<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-casualties-in-california-shooting-shooter-still-active-say-police-239114">Multiple casualties in California shooting, 'shooter still active', say police</a>

An "active shooter" was reported at a food festival in Gilroy, California on Sunday, police said, adding that were casualties.

Police said multiple casualties were reported in the shooting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-turns-violent-chinas-top-policy-unit-to-hold-press-conference-on-monday-239094">Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police</a>

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-chief-dan-coats-resigns-from-trump-administration-239088">US intelligence chief Dan Coats to resign from Trump administration</a>

US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-of-tonnes-of-us-soy-shipped-to-china-state-media-on-trade-consensus-239095">Millions of tonnes of US soy shipped to China: State media on trade consensus</a>

The United States has shipped several million tonnes of soybeans to China since the two countries' leaders met in June, Chinese state media said on Sunday, an apparent sign of goodwill before trade talks in Shanghai this week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-boko-haram-islamists-kill-at-least-30-in-northeast-nigeria-source-239096">Death toll in Nigeria Boko Haram funeral attack rises to 65</a>

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri.

Multiple casualties in California shooting, 'shooter still active', say police An "active shooter" was reported at a food festival in Gilroy, California on Sunday, police said, adding that were casualties.

Multiple casualties in California shooting, 'shooter still active', say police An "active shooter" was reported at a food festival in Gilroy, California on Sunday, police said, adding that were casualties. Police said multiple casualties were reported in the shooting. Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators. US intelligence chief Dan Coats to resign from Trump administration US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration. Millions of tonnes of US soy shipped to China: State media on trade consensus The United States has shipped several million tonnes of soybeans to China since the two countries' leaders met in June, Chinese state media said on Sunday, an apparent sign of goodwill before trade talks in Shanghai this week. Death toll in Nigeria Boko Haram funeral attack rises to 65 An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday. Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri.

News brief: Big stories of the day

American Kyle Giersdorf, alias "Bugha," became the first Fortnite world champion in the solo division, winning $3 million at age 16 on Sunday.

Originally from Pennsylvania, the young gamer took the lead in the first of six games and never looked back.

"It's insane," the young millionaire said after the final, during which he scored almost double the points of his closest opponent (59 to 33).

Aside from the second of six games, Bugha was remarkably consistent despite playing in the first world cup final, with millions of dollars on the line, in the Arthur Ashe stadium, where the US Open tennis tournament takes place.

"This morning he was worriless, energetic, having fun to make sure he wasn't stressed at all," his best friend Colin Bradley told AFP after the final.

In the game, users are dropped onto an island where they must search for weapons and other resources while eliminating other players -- all while trying to stay alive.

A sense of placement, a talent for building, brilliance in close combat and rock-solid self-control -- Bugha had it all in the final.

"He's one of the smartest players. He knows when to attack, when not to attack, to stay high ground. He's a strategic player," Bradley said.

Having a high position is often a decisive advantage, especially in the closing stages of the game, making it easier to shoot other players.

"A lot of people think it's just a game, but he is practising, dedicated, determined," said Bugha's aunt, Dawn Seiders.

"I think he's the definition of a professional."

'It's massive'

Epic Games -- Fortnite's creators -- have spent a whopping $100 million on the inaugural event, including staging 10 weeks of qualifying culminating in this weekend's tournament.

Over the three-day tournament, Epic Games gave out $30 million in prize money.

Every competitor is guaranteed to leave with $50,000, making them the envy of the schoolyard when they return home.

On Saturday, gamers using the pseudonyms "Nyhrox" and "aqua" became the first Fortnite world champions in the duo division, winning $1.5 million each.

During Sunday's final, the crown jewel of the tournament, three players in addition to Bugha also became millionaires: "Psalm" ($1.8 million), "Epikwhale" ($1.2 million) and Kreo ($1.05 million), all Americans.

Argentinian player Thiago Lapp, alias "King," made a splash at only 13 years old. He just missed the million-dollar mark ($900,000) and finished fifth, employing an ultra-aggressive style that helped him eliminate 21 competitors over six matches, the best after Bugha (23).

"It's better than watching on TV or Twitch," said Anthony Peralta, who attended the final.

During the weekend's highlights, attendees filled about two-thirds of the Arthur Ashe stadium, which has a seating capacity of 23,000.

"I didn't think it would be this much fun," said Carlos Dacosta, another final audience member.

"The level of competition that these guy have, it's crazy."

"It's massive, what they've done," said French gamer "Kouto," whose real name is Issam Taguine and is a member of France's Team MCES.

"Especially everything they've invested in the players."

After placing second during the "Creative Mode" final on Friday, which offers players new game modes they can discover, Kouto will leave New York with $86,000, which he plans to give to his mother.

For him, the popularity of the game -- which is free to play and has 250 million users worldwide -- is higher than ever, thanks to its fast-paced updates.

"It's the game with the most changes," he said.

