The two Indians on board an Iranian cargo vessel 'Shabahang,'&nbsp;which sank near the Lankaran port here on Friday, were rescued along with seven of their Iranian crew members, according to the Deputy Head of Iran Ports and Maritime Organisation.

The crew sought help from the Azerbaijan State Marine Academy, which dispatched two helicopters and a patrolling ship to the site of the incident to undertake rescue operations, reported Iran`s state news agency, IRNA.

While all nine crew members were rescued, the ship has sunk completely in Azeri waters.

Jalil Eslami, the Iranian official, stated that the incident occurred due to seepage of water at the sea.

The vessel was carrying tiles and was on its way to Russia's Makhachkala from Iran's Anzali port.

While Azeri authorities said that the incident happened near Lankaran port, Eslami added that the ship submerged in the waters around 23 miles from Azerbaijan`s Astara port.&nbsp;

The two Indians on board an Iranian cargo vessel 'Shabahang,' which sank near the Lankaran port here on Friday, were rescued along with seven of their Iranian crew members, according to the Deputy Head of Iran Ports and Maritime Organisation.

The two Indians on board an Iranian cargo vessel 'Shabahang,' which sank near the Lankaran port here on Friday, were rescued along with seven of their Iranian crew members, according to the Deputy Head of Iran Ports and Maritime Organisation. The crew sought help from the Azerbaijan State Marine Academy, which dispatched two helicopters and a patrolling ship to the site of the incident to undertake rescue operations, reported Iran`s state news agency, IRNA. While all nine crew members were rescued, the ship has sunk completely in Azeri waters. Jalil Eslami, the Iranian official, stated that the incident occurred due to seepage of water at the sea. The vessel was carrying tiles and was on its way to Russia's Makhachkala from Iran's Anzali port. While Azeri authorities said that the incident happened near Lankaran port, Eslami added that the ship submerged in the waters around 23 miles from Azerbaijan`s Astara port.

Two Indians rescued from sinking Iranian cargo ship near Azerbaijan

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai in the last 24 hours <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rainfall-in-mumbai-causes-waterlogging-traffic-jam-238075">flooding several areas</a> and severely affecting the road, rail and air traffic.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that Mumbai has received 150-180 mm rainfall in suburbs in the last 24 hours and that heavy rainfall is expected today as well.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IMD, Mumbai: 150-180 mm rainfall received in suburbs in the last 24 hours; Heavy rainfall expected today. <a href="https://t.co/YdUrOZDgh4">pic.twitter.com/YdUrOZDgh4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1154939577792118786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

For now,&nbsp;the operations are normal at the Mumbai international airport.

Railway services are also disrupted.

Mumbai Police have requested people not to go in waterlogged areas and to maintain distance from the sea.

Yesterday, IMD said, "Due to the strengthening of monsoon currents and formation of a low-pressure area over North West Bay of Bengal, rainfall intensity is very likely to increase over North Konkan during next 48 hours."

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai in the last 24 hours flooding several areas and severely affecting the road, rail and air traffic. India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that Mumbai has received 150-180 mm rainfall in suburbs in the last 24 hours and that heavy rainfall is expected today as well.

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai in the last 24 hours flooding several areas and severely affecting the road, rail and air traffic. India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that Mumbai has received 150-180 mm rainfall in suburbs in the last 24 hours and that heavy rainfall is expected today as well. IMD, Mumbai: 150-180 mm rainfall received in suburbs in the last 24 hours; Heavy rainfall expected today. pic.twitter.com/YdUrOZDgh4 — ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2019 × For now, the operations are normal at the Mumbai international airport. Railway services are also disrupted. Mumbai Police have requested people not to go in waterlogged areas and to maintain distance from the sea. Yesterday, IMD said, "Due to the strengthening of monsoon currents and formation of a low-pressure area over North West Bay of Bengal, rainfall intensity is very likely to increase over North Konkan during next 48 hours."

Heavy rain lashes Mumbai flooding several areas, traffic severely affected

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-lets-trump-use-disputed-funds-of-25-billion-for-border-wall-238745">President Donald Trump</a> announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">agreement has been reached with Guatemala</a>, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead.

But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known.

Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region.

"This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border.

The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above."

Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States.

Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call.

If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added.

The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said.

US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America.

'Not' safe

Serious questions about the pact remained.

It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests.

McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself.

A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes.

"Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts.

The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said.

McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection.

"Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added.&nbsp;

"We expect that to continue."

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that a "landmark" asylum agreement has been reached with Guatemala, as the United States ratchets up pressure on its southern neighbours to stem the flow of migrants towards its border. The White House said Guatemala would now be considered a "safe third country," meaning that US-bound migrants who enter Guatemala would be required to seek asylum there instead. But the US Department of Homeland Security said the term did not appear in the text agreed on Friday, of which few details were initially known. Trump said the deal will "provide safety to legitimate asylum seekers and stop asylum fraud" in the region. "This landmark agreement will put the coyotes and smugglers out of business," the president said, referring to the "bad people" who have trafficked thousands of migrants through Mexico to the southern US border. The agreement comes days after Trump threatened tough retaliation against the small Central American country if it did not sign on to an asylum deal -- threatening a travel ban, tariffs, remittance fees or "all of the above." Friday's agreement, signed in the Oval Office by Guatemala's interior minister, Enrique Degenhart, and US Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, would likely apply to Salvadoran or Honduran migrants passing through Guatemala towards the United States. Their asylum claims and determinations "should be made at the earliest possible point," McAleenan told reporters on a press call. If Central American migrants instead "make a journey all the way to the US border, they would be removable back to Guatemala if they want to seek asylum," he added. The deal is expected to be up and running in August, McAleenan said. US authorities have recorded a dramatic rise in detentions of migrants over the past year, many of those fleeing chronic poverty and gruesome gang violence in Central America. 'Not' safe Serious questions about the pact remained. It was not immediately clear how the agreement signed Friday would jibe with a provision of Guatemala's constitutional court, which recently blocked the idea of a deal making Guatemala a "safe third country" for asylum requests. McAleenan conceded that the term "is a colloquialism" and is not in the text itself. A top Democrat assailed the deal as "cruel and immoral," as well as illegal, arguing that Guatemala lacks sufficient asylum and protection processes. "Simply put, Guatemala is not a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers, as the law requires," said House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Eliot Engel, adding that he expects the "counterproductive" deal to be challenged in the courts. The non-governmental organization Refugees International called the agreement "very alarming" and said it would put "some of the most vulnerable people in Central America in grave danger" because Guatemala is not safe for refugees and asylum seekers, the group's president Eric Schwartz said. McAleenan insisted Guatemala has been undergoing an "evolution" in providing asylum protection. "Guatemala has had a significant reduction in their murder rate and violent crime rate in the last five years," he added. "We expect that to continue."

US President Donald Trump announces controversial asylum deal with Guatemala

At least eight people were killed and over dozen were injured when the northern Philippines was struck with twin earthquakes of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 on early Saturday, police said.

Mayor Raul de Sagon told AFP that eight people had been killed and around 60 others were hurt. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.

The earthquakes hit the Batanes province, a group of sparsely populated islets north of the nation's largest Luzon island.

Many homes were collapsed and roads cracked.

Many people were still asleep when the first tremor struck around 4:15 am, followed just under four hours later by the second stronger jolt.&nbsp;

The Philippines is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from quake-prone Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

At least eight people were killed and over dozen were injured when the northern Philippines was struck with twin earthquakes of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 on early Saturday, police said.

At least eight people were killed and over dozen were injured when the northern Philippines was struck with twin earthquakes of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.9 on early Saturday, police said. Mayor Raul de Sagon told AFP that eight people had been killed and around 60 others were hurt. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. The earthquakes hit the Batanes province, a group of sparsely populated islets north of the nation's largest Luzon island. Many homes were collapsed and roads cracked. Many people were still asleep when the first tremor struck around 4:15 am, followed just under four hours later by the second stronger jolt. The Philippines is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from quake-prone Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Eight dead, 60 injured after twin quakes hit northern Philippines

A heart transplant was successfully carried out on a six-year-old girl in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv amidst the constant danger of Russian missiles, reported CNN. The procedure was reportedly carried out on Sunday (July 9) at Heart Institute of Ukraine's Ministry of Health. The operation lasted for three hours and the girl was given the heart of a four-year-old boy who was previously declared brain dead due to an aneurysm.

