Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-election-pm-justin-trudeau-returns-to-power-says-voters-rejected-negativity-257453"> Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau</a> on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections.

PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and&nbsp;his family.

"Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations, " the tweet read.

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Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a>! 
 
India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. 
 
Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/8zYvyuixCw">pic.twitter.com/8zYvyuixCw</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1186633609748238336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals.

Trudeau's Liberal party were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. The party still falls short of the required 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government.

Trudeau, who took power in 2015 as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface and his handling of a corporate corruption case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections. PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and his family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections. PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and his family. "Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations, " the tweet read. Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/8zYvyuixCw — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2019 × Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals. Trudeau's Liberal party were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. The party still falls short of the required 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government. Trudeau, who took power in 2015 as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface and his handling of a corporate corruption case.

PM Modi congratulates Justin Trudeau over election victory

Two people died and several others were injured as police baton-charged peaceful protesters in Muzaffarabad city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-protests-expected-in-pok-251019">Pakistan occupied Kashmir</a>(PoK)&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Various political parties under the All independent parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of October 22, the day when Pakistani forces invaded Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.

The day is marked as a “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-observe-black-day-against-pakistan-atrocities-127536">Black Day</a>” by the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan as they demand Pakistan to leave their territory.

The police denied the protesters from holding anti-government demonstrations&nbsp;and used tear gas shells and used batons to disperse the crowd.

Two people died and several others were injured as police baton-charged peaceful protesters in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) on Tuesday. Various political parties under the All independent parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of October 22, the day when Pakistani forces invaded Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.

Two people died and several others were injured as police baton-charged peaceful protesters in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) on Tuesday. Various political parties under the All independent parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on the occasion of October 22, the day when Pakistani forces invaded Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. The day is marked as a “Black Day” by the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan as they demand Pakistan to leave their territory. The police denied the protesters from holding anti-government demonstrations and used tear gas shells and used batons to disperse the crowd.

2 dead, several injured as police baton-charge protesters in PoK

The death toll from week-long <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-resume-in-iraqs-sadr-city-as-uprising-enters-second-week-254618">anti-government protests</a> that erupted in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calm-returns-after-iraq-protests-but-political-crisis-remains-254513">Baghdad</a> and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday.

The capital accounted for 111 of the dead, nearly all of whom were protesters, the inquiry found.

Around 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by bullet wounds "to the head or chest", according to the findings, published as Iraq braces for fresh protests on Friday.

Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south.

The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year.

&nbsp;

The death toll from week-long anti-government protests that erupted in Baghdad and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday.

The death toll from week-long anti-government protests that erupted in Baghdad and other cities at the start of the month totalled 157, an official inquiry found on Tuesday. The capital accounted for 111 of the dead, nearly all of whom were protesters, the inquiry found. Around 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by bullet wounds "to the head or chest", according to the findings, published as Iraq braces for fresh protests on Friday. Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south. The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year.

157 dead in anti-government protests in Iraq

Indian shares closed down on Tuesday, dragged by a sharp fall in Infosys stock, while weak earnings from a raft of companies further dented investor sentiment.

Infosys dived nearly 17 per cent and was the biggest drag on the NSE index, as the country's No. 2 software services firm said it was investigating whistleblower claims accusing its top two executives of "unethical practices" to boost short-term profit.

The broader Nifty ended 0.63 per cent lower at 11,588.35, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.85 per cent at 38,963.84.

Only 2 out of 10 stocks on the Nifty IT index ended higher. The index closed 4.68 per cent lower.

Shares of air conditioning parts manufacturer, Subros Ltd, slid as much as 7 per cent to its lowest in nearly five weeks after the company posted a drop in quarterly net profit.

Shares of ICICI Bank Ltd and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, closing up 3.05 per cent and 3.15 per cent, respectively.

Indian shares closed down on Tuesday, dragged by a sharp fall in Infosys stock, while weak earnings from a raft of companies further dented investor sentiment. Infosys dived nearly 17 per cent and was the biggest drag on the NSE index, as the country's No.

