US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29.

On Wednesday, US Embassy in Pakistan put out a statement saying, "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on October 28-29. In his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process and the importance of reducing violence."

On Sunday, Khalilzad was in Kabul to brief Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the recent developments in the peace process.

Soon after the brief, Afghan Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi reiterated Kabul's stand stating that it wants a peace process led by Afghan-owned government and that all stakeholders, including the US, should support the Afghan peace plan.

Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar's capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle".

The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan along with other officials to discuss the Afghan peace process during his two-day visit to Pakistan on October 28 and 29. On Wednesday, US Embassy in Pakistan put out a statement saying, "Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad visited Islamabad on October 28-29. In his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other government officials, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the current status of the Afghan peace process and the importance of reducing violence." On Sunday, Khalilzad was in Kabul to brief Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the recent developments in the peace process. Soon after the brief, Afghan Presidential spokesperson Sediq Sediqqi reiterated Kabul's stand stating that it wants a peace process led by Afghan-owned government and that all stakeholders, including the US, should support the Afghan peace plan. Following nine rounds of peace talks held in Qatar's capital city of Doha, the US and the Taliban had reached upon an agreement "in principle". The negotiations, however, were called off in the aftermath of several Taliban-led terror attacks in Kabul that left scores dead, including a US soldier.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad meets Pak PM Imran Khan to discuss Afghan peace process

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported.

Meanwhile, India on Tuesday shared a list of 575 pilgrims scheduled to attend the inaugural 'jatha'&nbsp;to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

The first group of pilgrims from India is expected to depart for the neighbouring country on November 9.

India had, on October 24, signed an agreement with Pakistan on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Islamabad will levy $20 as a service charge on each Indian, who will visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev in Pakistan.

The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported.

The government of Pakistan on Tuesday released a new coin to commemorate the 550th anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The coin worth Pakistan Rupees 50 will be available at the Kartarpur Sahib along with a postal stamp worth PKR 8 to the travelling pilgrims, Dunya News reported. Meanwhile, India on Tuesday shared a list of 575 pilgrims scheduled to attend the inaugural 'jatha' to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. The first group of pilgrims from India is expected to depart for the neighbouring country on November 9. India had, on October 24, signed an agreement with Pakistan on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Islamabad will levy $20 as a service charge on each Indian, who will visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the shrine of Guru Nanak Dev in Pakistan. The corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Pak releases coin to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak

With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-suspends-tens-of-thousands-of-apps-in-privacy-review-251009">mobile phone applications</a>, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health?&nbsp;

Thanks to technology, there is now an application available for almost every health condition - from PTSD to anxiety to even hormonal imbalance but how accurate are these health apps and should you be trusting the data that throw at you completely?

Faulty screening methods and thin science are leading many customers in a trap of misinformation about their health conditions. Users end up seeking medical treatment from doctors based on the apps' contorted analysis.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/health-apps-may-not-provide-accurate-data-heres-the-report-258749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sample this, in September alone, more than 636,000 women completed health assessments on a couple of leading period-tracking apps that introduced health tools to evaluate a woman’s risk for a hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovary syndrome. The app then recommended 240,000 of those women to ask their doctors about the hormonal disorder and get tested. All this while, users were unaware that the apps did not conduct high-level clinical studies to determine the accuracy and were gradually pushing them towards over-diagnosis.

There is an increasing problem with digital health tracking because the apps that merely make suggestions for diagnosis are able to escape the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) extensive scrutiny.

For years, health-tracking applications have helped people collect and chart data on their heart rates, moods, sleep patterns, fitness and menstrual cycles but now, some of these apps are going further by using that data to predict an individual’s risk for ailments like heart conditions. In other words, these apps are moving from simply quantifying consumers’ health data to medicalising it.

 
&nbsp;

With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on mobile phone applications, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health?

