Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday announced a scheme to give recognition to the trainers and other support staff working in police training institutions of State and Central Police Forces.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has instituted a scheme for the award of Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training to the trainers and other support staff working in police training institutions of State and Central Police Forces," read a press release from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).

The ministry revealed that it has received over 560 nominations for the award out of which 245 were recommended as eligible for the year 2017-18.

The nominations for the award were scrutinised by the Institution Level Committee and the Headquarters Level Committee of each nominating organisation.&nbsp;

The final recommendation was made by a BPRD committee which was then approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"The objective of the institution of the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training is to accord due recognition to the work of trainers in enhancing the quality and standard of training in Police Training Institutions in the States/UTs and CPOs/CAPFs," the press release further said.&nbsp;

Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday announced a scheme to give recognition to the trainers and other support staff working in police training institutions of State and Central Police Forces.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday announced a scheme to give recognition to the trainers and other support staff working in police training institutions of State and Central Police Forces. "The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has instituted a scheme for the award of Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training to the trainers and other support staff working in police training institutions of State and Central Police Forces," read a press release from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD). The ministry revealed that it has received over 560 nominations for the award out of which 245 were recommended as eligible for the year 2017-18. The nominations for the award were scrutinised by the Institution Level Committee and the Headquarters Level Committee of each nominating organisation. The final recommendation was made by a BPRD committee which was then approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "The objective of the institution of the Union Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training is to accord due recognition to the work of trainers in enhancing the quality and standard of training in Police Training Institutions in the States/UTs and CPOs/CAPFs," the press release further said.

Home Ministry launches scheme to award trainers, support staff in police institutions

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-internationalised-the-kashmir-issue-says-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-242960">Kashmir Valley</a> will have "some restrictions" tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day, Principal Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir administration Rohit Kansal said on Wednesday.

"The o<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/removal-of-article-370-heralds-an-era-of-progress-for-jammu-and-kashmir-242889">verall security situation continues to be calm</a>. There has been no major report of any untoward incident. There will be some restrictions tomorrow," Rohit Kansal told reporters.

On reported detention of former IAS officer and J and K Peoples' Movement leader Shah Faesal, Kansal said, "Any detention or arrest is based on local assessment of law and order requirement and taken accordingly. We will not comment on individuals."

J-K Additional Director General of Police SJM Gillani said, "There have been detentions under the Public Safety Act. There have been preventive arrests as well. Some people have also been shifted out of the state."

Gillani said, "As of now there are only 2 persons who are in hospital with some injuries, rest were discharged after first-aid."

Watch:&nbsp;Kashmir gears up for Independence day 2019

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kashmir-gears-up-for-independence-day-2019-242973/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kansal said the government is ready with the arrangements for the main Independence Day function which will be held tomorrow at S K Stadium where Governor Satya Pal Malik will hoist the national flag.

In Jammu, the celebrations would be led by the Advisor to the Governor, he said, adding celebrations would be held at divisional, district and sub-district levels as well.

The Kashmir Valley will have "some restrictions" tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day, Principal Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir administration Rohit Kansal said on Wednesday.

The Kashmir Valley will have "some restrictions" tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day, Principal Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir administration Rohit Kansal said on Wednesday. "The overall security situation continues to be calm. There has been no major report of any untoward incident. There will be some restrictions tomorrow," Rohit Kansal told reporters. On reported detention of former IAS officer and J and K Peoples' Movement leader Shah Faesal, Kansal said, "Any detention or arrest is based on local assessment of law and order requirement and taken accordingly. We will not comment on individuals." J-K Additional Director General of Police SJM Gillani said, "There have been detentions under the Public Safety Act. There have been preventive arrests as well. Some people have also been shifted out of the state." Gillani said, "As of now there are only 2 persons who are in hospital with some injuries, rest were discharged after first-aid." Watch: Kashmir gears up for Independence day 2019 Kansal said the government is ready with the arrangements for the main Independence Day function which will be held tomorrow at S K Stadium where Governor Satya Pal Malik will hoist the national flag. In Jammu, the celebrations would be led by the Advisor to the Governor, he said, adding celebrations would be held at divisional, district and sub-district levels as well.