The institute has said that this is the first heart transplant in Ukraine which involves children so young.

“The operation was also unique in that both the donor and the recipient were very young children, and the transplant required more effort from the doctors,” it said, as quoted by CNN.

The team of doctors who performed the surgery was led by Dr Boris Todurov, who is the chief scientist of the Department of Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatment.

In a Facebook post, Dr Todurov said that the procedure went "smoothly" and that the girl was intubated for two hours.

 
Watch | US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: US President Joe Biden gives the green light | Russia-Ukraine War

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-cluster-bombs-for-ukraine-us-president-joe-biden-gives-the-green-light-russia-ukraine-war-613144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

“The operation went well, and the new heart is beating in the girl’s chest,” Oksana Dmytrieva, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s subcommittee on modern medical technologies and transplantation development, said in an emotional post on Facebook.

<h2>Boy's mother hears&nbsp;the&nbsp;heartbeat</h2>

The images released by the institute showed the mother of the boy whose heart was donated standing by the bedside of the girl.

CNN reported that three more organs of the boy were donated to two other boys. The organs donated were two kidneys and a liver.

“Many thanks to the parents of the little angel, who made an extremely noble act in this extremely difficult time for the family! You are people with a big and kind heart!” Dmytrieva said as quoted by CNN.

“May the little angel rest in peace. And a speedy recovery to the patients who got a chance for a full life!”

Ukraine is currently at war with Russia which invaded the country in February last year. Many cities, including the capital Kyiv, have been bombarded by Russia.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-air-strike-on-kyiv-ahead-of-nato-summit-614156">Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit</a>

In Kyiv hospitals, if air-raid sirens begin blaring after an operation has commenced, it is not stopped. In case the air raid sirens are sounded before the commencement of an operation, the doctors wait for all clear before starting the procedure.

After sustained gains in the initial months of the Ukraine invasion, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land. Ukraine is being backed by the West, led by the US, which has poured millions and millions in humanitarian as well as military aid.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A heart transplant was successfully carried out on a six-year-old girl in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv amidst the constant danger of Russian missiles, reported CNN.

A heart transplant was successfully carried out on a six-year-old girl in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv amidst the constant danger of Russian missiles, reported CNN. The procedure was reportedly carried out on Sunday (July 9) at Heart Institute of Ukraine's Ministry of Health. The operation lasted for three hours and the girl was given the heart of a four-year-old boy who was previously declared brain dead due to an aneurysm. The institute has said that this is the first heart transplant in Ukraine which involves children so young. “The operation was also unique in that both the donor and the recipient were very young children, and the transplant required more effort from the doctors,” it said, as quoted by CNN. The team of doctors who performed the surgery was led by Dr Boris Todurov, who is the chief scientist of the Department of Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatment. In a Facebook post, Dr Todurov said that the procedure went "smoothly" and that the girl was intubated for two hours. Watch | US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: US President Joe Biden gives the green light | Russia-Ukraine War × “The operation went well, and the new heart is beating in the girl’s chest,” Oksana Dmytrieva, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament’s subcommittee on modern medical technologies and transplantation development, said in an emotional post on Facebook. Boy's mother hears the heartbeat The images released by the institute showed the mother of the boy whose heart was donated standing by the bedside of the girl. CNN reported that three more organs of the boy were donated to two other boys. The organs donated were two kidneys and a liver. “Many thanks to the parents of the little angel, who made an extremely noble act in this extremely difficult time for the family! You are people with a big and kind heart!” Dmytrieva said as quoted by CNN. “May the little angel rest in peace. And a speedy recovery to the patients who got a chance for a full life!” Ukraine is currently at war with Russia which invaded the country in February last year. Many cities, including the capital Kyiv, have been bombarded by Russia. Also Read | Russia launches air strike on Kyiv ahead of NATO summit In Kyiv hospitals, if air-raid sirens begin blaring after an operation has commenced, it is not stopped. In case the air raid sirens are sounded before the commencement of an operation, the doctors wait for all clear before starting the procedure. After sustained gains in the initial months of the Ukraine invasion, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land. Ukraine is being backed by the West, led by the US, which has poured millions and millions in humanitarian as well as military aid. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

At least 114 dead in Bangladesh floods triggered by incessant rains

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-lash-mumbai-700-passengers-stranded-on-board-mahalaxmi-express-238791">rescue operations at Vagani</a>, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express.

