<p>The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">attacks on Saudi oil facilities</a> that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran.</p>

<p>Trump said the sanctions were the toughest-ever against another country but indicated he did not plan a military strike, calling restraint a sign of strength.</p>

<p>The Treasury Department renewed action against Iran's central bank after US officials said Tehran carried out weekend attacks on rival Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, which triggered a spike in global crude prices.</p>

<p>Those attacks, combined with an Iranian attack on an American spy drone in June, represented a "dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression," Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said.</p>

<p>The Pentagon chief announced that the United States would send <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attacks-on-oil-facilities-unquestionably-sponsored-by-iran-saudi-arabia-250580">military reinforcements to the Gulf region</a> at the request of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>"In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature, and primarily focused on air and missile defence," Esper said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford categorized the deployment as "moderate," with the number of troops not expected to reach the thousands.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day Trump attacked both critics who thought the mogul-turned-president would trigger war and hawks seeking a military response.</p>

<p>"The easiest thing I could do (is) knock out 15 different major things in Iran," Trump said.</p>

<p>"But I think the strong-person approach and the thing that does show strength would be showing a little bit of restraint," he said.</p>

<p>Trump in June authorized a military strike after Iran shot down the US spy drone, only to call it off at the last moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Extensive damage</strong></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia on Friday revealed extensive damage from the strikes on state giant Aramco's facilities in Khurais and the world's largest oil processing facility at Abqaiq.</p>

<p>The attacks, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production, have been claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, but Washington has pointed its finger at Tehran, condemning the strikes as an "act of war."</p>

<p>Abqaiq was struck 18 times while nearby Khurais was hit four times in a raid that triggered multiple explosions and towering flames that took hours to extinguish, Aramco officials said.</p>

<p>Aramco flew dozens of international journalists to the two sites to show it was speeding up repairs, giving rare access to the nerve centre of the world's largest oil producer as it seeks to shore up investor confidence ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted key Saudi infrastructure in recent months in cross-border attacks, unexpectedly announced late Friday that they planned to halt all strikes on the country.</p>

<p>The move, they said, was part of a peace initiative to end their country's devastating conflict which has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine.</p>

<p>Iran denies US and Saudi accusations that it arms the Huthis.</p>

<p><strong>New ground for sanctions</strong></p>

<p>The United States already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran including on its central bank, with anyone who deals with it subject to prosecution, due to Tehran's alleged nuclear program.</p>

<p>But the new sanctions Friday were imposed for the additional reason of "terrorism," Treasury said, adding that Iran's central bank had provided "billions of dollars" to two groups blacklisted by the United States.</p>

<p><strong>WION Dispatch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-saudi-arabia-presents-proof-against-iran-250651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Treasury's action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilize the region," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.</p>

<p>The Qods Force conducts international operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, while Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group and political party in Lebanon, is among Iran's closest regional partners.</p>

<p>Iran responded that the move showed that the United States was running out of options.</p>

<p>The United States also imposed sanctions on Iran's sovereign wealth fund, whose board of trustees includes President Hassan Rouhani, as well as Etemad Tejarate Pars, a company that the Treasury Department said had sent money internationally on behalf of Iran's defence ministry.</p>

<p>Trump recently said that he hopes for talks with Rouhani, who responded that Trump must first ease sanctions.</p>

<p>Last year Trump pulled out of a nuclear accord with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama, sending tensions soaring as he tried to stop all countries from buying Iran's oil.</p>


The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following attacks on Saudi oil facilities that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran.

