A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment.

On the occasion of Eid on Monday, there was no exchange of sweets between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">Pakistan Rangers and BSF</a> at the Wagah border which had become a yearly tradition.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, Pakistan's daily newspaper Dawn reported that a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary 19th-century ruler of undived Punjab was vandalised. It was reported that men carrying clubs and bricks entered the mansion of Maharani Jind Kaur, the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and vandalised the statue.&nbsp;

The men, from a certain religious organisation who were responsible for vandalising the statue, have been arrested and a criminal case has been registered against them. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, Pakistan has placed three C 130 aircraft at the Skardu airbase in Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision on Kashmir.&nbsp;

Government sources told news agency ANI that the transport aircraft have been placed and "Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along the border area".

Skardu airfield is forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force.

A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment.

A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment. On the occasion of Eid on Monday, there was no exchange of sweets between Pakistan Rangers and BSF at the Wagah border which had become a yearly tradition. Over the weekend, Pakistan's daily newspaper Dawn reported that a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary 19th-century ruler of undived Punjab was vandalised. It was reported that men carrying clubs and bricks entered the mansion of Maharani Jind Kaur, the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and vandalised the statue. The men, from a certain religious organisation who were responsible for vandalising the statue, have been arrested and a criminal case has been registered against them. Meanwhile, Pakistan has placed three C 130 aircraft at the Skardu airbase in Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision on Kashmir. Government sources told news agency ANI that the transport aircraft have been placed and "Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along the border area". Skardu airfield is forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force.

Week after India's decision on J&K, BSF, Pak rangers do not exchange sweets on Eid at Wagah

By

Sidhant Sibal/Naveen Kapoor

In a frank candid talk between India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Bejing on Monday, New Delhi has told China that its decision on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">Jammu and Kashmir </a>will have no impact on the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Bejing's concerns are misplaced.&nbsp;

A release by ministry of external affairs on Jaishankar meeting with Wang said it was India's "internal matter" to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir "aimed at promoting better governance and socio-economic development" and "there was no implication for either the external boundaries of India or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. India was not raising any additional territorial claims. The Chinese concerns in this regard were therefore misplaced"

The Line of Actual Control(LAC) is the demarcation line between Indian territory in the union territory of Ladakh and China occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Aksai Chin.

Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign minister publically raised the issue at press statements at the media forum, Wang Yi said, "there are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner. Regarding recent tensions between India and Pakistan, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position."

Jaishankar during the same press statement had called for "mutual sensitivity to each other's core concerns" and "properly managing differences is therefore vital. As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world."

On India Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision, Jaishankar explained to the Chinese side that despite Pakistan's provocative rhetoric and actions, India "has always stood for normalisation of the ties in an atmosphere free of terror."

He also emphasised that administrative changes announced on Jammu and Kashmir won't have a &nbsp;"bearing on Pakistan as it was an internal matter" and "It did not impact the LoC", suggesting China to "base its assessment on realities".

By Sidhant Sibal/Naveen Kapoor In a frank candid talk between India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Bejing on Monday, New Delhi has told China that its decision on Jammu and Kashmir will have no impact on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Bejing's concerns are misplaced.

By Sidhant Sibal/Naveen Kapoor In a frank candid talk between India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Bejing on Monday, New Delhi has told China that its decision on Jammu and Kashmir will have no impact on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Bejing's concerns are misplaced. A release by ministry of external affairs on Jaishankar meeting with Wang said it was India's "internal matter" to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir "aimed at promoting better governance and socio-economic development" and "there was no implication for either the external boundaries of India or the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. India was not raising any additional territorial claims. The Chinese concerns in this regard were therefore misplaced" The Line of Actual Control(LAC) is the demarcation line between Indian territory in the union territory of Ladakh and China occupied Jammu and Kashmir in Aksai Chin. Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign minister publically raised the issue at press statements at the media forum, Wang Yi said, "there are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner. Regarding recent tensions between India and Pakistan, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position." Jaishankar during the same press statement had called for "mutual sensitivity to each other's core concerns" and "properly managing differences is therefore vital. As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world." On India Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision, Jaishankar explained to the Chinese side that despite Pakistan's provocative rhetoric and actions, India "has always stood for normalisation of the ties in an atmosphere free of terror." He also emphasised that administrative changes announced on Jammu and Kashmir won't have a "bearing on Pakistan as it was an internal matter" and "It did not impact the LoC", suggesting China to "base its assessment on realities".