Some restrictions in Kashmir Valley on Independence Day: J&K principle secretary

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-blow-to-mexican-president-finance-minister-quits-over-economic-extremism-234645">Wall&nbsp;Street&nbsp;main indexes slid 1.5 per cent</a> on Wednesday, as a closely watched US bond market indicator pointed to a renewed risk of recession following poor economic data from Germany and China.

Yields on the two-year Treasury notes rose above the 10-year yield for the first time since 2007, a metric widely viewed as a classic recession signal.

The interest-rate sensitive bank index slipped 2.50 per cent and the broader financial sector fell 1.95 per cent in response.

Slumping exports sent Germany's economy into reverse in the second quarter, while Chinese industrial output growth cooled to a more than 17-year low in July, putting the focus back on a bruising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-is-making-china-stronger-234526">US-China trade war</a> and its impact on global growth.

The downbeat mood followed a rally in&nbsp;Wall&nbsp;Street's main indexes on Tuesday thanks to the Trump administration's decision to delay tariffs on some Chinese imports.

"It's almost as if global investors either don't buy the tariff delay as a sign of real progress in the US-China trade war or have been too consumed by further evidence of global economic weakness to care," BMO Capital Markets strategist Stephen Gallo said.

At 9:52 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 406.73 points, or 1.55 per cent, at 25,873.18, the S&amp;P 500 was down 44.61 points, or 1.52 per cent, at 2,881.71. The Nasdaq Composite was down 140.86 points, or 1.76per cent, at 7,875.50.

The high-growth technology sector was the hardest hit. Shares of Apple Inc were down 1.74per cent after boosting markets a day earlier with a 4per cent rise.

Chipmakers were also down, with the Philadelphia chip index slumping 2.09per cent.

The biggest decliner on the S&amp;P 500 index was Macy's Inc, down 17.2per cent, after the department store operator cut its full-year profit forecast as it discounted heavily to clear excess spring season inventory.

Rivals Target Corp and Nordstrom Inc slipped 3.4per cent and 9.8per cent, respectively.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers for a 5.40-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and a 5.99-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

The S&amp;P index recorded eight new 52-week highs and 35 new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded eight new highs and 126 new lows

Wall Street main indexes slid 1.5 per cent on Wednesday, as a closely watched US bond market indicator pointed to a renewed risk of recession following poor economic data from Germany and China.

Wall Street main indexes slid 1.5 per cent on Wednesday, as a closely watched US bond market indicator pointed to a renewed risk of recession following poor economic data from Germany and China. Yields on the two-year Treasury notes rose above the 10-year yield for the first time since 2007, a metric widely viewed as a classic recession signal. The interest-rate sensitive bank index slipped 2.50 per cent and the broader financial sector fell 1.95 per cent in response. Slumping exports sent Germany's economy into reverse in the second quarter, while Chinese industrial output growth cooled to a more than 17-year low in July, putting the focus back on a bruising US-China trade war and its impact on global growth. The downbeat mood followed a rally in Wall Street's main indexes on Tuesday thanks to the Trump administration's decision to delay tariffs on some Chinese imports. "It's almost as if global investors either don't buy the tariff delay as a sign of real progress in the US-China trade war or have been too consumed by further evidence of global economic weakness to care," BMO Capital Markets strategist Stephen Gallo said. At 9:52 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 406.73 points, or 1.55 per cent, at 25,873.18, the S&P 500 was down 44.61 points, or 1.52 per cent, at 2,881.71. The Nasdaq Composite was down 140.86 points, or 1.76per cent, at 7,875.50. The high-growth technology sector was the hardest hit. Shares of Apple Inc were down 1.74per cent after boosting markets a day earlier with a 4per cent rise. Chipmakers were also down, with the Philadelphia chip index slumping 2.09per cent. The biggest decliner on the S&P 500 index was Macy's Inc, down 17.2per cent, after the department store operator cut its full-year profit forecast as it discounted heavily to clear excess spring season inventory. Rivals Target Corp and Nordstrom Inc slipped 3.4per cent and 9.8per cent, respectively. Declining issues outnumbered advancers for a 5.40-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and a 5.99-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P index recorded eight new 52-week highs and 35 new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded eight new highs and 126 new lows

Wall Street slides over 600 points as recession fears grow

Climbers wanting to take on Mount Everest will first have to tackle another Nepal mountain of at least 6,500 metres&nbsp;under new proposals by a committee seeking to improve safety on the world's highest peak.

