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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu asserted that Kashmir was a settled issue as every inch of the land belongs to India and there was nothing more to discuss.

Inaugurating the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of BHS Higher Education Society here on Tuesday, he said that the dilution of Article 370 was "a national and not a political issue" as it concerned the unity, safety, security and integrity of the country.

According to an official release, Naidu pointed out that elections were being regularly held in Jammu and Kashmir and MPs, MLAs and representatives to local bodies were getting elected.

He said the reorganisation of the Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter of India.

Criticising Pakistan for "aiding, abetting, training and funding terrorism", he said that India has always believed in having peaceful relations with all countries including her neighbours.
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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu asserted that Kashmir was a settled issue as every inch of the land belongs to India and there was nothing more to discuss. Inaugurating the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of BHS Higher Education Society here on Tuesday, he said that the dilution of Article 370 was "a national and not a political issue" as it concerned the unity, safety, security and integrity of the country.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu asserted that Kashmir was a settled issue as every inch of the land belongs to India and there was nothing more to discuss. Inaugurating the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of BHS Higher Education Society here on Tuesday, he said that the dilution of Article 370 was "a national and not a political issue" as it concerned the unity, safety, security and integrity of the country. According to an official release, Naidu pointed out that elections were being regularly held in Jammu and Kashmir and MPs, MLAs and representatives to local bodies were getting elected. He said the reorganisation of the Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter of India. Criticising Pakistan for "aiding, abetting, training and funding terrorism", he said that India has always believed in having peaceful relations with all countries including her neighbours.

Kashmir a settled issue as every inch belongs to India: Venkaiah Naidu

Sri Lanka's main financial regulator Tuesday ordered local and foreign banks to slash lending rates in an unprecedented move as the economy struggled to recover from the Easter attacks.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said it ordered all commercial banks to reduce lending rates by a minimum of 200 basis points within three weeks.

It comes weeks after the government complained that lending rates had not kept pace with sharply lower deposit rates that fell by over 250 basis points since the April attacks, when hundreds were killed in suicide bombings.

Banking experts said it was the first time since the inception of the central bank in 1950 that it had resorted to imposing a mandatory ceiling on lending rates.

Average lending rates are currently around 13 to 15 per cent, while the country's inflation had slowed to 2.2 per cent in July.

Last month the Central Bank cut its main lending rate for the second time in three months, hoping to help the struggling economy.

The Central Bank said the rate at which it lent to commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points to 8.0 percent and added that the 50-basis-point cut in May had not translated into cheaper credit for consumers.

Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 3.2 per cent last year, but it had been expected to pick up in 2019 -- until the devastating attacks by a homegrown jihadist group.

The finance ministry expects growth to be around 3.00 to 3.5 per cent this year as the tourism sector made a faster than expected recovery after the Easter bombings.

Revenues from tourism -- one of the country's biggest incomes -- were expected by the finance ministry to plunge $1.5 billion this year because of cancellations by foreign tourists after the bombings, but the industry anticipates a much smaller drop.

The International Monetary Fund released a delayed loan installment to Sri Lanka following the bombings, helping government efforts to stabilise the economy. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's main financial regulator Tuesday ordered local and foreign banks to slash lending rates in an unprecedented move as the economy struggled to recover from the Easter attacks.

Sri Lanka's main financial regulator Tuesday ordered local and foreign banks to slash lending rates in an unprecedented move as the economy struggled to recover from the Easter attacks. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said it ordered all commercial banks to reduce lending rates by a minimum of 200 basis points within three weeks. It comes weeks after the government complained that lending rates had not kept pace with sharply lower deposit rates that fell by over 250 basis points since the April attacks, when hundreds were killed in suicide bombings. Banking experts said it was the first time since the inception of the central bank in 1950 that it had resorted to imposing a mandatory ceiling on lending rates. Average lending rates are currently around 13 to 15 per cent, while the country's inflation had slowed to 2.2 per cent in July. Last month the Central Bank cut its main lending rate for the second time in three months, hoping to help the struggling economy. The Central Bank said the rate at which it lent to commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points to 8.0 percent and added that the 50-basis-point cut in May had not translated into cheaper credit for consumers. Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 3.2 per cent last year, but it had been expected to pick up in 2019 -- until the devastating attacks by a homegrown jihadist group. The finance ministry expects growth to be around 3.00 to 3.5 per cent this year as the tourism sector made a faster than expected recovery after the Easter bombings. Revenues from tourism -- one of the country's biggest incomes -- were expected by the finance ministry to plunge $1.5 billion this year because of cancellations by foreign tourists after the bombings, but the industry anticipates a much smaller drop. The International Monetary Fund released a delayed loan installment to Sri Lanka following the bombings, helping government efforts to stabilise the economy.

