A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-lawmakers-call-terrorism-a-global-concern-after-jk-visit-extend-support-to-india-258826">delegation of 23 European lawmakers</a> visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370.&nbsp;

The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370 which accorded special status to the state. Earlier, the citizens of J&amp;K had special rights about ownership of property, fundamental rights, and relating to citizenship.

Henri Malosse, a parliamentarian from Poland expressed shock at seeing news which referred to the delegation as racists, fascists, and Islamophobic. ''We were in Bangladesh earlier. We are thankful to the Indian government for this [visit]. This will help us better understand things. This is a fight against terrorists. We have heard that five innocent workers were killed. We are pleased to meet activists who spoke about the future and peace'', Malosse said. He also referred to the abrogation of Article 370 as India's "internal matter''. 
&nbsp; 
Theirry Mariani from France simply wanted a firsthand account of what's happening in Kashmir, while suggesting that terrorism is capable of destroying a country. ''I was in Afghanistan and Syria. I don’t want Kashmir to become another Afghanistan. The situation isn’t finishing in the Middle East. New places for terrorists can become Kashmir... we want development. We aren’t here to interfere with politics'', Mariani&nbsp;said.

While referring to the shooting of five&nbsp;workers in the valley, Bill Newton Dunn from the United Kingdom said that ''it’s a terrible thing''.&nbsp;

''Since 1945, we [European Union] have been living in peace together. India is a peaceful country. We want to know how we can help and support people. We had a meeting with the teachers and civil society. Someone talked about the corruption in the system. We are here for facts'', Dunn added. 
&nbsp; 
Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland perceives terrorism in Kashmir as a global issue. ''Terrorism in Kashmir is not the problem of India alone; I see it as our problem, the international community. We support India for finding the best solution to the problem. We are here to understand your problem. In our opinion, this is important for our national relations. We can inform our parliament about this'', he added.

Malosse added that the fact that India has a free press is a good sign, all the while being ''very impressed by the beauty and the engagement with the people [whom they] met''.

Watch: 23 EU lawmakers visit Kashmir in personal capacity

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/23-eu-lawmakers-visits-kashmir-in-private-capacity-258714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Along the same lines, Mariani from France called the visit an ''excellent experience'', which helped them understand the ground situation better. &nbsp;''We believe in transparency. I felt bad [when people called] us Nazi lovers. We came from our respective countries... [and] can never be citizens of Kashmir.'' Mariana further added that terrorism is a common problem for the world.

The media reportage of events in Jammu and Kashmir has been a hot topic ever since Article 370 was scrapped. Dunn called it a ''world problem''. ''It is a long-term problem also caused by social media. Journalists have a big responsibility. Our media is not so good at facts'', Dunn added.

When asked about the state of minorities in Pakistan, Mariani told WION that he's worried about the treatment accorded to Christians in the neighbouring country. ''Freedom of religion is important [so that] everyone can practice [their] religion'', he said.

Travel advisories across Europe had recently warned people against visiting Jammu &amp; Kashmir. While talking about this, Mariani said to WION, ''We can say to the people that this is a good place. They have good art and handicraft. The fight against terrorists is a condition for the population.''

Czarnecki extended support to India's fight against terrorism and said, ''We should help to find a solution to these fights. We should make efforts and support India''.&nbsp;

''We believe in peace and talking'', said Bill Newton Dunn. While advocating peace, he referred to the problem in Northern Island where Christians were fighting with each other. ''Now it is peaceful [there]. My advice will be to find peace'', he said.

