Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur and National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal, Dawn reported.

Khan also visited divisional headquarters hospital to inquire about the health of survivors.

Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan`s Punjab.

Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged.

Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster.

Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly at the time of the disaster.

The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake.

However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet.

Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday visited earthquake affected Mirpur district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Khan held a meeting with PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider and was briefed about the losses as well as rescue and rehabilitation measure. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur and National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal, Dawn reported. Khan also visited divisional headquarters hospital to inquire about the health of survivors. Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan`s Punjab. Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged. Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster. Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly at the time of the disaster. The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake. However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet. Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Imran Khan visits earthquake-hit Mirpur district in PoK

&nbsp;

India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday&nbsp;refused Pakistan's invite to attend the inauguration ceremony of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kartarpur-corridor-construction-in-full-swing-will-open-in-november-201710">Kartarpur corridor</a> in November.

Newswire ANI quoting Congress sources reported that the former Indian prime minister had rejected Pakistan's invite.

Earlier, cricketer-turned-politician BJP MP Gautam Gambhir had termed Pakistan's invite to Manmohan Singh as a "political move".

"It is up to the Congress to decide whether they want to send Dr Singh or not. Navjot Singh Sidhu went and hugged General Bajwa and only one person opposed that move - Captain Amarinder Singh," Gambhir had said earlier.

On Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent tirade against India at the UNGA, Gambhir tweeted, saying: "Sportspeople are supposed to be role models. Of good behavior. Of Team spirit. Of ethics. Of strength of character. Recently in the UN, we also saw a former sportsperson speak up. As a role model for terrorists. Imran Khan should be excommunicated from the sports community."

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa had said earlier that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with his cabinet and several other MLAs and central government representatives would be visiting the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening.

Pakistan has said it would be opening the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan on November 9.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday refused Pakistan's invite to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor in November. Newswire ANI quoting Congress sources reported that the former Indian prime minister had rejected Pakistan's invite.

India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday refused Pakistan's invite to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor in November. Newswire ANI quoting Congress sources reported that the former Indian prime minister had rejected Pakistan's invite. Earlier, cricketer-turned-politician BJP MP Gautam Gambhir had termed Pakistan's invite to Manmohan Singh as a "political move". "It is up to the Congress to decide whether they want to send Dr Singh or not. Navjot Singh Sidhu went and hugged General Bajwa and only one person opposed that move - Captain Amarinder Singh," Gambhir had said earlier. On Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent tirade against India at the UNGA, Gambhir tweeted, saying: "Sportspeople are supposed to be role models. Of good behavior. Of Team spirit. Of ethics. Of strength of character. Recently in the UN, we also saw a former sportsperson speak up. As a role model for terrorists. Imran Khan should be excommunicated from the sports community." Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa had said earlier that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with his cabinet and several other MLAs and central government representatives would be visiting the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening. Pakistan has said it would be opening the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan on November 9. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Former PM Manmohan Singh declines Pak invite to attend Kartarupur inauguration ceremony

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mbs-denies-killing-journalist-jamal-khashoggi-252896">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> on Monday denied his involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

Speaking to the CBS programme "60 Minutes," Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, however, added that he ultimately bears "full responsibility" as the leader of his country.

Days before the anniversary of the killing of Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Turkey, the crown prince said, "Absolutely not," when asked if he ordered the murder.

"Since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government. This was a mistake. And I must take all actions to avoid such a thing in the future," the crown prince added.

Asked about how the killing could have happened without him knowing about it," the crown prince said, "Some think that I should know what 3 million people working for the Saudi government do daily. It's impossible that the 3 million would send their daily reports to the leader or the second-highest person in the Saudi government."

Watch: MBS denies killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi

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He insisted that "the investigations are being carried out, and once charges are proven against someone, regardless of their rank, it will be taken to court, no exception made."