The United States announced Friday that it was sending military reinforcements to the Gulf region following attacks on Saudi oil facilities that it attributes to Iran, just hours after President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions on Tehran. Trump said the sanctions were the toughest-ever against another country but indicated he did not plan a military strike, calling restraint a sign of strength. The Treasury Department renewed action against Iran's central bank after US officials said Tehran carried out weekend attacks on rival Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, which triggered a spike in global crude prices. Those attacks, combined with an Iranian attack on an American spy drone in June, represented a "dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression," Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said. The Pentagon chief announced that the United States would send military reinforcements to the Gulf region at the request of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature, and primarily focused on air and missile defence," Esper said. However, Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford categorized the deployment as "moderate," with the number of troops not expected to reach the thousands. Earlier in the day Trump attacked both critics who thought the mogul-turned-president would trigger war and hawks seeking a military response. "The easiest thing I could do (is) knock out 15 different major things in Iran," Trump said. "But I think the strong-person approach and the thing that does show strength would be showing a little bit of restraint," he said. Trump in June authorized a military strike after Iran shot down the US spy drone, only to call it off at the last moment. Extensive damage Saudi Arabia on Friday revealed extensive damage from the strikes on state giant Aramco's facilities in Khurais and the world's largest oil processing facility at Abqaiq. The attacks, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's oil production, have been claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, but Washington has pointed its finger at Tehran, condemning the strikes as an "act of war." Abqaiq was struck 18 times while nearby Khurais was hit four times in a raid that triggered multiple explosions and towering flames that took hours to extinguish, Aramco officials said. Aramco flew dozens of international journalists to the two sites to show it was speeding up repairs, giving rare access to the nerve centre of the world's largest oil producer as it seeks to shore up investor confidence ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO). Meanwhile, Yemen's Huthi rebels, who have repeatedly targeted key Saudi infrastructure in recent months in cross-border attacks, unexpectedly announced late Friday that they planned to halt all strikes on the country. The move, they said, was part of a peace initiative to end their country's devastating conflict which has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine. Iran denies US and Saudi accusations that it arms the Huthis. New ground for sanctions The United States already maintains sweeping sanctions on Iran including on its central bank, with anyone who deals with it subject to prosecution, due to Tehran's alleged nuclear program. But the new sanctions Friday were imposed for the additional reason of "terrorism," Treasury said, adding that Iran's central bank had provided "billions of dollars" to two groups blacklisted by the United States. WION Dispatch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran "Treasury's action targets a crucial funding mechanism that the Iranian regime uses to support its terrorist network, including the Qods Force, Hezbollah and other militants that spread terror and destabilize the region," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Qods Force conducts international operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, while Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group and political party in Lebanon, is among Iran's closest regional partners. Iran responded that the move showed that the United States was running out of options. The United States also imposed sanctions on Iran's sovereign wealth fund, whose board of trustees includes President Hassan Rouhani, as well as Etemad Tejarate Pars, a company that the Treasury Department said had sent money internationally on behalf of Iran's defence ministry. Trump recently said that he hopes for talks with Rouhani, who responded that Trump must first ease sanctions. Last year Trump pulled out of a nuclear accord with Iran negotiated under former president Barack Obama, sending tensions soaring as he tried to stop all countries from buying Iran's oil.

US sending more troops to Gulf, Trump announces Iran sanctions

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee had urged masses to pitch in ideas for its manifesto for the elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections.</p>

<p>On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.&nbsp;</p>


The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today. The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected to announce the dates for Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections today. The electoral body will be holding a press conference at noon today. Earlier, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee had urged masses to pitch in ideas for its manifesto for the elections. The BJP came to power in the state in the last Assembly elections. On the other hand, in Maharashtra, the BJP and Shiv Sena contested 2014 state Assembly elections separately after they failed to arrive at a seat-sharing formula. However, they formed the government in the alliance after the elections as none of the parties was able to secure a majority on its own.

Election Commission to announce Maharashtra, Haryana poll dates today

<p>More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-says-yellow-vest-crisis-very-good-for-me-250668">yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago</a> and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, who protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people.</p>

<p>Their weekly demonstrations prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly $18.8 billion in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer.</p>

<p>Fresh yellow vest rallies are planned for Saturday but it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris.</p>

<p>Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday.</p>

<p>Paris police chief Didier Lallement has said 7,500 police would be deployed for Saturday's rallies in Paris -- numbers on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March.</p>

<p>Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris".</p>

<p>But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants.</p>

<p>Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift to break down the doors of a government ministry.</p>

<p>The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations.</p>

<p>Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors.</p>

<p>After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer.</p>

<p>Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better.</p>

<p>"My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.</p>


More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital.

More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital. The yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, who protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people. Their weekly demonstrations prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly $18.8 billion in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer. Fresh yellow vest rallies are planned for Saturday but it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris. Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday. Paris police chief Didier Lallement has said 7,500 police would be deployed for Saturday's rallies in Paris -- numbers on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March. Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris". But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants. Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift to break down the doors of a government ministry. The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations. Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors. After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer. Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better. "My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.