Sri Lanka forces lending rate cuts on all banks

An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 shook northern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing eight people and injuring 100, government and police officials said.

Media photos and video showed a collapsed building and cracks in roads large enough to swallow cars in Mirpur, a town in Pakistan.

District commissioner Mohammad Tayyab said eight people were killed, including three children. District police chief Irfan Saleem said more than 100 more suffered injuries.

"I am in the hospital right now and I am being told that several of the injured people are in a critical condition," he told Reuters by phone.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, a spokesman for the Pakistan Armed Forces, tweeted that army troops with aviation and medical support teams were dispatched.

The quake struck 14 miles (23 km) north of Jhelum, Pakistan, at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

Most damage was in an area between Jhelum and Mirpur, said the chief of Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, Lieutenant General Mohammad Afzal.

Jhelum is located in northeastern Pakistan roughly 120 km southeast of Islamabad.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 shook northern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing eight people and injuring 100, government and police officials said. Media photos and video showed a collapsed building and cracks in roads large enough to swallow cars in Mirpur, a town in Pakistan.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 shook northern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing eight people and injuring 100, government and police officials said. Media photos and video showed a collapsed building and cracks in roads large enough to swallow cars in Mirpur, a town in Pakistan. District commissioner Mohammad Tayyab said eight people were killed, including three children. District police chief Irfan Saleem said more than 100 more suffered injuries. "I am in the hospital right now and I am being told that several of the injured people are in a critical condition," he told Reuters by phone. Major General Asif Ghafoor, a spokesman for the Pakistan Armed Forces, tweeted that army troops with aviation and medical support teams were dispatched. The quake struck 14 miles (23 km) north of Jhelum, Pakistan, at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. Most damage was in an area between Jhelum and Mirpur, said the chief of Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority, Lieutenant General Mohammad Afzal. Jhelum is located in northeastern Pakistan roughly 120 km southeast of Islamabad.

Eight dead, 100 hurt in 5.8 magnitude Pakistan quake

At least 19 people have been killed and 300 wounded after a shallow earthquake rattled north-eastern Pakistan, a senior police officer said, with the tremor tearing car-sized cracks into roads and heavily damaging infrastructure.

The quake sent people in cities across the country running into the streets, as cars near the epicentre were wedged in between massive cracks that ripped apart roads while other vehicles were upended by the tremor.

The epicentre of the 5.2-magnitude quake was near the city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province, according to data released by the US Geological Survey.

On one of the district's two main roads, AFP reporters could see cracks at least four feet deep, some filling with water from a nearby canal.

Ambulances could be seen, but Pakistani troops were preventing further travel. The military deployed "aviation and medical support" teams along with troops to affected areas, according to its spokesman.

Television footage showed cars trapped in some of the cracks, as well as a bus and a truck lying on their sides at the road's edge.

"At least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 wounded," said Sardar Gulfaraz, deputy inspector general of police in Mirpur, in televised comments.

However, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority gave a lower toll at a press conference in Islamabad.&nbsp;

"I can confirm 10 deaths and the number of wounded is 100," chairman Lieutenant General Mohammad Afzal said, adding that he had received reports of a higher toll.

"Things are under control," he said, adding that the nearby Mangla Dam, one of Pakistan's two main water reservoirs, was unaffected by the quake.

Roads, mobile phone towers, and electricity poles in the area were badly damaged, Naeem Chughtai, a Mirpur resident living near the city's main hospital, told AFP.

Witnesses Sajjad Jarral and Qazi Tahir, who spoke to AFP by telephone from Mirpur, said the quake had caused a building to collapse.

'So anxious'

Mirpur, a city known for its palatial houses, has strong ties to Britain with the majority of its 450,000 residents carrying both British and Pakistani passports.

A spokeswoman at the British High Commission told AFP they were monitoring the reports, while the US embassy offered its sympathies to those affected via Twitter.

Tremors were felt as far as New Delhi, with the Press Trust of India reporting that panicked people rushed out of their homes and offices in several places, including in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

At least 19 people have been killed and 300 wounded after a shallow earthquake rattled north-eastern Pakistan, a senior police officer said, with the tremor tearing car-sized cracks into roads and heavily damaging infrastructure.