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, according to reports, and his remains have not been found.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday denied his involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Speaking to the CBS programme "60 Minutes," Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, however, added that he ultimately bears "full responsibility" as the leader of his country.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday denied his involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Speaking to the CBS programme "60 Minutes," Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, however, added that he ultimately bears "full responsibility" as the leader of his country. Days before the anniversary of the killing of Khashoggi in a Saudi consulate in Turkey, the crown prince said, "Absolutely not," when asked if he ordered the murder. "Since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government. This was a mistake. And I must take all actions to avoid such a thing in the future," the crown prince added. Asked about how the killing could have happened without him knowing about it," the crown prince said, "Some think that I should know what 3 million people working for the Saudi government do daily. It's impossible that the 3 million would send their daily reports to the leader or the second-highest person in the Saudi government." Watch: MBS denies killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi × He insisted that "the investigations are being carried out, and once charges are proven against someone, regardless of their rank, it will be taken to court, no exception made." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, according to reports, and his remains have not been found. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Absolutely not': Saudi Crown Prince Salman denies involvement in Khashoggi murder

World leaders, past and present, stood in silence in Paris on Monday at a funeral service for Jacques Chirac, the French leader remembered at home for his folksy charisma and abroad for opposing the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

France's Emmanuel Macron, Russia's Vladimir Putin and former US&nbsp;president Bill Clinton were among the mourners in the aisles of the Saint Sulpice church for the mass in memory of Chirac, who died last week aged 86.

Chirac's coffin, draped in the French flag, rested at the front of the church after having been driven in a procession escorted by police motorcyclists along streets lined by thousands of Parisians.

Chirac, who served as president from 1995 to 2007, was feted by many French people for asserting their country's role as a global player, a stance that put him at odds with Washington over the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Chirac was from his earliest years a member of the French establishment, but he also had a knack for connecting with ordinary people outside the urban elite. A court conviction after he left office for misusing public funds did little to tarnish his image.

"Peace is what we ask for on this emotional day of farewell, which touches all of France together," Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit told the roughly 2,000 people gathered in the church.

Chirac's widow Bernadette was absent from the funeral mass because of frail health, the archbishop said. 
&nbsp;

World leaders, past and present, stood in silence in Paris on Monday at a funeral service for Jacques Chirac, the French leader remembered at home for his folksy charisma and abroad for opposing the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

World leaders, past and present, stood in silence in Paris on Monday at a funeral service for Jacques Chirac, the French leader remembered at home for his folksy charisma and abroad for opposing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. France's Emmanuel Macron, Russia's Vladimir Putin and former US president Bill Clinton were among the mourners in the aisles of the Saint Sulpice church for the mass in memory of Chirac, who died last week aged 86. Chirac's coffin, draped in the French flag, rested at the front of the church after having been driven in a procession escorted by police motorcyclists along streets lined by thousands of Parisians. Chirac, who served as president from 1995 to 2007, was feted by many French people for asserting their country's role as a global player, a stance that put him at odds with Washington over the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Chirac was from his earliest years a member of the French establishment, but he also had a knack for connecting with ordinary people outside the urban elite. A court conviction after he left office for misusing public funds did little to tarnish his image. "Peace is what we ask for on this emotional day of farewell, which touches all of France together," Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit told the roughly 2,000 people gathered in the church. Chirac's widow Bernadette was absent from the funeral mass because of frail health, the archbishop said.

France's political class unites to honour Jacques Chirac at funeral service

US President Donald Trump railed against the Democratic lawmaker leading the impeachment probe Monday, suggesting he be arrested for treason for depicting him as using mafia-like tactics.

Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, opened a congressional hearing last week by pretending to be the president speaking like a mob boss to pressure Ukraine's leader to probe rival Joe Biden.

The impersonation was intended to dramatize Schiff's contention that Trump's July 25 phone call to Volodymyr Zelensky was a classic mafia-like shakedown -- but has been widely criticized by conservative media.

Trump denounced it on Twitter as a "FAKE &amp; terrible statement," saying Schiff "pretended it to be mine as the most important part of my call to the Ukrainian President, and read it aloud to Congress and the American people.

"It bore NO relationship to what I said on the call. Arrest for Treason?"

US President Donald Trump railed against the Democratic lawmaker leading the impeachment probe Monday, suggesting he be arrested for treason for depicting him as using mafia-like tactics.

