Escort says oligarch now has tapes on Russia interference
An escort service worker from Belarus who claimed to have information linking Russian interference to the election of President Donald Trump says she no longer has the evidence and will not talk about it. Anastasia Vashukevich on Monday pleaded innocent as her trial in Thailand began on charges of soliciting and conspiracy to solicit. She and self-styled sex guru Alexander Kirillov and six others were arrested at a sex training seminar in the resort city of Pattaya in February.
Ms. Vashukevich said Monday that she had turned over audio recordings to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, whose conversations about election interference she claimed to have taped. She told The Associated Press that she had promised Mr. Deripaska, who is close to President Vladimir Putin, she would no longer speak on the matter.
Turnbull abandons greenhouse gas target
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (centre), Treasurer Scott Morrison (left) and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg address reporters at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on August 20, 2018.
Australia’s Prime Minister on Monday abandoned plans to legislate to limit greenhouse gas emissions to head off a revolt by conservative lawmakers. Malcolm Turnbull on Monday conceded that he could not get legislation through the House of Representatives where his conservative coalition holds only a single-seat majority. “Even with strong support in the party room, if a small number of people are not prepared to vote with the government on a measure, then it won’t get passed,” Mr. Turnbull said.
Saina’s defeat knocks India out of women’s team event
Saina Nehwal in action against Japan player Nozomi Okuhara (unseen) at Women's Team quarterfinals event during the 18th Asian Games Jakarta Palembang 2018, in Indonesia on August 20, 2018.
An inconsistent Saina Nehwal saved four match points before losing to Nozomi Okuhara after P.V. Sindhu’s gritty win over world number one Japanese Akane Yamaguchi, as India crashed out of the Asian Games women’s badminton team event on Monday.
Homage to Rajiv Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra pay homage at the Vir Bhumi in New Delhi on Monday.
Congress leaders paid tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary on Monday. Congress president Rahul Gandhi with mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi were seen at Veer Bhumi, Raj Ghat.
Djokovic becomes 'Career Golden Master'
Novak Djokovic holds the Rookwood Cup after defeating Roger Federer during the finals at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament.
Novak Djokovic finally clinched the title missing from his resume with a 6-4 6-4 win over Roger Federer to win in Cincinnati and become the first player to complete the sweep of Masters series tournaments.
(With inputs from Agencies)