Indian shares closed down on Tuesday, dragged by a sharp fall in Infosys stock, while weak earnings from a raft of companies further dented investor sentiment. Infosys dived nearly 17 per cent and was the biggest drag on the NSE index, as the country's No. 2 software services firm said it was investigating whistleblower claims accusing its top two executives of "unethical practices" to boost short-term profit. The broader Nifty ended 0.63 per cent lower at 11,588.35, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed down 0.85 per cent at 38,963.84. Only 2 out of 10 stocks on the Nifty IT index ended higher. The index closed 4.68 per cent lower. Shares of air conditioning parts manufacturer, Subros Ltd, slid as much as 7 per cent to its lowest in nearly five weeks after the company posted a drop in quarterly net profit. Shares of ICICI Bank Ltd and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd were among the top gainers on the NSE index, closing up 3.05 per cent and 3.15 per cent, respectively.

Sensex, Nifty end lower as Infosys crashes

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding.

The country`s refugee commissioner refused to divulge when the Rohingyas would be moved, but a senior Navy officer involved in building facilities on the island said the relocation could start by December, with some 500 refugees sent daily, Al Jazeera reported.

Some 740,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar in August 2017 in the face of a military crackdown, joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox`s Bazar.

Dhaka has long wanted to move 100,000 refugees to the islet, saying it would take pressure off the overcrowded border camps where almost a million Rohingya are currently residing.

Bangladesh had been planning since last year to relocate the refugees to the desolate flood-prone site, which is an hour by boat from the mainland.

Rights groups have warned that the island, which emerged from the sea only about two decades ago, might not be able to withstand violent storms during the annual monsoon season.

Residents from nearby Hatiya Island told Human Rights Watch the island was not habitable."Part of the island is eroded by the monsoon every year," a man was quoted as saying.

"In that time, we never dare go to that island, so how will thousands of Rohingya live there?" he added further.

In the past half-century, powerful cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in the Meghna River estuary where the island is located.

Rohingya leaders would be taken to Bhashan Char to view the facilities and living conditions soon, the commissioner said.

The official also said that a nine-foot (three-metre) high embankment has been built on the island to ensure the safety of the refugees from tidal surges during cyclones, along with a warehouse to store months worth of rations.

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have returned to date, with UN investigators describing conditions in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding.

Authorities here have said that thousands of Rohingya living in the refugee camps in southern coastal regions of Bangladesh will be relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal that is prone to flooding. The country`s refugee commissioner refused to divulge when the Rohingyas would be moved, but a senior Navy officer involved in building facilities on the island said the relocation could start by December, with some 500 refugees sent daily, Al Jazeera reported. Some 740,000 Rohingyas fled Myanmar in August 2017 in the face of a military crackdown, joining 200,000 refugees already in makeshift tent settlements at Cox`s Bazar. Dhaka has long wanted to move 100,000 refugees to the islet, saying it would take pressure off the overcrowded border camps where almost a million Rohingya are currently residing. Bangladesh had been planning since last year to relocate the refugees to the desolate flood-prone site, which is an hour by boat from the mainland. Rights groups have warned that the island, which emerged from the sea only about two decades ago, might not be able to withstand violent storms during the annual monsoon season. Residents from nearby Hatiya Island told Human Rights Watch the island was not habitable."Part of the island is eroded by the monsoon every year," a man was quoted as saying. "In that time, we never dare go to that island, so how will thousands of Rohingya live there?" he added further. In the past half-century, powerful cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in the Meghna River estuary where the island is located. Rohingya leaders would be taken to Bhashan Char to view the facilities and living conditions soon, the commissioner said. The official also said that a nine-foot (three-metre) high embankment has been built on the island to ensure the safety of the refugees from tidal surges during cyclones, along with a warehouse to store months worth of rations. Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a repatriation deal two years ago, but virtually no refugees have returned to date, with UN investigators describing conditions in Myanmar as "unsafe, unsustainable and impossible".