At least 19 people have been killed and 300 wounded after a shallow earthquake rattled north-eastern Pakistan, a senior police officer said, with the tremor tearing car-sized cracks into roads and heavily damaging infrastructure. The quake sent people in cities across the country running into the streets, as cars near the epicentre were wedged in between massive cracks that ripped apart roads while other vehicles were upended by the tremor. The epicentre of the 5.2-magnitude quake was near the city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province, according to data released by the US Geological Survey. On one of the district's two main roads, AFP reporters could see cracks at least four feet deep, some filling with water from a nearby canal. Ambulances could be seen, but Pakistani troops were preventing further travel. The military deployed "aviation and medical support" teams along with troops to affected areas, according to its spokesman. Television footage showed cars trapped in some of the cracks, as well as a bus and a truck lying on their sides at the road's edge. "At least 19 people have been killed and more than 300 wounded," said Sardar Gulfaraz, deputy inspector general of police in Mirpur, in televised comments. However, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority gave a lower toll at a press conference in Islamabad. "I can confirm 10 deaths and the number of wounded is 100," chairman Lieutenant General Mohammad Afzal said, adding that he had received reports of a higher toll. "Things are under control," he said, adding that the nearby Mangla Dam, one of Pakistan's two main water reservoirs, was unaffected by the quake. Roads, mobile phone towers, and electricity poles in the area were badly damaged, Naeem Chughtai, a Mirpur resident living near the city's main hospital, told AFP. Witnesses Sajjad Jarral and Qazi Tahir, who spoke to AFP by telephone from Mirpur, said the quake had caused a building to collapse. 'So anxious' Mirpur, a city known for its palatial houses, has strong ties to Britain with the majority of its 450,000 residents carrying both British and Pakistani passports. A spokeswoman at the British High Commission told AFP they were monitoring the reports, while the US embassy offered its sympathies to those affected via Twitter. Tremors were felt as far as New Delhi, with the Press Trust of India reporting that panicked people rushed out of their homes and offices in several places, including in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

19 killed, dozens wounded as Pakistan jolted by shallow 5.2 quake

Smoke from forest fire turns skies red in Indonesia

Congress leader Milind Deora on Tuesday issued a clarification after his Twitter exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the `Howdy Modi` event in Houston led to what he called "insinuations and unwarranted criticism".

"While I appreciate the kind words expressed by Murlibhai`s friends and well-wishers, I express regret on the insinuations and unwarranted criticism in sections of media and social media," read Deora`s tweet with his full statement embedded in it.&nbsp;

In his statement, he asserted that his father had helped build strong ties with institutions across America keeping India`s best interests in mind.

"I have noticed several reports speculating over the exchange of tweets between Shri Narendra Modi and me. I have inherited the legacy of the Indo-United States relationship from my late father Murli Deora.

"My father first visited the US in 1968 as an exchange student, and after meeting Robert F Kennedy, decided to enter public life and build stronger ties between both democracies. My family`s relationships with institutions, political parties and leaders in the US were built over five decades keeping India`s best interests in mind," Deora`s statement read.

Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled former Union Minister Murli Deora`s commitment to strengthen ties between India and the United States, which coincided with Milind Deora`s appreciation of Modi`s speech at `Howdy Modi` event at Houston.

The Prime Minister, in a tweet, said, "My friend, late Murli Deora would have been really glad to see the strengthening ties between the two nations."

"Thank you Milind Deora. You are absolutely correct when you highlight my friend, late Murli Deora Ji`s commitment to strong ties with the USA. He would have been really glad to see the strengthening of ties between our nations. The warmth and hospitality of POTUS was outstanding," read the PM`s tweet.

The Prime Minister`s response came after Congress leader Milind Deora termed Modi`s Houston visit a "momentous first for India`s soft power diplomacy."

Milind Deora in his statement added that his father had worked for this goal cutting across party lines in India to further the nation`s interests in the USA.

"I am proud to state that Murlibhai`s efforts and relationships helped strengthen India`s national interest. My late father worked closely with Indian Prime Ministers and US Presidents - cutting across party lines - in the spirit of bipartisanship. Murlibhai deserves respect because he was a true patriot who put the nation first. Fortunately, politics at the time was not as confrontational and ungracious as it is today," the statement added.

Deora added that he would continue to "serve my country to the best of my ability and I will remain bipartisan when it comes to issues of national interest and foreign policy. The experience and relationships that I have inherited and nurtured have little meaning if they cannot be leveraged for India."

He concluded his statement by saying, "Finally, I am my father`s son. Friendship was the bedrock of his politics. It has earned us friends and well-wishers from Bhuleshwar to Boston and Walkeshwar to Washington. I will not compromise on my core beliefs even though politics continues to become increasingly uncharitable and partisan."&nbsp;

Congress leader Milind Deora on Tuesday issued a clarification after his Twitter exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the `Howdy Modi` event in Houston led to what he called "insinuations and unwarranted criticism".