The requirement is being proposed after a deadly traffic-clogged season saw 11 climbers die on Everest, which some experts blamed on inexperience.

"These recommendations have been made to ensure the quality and safety of Nepal's mountaineering tourism," Ghanshyam Upadhayay, tourism ministry official and head of the committee told AFP.&nbsp;

The committee also proposed a fee of at least $35,000 for Everest and $20,000 for other mountains over 8,000 metres, amid criticism that cost-cutting by expedition organisers was jeopardising climbers' safety.&nbsp;

The 59-page report recommended minimum standards for climbers, expedition organisers as well as guides and government liaison officers involved in Nepal's lucrative mountaineering industry.&nbsp;

"We will take this forward by amending the laws and regulations... we will make our mountains safe, managed and dignified," Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattari told reporters.&nbsp;

For years, Kathmandu has issued Everest permits to anyone willing to pay $11,000, regardless of whether they were rookie climbers or skilled mountaineers.

This year record 885 people climbed Everest, 644 of them from the south and 241 from the northern flank in Tibet.&nbsp;

Nine of the 11 deaths were on the Nepal side, and at least four of the deaths this season were blamed on overcrowding.

A traffic jam forced teams to wait for hours in freezing temperatures to reach Everest's 8,848-metre (29,029 feet) summit and then descend, increasing the risk of frostbite, altitude sickness and exhaustion from depleted oxygen levels.

But experts say the bigger killer was inexperience among a new wave of ill-prepared mountaineer tourists.

"This is a good opportunity to improve the sector. If we want things to change the suggestions have to be implemented," said Santa Bir Lama, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, who was also part of the committee.

Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, and foreign climbers that flock to its mountains are a major source of revenue for the country.

Climbers wanting to take on Mount Everest will first have to tackle another Nepal mountain of at least 6,500 metres under new proposals by a committee seeking to improve safety on the world's highest peak.

Climbers wanting to take on Mount Everest will first have to tackle another Nepal mountain of at least 6,500 metres under new proposals by a committee seeking to improve safety on the world's highest peak. The requirement is being proposed after a deadly traffic-clogged season saw 11 climbers die on Everest, which some experts blamed on inexperience. "These recommendations have been made to ensure the quality and safety of Nepal's mountaineering tourism," Ghanshyam Upadhayay, tourism ministry official and head of the committee told AFP. The committee also proposed a fee of at least $35,000 for Everest and $20,000 for other mountains over 8,000 metres, amid criticism that cost-cutting by expedition organisers was jeopardising climbers' safety. The 59-page report recommended minimum standards for climbers, expedition organisers as well as guides and government liaison officers involved in Nepal's lucrative mountaineering industry. "We will take this forward by amending the laws and regulations... we will make our mountains safe, managed and dignified," Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattari told reporters. For years, Kathmandu has issued Everest permits to anyone willing to pay $11,000, regardless of whether they were rookie climbers or skilled mountaineers. This year record 885 people climbed Everest, 644 of them from the south and 241 from the northern flank in Tibet. Nine of the 11 deaths were on the Nepal side, and at least four of the deaths this season were blamed on overcrowding. A traffic jam forced teams to wait for hours in freezing temperatures to reach Everest's 8,848-metre (29,029 feet) summit and then descend, increasing the risk of frostbite, altitude sickness and exhaustion from depleted oxygen levels. But experts say the bigger killer was inexperience among a new wave of ill-prepared mountaineer tourists. "This is a good opportunity to improve the sector. If we want things to change the suggestions have to be implemented," said Santa Bir Lama, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association, who was also part of the committee. Nepal is home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, and foreign climbers that flock to its mountains are a major source of revenue for the country.

Nepal mulls minimum Everest criteria after deadly season

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that any purchase which exceeds Rs 1 crore would be displayed on public domain for transparency and corruption-free governance.