Dunn further asserted that he would inform the parliament of what they have seen and learned from this visit. ''I think this mission could be useful. I think I will go back to the liberal group and explain what I have learned and that way we will inform the parliament'', he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A delegation of 23 European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370. The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

A delegation of 23 European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley after the abrogation of Section 370. The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Poland, France, and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation. It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370 which accorded special status to the state. Earlier, the citizens of J&K had special rights about ownership of property, fundamental rights, and relating to citizenship. Henri Malosse, a parliamentarian from Poland expressed shock at seeing news which referred to the delegation as racists, fascists, and Islamophobic. ''We were in Bangladesh earlier. We are thankful to the Indian government for this [visit]. This will help us better understand things. This is a fight against terrorists. We have heard that five innocent workers were killed. We are pleased to meet activists who spoke about the future and peace'', Malosse said. He also referred to the abrogation of Article 370 as India's "internal matter''. Theirry Mariani from France simply wanted a firsthand account of what's happening in Kashmir, while suggesting that terrorism is capable of destroying a country. ''I was in Afghanistan and Syria. I don’t want Kashmir to become another Afghanistan. The situation isn’t finishing in the Middle East. New places for terrorists can become Kashmir... we want development. We aren’t here to interfere with politics'', Mariani said. While referring to the shooting of five workers in the valley, Bill Newton Dunn from the United Kingdom said that ''it’s a terrible thing''. ''Since 1945, we [European Union] have been living in peace together. India is a peaceful country. We want to know how we can help and support people. We had a meeting with the teachers and civil society. Someone talked about the corruption in the system. We are here for facts'', Dunn added. Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland perceives terrorism in Kashmir as a global issue. ''Terrorism in Kashmir is not the problem of India alone; I see it as our problem, the international community. We support India for finding the best solution to the problem. We are here to understand your problem. In our opinion, this is important for our national relations. We can inform our parliament about this'', he added. Malosse added that the fact that India has a free press is a good sign, all the while being ''very impressed by the beauty and the engagement with the people [whom they] met''. Watch: 23 EU lawmakers visit Kashmir in personal capacity Along the same lines, Mariani from France called the visit an ''excellent experience'', which helped them understand the ground situation better. ''We believe in transparency. I felt bad [when people called] us Nazi lovers. We came from our respective countries... [and] can never be citizens of Kashmir.'' Mariana further added that terrorism is a common problem for the world. The media reportage of events in Jammu and Kashmir has been a hot topic ever since Article 370 was scrapped. Dunn called it a ''world problem''. ''It is a long-term problem also caused by social media. Journalists have a big responsibility. Our media is not so good at facts'', Dunn added. When asked about the state of minorities in Pakistan, Mariani told WION that he's worried about the treatment accorded to Christians in the neighbouring country. ''Freedom of religion is important [so that] everyone can practice [their] religion'', he said. Travel advisories across Europe had recently warned people against visiting Jammu & Kashmir. While talking about this, Mariani said to WION, ''We can say to the people that this is a good place. They have good art and handicraft. The fight against terrorists is a condition for the population.'' Czarnecki extended support to India's fight against terrorism and said, ''We should help to find a solution to these fights. We should make efforts and support India''. ''We believe in peace and talking'', said Bill Newton Dunn. While advocating peace, he referred to the problem in Northern Island where Christians were fighting with each other. ''Now it is peaceful [there]. My advice will be to find peace'', he said. Dunn further asserted that he would inform the parliament of what they have seen and learned from this visit. ''I think this mission could be useful. I think I will go back to the liberal group and explain what I have learned and that way we will inform the parliament'', he said.

Article 370 India's internal matter, we support them in fighting terrorism in Kashmir: EU MPs post-valley visit

Two United States&nbsp;State Department officials <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-to-vote-on-thursday-on-how-to-make-trump-impeachment-probe-public-258587">will testify</a> before House of Representatives investigators in the impeachment enquiry against President Donald Trump on Wednesday while lawmakers prepare to weigh rules formalising the impeachment process ahead.

Ukraine specialists Catherine Croft and Christopher Anderson are set to appear before House committees a day after a senior White House official said Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate Democrat rivals raised national security concerns.

Later today, the House Rules Committee is scheduled to take up a resolution proposed by House Democrats laying out the procedures as they move forward with the impeachment of the Republican president.