US President Donald Trump railed against the Democratic lawmaker leading the impeachment probe Monday, suggesting he be arrested for treason for depicting him as using mafia-like tactics. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, opened a congressional hearing last week by pretending to be the president speaking like a mob boss to pressure Ukraine's leader to probe rival Joe Biden. The impersonation was intended to dramatize Schiff's contention that Trump's July 25 phone call to Volodymyr Zelensky was a classic mafia-like shakedown -- but has been widely criticized by conservative media. Trump denounced it on Twitter as a "FAKE & terrible statement," saying Schiff "pretended it to be mine as the most important part of my call to the Ukrainian President, and read it aloud to Congress and the American people. "It bore NO relationship to what I said on the call. Arrest for Treason?"

Trump suggests 'arrest for treason' of Democrat leading impeachment probe

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The National Iranian Oil Company signed a contract worth around $52 million Monday with three local companies to supply 50 pumps for the pipeline project, according to the Iranian oil ministry's Shana website.

The pipeline will run from Bushehr province on the Gulf to Bandar-e-Jask on the Sea of Oman, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;

"Construction of the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the crude oil export terminal at Jask Port are among the priority plans," Shana reported.

The approximately 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) pipeline will bring oil from Goreh in Bushehr to Jask, making it "strategically important as the country's second-largest crude oil export terminal," Shana reported.

According to Tehran's official IRNA news agency, Jask will export its first crude within 18 months.&nbsp;

In September 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced "a major part" of Iran's exports would be shifted to Jask from the Kharg Island terminal -- deep in the Gulf.

He said the project would be completed by the end of his term in summer 2021.

To reach the oil terminal on Kharg Island, tankers must pass the chokepoint Strait of Hormuz -- through which most Gulf oil passes -- slowing deliveries by several days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran has in the past repeatedly threatened to block the strait -- which is used by its Gulf rivals including Saudi Arabia -- when faced with sanctions on its oil exports and possible military action by the US.

Washington and Tehran came close to armed conflict in June following a military escalation in the Gulf.

Tension has grown since May 2018 when the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions aimed at stopping it from exporting oil.

Washington, Riyadh, Berlin, London and Paris blamed Iran for attacks that damaged the Saudi oil sector on September 14.

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said on Monday that it is on track to create a new oil terminal on the Sea of Oman that would open a new export route for its crude and allow tankers to bypass the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The National Iranian Oil Company signed a contract worth around $52 million Monday with three local companies to supply 50 pumps for the pipeline project, according to the Iranian oil ministry's Shana website. The pipeline will run from Bushehr province on the Gulf to Bandar-e-Jask on the Sea of Oman, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. "Construction of the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the crude oil export terminal at Jask Port are among the priority plans," Shana reported. The approximately 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) pipeline will bring oil from Goreh in Bushehr to Jask, making it "strategically important as the country's second-largest crude oil export terminal," Shana reported. According to Tehran's official IRNA news agency, Jask will export its first crude within 18 months. In September 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced "a major part" of Iran's exports would be shifted to Jask from the Kharg Island terminal -- deep in the Gulf. He said the project would be completed by the end of his term in summer 2021. To reach the oil terminal on Kharg Island, tankers must pass the chokepoint Strait of Hormuz -- through which most Gulf oil passes -- slowing deliveries by several days. Iran has in the past repeatedly threatened to block the strait -- which is used by its Gulf rivals including Saudi Arabia -- when faced with sanctions on its oil exports and possible military action by the US. Washington and Tehran came close to armed conflict in June following a military escalation in the Gulf. Tension has grown since May 2018 when the United States withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions aimed at stopping it from exporting oil. Washington, Riyadh, Berlin, London and Paris blamed Iran for attacks that damaged the Saudi oil sector on September 14.

Iran on track to open new oil terminal outside Gulf

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-mercenaries-among-troops-captured-during-saudi-attack-yemens-houthi-rebels-252738">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a> have freed 290 prisoners, including dozens of survivors from a Saudi-led coalition strike on a detention centre earlier this month, the ICRC said Monday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross hailed the move as "a positive step that will hopefully revive the release, transfer and repatriation of conflict-related detainees" under a deal struck last year between the rebels and Yemen's government.