During a review meeting, Reddy said that there have been scams in the previous government from school uniforms to automobiles but the current government will have to ensure that all deals are done in a fair and transparent manner, read an official statement.

"We have to stem the rot and guide the governance in a proper way which will be acceptable to all," Reddy stated.

All purchases should be done only by bidding and the contractor's name should be displayed only after the finalisation, he said while adding that the next round of review meeting would be held on August 28.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to suggest ways and means to carry out the purchases in the most effective and transparent manner.

Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath and other officials were also present in the meeting.

In another review meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee that is probing into the irregularities by the previous government, the Chief Minister said that they should carry forward the probe without any fear or favour and not to succumb to any pressure.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that any purchase which exceeds Rs 1 crore would be displayed on public domain for transparency and corruption-free governance.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that any purchase which exceeds Rs 1 crore would be displayed on public domain for transparency and corruption-free governance. During a review meeting, Reddy said that there have been scams in the previous government from school uniforms to automobiles but the current government will have to ensure that all deals are done in a fair and transparent manner, read an official statement. "We have to stem the rot and guide the governance in a proper way which will be acceptable to all," Reddy stated. All purchases should be done only by bidding and the contractor's name should be displayed only after the finalisation, he said while adding that the next round of review meeting would be held on August 28. The Chief Minister also asked officials to suggest ways and means to carry out the purchases in the most effective and transparent manner. Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramchandra Reddy, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath and other officials were also present in the meeting. In another review meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee that is probing into the irregularities by the previous government, the Chief Minister said that they should carry forward the probe without any fear or favour and not to succumb to any pressure.

Purchase over 1 crore to display on public domain for transparency, corruption-free governance: Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day.

A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The prisoners have completed their jail term but were unable to pay the penalties imposed on them, it said.

Principal Secretary (Home) Awanish Kumar Awasthi issued the orders for their release to the prison authorities and police.

The 73 prisoners are lodged in jails at Meerut, Kanpur, Aligarh, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Kannauj, Ayodhya, Agra, Hardoi, Jhansi and Ghaziabad.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release 73 prisoners from various district jails tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. A direction to this effect was given by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an official statement said on Wednesday. The prisoners have completed their jail term but were unable to pay the penalties imposed on them, it said. Principal Secretary (Home) Awanish Kumar Awasthi issued the orders for their release to the prison authorities and police. The 73 prisoners are lodged in jails at Meerut, Kanpur, Aligarh, Bareilly, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Kannauj, Ayodhya, Agra, Hardoi, Jhansi and Ghaziabad.

Uttar Pradesh government to release 73 prisoners as Independence Day gesture

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-internationalised-the-kashmir-issue-says-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-242960">India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-accuses-india-china-of-taking-advantage-of-developing-nations-tag-from-wto-242930">Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-manager-sunil-subramaniam-called-back-from-west-indies-for-alleged-misbehaviour-242969">Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam called back from West Indies for alleged misbehaviour</a>

Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam on Wednesday was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to return from the ongoing tour of the West Indies for allegedly misbehaving with the senior officials in the Caribbean Islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-270-due-to-floods-in-india-over-one-million-displaced-242958">Death toll rises to 270 due to floods in India, over one million displaced</a>

Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-sacks-two-pilots-amid-protests-242991">Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests</a>

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue.

India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue. Trump accuses India, China of taking advantage of 'developing nations' tag in WTO US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that countries like India and China take advantage of the 'developing nations' tag from the WTO. Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam called back from West Indies for alleged misbehaviour Team India manager Sunil Subramaniam on Wednesday was asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to return from the ongoing tour of the West Indies for allegedly misbehaving with the senior officials in the Caribbean Islands. Death toll rises to 270 due to floods in India, over one million displaced Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains. Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.

The rains from June to September are a lifeline for rural India, delivering some 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also cause death and destruction each year.

The southern states of Kerala and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/40-dead-14-missing-in-flood-hit-karnataka-since-august-1-242332">Karnataka</a>, and Maharashtra and Gujarat in the west, were among the hardest hit by floods that washed away thousands of hectares of summer-sown crops and damaged roads and rail lines.