With everything available just a click away on our smartphones and with an ever-increasing dependence on mobile phone applications, what if these apps may be giving you wrong analysis of your health? Thanks to technology, there is now an application available for almost every health condition - from PTSD to anxiety to even hormonal imbalance but how accurate are these health apps and should you be trusting the data that throw at you completely? Faulty screening methods and thin science are leading many customers in a trap of misinformation about their health conditions. Users end up seeking medical treatment from doctors based on the apps' contorted analysis. Watch Video: Sample this, in September alone, more than 636,000 women completed health assessments on a couple of leading period-tracking apps that introduced health tools to evaluate a woman’s risk for a hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovary syndrome. The app then recommended 240,000 of those women to ask their doctors about the hormonal disorder and get tested. All this while, users were unaware that the apps did not conduct high-level clinical studies to determine the accuracy and were gradually pushing them towards over-diagnosis. There is an increasing problem with digital health tracking because the apps that merely make suggestions for diagnosis are able to escape the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) extensive scrutiny. For years, health-tracking applications have helped people collect and chart data on their heart rates, moods, sleep patterns, fitness and menstrual cycles but now, some of these apps are going further by using that data to predict an individual’s risk for ailments like heart conditions. In other words, these apps are moving from simply quantifying consumers’ health data to medicalising it.

Health-tracking apps: How accurate is the data? 

Amazon.com Inc has invested around 45 billion rupees ($634.20 million) into its Indian subsidiaries as the Seattle-based e-commerce giant ramps up operations in one of its fastest-growing markets.

Documents filed with the Registrar of Companies showed that Amazon had pumped the money into its retail, food and payments units. The company did not immediately clarify where or how the money would be used.

India is among the last frontiers for Amazon and a crucial market for growth. Founder Jeff Bezos has committed to spending more than $5 billion for the Indian market, where Amazon is locked in a battle with Walmart Inc-owned Flipkart.

While both companies have rapidly expanded into various categories such as food retail and payments, Amazon also offers its Prime video streaming and music services in India.

In August, the company said it will pick up a minority stake in India's Future Retail Ltd, which owns several supermarket brands, including budget department and grocery store chain Big Bazaar.

 
&nbsp;

Amazon.com Inc has invested around 45 billion rupees ($634.20 million) into its Indian subsidiaries as the Seattle-based e-commerce giant ramps up operations in one of its fastest-growing markets.

Amazon.com Inc has invested around 45 billion rupees ($634.20 million) into its Indian subsidiaries as the Seattle-based e-commerce giant ramps up operations in one of its fastest-growing markets. Documents filed with the Registrar of Companies showed that Amazon had pumped the money into its retail, food and payments units. The company did not immediately clarify where or how the money would be used. India is among the last frontiers for Amazon and a crucial market for growth. Founder Jeff Bezos has committed to spending more than $5 billion for the Indian market, where Amazon is locked in a battle with Walmart Inc-owned Flipkart. While both companies have rapidly expanded into various categories such as food retail and payments, Amazon also offers its Prime video streaming and music services in India. In August, the company said it will pick up a minority stake in India's Future Retail Ltd, which owns several supermarket brands, including budget department and grocery store chain Big Bazaar.

Amazon pumps in more than $600 million into India units

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the nation on the occasion of Diwali.

In a tweet in Hindi, Modi said, "Best wishes to all people in the country on the occasion of Diwali. May this festival of light brings new light in everyone`s life and our country always stays illuminated with happiness, prosperity and good luck."

Modi also shared a picture with his signature along with his tweet which says, "May this auspicious festival brighten your lives with prosperity and good health and may there be happiness all around."

President Ram Nath Kovind also greeted citizens on the festival. He urged the people to bring happiness in the lives of needy by lighting the lamp of love, care and sharing.

"Greetings and best wishes to fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. Let us on this day try to bring happiness in the lives of those who are less fortunate and needy by lighting the lamp of love, care and sharing," President tweeted.

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the nation on the occasion of Diwali. In a tweet in Hindi, Modi said, "Best wishes to all people in the country on the occasion of Diwali.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wished the nation on the occasion of Diwali. In a tweet in Hindi, Modi said, "Best wishes to all people in the country on the occasion of Diwali. May this festival of light brings new light in everyone`s life and our country always stays illuminated with happiness, prosperity and good luck." Modi also shared a picture with his signature along with his tweet which says, "May this auspicious festival brighten your lives with prosperity and good health and may there be happiness all around." President Ram Nath Kovind also greeted citizens on the festival. He urged the people to bring happiness in the lives of needy by lighting the lamp of love, care and sharing. "Greetings and best wishes to fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. Let us on this day try to bring happiness in the lives of those who are less fortunate and needy by lighting the lamp of love, care and sharing," President tweeted. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India.

PM Modi wishes nation on Diwali

Ahead of her official visit to India, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday expressed happiness over her scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming fifth biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi.

She informed that the focus of the talks between the two sides would be on economic and trade relations, climate protection, and sustainable development, among&nbsp;other areas.