The two career diplomats are expected to lay out how State Department officials' efforts to express support for Ukraine were stymied by the White House, The Washington Post reported, citing the pair's prepared remarks.

Their closed-door deposition will follow ten&nbsp;hours of testimony on Tuesday by the White House official, Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who raised the alarm about Trump's request - during a July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,&nbsp;for Kiev to investigate Trump's political rival, former Democratic US&nbsp;Vice President Joe Biden.

The call is at the heart of the congressional enquiry into whether Trump misused the power of his office for personal political gain and, if so, whether that rises to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanours" that merit impeachment and removal from office under the Constitution.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

During the conversation, outlined in a memo released by the White House, Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who had served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company.

He also sought an investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US&nbsp;election. Zelenskiy agreed to Trump's requests, according to the memo.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-lawmakers-hear-from-corroborating-witness-in-trump-impeachment-probe-258323">Trump made the request</a> after withholding nearly $400 million in security aid approved by Congress to help Ukraine fight Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Watch: Trump donors charged in Campaign Impeachment Probe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-impeachment-probe-trump-donors-charged-in-campaign-impeachment-probe-255094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Vindman, who as a Ukraine specialist listened to the Trump-Zelenskiy call, told lawmakers on Tuesday the readout of the conversation released by the White House left out information he had sought to include, the New York Times reported.

The rough transcript left out an assertion by Trump that there were recordings of Biden discussing corruption in Ukraine and Zelensky's explicit mention of Burisma, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his testimony.

More witnesses are expected later this week, including Timothy Morrison, the National Security Council Senior Director for Europe and Russia, on Thursday and Robert Blair, a senior adviser to acting White House chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-validates-impeachment-enquiry-against-donald-trump-orders-mueller-document-release-258208">The House is expected to vote this week</a> on the formal process of moving forward with the impeachment inquiry after Republicans criticized the process as unfair to Trump.

Trump has urged his allies to directly tackle the allegations against him.

"This Impeachment nonsense is just a continuation of the Witch Hunt Hoax," he tweeted Wednesday morning, urging Republicans to "go with Substance and close it out!"

Two United States State Department officials will testify before House of Representatives investigators in the impeachment enquiry against President Donald Trump on Wednesday while lawmakers prepare to weigh rules formalising the impeachment process ahead.

Two United States State Department officials will testify before House of Representatives investigators in the impeachment enquiry against President Donald Trump on Wednesday while lawmakers prepare to weigh rules formalising the impeachment process ahead. Ukraine specialists Catherine Croft and Christopher Anderson are set to appear before House committees a day after a senior White House official said Trump's request for Ukraine to investigate Democrat rivals raised national security concerns. Later today, the House Rules Committee is scheduled to take up a resolution proposed by House Democrats laying out the procedures as they move forward with the impeachment of the Republican president. The two career diplomats are expected to lay out how State Department officials' efforts to express support for Ukraine were stymied by the White House, The Washington Post reported, citing the pair's prepared remarks. Their closed-door deposition will follow ten hours of testimony on Tuesday by the White House official, Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who raised the alarm about Trump's request - during a July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, for Kiev to investigate Trump's political rival, former Democratic US Vice President Joe Biden. The call is at the heart of the congressional enquiry into whether Trump misused the power of his office for personal political gain and, if so, whether that rises to the level of "high crimes and misdemeanours" that merit impeachment and removal from office under the Constitution. Trump has denied any wrongdoing. During the conversation, outlined in a memo released by the White House, Trump asked Zelensky to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who had served on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company. He also sought an investigation into a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 US election. Zelenskiy agreed to Trump's requests, according to the memo. Trump made the request after withholding nearly $400 million in security aid approved by Congress to help Ukraine fight Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Watch: Trump donors charged in Campaign Impeachment Probe Vindman, who as a Ukraine specialist listened to the Trump-Zelenskiy call, told lawmakers on Tuesday the readout of the conversation released by the White House left out information he had sought to include, the New York Times reported. The rough transcript left out an assertion by Trump that there were recordings of Biden discussing corruption in Ukraine and Zelensky's explicit mention of Burisma, the Times said, citing three people familiar with his testimony. More witnesses are expected later this week, including Timothy Morrison, the National Security Council Senior Director for Europe and Russia, on Thursday and Robert Blair, a senior adviser to acting White House chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, on Friday. The House is expected to vote this week on the formal process of moving forward with the impeachment inquiry after Republicans criticized the process as unfair to Trump. Trump has urged his allies to directly tackle the allegations against him. "This Impeachment nonsense is just a continuation of the Witch Hunt Hoax," he tweeted Wednesday morning, urging Republicans to "go with Substance and close it out!"