The Houthis recently announced the capture of hundreds of Yemeni loyalist forces in an August offensive near the Saudi border, but they were not among those freed on Monday.

The United Nations' special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, welcomed the initiative to "unilaterally release detainees".

"I hope this step will lead to further initiatives that will facilitate the exchange of all the conflict-related detainees as per the Stockholm Agreement" Griffiths said, referring to the 2018 accord.

He called on all parties to work together to speed prisoner releases, saying they and their families had "endured profound pain and suffering."&nbsp;

In a statement, he urged the parties to meet at the "nearest opportunity" to resume the discussions on future exchanges.

The Houthi's own announcement on the prisoner release said there were 350 in the group, including three Saudis.

"We have presented to the United Nations a unilateral initiative to release 350 prisoners," Abdel Kader Mortaza, the Houthi official in charge of prisoner affairs, said at a press conference in Sanaa.

Years of conflict in Yemen have killed tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians.

Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened to back up the government in 2015, the fighting has plunged the country -- the poorest in the Arab world -- into what the UN calls the globe's worst humanitarian crisis.

In early September, a Saudi-led coalition backing the government struck a former college in the western city of Dhamar, used by the Houthis as a detention centre.

The Red Cross said over 100 people were killed.

 
&nbsp;

Yemen's Houthi rebels have freed 290 prisoners, including dozens of survivors from a Saudi-led coalition strike on a detention centre earlier this month, the ICRC said Monday.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have freed 290 prisoners, including dozens of survivors from a Saudi-led coalition strike on a detention centre earlier this month, the ICRC said Monday. The International Committee of the Red Cross hailed the move as "a positive step that will hopefully revive the release, transfer and repatriation of conflict-related detainees" under a deal struck last year between the rebels and Yemen's government. The Houthis recently announced the capture of hundreds of Yemeni loyalist forces in an August offensive near the Saudi border, but they were not among those freed on Monday. The United Nations' special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, welcomed the initiative to "unilaterally release detainees". "I hope this step will lead to further initiatives that will facilitate the exchange of all the conflict-related detainees as per the Stockholm Agreement" Griffiths said, referring to the 2018 accord. He called on all parties to work together to speed prisoner releases, saying they and their families had "endured profound pain and suffering." In a statement, he urged the parties to meet at the "nearest opportunity" to resume the discussions on future exchanges. The Houthi's own announcement on the prisoner release said there were 350 in the group, including three Saudis. "We have presented to the United Nations a unilateral initiative to release 350 prisoners," Abdel Kader Mortaza, the Houthi official in charge of prisoner affairs, said at a press conference in Sanaa. Years of conflict in Yemen have killed tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians. Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened to back up the government in 2015, the fighting has plunged the country -- the poorest in the Arab world -- into what the UN calls the globe's worst humanitarian crisis. In early September, a Saudi-led coalition backing the government struck a former college in the western city of Dhamar, used by the Houthis as a detention centre. The Red Cross said over 100 people were killed.

Yemen Houthi rebels free 290 prisoners: ICRC

Britain's Boris Johnson is known for his colourful love life but the accusation he grabbed a young woman's thigh when he was a magazine editor risks a scandal as he seeks to unite his party over Brexit.

The prime minister, who is attending his Conservative party's conference in Manchester, northwest England, is accused of giving a female journalist's leg "a squeeze" while at a private lunch 20 years ago.

Johnson never comments on his personal life but his spokesman issued a clear denial -- an acknowledgement that the claim is more serious than gossip about his affairs.

It follows accusations that Johnson gave special access to a US businesswoman with whom he is alleged to have had a relationship when he was mayor of London.

He denies any impropriety, but it is yet another headache after his defeats in parliament and the courts over his pledge to leave the EU on October 31, come what may.

Powerful men

In an article published in The Sunday Times, journalist Charlotte Edwardes described a boozy lunch in the offices of The Spectator magazine around two decades ago, when Johnson was editor.

She was sitting next to him and wrote that "under the table I feel Johnson's hand on my thigh. He gives it a squeeze".

"His hand is high up my leg and he has enough inner flesh beneath his fingers to make me sit suddenly upright."