"So you can come back four months later and you'll never feel like you've played the same game. That's what gives the game life."

American Kyle Giersdorf, alias "Bugha," became the first Fortnite world champion in the solo division, winning $3 million at age 16 on Sunday. Originally from Pennsylvania, the young gamer took the lead in the first of six games and never looked back.

American Kyle Giersdorf, alias "Bugha," became the first Fortnite world champion in the solo division, winning $3 million at age 16 on Sunday. Originally from Pennsylvania, the young gamer took the lead in the first of six games and never looked back. "It's insane," the young millionaire said after the final, during which he scored almost double the points of his closest opponent (59 to 33). Aside from the second of six games, Bugha was remarkably consistent despite playing in the first world cup final, with millions of dollars on the line, in the Arthur Ashe stadium, where the US Open tennis tournament takes place. "This morning he was worriless, energetic, having fun to make sure he wasn't stressed at all," his best friend Colin Bradley told AFP after the final. In the game, users are dropped onto an island where they must search for weapons and other resources while eliminating other players -- all while trying to stay alive. A sense of placement, a talent for building, brilliance in close combat and rock-solid self-control -- Bugha had it all in the final. "He's one of the smartest players. He knows when to attack, when not to attack, to stay high ground. He's a strategic player," Bradley said. Having a high position is often a decisive advantage, especially in the closing stages of the game, making it easier to shoot other players. "A lot of people think it's just a game, but he is practising, dedicated, determined," said Bugha's aunt, Dawn Seiders. "I think he's the definition of a professional." 'It's massive' Epic Games -- Fortnite's creators -- have spent a whopping $100 million on the inaugural event, including staging 10 weeks of qualifying culminating in this weekend's tournament. Over the three-day tournament, Epic Games gave out $30 million in prize money. Every competitor is guaranteed to leave with $50,000, making them the envy of the schoolyard when they return home. On Saturday, gamers using the pseudonyms "Nyhrox" and "aqua" became the first Fortnite world champions in the duo division, winning $1.5 million each. During Sunday's final, the crown jewel of the tournament, three players in addition to Bugha also became millionaires: "Psalm" ($1.8 million), "Epikwhale" ($1.2 million) and Kreo ($1.05 million), all Americans. Argentinian player Thiago Lapp, alias "King," made a splash at only 13 years old. He just missed the million-dollar mark ($900,000) and finished fifth, employing an ultra-aggressive style that helped him eliminate 21 competitors over six matches, the best after Bugha (23). "It's better than watching on TV or Twitch," said Anthony Peralta, who attended the final. During the weekend's highlights, attendees filled about two-thirds of the Arthur Ashe stadium, which has a seating capacity of 23,000. "I didn't think it would be this much fun," said Carlos Dacosta, another final audience member. "The level of competition that these guy have, it's crazy." "It's massive, what they've done," said French gamer "Kouto," whose real name is Issam Taguine and is a member of France's Team MCES. "Especially everything they've invested in the players." After placing second during the "Creative Mode" final on Friday, which offers players new game modes they can discover, Kouto will leave New York with $86,000, which he plans to give to his mother. For him, the popularity of the game -- which is free to play and has 250 million users worldwide -- is higher than ever, thanks to its fast-paced updates. "It's the game with the most changes," he said. "So you can come back four months later and you'll never feel like you've played the same game. That's what gives the game life."

American teen 'Bugha' becomes solo Fortnite champ, winning $3 million

India on Sunday strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul that targeted the office of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vice-president-candidate-injured-as-kabul-blast-kills-two-wounds-another-25-239058">Vice Presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh</a> and left two people dead.

"India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kabul today in which a number of innocent Afghans were killed. India expresses its deepest condolences with the families of the deceased," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"This dastardly attack was also aimed at undermining the constitutional and democratic processes and institutions in Afghanistan. India stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve enduring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan," the statement read.

Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesman, Nasrat Rahimi, said that the attack which targeted the Green Trend party headquarters in Kabul, injured 25 others, Al Jazeera reported.

Saleh was reportedly hit by shrapnel before being safely evacuated from office.

Ferdous Faramarz, a spokesman for Kabul's police chief, was quoted as saying that the explosion was likely a suicide car bomb and the gunfight was still ongoing after the assailants stormed the building following the blast.

However, no terror group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

"The security forces have cordoned off the area. The security forces are trying to kill the attackers as soon as possible," Rahimi said.

The attack took place after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-is-coming-president-ashraf-ghani-claims-as-election-campaign-starts-239001">President Ashraf Ghani</a>, Saleh and more than a dozen other Afghan politicians launched their presidential campaign earlier on Sunday.

"My brother, true son of the Afghan soil and first VP candidate of my electoral team, Amrullah Saleh has survived a complex attack by enemies of the state. We are relieved and thank the almighty that the attack has failed," Ghani said in a tweet.