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-reaches-91-with-59-missing-as-rains-wreak-havoc-in-kerala-242809">95 people were killed</a> and more than 50 are missing in Kerala, where heavy rainfall triggered dozens of landslides last week and trapped more than 100 people.

About 190,000 people are still living in relief camps in the state, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but he added some people are returning home as floodwaters recede.

In neighbouring Karnataka, home to the technology hub Bengaluru, 54 people died and 15 are missing after rivers burst their banks when authorities released water from dams.

Nearly 700,000 people have been evacuated in the state.

Video:&nbsp;Over 160 killed as floods wreak havoc across 3 states in India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/over-160-killed-as-floods-wreak-havoc-across-3-states-in-india-242315/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, as well as the central state of Madhya Pradesh, in the next two days, weather officials said.

In Maharashtra, which includes the financial capital Mumbai, 48 people died but floodwaters are receding, said a state official.

"We are now trying to restore electricity and drinking water supplies," he said.

In Madhya Pradesh, the biggest producer of soybeans, heavy rains killed 32 people and damaged crops, authorities said.

In Gujarat, 31 people died in rain-related incidents, while landslides killed nearly a dozen people in the northern hilly state of Uttarakhand.

Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.

Floods and landslides have killed more than 270 people in India this month, displaced one million and inundated thousands of homes across six states, authorities said on Wednesday after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains. The rains from June to September are a lifeline for rural India, delivering some 70% of the country's rainfall, but they also cause death and destruction each year. The southern states of Kerala and Karnataka, and Maharashtra and Gujarat in the west, were among the hardest hit by floods that washed away thousands of hectares of summer-sown crops and damaged roads and rail lines. At least 95 people were killed and more than 50 are missing in Kerala, where heavy rainfall triggered dozens of landslides last week and trapped more than 100 people. About 190,000 people are still living in relief camps in the state, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but he added some people are returning home as floodwaters recede. In neighbouring Karnataka, home to the technology hub Bengaluru, 54 people died and 15 are missing after rivers burst their banks when authorities released water from dams. Nearly 700,000 people have been evacuated in the state. Video: Over 160 killed as floods wreak havoc across 3 states in India Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, as well as the central state of Madhya Pradesh, in the next two days, weather officials said. In Maharashtra, which includes the financial capital Mumbai, 48 people died but floodwaters are receding, said a state official. "We are now trying to restore electricity and drinking water supplies," he said. In Madhya Pradesh, the biggest producer of soybeans, heavy rains killed 32 people and damaged crops, authorities said. In Gujarat, 31 people died in rain-related incidents, while landslides killed nearly a dozen people in the northern hilly state of Uttarakhand.

Death toll rises to 270 due to floods in India, over one million displaced

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about&nbsp;reports indicating&nbsp;11&nbsp;civilians had been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-18-terrorists-killed-by-government-forces-in-logar-province-225281">Afghan&nbsp;security force operation</a> in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan.

Civilian&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;in&nbsp;Afghanistan have been increasing, despite attempts by the United States and the Taliban to negotiate an agreement to end the 18-year war.

The&nbsp;government's main security agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the operation in Paktia province had targeted a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/56-taliban-terrorists-including-7-group-commanders-killed-in-afghanistan-239623"> Taliban hideout </a>and among the&nbsp;11&nbsp;dead militants were two commanders.

The&nbsp;UN Assistance Mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan said it was gravely concerned at the killings during a search operation and a human rights team was investigating.

"Accountability essential. Harm to&nbsp;civilians must stop," the agency said in a post on Twitter.

A politician in the area said the&nbsp;government&nbsp;forces attacked a student gathering over the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday.

"A university student had invited his classmates for dinner," Allah Mir Khan Bahramzoi, a provincial council member in Paktia, told Reuters.

"Late in the evening, security forces surrounded the house, brought out the victims from the guesthouse and shot them one by one," he said by telephone from the province.

The NDS said weapons and ammunition were seized in the raid.

"This operation was conducted based on operative information on a Taliban hideout center and it left no&nbsp;civilian&nbsp;casualties," the agency said in a statement.

The United Nations&nbsp;says&nbsp;nearly 4,000&nbsp;civilians were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;or wounded in the first half of the year. 
&nbsp;The toll included a big increase in the number of&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;inflicted by&nbsp;government and US-led foreign forces.