She said a woman she spoke with after the dinner, who was sitting on Johnson's other side, said the same thing happened to her.

Johnson was married at the time to his second wife. They are now divorced and he currently lives with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds.

Downing Street said Edwardes' claim was "untrue", and the prime minister himself denied it in a television interview, while refusing to comment further.

But health minister Matt Hancock said he knew Edwardes well, and "I entirely trust what she has to say".

Former Conservative minister Justine Greening, who is now an independent MP, said the claim was "deeply concerning".

It went "to the heart of this question about character and integrity of people in public life and what standards the electorate have a right to expect," she told BBC radio.

The allegation comes two years after defence minister Michael Fallon quit following revelations he tried to kiss a journalist.

Opposition Labour lawmaker Dawn Butler added: "What is it about powerful men feeling entitled to harass women? Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer."

A feminist

Yet at the party conference in Manchester, many delegates were sanguine -- while a number of female Conservatives offered their support for Johnson.

"He's a decent person. I think he cares a great deal about women and girls," former defence minister Penny Mordaunt told a fringe meeting.

MP Rachel Maclean highlighted Johnson's campaigning against female genital mutilation, declaring him "a feminist".

Fleur Butler, national chairman of the Conservative Women's Organisation, told AFP the claim related to a time when "the world was a different place".

She said she did not know if the claim was true but added: "It's really important though for the party to say that we do not accept this type of behaviour moving forward."

Brexit first 

Johnson is no stranger to personal scandal, most recently over a noisy row with Symonds that resulted in police being called to their flat in south London.

There are concerns that the latest claims could damage Johnson's standing with women, who are already less likely to support him.

A YouGov survey this week found 44 per cent of men thought Johnson was likeable, compared to 34 per cent of women.

One female Conservative member in her 20s, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: "I think it's a really big issue.

"There are still some older members of the Conservative party who don't treat women as they should."

But for many in Manchester, the biggest issue remains Brexit -- and they believe Johnson is the man who can deliver that, regardless of anything else.

"We need to get somebody to get Brexit done," Margaret Dane, a retired Tory party member, told AFP.

As for the squeezing allegation, she added: "I'll just have to discount the fact that it might be the truth."

Others dismissed it as yet another story "dredged up" to discredit the prime minister.

"It should be looked into. But so much is coming out, I think people are getting immune to it," said 48-year-old councillor Julian Goodrich. 
&nbsp;

Britain's Boris Johnson is known for his colourful love life but the accusation he grabbed a young woman's thigh when he was a magazine editor risks a scandal as he seeks to unite his party over Brexit.