Ghani kicked off his campaign by insisting "peace is coming" and pivotal talks with the Taliban would take place.

Also in Ab Band district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, a Taliban suicide bomber killed four policemen early on Sunday in an attack on a police station in the eastern Ghazni province, according to Ahmad Khan Serat, a spokesman for the provincial police.

The Taliban also on the same day rejected a statement from the State&nbsp; 
Minister for Peace about plans to hold direct talks with the Afghan government within the next two weeks.

US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is currently visiting Kabul, has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in recent months in a bid to end the more than two-decades-long war.

India on Sunday strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul that targeted the office of Vice Presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh and left two people dead. "India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kabul today in which a number of innocent Afghans were killed.

India on Sunday strongly condemned the terror attack in Kabul that targeted the office of Vice Presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh and left two people dead. "India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kabul today in which a number of innocent Afghans were killed. India expresses its deepest condolences with the families of the deceased," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "This dastardly attack was also aimed at undermining the constitutional and democratic processes and institutions in Afghanistan. India stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve enduring peace, security and stability in Afghanistan," the statement read. Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesman, Nasrat Rahimi, said that the attack which targeted the Green Trend party headquarters in Kabul, injured 25 others, Al Jazeera reported. Saleh was reportedly hit by shrapnel before being safely evacuated from office. Ferdous Faramarz, a spokesman for Kabul's police chief, was quoted as saying that the explosion was likely a suicide car bomb and the gunfight was still ongoing after the assailants stormed the building following the blast. However, no terror group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. "The security forces have cordoned off the area. The security forces are trying to kill the attackers as soon as possible," Rahimi said. The attack took place after President Ashraf Ghani, Saleh and more than a dozen other Afghan politicians launched their presidential campaign earlier on Sunday. "My brother, true son of the Afghan soil and first VP candidate of my electoral team, Amrullah Saleh has survived a complex attack by enemies of the state. We are relieved and thank the almighty that the attack has failed," Ghani said in a tweet. Ghani kicked off his campaign by insisting "peace is coming" and pivotal talks with the Taliban would take place. Also in Ab Band district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, a Taliban suicide bomber killed four policemen early on Sunday in an attack on a police station in the eastern Ghazni province, according to Ahmad Khan Serat, a spokesman for the provincial police. The Taliban also on the same day rejected a statement from the State Minister for Peace about plans to hold direct talks with the Afghan government within the next two weeks. US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is currently visiting Kabul, has held several rounds of talks with the Taliban in recent months in a bid to end the more than two-decades-long war.

India strongly condemns attack on Afghanistan vice presidential candidate's office

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri.

"It is 65 people dead and 10 injured," local government chairman Muhammed Bulama said.&nbsp;

Bulama said more than 20 people died in the initial attack on a funeral gathering. Dozens more were killed as they tried to chase after the jihadists.

The leader of a local anti-Boko Haram militia confirmed the death toll, while giving a slightly different account of the attack.

Bunu Bukar Mustapha told AFP 23 people were killed as they returned from the funeral and "the remaining 42 were killed when they pursued the terrorists".

AFP journalists at the scene saw houses burnt in the attack. Relatives collected the bodies of those slain for burial.&nbsp;

Bulama said he thought the latest attack was in retaliation for the killing two weeks ago of 11 Boko Haram fighters by local residents when the jihadists approached their village. The residents also captured 10 automatic rifles.&nbsp;

Boko Haram fighters have repeatedly attacked the surrounding Nganzai district.

In September last year, the group killed eight people and stole livestock in two villages in the area after residents tried to stop them from taking their animals.

Boko Haram has waged a decade-long campaign of violence in northeast Nigeria that has killed around 27,000 people and displaced more than two million.

There are persistent attacks despite repeated claims from the Nigerian government that it has broken the insurgency.&nbsp;

The jihadists have splintered between the Boko Haram faction loyal to historic leader Abubakar Shekau and an affiliate of the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Shekau's group tends to hit softer targets including civilians, while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has since last year ratcheted up its campaign against the Nigerian military.

In June, 30 people were killed by a triple suicide bombing targeting football fans in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from Maiduguri. The attack had the hallmarks of Shekau's faction.&nbsp;

Late Thursday, the group attacked a camp for displaced people outside the state capital, killing two residents and looting food supplies after burning a nearby military base.

Communities have increasingly turned to self-defence groups to protect themselves against the jihadist attacks.&nbsp;

Vigilantes and local hunters have taken up arms to safeguard local residents amid widespread complaints that the military does not do enough to defend them.&nbsp;

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday.