J&K decision will have no impact on Line of Actual Control: India to China

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;on a three-day visit to China held talks with foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday.

In the joint address at the foreign minister's meeting, Jaishanker announced that Prime Minister Modi and President Xi would be meeting in October.

"Some suggestions were made today by the Chinese side to expand the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, we are deeply appreciative of those initiatives," Jaishanker said. &nbsp;

The talks between Jaishanker and Wang Yi focussed&nbsp;on a second, informal, Wuhan-like summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to be held in India this year.

"India, China should be a factor of stability," Wang Yi said. "We need to deepen our cooperation, there are certain differences between the two nations,"&nbsp;China's foreign minister said.

Watch:&nbsp;EAM S Jaishankar hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eam-s-jaishankar-hold-talks-with-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-242368/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There are differences between the two countries, we don't shy away from it but are candid and we will address it," Wang asserted.

During talks with Wang Yi, Jaishankar invoked the Astana consensus. Jaishanker announced that four agreements were signed between India and China&nbsp;including promoting cultural exchanges, enhance cooperation in the field of traditional medicine in healthcare and&nbsp;promote exchanges between sports associations and sportspersons.

India's external affairs minister had met Chinese vice president Wang Qishan earlier.

This is Jaishankar's first ministerial-level meeting with Chinese officials as part of the new government which was formed in May after the BJP-led NDA received&nbsp;a huge mandate in the general elections.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on a three-day visit to China held talks with foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday. In the joint address at the foreign minister's meeting, Jaishanker announced that Prime Minister Modi and President Xi would be meeting in October.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on a three-day visit to China held talks with foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday. In the joint address at the foreign minister's meeting, Jaishanker announced that Prime Minister Modi and President Xi would be meeting in October. "Some suggestions were made today by the Chinese side to expand the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, we are deeply appreciative of those initiatives," Jaishanker said. The talks between Jaishanker and Wang Yi focussed on a second, informal, Wuhan-like summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to be held in India this year. "India, China should be a factor of stability," Wang Yi said. "We need to deepen our cooperation, there are certain differences between the two nations," China's foreign minister said. Watch: EAM S Jaishankar hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi "There are differences between the two countries, we don't shy away from it but are candid and we will address it," Wang asserted. During talks with Wang Yi, Jaishankar invoked the Astana consensus. Jaishanker announced that four agreements were signed between India and China including promoting cultural exchanges, enhance cooperation in the field of traditional medicine in healthcare and promote exchanges between sports associations and sportspersons. India's external affairs minister had met Chinese vice president Wang Qishan earlier. This is Jaishankar's first ministerial-level meeting with Chinese officials as part of the new government which was formed in May after the BJP-led NDA received a huge mandate in the general elections.

PM Modi to meet President Xi in October, announces Jaishankar in China

Argentina's peso and the Buenos Aires stock exchange plunged on Monday after populist center-left candidate Alberto Fernandez crushed pro-business President Mauricio Macri in a party primary election over the weekend.

Nervousness reigned as the peso opened at 53 to the dollar, a drop of 14 per cent from its closing figure of 46.55 on Friday, before plummeting further to 60.

And the Merval index plunged 10 per cent, too, as markets reacted with jitters to Macri's rout.

Macri called a meeting with Central Bank president Guido Sandleris before the markets opened on Monday, while putting back his morning cabinet meeting to 3:30 pm (1830 GMT.)

On Sunday, center-right Macri was dealt a huge blow in his bid for re-election in October when he polled 15 points less than center-left Peronist candidate Fernandez.

"The president cannot have peace of mind. The markets are giving warning that the government has put itself in a position it cannot respond to," Fernandez told Radio 10 on Monday.