Thousands of Paris police deployed over 'yellow vest' clash fears

<p>Pop-icon Justin Bieber, who has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, is getting religious and recent post by him on social media is a proof!<br />
<br />
The singer shared two guided prayers led by celebrity pastor Judah Smith on Instagram. Smith, the pastor of Churchome, voiced the minutes-long prayer time with music in the background.<br />
<br />
"Here's a guided prayer. When you have a quiet moment get into a comfortable position and listen," the 'Sorry'&nbsp;singer wrote</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B2kaaUYnN89/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">This is a guided prayer. Find a comfortable position and enjoy this experience</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justinbieber/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Justin Bieber</a> (@justinbieber) on <time datetime="2019-09-18T22:16:17+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 18, 2019 at 3:16pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>"They have really been helping me and thought I would share," said the singer who has been open about his health.<br />
<br />
After reading a portion of Psalm 23, the megachurch pastor said, "Maybe right now, as we begin this guided prayer, you'd be willing to admit that you feel like you're in a valley. Things seem maybe bleak or dark, or maybe you find yourself fearing even death itself. I'd like us to take a few moments...I believe that we can find reprieve and rest and even ease our fear as we put our focus and our trust in God".</p>

<p><img alt="Kyle Massey comment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba81b62e-8112-4e71-ad8c-7197f1a0a68e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_3.JPG" /><br />
<br />
Kyle Massey, who featured on the Disney TV show 'That's So Raven',&nbsp;commented: "I hope everyone is listening to this entire thing like I am. This is powerful". Bieber recently led worship at Smith's LA location.<br />
<br />
In April, the 40-year-old Churchome pastor told news agency that, perhaps to the surprise of observers, he has learned much from Bieber.<br />
<br />
"Justin Bieber has taught me far more than I could ever teach him about what it means to grow and walk in humility and be someone who really wants to follow Jesus," he said.&nbsp;</p>


Pop-icon Justin Bieber, who has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, is getting religious and recent post by him on social media is a proof! The singer shared two guided prayers led by celebrity pastor Judah Smith on Instagram.

Pop-icon Justin Bieber, who has been vocal about his struggles with mental health, is getting religious and recent post by him on social media is a proof! The singer shared two guided prayers led by celebrity pastor Judah Smith on Instagram. Smith, the pastor of Churchome, voiced the minutes-long prayer time with music in the background. "Here's a guided prayer. When you have a quiet moment get into a comfortable position and listen," the 'Sorry' singer wrote View this post on Instagram This is a guided prayer. Find a comfortable position and enjoy this experience A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Sep 18, 2019 at 3:16pm PDT × "They have really been helping me and thought I would share," said the singer who has been open about his health. After reading a portion of Psalm 23, the megachurch pastor said, "Maybe right now, as we begin this guided prayer, you'd be willing to admit that you feel like you're in a valley. Things seem maybe bleak or dark, or maybe you find yourself fearing even death itself. I'd like us to take a few moments...I believe that we can find reprieve and rest and even ease our fear as we put our focus and our trust in God". Kyle Massey, who featured on the Disney TV show 'That's So Raven', commented: "I hope everyone is listening to this entire thing like I am. This is powerful". Bieber recently led worship at Smith's LA location. In April, the 40-year-old Churchome pastor told news agency that, perhaps to the surprise of observers, he has learned much from Bieber. "Justin Bieber has taught me far more than I could ever teach him about what it means to grow and walk in humility and be someone who really wants to follow Jesus," he said.

Here's how pop-icon Justin Bieber is becoming religious

<p>National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India'&nbsp;theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife.</p>

<p>The aircraft is being decorated at the AI Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in Nagpur.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-speech-2019-nation-celebrates-73rd-independence-day-today-pm-to-unfurl-tricolour-at-red-fort-shortly-243045">Independence Day speech</a> had said, "There is a "huge" scope to improve our tourism and India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays, but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom."</p>

<p>After Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Air India took the decision to decorate its Boeing B777 aircraft to promote India's tourist destination.</p>

<p>The aircraft is decorated with pictures of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark Temple, Golden Temple and Statue of Unity.</p>

<p>Air India is going to start a flight from Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto on the World Tourism Day on September 27.</p>

<p>Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier tweeted: "Delighted to announce the commencement of a thrice-weekly Air India flight between Sri Amritsar Sahib and Canada. The Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight will commence on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2019."</p>

<p>"Our Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani have given the task to decorate the aircraft with world heritage photos before going to Toronto. We started the work and today the aircraft is ready for use as per our CMD direction. Before decorating the aircraft we had taken prior clearance from Aviation watchdog Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," Vaibhav Simpy, Senior Engineer, Air India MRO and Nodal officer of the aircraft told ANI.</p>


National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India' theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife.