"Four National Disaster Response teams are currently evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats. In addition, seven teams of the Indian navy, two helicopters from Indian Airforce and two military columns have been deployed with the local administration," the Chief Minister said in a statement.

"Two additional military columns are on the way and the situation is under control", he added.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai spoke to Fadnavis and assured all assistance from the government's side.

As torrential rains continue to batter Mumbai, Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express, with 700 passengers on board was held up between Vangani and Badlapur since 3am&nbsp;this morning.

Railway Protection Force and City police had reached the site where the train is held up, and biscuits and water were being distributed to the stranded passengers.

CPRO Sunil Udasi had appealed to passengers not to get down from the train and await advice from the NDRF and other disaster management authorities.

500 passengers have been rescued so far and are being lodged at safe places, from where they will be moved to Badlapur, he added.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vagani, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday instructed the Chief Secretary to personally monitor rescue operations at Vagani, where people are stranded on board Mahalaxmi Express. "Four National Disaster Response teams are currently evacuating passengers with the help of eight boats. In addition, seven teams of the Indian navy, two helicopters from Indian Airforce and two military columns have been deployed with the local administration," the Chief Minister said in a statement. "Two additional military columns are on the way and the situation is under control", he added. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai spoke to Fadnavis and assured all assistance from the government's side. As torrential rains continue to batter Mumbai, Mumbai-Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Express, with 700 passengers on board was held up between Vangani and Badlapur since 3am this morning. Railway Protection Force and City police had reached the site where the train is held up, and biscuits and water were being distributed to the stranded passengers. CPRO Sunil Udasi had appealed to passengers not to get down from the train and await advice from the NDRF and other disaster management authorities. 500 passengers have been rescued so far and are being lodged at safe places, from where they will be moved to Badlapur, he added.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis directs Chief Secretary to monitor Mahalaxmi Express' rescue operations 

The government on Saturday slashed taxes on electric vehicles and chargers, as it looks to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly cars.

The goods and services tax (GST) on electric vehicles and chargers was reduced to 5% from a previous 12% and 18% respectively, Finance ministry said in a statement.

The government had earlier this month given tax breaks in the federal budget for consumers buying electric vehicles. Saturday's decision to slash the tax was taken at a meeting of the GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.

India, the world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and home to 14 of the world's most polluted cities, is aiming for electric vehicles to account for 30% of all passenger vehicle sales in the country by 2030.

They currently make up less than 1 per cent, largely due to a lack of charging infrastructure and the high cost of batteries.

Sitharaman said during the budget announcement that the government's plans was to make India a hub of electric vehicle manufacturing, with large manufacturing plants for lithium storage batteries and solar electric charging infrastructure.

The government also removed import taxes earlier this month on some auto components to help boost electric vehicle sales and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

The government on Saturday slashed taxes on electric vehicles and chargers, as it looks to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly cars. The goods and services tax (GST) on electric vehicles and chargers was reduced to 5% from a previous 12% and 18% respectively, Finance ministry said in a statement.

The government on Saturday slashed taxes on electric vehicles and chargers, as it looks to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly cars. The goods and services tax (GST) on electric vehicles and chargers was reduced to 5% from a previous 12% and 18% respectively, Finance ministry said in a statement. The government had earlier this month given tax breaks in the federal budget for consumers buying electric vehicles. Saturday's decision to slash the tax was taken at a meeting of the GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. India, the world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and home to 14 of the world's most polluted cities, is aiming for electric vehicles to account for 30% of all passenger vehicle sales in the country by 2030. They currently make up less than 1 per cent, largely due to a lack of charging infrastructure and the high cost of batteries. Sitharaman said during the budget announcement that the government's plans was to make India a hub of electric vehicle manufacturing, with large manufacturing plants for lithium storage batteries and solar electric charging infrastructure. The government also removed import taxes earlier this month on some auto components to help boost electric vehicle sales and reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels.