Argentina is currently in a recession and posted 22 per cent inflation for the first half of the year -- one of the highest rates in the world.

Poverty now affects 32 per cent of the population.

Backed by the International Monetary Fund, Macri has initiated an austerity plan that is deeply unpopular among ordinary Argentines, who have seen their spending power diminished dramatically.

The peso lost half of its value against the dollar last year.

But the Buenos Aires stock exchange shot up eight per cent on Friday amid expectation that Macri would do well in Sunday's vote.

Those hopes were quickly quashed and Macri faces a daunting task of trying to overturn a huge deficit in just two and a half months.

"The vote shows a profound dissatisfaction with the economic situation (and) the worry within society that the government is disconnected from reality and wasn't up to tackling the problems," political analyst Carlos Fara told AFP.

Macri managed only 32 per cent in the party primaries that effectively acted as a nationwide pre-election opinion poll as all of the South American country's major parties had already chosen their presidential candidates.

"We've had a bad election and that forces us to redouble our efforts from tomorrow," said Macri, whose popularity has plunged since last year's currency crisis and the much-criticized $56 billion IMF bail-out loan he secured.

"It hurts that we haven't had the support we'd hoped for," admitted Macri.

Fernandez scored 47 per cent and if he repeats that result in the October 27 general election first round, he would win outright without need for a November 24 run-off.

Argentina's electoral law requires a candidate to gain 45 per cent for outright victory, or 40 per cent and a lead of at least 10 points over the nearest challenger.

"We're going to begin a new stage. We always fix the problems that others create," said Fernandez to thousands of cheering supporters in Buenos Aires on Sunday night.

Analyst Rosendo Fraga said Macri and Fernandez need to come to a bipartisan "governability agreement" otherwise "it's going to be very difficult to build confidence" in the markets between now and October's vote.

Argentina's peso and the Buenos Aires stock exchange plunged on Monday after populist center-left candidate Alberto Fernandez crushed pro-business President Mauricio Macri in a party primary election over the weekend.

Argentina's peso and the Buenos Aires stock exchange plunged on Monday after populist center-left candidate Alberto Fernandez crushed pro-business President Mauricio Macri in a party primary election over the weekend. Nervousness reigned as the peso opened at 53 to the dollar, a drop of 14 per cent from its closing figure of 46.55 on Friday, before plummeting further to 60. And the Merval index plunged 10 per cent, too, as markets reacted with jitters to Macri's rout. Macri called a meeting with Central Bank president Guido Sandleris before the markets opened on Monday, while putting back his morning cabinet meeting to 3:30 pm (1830 GMT.) On Sunday, center-right Macri was dealt a huge blow in his bid for re-election in October when he polled 15 points less than center-left Peronist candidate Fernandez. "The president cannot have peace of mind. The markets are giving warning that the government has put itself in a position it cannot respond to," Fernandez told Radio 10 on Monday. Argentina is currently in a recession and posted 22 per cent inflation for the first half of the year -- one of the highest rates in the world. Poverty now affects 32 per cent of the population. Backed by the International Monetary Fund, Macri has initiated an austerity plan that is deeply unpopular among ordinary Argentines, who have seen their spending power diminished dramatically. The peso lost half of its value against the dollar last year. But the Buenos Aires stock exchange shot up eight per cent on Friday amid expectation that Macri would do well in Sunday's vote. Those hopes were quickly quashed and Macri faces a daunting task of trying to overturn a huge deficit in just two and a half months. "The vote shows a profound dissatisfaction with the economic situation (and) the worry within society that the government is disconnected from reality and wasn't up to tackling the problems," political analyst Carlos Fara told AFP. Macri managed only 32 per cent in the party primaries that effectively acted as a nationwide pre-election opinion poll as all of the South American country's major parties had already chosen their presidential candidates. "We've had a bad election and that forces us to redouble our efforts from tomorrow," said Macri, whose popularity has plunged since last year's currency crisis and the much-criticized $56 billion IMF bail-out loan he secured. "It hurts that we haven't had the support we'd hoped for," admitted Macri. Fernandez scored 47 per cent and if he repeats that result in the October 27 general election first round, he would win outright without need for a November 24 run-off. Argentina's electoral law requires a candidate to gain 45 per cent for outright victory, or 40 per cent and a lead of at least 10 points over the nearest challenger. "We're going to begin a new stage. We always fix the problems that others create," said Fernandez to thousands of cheering supporters in Buenos Aires on Sunday night. Analyst Rosendo Fraga said Macri and Fernandez need to come to a bipartisan "governability agreement" otherwise "it's going to be very difficult to build confidence" in the markets between now and October's vote.

