Nearly&nbsp;one&nbsp;in&nbsp;12&nbsp;employees working in the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;of London&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;market&nbsp;has&nbsp;witnessed&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture&nbsp;survey&nbsp;published by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The&nbsp;market, which employees around 45,000 people in&nbsp;insurance&nbsp;and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;and daytime drinking.

According to the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;of 6,000, 8 per cent&nbsp;of respondents had seen&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;harassment&nbsp;at&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;in the last&nbsp;12&nbsp;months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour.

"I don't think anyone&nbsp;can deny there is a problem to address here,"&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change.

Lloyd's&nbsp;has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower.

It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the&nbsp;survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;board member Fiona Luck.

Sixty per cent of the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;respondents were men and 90 per cent&nbsp;of respondents based in London.

Trade body the&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;Market&nbsp;Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;misconduct in the&nbsp;marketplace after the&nbsp;survey&nbsp;revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with.

The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior&nbsp;market&nbsp;leaders from&nbsp;Lloyd's&nbsp;managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence."

"With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday.

Nearly one in 12 employees working in the Lloyd's of London insurance market has witnessed sexual harassment there in the past year and a quarter has seen excessive drinking, according to a culture survey published by Lloyd's on Tuesday. The market, which employees around 45,000 people in insurance and broking firms, is trying to improve standards of behaviour after reports earlier this year of sexual harassment and daytime drinking. According to the survey of 6,000, 8 per cent of respondents had seen sexual harassment at Lloyd's in the last 12 months and 24 per cent had seen "excessive consumption of alcohol", while 22 per cent had seen people at their firms ignore inappropriate behaviour. "I don't think anyone can deny there is a problem to address here," Lloyd's Chief Executive John Neal told Reuters by telephone, adding that publishing the survey in its "ugly raw fashion" should help bring about change. Lloyd's has already introduced sanctions for poor behaviour, including potential life bans on entering its City tower. It said on Tuesday it was taking further action in response to the survey, including introducing a gender balance plan, business conduct requirements and setting up an advisory group chaired by Lloyd's board member Fiona Luck. Sixty per cent of the survey respondents were men and 90 per cent of respondents based in London. Trade body the Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) said it would launch a new CEO network aimed at improving the reporting of sexual misconduct in the marketplace after the survey revealed many respondents did not know who to raise concerns with. The LMA Board, which includes 16 chief executives and other senior market leaders from Lloyd's managing agents, have committed to receive reports of inappropriate behaviour which will then be dealt with in "absolute confidence." "With this constructive resolution we make it very clear that LMA Members will take action at the very highest levels," Sheila Cameron, CEO of the LMA said.

One in 12 witnessed sexual harassment in Lloyd's insurance market: Survey

Honda Motor Co Ltd said on Monday it would phase out all diesel cars by 2021 in favour of models with electric propulsion systems, as the Japanese automaker moves to electrify all of its European cars by 2025.

By next year, according to European Union emission targets, CO2 must be cut to 95 gram per km for 95 per cent of cars from the current 120.5-gram average, a figure that has increased of late as consumers spurn fuel-efficient diesel and embrace SUVs.

All new cars in the EU must be compliant in 2021.

For Honda, declining demand for diesel vehicles and tougher emissions regulations have clouded its manufacturing prospects in Europe.

Honda said in February it would close its only British car plant in 2021 with the loss of up to 3,500 jobs.

Japan’s No.&nbsp;3 automaker has said it would cut the number of car model variations to a third of current offerings by 2025, reducing global production costs by 10 per cent&nbsp;and redirecting those savings towards advanced research and development.

Honda Motor Co Ltd said on Monday it would phase out all diesel cars by 2021 in favour of models with electric propulsion systems, as the Japanese automaker moves to electrify all of its European cars by 2025.

Honda Motor Co Ltd said on Monday it would phase out all diesel cars by 2021 in favour of models with electric propulsion systems, as the Japanese automaker moves to electrify all of its European cars by 2025. By next year, according to European Union emission targets, CO2 must be cut to 95 gram per km for 95 per cent of cars from the current 120.5-gram average, a figure that has increased of late as consumers spurn fuel-efficient diesel and embrace SUVs. All new cars in the EU must be compliant in 2021. For Honda, declining demand for diesel vehicles and tougher emissions regulations have clouded its manufacturing prospects in Europe. Honda said in February it would close its only British car plant in 2021 with the loss of up to 3,500 jobs. Japan’s No. 3 automaker has said it would cut the number of car model variations to a third of current offerings by 2025, reducing global production costs by 10 per cent and redirecting those savings towards advanced research and development.