Britain's Boris Johnson is known for his colourful love life but the accusation he grabbed a young woman's thigh when he was a magazine editor risks a scandal as he seeks to unite his party over Brexit. The prime minister, who is attending his Conservative party's conference in Manchester, northwest England, is accused of giving a female journalist's leg "a squeeze" while at a private lunch 20 years ago. Johnson never comments on his personal life but his spokesman issued a clear denial -- an acknowledgement that the claim is more serious than gossip about his affairs. It follows accusations that Johnson gave special access to a US businesswoman with whom he is alleged to have had a relationship when he was mayor of London. He denies any impropriety, but it is yet another headache after his defeats in parliament and the courts over his pledge to leave the EU on October 31, come what may. Powerful men In an article published in The Sunday Times, journalist Charlotte Edwardes described a boozy lunch in the offices of The Spectator magazine around two decades ago, when Johnson was editor. She was sitting next to him and wrote that "under the table I feel Johnson's hand on my thigh. He gives it a squeeze". "His hand is high up my leg and he has enough inner flesh beneath his fingers to make me sit suddenly upright." She said a woman she spoke with after the dinner, who was sitting on Johnson's other side, said the same thing happened to her. Johnson was married at the time to his second wife. They are now divorced and he currently lives with his girlfriend Carrie Symonds. Downing Street said Edwardes' claim was "untrue", and the prime minister himself denied it in a television interview, while refusing to comment further. But health minister Matt Hancock said he knew Edwardes well, and "I entirely trust what she has to say". Former Conservative minister Justine Greening, who is now an independent MP, said the claim was "deeply concerning". It went "to the heart of this question about character and integrity of people in public life and what standards the electorate have a right to expect," she told BBC radio. The allegation comes two years after defence minister Michael Fallon quit following revelations he tried to kiss a journalist. Opposition Labour lawmaker Dawn Butler added: "What is it about powerful men feeling entitled to harass women? Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer." A feminist Yet at the party conference in Manchester, many delegates were sanguine -- while a number of female Conservatives offered their support for Johnson. "He's a decent person. I think he cares a great deal about women and girls," former defence minister Penny Mordaunt told a fringe meeting. MP Rachel Maclean highlighted Johnson's campaigning against female genital mutilation, declaring him "a feminist". Fleur Butler, national chairman of the Conservative Women's Organisation, told AFP the claim related to a time when "the world was a different place". She said she did not know if the claim was true but added: "It's really important though for the party to say that we do not accept this type of behaviour moving forward." Brexit first Johnson is no stranger to personal scandal, most recently over a noisy row with Symonds that resulted in police being called to their flat in south London. There are concerns that the latest claims could damage Johnson's standing with women, who are already less likely to support him. A YouGov survey this week found 44 per cent of men thought Johnson was likeable, compared to 34 per cent of women. One female Conservative member in her 20s, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP: "I think it's a really big issue. "There are still some older members of the Conservative party who don't treat women as they should." But for many in Manchester, the biggest issue remains Brexit -- and they believe Johnson is the man who can deliver that, regardless of anything else. "We need to get somebody to get Brexit done," Margaret Dane, a retired Tory party member, told AFP. As for the squeezing allegation, she added: "I'll just have to discount the fact that it might be the truth." Others dismissed it as yet another story "dredged up" to discredit the prime minister. "It should be looked into. But so much is coming out, I think people are getting immune to it," said 48-year-old councillor Julian Goodrich.

British PM Boris Johnson on defensive again over groping claim

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition.

Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results.

Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May.

The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll.

The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote.

That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition.

The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent.

A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent.

Far-right falls&nbsp;

Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of the victory had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves.

Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 -- said he would keep all options open.

"It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said.

The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims.

FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition".

Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- &nbsp;had looked a likely outcome.

Rebrand for Kurz?

The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in Austria's big cities.

The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration.&nbsp;

"The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens.

"For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added.

Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option.&nbsp;

Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together.

But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election.

Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election.

A new administration could take months to emerge.

On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks.

Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate".

The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition.