National carrier Air India is all set to mark 'Celebrating India' theme on World Tourism Day and in this respect, the Air India Boeing B-777 aircraft is being decorated with pictures of historical monuments, nature and wildlife. The aircraft is being decorated at the AI Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) in Nagpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had said, "There is a "huge" scope to improve our tourism and India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays, but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom." After Prime Minister Modi's appeal, Air India took the decision to decorate its Boeing B777 aircraft to promote India's tourist destination. The aircraft is decorated with pictures of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Konark Temple, Golden Temple and Statue of Unity. Air India is going to start a flight from Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto on the World Tourism Day on September 27. Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier tweeted: "Delighted to announce the commencement of a thrice-weekly Air India flight between Sri Amritsar Sahib and Canada. The Amritsar-Delhi-Toronto flight will commence on the occasion of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2019." "Our Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani have given the task to decorate the aircraft with world heritage photos before going to Toronto. We started the work and today the aircraft is ready for use as per our CMD direction. Before decorating the aircraft we had taken prior clearance from Aviation watchdog Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," Vaibhav Simpy, Senior Engineer, Air India MRO and Nodal officer of the aircraft told ANI.

Ahead of World Tourism Day, Air India implements PM Modi's vision

<p>As a part of the Namami Gange project, a cleanliness drive was organised at Yamuna ghat near Kalindi Kunj on World Cleanup Day on Saturday in which many young volunteers participated.</p>

<p>"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ganga-to-be-cleaned-within-13-months-nitin-gadkari-200387">Namami Gange Project</a> can only be successful if people put combined effort. Our team usually comes every month to clean the river bank. Landing a helping hand, other NGOs have also started participating and they come every week to clean the river banks," Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General (DG) of Namami Gange project told ANI.</p>

<p>The members are now trying to pull Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) of the city to urge people to participate in this project.</p>

<p>They are also appealing the residents and school children to come forward and actively participate in it.</p>

<p>"To mark the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi on October 2, we will organise a cleanliness drive on large scale on every river bank. Another campaign which is receiving a good response is the Swachta hi Seva campaign in which people are participating in large numbers," he added.</p>

<p>A physically handicapped man, Bhavesh Tipadiya also actively participated in the campaign with others.</p>

<p>"Everyone should realise their responsibility towards nature. If one will take part, others will also follow. We should not use single-use plastics. Money cannot buy clean air, water, therefore it is our responsibility to protect it for future," he said.</p>


As a part of the Namami Gange project, a cleanliness drive was organised at Yamuna ghat near Kalindi Kunj on World Cleanup Day on Saturday in which many young volunteers participated.

As a part of the Namami Gange project, a cleanliness drive was organised at Yamuna ghat near Kalindi Kunj on World Cleanup Day on Saturday in which many young volunteers participated. "The Namami Gange Project can only be successful if people put combined effort. Our team usually comes every month to clean the river bank. Landing a helping hand, other NGOs have also started participating and they come every week to clean the river banks," Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General (DG) of Namami Gange project told ANI. The members are now trying to pull Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) of the city to urge people to participate in this project. They are also appealing the residents and school children to come forward and actively participate in it. "To mark the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi on October 2, we will organise a cleanliness drive on large scale on every river bank. Another campaign which is receiving a good response is the Swachta hi Seva campaign in which people are participating in large numbers," he added. A physically handicapped man, Bhavesh Tipadiya also actively participated in the campaign with others. "Everyone should realise their responsibility towards nature. If one will take part, others will also follow. We should not use single-use plastics. Money cannot buy clean air, water, therefore it is our responsibility to protect it for future," he said.

