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News brief: Big stories of the day

WION Web Team
New Delhi, IndiaEdited By: Riya GuptaUpdated: Aug 17, 2019, 08:59 AM IST
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File photo: An Indian security force personnel patrols in Kashmir. Photograph:(Reuters)

Story highlights

Read the top five stories of the morning here.

US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides.

A day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam announced measures to ease restrictions in valley, 2G mobile internet services have been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, reported news agency ANI.

In another jolt to Pakistan, the United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion.

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. 

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.