Austrian conservatives won the most seats in snap elections Sunday, putting their 33-year-old leader Sebastian Kurz on track to retake power but forcing him into tough coalition negotiations after a corruption scandal sent his erstwhile far-right allies preparing for opposition. Kurz's People's Party (OeVP) gained 37 per cent, up almost six percentage points from the last election two years ago, but not enough to form a government on its own, according to projections based on partial results. Kurz's former allies, the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe), were the biggest losers of the night, falling 10 percentage points to around 16 per cent following the spectacular "Ibiza-gate" corruption scandal in May. The affair brought down the OeVP-FPOe coalition after just 18 months in government and triggered Sunday's snap poll. The Greens were also big winners as climate change rose to the top of voters' concerns, securing around 14 per cent of the vote. That means they will be viable coalition partners for a new government, but Green leader Werner Kogler said on Sunday evening that in order to consider working with Kurz, the party would need to see "radical change" from the right-wing policies pursued by the previous coalition. The centre-left Social Democrats look set for their worst-ever result on around 22 per cent of the vote, with the liberal NEOS party winning around eight per cent. A total of 6.4 million people were eligible to vote in the small Alpine country, with turnout estimated at 75.5 per cent. Far-right falls Kurz told jubilant supporters at party headquarters on Sunday evening the scale of the victory had left him "almost speechless", but gave few clues as to his next moves. Before the election, Kurz -- a former law student, who has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks to become the youngest-ever chancellor in 2017 -- said he would keep all options open. "It is a big responsibility. We accept this trust humbly and respectfully, and I promise we will do our best to honour this trust," Kurz said. The FPOe took a bigger hit than expected from the "Ibiza-gate" scandal which brought down its long-time leader Heinz-Christian Strache, and was followed by a fresh investigation against him announced in the past week -- this time over alleged fraudulent expense claims. FPOe leader Norbert Hofer, a former aircraft engineer who took over from Strache, told Austrian media that he believed Sunday's result meant the party would not take part in coalition talks and that it was "preparing for opposition". Previously, a renewed coalition with the far-right -- touted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other nationalists as a model for all of Europe -- had looked a likely outcome. Rebrand for Kurz? The Greens failed to make it into parliament in the last election in 2017, in a shock result, but have staged an impressive recovery, with an especially strong showing in Austria's big cities. The Greens' gains put Kurz in a tough spot if he wants to try to woo them and rebrand himself as fighting climate change rather than immigration. "The Greens could be an opportunity for Kurz to jump on the environment bandwagon while also getting the green wave under control," political analyst Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute told AFP, pointing out that the OeVP in the more rural Salzburg and Tyrol regions already worked with the Greens. "For Kurz the important thing will be to know who he will be able to best control and who poses a danger for him," he added. Forming a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) is another option. Since World War II, either the OeVP or SPOe have always been in government, and for 44 years in total the two have ruled together. But it was Kurz who ended their last "grand coalition", leading to the 2017 election. Kurz has also floated the idea of ruling in a minority government. But this could bring political uncertainty or even trigger another election. A new administration could take months to emerge. On Sunday President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens leader, said initial discussions between the parties would take place in the coming weeks. Van der Bellen said he would "strive to make sure... that trust is rebuilt" after "Ibiza-gate". The OeVP-FPOe government imploded in May when two German media outlets published footage filmed secretly on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza, showing then FPOe leader Strache appearing to offer public contracts in exchange for campaign help from a fake Russian backer.

Conservatives win Austria election as far-right tumbles

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007.

Chirac's coffin, draped in a French flag, was carried into the church by his former bodyguards while onlookers applauded outside.

As well as President Emmanuel Macron, other world leaders attending included Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

Chirac's widow Bernadette, who is said to be in frail health, attended a private service earlier but was not present at the main ceremony.

Chirac's immediate successors, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, were both present, as, in a rare public appearance, was the third president of France's modern Fifth Republic, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, 93.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose father and former far-right chief Jean-Marie Le Pen was an arch-foe of Chirac, opted in the end not to attend after Chirac's family made known she would not be welcome.

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86. President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007.

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86. President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007. Chirac's coffin, draped in a French flag, was carried into the church by his former bodyguards while onlookers applauded outside. As well as President Emmanuel Macron, other world leaders attending included Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. Chirac's widow Bernadette, who is said to be in frail health, attended a private service earlier but was not present at the main ceremony. Chirac's immediate successors, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, were both present, as, in a rare public appearance, was the third president of France's modern Fifth Republic, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, 93. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose father and former far-right chief Jean-Marie Le Pen was an arch-foe of Chirac, opted in the end not to attend after Chirac's family made known she would not be welcome.

Funeral service for French ex-president Chirac begins

Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-ready-to-face-any-challenges-from-pakistan-air-chief-marshal-rks-bhadauria-252816"> Indian Air Force (IAF)</a> and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China, new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-marshal-rks-bhadauria-takes-over-as-new-iaf-chief-from-bs-dhanoa-252775">IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria</a> said on Monday.

"Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force.

Incidentally, Bhadauria was the chairman of the Indian negotiation team for the Rs 60,000 crore 36 Rafale combat aircraft deal and played a significant role in getting deal cleared. The Rafale deal signed in 2016 is the biggest ever defence deal signed by India.

The first Rafale Aircraft to be inducted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in France will also have the tail number RB-01 written on it in recognition of the role played by the officer in it.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, took over as 26th Chief of the Indian Air Force today. 
He was commissioned into the fighter stream of IAF in Jun 1980. <a href="https://t.co/9xH01idY1s">pic.twitter.com/9xH01idY1s</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1178538245006618624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Bhadauria visited the National War Memorial to pay his tributes soon after taking charge as the IAF Chief today.