Delhi: Cleanliness drive organised at Yamuna ghat on World Cleanup Day

<p>As many as 23 Taliban terrorists were killed in airstrikes carried out by Afghan security forces in the provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, and Badghis, state media reported on Saturday.</p>

<p>Sputnik cited a report by Khaama Press news agency as saying that 10 terrorists were killed and 2 others injured in the airstrikes in the Arghistan District of Kandahar.</p>

<p>Three terrorists were killed in the Andar District of Ghazni Province, the strike in the Bala Murghab district of Badghis left 10 Taliban members dead.</p>

<p>Afghanistan has long been suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activity of various terrorist and radical groups, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-tells-teachers-students-to-block-presidential-elections-or-risk-death-250375">Taliban</a>.</p>


As many as 23 Taliban terrorists were killed in airstrikes carried out by Afghan security forces in the provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, and Badghis, state media reported on Saturday.

As many as 23 Taliban terrorists were killed in airstrikes carried out by Afghan security forces in the provinces of Kandahar, Ghazni, and Badghis, state media reported on Saturday. Sputnik cited a report by Khaama Press news agency as saying that 10 terrorists were killed and 2 others injured in the airstrikes in the Arghistan District of Kandahar. Three terrorists were killed in the Andar District of Ghazni Province, the strike in the Bala Murghab district of Badghis left 10 Taliban members dead. Afghanistan has long been suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activity of various terrorist and radical groups, including the Taliban.

At least 23 Taliban terrorists killed in airstrikes by Afghan security forces

<p>China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around.</p>

<p>Cities that met pollution targets last year will be exempt from targets this year, MEE spokesman Liu Youbin said, speaking at a briefing in the capital.</p>

<p>The strategy comes as China enters its sixth year of an aggressive clampdown on pollution in a bid to cut the smog that envelops many cities during the winter months when homes and businesses crank up the heating.</p>

<p>The ministry didn't provide details on precise levels for concentrations of PM 2.5 (lung-damaging particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter) that will be set for the cities that did not meet last year's targets. But preferential treatment for cities that performed well is a part of China's efforts to put an end to what it calls "one-size-fits-all" measures.</p>

<p>According to a draft for the Key Smog Control Zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei circulated on industry websites, the target for the capital itself is zero growth in emissions from last year. The remaining 27 cities will be expected to cut concentrations of PM 2.5 by 1% to 11%, or an average of 5.5% during the 2019-2020 autumn-winter season.</p>

<p>Even a cut of 11% will not be enough to offset the increase in pollution in some cities last year.</p>

<p>Ministry spokesman Liu did not comment directly on details but said that the ministry had already sent a draft to local governments to solicit their opinions.</p>

<p>Reuters calculations based on official data showed that only four out of the country's 28 key pollution control cities in northern China met their targets last year, including Beijing, Changzhi, Jincheng, and Jining.</p>

<p>Cities likely to be given even more stringent targets this winter include Langfang, Baoding, Zhengzhou, and Anyang, all of which saw double-digit percentage growth in PM 2.5 last winter.</p>

<p>Official data shows air quality in August was better than last year, with average PM 2.5 readings falling 13% to an average of 27 micrograms per cubic metre in the key 28 cities in northern China. However, over the eight months, concentrations rose by 1.8% to 56 micrograms, more than the national standard of 35 micrograms.</p>

<p>China's central government will not set overall output restrictions on heavy industry for the coming winter but will direct local governments to impose limits based on manufacturers' emissions, the environment ministry had said in July.</p>

<p>Last year China ditched its blanket production curbs on heavy industry, which includes steelmaking, coal-fired power plants, cement factories, coke plants, metal casting, and chemical production from October 1 to March 31.</p>


China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around.