Congress leader Milind Deora on Tuesday issued a clarification after his Twitter exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the `Howdy Modi` event in Houston led to what he called "insinuations and unwarranted criticism". "While I appreciate the kind words expressed by Murlibhai`s friends and well-wishers, I express regret on the insinuations and unwarranted criticism in sections of media and social media," read Deora`s tweet with his full statement embedded in it. In his statement, he asserted that his father had helped build strong ties with institutions across America keeping India`s best interests in mind. "I have noticed several reports speculating over the exchange of tweets between Shri Narendra Modi and me. I have inherited the legacy of the Indo-United States relationship from my late father Murli Deora. "My father first visited the US in 1968 as an exchange student, and after meeting Robert F Kennedy, decided to enter public life and build stronger ties between both democracies. My family`s relationships with institutions, political parties and leaders in the US were built over five decades keeping India`s best interests in mind," Deora`s statement read. Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recalled former Union Minister Murli Deora`s commitment to strengthen ties between India and the United States, which coincided with Milind Deora`s appreciation of Modi`s speech at `Howdy Modi` event at Houston. The Prime Minister, in a tweet, said, "My friend, late Murli Deora would have been really glad to see the strengthening ties between the two nations." "Thank you Milind Deora. You are absolutely correct when you highlight my friend, late Murli Deora Ji`s commitment to strong ties with the USA. He would have been really glad to see the strengthening of ties between our nations. The warmth and hospitality of POTUS was outstanding," read the PM`s tweet. The Prime Minister`s response came after Congress leader Milind Deora termed Modi`s Houston visit a "momentous first for India`s soft power diplomacy." Milind Deora in his statement added that his father had worked for this goal cutting across party lines in India to further the nation`s interests in the USA. "I am proud to state that Murlibhai`s efforts and relationships helped strengthen India`s national interest. My late father worked closely with Indian Prime Ministers and US Presidents - cutting across party lines - in the spirit of bipartisanship. Murlibhai deserves respect because he was a true patriot who put the nation first. Fortunately, politics at the time was not as confrontational and ungracious as it is today," the statement added. Deora added that he would continue to "serve my country to the best of my ability and I will remain bipartisan when it comes to issues of national interest and foreign policy. The experience and relationships that I have inherited and nurtured have little meaning if they cannot be leveraged for India." He concluded his statement by saying, "Finally, I am my father`s son. Friendship was the bedrock of his politics. It has earned us friends and well-wishers from Bhuleshwar to Boston and Walkeshwar to Washington. I will not compromise on my core beliefs even though politics continues to become increasingly uncharitable and partisan."

Milind Deora regrets 'insinuations' on Twitter exchange with PM

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world.

Inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam PS Varier at Kottakkal in Kerala today, he said Ayurveda was not just a system of medicine but it is also a philosophy of life.

"I strongly believe that India has the capability to become the wellness capital of the world. It is home to centuries-old traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices that not only foster physical health but also mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Atharva Veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. It is lauded as the earliest source of medical information in India", he said.

He said that despite non-supportive political environment created by foreign rulers, Ayurveda has survived, thrived and earned global recognition as a benign healthcare science with time-tested healing and wellness capabilities.

Naidu said that research in traditional systems of medicine must lead to an evidence-based improvement in treatment protocols and help in producing medicines of excellent quality so that India becomes a thriving centre for natural healing and wellness in the world.

Expressing his concern over increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension in India, he said there was an urgent need to shift focus from the treatment of these diseases to their prevention and general wellness.

He also outlined that a holistic and comprehensive approach envisaged in Ayurveda can play an important role in treating chronic and lifestyle diseases.&nbsp;

Naidu advised the youngsters to shun junk food and always remain physically fit.

Naidu laid stress on integrating and harmonizing traditional systems like Ayurveda with the modern allopathic system for enhancing the efficacy of treatments.

"As a practising science, the system of Ayurveda needs to be strengthened through research. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is still not exhaustively explored," he said.

Observing that ancient system of medicine using herbs and plants exists all over the globe, the Vice President said there should be a regular exchange of information between countries to further strengthen healing protocols based on natural remedies.