"It is a matter of great honour for me to take over the charge of the IAF, which is one of the finest air forces in the world," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria called on the Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> after taking over as the 26th Chief of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/vdjSwL2Ih5">pic.twitter.com/vdjSwL2Ih5</a>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1178572377048809473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking about the Balakot airstrikes carried out earlier this year by the IAF, Bhadauria said that the force was prepared for action and, "We were prepared then (before the Balakot airstrikes) and many of the acquisitions were part of the plan but we were able to expedite it and we will be ready for any challenges in the future too."&nbsp;

Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China, new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Monday.

Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China, new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said on Monday. "Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force. Incidentally, Bhadauria was the chairman of the Indian negotiation team for the Rs 60,000 crore 36 Rafale combat aircraft deal and played a significant role in getting deal cleared. The Rafale deal signed in 2016 is the biggest ever defence deal signed by India. The first Rafale Aircraft to be inducted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in France will also have the tail number RB-01 written on it in recognition of the role played by the officer in it. Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, took over as 26th Chief of the Indian Air Force today. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of IAF in Jun 1980. pic.twitter.com/9xH01idY1s — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 30, 2019 × Earlier, Bhadauria visited the National War Memorial to pay his tributes soon after taking charge as the IAF Chief today. "It is a matter of great honour for me to take over the charge of the IAF, which is one of the finest air forces in the world," he said. Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria called on the Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh after taking over as the 26th Chief of the @IAF_MCC today. pic.twitter.com/vdjSwL2Ih5 — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 30, 2019 × Speaking about the Balakot airstrikes carried out earlier this year by the IAF, Bhadauria said that the force was prepared for action and, "We were prepared then (before the Balakot airstrikes) and many of the acquisitions were part of the plan but we were able to expedite it and we will be ready for any challenges in the future too."

Rafale to give India edge over China, Pakistan: IAF Chief Bhadauria

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/old-rivals-square-up-again-as-an-uncertain-afghanistan-votes-252231">voting in the presidential election</a>, ahead of the release of any official tally.

"We have the most votes in this election," Abdullah said at a news conference.

"The results will be announced by the IEC (Independent Election Commission), but we have the most votes. The election is not going to go to a second round."

Abdullah, who is seeking the presidency for the third time after losing in 2009 and 2014, said his team would "make the new government".

Senior IEC official Habib Rahman Nang immediately slammed Abdullah's announcement as premature.

"No candidate has the right to declare himself the winner," he said.&nbsp;

"According to the law, it is the IEC that decides who is the winner."

Initial results from Saturday's poll are not expected until October 19.&nbsp;

Without giving details, Abdullah also mentioned reports of "some government officials" meddling in the election process.&nbsp;

His remarks follow the release on social media of several videos purporting to show election workers stuffing ballots.

Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November.

Despite a large pool of candidates, the election is seen as a two-horse race between Abdullah and Ghani.&nbsp;

The men are bitter rivals and fought a contested election in 2014.&nbsp;

They both claimed victory in that poll -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced the administration of then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of voting in the presidential election, ahead of the release of any official tally.

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's chief executive and President Ashraf Ghani's top rival, claimed victory Monday after the weekend's first round of voting in the presidential election, ahead of the release of any official tally. "We have the most votes in this election," Abdullah said at a news conference. "The results will be announced by the IEC (Independent Election Commission), but we have the most votes. The election is not going to go to a second round." Abdullah, who is seeking the presidency for the third time after losing in 2009 and 2014, said his team would "make the new government". Senior IEC official Habib Rahman Nang immediately slammed Abdullah's announcement as premature. "No candidate has the right to declare himself the winner," he said. "According to the law, it is the IEC that decides who is the winner." Initial results from Saturday's poll are not expected until October 19. Without giving details, Abdullah also mentioned reports of "some government officials" meddling in the election process. His remarks follow the release on social media of several videos purporting to show election workers stuffing ballots. Candidates need more than 50 per cent of the vote to be declared outright winner, or else the top two will head for a second round in November. Despite a large pool of candidates, the election is seen as a two-horse race between Abdullah and Ghani. The men are bitter rivals and fought a contested election in 2014. They both claimed victory in that poll -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced the administration of then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

We have the most votes in this election: Abdullah claims victory in Afghanistan election

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