Starting in September, the Metropolitan Police will no longer respond to 999 calls about situations involving mental health. Health and social care services have been informed by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley that officers won't be dispatched unless there is a threat to life.

UK's largest police force will stop attending mental health calls

Foreign heads of state attending the Queen's funeral must use a group bus to Westminster Abbey rather than driving privately, as per&nbsp;recently released official instructions.

The documents, which were seen by the Guardian, lay out tight guidelines for the dozens of presidents, kings, queens, and prime leaders from other countries who are anticipated to attend the funeral. They advise them to take commercial planes rather than clogging up London's airports.&nbsp;

The instructions reveal the practical difficulty of hosting the large number of foreign dignitaries who will be coming to London next weekend. This will present a problem for Joe Biden, who will probably need a lot more security. The funeral will be attended in person by the US president.

The instructions, which were first published by Politico, specify that foreign visitors should minimise the size of their delegations as much as possible and that invitations to funerals should preferably only be sent to the head of state and their spouse, without any members of their family or staff.&nbsp;

The government expressed sadness that "because of limited space at the state funeral service and associated events, no other members of the principal guest’s family, staff or entourage may be admitted."&nbsp;

The guidance adds: “The royal funeral unit would therefore be grateful if accompanying delegations can be kept as small as possible. This will also reduce disruption and transit time at airports. Where possible, overseas representatives should plan to arrive in the UK at least one day before the state funeral or the first event, which they are attending.”

Additionally, it states that heads of state should use other London airports if they are unable to fly commercially and that Heathrow will not be open for private flight arrangements or aircraft parking. Because of the enormous number of visitors, the government will reportedly refuse to use helicopter transportation.&nbsp;

Foreign leaders are also cautioned in the advisory that "it will not be possible to display flags at any airport for arrival or departure."

The sheer number of private automobiles belonging to international leaders planning to attend the funeral is too much for London's streets to handle. The government will instead transport them to a different location in London where it will "provide coach transport from a central assembly point … Because of traffic restrictions, it will not be possible for guests to travel to such events in their own vehicles."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/juxtapose-dramatic-expansion-of-bahrain-by-building-land-on-sea-1987-vs-2022-515720">Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022</a>

Visiting leaders can record brief statements when they sign condolence cards, but there won't be any "Autocue or makeup facilities," according to the instructions.&nbsp;

After the state funeral, James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, will throw a reception near Westminster Abbey for all the foreign guests in attendance.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Foreign heads of state attending the Queen's funeral must use a group bus to Westminster Abbey rather than driving privately, as per recently released official instructions.

Foreign heads of state attending the Queen's funeral must use a group bus to Westminster Abbey rather than driving privately, as per recently released official instructions. The documents, which were seen by the Guardian, lay out tight guidelines for the dozens of presidents, kings, queens, and prime leaders from other countries who are anticipated to attend the funeral. They advise them to take commercial planes rather than clogging up London's airports. The instructions reveal the practical difficulty of hosting the large number of foreign dignitaries who will be coming to London next weekend. This will present a problem for Joe Biden, who will probably need a lot more security. The funeral will be attended in person by the US president. The instructions, which were first published by Politico, specify that foreign visitors should minimise the size of their delegations as much as possible and that invitations to funerals should preferably only be sent to the head of state and their spouse, without any members of their family or staff. The government expressed sadness that "because of limited space at the state funeral service and associated events, no other members of the principal guest’s family, staff or entourage may be admitted." The guidance adds: “The royal funeral unit would therefore be grateful if accompanying delegations can be kept as small as possible. This will also reduce disruption and transit time at airports. Where possible, overseas representatives should plan to arrive in the UK at least one day before the state funeral or the first event, which they are attending.” Additionally, it states that heads of state should use other London airports if they are unable to fly commercially and that Heathrow will not be open for private flight arrangements or aircraft parking. Because of the enormous number of visitors, the government will reportedly refuse to use helicopter transportation. Foreign leaders are also cautioned in the advisory that "it will not be possible to display flags at any airport for arrival or departure." The sheer number of private automobiles belonging to international leaders planning to attend the funeral is too much for London's streets to handle. The government will instead transport them to a different location in London where it will "provide coach transport from a central assembly point … Because of traffic restrictions, it will not be possible for guests to travel to such events in their own vehicles." Also Read: Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022 Visiting leaders can record brief statements when they sign condolence cards, but there won't be any "Autocue or makeup facilities," according to the instructions. After the state funeral, James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, will throw a reception near Westminster Abbey for all the foreign guests in attendance. (with inputs from agencies)