More witnesses to testify as United States House prepares impeachment rules

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne.

Some 50 people were detained as mounted police forced back hundreds of protesters from the convention centre hosting the International Mining and Resources Conference.

Footage posted on social media showed police using pepper spray and batons to push back protesters, with one woman sent to hospital after allegedly being trampled or kicked by a horse.

Another protester was treated for head injuries at the scene while two police were also sent to the hospital for treatment, police said.

More than 300 police officers have been deployed.

"The actions (of police) have been more than justified," Victoria Police acting commander Tim Tully told reporters after the heated altercation.

"It is in line with the training. It is in line with trying to facilitate a peaceful process," he added.

Most of the arrests relate to obstruction, Tully said, but two people were detained for "slapping a police horse in the face".

The annual mining conference is promoted as Australia's largest industry event, with thousands of delegates from over 100 countries expected to attend.&nbsp;

Australia has been actively engaged in the recent wave of climate protests across the globe.

Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and supporters rallied across the country in September for the global climate strike led by students.

The Extinction Rebellion protests also have drawn thousands into the streets this month, with regular smaller targeted demonstrations taking place over the last couple of weeks.

The climate change protesters accused police of heavy-handed tactics on Tuesday.

"There have been some incredibly aggressive and intimating tactics from the police," protest organiser Emma Black told Channel Nine TV.&nbsp;

"Some of my friends have been thrown to the ground,&nbsp;people that were just standing around doing nothing," she added.

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne.

Dozens of protesters were arrested and several people injured Tuesday when police and demonstrators clashed outside an international mining conference in Melbourne. Some 50 people were detained as mounted police forced back hundreds of protesters from the convention centre hosting the International Mining and Resources Conference. Footage posted on social media showed police using pepper spray and batons to push back protesters, with one woman sent to hospital after allegedly being trampled or kicked by a horse. Another protester was treated for head injuries at the scene while two police were also sent to the hospital for treatment, police said. More than 300 police officers have been deployed. "The actions (of police) have been more than justified," Victoria Police acting commander Tim Tully told reporters after the heated altercation. "It is in line with the training. It is in line with trying to facilitate a peaceful process," he added. Most of the arrests relate to obstruction, Tully said, but two people were detained for "slapping a police horse in the face". The annual mining conference is promoted as Australia's largest industry event, with thousands of delegates from over 100 countries expected to attend. Australia has been actively engaged in the recent wave of climate protests across the globe. Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and supporters rallied across the country in September for the global climate strike led by students. The Extinction Rebellion protests also have drawn thousands into the streets this month, with regular smaller targeted demonstrations taking place over the last couple of weeks. The climate change protesters accused police of heavy-handed tactics on Tuesday. "There have been some incredibly aggressive and intimating tactics from the police," protest organiser Emma Black told Channel Nine TV. "Some of my friends have been thrown to the ground, people that were just standing around doing nothing," she added.

Dozens arrested as Australia mining protest turns violent

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-14-258650">Iraqis</a> and Lebanese&nbsp;on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

"The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television.

"The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added.

Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest.

The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said.

"I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating.

"The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security."

Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">Lebanon</a>, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries. "The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television. "The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added. Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest. The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said. "I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating. "The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security." Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups. In Lebanon, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Khamenei urges Iraqis, Lebanese to seek demands within law

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said.

Merkel will be accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and a business delegation, ambassador Walter J. Lindner told reporters.

Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to discuss trade, investment, regional security and climate change.

Both countries could sign agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence and green urban mobility, Lindner said.

"This time, the focus will be on economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," Merkel said in a message ahead of the visit released by the Indian embassy in Berlin.

Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $24.06 billion in the 2018/19 fiscal year ending in March from $22 billion the previous year, while German companies have invested nearly $12 billion in India since 2000.

Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and more than 1,700 German companies are operating in India.

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said.

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said. Merkel will be accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and a business delegation, ambassador Walter J. Lindner told reporters. Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to discuss trade, investment, regional security and climate change. Both countries could sign agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence and green urban mobility, Lindner said. "This time, the focus will be on economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," Merkel said in a message ahead of the visit released by the Indian embassy in Berlin. Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $24.06 billion in the 2018/19 fiscal year ending in March from $22 billion the previous year, while German companies have invested nearly $12 billion in India since 2000. Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and more than 1,700 German companies are operating in India.

India and Germany likely to sign agreement on artificial intelligence

From budgeting for rural weddings to dressing appropriately and avoiding online porn, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lodges-stern-representations-with-australia-over-human-rights-comment-258810">China's</a> Communist Party has issued new guidelines to improve the "moral quality" of its citizens.

Officials have released several sets of guidelines this week alongside a secretive conclave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-downplays-solomon-island-lease-debacle-tells-us-to-stay-out-258765">high-ranking officials in Beijing</a> which discusses the country's future direction.

On Sunday the government published its "Outline for the Implementation of Citizen Moral Construction in the New Era",&nbsp;which advises readers how to use the internet, raise children, celebrate public holidays and behave while travelling abroad.

The guidelines from the Central Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress calls for building "Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese power".

The texts urge citizens to avoid pornography and vulgarity online and follow correct etiquette when raising the flag or singing the national anthem.

Public institutions like libraries and youth centres must carry out "targeted moral education" to improve people's ideological awareness and moral standards, according to the rules.

The guideline also stresses patriotism and loyalty to the motherland.

"People who have a servile attitude to foreign countries, damage national dignity and sell national interests must be disciplined according to the law," it says.

'Bad customs'

A separate set of behavioural guidelines published this week targeted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-members-split-on-chinas-uighur-rights-record-258772">China's rural areas</a>, and urged local governments to weed out "bad customs".

These included abuse of the elderly as well as the practice of extravagant weddings and funerals, according to Zhang Zhiyong, an official from the commission.

Zhang said the most important thing for "rural civility" is the construction and improvement of ideology and morality.

"We must strengthen marital education for young people, and put to full use the Communist Youth League, women's federations, and other group organisations," said Zhang.

State broadcaster CCTV said that the custom to spend a lot on&nbsp;weddings and provide a house and gifts for a new bride,&nbsp;often beyond the means or poorer rural families,&nbsp;was "putting pressure on unmarried males".

China's decades-long one-child policy has resulted in a massive gender gap, and Beijing is anxious about the potential social impact of millions of unmarried men in the countryside.

Zhang called for official organisations to be more closely involved in the lives of rural villagers.

The rules were published as Beijing holds The Fourth Plenum of the Party's Central Committee, a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed.

Beijing produced a list of 58 national "moral models" who exemplify patriotism and "lofty morality" for the celebration of China's 70th national holiday on October 1.

The latest round of moral guidelines update an earlier set published in 2001.

"Money-worship, hedonism, and extreme individualism have grown," according to the 2001 guidelines.&nbsp;

Eighteen years later, the refreshed guidelines listed the same offences, and described them as "still outstanding".