An attack this weekend by Boko Haram fighters on a funeral in northeast Nigeria has left 65 people dead, almost triple the initial toll, a local official said Sunday. Dozens more bodies were discovered following the assault Saturday by gunmen on a village close to the regional capital Maiduguri. "It is 65 people dead and 10 injured," local government chairman Muhammed Bulama said. Bulama said more than 20 people died in the initial attack on a funeral gathering. Dozens more were killed as they tried to chase after the jihadists. The leader of a local anti-Boko Haram militia confirmed the death toll, while giving a slightly different account of the attack. Bunu Bukar Mustapha told AFP 23 people were killed as they returned from the funeral and "the remaining 42 were killed when they pursued the terrorists". AFP journalists at the scene saw houses burnt in the attack. Relatives collected the bodies of those slain for burial. Bulama said he thought the latest attack was in retaliation for the killing two weeks ago of 11 Boko Haram fighters by local residents when the jihadists approached their village. The residents also captured 10 automatic rifles. Boko Haram fighters have repeatedly attacked the surrounding Nganzai district. In September last year, the group killed eight people and stole livestock in two villages in the area after residents tried to stop them from taking their animals. Boko Haram has waged a decade-long campaign of violence in northeast Nigeria that has killed around 27,000 people and displaced more than two million. There are persistent attacks despite repeated claims from the Nigerian government that it has broken the insurgency. The jihadists have splintered between the Boko Haram faction loyal to historic leader Abubakar Shekau and an affiliate of the Islamic State group. Shekau's group tends to hit softer targets including civilians, while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has since last year ratcheted up its campaign against the Nigerian military. In June, 30 people were killed by a triple suicide bombing targeting football fans in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from Maiduguri. The attack had the hallmarks of Shekau's faction. Late Thursday, the group attacked a camp for displaced people outside the state capital, killing two residents and looting food supplies after burning a nearby military base. Communities have increasingly turned to self-defence groups to protect themselves against the jihadist attacks. Vigilantes and local hunters have taken up arms to safeguard local residents amid widespread complaints that the military does not do enough to defend them.

Death toll in Nigeria Boko Haram funeral attack rises to 65

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regime-and-russian-air-strikes-killed-43-people-in-northwest-syria-war-monitor-237768">Regime and Russian airstrikes</a> Saturday killed 15 civilians, more than half of them children, in northwestern Syria where ramped up attacks by the two allies have claimed hundreds of lives since April.

Idlib and parts of the neighbouring provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.&nbsp;

The region is supposed to be protected from a massive government offensive by a September buffer zone deal, but it has come under increasing bombardment by the regime and its Russian ally over the past three months. &nbsp;

In the Idlib town of Ariha, seven children were among 11 civilians killed in Syrian airstrikes that targeted two residential buildings and also wounded 28 other people, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

One of the dead was a small boy who was found under the rubble by White Helmets rescuers, his face bloodied and his body covered in white dust, a photographer who works with AFP said from the scene.

He also witnessed rescuers digging through the rubble of a collapsed roof for more victims, while a member of the White Helmets moved the body of a young man into the back of a pickup truck.

Ariha made headlines after it was pummelled Wednesday by warplanes that claimed the lives of 10 civilians, according to the Observatory, when a picture of three sisters struggling for their lives went viral on social media networks.

The picture showed two dust-covered girls trapped in the rubble and clutching their baby sister by her shirt as she dangles from a bombed outbuilding.&nbsp;

One of the girls later died of her wounds while the other two are hospitalised and fighting to stay alive, according to local medics.

Russian airstrikes on northern Hama province Saturday that hit an ambulance killed three rescuers while another child died in Syrian regime bombardment elsewhere in the Idlib region, the Observatory said.

'International indifference'

Save the Children said on Thursday that the number of children killed in Idlib over the past four weeks had exceeded the number slain in the same region in the whole of last year.

Airstrikes by the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on the Idlib region have claimed more than 740 lives since late April, according to the war monitor.

The UN says more than 400,000 people have been displaced.&nbsp;

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has documented 39 attacks against health facilities or medical workers in the area in three months.

At least 50 schools have been damaged by airstrikes and shelling over the same period, it said. &nbsp;

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday condemned "international indifference" in the face of the mounting death toll in Idlib.

"These are civilian objects, and it seems highly unlikely, given the persistent pattern of such attacks, that they are all being hit by accident," Bachelet said.

"Intentional attacks against civilians are war crimes, and those who have ordered them or carried them out are criminally responsible for their actions," she said.

The region under attack is home to some three million people, nearly half of them already displaced from other parts of the country.&nbsp;

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.&nbsp;

Regime and Russian airstrikes Saturday killed 15 civilians, more than half of them children, in northwestern Syria where ramped up attacks by the two allies have claimed hundreds of lives since April.