Foreign dignitaries attending Queen’s funeral must travel by commercial flights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/namal-rajapaksa-100-lankan-buddhist-clergy-at-inauguration-of-kushinagar-international-airport-421269">&nbsp;Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport</a>

Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event.

A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics.

The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe.

The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple.

The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wants-covid-certificate-without-pm-modis-picture-422025">Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture</a>

The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world.

The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana'&nbsp;to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said.

The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad.

He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-deletes-tweet-that-called-pm-modi-illiterate-422052">Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate'</a>

Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited.

The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim.

The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world.

"Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in an event marking Abhidhamma Day at the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar on the auspicious occasion of Ashwin Poornima on Wednesday. Eminent monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia and ambassadors of various countries will take part in the Abhidhamma Day event. Also Read | Namal Rajapaksa, 100+ Lankan Buddhist clergy at inauguration of Kushinagar international airport Union Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has organised the event. A Sri Lankan delegation consisting of 123 delegates including a 12-member Holy Relic entourage led by current Mahanayaka of Waskaduwa Temple is attending the event with Holy Relics. The delegation also comprises of Anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four Nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka i.e., Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as 5 ministers of the Government of Sri Lanka led by Cabinet Minister Namal Rajapakshe. The highlight of the event is the Exposition of Holy Buddha Relic being brought from Waskaduwa Subuddhi Rajvihara Temple, Sri Lanka by the Mahanayaka of the temple. The Prime Minister will offer prayers to the Holy Relic and also visit the Mahaparinirvana temple to offer flowers and chivar to the reclining statue of Buddha. The ancient city of Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. It is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists since ancient times. Also Read | Indian man wants Covid certificate without PM Modi's picture The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Kushinagar International Airport is an important landmark connecting the Buddhist- pilgrimage- holy sites for Buddhists around the world. The Prime Minister will also do 'Chivar Dana' to monks from Sri Lanka and other countries attending the event. Chivar refers to a "monk's robe". The period after three-month-long Varshavas, observed as a retreat by monks and nuns by staying in vihara during rainy season, is a time of giving, for the laity to express gratitude to Sangh. "Lay Buddhists bring donations to temples, especially new robes for the monks and nuns. Also the gift of the atthaparikara (in Sri Lanka it is known as Atapirikara) - the Eight Requisites - is part of the offerings. However, dana of Chivara can also be given on other occasions," the release said. The Prime Minister has offered Chivar and Sangha Dana on several occasions both in India and abroad. He had offered it at Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka temple, Colombo in 2014, sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to senior monks from various countries in October 2015 and Vesak Buddha Poornima Diwas event in 2018 at New Delhi to senior monks and nuns from various countries. Also Read | Congress deletes tweet that called PM Modi 'illiterate' Paintings of Ajanta Frescos, Buddhist sutra calligraphy, Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat will also be exhibited. The PM will also view an exhibition of recreation paintings of Ajanta cave frescos by late MR Pimpare of Aurangabad. The exhibition also comprises Buddhist calligraphy of Sutras by noted calligrapher Jamyang Dorjee of Sikkim. The works of Buddhist art and artefacts excavated from various sites of Gujarat showcases the span of Buddhism in India and the various sources of origins from where it travelled and spread to different directions in the world. "Vadnagar once thrived with a large Buddhist Vihara where ancient travellers described seeing a congregation of 10,000 Buddhist monks. The exhibition is curated by Ms Kshipra," the release said.

A boost to Buddhist pilgrimage: PM Modi to inaugurate Kushinagar airport

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