Rohingya refugees to relocate to flood-prone island next month

Australian newspapers go black to fight back against crackdown on press freedom

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks.

The defence acquisition council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved three projects to design, develop and manufacture defence equipment by private companies in India in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi government`s flagship initiative -- `Make in India`.

The projects include manufacturing of the third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 Tanks. The third project pertains to discrete Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for the mountain and high altitude terrain.

The EW system would be designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by a design-cum-production partner from the Indian industry, the government said.

While the third-generation ATGM would provide "fire and forget" and "top attack" capabilities to the troops in an armoured battle, the APUs would enable the incorporation of various upgrades to Fire Control System and Night Fighting capabilities of the Tanks.

"Both the projects will be progressed under the `Make-II` Category and will provide a boost to indigenous research and development in the private sector," according to an official release.

The Ministry of Defence, the release said, has offered complex military equipment to be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian private industry for the first time.

Last month, the council approved proposals for capital procurement of approximately Rs 2,000 crore including indigenous production of special ammunition for T-72/T-90 tanks to increase the capacity of the Army to penetrate enemy armour.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks.

The Defence Ministry on Monday cleared acquisitions worth over Rs 3,300 crore for the Indian Army including Made in India anti-tank guided missiles for taking out enemy tanks. The defence acquisition council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved three projects to design, develop and manufacture defence equipment by private companies in India in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi government`s flagship initiative -- `Make in India`. The projects include manufacturing of the third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 Tanks. The third project pertains to discrete Electronic Warfare (EW) systems for the mountain and high altitude terrain. The EW system would be designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by a design-cum-production partner from the Indian industry, the government said. While the third-generation ATGM would provide "fire and forget" and "top attack" capabilities to the troops in an armoured battle, the APUs would enable the incorporation of various upgrades to Fire Control System and Night Fighting capabilities of the Tanks. "Both the projects will be progressed under the `Make-II` Category and will provide a boost to indigenous research and development in the private sector," according to an official release. The Ministry of Defence, the release said, has offered complex military equipment to be designed, developed and manufactured by the Indian private industry for the first time. Last month, the council approved proposals for capital procurement of approximately Rs 2,000 crore including indigenous production of special ammunition for T-72/T-90 tanks to increase the capacity of the Army to penetrate enemy armour.

Defence Ministry clears Rs 3,300 crore acquisitions including anti-tank missiles

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals.

The phones are being assembled at Chinese contract manufacturer Foxconn's India factory, helping the Cupertino, California-based company avoid high levies on the import of fully-built devices as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India.

iPhone XR boxes with an "Assembled in India" tag were seen on Monday in many of the country's electronic product retailers, including Croma, with a price tag of 49,900 Indian rupees (£542) for the 64 GB version.

The company has slashed iPhone XR prices in India to counter a prolonged sales slowdown amid fierce competition from premium smartphones from Samsung and OnePlus.

Earlier this year Reuters had reported that the company would assemble its top-end iPhones in India.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing.

Companies such as Apple are also looking to use India as an export hub to soften the impact of an ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals.

Apple Inc has started selling its popular iPhone XR phones assembled in India, as it looks to expand its share in the world's second-largest smartphone market where it has struggled against cheaper products from rivals. The phones are being assembled at Chinese contract manufacturer Foxconn's India factory, helping the Cupertino, California-based company avoid high levies on the import of fully-built devices as well as meet local sourcing norms for opening its own retail stores in India. iPhone XR boxes with an "Assembled in India" tag were seen on Monday in many of the country's electronic product retailers, including Croma, with a price tag of 49,900 Indian rupees (£542) for the 64 GB version. The company has slashed iPhone XR prices in India to counter a prolonged sales slowdown amid fierce competition from premium smartphones from Samsung and OnePlus. Earlier this year Reuters had reported that the company would assemble its top-end iPhones in India. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has tried to position South Asia's third-biggest economy as a hub for smartphone manufacturing. Companies such as Apple are also looking to use India as an export hub to soften the impact of an ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Apple starts selling locally assembled iPhone XR in India

Nearly 63.55 per cent voter turnout was reported from Haryana, where the voting concluded on Monday for 90 Assembly seats.