Argentina's stock exchange crashes after President Macri's party loses in primary election

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced Monday new rules that aim to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-raids-sweep-up-hundreds-of-undocumented-migrants-241420">deny permanent residency</a> and citizenship benefits to migrants who receive food stamps, Medicaid and other public welfare.

Announcing a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, the White House said migrants will be blocked from entering the country if they are likely to need public assistance, and those already here will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship.

"Through the public charge rule, President Trump's administration is reinforcing the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America," said Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The Trump administration had&nbsp;hailed a large drop in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-us-mexico-border-a-bus-becomes-a-school-for-migrant-children-in-limbo-241002">migrant border crossings Thursday</a> but found itself under attack over a massive sweep of &nbsp;long-resident undocumented &nbsp;immigrants working in several Mississippi slaughterhouses.

Detentions on the southern US border plunged for the second straight month in July after a deal with Mexico to block Central American migrants, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday.

US Border Patrol agents detained or blocked 82,049 migrants at the frontier with Mexico last month, down from 104,367 in June and a 13-year peak of 144,266 in May.

DHS credited a deal with Mexico in June to stem the flow of migrants traveling northward to the United States from Central America -- &nbsp;mainly Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador -- &nbsp;as well as cooperation by the three in cracking down on migrant smuggling groups.

The Department of Homeland Security attributed the fall to a deal signed with Mexico in June to stem the flow of migrants traveling northward to the United States from Central America, mainly Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

They also credited cooperation by the three, known as the Northern Triangle countries, in cracking down on migrant smuggling groups.

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced Monday new rules that aim to deny permanent residency and citizenship benefits to migrants who receive food stamps, Medicaid and other public welfare.

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced Monday new rules that aim to deny permanent residency and citizenship benefits to migrants who receive food stamps, Medicaid and other public welfare. Announcing a new definition of the longstanding "public charge" law, the White House said migrants will be blocked from entering the country if they are likely to need public assistance, and those already here will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship. "Through the public charge rule, President Trump's administration is reinforcing the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America," said Ken Cuccinelli, acting Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Trump administration had hailed a large drop in migrant border crossings Thursday but found itself under attack over a massive sweep of long-resident undocumented immigrants working in several Mississippi slaughterhouses. Detentions on the southern US border plunged for the second straight month in July after a deal with Mexico to block Central American migrants, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday. US Border Patrol agents detained or blocked 82,049 migrants at the frontier with Mexico last month, down from 104,367 in June and a 13-year peak of 144,266 in May. DHS credited a deal with Mexico in June to stem the flow of migrants traveling northward to the United States from Central America -- mainly Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador -- as well as cooperation by the three in cracking down on migrant smuggling groups. The Department of Homeland Security attributed the fall to a deal signed with Mexico in June to stem the flow of migrants traveling northward to the United States from Central America, mainly Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. They also credited cooperation by the three, known as the Northern Triangle countries, in cracking down on migrant smuggling groups.

Will deny citizenship to immigrants who use public benefits: US

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-warrior-trumps- friend-chinas-frenemy-237975">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;no&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;with his Irish counterpart Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;said on Monday.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-why-is-there-an-irish-backstop-188953">Irish backstop</a> had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British&nbsp;Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has accepted an offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;Irish leader Leo&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;to discuss&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources.

"The UK has accepted&nbsp;Varadkar's offer to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper.

Johnson&nbsp;has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal</a>&nbsp;it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British&nbsp;province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

May's agreement, rejected three times by the&nbsp;British&nbsp;parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border.

The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting&nbsp;between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August.