Government cuts GST rate on electric vehicles to boost uptake

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region.

The landslide occurred five kilometres off Mandi town with huge boulders falling on the road.

"NH 3 (Chandigarh-Manali) Highway is blocked near Mandi town due to landslide after heavy rain in the region. Restoration is underway and the road is expected to be clear in two hours," a release by the traffic department said.

Several tourists are stranded on either side of the road.

Further details are awaited.

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region.

The National Highway 3 between Chandigarh and Manali was on Saturday morning blocked for traffic movement near Mandi due to a landslide triggered by incessant rains in the region. The landslide occurred five kilometres off Mandi town with huge boulders falling on the road. "NH 3 (Chandigarh-Manali) Highway is blocked near Mandi town due to landslide after heavy rain in the region. Restoration is underway and the road is expected to be clear in two hours," a release by the traffic department said. Several tourists are stranded on either side of the road. Further details are awaited.

Himachal Pradesh: National Highway 3 blocked near Mandi due to landslide

Nepal's Home Ministry on Friday confirmed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-floods-death-toll-reaches-108-238334">death toll due to the floods</a> and landslides across the country has risen to 111, while 67 people have sustained injuries.

Apart from this, search and rescue operations for 40 missing people is underway.

The district of Gulmi has recorded the highest number of deaths with 13 people having lost their lives in the area.

Other places which have been affected are Sindhuli, Dhanusha, Makwanpur and Bhojpur districts, amongst others.

As per official records, the calamity has caused damage amounting to over one billion Nepalese rupees.

The floods and landslides, which started in the first week of July, have affected a total of 64 districts in the landlocked country.&nbsp;

Nepal's Home Ministry on Friday confirmed that the death toll due to the floods and landslides across the country has risen to 111, while 67 people have sustained injuries.

Nepal's Home Ministry on Friday confirmed that the death toll due to the floods and landslides across the country has risen to 111, while 67 people have sustained injuries. Apart from this, search and rescue operations for 40 missing people is underway. The district of Gulmi has recorded the highest number of deaths with 13 people having lost their lives in the area. Other places which have been affected are Sindhuli, Dhanusha, Makwanpur and Bhojpur districts, amongst others. As per official records, the calamity has caused damage amounting to over one billion Nepalese rupees. The floods and landslides, which started in the first week of July, have affected a total of 64 districts in the landlocked country.

Death toll soars to 111 due to floods, landslides in Nepal

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> planted saplings in Parliament as part of a tree plantation campaign by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla here on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, Birla said, "The Prime Minister has spread out a message of 'Green India' and I believe that we will make every village and city in the country green. If we want to keep the environment healthy, we have to make this country green. Earlier we had 'Swachchta Abhiyan' and now we will start 'Green India' to purify the environment."

The speaker also expressed his desire of making the country an example of healthy living and rich-green environment.

"Whenever people think of a green environment, India should be the country which comes in their minds," he said.

Among others present were Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar.

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings in Parliament as part of a tree plantation campaign by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla here on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Birla said, "The Prime Minister has spread out a message of 'Green India' and I believe that we will make every village and city in the country green.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted saplings in Parliament as part of a tree plantation campaign by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla here on Friday. Speaking to ANI, Birla said, "The Prime Minister has spread out a message of 'Green India' and I believe that we will make every village and city in the country green. If we want to keep the environment healthy, we have to make this country green. Earlier we had 'Swachchta Abhiyan' and now we will start 'Green India' to purify the environment." The speaker also expressed his desire of making the country an example of healthy living and rich-green environment. "Whenever people think of a green environment, India should be the country which comes in their minds," he said. Among others present were Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar.

PM Modi plants saplings in Parliament as part of plantation drive

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption.

The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-official-urged-hong-kong-villagers-to-drive-off-protesters-before-violence-at-train-station-238563">violent protests that have posed</a> one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office.

The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty.

What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong.

Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building.

"The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees.

"We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong."

Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration.

Watch:&nbsp;Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-anti-government-protests-intensify-237788/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read.

"Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice."

Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists.

Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds.

Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers.

The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page.