The voting percentage in Maharashtra, where 288 Assembly seats are at stake, was pegged at 56.65 per cent, as per the details shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) here.

Also, the by-poll took place for two Lok Sabha constituencies -- Satara in Maharashtra and Samastipur in Bihar, and for 51 Assembly seats spread in 17 states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar.

The polling percentage was 44.64 in Samastipur reserved Parliamentary constituency. 60.75 per cent polling was reported from Satara in Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh where the assembly by-poll was held on 11 seats, the voting percentage was put at 46.66. Over 90 per cent of voters cast their votes in Arunachal Pradesh assembly by-poll on Khonsa seat. Gangoh in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh saw 57.8 per cent voting while Lucknow Cantonment assembly seat witnessed 28.53 per cent voting, lowest in the state.

The voter turn out in Naxal-hit Chitrakot in Chhattisgarh was 74.8 per cent, Huzurnagar in Telangana (82.23 per cent) and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh (62.01 per cent), Bijepur in Odisha (78.96 per cent), Shella in Meghalaya (84.56 per cent) and 69.44 per cent in Puducherry.&nbsp;

The four seats in Assam recorded the poll percentage of 75.69 per cent, five seats in Bihar of 49.50 per cent and six seats in Gujarat of 51.36 per cent.

The poll percentage was 67.97 per cent for two seats in Himachal Pradesh, 66.34 per cent for five seats in Kerala, 69.55 per cent for three seats in Sikkim, 68.87 per cent for two seats in Tamil Nadu and 62.33 per cent for four seats in Punjab.

In Maharashtra, BJP is contesting at 150 seats while its ally Shiv Sena has fielded 124 candidates. The remaining seats have been left for smaller allies. On the other hand, Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The assembly elections in Haryana are a multi-cornered contest among the BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).

Counting of votes in both Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls will take place on October 24.

Nearly 63.55 per cent voter turnout was reported from Haryana, where the voting concluded on Monday for 90 Assembly seats. The voting percentage in Maharashtra, where 288 Assembly seats are at stake, was pegged at 56.

Nearly 63.55 per cent voter turnout was reported from Haryana, where the voting concluded on Monday for 90 Assembly seats. The voting percentage in Maharashtra, where 288 Assembly seats are at stake, was pegged at 56.65 per cent, as per the details shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) here. Also, the by-poll took place for two Lok Sabha constituencies -- Satara in Maharashtra and Samastipur in Bihar, and for 51 Assembly seats spread in 17 states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar. The polling percentage was 44.64 in Samastipur reserved Parliamentary constituency. 60.75 per cent polling was reported from Satara in Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh where the assembly by-poll was held on 11 seats, the voting percentage was put at 46.66. Over 90 per cent of voters cast their votes in Arunachal Pradesh assembly by-poll on Khonsa seat. Gangoh in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh saw 57.8 per cent voting while Lucknow Cantonment assembly seat witnessed 28.53 per cent voting, lowest in the state. The voter turn out in Naxal-hit Chitrakot in Chhattisgarh was 74.8 per cent, Huzurnagar in Telangana (82.23 per cent) and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh (62.01 per cent), Bijepur in Odisha (78.96 per cent), Shella in Meghalaya (84.56 per cent) and 69.44 per cent in Puducherry. The four seats in Assam recorded the poll percentage of 75.69 per cent, five seats in Bihar of 49.50 per cent and six seats in Gujarat of 51.36 per cent. The poll percentage was 67.97 per cent for two seats in Himachal Pradesh, 66.34 per cent for five seats in Kerala, 69.55 per cent for three seats in Sikkim, 68.87 per cent for two seats in Tamil Nadu and 62.33 per cent for four seats in Punjab. In Maharashtra, BJP is contesting at 150 seats while its ally Shiv Sena has fielded 124 candidates. The remaining seats have been left for smaller allies. On the other hand, Congress is contesting the polls in alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The assembly elections in Haryana are a multi-cornered contest among the BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). Counting of votes in both Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls will take place on October 24.