Referring to the evolving technologies of Molecular Biology and DNA profiling, Naidu observed that exploration of new knowledge must happen constantly, especially in fields such as Ayurveda.&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that India had a systematic, scientific and rational approach to the treatment of diseases from ancient times and has the capability to become wellness capital of the world. Inaugurating the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam PS Varier at Kottakkal in Kerala today, he said Ayurveda was not just a system of medicine but it is also a philosophy of life. "I strongly believe that India has the capability to become the wellness capital of the world. It is home to centuries-old traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices that not only foster physical health but also mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Atharva Veda is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. It is lauded as the earliest source of medical information in India", he said. He said that despite non-supportive political environment created by foreign rulers, Ayurveda has survived, thrived and earned global recognition as a benign healthcare science with time-tested healing and wellness capabilities. Naidu said that research in traditional systems of medicine must lead to an evidence-based improvement in treatment protocols and help in producing medicines of excellent quality so that India becomes a thriving centre for natural healing and wellness in the world. Expressing his concern over increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension in India, he said there was an urgent need to shift focus from the treatment of these diseases to their prevention and general wellness. He also outlined that a holistic and comprehensive approach envisaged in Ayurveda can play an important role in treating chronic and lifestyle diseases. Naidu advised the youngsters to shun junk food and always remain physically fit. Naidu laid stress on integrating and harmonizing traditional systems like Ayurveda with the modern allopathic system for enhancing the efficacy of treatments. "As a practising science, the system of Ayurveda needs to be strengthened through research. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is still not exhaustively explored," he said. Observing that ancient system of medicine using herbs and plants exists all over the globe, the Vice President said there should be a regular exchange of information between countries to further strengthen healing protocols based on natural remedies. Referring to the evolving technologies of Molecular Biology and DNA profiling, Naidu observed that exploration of new knowledge must happen constantly, especially in fields such as Ayurveda.

India has capability to become wellness capital of world: Vice President

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. &nbsp;

At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration.&nbsp;

"Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew.

Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings.

The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks.&nbsp;

Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured.

Breaking barriers

For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries.

"If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out.&nbsp;

"It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture."

The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades.&nbsp;

But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. &nbsp;

"But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds.&nbsp;

Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online.&nbsp;

"We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says.&nbsp;

However there are fears that it all may change soon.&nbsp;

Taliban shuffle

After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan.

The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month.

Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace.&nbsp;

However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul.&nbsp;

"If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. &nbsp;

But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue.&nbsp;

"One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says.

"But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."&nbsp;

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts.

In the land of suicide bombings, burqas, and unending war, a group of Afghans have turned to breakdancing for stress relief and self-expression -- even as fears the Taliban could yet return to power fuel worries of a renewed crackdown on the arts. At the French Cultural Centre in Kabul, the group takes turns practising the basics -- toprocking, headspins, and freezes, while watching YouTube videos on their phones of famous b-boys like Lilou and Hong Ten for inspiration. "Breakdancing keeps us away from stress and war. It gives us freedom. It frees our minds from the stress of living in Kabul and we forget about the war and killings," explains Murtaza Lomani, 23, from the Top Step crew. Still, breakdancing is a rare sight in the fiercely conservative Islamic society, where traditional folk music mostly dominates the radiowaves and dancing takes place mainly at gender-segregated weddings. The cultural centre is one of the few places in the Afghan capital where the mixed-gender Top Step crew are able to practise and feel relatively safe, Lomani says. But even here there are risks. Just five years ago, the centre was attacked by the Taliban as it hosted a play about suicide bombings, where Lomani was among the injured. Breaking barriers For Heja Aalia, who says she is one of just four female breakdancers in Kabul, there are other worries. "If I train outdoors in our society, people insult you," says Aalia, adding that many young women are interested in breakdancing but are unable to get permission from their families to try it out. "It's really difficult for a girl to practise breakdance, especially in Afghanistan where people think dance is against Islamic culture." The sport first originated in New York's Bronx borough in the 1970s, where "breaking" along with rap music and graffiti art formed the pillars of hip hop culture that has gone on to dominate everything from pop music to fashion worldwide in the ensuing decades. But while the rest of the world was quick to embrace that culture, decades of war and hardline Taliban rule in the 1990s prevented the phenomenon from taking root in Afghanistan. "Afghan society has changed a bit in recent years, the generations have changed and people are thinking positively," says Lomani, who admits that many laughed at their dance moves when they first started in 2011. "But we have convinced some youth and now it is really good that we practise," he adds. Fellow Top Step member Obaidullah Koofi, 24, says he first got interested in breakdancing after seeing videos online. "We learn our new moves from YouTube, and YouTube is our mentor because we do not have any trainer here to... teach us," he says. However there are fears that it all may change soon. Taliban shuffle After 18 years of war, the United States spent the last year locked in negotiations with the Taliban, seeking a deal that could see a gradual withdrawal of US-led forces from Afghanistan. The deal was, temporarily at least, taken off the table after President Donald Trump declared the talks "dead" earlier this month. Instead, Afghans are now gearing up for a presidential election set for Saturday, when incumbent Ashraf Ghani and main rival Abdullah Abdullah will be seeking a strong mandate to negotiate with the Taliban as they seek a lasting peace. However Washington's desire to end its longest war has been made clear, and Afghans are still apprehensive that a hasty US exit -- with or without a deal -- might allow the long-feared Islamists, who have been resurgent on the battlefield in recent years, to regain some semblance of power in Kabul. "If the Taliban come none of us can continue," says Aalia. But despite those fears, and the backlash against female breakdancers, she has vowed to continue. "One day if the Taliban comes, we can stop this publicly," she says. "But we will practise breakdancing underground or secretly."