The&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;also said&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October&nbsp;31, "no ifs or buts".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has no meeting scheduled with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit, Johnson's spokesman said on Monday. A report in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper said an offer to meet the Irish leader to talk about the so-called Irish backstop had been accepted and dates were being discussed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accepted an offer to meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar to discuss Brexit and the Northern Irish backstop, the Sunday Telegraph said citing UK government sources. "The UK has accepted Varadkar's offer to meet and dates are being discussed," a UK source told the newspaper. Johnson has told the European Union there is no point in new talks on a withdrawal agreement unless negotiators are willing to drop the Northern Irish backstop agreed by his predecessor Theresa May. The EU has said it is not prepared to reopen the divorce deal it agreed with May, which includes the backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return to a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. May's agreement, rejected three times by the British parliament, says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union 'unless and until' alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border. The Telegraph said it was hoped a meeting between Johnson and Varadkar could take place before the G7 summit in France later in August. The spokesman also said Johnson had been clear he still wanted to get a Brexit deal but hoped the European Union understood the British government's determination to leave the bloc on October 31, "no ifs or buts".

Irish backstop: No meeting scheduled between Johnson, Varadkar

The British government is&nbsp;concerned&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../as-hong-kong-protesters-return-to-streets-for- tenth-week-riot-police-fire-tears-gas-into-rail-station-242309">latest&nbsp;violence&nbsp;</a>in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-100-flights-cancelled-as-hong-kong- protesters-launch-city-wide-strike-240696">cancelled all flights</a> on Monday, with authorities blaming demonstrators for the disruption of one of the world's busiest terminals, an escalation in anti-government protests in the former British colony.

Johnson's spokesman said the Britain wanted the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;government to engage with all parties in constructive dialogue.

The British government is concerned about the latest violence in Hong Kong and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

The British government is concerned about the latest violence in Hong Kong and wants calm from all sides, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. Hong Kong's airport cancelled all flights on Monday, with authorities blaming demonstrators for the disruption of one of the world's busiest terminals, an escalation in anti-government protests in the former British colony. Johnson's spokesman said the Britain wanted the Hong Kong government to engage with all parties in constructive dialogue.

Want Hong Kong government to engage with all parties: UK

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-troops-help-flood-rescue-after-landslide-kills-51-242207">floodwaters that have already</a> forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.

Seasonal monsoon rains batter the country every year, but the recent deluge has submerged entire communities, with drone footage showing only the tops of houses visible.

There are currently more than 80,000 people sheltering at evacuation sites across the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In the town of Ye in Mon state, people scrambled to stay afloat as they tried to swim to safety through swirling, muddy waters. Others fled to rooftops or to higher ground, calling out to rescue boats for help.

Several workers were desperately trying to repair roads damaged or washed away by the floods.

Rescuers also found more victims three days after a deadly landslide flattened 27 homes in Mon's Ye Pyar Kone village Friday morning.&nbsp;

"Another dead body was found at 16:27 bringing the death toll to 59," the fire service posted Monday afternoon on Facebook, adding that search operations were still ongoing.

Recovery teams have worked round-the-clock over the weekend, hindered by continuing downpours and deep mud as the stench of decaying bodies worsened. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited Mon and pledged more boats for flood relief efforts, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

Bago, Tanintharyi, and Karen states and regions have also been badly hit, leaving emergency responders severely stretched.

Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather.

That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday. Seasonal monsoon rains batter the country every year, but the recent deluge has submerged entire communities, with drone footage showing only the tops of houses visible. There are currently more than 80,000 people sheltering at evacuation sites across the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In the town of Ye in Mon state, people scrambled to stay afloat as they tried to swim to safety through swirling, muddy waters. Others fled to rooftops or to higher ground, calling out to rescue boats for help. Several workers were desperately trying to repair roads damaged or washed away by the floods. Rescuers also found more victims three days after a deadly landslide flattened 27 homes in Mon's Ye Pyar Kone village Friday morning. "Another dead body was found at 16:27 bringing the death toll to 59," the fire service posted Monday afternoon on Facebook, adding that search operations were still ongoing. Recovery teams have worked round-the-clock over the weekend, hindered by continuing downpours and deep mud as the stench of decaying bodies worsened. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited Mon and pledged more boats for flood relief efforts, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported. Bago, Tanintharyi, and Karen states and regions have also been badly hit, leaving emergency responders severely stretched. Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather. That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar floods: Death toll due to landslide climbs to 59

Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-hong-kong-violence-as-terrorism-airport-cancels-all-flight-operations-due-to-protests-242394">departing and arriving flights</a> at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.

"Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement.

The decision came after thousands of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/equipped-with-surveillance-cameras-hong-kong-police-unveils-water-cannon-after-new-protests-242370"> pro-democracy demonstrators</a> flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police".

"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-humanitarian-the-medics-helping-hong-kongs-protesters-242400/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>


It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full.

"Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport."

More than 5,000 protesters gathered at Hong Kong airport on Monday, police said, as authorities cancelled all the day's remaining flights in and out of the busy international transport hub.

"The information I got before we came in was that in the airport passenger terminal building there are over 5,000 protesters," said Kong Wing-cheung, senior superintendent of the police public relations branch, at a press conference.

Kong said airport authorities had allowed demonstrators to gather in the arrivals halls -- although the protest was not granted a permit from police -- but accused the activists of blocking departures.

"Some of the protesters had gone into the departures hall, causing some passengers to be unable to enter the restricted area to exercise their personal freedom, which is to board their flight," he said.

Pro-democracy activists staged three days of sit-ins at the airport from Friday, but the protests were significantly smaller than Monday's which followed a weekend of often violent confrontations between police and demonstrators across the city.

Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration.

Hong Kong airport authorities cancelled all remaining departing and arriving flights at the major travel hub on Monday after thousands of protesters entered the arrivals hall to stage a demonstration. "Other than the departure flights that have completed the check-in process and the arrival flights that are already heading to Hong Kong, all other flights have been cancelled for the rest of today," the airport authority said in a statement. The decision came after thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators flooded into the airport holding signs reading "Hong Kong is not safe" and "Shame on police". "Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted as a result of the public assembly at the airport today," the statement said. Watch Video: It warned that traffic to the airport was "very congested" and the facility's car parks were completely full. "Members of the public are advised not to come to the airport." More than 5,000 protesters gathered at Hong Kong airport on Monday, police said, as authorities cancelled all the day's remaining flights in and out of the busy international transport hub. "The information I got before we came in was that in the airport passenger terminal building there are over 5,000 protesters," said Kong Wing-cheung, senior superintendent of the police public relations branch, at a press conference. Kong said airport authorities had allowed demonstrators to gather in the arrivals halls -- although the protest was not granted a permit from police -- but accused the activists of blocking departures. "Some of the protesters had gone into the departures hall, causing some passengers to be unable to enter the restricted area to exercise their personal freedom, which is to board their flight," he said. Pro-democracy activists staged three days of sit-ins at the airport from Friday, but the protests were significantly smaller than Monday's which followed a weekend of often violent confrontations between police and demonstrators across the city.

Flights cancelled in Hong Kong airport as protests escalate

Pro-democracy activists kicked off three days of rallies at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-diplomats-in-hong-kong-to-stop-interfering-241565/amp">Hong Kong's airport </a>on Friday, hoping to win international support from arriving passengers as the protests that have rocked the city enter the third month.

The rallies, promoted on social media with a mock boarding pass reading "HK to freedom" and "warm pick-up to guests to HK", will be the second time protesters have brought their message to the international travel hub.

The gatherings, expected to run over three days, have not been authorised, but the last demonstration at the airport passed off peacefully without causing flight disruptions.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-gravitas-hong-kong-civil-unrest-escalates-241594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The protests that began in opposition to a plan to allow extradition to mainland China have morphed into a broader movement seeking to reverse a slide in freedoms in the city.

Demonstrators have staged protests throughout Hong Kong and held rallies for families, older people, lawyers and civil servants, in a bid to show their demands have broad and enduring support.

They have announced a series of marches and protests across the city over the weekend, including a "families' rally".