Honda to cease diesel vehicle sales in Europe by 2021

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens.

The plan was recently mentioned by Army chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals.

"During the conference, the Army chief stated that there is increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges," top Army sources said.

"The chief further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well," they said.

The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi government by separating it from the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has also been turned into a Union Territory.

Sources said the Army has not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions where it would allow tourists.

The Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets.

Army sources said that Indians visiting Ladakh and nearby places have been requesting for permission to visit famous Kargil war positions as well like the Tiger Hill where the Indian Army fought the Pakistanis.

Asked whether there would be any opposition to the Army's plan from Pakistan, sources said the entire area belongs to India and it was upto the Indian administration to decide on these matters.

From 2007, India had started allowing civilians to trek from Siachen Base Camp to high altitude locations in the Siachen Glacier which is around 11,000 feet at the base camp and goes beyond 21,000 feet at the higher reaches.

After the Centre read down Article 370 last month, Pakistan has been trying to rake up the issue at the international stage but India has defended the decision calling it an internal matter.&nbsp;
</div>

After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens.

After the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is now planning to open up several high altitude military locations such as the Siachen Glacier for Indian citizens. The plan was recently mentioned by Army chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals. "During the conference, the Army chief stated that there is increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges," top Army sources said. "The chief further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well," they said. The Siachen Glacier is part of Ladakh which has now been converted into a Union Territory by the Narendra Modi government by separating it from the state of Jammu and Kashmir which has also been turned into a Union Territory. Sources said the Army has not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions where it would allow tourists. The Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets. Army sources said that Indians visiting Ladakh and nearby places have been requesting for permission to visit famous Kargil war positions as well like the Tiger Hill where the Indian Army fought the Pakistanis. Asked whether there would be any opposition to the Army's plan from Pakistan, sources said the entire area belongs to India and it was upto the Indian administration to decide on these matters. From 2007, India had started allowing civilians to trek from Siachen Base Camp to high altitude locations in the Siachen Glacier which is around 11,000 feet at the base camp and goes beyond 21,000 feet at the higher reaches. After the Centre read down Article 370 last month, Pakistan has been trying to rake up the issue at the international stage but India has defended the decision calling it an internal matter.

Army planning to open Siachen Glacier for citizens

Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.1 per cent lower at 11,588.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended flat at 39,097.14.

Shares had rallied after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced corporate taxes to around 25 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies on Friday.

Reliance Industries, one of India's most valuable companies, closed nearly 3.1 per cent up and was the top boost to the markets on Tuesday.

IT stocks were also among the top gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 2 per cent higher. Infosys ended 3.88 per cent up, while Tata Consultancy Services finished 1.56 per cent higher.

Meanwhile, India's top lender by assets State Bank of India fell 4.06 per cent, while JSW Steel dropped 4.19 per cent.

Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth.

Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.1 per cent lower at 11,588.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended flat at 39,097.14. Shares had rallied after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced corporate taxes to around 25 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies on Friday. Reliance Industries, one of India's most valuable companies, closed nearly 3.1 per cent up and was the top boost to the markets on Tuesday. IT stocks were also among the top gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 2 per cent higher. Infosys ended 3.88 per cent up, while Tata Consultancy Services finished 1.56 per cent higher. Meanwhile, India's top lender by assets State Bank of India fell 4.06 per cent, while JSW Steel dropped 4.19 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex end little changed, Reliance Industries gains

JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah.

The comments came in the wake of a tweet by Siddaramaiah against Kumaraswamy.

"Yes Mr H D Kumaraswamy, it is true that the parrots which I believed in are haunted. It is my whole fault that even after four decades of political companionship, we made a coalition with vultures. Doesn`t it bite @INC?," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to media persons in Channapatna, Kumaraswamy stated, "I am not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah. There are several like him who prospered under H D Deve Gowda. I became CM due to blessings from the Congress high command."&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy further accused Siddaramaiah of not listening to the directives of Congress high command resulting in the collapse of Congress-JDS coalition.

"He (Siddaramaiah) didn't listen to the Congress high command when they gave certain directives and that is why the govt didn`t last. After leaving Congress, setting up a regional entity is something that I did, does Siddaramaiah have guts to do anything for regional pride?", he added.

JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah.

JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday attacked Congress leader Siddaramaiah for some of his comments and said he was not a 'parrot' domesticated by Sidaramaiah. The comments came in the wake of a tweet by Siddaramaiah against Kumaraswamy. "Yes Mr H D Kumaraswamy, it is true that the parrots which I believed in are haunted. It is my whole fault that even after four decades of political companionship, we made a coalition with vultures. Doesn`t it bite @INC?," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to media persons in Channapatna, Kumaraswamy stated, "I am not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah. There are several like him who prospered under H D Deve Gowda. I became CM due to blessings from the Congress high command." Kumaraswamy further accused Siddaramaiah of not listening to the directives of Congress high command resulting in the collapse of Congress-JDS coalition. "He (Siddaramaiah) didn't listen to the Congress high command when they gave certain directives and that is why the govt didn`t last. After leaving Congress, setting up a regional entity is something that I did, does Siddaramaiah have guts to do anything for regional pride?", he added.

Not a parrot domesticated by Siddaramaiah: HD Kumaraswamy

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday said that he is not a candidate for chief minister`s post in the state and now the time has come for him to retire from politics.

"I am not a candidate for the chief minister`s post in Bihar. Now the time has come for me that I should bid adieu to politics," Singh told ANI.

In a nostalgic tone, the Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries said, "I saw a great leader like Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of the country."

In reference to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said, "When I joined politics, I came with the call for the integration of Kashmir with India. For the same our ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave up his life."

"Slowly all our wishes are getting fulfiled and I hope it will continue in the future. And after that what is the scope left for me to remain in politics," he added.&nbsp;

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday said that he is not a candidate for chief minister`s post in the state and now the time has come for him to retire from politics.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday said that he is not a candidate for chief minister`s post in the state and now the time has come for him to retire from politics. "I am not a candidate for the chief minister`s post in Bihar. Now the time has come for me that I should bid adieu to politics," Singh told ANI. In a nostalgic tone, the Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries said, "I saw a great leader like Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of the country." In reference to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said, "When I joined politics, I came with the call for the integration of Kashmir with India. For the same our ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave up his life." "Slowly all our wishes are getting fulfiled and I hope it will continue in the future. And after that what is the scope left for me to remain in politics," he added.

Not a candidate for Bihar's CM post, time has come for me to retire: Giriraj Singh

How dare you, Greta Thunberg slams world leaders at United Nations

A Taliban delegation met China`s special representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun in Beijing to discuss peace efforts in the war-torn country, the insurgent group said on Monday.

This comes weeks after US President Donald Trump called off negotiations with the group in the aftermath of a Kabul terror attack.

During the discussions, Xijun said the "The US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue" and expressed support for the same, according to a tweet by Taliban spokesman in Qatar Suhail Shaheen, as cited by Al Jazeera.

The 9-member Taliban delegation was led by the group`s co-founder Mullah Baradar, the tweet added.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Geng Shuang said on Monday the delegation and ministry officials exchanged views on the "process of advancing peace in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

He did not give any further details.

The meeting has come ten days after the Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow.

The US and the Taliban had held nine rounds of peace talks in Doha, aimed at ending the 18-year- long war in the country.

Days after an agreement was reached upon between the two sides "in principle", Trump called off the peace talks with the group in the wake of the Kabul terror attack which claimed 12 lives, including that of an American soldier.&nbsp;

A Taliban delegation met China`s special representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun in Beijing to discuss peace efforts in the war-torn country, the insurgent group said on Monday.

A Taliban delegation met China`s special representative for Afghanistan Deng Xijun in Beijing to discuss peace efforts in the war-torn country, the insurgent group said on Monday. This comes weeks after US President Donald Trump called off negotiations with the group in the aftermath of a Kabul terror attack. During the discussions, Xijun said the "The US-Taliban deal is a good framework for the peaceful solution of the Afghan issue" and expressed support for the same, according to a tweet by Taliban spokesman in Qatar Suhail Shaheen, as cited by Al Jazeera. The 9-member Taliban delegation was led by the group`s co-founder Mullah Baradar, the tweet added. Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Geng Shuang said on Monday the delegation and ministry officials exchanged views on the "process of advancing peace in Afghanistan". He did not give any further details. The meeting has come ten days after the Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow. The US and the Taliban had held nine rounds of peace talks in Doha, aimed at ending the 18-year- long war in the country. Days after an agreement was reached upon between the two sides "in principle", Trump called off the peace talks with the group in the wake of the Kabul terror attack which claimed 12 lives, including that of an American soldier.