The breakdancers of Kabul: Afghan youth busting moves

Ordinary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/civilians-fall-victim-to-us-led-military-actions-in-afghanistan-analyst-250702"> Afghans </a>are divided on whether to defy the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-an-awkward-blow-for-pakistan-251534">Taliban</a>'s threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

"It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border.

The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country.&nbsp;

Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">collapse of US-Taliban talks</a> earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground. &nbsp;

Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year.

The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls.

"In most areas, people cannot vote due to the Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar.

Among the students, shopkeepers and teachers interviewed by AFP in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said they did not plan to vote on Saturday. &nbsp;

"I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants.&nbsp;

However it is fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most.

"The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said.

The 2014 presidential election was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention. &nbsp;

A power-sharing deal brokered by then US secretary of state John Kerry was needed to prevent confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became chief executive.

Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day.

'I will vote'

Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended.

"I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

"I also don't know if any good government would come to power."

Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling.

The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July.

Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally.

Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote.

While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote.

"Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive. &nbsp;

Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22.

"I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif.

For some Afghans, voting is the only voice they have.&nbsp;

"Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat.&nbsp;

"You must vote to have a say in your country." 
&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud.

Ordinary Afghans are divided on whether to defy the Taliban's threats and cast their ballots in a presidential election this week, and even those who are willing to vote fear the poll will be tainted by fraud. "It is a chance to bring changes," says teacher Mohsen Karimi, 30, from the western city of Herat near the Iranian border. The country's fourth presidential elections since the Taliban's fall from power in 2001 will be held as increasing uncertainty grips the country. Fighting between the government and insurgents is killing record numbers of people, while the collapse of US-Taliban talks earlier this month has raised fresh questions about how long Washington plans to keep troops on the ground. Civilians continue to pay a heavy price in the nearly 18-year-long conflict. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in July, according to the UN, the highest monthly toll this year. The Taliban have already threatened to target the polls. "In most areas, people cannot vote due to the Taliban threats. Even if a candidate is elected, it is not the absolute choice of all Afghans," said Mohamad Qasim from the southern province of Kandahar. Among the students, shopkeepers and teachers interviewed by AFP in Kabul and provinces across Afghanistan, several said they did not plan to vote on Saturday. "I want to vote, but I'm scared," said Samim from the eastern city of Jalalabad, which is frequently targeted by both the Taliban and Islamic State militants. However it is fraud that deters the 33-year-old shopkeeper the most. "The last election was full of irregularities. If I was sure there would be no fraud in this election, then I would vote and call on my friends to vote," he said. The 2014 presidential election was so badly tainted by fraud allegations that it required US intervention. A power-sharing deal brokered by then US secretary of state John Kerry was needed to prevent confrontation between Ashraf Ghani, who was handed the presidency, and Abdullah Abdullah, who became chief executive. Following a bitter five-year partnership, the two rivals are squaring off again and are seen as the main contenders to lead a country where more than half the population lives in poverty, making under two dollars a day. 'I will vote' Candidates have done little campaigning in the run-up to this year's contest, which was largely overshadowed by talks seeking a potential US-Taliban deal. Many thought the talks would delay the poll but they have since been suspended. "I have not decided whether to vote or not," explained Abdul Ahmad, a 56-year-old businessman in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. "I also don't know if any good government would come to power." Meanwhile, fears of more attacks on campaign events and polling centres are swelling. The first day of campaigning saw the Taliban target President Ghani's running-mate Amrullah Saleh in an attack that killed 20 people in July. Last week, another 26 people were killed in the central province of Parwan near Kabul when the Taliban targeted a Ghani campaign rally. Many residents of Kabul, one of the deadliest places for civilians in the country, were split on whether to vote. While labourer Mohammad Akbar, 51, said none of the candidates seemed "right" to him and he would stay away from the polls, restaurant manager Mohamad Sadeq, 53, said he was ready to vote. "Although there will be many security challenges, people will still get out and vote and I will go and vote as well," added Arash Rasuli, an insurance executive. Zainab Sepehri, 20, a student in Herat, hoped her vote would help "change the lives of the women in this country" -- a sentiment echoed by fellow student Monisa Qarizada, 22. "I will vote. Because as a woman, I don't want to go back, I don't want women to be oppressed again," she said from Mazar-i-Sharif. For some Afghans, voting is the only voice they have. "Don't let others decide for you," said Karimi, the teacher from Herat. "You must vote to have a say in your country."