Regime and Russian airstrikes Saturday killed 15 civilians, more than half of them children, in northwestern Syria where ramped up attacks by the two allies have claimed hundreds of lives since April. Idlib and parts of the neighbouring provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia are under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. The region is supposed to be protected from a massive government offensive by a September buffer zone deal, but it has come under increasing bombardment by the regime and its Russian ally over the past three months. In the Idlib town of Ariha, seven children were among 11 civilians killed in Syrian airstrikes that targeted two residential buildings and also wounded 28 other people, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. One of the dead was a small boy who was found under the rubble by White Helmets rescuers, his face bloodied and his body covered in white dust, a photographer who works with AFP said from the scene. He also witnessed rescuers digging through the rubble of a collapsed roof for more victims, while a member of the White Helmets moved the body of a young man into the back of a pickup truck. Ariha made headlines after it was pummelled Wednesday by warplanes that claimed the lives of 10 civilians, according to the Observatory, when a picture of three sisters struggling for their lives went viral on social media networks. The picture showed two dust-covered girls trapped in the rubble and clutching their baby sister by her shirt as she dangles from a bombed outbuilding. One of the girls later died of her wounds while the other two are hospitalised and fighting to stay alive, according to local medics. Russian airstrikes on northern Hama province Saturday that hit an ambulance killed three rescuers while another child died in Syrian regime bombardment elsewhere in the Idlib region, the Observatory said. 'International indifference' Save the Children said on Thursday that the number of children killed in Idlib over the past four weeks had exceeded the number slain in the same region in the whole of last year. Airstrikes by the Syrian regime and its ally Russia on the Idlib region have claimed more than 740 lives since late April, according to the war monitor. The UN says more than 400,000 people have been displaced. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has documented 39 attacks against health facilities or medical workers in the area in three months. At least 50 schools have been damaged by airstrikes and shelling over the same period, it said. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday condemned "international indifference" in the face of the mounting death toll in Idlib. "These are civilian objects, and it seems highly unlikely, given the persistent pattern of such attacks, that they are all being hit by accident," Bachelet said. "Intentional attacks against civilians are war crimes, and those who have ordered them or carried them out are criminally responsible for their actions," she said. The region under attack is home to some three million people, nearly half of them already displaced from other parts of the country. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.

Regime and Russian airstrikes killed 15 civilians in northwest Syria: Monitor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-defy-police-again-begin-banned-march-238981">Riot police in Hong Kong</a> launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office -&nbsp;China's top policy unit for the two cities -&nbsp;said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing.

Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating.

Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory.

Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city.

A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly".

Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest.

Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists.

The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations.&nbsp;

Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint.

"Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday.

Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend.

Unprecedented anger

Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos.

Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.

Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-protesters-to-march-through-the-city-239032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation.&nbsp;

Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

"You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP.&nbsp;

Battle for Yuen Long

Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.

That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond.

In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters.

They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders.&nbsp;

On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads.

Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters.&nbsp;

Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured.

Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators.

Riot police in Hong Kong launched volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets on Sunday during hours of running battles with pro-democracy protesters close to Beijing's office in the city, marking the second consecutive day officers have fired on demonstrators. As the unauthorized protest occurred, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office - China's top policy unit for the two cities - said in an unusual move that it would hold a press conference Monday afternoon in Beijing. Hong Kong, a global financial hub, is reeling from weeks of anti-government protests that show no sign of abating. Sunday's melees took place in a well-heeled residential district close to the Liaison Office, which represents Beijing in the semi-autonomous territory. Police and protesters had been engaged in a standoff for hours after tens of thousands of demonstrators held a series of unsanctioned marches through the city. A group of about 200 protesters had made their way towards the Liaison Office where they met a phalanx of riot police who used loudhailers calling for the crowds to end their "illegal assembly". Eventually, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired at demonstrators who responded with volleys of bricks and stones as baton-wielding riot police pushed the crowds back in some of the most sustained and violent clashes seen during seven weeks of protest. Specially-trained riot squad members, known as "Raptor" squads, made dozens of arrests, almost all of them young men and women. Several protesters were injured, as well as two journalists. The clashes ended around 11:30 pm when protesters made a hasty and coordinated retreat into nearby subway stations. Last week, they had pelted the Liaison Office with eggs and paint. "Some radical protesters acted violently," threatening the safety of police and the public, the Hong Kong government said in a statement early Monday. Sunday's violence came a day after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected pro-government triad gangs in a town near the border with mainland China. The gangs had beaten up democracy demonstrators there the previous weekend. Unprecedented anger Despite facing unprecedented levels of public anger and frustration that has seen millions take to the streets, the city's pro-Beijing leadership are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. Beijing's authority in the city of seven million is facing its most serious test since Britain handed it back to China in 1997 under a deal that allowed Hong Kongers to keep liberties including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. The demonstrations were triggered by a bill -- now suspended -- that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Watch: Hong Kong protestors march through the city Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks but has left the city's government to deal with the situation. Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said the city was now trapped in a "vicious cycle" where huge peaceful marches that have been ignored by the government end with violence between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. "You see force being escalated on both sides. But then this is a huge imbalance because the police are in possession of deadly weapons. This sums up Hong Kong today," she told AFP. Battle for Yuen Long Public anger reached new levels a week ago when a pro-government mob of men wearing white shirts and armed with sticks attacked protesters in Yuen Long, in Hong Kong's rural New Territories where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad gang connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. That brazen assault left at least 45 people taken to hospital, and police were heavily criticised for being too slow to respond. In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters. They also banned a proposed march on Sunday. But on both days protesters simply ignored the orders. On Saturday, small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads. Tensions quickly rose, leading to running battles between officers and protesters. Police said they responded with "appropriate force" including rubber bullets, while at least four officers were injured. Police made 13 arrests Saturday and hospital authorities said a total of 24 people were hurt, two seriously.