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) on Friday said that the anti-pollution campaign for this year's autumn-winter heating season will set stricter emissions targets for cities that had higher concentrations of damaging particles the last time around. Cities that met pollution targets last year will be exempt from targets this year, MEE spokesman Liu Youbin said, speaking at a briefing in the capital. The strategy comes as China enters its sixth year of an aggressive clampdown on pollution in a bid to cut the smog that envelops many cities during the winter months when homes and businesses crank up the heating. The ministry didn't provide details on precise levels for concentrations of PM 2.5 (lung-damaging particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter) that will be set for the cities that did not meet last year's targets. But preferential treatment for cities that performed well is a part of China's efforts to put an end to what it calls "one-size-fits-all" measures. According to a draft for the Key Smog Control Zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei circulated on industry websites, the target for the capital itself is zero growth in emissions from last year. The remaining 27 cities will be expected to cut concentrations of PM 2.5 by 1% to 11%, or an average of 5.5% during the 2019-2020 autumn-winter season. Even a cut of 11% will not be enough to offset the increase in pollution in some cities last year. Ministry spokesman Liu did not comment directly on details but said that the ministry had already sent a draft to local governments to solicit their opinions. Reuters calculations based on official data showed that only four out of the country's 28 key pollution control cities in northern China met their targets last year, including Beijing, Changzhi, Jincheng, and Jining. Cities likely to be given even more stringent targets this winter include Langfang, Baoding, Zhengzhou, and Anyang, all of which saw double-digit percentage growth in PM 2.5 last winter. Official data shows air quality in August was better than last year, with average PM 2.5 readings falling 13% to an average of 27 micrograms per cubic metre in the key 28 cities in northern China. However, over the eight months, concentrations rose by 1.8% to 56 micrograms, more than the national standard of 35 micrograms. China's central government will not set overall output restrictions on heavy industry for the coming winter but will direct local governments to impose limits based on manufacturers' emissions, the environment ministry had said in July. Last year China ditched its blanket production curbs on heavy industry, which includes steelmaking, coal-fired power plants, cement factories, coke plants, metal casting, and chemical production from October 1 to March 31.

China to set stricter targets for polluting cities in heating season

<p>The stage is all set at the sprawling NRG stadium for the historic 'Howdy Modi' event here on Sunday where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-trumps-special-gesture-towards-houston-diaspora-event-howdy-modi-249898">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is going to address close to 50,000 Indian-Americans, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-us-president-donald-trump-on-september-24-in-new-york-250670">US President Donald Trump</a> in tow.</p>

<p>The event, which will be hosted by Texas India (TI) Forum on September 22, "is an attempt to bring together tens of thousands of people to encourage and explore common interests and an expanded partnership between the United States and India's fast-growing economy,'' as per a statement by the organisers.</p>

<p>Even as rains have brought life to a standstill in the American state, the organisers remain positive about the success of Sunday's mega-event, which will be the first of its kind.</p>

<p>The White House on Monday (local time) had confirmed Trump's plan to attend the occasion in what will be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States.</p>

<p>In the United States, the Houston event will mark the first time the head of the states would meet outside of Washington DC or New York, where the United Nations is headquartered.</p>

<p>Earlier in a statement, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said, "It (Modi-Trump joint rally) will be a great opportunity to emphasise the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship."</p>

<p>PM Modi has previously addressed similar gatherings at Madison Square Garden in New York and the SAP Center in San Jose.</p>


The stage is all set at the sprawling NRG stadium for the historic 'Howdy Modi' event here on Sunday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address close to 50,000 Indian-Americans, with US President Donald Trump in tow.

The stage is all set at the sprawling NRG stadium for the historic 'Howdy Modi' event here on Sunday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address close to 50,000 Indian-Americans, with US President Donald Trump in tow. The event, which will be hosted by Texas India (TI) Forum on September 22, "is an attempt to bring together tens of thousands of people to encourage and explore common interests and an expanded partnership between the United States and India's fast-growing economy,'' as per a statement by the organisers. Even as rains have brought life to a standstill in the American state, the organisers remain positive about the success of Sunday's mega-event, which will be the first of its kind. The White House on Monday (local time) had confirmed Trump's plan to attend the occasion in what will be one of the largest events to welcome a foreign head of government ever in the history of the United States. In the United States, the Houston event will mark the first time the head of the states would meet outside of Washington DC or New York, where the United Nations is headquartered. Earlier in a statement, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said, "It (Modi-Trump joint rally) will be a great opportunity to emphasise the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship." PM Modi has previously addressed similar gatherings at Madison Square Garden in New York and the SAP Center in San Jose.