Assembly polls: Haryana records 63.55% voter turnout, Maharashtra 56.65%

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday.

The Pentagon chief also hinted that some sort of residual US force might remain in Syria to protect oil fields, but stressed no decision had been taken.&nbsp;

The US last week announced the withdrawal of 1,000 American troops from northeast Syria, days after Turkey launched an offensive against the previously US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist group.

The move provoked outrage from observers and even members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party, who saw the sudden withdrawal as a betrayal of the same Kurdish fighters the US had been training and arming for years to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria.

Speaking at NATO's Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul, Esper said America maintains a "longstanding commitment" to Afghanistan, which it invaded in 2001 to oust the Taliban, and noted US policy direction for the country is completely different.

"All these things should reassure our Afghan allies and others that they should not misinterpret our actions in the recent week or so with regard to Syria and contrast that with Afghanistan," he said.

Underscoring America's will to stay in Afghanistan, Esper said, was that it still faces a "virulent terrorist threat that originated in the form of Al-Qaeda and now finds itself in the Taliban and ISIS-K and other groups".&nbsp;

ISIS-K is the abbreviation for the Afghan Islamic State affiliate.

The US and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen some American forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments.

But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when Trump declared talks "dead" following Taliban attacks including one that killed a US soldier.

Guarding Syria oil fields&nbsp;

On Syria, Esper said the withdrawal of US forces would take "weeks not days", and raised the possibility that some troops would stay for now in towns near oil fields as a way of preventing IS and other groups seizing them.

"We have troops in towns in northeast Syria that are located next to the oil fields. The troops in those towns are not in the present phase of withdrawal," Esper said.&nbsp;

"I've made no decision with regard to various options. Those are things that we would have to present to the president in due course".

General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said over the past year the US has reduced its military footprint across the war-torn country by about 2,000 troops.&nbsp;

"As we work in Afghanistan with our partners, we are always looking to optimise the force," Miller said, speaking at the same press conference as Esper.&nbsp;

"Unbeknownst to the public, as part of our optimisation over the last year we have reduced our authorised strength by 2,000 here."

That force reduction is unrelated to any prospective deal with the Taliban.

US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett said the US now has around 13,000 troops in the country.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility that Washington is seeking to resume talks, and Esper has said he supports a political agreement. 
&nbsp;

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday.

Afghans should not misconstrue America's sudden and contentious withdrawal from parts of Syria as a precursor to a similar move in Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday. The Pentagon chief also hinted that some sort of residual US force might remain in Syria to protect oil fields, but stressed no decision had been taken. The US last week announced the withdrawal of 1,000 American troops from northeast Syria, days after Turkey launched an offensive against the previously US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist group. The move provoked outrage from observers and even members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party, who saw the sudden withdrawal as a betrayal of the same Kurdish fighters the US had been training and arming for years to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria. Speaking at NATO's Resolute Support mission headquarters in Kabul, Esper said America maintains a "longstanding commitment" to Afghanistan, which it invaded in 2001 to oust the Taliban, and noted US policy direction for the country is completely different. "All these things should reassure our Afghan allies and others that they should not misinterpret our actions in the recent week or so with regard to Syria and contrast that with Afghanistan," he said. Underscoring America's will to stay in Afghanistan, Esper said, was that it still faces a "virulent terrorist threat that originated in the form of Al-Qaeda and now finds itself in the Taliban and ISIS-K and other groups". ISIS-K is the abbreviation for the Afghan Islamic State affiliate. The US and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen some American forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments. But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when Trump declared talks "dead" following Taliban attacks including one that killed a US soldier. Guarding Syria oil fields On Syria, Esper said the withdrawal of US forces would take "weeks not days", and raised the possibility that some troops would stay for now in towns near oil fields as a way of preventing IS and other groups seizing them. "We have troops in towns in northeast Syria that are located next to the oil fields. The troops in those towns are not in the present phase of withdrawal," Esper said. "I've made no decision with regard to various options. Those are things that we would have to present to the president in due course". General Scott Miller, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said over the past year the US has reduced its military footprint across the war-torn country by about 2,000 troops. "As we work in Afghanistan with our partners, we are always looking to optimise the force," Miller said, speaking at the same press conference as Esper. "Unbeknownst to the public, as part of our optimisation over the last year we have reduced our authorised strength by 2,000 here." That force reduction is unrelated to any prospective deal with the Taliban. US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman Colonel Sonny Leggett said the US now has around 13,000 troops in the country. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility that Washington is seeking to resume talks, and Esper has said he supports a political agreement.

