappropriate to discuss further details at this time," the US Navy said in response to a query from Reuters. The Chinese Embassy apparently does not know about the hacking, adding that the Chinese government "staunchly upholds cybersecurity, firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks in accordance with law." The hacked material comprised 614 gigabytes relating to a project known as Sea Dragon, as well as signals and sensor data, submarine radio room information relating to cryptographic systems and the Navy submarine development unit’s electronic warfare library, the Post reported. Reports of the hack come as tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to rise over a range of issues including trade and military matters.

China secretly hacked a US Navy contractor and got hold of its weapons plans: Report

US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe.

"Changing Zimbabwe’s electoral trajectory will require pro-active and concerted efforts to instil public confidence," the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute said in a statement late Friday after a week of pre-election observation. &nbsp

Zimbabwe holds a general election on July 30, the first without Mugabe who was forced out of office after a brief military takeover last year.

David Dreier, a former United States Congressman and member of the IRI-NDI monitors, told reporters in Harare that while the observers have "found several notable improvements in the political environment and electoral preparations as compared to prior elections, a number of significant opportunities to break with the past have been missed."

"As a result, we still have concerns about the fairness of the process."

The group said while Zimbabweans welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s public commitments to hold credible elections there were concerns whether the military will accept the outcome of the presidential polls.

They called on senior military officers to make "public and unambiguous statements" that the army will loyally serve whoever wins the elections.

The statement came days after the main opposition staged street protests to pressure the authorities to adopt a slew of reforms to ensure a fair poll.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party wants to observe the printing of ballot papers, that Zimbabweans based abroad be allowed to vote and the removal of military personnel seconded to the electoral commission.

Mnangagwa will square off with former student activist Nelson Chamisa leading a coalition of opposition parties under the MDC-Alliance.

A new pre-poll survey by Afrobarometer published this week showed the ruling Zanu-PF would attract 42 per cent of the vote compared to 31 per cent for the MDC, meaning the election could go to a run-off.

&nbsp

US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe

US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe. "Changing Zimbabwe’s electoral trajectory will require pro-active and concerted efforts to instil public confidence," the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute said in a statement late Friday after a week of pre-election observation. Zimbabwe holds a general election on July 30, the first without Mugabe who was forced out of office after a brief military takeover last year. David Dreier, a former United States Congressman and member of the IRI-NDI monitors, told reporters in Harare that while the observers have "found several notable improvements in the political environment and electoral preparations as compared to prior elections, a number of significant opportunities to break with the past have been missed." "As a result, we still have concerns about the fairness of the process." The group said while Zimbabweans welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s public commitments to hold credible elections there were concerns whether the military will accept the outcome of the presidential polls. They called on senior military officers to make "public and unambiguous statements" that the army will loyally serve whoever wins the elections. The statement came days after the main opposition staged street protests to pressure the authorities to adopt a slew of reforms to ensure a fair poll. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party wants to observe the printing of ballot papers, that Zimbabweans based abroad be allowed to vote and the removal of military personnel seconded to the electoral commission. Mnangagwa will square off with former student activist Nelson Chamisa leading a coalition of opposition parties under the MDC-Alliance. A new pre-poll survey by Afrobarometer published this week showed the ruling Zanu-PF would attract 42 per cent of the vote compared to 31 per cent for the MDC, meaning the election could go to a run-off.

US observers urge steps to ensure free poll in Zimbabwe

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1