Houston all set to welcome PM Modi for 'Howdy Modi' event despite heavy rains

<p>Earlier on Thursday, Khaltmaagiin Battulga, the President of Mongolia&nbsp;arrived in India on a five-day visit to intensify bilateral ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Mongolian President will jointly unveil the statue of Lord Buddha at Gandan Monastery via a video conference later today.</p>

<p>Battulga on Friday paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat here. He was joined by the Union Minister, Kiren Rijiju. Earlier today, Battulga received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and was received by the President, Ram Nath Kovind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am very happy that I am on a state visit to India with which [sic] we have centuries of spiritual and cultural relations and ties", President Battulga said. "We [President Ram Nath Kovind and I] were elected around the same time in July 2017, and I would like to invite the President of India to pay an official visit to Mongolia", he added.</p>

<p>The Mongolian President will also meet Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. Battulga's visit to India is the first state visit by a Mongolian President in the last 10 years, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, noting that the two sides will hold in-depth discussions on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also said that the two countries would review ongoing cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, energy, disaster management, defence, security, culture, and capacity building. The two countries had reached a strategic partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mongolia. Several high-level exchanges have taken place since then and the partnership has seen considerable progress during the last few years.</p>


Earlier on Thursday, Khaltmaagiin Battulga, the President of Mongolia arrived in India on a five-day visit to intensify bilateral ties between the two countries.

Earlier on Thursday, Khaltmaagiin Battulga, the President of Mongolia arrived in India on a five-day visit to intensify bilateral ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Mongolian President will jointly unveil the statue of Lord Buddha at Gandan Monastery via a video conference later today. Battulga on Friday paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat here. He was joined by the Union Minister, Kiren Rijiju. Earlier today, Battulga received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here and was received by the President, Ram Nath Kovind. "I am very happy that I am on a state visit to India with which [sic] we have centuries of spiritual and cultural relations and ties", President Battulga said. "We [President Ram Nath Kovind and I] were elected around the same time in July 2017, and I would like to invite the President of India to pay an official visit to Mongolia", he added. The Mongolian President will also meet Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. Battulga's visit to India is the first state visit by a Mongolian President in the last 10 years, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, noting that the two sides will hold in-depth discussions on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. It also said that the two countries would review ongoing cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, energy, disaster management, defence, security, culture, and capacity building. The two countries had reached a strategic partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mongolia. Several high-level exchanges have taken place since then and the partnership has seen considerable progress during the last few years.

Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga on five-day visit to India to intensify bilateral ties

<p>Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-to-start-consultations-sunday-on-next-pm-250652">deadlock in Israel's general election</a> this week, putting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-says-he-should-be-pm-in-unity-government-250616">Benny Gantz's party</a> as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition.</p>

<p>The results from Israel's election committee showed Gantz's centrist Blue and White with 33 seats out of 120 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud with 31.</p>

<p>Final results will be published on Wednesday, it said, and there could be changes before then.</p>

<p>The committee said the results did not include 14 polling stations where verifications were still ongoing.</p>

<p>Israeli media said that meant 99.8 per cent of the votes had been counted.</p>

<p>The third-largest total was the mainly Arab Joint List alliance, which won 13 seats, followed by the Jewish ultra-Orthodox party Shas with nine.</p>

<p>Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, won eight seats, as did ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu.</p>

<p>The results have put Netanyahu's long tenure in office at risk.</p>

<p><strong>Israel elections: Referendum on Netanyahu?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elections-referendum-or-netanyahu-250142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On Thursday, he acknowledged the results did not allow him to form a right-wing coalition as he hoped and instead called on Gantz to form a unity government with him.</p>

<p>Gantz responded by saying he would have to be prime minister in a unity government since Blue and White was the largest party.</p>

<p>Israeli President Reuven Rivlin plans to begin consultations with all parties voted into parliament on Sunday to decide who to choose to try to form a government.</p>


Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a deadlock in Israel's general election this week, putting Benny Gantz's party as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition.

Near-complete official results Friday confirmed a deadlock in Israel's general election this week, putting Benny Gantz's party as the largest but without an obvious path to form a majority coalition. The results from Israel's election committee showed Gantz's centrist Blue and White with 33 seats out of 120 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud with 31. Final results will be published on Wednesday, it said, and there could be changes before then. The committee said the results did not include 14 polling stations where verifications were still ongoing. Israeli media said that meant 99.8 per cent of the votes had been counted. The third-largest total was the mainly Arab Joint List alliance, which won 13 seats, followed by the Jewish ultra-Orthodox party Shas with nine. Another ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, won eight seats, as did ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu. The results have put Netanyahu's long tenure in office at risk. Israel elections: Referendum on Netanyahu? On Thursday, he acknowledged the results did not allow him to form a right-wing coalition as he hoped and instead called on Gantz to form a unity government with him. Gantz responded by saying he would have to be prime minister in a unity government since Blue and White was the largest party. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin plans to begin consultations with all parties voted into parliament on Sunday to decide who to choose to try to form a government.