Extra security measures have been put in place at the airport ahead of the rallies, with authorities preventing anyone without a boarding pass from entering the check-in area. The protesters are expected to congregate in the arrivals area.

Hong Kong's Airport Authority said Thursday it was aware of the planned rallies but "the airport will operate normally."

Thousands of Hong Kongers, including flight attendants, rallied at the airport on July 26 to "educate" visitors about the protests that have gripped the international finance hub.

Visitors were greeted by a sea of black-clad protesters chanting anti-government slogans, holding banners and handing out flyers -- the information desk plastered in a tapestry of colourful sticky notes.

The weeks of demonstrations pose the biggest threat to Beijing's authority since Hong Kong's handover from the British in 1997.

And as protests have become increasingly violent, several countries have upgraded their travel warnings for Hong Kong, with Washington this week urging its citizens to "exercise increased caution."

Pro-democracy activists kicked off three days of rallies at Hong Kong's airport on Friday, hoping to win international support from arriving passengers as the protests that have rocked the city enter the third month.

Pro-democracy activists kicked off three days of rallies at Hong Kong's airport on Friday, hoping to win international support from arriving passengers as the protests that have rocked the city enter the third month. The rallies, promoted on social media with a mock boarding pass reading "HK to freedom" and "warm pick-up to guests to HK", will be the second time protesters have brought their message to the international travel hub. The gatherings, expected to run over three days, have not been authorised, but the last demonstration at the airport passed off peacefully without causing flight disruptions. Watch Video: The protests that began in opposition to a plan to allow extradition to mainland China have morphed into a broader movement seeking to reverse a slide in freedoms in the city. Demonstrators have staged protests throughout Hong Kong and held rallies for families, older people, lawyers and civil servants, in a bid to show their demands have broad and enduring support. They have announced a series of marches and protests across the city over the weekend, including a "families' rally". Extra security measures have been put in place at the airport ahead of the rallies, with authorities preventing anyone without a boarding pass from entering the check-in area. The protesters are expected to congregate in the arrivals area. Hong Kong's Airport Authority said Thursday it was aware of the planned rallies but "the airport will operate normally." Thousands of Hong Kongers, including flight attendants, rallied at the airport on July 26 to "educate" visitors about the protests that have gripped the international finance hub. Visitors were greeted by a sea of black-clad protesters chanting anti-government slogans, holding banners and handing out flyers -- the information desk plastered in a tapestry of colourful sticky notes. The weeks of demonstrations pose the biggest threat to Beijing's authority since Hong Kong's handover from the British in 1997. And as protests have become increasingly violent, several countries have upgraded their travel warnings for Hong Kong, with Washington this week urging its citizens to "exercise increased caution."

Hong Kong protesters besiege airport; announce marches over weekend

UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka on Thursday refused to comment on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-positive-points-in-centres-move-on-jammu-and-kashmir-says-veteran-congress-leader-karan-singh-241503">Pakistan's letter to the world</a> body regarding abrogation of Article 370 by India that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"No comments," Wronecka said when asked for a reaction at a press briefing in New York.

UNSC president's refusal to comment on the letter follows the recent meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overall-situation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-under-control-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-241555">Pakistan's permanent representative </a>to the UN Maleeha Lodhi and Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement in the country's Parliament that his government will take the matter to the world body.

UNSC to even comment on Pak&nbsp;comes despite Pakistan's public relation's campaign saying she met UNSC president and Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan said they will be moving to the UNSC.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-no-change-in-the-us-policy-on-kashmir-241619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claiming abrogation of in Jammu and Kashmir had violated the UNSC resolution.

Earlier, Guterres had appealed to both India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and said he has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern.

"The Secretary-General also recalls the 1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General in a statement.

"The Secretary-General calls on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir," said the statement.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Pakistan on Wednesday decided to downgrade bilateral ties with India and suspend all bilateral trade activities with the neighbouring country in the aftermath of the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

On its part, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review its decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are an "entirely internal affair".