As per an unofficial translation of Merkel`s statement tweeted by the Indian Embassy in Germany, the discussions between the two sides would also touch upon foreign and security policy issues, as well as how the two countries could work together towards climate protection and sustainable development.

"It is my fourth visit to India and I am happy to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to discuss with him about our bilateral relations. IGCs give us the opportunity to talk about the whole breadth of the future of our relationship. This time, the focus will be economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," the statement read.

"Additionally, we will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship. We will also discuss foreign and security policy issues -- that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," it added.

The discussions will also touch upon renewable energy, smart cities, and new forms of mobility, Merkel further said.

The German Chancellor added that she is impressed by the "developmental dynamic of India" and how the country has rapidly developed over the past few years.

"All of us know that India has great potential. Therefore it is important that we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU (European Union), work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India and also are able to use our technological development in India."

"That would be a win-win situation for both countries," Merkel concluded.

Merkel will visit India on November 1 at the invitation of PM Modi. She will be accompanied by several ministers and state secretaries of the federal government, as well as a high-powered business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement.

"Under the IGC format, the counterpart ministers from both countries will hold initial discussions in their respective areas of responsibility. The outcome of these discussions will be reported on at the IGC co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the Federal Chancellor of Germany," the MEA statement said.

During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development, and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Modi and Merkel will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest. Both leaders will have a separate engagement with CEOs and business leaders of both countries, the statement said.

The German Chancellor is also expected to meet President Ram Nath Kovind.

"India and Germany have established a strategic partnership that is characterised by a high degree of trust and mutual understanding. The two leaders have regularly interacted on the sidelines of multilateral meetings. Germany is a leading trade and investment partner," the statement read.

Last month, Merkel had met Modi on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The two leaders held wide-ranging dialogues on several issues. In April last year, Modi made a brief stopover in Berlin and met Merkel after his visit to Sweden and Britain. 
&nbsp;

Ahead of her official visit to India, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday expressed happiness over her scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming fifth biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi.

Ahead of her official visit to India, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday expressed happiness over her scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming fifth biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi. She informed that the focus of the talks between the two sides would be on economic and trade relations, climate protection, and sustainable development, among other areas. As per an unofficial translation of Merkel`s statement tweeted by the Indian Embassy in Germany, the discussions between the two sides would also touch upon foreign and security policy issues, as well as how the two countries could work together towards climate protection and sustainable development. "It is my fourth visit to India and I am happy to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to discuss with him about our bilateral relations. IGCs give us the opportunity to talk about the whole breadth of the future of our relationship. This time, the focus will be economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," the statement read. "Additionally, we will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship. We will also discuss foreign and security policy issues -- that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," it added. The discussions will also touch upon renewable energy, smart cities, and new forms of mobility, Merkel further said. The German Chancellor added that she is impressed by the "developmental dynamic of India" and how the country has rapidly developed over the past few years. "All of us know that India has great potential. Therefore it is important that we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU (European Union), work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India and also are able to use our technological development in India." "That would be a win-win situation for both countries," Merkel concluded. Merkel will visit India on November 1 at the invitation of PM Modi. She will be accompanied by several ministers and state secretaries of the federal government, as well as a high-powered business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in an official statement. "Under the IGC format, the counterpart ministers from both countries will hold initial discussions in their respective areas of responsibility. The outcome of these discussions will be reported on at the IGC co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the Federal Chancellor of Germany," the MEA statement said. During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development, and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Modi and Merkel will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest. Both leaders will have a separate engagement with CEOs and business leaders of both countries, the statement said. The German Chancellor is also expected to meet President Ram Nath Kovind. "India and Germany have established a strategic partnership that is characterised by a high degree of trust and mutual understanding. The two leaders have regularly interacted on the sidelines of multilateral meetings. Germany is a leading trade and investment partner," the statement read. Last month, Merkel had met Modi on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders held wide-ranging dialogues on several issues. In April last year, Modi made a brief stopover in Berlin and met Merkel after his visit to Sweden and Britain.

India, Germany to focus on trade, economic relations at IGC: Merkel ahead of Delhi visit

While addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared many inspiring stories of women and their achievements as a part of celebrating India's 'Nari Shakti', thereby felicitating the 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'.

Prime Minister Modi had announced the starting of 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'&nbsp;campaign during Diwali on his 57th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat'&nbsp;and called on citizens to outline the achievements of 'daughters'&nbsp;of the country using #BharatKiLaxmi.