Israel vote deadlock confirmed by near-complete official results

<p>Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana.</p>

<p>"We take any &amp; all attempts against the National Security of the US&nbsp;seriously," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Thursday on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After 2 members of Cuba’s UN mission engaged in activities harmful to U.S. national security, we asked them to leave the U.S. Members of Cuba’s UN mission are also restricted to stay in Manhattan. We take any &amp; all attempts against the National Security of the U.S. seriously.</p>
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) <a href="https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/1174776971148050433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a statement, she said the State Department had told the Cuban foreign ministry that the United States "requires the imminent departure" of the two members of Cuba's UN mission.</p>

<p>Ortagus said that the pair had been "abusing their privileges of residence" and attempting to "conduct influence operations against the United States."</p>

<p>"We&nbsp;will continue to investigate any additional personnel who may be manipulating their privileges of residence," she added.</p>

<p>The State Department spokeswoman also said the movement of all members of Cuba's UN mission would be restricted to Manhattan, where UN headquarters is located.</p>

<p>Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez moved quickly to slam the expulsions.</p>

<p>"We categorically reject the unjustified expulsion of two officials of the Permanent Mission of Cuba at the UN and the tightening of restrictions on movement for diplomats and their families," Rodriguez said on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I strongly reject unjustified expulsion of 2 officials from Permanent Mission of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UN</a> &amp; increased restrictions of movement imposed on our diplomats &amp; their families. Allegations that they engaged in actions incompatible with their diplomatic status is a gross slander.</p>
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrunoRguezP/status/1174824126801940481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cuba and the United States have a history of conducting tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, and relations have worsened since President Donald Trump took office.</p>

<p>The United States recalled most of its diplomats from Cuba in September 2017 and Trump expelled 15 Cuban diplomats the following month.</p>

<p>The latest expulsions came as the United Nations holds its 74th General Assembly in New York.</p>

<p>"Given that the situation is ongoing, we will not comment further at this stage other than to confirm that we will closely follow this matter," the United Nations said in a statement.</p>


Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana.

Two members of Cuba's UN mission have been ordered to leave the United States over an alleged threat to US national security, triggering a sharp denial from Havana. "We take any & all attempts against the National Security of the US seriously," US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said Thursday on Twitter. After 2 members of Cuba’s UN mission engaged in activities harmful to U.S. national security, we asked them to leave the U.S. Members of Cuba’s UN mission are also restricted to stay in Manhattan. We take any & all attempts against the National Security of the U.S. seriously. — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) September 19, 2019 × In a statement, she said the State Department had told the Cuban foreign ministry that the United States "requires the imminent departure" of the two members of Cuba's UN mission. Ortagus said that the pair had been "abusing their privileges of residence" and attempting to "conduct influence operations against the United States." "We will continue to investigate any additional personnel who may be manipulating their privileges of residence," she added. The State Department spokeswoman also said the movement of all members of Cuba's UN mission would be restricted to Manhattan, where UN headquarters is located. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez moved quickly to slam the expulsions. "We categorically reject the unjustified expulsion of two officials of the Permanent Mission of Cuba at the UN and the tightening of restrictions on movement for diplomats and their families," Rodriguez said on Twitter. I strongly reject unjustified expulsion of 2 officials from Permanent Mission of #Cuba to the #UN & increased restrictions of movement imposed on our diplomats & their families. Allegations that they engaged in actions incompatible with their diplomatic status is a gross slander. — Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) September 19, 2019 × Cuba and the United States have a history of conducting tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats, and relations have worsened since President Donald Trump took office. The United States recalled most of its diplomats from Cuba in September 2017 and Trump expelled 15 Cuban diplomats the following month. The latest expulsions came as the United Nations holds its 74th General Assembly in New York. "Given that the situation is ongoing, we will not comment further at this stage other than to confirm that we will closely follow this matter," the United Nations said in a statement.

Two members of Cuba's UN mission ordered to leave US

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