Afghans fear violence, fraud as presidential vote looms

Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory.

"Our country is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism. The attack of 26/11 happened through sea route only. It is the strong resolve of this government that we will not let such incidents to happen on our territory. It calls for a 24x7 vigil, coordination and proactive approach in the maritime domain", he said at the Investiture Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard here.

"The government is committed to go to the extra mile to ensure that the people of this nation feel safe and contribute their best towards nation-building. The security at land is strongly linked to security at sea," Singh added.

The Defence Minister said that Indian Coast Guard is playing a pivotal role in building this synergy and cohesion of efforts between all stakeholders responsible for ensuring safety and security in Indian Maritime zones.

"The vibrant service has also been at the forefront in evolving regional co-operation and is steadily working with international maritime agencies for lasting maritime peace in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Coast Guard, over the years, has become a maritime force to reckon with and is responding to a multitude of challenges in the maritime sphere with professionalism and pride," he said.

During the ceremony, Singh also congratulated the awardees and asserted that these recognitions will motivate them to go the extra mile while discharging the mandate of maritime force.&nbsp;

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">&nbsp;</div>

Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory.

Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory. "Our country is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism. The attack of 26/11 happened through sea route only. It is the strong resolve of this government that we will not let such incidents to happen on our territory. It calls for a 24x7 vigil, coordination and proactive approach in the maritime domain", he said at the Investiture Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard here. "The government is committed to go to the extra mile to ensure that the people of this nation feel safe and contribute their best towards nation-building. The security at land is strongly linked to security at sea," Singh added. The Defence Minister said that Indian Coast Guard is playing a pivotal role in building this synergy and cohesion of efforts between all stakeholders responsible for ensuring safety and security in Indian Maritime zones. "The vibrant service has also been at the forefront in evolving regional co-operation and is steadily working with international maritime agencies for lasting maritime peace in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Coast Guard, over the years, has become a maritime force to reckon with and is responding to a multitude of challenges in the maritime sphere with professionalism and pride," he said. During the ceremony, Singh also congratulated the awardees and asserted that these recognitions will motivate them to go the extra mile while discharging the mandate of maritime force.

India is facing challenges from 'non-state', 'state-sponsored' terrorism: Rajnath Singh

National Commission for Minorities vice-chairman George Kurian has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that Christian girls are "soft target" for Islamist terror recruiters in Kerala.

Kurian has appealed Shah to take cognisance into the matter and order an investigation by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and bring in an effective law to curb such activities.

"The spate of organised religious conversions and using the victims for terror activities by trapping them through 'love jihad' has shown that the Christian community is a soft target for Islamic radicals," Kurian wrote in his letter dated September 23.

Citing few examples, Kurian said that reports suggest that out of the 21 persons who joined the Islamic State from Kerala, five were converted from Christianity.

"The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC)'s Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance had launched a campaign against this `social evil`. In its publication Jagratha, the Commission stated, `It is shocking that around 4,000 girls have been subjected to religious conversion since 2005 (till 2012) after they fell in love`," the letter reads.&nbsp;

Kurian said that the issue is "serious as it could lead to communal disharmony in the state."

"It was found that in most cases, the victims were brainwashed and in some cases, they were used as a courier for terror activities. Many a time the victims` families refuse to come out and report the issue fearing threat from the organised conversion terror activities," he wrote.

"It is important that the Union Home Ministry takes note of this alarming trend and order a probe by the National Investigating Agency and bring in an effective law to curb such fraudulent activities of radicalised elements," Kurian added.&nbsp;

National Commission for Minorities vice-chairman George Kurian has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that Christian girls are "soft target" for Islamist terror recruiters in Kerala.