Some radical protesters acted violently: Hong Kong police

US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defends-attack-on-african-american-us-lawmaker-elijah-cummings-239036">President Donald Trump</a> announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration.

Coats was regularly at odds with Trump during his tenure as Director of National Intelligence and at times appears to have been kept in the dark by his administration, but tried to avoid confrontation with the mercurial president.&nbsp;

Trump tweeted that he plans to nominate Representative John Ratcliffe of Texas, who serves on the House intelligence, judiciary and homeland security committees, as the next official to oversee and coordinate the CIA, NSA and other US espionage bodies.

"A former US Attorney, John will lead and inspire greatness for the country he loves," Trump wrote, also thanking Coats "for his great service to our Country."

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....be leaving office on August 15th. I would like to thank Dan for his great service to our Country. The Acting Director will be named shortly.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1155580142225383425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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If Ratcliffe's nomination is approved, Trump will get an intelligence chief who is more in synch with his views.

In Congress, he has been a staunch defender of Trump and has criticized two of the president's nemeses, former FBI chief James Comey and special counsel Robert Mueller.

Ratcliffe has also said he has "seen no evidence" that Russian election meddling helped bring Trump to office, has backed the president's assertion that court-approved surveillance of his campaign amounted to spying, and has supported his hawkish policy on Iran.

Russian election meddling is just one of several issues on which Coats has not seen eye-to-eye with Trump.

Coats backed the US intelligence community's conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election that brought Trump to office -- something the president was long loath to acknowledge.

North Korea, Islamic State group

The intelligence chief also disagreed with Trump's decision to hold two hours of closed-door talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 with no one else present but interpreters.

"If he had asked me how that ought to be conducted, I would have suggested a different way," Coats said.

He acknowledged being kept in the dark about the contents of the talks, saying three days after they were held that: "I don't know what happened in that meeting."

Trump's attempts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal via talks with Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un was another point of disagreement.

"We continue to assess that North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities, even as it seeks to negotiate partial denuclearization steps to obtain key US and international concessions," Coats said in the annual "Worldwide Threat Assessment" report earlier this year.

North Korea's leaders see having a nuclear weapons capability as "critical to regime survival," Coats said.

Trump, however, has taken the view that Kim is willing to give up his nuclear arms.

The report also warned that the Islamic State group -- despite Trump's assertions to the contrary -- was hardly vanquished and could easily rise again in a vacuum left by departing US forces, resuming global attacks and restarting its propaganda machine.

The jihadist group "still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and it maintains eight branches, more than a dozen networks, and thousands of dispersed supporters around the world, despite significant leadership and territorial losses," Coats said.

Coats's departure will be the latest in a long series of exits by top Trump administration officials, including defence secretary Jim Mattis, homeland security chief Kirstjen Nielsen, chief of staff John Kelly and top diplomat Rex Tillerson.

US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration.

US intelligence chief Dan Coats will leave office on August 15, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, the latest high-profile departure from his turnover-plagued administration. Coats was regularly at odds with Trump during his tenure as Director of National Intelligence and at times appears to have been kept in the dark by his administration, but tried to avoid confrontation with the mercurial president. Trump tweeted that he plans to nominate Representative John Ratcliffe of Texas, who serves on the House intelligence, judiciary and homeland security committees, as the next official to oversee and coordinate the CIA, NSA and other US espionage bodies. "A former US Attorney, John will lead and inspire greatness for the country he loves," Trump wrote, also thanking Coats "for his great service to our Country." ....be leaving office on August 15th. I would like to thank Dan for his great service to our Country. The Acting Director will be named shortly. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2019 × If Ratcliffe's nomination is approved, Trump will get an intelligence chief who is more in synch with his views. In Congress, he has been a staunch defender of Trump and has criticized two of the president's nemeses, former FBI chief James Comey and special counsel Robert Mueller. Ratcliffe has also said he has "seen no evidence" that Russian election meddling helped bring Trump to office, has backed the president's assertion that court-approved surveillance of his campaign amounted to spying, and has supported his hawkish policy on Iran. Russian election meddling is just one of several issues on which Coats has not seen eye-to-eye with Trump. Coats backed the US intelligence community's conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election that brought Trump to office -- something the president was long loath to acknowledge. North Korea, Islamic State group The intelligence chief also disagreed with Trump's decision to hold two hours of closed-door talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 with no one else present but interpreters. "If he had asked me how that ought to be conducted, I would have suggested a different way," Coats said. He acknowledged being kept in the dark about the contents of the talks, saying three days after they were held that: "I don't know what happened in that meeting." Trump's attempts to get North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal via talks with Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un was another point of disagreement. "We continue to assess that North Korea is unlikely to give up all of its nuclear weapons and production capabilities, even as it seeks to negotiate partial denuclearization steps to obtain key US and international concessions," Coats said in the annual "Worldwide Threat Assessment" report earlier this year. North Korea's leaders see having a nuclear weapons capability as "critical to regime survival," Coats said. Trump, however, has taken the view that Kim is willing to give up his nuclear arms. The report also warned that the Islamic State group -- despite Trump's assertions to the contrary -- was hardly vanquished and could easily rise again in a vacuum left by departing US forces, resuming global attacks and restarting its propaganda machine. The jihadist group "still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria, and it maintains eight branches, more than a dozen networks, and thousands of dispersed supporters around the world, despite significant leadership and territorial losses," Coats said. Coats's departure will be the latest in a long series of exits by top Trump administration officials, including defence secretary Jim Mattis, homeland security chief Kirstjen Nielsen, chief of staff John Kelly and top diplomat Rex Tillerson.