Ground raids and clashes caused the most&nbsp;civilian&nbsp;casualties, followed by bomb attacks and airstrikes, UNAMA said in a&nbsp;report&nbsp;last month.

There has been no let-up in violence, even though the Taliban and the United States have both&nbsp;reported significant progress in talks on a pact for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that&nbsp;Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks.

Their latest round of talks ended on Monday without a final agreement. No date has been announced for the next round

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about reports indicating 11 civilians had been killed in an Afghan security force operation in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan.

The United Nations said on Wednesday it was gravely concerned about reports indicating 11 civilians had been killed in an Afghan security force operation in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan have been increasing, despite attempts by the United States and the Taliban to negotiate an agreement to end the 18-year war. The government's main security agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the operation in Paktia province had targeted a Taliban hideout and among the 11 dead militants were two commanders. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it was gravely concerned at the killings during a search operation and a human rights team was investigating. "Accountability essential. Harm to civilians must stop," the agency said in a post on Twitter. A politician in the area said the government forces attacked a student gathering over the Eid al-Adha Muslim holiday. "A university student had invited his classmates for dinner," Allah Mir Khan Bahramzoi, a provincial council member in Paktia, told Reuters. "Late in the evening, security forces surrounded the house, brought out the victims from the guesthouse and shot them one by one," he said by telephone from the province. The NDS said weapons and ammunition were seized in the raid. "This operation was conducted based on operative information on a Taliban hideout center and it left no civilian casualties," the agency said in a statement. The United Nations says nearly 4,000 civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of the year. The toll included a big increase in the number of casualties inflicted by government and US-led foreign forces. Ground raids and clashes caused the most civilian casualties, followed by bomb attacks and airstrikes, UNAMA said in a report last month. There has been no let-up in violence, even though the Taliban and the United States have both reported significant progress in talks on a pact for US troops to withdraw in exchange for a Taliban promise that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks. Their latest round of talks ended on Monday without a final agreement. No date has been announced for the next round

Halt Afghan civilian casualties, UN says after report of 11 killed by government

Foreign spies keen to get their hands on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/radiation-up-to-16-times-the-norm-near-russia-blast-site-242827">Russian research</a> are monitoring Russian scientists around the clock, the Kremlin said Wednesday after experts denounced a new security decree as a Soviet throwback.

The Kremlin's comments came after scientists criticised a ministry directive calling on researchers not to meet foreign colleagues one-on-one and requesting filed reports after every encounter, even a cup of coffee.

"Of course we must be somewhat vigilant because foreign special services are on alert," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-meet-pope-in-shadow-of-ukraine-crisis-232987">President Vladimir Putin</a>'s spokesman Dmitry Peskov when questioned on the decree from the science and education ministry.

"There is such a thing as scientific and industrial espionage," Peskov said.

&nbsp;"It exists 24/7 and is targeting our scientists, especially young scientists."

He noted however that some of the decree's provisions "sound excessive" adding that Russia "should not be bound by some rules that won't lead to anything good."

The decree recommending new rules on contacting foreign scientists or Russian scientists working for foreign institutions was made public by Alexander Fradkov from a mechanical engineering institute.

He called the rules "absurd" and urged authorities to retract them.

Another scientist working in a physics institute confirmed to AFP that the decree, which is marked for internal use is real.

The document imposes significant red tape on any visits by foreigners into Russian institutes, asking that they are always accompanied by a designated employee.&nbsp;

It requests special restrictions on their use of computers, phones and other devices, including watches and binoculars.

Fradkov told AFP that the decree reminds him of Soviet-era rules which asked that researchers always met with foreigners along with a colleague so that one scientist could report on the other if necessary.

"All science is built on communication and exchange of information," he told AFP. "If you go by the decree, then even having a cup of coffee with a foreign colleague requires a report afterwards."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the deputy chief of Russia's Academy of Sciences Alexei Khokhlov joined the criticism of the decree, writing on Facebook that it goes against the government's goals to increase the number of foreign students and ease their subsequent employment in Russia.