"In last Mann Ki Baat, we had decided to celebrate this Diwali in a different way. I had called for celebrating the achievements of Naari Shakti of India--which means honouring 'Bharat ki Laxmi'--Lakshmi of India," said Modi.

"Soon after I conveyed this message, it drew an instant response and social media has been flooded with several inspirational stories," he added.

Modi further narrated an inspiring story shared by K Ramesh from Warangal who stated, "My mother is my strength when my father passed away in 1990. It was my mother who shouldered the responsibility of her five sons and today all five of us are well placed in life."

Ramesh further added that his mother is his God, his everything and for him, she is 'Bharat ki Laxmi'&nbsp;in true sense.

Sharing another story, Modi told that Geetika Swami who is quite active on Twitter says that for her Major Khushbu Kanwar is 'Bharat ki Laxmi'&nbsp;who is the daughter of a bus conductor and she led the all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles.

"For Kavita Tiwari Ji, her daughter is her Bharat ki Laxmi, she is proud that her daughter makes beautiful paintings. Also, she has achieved a high-rank degree in CLAT," said Modi.

Narrating another motivating story, Modi told about a 92-year-old woman who has been providing free drinking water to travellers at Gwalior Railway Station for many years.

"Megha who shared this story with us is greatly inspired by the compassion of this Bharat ki Laxmi. People have shared many such stories. I request you all to read these stories and get inspired. Please share similar stories from your surroundings," said Modi.

Prime Minister humbly greeted all these 'Laxmis of India'. Modi also shared a poem penned by poetess Sanchi Honnamma in Kannada that embodies the same expression and thought to pertain to every Bharat ki Laxmi.

"A famous poet of the seventeenth century, Sanchi Honnamma wrote a poem in Kannada depicting the same spirit about Bharat ki Laxmi, that we are discussing today. This poem consists of beautiful expressions," said Modi.

Translating the poem into Hindi language, Modi said, "The poem means Himvanta got fame because of his daughter Parvati, Rishi Bhrigu got fame because of his daughter Laxmi and King Janak got fame because of his daughter Sita."

"Our daughters are our pride and from our daughters, only our society draws its strength and hope for future," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

While addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared many inspiring stories of women and their achievements as a part of celebrating India's 'Nari Shakti', thereby felicitating the 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'.

While addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared many inspiring stories of women and their achievements as a part of celebrating India's 'Nari Shakti', thereby felicitating the 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'. Prime Minister Modi had announced the starting of 'Bharat ki Lakshmi' campaign during Diwali on his 57th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' and called on citizens to outline the achievements of 'daughters' of the country using #BharatKiLaxmi. "In last Mann Ki Baat, we had decided to celebrate this Diwali in a different way. I had called for celebrating the achievements of Naari Shakti of India--which means honouring 'Bharat ki Laxmi'--Lakshmi of India," said Modi. "Soon after I conveyed this message, it drew an instant response and social media has been flooded with several inspirational stories," he added. Modi further narrated an inspiring story shared by K Ramesh from Warangal who stated, "My mother is my strength when my father passed away in 1990. It was my mother who shouldered the responsibility of her five sons and today all five of us are well placed in life." Ramesh further added that his mother is his God, his everything and for him, she is 'Bharat ki Laxmi' in true sense. Sharing another story, Modi told that Geetika Swami who is quite active on Twitter says that for her Major Khushbu Kanwar is 'Bharat ki Laxmi' who is the daughter of a bus conductor and she led the all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles. "For Kavita Tiwari Ji, her daughter is her Bharat ki Laxmi, she is proud that her daughter makes beautiful paintings. Also, she has achieved a high-rank degree in CLAT," said Modi. Narrating another motivating story, Modi told about a 92-year-old woman who has been providing free drinking water to travellers at Gwalior Railway Station for many years. "Megha who shared this story with us is greatly inspired by the compassion of this Bharat ki Laxmi. People have shared many such stories. I request you all to read these stories and get inspired. Please share similar stories from your surroundings," said Modi. Prime Minister humbly greeted all these 'Laxmis of India'. Modi also shared a poem penned by poetess Sanchi Honnamma in Kannada that embodies the same expression and thought to pertain to every Bharat ki Laxmi. "A famous poet of the seventeenth century, Sanchi Honnamma wrote a poem in Kannada depicting the same spirit about Bharat ki Laxmi, that we are discussing today. This poem consists of beautiful expressions," said Modi. Translating the poem into Hindi language, Modi said, "The poem means Himvanta got fame because of his daughter Parvati, Rishi Bhrigu got fame because of his daughter Laxmi and King Janak got fame because of his daughter Sita." "Our daughters are our pride and from our daughters, only our society draws its strength and hope for future," he added.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi shares inspiring stories of women, their achievements; felicitates 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'

As the country is celebrating Diwali today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched the idea of "Festival Tourism" and said that we must try to popularise our festivals and invite people from other states and countries to join the festivities.