US intelligence chief Dan Coats to resign from Trump administration

&nbsp;

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here.

Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony.

On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik.

Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon was transferred to Madhya Pradesh in place of Patel.

Anandiben Patel also served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2014-16 before resigning from the post.

&nbsp;

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here. Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony. On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik.

Anandiben Patel on Monday took oath as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh here. Former Governor Ram Naik also attended the oath-taking ceremony. On July 20, President Ram Nath Kovind had appointed Patel, who was serving as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, as the replacement for outgoing Governor Ram Naik. Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon was transferred to Madhya Pradesh in place of Patel. Anandiben Patel also served as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2014-16 before resigning from the post.

Anandiben Patel takes oath as Uttar Pradesh Governor

Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar on Monday has tendered his resignation from the post after chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-chief-minister-bs-yediyurappa-wins-trust-vote-in-assembly-239160">BS Yediyurappa won the trust vote</a> in the assembly.

A new Speaker will be appointed soon by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell last week after losing the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly.&nbsp;

Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister of Karnataka for the fourth time on Friday after Home Minister Amit Shah asked him to meet the Governor and take oath as the chief minister at the earliest.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar on Monday has tendered his resignation from the post after chief minister BS Yediyurappa won the trust vote in the assembly.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar on Monday has tendered his resignation from the post after chief minister BS Yediyurappa won the trust vote in the assembly. A new Speaker will be appointed soon by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell last week after losing the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. Yediyurappa took oath as the chief minister of Karnataka for the fourth time on Friday after Home Minister Amit Shah asked him to meet the Governor and take oath as the chief minister at the earliest.

After Yediyurappa wins trust vote, Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Rakesh Kumar resigns

A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.

The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states.

The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country.

State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation.

A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations.

The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals.

The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts.

Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.

A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.

A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation. The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states. The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country. State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation. A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations. The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals. The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.

Bill on dam safety introduced in Lok Sabha

&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Monday for 15 minutes after a short circuit was detected in the mics of some of the treasury benches members during the proceedings of the House.

Soon after the House paid condolences to former union minister S Jaipal Reddy and congratulated Mary Kom and other boxers for winning medals at the 23rd President's Cup, some treasury benches members reported to the Chair that their mics were not functioning.

"Don't panic... If you can sit in some other seats... staffs will take care of it," Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said.

But the members soon detected smoke from their mics and urged the Chair to call the technicians. Naidu then adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

The snag seemed to be sorted out as the House reassembled at 11:24 am and resumed as per the schedule of the day.

Naidu said, "It will be inquired into and find out the reason for short circuit."

&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Monday for 15 minutes after a short circuit was detected in the mics of some of the treasury benches members during the proceedings of the House.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Monday for 15 minutes after a short circuit was detected in the mics of some of the treasury benches members during the proceedings of the House. Soon after the House paid condolences to former union minister S Jaipal Reddy and congratulated Mary Kom and other boxers for winning medals at the 23rd President's Cup, some treasury benches members reported to the Chair that their mics were not functioning. "Don't panic... If you can sit in some other seats... staffs will take care of it," Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said. But the members soon detected smoke from their mics and urged the Chair to call the technicians. Naidu then adjourned the House for 15 minutes. The snag seemed to be sorted out as the House reassembled at 11:24 am and resumed as per the schedule of the day. Naidu said, "It will be inquired into and find out the reason for short circuit."

Rajya Sabha adjourned for 15 minutes due to technical snag

In a first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will feature in Discovery Channel's show 'Man Vs Wild' alongside the popular host and adventurer, Bear Grylls.