"United Hong Kong Stands!" it added.

An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate. 
&nbsp;

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory. Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption. The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office. The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty. What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong. Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building. "The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees. "We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong." Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration. Watch: Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong "If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read. "Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice." Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists. Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds. Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers. The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page. "United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate.

Hundred of protesters chanting 'free Hong Kong' converge on the Chinese-ruled city's airport

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-anger-soars-as-45-people-gets-injured-in-yuen-long-train-station-mob-attack-237553">Hong Kong train station last Sunday</a>, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists.

Li Jiyi, the director of the Central Government Liaison's local district office made the appeal at a community banquet for hundreds of villagers in Hong Kong's rural New Territories.

In a previously unreported recording from the July 11 event obtained by Reuters, Li addresses the large crowd about the escalating protests that have plunged Hong Kong into its worst political crisis since it returned to Chinese from British rule in 1997.

Li chastises the protesters, appealing to the assembled residents to protect their towns in Yuen Long district and to chase anti-government activists away.

"We won't allow them to come to Yuen Long to cause trouble," he said, to a burst of applause.

"Even though there are a group of protesters trained to throw bricks and iron bars, we still have a group of Yuen Long residents with the persistence and courage to maintain social peace and protect our home."

Repeatedly, Li spoke of the need for harmony and unity between the traditional villages and the government, "especially when there is wind and rain in Hong Kong".

The banquet was attended by a Hong Kong government district officer, Enoch Yuen, and many of the city's rural leaders. Yuen gave no immediate response to Reuters' questions on Li's speech and its impact on village representatives.

Last Sunday, after anti-government protesters marched in central Hong Kong and defaced China's Liaison Office, over 100 men swarmed through Yuen Long train station, attacking black-clad protesters, passers-by, journalists and a lawmaker with pipes, clubs and lampstands.

When some protesters retaliated, the beatings escalated as men and women were hit repeatedly on their heads and bodies by the masked men, who wore white shirts.

Video footage showed victims fleeing the mayhem amid screams, and floors of the train station streaked with blood. Forty-five people were injured, one critically.

China's Liaison Office did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about Li's speech, and Li could not be reached for comment.

Johnny Mak, a veteran Democratic Alliance district councillor in Yuen Long who witnessed the train station bloodshed, said he believed Li's remarks had been an explicit call to arms against protesters.

"If he didn't say this, the violence wouldn't have happened, and the triads wouldn't have beaten people," he told Reuters in his office close to the station.

Ching Chan-ming, the head of the Shap Pat Heung rural committee which hosted the banquet that night, said he thought Li's speech was positive and held no malicious intent.

"How could he (Li) make such an appeal like that?," Ching told Reuters. "I don't think it was a mobilisation call. His main message is that he hopes Hong Kong can remain stable and prosperous."

Triads

The protesters are demanding Hong Kong's leader scrap a controversial extradition law that many fear will extend China's reach into the city.

The government's refusal to do so - it has agreed only to suspend the bill so far - have led to two months of sometimes violent demonstrations across the city.

Beyond the extradition bill, many activists are demanding independent inquiries into the use of police force against them, and far-reaching democratic reforms - anathema to Beijing's leaders.

China's Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong said earlier this week that "the recent extreme and violent acts in Hong Kong have seriously undermined the foundation of the rule of law ... and trampled on the red line of "One Country, Two Systems" which underpins Beijing's control of Hong Kong.

Two senior police sources told Reuters some of the men who attacked the protesters had triad backgrounds including from the powerful Wo Shing Wo, Hong Kong's oldest triad society, and the 14K, another large, well-known triad.

Police spokespeople didn't respond to Reuters questions about triad involvement or any aspect of their operation that night.

While Hong Kong's triads - ancient secret societies that morphed into mafia-style underworld operations - no longer hold the high profile of previous decades they remain entrenched in some grittier districts and in rural areas, according to police.

Police told reporters in 2014 during the so-called "Occupy" democracy protests, that hundreds of triad members were suspected of mounting operations to infiltrate, beat and harass those in the movement. Several dozen people were arrested at the time.

No police in sight

Within hours of Sunday's violence, police bosses battled criticism they had failed to protect the public given delays getting to the scene.

