WORLD
India-Pakistan 'backchannel' talks hit a dead end: Report
"Talks have been going on but have reached a point where things aren't moving anywhere," The Express Tribune report quoted the source as saying. There has been a desire from both sides to break the impasse but the issue is how to move forward from this point onwards, the source explained. What has slowed down the process was the political uncertainty in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported.
China extends military exercises around Taiwan
China's state television reported that the exercises were focussing on "anti-submarine and sea assault operations", reports dpa news agency In announcing the manoeuvres to the north, south-west and east of self-ruled island on August 2, China had originally promised their conclusion on Sunday.
Boris Johnson allies accuse UK MPs of conducting a 'witch hunt'
Although Boris Johnson is due to leave Downing Street in less than a month, the Commons Privileges Committee is going ahead with its inquiry into whether the Prime Minister committed a contempt of Parliament by misleading MPs with his Partygate denials, reports dpa news agency.
Sweeping budget package passes US Senate, House to take up measure
On Sunday night, the Senate voted 50-50 along party lines and Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to send the measure to the House, which is planning to return briefly from August recess to take it up Friday, reports dpa news agency.
Rocket fire from Gaza continue despite reported ceasefire: Israel
Israel's Home Front Command said in a notice that several rockets were fired at southern Israel "minutes" after 8 p.m. local time, which is the reported time for an Egypt-brokered cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.
Over 120 killed, wounded in recent days in Afghanistan: UN
In a statement, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged the de-facto Taliban government to provide greater security for minorities so that they can hold their religious ceremonies without further attacks, dpa news agency reported.
Politics in Pakistan based on an element of vindictiveness
The accusations against Khan in the Toshakhana case is far more complex than it appears and is a matter of serious concern for the former premier. While on the face of it, the case might not appear as part of a major corruption scandal involving embezzlement of crores of state funds, it nevertheless hinges on a principle stand adopted by the Supreme Court on need for earnings to be declared by politicians, including Prime Ministers. In the case of Nawaz Sharif, the Supreme Court had disqualified him from participating in national politics for life, which also became the basis for his removal from the post of Prime Minister.
Iran does not seek nuke weapons: Iranian Foreign Minister
"Nuclear weapons have no place in the doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran and are contrary to our policies and beliefs," Amir-Abdollahian was quoted by the ministry's website as saying. "The supreme leader's fatwa about the use of nuclear weapons is clear for everyone," he said, referring to the religious decree of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei which bans the possession and use of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons, Xinhua news agency reported.
Senate Democrats clear first hurdle on healthcare & climate bill
The Senate voted on Saturday along party lines, 50-50, to start debate on the measure, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie as President of the Senate, reports dpa news agency. Democrats are passing the bill using a procedure called reconciliation, which doesn't allow for a Republican filibuster. "This is one of the most comprehensive and impactful bills Congress has seen in decades," said Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer.
Legislation to ease return of Nawaz Sharif
PML-N leader and Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has already said the coalition government might make certain amendments that would help repeal the ban imposed on Sharif by a Supreme Court judgement in the Panama Papers case against him, the Dawn reported. "The parliament can undo the lifetime ban on politicians and it may not be struck down by the court," an insider told Dawn.
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