From budgeting for rural weddings to dressing appropriately and avoiding online porn, China's Communist Party has issued new guidelines to improve the "moral quality" of its citizens.

From budgeting for rural weddings to dressing appropriately and avoiding online porn, China's Communist Party has issued new guidelines to improve the "moral quality" of its citizens. Officials have released several sets of guidelines this week alongside a secretive conclave of high-ranking officials in Beijing which discusses the country's future direction. On Sunday the government published its "Outline for the Implementation of Citizen Moral Construction in the New Era", which advises readers how to use the internet, raise children, celebrate public holidays and behave while travelling abroad. The guidelines from the Central Commission for Guiding Cultural and Ethical Progress calls for building "Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese power". The texts urge citizens to avoid pornography and vulgarity online and follow correct etiquette when raising the flag or singing the national anthem. Public institutions like libraries and youth centres must carry out "targeted moral education" to improve people's ideological awareness and moral standards, according to the rules. The guideline also stresses patriotism and loyalty to the motherland. "People who have a servile attitude to foreign countries, damage national dignity and sell national interests must be disciplined according to the law," it says. 'Bad customs' A separate set of behavioural guidelines published this week targeted China's rural areas, and urged local governments to weed out "bad customs". These included abuse of the elderly as well as the practice of extravagant weddings and funerals, according to Zhang Zhiyong, an official from the commission. Zhang said the most important thing for "rural civility" is the construction and improvement of ideology and morality. "We must strengthen marital education for young people, and put to full use the Communist Youth League, women's federations, and other group organisations," said Zhang. State broadcaster CCTV said that the custom to spend a lot on weddings and provide a house and gifts for a new bride, often beyond the means or poorer rural families, was "putting pressure on unmarried males". China's decades-long one-child policy has resulted in a massive gender gap, and Beijing is anxious about the potential social impact of millions of unmarried men in the countryside. Zhang called for official organisations to be more closely involved in the lives of rural villagers. The rules were published as Beijing holds The Fourth Plenum of the Party's Central Committee, a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed. Beijing produced a list of 58 national "moral models" who exemplify patriotism and "lofty morality" for the celebration of China's 70th national holiday on October 1. The latest round of moral guidelines update an earlier set published in 2001. "Money-worship, hedonism, and extreme individualism have grown," according to the 2001 guidelines. Eighteen years later, the refreshed guidelines listed the same offences, and described them as "still outstanding".

Avoid porn, dress appropriately and be patriotic: China pushes for higher 'moral quality' in citizens

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whatsapp-sues-israels-nso-for-alleged-cyber-espionage-targeting-civil-society-worldwide-258713">Israeli</a> diplomats began an open-ended strike on Wednesday, closing more than 100 embassies and consulates around the world in a protest over working conditions.

The stoppage follows a long-running dispute between diplomatic staff and the finance ministry, which the envoys say has unilaterally changed its rules on reimbursing expenses for entertaining official guests.

"We are forced to close the Israeli representations in the world as of today (October 30)," the foreign ministry staff union said in a statement.

"No services will be provided to the public and admission to delegations will not be allowed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-military-chief-gantz-receives-official-mandate-to-form-government-in-israel-257948">Israel's</a> ambassador to Belgium, Emmanuel Nachshon, said the row was over a treasury demand that receipts be provided with expense claims for home entertaining.

"Our embassy is closed like the rest of the Israeli embassies in the world," he told Israeli public radio.

"When you host somebody in your home when you hold a dinner or other activity, it's not always possible to provide a receipt for everything," he said.

"They need to trust us when we declare such an expense."

Israeli financial daily Globes reported last month that the foreign ministry was in deep crisis after repeated cuts to its budget and that its accountant general had ordered envoys to stop all business trips and entertaining and end overtime for local staff.

Israeli diplomats began an open-ended strike on Wednesday, closing more than 100 embassies and consulates around the world in a protest over working conditions. The stoppage follows a long-running dispute between diplomatic staff and the finance ministry, which the envoys say has unilaterally changed its rules on reimbursing expenses for entertaining official guests.