Shot in the Jim Corbett National Park, the special episode will be broadcast on August 12 at 9 pm and will be showcased in 180 countries around the world.

Elated about the association, the Prime Minister said he was both intrigued and inclined to take part in the show.

"For years, I have lived among nature, in the mountains and the forests. These years have a lasting impact on my life. So when I was asked about a special programme focusing on life beyond politics and that too in the midst of nature I was both intrigued and inclined to take part in it," Modi said.

The show will be a frank and freewheeling journey that will throw light on wildlife conservation, highlighting issues related to environmental change.

The Prime Minister said he took this as an opportunity to showcase India's rich flora and fauna and to emphasise on environmental conservation.

"For me, this show presents a great opportunity to showcase to the world India's rich environmental heritage and stress on the importance of environment conservation and living in harmony with nature. It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest," the Prime Minister added.

Modi and host Grylls will also be seen building a raft to cross a jungle river together.

Host Grylls shared a 45-second promo of the special episode on Twitter in which Modi is seen interacting with him, riding a dingy and putting together a spear.

"You are the most important man in India. my job is to protect you," Grylls said in the video, covering the Prime Minister's shoulder with a jacket.

"People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM @narendramodi as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness about animal conservation &amp; environmental change. Catch Man Vs Wild with PM Modi @DiscoveryIN on August 12 @ 9 pm. #PMModionDiscovery" read the host's tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness about animal conservation &amp; environmental change. Catch Man Vs Wild with PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscoveryIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiscoveryIN</a> on August 12 @ 9 pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModionDiscovery?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModionDiscovery</a> <a href="https://t.co/MW2E6aMleE">pic.twitter.com/MW2E6aMleE</a>
— Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) <a href="https://twitter.com/BearGrylls/status/1155714307872579585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Grylls termed it a "privilege" to be taking Modi on an adventure into the Indian wilderness. "I feel truly honoured to get to spend time with this remarkable world leader. The wild reminds us that we need each other and that together we are stronger. I am so excited to spend time with the PM and to get to know the man who leads this great nation," he said.

In India, Man Vs Wild With Bear Grylls and Prime Minister Modi will premiere simultaneously on 12 Discovery channels in five languages - English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

In a first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will feature in Discovery Channel's show 'Man Vs Wild' alongside the popular host and adventurer, Bear Grylls. Shot in the Jim Corbett National Park, the special episode will be broadcast on August 12 at 9 pm and will be showcased in 180 countries around the world.

In a first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will feature in Discovery Channel's show 'Man Vs Wild' alongside the popular host and adventurer, Bear Grylls. Shot in the Jim Corbett National Park, the special episode will be broadcast on August 12 at 9 pm and will be showcased in 180 countries around the world. Elated about the association, the Prime Minister said he was both intrigued and inclined to take part in the show. "For years, I have lived among nature, in the mountains and the forests. These years have a lasting impact on my life. So when I was asked about a special programme focusing on life beyond politics and that too in the midst of nature I was both intrigued and inclined to take part in it," Modi said. The show will be a frank and freewheeling journey that will throw light on wildlife conservation, highlighting issues related to environmental change. The Prime Minister said he took this as an opportunity to showcase India's rich flora and fauna and to emphasise on environmental conservation. "For me, this show presents a great opportunity to showcase to the world India's rich environmental heritage and stress on the importance of environment conservation and living in harmony with nature. It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest," the Prime Minister added. Modi and host Grylls will also be seen building a raft to cross a jungle river together. Host Grylls shared a 45-second promo of the special episode on Twitter in which Modi is seen interacting with him, riding a dingy and putting together a spear. "You are the most important man in India. my job is to protect you," Grylls said in the video, covering the Prime Minister's shoulder with a jacket. "People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM @narendramodi as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness about animal conservation & environmental change. Catch Man Vs Wild with PM Modi @DiscoveryIN on August 12 @ 9 pm. #PMModionDiscovery" read the host's tweet. People across 180 countries will get to see the unknown side of PM @narendramodi as he ventures into Indian wilderness to create awareness about animal conservation & environmental change. Catch Man Vs Wild with PM Modi @DiscoveryIN on August 12 @ 9 pm. #PMModionDiscovery pic.twitter.com/MW2E6aMleE — Bear Grylls (@BearGrylls) July 29, 2019 × Grylls termed it a "privilege" to be taking Modi on an adventure into the Indian wilderness. "I feel truly honoured to get to spend time with this remarkable world leader. The wild reminds us that we need each other and that together we are stronger. I am so excited to spend time with the PM and to get to know the man who leads this great nation," he said. In India, Man Vs Wild With Bear Grylls and Prime Minister Modi will premiere simultaneously on 12 Discovery channels in five languages - English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

PM Modi to feature in Man vs Wild episode with Bear Grylls

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