No Syria-type pullout planned for Afghanistan: Pentagon chief

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-and-50-injured-as-police-fire-on-bangladesh-protesters-over-facebook-post-257087">four people died when officers fired on a crowd</a> in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date.

Some 20,000 Muslims called for the execution of a young Hindu man on Bhola island Sunday for writing Facebook messages that allegedly defamed the Prophet Mohammed, with police saying they opened fire after rocks were thrown at officers.

Four people died and nearly 50 were injured, with at least seven in a critical condition in hospital.

Mob attacks over online posts perceived to be blasphemous have emerged as a major headache for security forces in Bangladesh, where Muslims make up some 90 percent of the country's 168 million people.

The deaths sparked a new round of protests late Sunday and on Monday as thousands of Muslims across several cities shouted slogans and called for the officers involved to be put on trial.

"This is not acceptable. Police have illegally and unconstitutionally opened fire on the protesters," 22-year-old madrasa student Mahmudul Hasan told AFP at a rally in the capital Dhaka.

"It is an extrajudicial killing. We seek justice."

The Hindu man whose Facebook account hosted the original messages and is from Bhola, was charged with inciting religious tension.

But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for calm Sunday and said the man's Facebook account was hacked by a Muslim person and used to "spread lies".

Thousands of protesters who took part in the Bhola protest were being investigated, local police chief Enamul Haque told AFP, adding a police officer was also "fighting for his life" after he was shot by demonstrators.

No arrests have yet been made, he added.

This is not the first time alleged Facebook posts have sparked large-scale religious violence in the impoverished South Asian country. &nbsp;

In 2016, angry Muslims attacked Hindu temples in an eastern town over a Facebook post that allegedly mocked one of Islam's holiest sites.

And in 2012, Muslim mobs torched Buddhist monasteries, houses and shops in the coastal Cox's Bazar district after a photo of the koran that was considered defamatory was put online by a young Buddhist.

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least four people died when officers fired on a crowd in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date.

Thousands protested against police across Bangladesh on Monday, a day after at least four people died when officers fired on a crowd in one of the country's deadliest religious riots to date. Some 20,000 Muslims called for the execution of a young Hindu man on Bhola island Sunday for writing Facebook messages that allegedly defamed the Prophet Mohammed, with police saying they opened fire after rocks were thrown at officers. Four people died and nearly 50 were injured, with at least seven in a critical condition in hospital. Mob attacks over online posts perceived to be blasphemous have emerged as a major headache for security forces in Bangladesh, where Muslims make up some 90 percent of the country's 168 million people. The deaths sparked a new round of protests late Sunday and on Monday as thousands of Muslims across several cities shouted slogans and called for the officers involved to be put on trial. "This is not acceptable. Police have illegally and unconstitutionally opened fire on the protesters," 22-year-old madrasa student Mahmudul Hasan told AFP at a rally in the capital Dhaka. "It is an extrajudicial killing. We seek justice." The Hindu man whose Facebook account hosted the original messages and is from Bhola, was charged with inciting religious tension. But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for calm Sunday and said the man's Facebook account was hacked by a Muslim person and used to "spread lies". Thousands of protesters who took part in the Bhola protest were being investigated, local police chief Enamul Haque told AFP, adding a police officer was also "fighting for his life" after he was shot by demonstrators. No arrests have yet been made, he added. This is not the first time alleged Facebook posts have sparked large-scale religious violence in the impoverished South Asian country. In 2016, angry Muslims attacked Hindu temples in an eastern town over a Facebook post that allegedly mocked one of Islam's holiest sites. And in 2012, Muslim mobs torched Buddhist monasteries, houses and shops in the coastal Cox's Bazar district after a photo of the koran that was considered defamatory was put online by a young Buddhist.