Israeli diplomats began an open-ended strike on Wednesday, closing more than 100 embassies and consulates around the world in a protest over working conditions. The stoppage follows a long-running dispute between diplomatic staff and the finance ministry, which the envoys say has unilaterally changed its rules on reimbursing expenses for entertaining official guests. "We are forced to close the Israeli representations in the world as of today (October 30)," the foreign ministry staff union said in a statement. "No services will be provided to the public and admission to delegations will not be allowed." Israel's ambassador to Belgium, Emmanuel Nachshon, said the row was over a treasury demand that receipts be provided with expense claims for home entertaining. "Our embassy is closed like the rest of the Israeli embassies in the world," he told Israeli public radio. "When you host somebody in your home when you hold a dinner or other activity, it's not always possible to provide a receipt for everything," he said. "They need to trust us when we declare such an expense." Israeli financial daily Globes reported last month that the foreign ministry was in deep crisis after repeated cuts to its budget and that its accountant general had ordered envoys to stop all business trips and entertaining and end overtime for local staff.

Israeli diplomats strike over working conditions

Britain Set for December 12 Election to Break the Brexit Deadlock. Watch video to know more.

Britain set for December 12 election to break Brexit deadlock

A Pakistani court on Wednesday approved the bail plea of former Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-granted-bail-on-medical-grounds-for-8-weeks-258663">Nawaz Sharif's</a> son-in-law, Captain (retired) Muhammad Safdar in a hate speech case. 
 
Safdar was arrested on October 21 for allegedly passing derogatory comments on the Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and the apex court judges. The case had been registered against him under section 16 of the MPO and additional charges were also added after he was presented before the court. 
 
Geo News reported that Lahore's session court-approved Safdar's bail plea and has asked him to submit a surety bond of Pakistani Rupees 2,00,000. 
 
Safdar is a senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and husband of Maryam Nawaz. He was arrested on a motorway while he was returning to Lahore from Bhera last week.

A Pakistani court on Wednesday approved the bail plea of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law, Captain (retired) Muhammad Safdar in a hate speech case.

A Pakistani court on Wednesday approved the bail plea of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law, Captain (retired) Muhammad Safdar in a hate speech case. Safdar was arrested on October 21 for allegedly passing derogatory comments on the Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and the apex court judges. The case had been registered against him under section 16 of the MPO and additional charges were also added after he was presented before the court. Geo News reported that Lahore's session court-approved Safdar's bail plea and has asked him to submit a surety bond of Pakistani Rupees 2,00,000. Safdar is a senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and husband of Maryam Nawaz. He was arrested on a motorway while he was returning to Lahore from Bhera last week.

Muhammad Safdar, son-in-law of Nawaz Sharif granted bail in hate speech case

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. 
 
The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. 
 
An investigation into the incident has been initiated. 
 
Further details are awaited.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district.

At least seven civilians sustained injuries after a bomb-laden motorbike exploded in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Wednesday, provincial police said. The incident took place at 1:11 pm (local time) in the bazaar of Spin Boldak district. The motorbike was parked in front of a hotel, Xinhua quoted provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai as saying. An investigation into the incident has been initiated. Further details are awaited.

Seven injured as bomb-laden motorbike explodes in Afghanistan

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that armed Kurdish forces had withdrawn from a safe zone near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-largely-reached-agreement-with-russia-in-syria-talks-report-258801">north-eastern Syrian</a> border with Turkey faster than scheduled.

''The withdrawal of armed forces from the territory where a safety corridor is supposed to be created has been completed ahead of schedule. Syrian border guards and our military police have entered the area", Shoigu said.

A 150-hour deadline set by Ankara and Moscow at a meeting between President Putin and President Erdogan expired at 1500 GMT on Tuesday.

Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organisation because of its links to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey and attacked the US-allied YPG following US President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of 1,000 American forces from northern Syria in early October.