The international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka on Thursday refused to comment on Pakistan's letter to the world body regarding abrogation of Article 370 by India that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka on Thursday refused to comment on Pakistan's letter to the world body regarding abrogation of Article 370 by India that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "No comments," Wronecka said when asked for a reaction at a press briefing in New York. UNSC president's refusal to comment on the letter follows the recent meeting of Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi and Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement in the country's Parliament that his government will take the matter to the world body. UNSC to even comment on Pak comes despite Pakistan's public relation's campaign saying she met UNSC president and Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan said they will be moving to the UNSC. Watch Video: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claiming abrogation of in Jammu and Kashmir had violated the UNSC resolution. Earlier, Guterres had appealed to both India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" and said he has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern. "The Secretary-General also recalls the 1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General in a statement. "The Secretary-General calls on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir," said the statement. Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiralled after the Indian Parliament on Tuesday passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 and a bill bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps. Pakistan on Wednesday decided to downgrade bilateral ties with India and suspend all bilateral trade activities with the neighbouring country in the aftermath of the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On its part, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review its decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are an "entirely internal affair". The international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

Jammu and Kashmir bilateral issue between India & Pak, part of Shimla Agreement: UN

President Trump on Thursday hit out at French President Macron for giving "mixed signals" to Iran as the US president asserted that "no one is authorised in any way, shape or form to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flags-of-inconvenience-noose-tightens-around-iranian-shipping-238568">represent to the US</a>."

"Iran is in serious financial trouble. They want desperately to talk to the US, but are given mixed signals from all of those purporting to represent us, including President Macron of France," the US president said, adding,"No one is authorised in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!"

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Iran is in serious financial trouble. They want desperately to talk to the U.S., but are given mixed signals from all of those purporting to represent us, including President Macron of France....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1159522492324687877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As tensions continue between US and Iran, US officials have told commercial vessels that they should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-commercial-vessels-to-send-gulf-transit-plans-in-advance-241517">send transit plans in advance</a> to American and British naval authorities if they intend to sail in Gulf waters following several incidents over tankers involving Iran.

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....I know Emmanuel means well, as do all others, but nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself. No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1159522493801123840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Heightened military activity and increased political tensions in this region continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels," the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) said in an advisory on Wednesday.

"Associated with these threats is a potential for miscalculation or misidentification that could lead to aggressive actions," it added.

Ships should also alert the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations in the event of any incident or suspicious activity. It warned they could face interference to their global positioning systems (GPS).

Meanwhile, Britain's P&amp;O Cruises said it had cancelled cruises around Dubai and the Gulf because of the increased tensions. 
&nbsp;

President Trump on Thursday hit out at French President Macron for giving "mixed signals" to Iran as the US president asserted that "no one is authorised in any way, shape or form to represent to the US.

President Trump on Thursday hit out at French President Macron for giving "mixed signals" to Iran as the US president asserted that "no one is authorised in any way, shape or form to represent to the US." "Iran is in serious financial trouble. They want desperately to talk to the US, but are given mixed signals from all of those purporting to represent us, including President Macron of France," the US president said, adding,"No one is authorised in any way, shape, or form, to represent us!" Iran is in serious financial trouble. They want desperately to talk to the U.S., but are given mixed signals from all of those purporting to represent us, including President Macron of France.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2019 × As tensions continue between US and Iran, US officials have told commercial vessels that they should send transit plans in advance to American and British naval authorities if they intend to sail in Gulf waters following several incidents over tankers involving Iran. ....I know Emmanuel means well, as do all others, but nobody speaks for the United States but the United States itself. No one is authorized in any way, shape, or form, to represent us! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 8, 2019 × "Heightened military activity and increased political tensions in this region continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels," the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) said in an advisory on Wednesday. "Associated with these threats is a potential for miscalculation or misidentification that could lead to aggressive actions," it added. Ships should also alert the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations in the event of any incident or suspicious activity. It warned they could face interference to their global positioning systems (GPS). Meanwhile, Britain's P&O Cruises said it had cancelled cruises around Dubai and the Gulf because of the increased tensions.

Iran given mixed signals from of those purporting to represent us, including Macron: Trump

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