Speaking on 58th edition of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', he said, "Festival tourism has its own exciting attractions globally. India is the land of festivals that presents immense possibilities for festival tourism."

"We must try to popularise our festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Onam, Pongal or Bihu and it must be our endeavour to ensure that we should welcomingly invite people from other states and countries to join in the festivities. Every state and religion in our country has their own festivals and people from foreign countries have a keen interest in them," the Prime Minister said.

Modi also underlined that Indians living abroad have an important role in boosting festival tourism in the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the country is celebrating Diwali today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched the idea of "Festival Tourism" and said that we must try to popularise our festivals and invite people from other states and countries to join the festivities.

As the country is celebrating Diwali today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched the idea of "Festival Tourism" and said that we must try to popularise our festivals and invite people from other states and countries to join the festivities. Speaking on 58th edition of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', he said, "Festival tourism has its own exciting attractions globally. India is the land of festivals that presents immense possibilities for festival tourism." "We must try to popularise our festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Onam, Pongal or Bihu and it must be our endeavour to ensure that we should welcomingly invite people from other states and countries to join in the festivities. Every state and religion in our country has their own festivals and people from foreign countries have a keen interest in them," the Prime Minister said. Modi also underlined that Indians living abroad have an important role in boosting festival tourism in the country.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi pitches idea of 'festival tourism', urges people to popularise Indian festivals

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday visited the state's most affected region by this year's monsoon floods and held interactions with the locals.

During the visit, the locals of Basathwada village of Hukkeri Taluk here voiced the problems they were facing due to the floods.

Since Belagavi is the most affected district in the state this monsoon, political leaders have been visiting the region to take stock of the situation and the relief operations being undertaken to provide relief to flood victims.

Earlier, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had tweeted a letter for Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and said, "Flood affected victims felt relieved when we went to assess the situation. So a session in Belagavi would be a morale boost for the victims of North Karnataka. I would request BS Yeddyurappa to call for a session in Belagavi for 15-25 days instead of 3 days in Bengaluru."

He claimed that parts of Karnataka are reeling under post-flood and drought-related issues with no adequate measures from the Central and State governments.

"People have lost everything and are left with very little hope for the future. As representatives, it is our duty to instil confidence and renew their hope," he had said.

On September 24, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) had held a protest in Belagavi asking for more relief for those affected during the floods and raised the demand for it to be declared as a 'national calamity'.

This also comes ahead of Assembly by-polls to the 15 assembly seats in Karnataka, which are scheduled to be held on December 5.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday visited the state's most affected region by this year's monsoon floods and held interactions with the locals. During the visit, the locals of Basathwada village of Hukkeri Taluk here voiced the problems they were facing due to the floods.

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday visited the state's most affected region by this year's monsoon floods and held interactions with the locals. During the visit, the locals of Basathwada village of Hukkeri Taluk here voiced the problems they were facing due to the floods. Since Belagavi is the most affected district in the state this monsoon, political leaders have been visiting the region to take stock of the situation and the relief operations being undertaken to provide relief to flood victims. Earlier, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had tweeted a letter for Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and said, "Flood affected victims felt relieved when we went to assess the situation. So a session in Belagavi would be a morale boost for the victims of North Karnataka. I would request BS Yeddyurappa to call for a session in Belagavi for 15-25 days instead of 3 days in Bengaluru." He claimed that parts of Karnataka are reeling under post-flood and drought-related issues with no adequate measures from the Central and State governments. "People have lost everything and are left with very little hope for the future. As representatives, it is our duty to instil confidence and renew their hope," he had said. On September 24, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) had held a protest in Belagavi asking for more relief for those affected during the floods and raised the demand for it to be declared as a 'national calamity'. This also comes ahead of Assembly by-polls to the 15 assembly seats in Karnataka, which are scheduled to be held on December 5.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy visits flood-affected Belagavi, interacts with locals

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday laid wreath at the National War Memorial here on Infantry Day.