Police commissioner Stephen Lo said there had been a need to "redeploy manpower from other districts".

Democratic Party district councillor Zachary Wong said Li's message was having an impact in the days leading up to Sunday's violence and he had received repeated calls from associates a day earlier saying something was brewing.

Wong said he called local police on Saturday, and then again on Sunday at 7pm when he heard of men gathering in a Yuen Long park.

"Some people called me and said, 'We're really scared, please do something," Wong told Reuters.

Both Mak and Wong said they were told by police they were aware of the situation and were handling it.

During this time, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was filmed laughing and shaking hands with some of the men in white shirts near the park. Giving them the 'thumbs up' sign, he said: "You are my heroes". The men laughed and cheered in response.

Ho later told reporters he had no knowledge of or involvement in the violence, but was merely reaching out to his constituents.

Ho was not immediately available at his office and could not be reached on his mobile phone.

Several hours later, when the most violent assaults took place at the train station, there were still no police present to prevent the bloodshed.

"It doesn't make sense that for many hours, there wasn't a single police car in sight," said Mak.

Two senior police officers involved in controlling demonstrations and a senior government security official told Reuters privately they were incensed at public perceptions the police somehow acted in concert with triads at Yuen Long.

After the attacks in Yuen Long train station, some of the assailants fled to the traditional walled village of Nam Pin Wai nearby.

There, riot police and other officers surrounded and questioned scores of men in white shirts for several hours, live media coverage showed.

Sometime after 4 a.m., the men in white began to leave. No arrests were made at the time, although a dozen men have since been arrested over the incident, according to a police statement.

A police commander told reporters at the scene that no arrests were made as the police couldn't prove the men were the assailants, and no weapons were found.

Public anger over the incident has built in the days since, and tens of thousands of people are expected to march through Yuen Long on Saturday.

A rare open letter signed by a group of civil servants criticised authorities' handling of the violence.

"The police's lack of response on July 21 had made people suspect the government colluded with triads," wrote a group of 235 civil servants from 44 government departments including the police force.

"This had not only caused citizens to lose confidence in the police, but also made civil servants suspect that the government departments are not aimed to serve citizens faithfully."

At a press conference, Police Commissioner Lo denied any collusion between his force and triads but acknowledged the need to restore public confidence.

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural Hong Kong train station last Sunday, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists.