National Commission for Minorities vice-chairman George Kurian has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that Christian girls are "soft target" for Islamist terror recruiters in Kerala. Kurian has appealed Shah to take cognisance into the matter and order an investigation by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and bring in an effective law to curb such activities. "The spate of organised religious conversions and using the victims for terror activities by trapping them through 'love jihad' has shown that the Christian community is a soft target for Islamic radicals," Kurian wrote in his letter dated September 23. Citing few examples, Kurian said that reports suggest that out of the 21 persons who joined the Islamic State from Kerala, five were converted from Christianity. "The Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference (KCBC)'s Commission for Social Harmony and Vigilance had launched a campaign against this `social evil`. In its publication Jagratha, the Commission stated, `It is shocking that around 4,000 girls have been subjected to religious conversion since 2005 (till 2012) after they fell in love`," the letter reads. Kurian said that the issue is "serious as it could lead to communal disharmony in the state." "It was found that in most cases, the victims were brainwashed and in some cases, they were used as a courier for terror activities. Many a time the victims` families refuse to come out and report the issue fearing threat from the organised conversion terror activities," he wrote. "It is important that the Union Home Ministry takes note of this alarming trend and order a probe by the National Investigating Agency and bring in an effective law to curb such fraudulent activities of radicalised elements," Kurian added.

George Kurian appeals Shah to order NIA probe in religious conversions of Christian girls in Kerala

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-key-takeaways-pm-modi-trump-meeting-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251337">Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump</a> share a great synergy and their second meeting within a span of two days will take the India-US relations to greater heights, said Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravarty, on Tuesday.

"There is a great deal of synergy between the two leaders. They talk on the phone, meet on sidelines, they met in Houston the day before. Our relationship is on a continuous climb. They are going to meet again in a span of two days which shows that they value each other's friendship and relationship and they will take the relationship ahead," Chakravarty told ANI here.

He also expressed hope that the meeting between Modi and Trump will help in resolving the trade issues between the two countries.

"The trade issue is one of the focal points of the current US administration. They're looking at it with renewed vision. I don't see why the US administration won't look closely at trade with India. The India-US trade relationship is also growing," said Chakravarty.

Calling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-howdy-modi-trump-and-pm-modi-could-sign-trade-deal-251028">US-India relationship</a> most important in the world, he said that the mutual bond has been benefiting both the countries.

"This is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Several US leaders also accept this and have said publicly. For the US, I believe, this the most transformed relationship. For India, the relations have gone from nothing to where it is today in the last 20 years. The trade between India and the US stood at USD 5 billion in 2000, and today, it stands at almost USD 150 billion," Chakravarty said.

He said that Sunday's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diversity-foundation-of-our-vibrant-democracy-says-pm-modi-at-howdy-modi-251322">Howdy, Modi</a>" event in Houston has sent an "amazing" message across the world and hoped that it would help take the US-India relationship to new heights.

"The Houston event has taken the India-US relations to a new height. The message which has gone across India and the world is amazing," Chakravarty said, adding that the relationship is growing in every field including people to people contact, trade, science and technology and space.

Modi and Trump jointly addressed the 'Howdy, Modi!'&nbsp;event in Houston, Texas on Sunday.

The bonhomie between the two leaders was in full display at the event where they echoed similar sentiments on several issues including "radical Islamic terrorism", trade and defence.

The two leaders are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday afternoon in New York.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump share a great synergy and their second meeting within a span of two days will take the India-US relations to greater heights, said Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravarty, on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump share a great synergy and their second meeting within a span of two days will take the India-US relations to greater heights, said Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravarty, on Tuesday. "There is a great deal of synergy between the two leaders. They talk on the phone, meet on sidelines, they met in Houston the day before. Our relationship is on a continuous climb. They are going to meet again in a span of two days which shows that they value each other's friendship and relationship and they will take the relationship ahead," Chakravarty told ANI here. He also expressed hope that the meeting between Modi and Trump will help in resolving the trade issues between the two countries. "The trade issue is one of the focal points of the current US administration. They're looking at it with renewed vision. I don't see why the US administration won't look closely at trade with India. The India-US trade relationship is also growing," said Chakravarty. Calling the US-India relationship most important in the world, he said that the mutual bond has been benefiting both the countries. "This is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Several US leaders also accept this and have said publicly. For the US, I believe, this the most transformed relationship. For India, the relations have gone from nothing to where it is today in the last 20 years. The trade between India and the US stood at USD 5 billion in 2000, and today, it stands at almost USD 150 billion," Chakravarty said. He said that Sunday's "Howdy, Modi" event in Houston has sent an "amazing" message across the world and hoped that it would help take the US-India relationship to new heights. "The Houston event has taken the India-US relations to a new height. The message which has gone across India and the world is amazing," Chakravarty said, adding that the relationship is growing in every field including people to people contact, trade, science and technology and space. Modi and Trump jointly addressed the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston, Texas on Sunday. The bonhomie between the two leaders was in full display at the event where they echoed similar sentiments on several issues including "radical Islamic terrorism", trade and defence. The two leaders are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday afternoon in New York.

India-US share 'most important bilateral relationship in the world': Consul General of India in New York

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