The science and education ministry on Wednesday argued that the decree "reflected global practice" on international scientific conduct, according to a statement quoted by TASS agency.

Foreign spies keen to get their hands on Russian research are monitoring Russian scientists around the clock, the Kremlin said Wednesday after experts denounced a new security decree as a Soviet throwback.

Foreign spies keen to get their hands on Russian research are monitoring Russian scientists around the clock, the Kremlin said Wednesday after experts denounced a new security decree as a Soviet throwback. The Kremlin's comments came after scientists criticised a ministry directive calling on researchers not to meet foreign colleagues one-on-one and requesting filed reports after every encounter, even a cup of coffee. "Of course we must be somewhat vigilant because foreign special services are on alert," said President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov when questioned on the decree from the science and education ministry. "There is such a thing as scientific and industrial espionage," Peskov said. "It exists 24/7 and is targeting our scientists, especially young scientists." He noted however that some of the decree's provisions "sound excessive" adding that Russia "should not be bound by some rules that won't lead to anything good." The decree recommending new rules on contacting foreign scientists or Russian scientists working for foreign institutions was made public by Alexander Fradkov from a mechanical engineering institute. He called the rules "absurd" and urged authorities to retract them. Another scientist working in a physics institute confirmed to AFP that the decree, which is marked for internal use is real. The document imposes significant red tape on any visits by foreigners into Russian institutes, asking that they are always accompanied by a designated employee. It requests special restrictions on their use of computers, phones and other devices, including watches and binoculars. Fradkov told AFP that the decree reminds him of Soviet-era rules which asked that researchers always met with foreigners along with a colleague so that one scientist could report on the other if necessary. "All science is built on communication and exchange of information," he told AFP. "If you go by the decree, then even having a cup of coffee with a foreign colleague requires a report afterwards." On Wednesday, the deputy chief of Russia's Academy of Sciences Alexei Khokhlov joined the criticism of the decree, writing on Facebook that it goes against the government's goals to increase the number of foreign students and ease their subsequent employment in Russia. The science and education ministry on Wednesday argued that the decree "reflected global practice" on international scientific conduct, according to a statement quoted by TASS agency.

Spies watching our scientists '24/7', says Russia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-in-five-us-twitter-users-follows-donald-trump-survey-236247">Twitter users will be able to follow </a>a small number of interests by the end of the year in the same way they follow people, the company said Tuesday.

The feature will be rolled out internationally as the one-to-many messaging platform prioritizes being an online venue for conversations rather than a pulpit for one-way broadcasting to the masses.

"We are rewriting the entire conversation service," Twitter product team leader Kayvon Beykpour told reporters during a briefing at the company's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/marvels-avengers-game-to-release-in-2020-with-new-character-designs-226812">San Francisco headquarters.</a>

"We are rebuilding that infrastructure, and it is nearly complete."

The company also highlighted ongoing efforts to make sharing thoughts on the platform safe and easy.

Twitter has always let users follow accounts but a new feature, set to debut by the end of this year, will let users opt into following certain sports teams or categories on a curated list.

For example, sending or interacting with tweets about a team might prompt a query over whether the user wants to "follow" that team or be kept in the know about what is being said on Twitter on the topics.

"We are going to let you directly follow topics on Twitter," said product manager Rob Bishop.

"Rather than replacing the following people, we think this will help you find new people to follow."

There will be an ability to "mute" topics to avoid seeing the score of a sporting match, for example.&nbsp;

Topics people follow will show up in their profiles as long as they are signed up for the interest.

Twitter is starting slowly, offering just a few sports options, to hone the feature before expanding to other topics, according to the teams.

Subjects designated "interests" by Twitter are meant to be lasting, such as football or cricket, rather than passing hot topics, according to Bishop.

"It is important for us to come up with a rigorous set of principles when it comes to defining topics," Beykpour said.

"We are taking this superpower very seriously."

A conversations team at Twitter has been working on ways to get people more enthusiastically engaged in meaningful exchanges, dabbling with changes while being mindful not to disrupt the lives of people who rely on the service.

"We know that Twitter is at its best with it is not just you tweeting something out as a broadcast, but engaging in that conversation or being a host for others to engage in a conversation about what you are talking about," said conversations product team member Sara Haider.

