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The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention".&nbsp;

A semi-annual report, it evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages.&nbsp;

The latest report, as per AFP, stops short of labelling any nation a "currency manipulator".

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<h2>What is a currency "monitoring list"?</h2>

The United States "monitoring list" report evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages.&nbsp;

According to the Treasury, Japan met two of the three criteria for "enhanced analysis." These included "having a material current account surplus and a significant bilateral trade surplus with the United States."

However, Japan did not meet the third criterion: being "engaged in persistent one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market."

Alongside Japan, the monitoring list includes China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. Previously, India was also a part of this list.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-handed-over-legal-powers-in-west-bank-to-pro-settler-civil-servants-report-733655">IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report</a>

In a statement, the Treasury Department clarified that none of these countries met all three criteria necessary for enhanced analysis.

"No major US trading partner manipulated the rate of exchange between its currency and the US dollar for purposes of preventing effective balance of payments adjustments or gaining unfair competitive advantage in international trade during the four quarters through December 2023," the Treasury statement read.

<h2>Why was Japan added to the list?</h2>

Japan's recent inclusion in the list follows its intervention in the currency markets beginning in April. This intervention sought to support the yen, which had plummeted in value — from around 115 per dollar before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to nearly 160.&nbsp;

The sharp decline in the yen's value was in part attributed to the Central Bank of Japan's decision to maintain ultra-low interest rates even as central banks increased theirs.

Since initiating these measures, Japanese authorities have spent approximately $62 billion to bolster their currency, according to government data released late last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention".

The United States Treasury Department on Thursday (June 20) added Japan to its "monitoring list" of major trading partners whose currency practices "merit close attention". A semi-annual report, it evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages. The latest report, as per AFP, stops short of labelling any nation a "currency manipulator". Also read | TikTok fights back: ByteDance appeals against potential ban in US, calls it 'unconstitutional' What is a currency "monitoring list"? The United States "monitoring list" report evaluates countries with substantial trade surpluses that actively engage in foreign exchange markets to gain trade advantages. According to the Treasury, Japan met two of the three criteria for "enhanced analysis." These included "having a material current account surplus and a significant bilateral trade surplus with the United States." However, Japan did not meet the third criterion: being "engaged in persistent one-sided intervention in the foreign exchange market." Alongside Japan, the monitoring list includes China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany. Previously, India was also a part of this list. Also read | IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report In a statement, the Treasury Department clarified that none of these countries met all three criteria necessary for enhanced analysis. "No major US trading partner manipulated the rate of exchange between its currency and the US dollar for purposes of preventing effective balance of payments adjustments or gaining unfair competitive advantage in international trade during the four quarters through December 2023," the Treasury statement read. Why was Japan added to the list? Japan's recent inclusion in the list follows its intervention in the currency markets beginning in April. This intervention sought to support the yen, which had plummeted in value — from around 115 per dollar before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to nearly 160. The sharp decline in the yen's value was in part attributed to the Central Bank of Japan's decision to maintain ultra-low interest rates even as central banks increased theirs. Since initiating these measures, Japanese authorities have spent approximately $62 billion to bolster their currency, according to government data released late last month. (With inputs from agencies)

US adds Japan to currency 'monitoring list'; stops short of labelling it 'currency manipulator'

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Independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is unlikely to take part in 2024's first United States presidential debate after he skipped the deadline set by the hosting media organisation.

CNN, which is set to host the debate on its platform on June 27, said that only President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump had met the criteria to participate.

"Presidents Biden and Trump do not want me on the debate stage and CNN illegally agreed to their demand," Kennedy said in a statement. "My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly."

Out of the conditions put in place by the news organisation, one was to show up on enough state ballots to potentially win the presidency polls and the other was to receive at least 15% voter support in four separate national polls.

As per CNN's tally, Kennedy had garnered the said 15% in only three accepted polls to date and had qualified for the ballot in only six states.&nbsp;

This would not be sufficient to win the presidency.

Kennedy had alleged that the TV network's conditions were unjustly imposed and were deliberately intended to prevent him from going on stage.

The Kennedy campaign demanded the Federal Election Commission that it must take action by Thursday (June 20) and keep CNN, Biden and Trump from holding the debate scheduled for June 27 unless the channel makes changes. The FEC however declined to comment.

"If the debate goes forward without Mr. Kennedy, the Kennedy campaign intends to pursue this issue for as long as it takes to obtain justice against these illegal acts," the campaign said in a statement on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is unlikely to take part in 2024's first United States presidential debate after he skipped the deadline set by the hosting media organisation.