Taliban delegation meets China's special envoy for Afghanistan

In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers&nbsp;in their personal effects.

Five members have been arrested in connection with these cases, including a person who was waiting outside the arrival lounge to collect the goods.&nbsp;

On Monday, based on information Salim, 40, of Ernakulam(Kerala) who had arrived by AirAsia flight FD 153 from Bangkok was intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. He appeared to be walking in a suspicious manner and when questioned he gave evasive replies. On frisking him and his baggage, two gold cut bars which were wrapped with adhesive tape weighing 1 Kg, valued at Rs. 39 lakhs were found concealed in his socks. The bars were recovered and seized under the Customs Act 1962.

On questioning, he informed that the gold was to be handed over to an unknown person outside the airport. He was taken out of the airport and when one person approached him to take delivery, he was apprehended.

A senior customs official told WION, “People who come to collect the goods tend to escape, but this time around we have nabbed him. We have also learnt that the kingpin is based out of Kerala and are working on nabbing him as well. We have seized gold in larger volume as well, but this is higher than the usual recovery which amounts to a few lakhs."

In another case on Monday, based on inputs, a family of three Ashraf Ali, 59, Saira Banu, 50 and their son Mohammed Salih, 23, from Chennai who had arrived by same flight were intercepted at the exit. On personal search, 10 zip lock pouches containing rubbery material were recovered, concealed inside their innerwear. On extraction 2.5 gold valued at Rs. 97 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the parents were arrested.

On Sunday, based on an information one Saidalavi Kunnathodi, 51 of Malappuram (Kerala), who arrived from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways Flight EY238 was intercepted at the exit. His checked-in baggage was taken up for examination. A water motor pump was found inside his baggage. On dismantling the pump a cylindrical gold bar weighing 1.64 Kg valued at Rs 64 lakhs was found concealed inside the rotor portion of the motor. The gold was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the passenger was arrested. 
&nbsp;

In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers in their personal effects.

In three separate cases read over Sunday and Monday, customs officials at Chennai airport seized 5.1 kg of gold worth 2 crores that were hidden by passengers in their personal effects. Five members have been arrested in connection with these cases, including a person who was waiting outside the arrival lounge to collect the goods. On Monday, based on information Salim, 40, of Ernakulam(Kerala) who had arrived by AirAsia flight FD 153 from Bangkok was intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. He appeared to be walking in a suspicious manner and when questioned he gave evasive replies. On frisking him and his baggage, two gold cut bars which were wrapped with adhesive tape weighing 1 Kg, valued at Rs. 39 lakhs were found concealed in his socks. The bars were recovered and seized under the Customs Act 1962. On questioning, he informed that the gold was to be handed over to an unknown person outside the airport. He was taken out of the airport and when one person approached him to take delivery, he was apprehended. A senior customs official told WION, “People who come to collect the goods tend to escape, but this time around we have nabbed him. We have also learnt that the kingpin is based out of Kerala and are working on nabbing him as well. We have seized gold in larger volume as well, but this is higher than the usual recovery which amounts to a few lakhs." In another case on Monday, based on inputs, a family of three Ashraf Ali, 59, Saira Banu, 50 and their son Mohammed Salih, 23, from Chennai who had arrived by same flight were intercepted at the exit. On personal search, 10 zip lock pouches containing rubbery material were recovered, concealed inside their innerwear. On extraction 2.5 gold valued at Rs. 97 lakhs was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the parents were arrested. On Sunday, based on an information one Saidalavi Kunnathodi, 51 of Malappuram (Kerala), who arrived from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways Flight EY238 was intercepted at the exit. His checked-in baggage was taken up for examination. A water motor pump was found inside his baggage. On dismantling the pump a cylindrical gold bar weighing 1.64 Kg valued at Rs 64 lakhs was found concealed inside the rotor portion of the motor. The gold was recovered and seized under Customs Act 1962 and the passenger was arrested.

5.1 kg gold worth 2 crore hidden in socks, innerwear, motor pump seized in Chennai airport; 5 arrested

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-14-killed-8-injured-in-airstrike-in-helmand-251437">airstrike during a wedding celebration</a> in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul.

Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants.&nbsp;

Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting.&nbsp;

"Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said.&nbsp;

Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead.&nbsp;

Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest.&nbsp;

Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed.&nbsp;

But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation.