Twitter has no plans for an often requested "edit" button that would let users change posts already fire off, saying it raised complex issues and was "not anywhere near the top of our list" of things to do.

Twitter users will be able to follow a small number of interests by the end of the year in the same way they follow people, the company said Tuesday. The feature will be rolled out internationally as the one-to-many messaging platform prioritizes being an online venue for conversations rather than a pulpit for one-way broadcasting to the masses.

Twitter users will be able to follow a small number of interests by the end of the year in the same way they follow people, the company said Tuesday. The feature will be rolled out internationally as the one-to-many messaging platform prioritizes being an online venue for conversations rather than a pulpit for one-way broadcasting to the masses. "We are rewriting the entire conversation service," Twitter product team leader Kayvon Beykpour told reporters during a briefing at the company's San Francisco headquarters. "We are rebuilding that infrastructure, and it is nearly complete." The company also highlighted ongoing efforts to make sharing thoughts on the platform safe and easy. Twitter has always let users follow accounts but a new feature, set to debut by the end of this year, will let users opt into following certain sports teams or categories on a curated list. For example, sending or interacting with tweets about a team might prompt a query over whether the user wants to "follow" that team or be kept in the know about what is being said on Twitter on the topics. "We are going to let you directly follow topics on Twitter," said product manager Rob Bishop. "Rather than replacing the following people, we think this will help you find new people to follow." There will be an ability to "mute" topics to avoid seeing the score of a sporting match, for example. Topics people follow will show up in their profiles as long as they are signed up for the interest. Twitter is starting slowly, offering just a few sports options, to hone the feature before expanding to other topics, according to the teams. Subjects designated "interests" by Twitter are meant to be lasting, such as football or cricket, rather than passing hot topics, according to Bishop. "It is important for us to come up with a rigorous set of principles when it comes to defining topics," Beykpour said. "We are taking this superpower very seriously." A conversations team at Twitter has been working on ways to get people more enthusiastically engaged in meaningful exchanges, dabbling with changes while being mindful not to disrupt the lives of people who rely on the service. "We know that Twitter is at its best with it is not just you tweeting something out as a broadcast, but engaging in that conversation or being a host for others to engage in a conversation about what you are talking about," said conversations product team member Sara Haider. Twitter has no plans for an often requested "edit" button that would let users change posts already fire off, saying it raised complex issues and was "not anywhere near the top of our list" of things to do.

Twitter to let users follow interests as well as people

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-rises-to-270-due-to-floods-in-india-over-one-million-displaced-242958">rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala</a>, the death toll has gone up to 102, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) informed on Wednesday.

KSDMA has released a district-wise data between August 8 and August 14 till 3 pm in which it stated that 59 people were still missing across the rain-ravaged state while 35 injured due to flood-related incidents.&nbsp;

Earlier, chief minister office tweeted that forecasters predict heavy rainfall in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

''Forecasters predict that Moderate to Heavy rainfall with wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts,'' CMO Kerala tweeted.

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Stay Weather Aware: Forecasters predict that Moderate to Heavy rainfall with wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/1161514584689303552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of people who lost their lives due to floods in the state.&nbsp;

As rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala, the death toll has gone up to 102, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) informed on Wednesday. KSDMA has released a district-wise data between August 8 and August 14 till 3 pm in which it stated that 59 people were still missing across the rain-ravaged state while 35 injured due to flood-related incidents.

As rains continue to wreak havoc in Kerala, the death toll has gone up to 102, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) informed on Wednesday. KSDMA has released a district-wise data between August 8 and August 14 till 3 pm in which it stated that 59 people were still missing across the rain-ravaged state while 35 injured due to flood-related incidents. Earlier, chief minister office tweeted that forecasters predict heavy rainfall in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. ''Forecasters predict that Moderate to Heavy rainfall with wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts,'' CMO Kerala tweeted. Stay Weather Aware: Forecasters predict that Moderate to Heavy rainfall with wind speed reaching 35 to 45 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 14, 2019 × Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of people who lost their lives due to floods in the state.

Death toll mounts to 102 in flood-hit Kerala

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Riya Gupta

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