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is unlikely to take part in 2024's first United States presidential debate after he skipped the deadline set by the hosting media organisation. CNN, which is set to host the debate on its platform on June 27, said that only President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump had met the criteria to participate. "Presidents Biden and Trump do not want me on the debate stage and CNN illegally agreed to their demand," Kennedy said in a statement. "My exclusion by Presidents Biden and Trump from the debate is undemocratic, un-American, and cowardly." Out of the conditions put in place by the news organisation, one was to show up on enough state ballots to potentially win the presidency polls and the other was to receive at least 15% voter support in four separate national polls. As per CNN's tally, Kennedy had garnered the said 15% in only three accepted polls to date and had qualified for the ballot in only six states. This would not be sufficient to win the presidency. Kennedy had alleged that the TV network's conditions were unjustly imposed and were deliberately intended to prevent him from going on stage. The Kennedy campaign demanded the Federal Election Commission that it must take action by Thursday (June 20) and keep CNN, Biden and Trump from holding the debate scheduled for June 27 unless the channel makes changes. The FEC however declined to comment. "If the debate goes forward without Mr. Kennedy, the Kennedy campaign intends to pursue this issue for as long as it takes to obtain justice against these illegal acts," the campaign said in a statement on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unlikely to participate in presidential debate after he misses deadline to qualify

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials.&nbsp;

The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-deepens-rafah-offensive-as-civilians-in-central-gaza-camps-scramble-for-safety-733485">Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety</a>&nbsp;

Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government.&nbsp;

West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts.&nbsp;

"What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pyongyang-yawn-social-media-buzzes-over-videos-of-bored-putin-at-north-korean-concert-733542">Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics</a>

In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved.&nbsp;

"The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week."&nbsp;

"Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?

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<h2>UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating'&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza.&nbsp;

"The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council.

He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich. The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials. The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control. Also read: Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government. West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians. As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts. "What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved. "The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week." "Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added. Watch: Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war? × UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating' Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza. "The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council. He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings". (With inputs from agencies)

IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report

Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to be next NATO chief

New tensions have emerged this week between US President Joe Biden's Administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israeli premier's criticism of US withholding weapon deliveries. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu says 'will not leave Gaza' until all hostages returned

The condition of Palestinians in Gaza remains dire. Israeli soldiers continue their military onslaught in the enclave, as the global community watches in vain.

Israeli forces intensify Rafah invasion, death & hunger persist in Gaza

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Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions.

Warm air from North Africa has caused record-breaking temperatures in Southern Europe. The Athens National Observatory reports that last week's highs in Athens exceeded 107°F, with Crete hitting 112°F and the Peloponnese peninsula hitting 111°F.

In recent weeks, at least five visitors have died or disappeared in Greece, including well-known British TV doctor and journalist Michael Mosley.

American visitor Toby Sheets was discovered dead on a beach on island west of Corfu on Sunday. The day before, the bones of a Dutch tourist were found on the Greek island of Samos in the east, and an American tourist went missing more than a week ago. He went for a trek and didn't come back, assumed to have died due to heat.

Greece's economy, which depends heavily on foreign tourists, has not been spared. The Greek Ministry of Culture declared this week that the Acropolis, the most famous ancient monument in the country overlooking the city, will be closed in the afternoon heat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-pilgrims-death-98-indians-die-amid-day-temperature-soaring-above-50-degrees-733871">Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees</a>

Similar regulations were implemented last summer, but they weren't effective until July. The early closure this year was prompted by an incident in which a visitor passed out while awaiting a permit to enter the 3,300-year-old monument, highlighting the risks associated with extreme heat.&nbsp;

"The early start of the heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season," Greece's minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, stated. He claimed that the risk of wildfires, which authorities are finding difficult to suppress, was greatly heightened by the combination of high temperatures and strong winds. According to Kikilias, "a new fire breaks out almost every 10 minutes."

Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally. The disastrous fires of last summer, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece.

"Even the smallest fire can rapidly turn into a fiery front," Kikilias added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions.

Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions. Warm air from North Africa has caused record-breaking temperatures in Southern Europe. The Athens National Observatory reports that last week's highs in Athens exceeded 107°F, with Crete hitting 112°F and the Peloponnese peninsula hitting 111°F. In recent weeks, at least five visitors have died or disappeared in Greece, including well-known British TV doctor and journalist Michael Mosley. American visitor Toby Sheets was discovered dead on a beach on island west of Corfu on Sunday. The day before, the bones of a Dutch tourist were found on the Greek island of Samos in the east, and an American tourist went missing more than a week ago. He went for a trek and didn't come back, assumed to have died due to heat. Greece's economy, which depends heavily on foreign tourists, has not been spared. The Greek Ministry of Culture declared this week that the Acropolis, the most famous ancient monument in the country overlooking the city, will be closed in the afternoon heat. Also read: Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees Similar regulations were implemented last summer, but they weren't effective until July. The early closure this year was prompted by an incident in which a visitor passed out while awaiting a permit to enter the 3,300-year-old monument, highlighting the risks associated with extreme heat. "The early start of the heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season," Greece's minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, stated. He claimed that the risk of wildfires, which authorities are finding difficult to suppress, was greatly heightened by the combination of high temperatures and strong winds. According to Kikilias, "a new fire breaks out almost every 10 minutes." Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally. The disastrous fires of last summer, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece. "Even the smallest fire can rapidly turn into a fiery front," Kikilias added. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives

Russia's Putin signs deal with Vietnam in bid to shore up ties in Asia

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Netanyahu: Won't leave Gaza until.. - Dutch PM set to become NATO chief - Mecca: Over 1000 pilgrims dead - 10th International Yoga Day - Trump to get final word at CNN debates

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday faced accusations of transphobia after lashing out at the snap election manifesto of a new left-wing coalition. Watch in for more details!

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US and South Korean air forces held air drills over South Korea as tensions in the Korean Peninsula continue to escalate. Watch in for more details!

US AC-130J & South Korean KF-16 jet fighters conduct live drills

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump will debate for ninety minutes using movable microphones. This sets the stage for their first face-to-face meeting before November's election. The Biden and Trump teams agreed on the parameters for the June 27 debate, which will feature two hosts and no studio audience.

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Jammu and Kashmir Police enhanced security in Srinagar ahead of PM Modi's visit. The PM will inaugurate multiple projects and attend the International Yoga Day event.

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South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) suspended on Thursday a newly sworn-in member of parliament after an old video of him calling for the killing of Black people resurfaced on social media. Watch in for more details!

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An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships.

According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea.

Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds.

According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing.

"Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greeces-summer-tragedy-record-heat-wave-ignites-wildfires-closes-acropolis-and-claims-tourists-lives-733883">Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives</a>

"Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday.

Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. 
&nbsp;According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments.

(With inputs from agencies)

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them.

An investigation has revealed that Russia's fleet of alleged spy ships operating in the North Sea has increased to about 200 civilian ships. According to a joint investigation by the Belgian newspaper De Tijd and the Follow the Money platform, which was published on Thursday (June 20), Russia has increased the number of its cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, oil tankers, and pleasure yachts that are suspected of gathering information about the locations of vital infrastructure and pipelines in the North Sea to sabotage or disrupt them. According to the study, the vessels, most of which are docked in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, are accused of having participated in around 1,000 instances of espionage in the North Sea. Since 2014, Russian ships have been accused of spying on infrastructure in the North Sea. In a previous inquiry, public broadcasters in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway discovered that during NATO training exercises, at least fifty Russian ships, supposedly civilian and fishing vessels, had lingered close to oil and gas fields, power stations, and military training grounds. According to the investigation published on Thursday, Russian-flagged ships are regularly involved in suspicious loitering activities. They have also been used to scout out the locations and weak points of the vital infrastructure in the North Sea, instead of carrying out research, moving cargo, or fishing. "Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they maintain a very normal sailing pattern. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, works for the Russian government anyway," Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesman for the Maritime Security Cell of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport, said in a statement. Also read: Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives "Russia could use about 200 civilian vessels for espionage in the North Sea. This has not happened since the Cold War," Agentstvo, an independent Russian investigative site commented on the report on Friday. Ewa Skoog Haslum, the chief of Sweden's navy, also expressed worry about Russian ships that were present in the Baltic Sea in April. According to Skoog Haslum, Russia could be employing its "shadow fleet" of oil tankers for espionage operations in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea is home to Moscow's so-called "shadow fleet," which is made up of outdated boats that frequently change their flag registrations, lack proper insurance, and operate under opaque ownership. According to experts, Russia is using the ships to get around restrictions on its oil shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's 'shadow fleet' resurfaces: 200 civilian vessels suspected of North Sea espionage

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