Talks between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-kurdish-ypg-still-in-syria-border-area-as-deadline-looms-258685">Turkish and Russian officials</a> on developments in northeast Syria had concluded and the two delegations had "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the Syrian Kurdish YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that armed Kurdish forces had withdrawn from a safe zone near the north-eastern Syrian border with Turkey faster than scheduled.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that armed Kurdish forces had withdrawn from a safe zone near the north-eastern Syrian border with Turkey faster than scheduled. ''The withdrawal of armed forces from the territory where a safety corridor is supposed to be created has been completed ahead of schedule. Syrian border guards and our military police have entered the area", Shoigu said. A 150-hour deadline set by Ankara and Moscow at a meeting between President Putin and President Erdogan expired at 1500 GMT on Tuesday. Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organisation because of its links to Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey and attacked the US-allied YPG following US President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of 1,000 American forces from northern Syria in early October. Talks between Turkish and Russian officials on developments in northeast Syria had concluded and the two delegations had "largely" reached an agreement, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Russia had informed Turkey that the Syrian Kurdish YPG had left a planned "safe zone" within a deadline set by Ankara and Moscow. Under their agreement, Russia and Turkey were then due to start joint patrols.

Russia says Kurdish withdrawal in northeast Syria complete

The local administration has imposed a ban on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in the city for two months, fearing that these can be used by miscreants to sabotage security during the anti-government protest,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/azadi-march-sets-out-from-karachi-to-islamabad-258535">'Azadi March'</a>.

An order issued by the District Magistrate of Islamabad stated that the UAVs pose a unique threat to the precarious security situation of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and can be used by "miscreants to conduct terrorist acts in the areas that have been secured and safeguarded against the ground attacks."

"It has been informed that a certain segment of public operates 'Un-manned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Islamabad, which pose a unique threat to the precarious security situation of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). These UAVs can be used by miscreant to conduct terrorist acts in the areas that have been secured and safeguarded against ground attacks," the order read, as cited in a report by Geo News.

"Any possible terrorist attack would jeopardise the security of the residents of ICT and sensitive installations that would create law and order situation and threat public peace at large," added the order.

Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat has said the ban has been imposed for a period of two months on all kinds of UAVs, including remote-controlled aircraft.

In addition, a source in the Islamabad Administration has said that the use of drone cameras by media would also be strictly prohibited during the coverage of 'Azadi March,' reports Geo News.

The anti-government Azadi March caravan led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman and joined by other opposition parties in Pakistan will reach Islamabad on Thursday.

The local administration has imposed a ban on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in the city for two months, fearing that these can be used by miscreants to sabotage security during the anti-government protest, 'Azadi March'.

The local administration has imposed a ban on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in the city for two months, fearing that these can be used by miscreants to sabotage security during the anti-government protest, 'Azadi March'. An order issued by the District Magistrate of Islamabad stated that the UAVs pose a unique threat to the precarious security situation of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and can be used by "miscreants to conduct terrorist acts in the areas that have been secured and safeguarded against the ground attacks." "It has been informed that a certain segment of public operates 'Un-manned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Islamabad, which pose a unique threat to the precarious security situation of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). These UAVs can be used by miscreant to conduct terrorist acts in the areas that have been secured and safeguarded against ground attacks," the order read, as cited in a report by Geo News. "Any possible terrorist attack would jeopardise the security of the residents of ICT and sensitive installations that would create law and order situation and threat public peace at large," added the order. Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat has said the ban has been imposed for a period of two months on all kinds of UAVs, including remote-controlled aircraft. In addition, a source in the Islamabad Administration has said that the use of drone cameras by media would also be strictly prohibited during the coverage of 'Azadi March,' reports Geo News. The anti-government Azadi March caravan led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman and joined by other opposition parties in Pakistan will reach Islamabad on Thursday.

Drones in Islamabad banned for two months

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Bharat Sharma

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