A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations.&nbsp;

While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict.

There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday.

Afghanistan is investigating reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during a wedding celebration in southern Helmand province, officials said Monday. The allegations stem from an overnight skirmish in Musa Qala district, less than a week after a drone killed at least nine civilians in Nangarhar province east of Kabul. Residents and local officials in Helmand said an evening wedding celebration was underway when security forces launched a ground and aerial operation against suspected militants. Majeed Akhundzada, a member of the Helmand provincial council, told AFP that both Afghan and foreign forces had been involved in the fighting. "Some 40 people were killed and 18 others were wounded and were brought to the hospital, all the victims were civilians," he said. Sher Mohammad Akhundza, a provincial senator, also put the toll at 40 dead. Defence ministry spokesman Fawad Aman later told AFP that special forces had been targeting a compound hosting Taliban and Al Qaeda militants, saying fighting lasted an hour before an insurgent detonated a suicide vest. Aman said at least 22 "terrorists" were killed and 14 others injured in the incident, adding that officials were investigating claims that civilians had also been killed. But he denied that airstrikes had been used during the operation. A statement from Helmand's governor gave a different account, saying the militants were killed in "airstrikes" and ground operations. While the Afghan military does have a fledgling air force, most strikes are led or supported by the United States, the only member of the international coalition in Afghanistan that provides aerial support in the conflict. There was no immediate comment from NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. The UN documented a sharp rise in civilian deaths from airstrikes last year, as Afghan and US forces intensified the aerial bombardment of Taliban and Islamic State group militants.

Afghan officials investigate reports 40 civilians killed in airstrike

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a charge sheet against corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar in connection with a money laundering case related to losses suffered by the Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam.

The charge sheet was filed in Delhi`s Rouse Avenue Court before Special Judge Anil Kumar Sisodia under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988.

Besides Talwar, the charge sheet also names Yasmeen Kapoor, Maya B Puri, Stone Travel Private Limited, Cedar Travels, Deepak Talwar &amp; Associates, and Asia Field Limited.

The court has put up the matter for consideration on October 1.

Talwar was arrested by the CBI on July 29 and the special court sent him to the CBI custody for interrogation after his anticipatory bail application was rejected by the special judge.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Talwar was involved in cases related to corporate lobbying.

Talwar allegedly received payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore during 2008-09 from private international airlines in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights using his contacts. Air India had allegedly suffered huge loses.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a charge sheet against corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar in connection with a money laundering case related to losses suffered by the Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a charge sheet against corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar in connection with a money laundering case related to losses suffered by the Air India as part of an alleged multi-crore aviation scam. The charge sheet was filed in Delhi`s Rouse Avenue Court before Special Judge Anil Kumar Sisodia under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988. Besides Talwar, the charge sheet also names Yasmeen Kapoor, Maya B Puri, Stone Travel Private Limited, Cedar Travels, Deepak Talwar & Associates, and Asia Field Limited. The court has put up the matter for consideration on October 1. Talwar was arrested by the CBI on July 29 and the special court sent him to the CBI custody for interrogation after his anticipatory bail application was rejected by the special judge. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Talwar was involved in cases related to corporate lobbying. Talwar allegedly received payments to the tune of Rs 272 crore during 2008-09 from private international airlines in lieu of securing favourable traffic rights using his contacts. Air India had allegedly suffered huge loses.

Aviation scam: CBI files charge sheet against Deepak Talwar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thomas-cook-collapses-why-and-what-happens-now-251531">Thomas Cook</a> is not the first travel company to go bust and leave thousands of travellers in the lurch, but never before have so many voyagers been affected.&nbsp;

Here are some other notable examples.

Britain's Monarch

Short-haul British carrier Monarch Airlines declared bankruptcy on October 2, 2017 and immediately ceased all activities, stranding about 110,000 passengers.&nbsp;

The British government took emergency action to return them home in an operation that involved 570 dedicated flights by 60 aircraft from 27 airlines.

But the collapse of British tour operator Thomas Cook Monday is on a different scale, affecting some 600,000 holidaymakers.

Britain's XL Leisure Group

On September 12, 2008 Britain's third-largest tour operator XL Leisure Group announced it was on the brink of bankruptcy and cancelled most flights operated by its XL Airways.

More than 85,000 holidaymakers were stuck overseas and the group chartered flights to repatriate them.