Infantry Day is observed as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the Indian Army repelled the first attack on the Indian soil on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir Valley.

The victory was accomplished by the personnel of the First Battalion of The Sikh Regiment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday laid wreath at the National War Memorial here on Infantry Day. Infantry Day is observed as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the Indian Army repelled the first attack on the Indian soil on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir Valley.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday laid wreath at the National War Memorial here on Infantry Day. Infantry Day is observed as a remembrance of the first military event of independent India, when the Indian Army repelled the first attack on the Indian soil on October 27, 1947, in the Kashmir Valley. The victory was accomplished by the personnel of the First Battalion of The Sikh Regiment.

Army chief lays wreath at National War Memorial on Infantry Day

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Ajay Chautala was released from Tihar Jail on Sunday after been granted furlough of 14 days.

JJP Chief Dushyant Chautala's father Ajay Chautala was granted furlough on Saturday.

"Dushyant has established the organisation in just 11 months along with the party workers. A son is known by his father's name only. The efforts taken by the party workers have flourished today on an auspicious occasion," said Chautala.

"Dushyant does not take any decision before taking my advice and when he met me before forming the alliance, I gave my nod for the same," he added.

Dushyant had on Friday met his father Ajay Chautala at Tihar prison complex.The BJP on Friday had sealed an alliance in Haryana with Dushyant's JJP, which won 10 seats in the 90-member Haryana Assembly.

The deal was sealed in a meeting between BJP President Amit Shah and Dushyant Chautala.

Shah, without hesitation, accepted the offer made by JJP to give Deputy Chief Minister's post to the party which was a major cause for BJP's poor show in the state Assembly polls.

Ajay Chautala and his father Om Prakash Chautala were convicted on January 16, 2013, by a Delhi court for illegally recruiting 3,206 junior basic teachers 12 years ago.

They were held guilty of tampering with the selection list of teachers, nepotism, and favouritism.

The father-son duo was also found guilty of taking bribes from people in exchange of hiring them.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Ajay Chautala was released from Tihar Jail on Sunday after been granted furlough of 14 days. JJP Chief Dushyant Chautala's father Ajay Chautala was granted furlough on Saturday.

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Ajay Chautala was released from Tihar Jail on Sunday after been granted furlough of 14 days. JJP Chief Dushyant Chautala's father Ajay Chautala was granted furlough on Saturday. "Dushyant has established the organisation in just 11 months along with the party workers. A son is known by his father's name only. The efforts taken by the party workers have flourished today on an auspicious occasion," said Chautala. "Dushyant does not take any decision before taking my advice and when he met me before forming the alliance, I gave my nod for the same," he added. Dushyant had on Friday met his father Ajay Chautala at Tihar prison complex.The BJP on Friday had sealed an alliance in Haryana with Dushyant's JJP, which won 10 seats in the 90-member Haryana Assembly. The deal was sealed in a meeting between BJP President Amit Shah and Dushyant Chautala. Shah, without hesitation, accepted the offer made by JJP to give Deputy Chief Minister's post to the party which was a major cause for BJP's poor show in the state Assembly polls. Ajay Chautala and his father Om Prakash Chautala were convicted on January 16, 2013, by a Delhi court for illegally recruiting 3,206 junior basic teachers 12 years ago. They were held guilty of tampering with the selection list of teachers, nepotism, and favouritism. The father-son duo was also found guilty of taking bribes from people in exchange of hiring them.

Ajay Chautala released from Tihar Jail on furlough

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor'&nbsp;category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

The national capital witnessed the appearance of smog in the skies. Earlier today, the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at 256 and 248, respectively in the Delhi University area, while the AQI at Mathura road was 237.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) predicted the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI is expected to be around 324 due to Diwali.

In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year.

To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.&nbsp; 
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The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor' category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in the 'poor' category on Sunday on the occasion of Diwali as the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 reached 266 and 234, respectively, in the Lodhi Road area, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data. The national capital witnessed the appearance of smog in the skies. Earlier today, the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at 256 and 248, respectively in the Delhi University area, while the AQI at Mathura road was 237. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) predicted the air quality will get even worse in coming days and the AQI is expected to be around 324 due to Diwali. In the wake of the increased pollution, Delhi residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems and allergies. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi worse. According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the Odd-Even scheme from November 4 to 15.

Air quality remains 'poor' on Diwali in New Delhi

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sparshita

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