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural Hong Kong train station last Sunday, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists. Li Jiyi, the director of the Central Government Liaison's local district office made the appeal at a community banquet for hundreds of villagers in Hong Kong's rural New Territories. In a previously unreported recording from the July 11 event obtained by Reuters, Li addresses the large crowd about the escalating protests that have plunged Hong Kong into its worst political crisis since it returned to Chinese from British rule in 1997. Li chastises the protesters, appealing to the assembled residents to protect their towns in Yuen Long district and to chase anti-government activists away. "We won't allow them to come to Yuen Long to cause trouble," he said, to a burst of applause. "Even though there are a group of protesters trained to throw bricks and iron bars, we still have a group of Yuen Long residents with the persistence and courage to maintain social peace and protect our home." Repeatedly, Li spoke of the need for harmony and unity between the traditional villages and the government, "especially when there is wind and rain in Hong Kong". The banquet was attended by a Hong Kong government district officer, Enoch Yuen, and many of the city's rural leaders. Yuen gave no immediate response to Reuters' questions on Li's speech and its impact on village representatives. Last Sunday, after anti-government protesters marched in central Hong Kong and defaced China's Liaison Office, over 100 men swarmed through Yuen Long train station, attacking black-clad protesters, passers-by, journalists and a lawmaker with pipes, clubs and lampstands. When some protesters retaliated, the beatings escalated as men and women were hit repeatedly on their heads and bodies by the masked men, who wore white shirts. Video footage showed victims fleeing the mayhem amid screams, and floors of the train station streaked with blood. Forty-five people were injured, one critically. China's Liaison Office did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about Li's speech, and Li could not be reached for comment. Johnny Mak, a veteran Democratic Alliance district councillor in Yuen Long who witnessed the train station bloodshed, said he believed Li's remarks had been an explicit call to arms against protesters. "If he didn't say this, the violence wouldn't have happened, and the triads wouldn't have beaten people," he told Reuters in his office close to the station. Ching Chan-ming, the head of the Shap Pat Heung rural committee which hosted the banquet that night, said he thought Li's speech was positive and held no malicious intent. "How could he (Li) make such an appeal like that?," Ching told Reuters. "I don't think it was a mobilisation call. His main message is that he hopes Hong Kong can remain stable and prosperous." Triads The protesters are demanding Hong Kong's leader scrap a controversial extradition law that many fear will extend China's reach into the city. The government's refusal to do so - it has agreed only to suspend the bill so far - have led to two months of sometimes violent demonstrations across the city. Beyond the extradition bill, many activists are demanding independent inquiries into the use of police force against them, and far-reaching democratic reforms - anathema to Beijing's leaders. China's Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong said earlier this week that "the recent extreme and violent acts in Hong Kong have seriously undermined the foundation of the rule of law ... and trampled on the red line of "One Country, Two Systems" which underpins Beijing's control of Hong Kong. Two senior police sources told Reuters some of the men who attacked the protesters had triad backgrounds including from the powerful Wo Shing Wo, Hong Kong's oldest triad society, and the 14K, another large, well-known triad. Police spokespeople didn't respond to Reuters questions about triad involvement or any aspect of their operation that night. While Hong Kong's triads - ancient secret societies that morphed into mafia-style underworld operations - no longer hold the high profile of previous decades they remain entrenched in some grittier districts and in rural areas, according to police. Police told reporters in 2014 during the so-called "Occupy" democracy protests, that hundreds of triad members were suspected of mounting operations to infiltrate, beat and harass those in the movement. Several dozen people were arrested at the time. No police in sight Within hours of Sunday's violence, police bosses battled criticism they had failed to protect the public given delays getting to the scene. Police commissioner Stephen Lo said there had been a need to "redeploy manpower from other districts". Democratic Party district councillor Zachary Wong said Li's message was having an impact in the days leading up to Sunday's violence and he had received repeated calls from associates a day earlier saying something was brewing. Wong said he called local police on Saturday, and then again on Sunday at 7pm when he heard of men gathering in a Yuen Long park. "Some people called me and said, 'We're really scared, please do something," Wong told Reuters. Both Mak and Wong said they were told by police they were aware of the situation and were handling it. During this time, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was filmed laughing and shaking hands with some of the men in white shirts near the park. Giving them the 'thumbs up' sign, he said: "You are my heroes". The men laughed and cheered in response. Ho later told reporters he had no knowledge of or involvement in the violence, but was merely reaching out to his constituents. Ho was not immediately available at his office and could not be reached on his mobile phone. Several hours later, when the most violent assaults took place at the train station, there were still no police present to prevent the bloodshed. "It doesn't make sense that for many hours, there wasn't a single police car in sight," said Mak. Two senior police officers involved in controlling demonstrations and a senior government security official told Reuters privately they were incensed at public perceptions the police somehow acted in concert with triads at Yuen Long. After the attacks in Yuen Long train station, some of the assailants fled to the traditional walled village of Nam Pin Wai nearby. There, riot police and other officers surrounded and questioned scores of men in white shirts for several hours, live media coverage showed. Sometime after 4 a.m., the men in white began to leave. No arrests were made at the time, although a dozen men have since been arrested over the incident, according to a police statement. A police commander told reporters at the scene that no arrests were made as the police couldn't prove the men were the assailants, and no weapons were found. Public anger over the incident has built in the days since, and tens of thousands of people are expected to march through Yuen Long on Saturday. A rare open letter signed by a group of civil servants criticised authorities' handling of the violence. "The police's lack of response on July 21 had made people suspect the government colluded with triads," wrote a group of 235 civil servants from 44 government departments including the police force. "This had not only caused citizens to lose confidence in the police, but also made civil servants suspect that the government departments are not aimed to serve citizens faithfully." At a press conference, Police Commissioner Lo denied any collusion between his force and triads but acknowledged the need to restore public confidence.

Chinese official urged Hong Kong villagers to drive off protesters before violence at train station

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Riya Gupta

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.