Although the company collapsed, its German and French subsidiaries were able to continue operations, having been bought by an Icelandic bank.

But on September 19, 2019 XL Airways France also declared itself insolvent.

Brazil's Varig

Brazil's heavily indebted Varig airline, one of the largest in Latin America, filed for bankruptcy protection on June 17, 2005. &nbsp;

It limped on as it awaited a promised buyer but in June 2006 had to cancel scores of domestic and international flights, and shed major international routes.

The government’s National Civil Aviation Agency took emergency measures to repatriate some 20,000 Brazilians stranded abroad, including 5,000 in Germany for the football World Cup.

A plan by Varig's staff to buy the company collapsed and it was eventually saved from liquidation by US-Brazilian investor consortium, Volo do Brasil, in July 2006.&nbsp;

The following year it was bought by low-cost carrier GOL.

Swissair

Once a symbol of Swiss reliability and efficiency, Swissair filed for bankruptcy and protection from creditors on October 2, 2001, just weeks after the September 11 plane attacks that hit the entire aviation sector.&nbsp;

All its aircraft were grounded after fuel companies demand payment for fuel; eventually, around 400 flights were cancelled and 38,000 people left stranded worldwide.

Flights resumed on October 4, after a short-term government loan, but the damage had been done: Swissair carried out its last flight on March 31, 2002, before being folded into a new national carrier named simply Swiss.

Australian Ansett

Indebted Ansett Airlines, Australia's second-biggest carrier, was on September 12, 2001 placed into voluntary administration to stem the financial losses of its owner, Air New Zealand.

Two days later its flights were grounded, stranding 45,000 voyagers around the country.

Flights partially resumed at the end of September but, after its sale to the Tesna consortium fell through, the airline flew for the last time in March 2002.

Thomas Cook is not the first travel company to go bust and leave thousands of travellers in the lurch, but never before have so many voyagers been affected. Here are some other notable examples.

Thomas Cook is not the first travel company to go bust and leave thousands of travellers in the lurch, but never before have so many voyagers been affected. Here are some other notable examples. Britain's Monarch Short-haul British carrier Monarch Airlines declared bankruptcy on October 2, 2017 and immediately ceased all activities, stranding about 110,000 passengers. The British government took emergency action to return them home in an operation that involved 570 dedicated flights by 60 aircraft from 27 airlines. But the collapse of British tour operator Thomas Cook Monday is on a different scale, affecting some 600,000 holidaymakers. Britain's XL Leisure Group On September 12, 2008 Britain's third-largest tour operator XL Leisure Group announced it was on the brink of bankruptcy and cancelled most flights operated by its XL Airways. More than 85,000 holidaymakers were stuck overseas and the group chartered flights to repatriate them. Although the company collapsed, its German and French subsidiaries were able to continue operations, having been bought by an Icelandic bank. But on September 19, 2019 XL Airways France also declared itself insolvent. Brazil's Varig Brazil's heavily indebted Varig airline, one of the largest in Latin America, filed for bankruptcy protection on June 17, 2005. It limped on as it awaited a promised buyer but in June 2006 had to cancel scores of domestic and international flights, and shed major international routes. The government’s National Civil Aviation Agency took emergency measures to repatriate some 20,000 Brazilians stranded abroad, including 5,000 in Germany for the football World Cup. A plan by Varig's staff to buy the company collapsed and it was eventually saved from liquidation by US-Brazilian investor consortium, Volo do Brasil, in July 2006. The following year it was bought by low-cost carrier GOL. Swissair Once a symbol of Swiss reliability and efficiency, Swissair filed for bankruptcy and protection from creditors on October 2, 2001, just weeks after the September 11 plane attacks that hit the entire aviation sector. All its aircraft were grounded after fuel companies demand payment for fuel; eventually, around 400 flights were cancelled and 38,000 people left stranded worldwide. Flights resumed on October 4, after a short-term government loan, but the damage had been done: Swissair carried out its last flight on March 31, 2002, before being folded into a new national carrier named simply Swiss. Australian Ansett Indebted Ansett Airlines, Australia's second-biggest carrier, was on September 12, 2001 placed into voluntary administration to stem the financial losses of its owner, Air New Zealand. Two days later its flights were grounded, stranding 45,000 voyagers around the country. Flights partially resumed at the end of September but, after its sale to the Tesna consortium fell through, the airline flew for the last time in March 2002.

Travellers stranded abroad, other cases before Thomas Cook

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Zee News Rajasthan

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