Thousands protest against Bangladesh police after deadly shootings

In a first in India, three hospitals have been rewarded by the government with `gold certificates` for bringing in quality culture in providing healthcare services to the patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

These hospitals are UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre based at Ahmedabad, Cygnus Super Speciality Hospital in Haryana and Spine Institute of Orthopaedic in Ahmedabad.

"We have a very robust system, which closely monitors the compliance with the norms related to the quality certificate given by the PMJAY. So far we have received four applications for the certificate," said Dr JL Meena, General Manager, Hospital Networking and Quality Assurance at AB-PMJAY while talking to ANI.

"Three hospitals have fulfilled the criteria for the gold certificate. Application for one hospital is still under scrutiny. This entire process is aimed at building a culture of quality healthcare for the patients," added Dr Meena.

Last month, the implementing body of AB-PMJAY -- the National Health Authority framed comprehensive guidelines for hospitals to be empanelled with the healthcare scheme to apply for a quality certificate.

This list of guidelines includes infrastructure, human resource requirements, appropriate space for the ambulance in hospital for patient movement, proper lighting facility inside and outside the hospital, medical instruments and equipment, their maintenance, fire fighting equipment and basic amenities like safe drinking water, hygiene, canteen, suitable toilets for men and women.

The guidelines for a self-assessment tool kit to get a quality certificate is very user-friendly, practical and has no language barrier, an official said.&nbsp;

As of now, there are 18,097 hospitals on board with the AB-PMJAY, which have treated around 50 lakh patients.&nbsp;

In a first in India, three hospitals have been rewarded by the government with `gold certificates` for bringing in quality culture in providing healthcare services to the patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

In a first in India, three hospitals have been rewarded by the government with `gold certificates` for bringing in quality culture in providing healthcare services to the patients under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). These hospitals are UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre based at Ahmedabad, Cygnus Super Speciality Hospital in Haryana and Spine Institute of Orthopaedic in Ahmedabad. "We have a very robust system, which closely monitors the compliance with the norms related to the quality certificate given by the PMJAY. So far we have received four applications for the certificate," said Dr JL Meena, General Manager, Hospital Networking and Quality Assurance at AB-PMJAY while talking to ANI. "Three hospitals have fulfilled the criteria for the gold certificate. Application for one hospital is still under scrutiny. This entire process is aimed at building a culture of quality healthcare for the patients," added Dr Meena. Last month, the implementing body of AB-PMJAY -- the National Health Authority framed comprehensive guidelines for hospitals to be empanelled with the healthcare scheme to apply for a quality certificate. This list of guidelines includes infrastructure, human resource requirements, appropriate space for the ambulance in hospital for patient movement, proper lighting facility inside and outside the hospital, medical instruments and equipment, their maintenance, fire fighting equipment and basic amenities like safe drinking water, hygiene, canteen, suitable toilets for men and women. The guidelines for a self-assessment tool kit to get a quality certificate is very user-friendly, practical and has no language barrier, an official said. As of now, there are 18,097 hospitals on board with the AB-PMJAY, which have treated around 50 lakh patients.

In a first, PMJAY rewards 3 hospitals with 'gold certificate' for quality culture

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Punitipandey

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