Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa kicked up another storm over the contentious historical figure Tipu Sultan when he said that his government was absolutely against celebrating the former ruler of Mysuru.&nbsp;

He went a step further and stressed that his government was working towards dropping lessons on the Tiger of Mysuru from textbooks in the state. 'I don't think Tipu was a freedom fighter. We are against everything to do with Tipu, including his references in textbooks' said the Chief Minister while addressing the media in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The statement comes just a day after Suresh Kumar, the state's Primary and Secondary Education Minister formed a committee to look into a proposal to drop references to Tipu Sultan from school textbooks.&nbsp;

The committee is set to meet on November 7 and will be submitting a report on the same.&nbsp;

The committee was formed after MLA Appachu Ranjan shot multiple letters alleging that history was being distorted in the textbooks and that the ruler was a bigot and not a freedom fighter.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, Ranjan said that Tipu is being unfairly glorified in the textbooks and hence he placed the demand to drop the lessons before the government.&nbsp;

'I am saying that Tipu should be dropped from textbooks because the books say he is a freedom fighter. But he is not at all a freedom fighter. He fought only to expand his kingdom. If Tipu was a freedom fighter, he would not have looted temples in Mangalore and other places. There are many examples where he forcibly converted subjects to Islam. That is the reason I feel Tipu should not be called a freedom fighter. We should tell the truth to our younger generation. That is the reason I am insisting that Tipu should be dropped from textbook lessons.' said Ranjan.&nbsp;

Just days after swearing-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka in July this year, BS Yediyurappa cancelled the controversial Tipu Jayanti celebrations. The Tipu Jayanti festivities had become a bone of contention between the Congress and the BJP after the then Siddaramaiah government had made it a state-sponsored festival. The BJP had hit back at the Congress government, accusing it of attempting to please minorities while hurting sentiments of people in Kodagu and Mangaluru who view the 18th-century ruler as a tyrant. However, historians believe that debate is being generated for purely political gains without any academic merit.&nbsp;

'A blanket statement saying all references to Tipu Sultan is school textbooks should be removed is very odd and completely unacceptable.&nbsp;

I say it's odd because this very Chief Minister had donned the costume of Tipu Sultan 7 years ago at a function to say he identified with what Tipu Sultan stood for. This debate cannot be on the knowledge that is new as Tipu Sultan has been dead for more than 200 years now. The other reason is if you have a problem with Tipu Sultan because of the violence he inflicted on a particular community, you must have an objection to all kings because all kings have killed people from one community or another. Every community can now say that their ancestors were killed by a certain king so there should be no references to him.' says Prof Chandan Gowda, Historian.&nbsp;

The debate has however boiled down to a single question of whether Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter. While critics of the ruler feel he was no freedom fighter and was merely protecting his kingdom, historians have a different view on the matter. 'Tipu Sultan had a sense that the British were not like any other enemy. He did try to get the Nizam of Hyderabad and Marathas to unite against the British. Which he was not able to do. So his struggle to keep them out can be seen as part of freedom struggle history. If Kittur Rani Chennamma can be part of the freedom struggle, Tipu Sultan qualifies for it... There was no India at that time. Tipu was defending Mysuru. But if defending Mysuru is all that he cared for then that's all he would've done. Would he then have tried to build a larger alliance of the Marathas and the Nizam to keep them(British) out of Peninsular India?' questions Prof Gowda.&nbsp;

The controversial Tipu Jayanti was celebrated for three years on November 10, amidst tight security up until 2018. While 65000 police personnel including Rapid Action Force had been deployed for the celebrations, in 2017 Section 144 had to be imposed in Kodagu to contain the violence. As Karnataka struggles with over 100 taluks being hit by floods and unprecedented rains leading to loss of crops and life, politicians continue to fight over a historical figure from the 18th century.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa kicked up another storm over the contentious historical figure Tipu Sultan when he said that his government was absolutely against celebrating the former ruler of Mysuru.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa kicked up another storm over the contentious historical figure Tipu Sultan when he said that his government was absolutely against celebrating the former ruler of Mysuru. He went a step further and stressed that his government was working towards dropping lessons on the Tiger of Mysuru from textbooks in the state. 'I don't think Tipu was a freedom fighter. We are against everything to do with Tipu, including his references in textbooks' said the Chief Minister while addressing the media in Bengaluru. The statement comes just a day after Suresh Kumar, the state's Primary and Secondary Education Minister formed a committee to look into a proposal to drop references to Tipu Sultan from school textbooks. The committee is set to meet on November 7 and will be submitting a report on the same. The committee was formed after MLA Appachu Ranjan shot multiple letters alleging that history was being distorted in the textbooks and that the ruler was a bigot and not a freedom fighter. While speaking to WION, Ranjan said that Tipu is being unfairly glorified in the textbooks and hence he placed the demand to drop the lessons before the government. 'I am saying that Tipu should be dropped from textbooks because the books say he is a freedom fighter. But he is not at all a freedom fighter. He fought only to expand his kingdom. If Tipu was a freedom fighter, he would not have looted temples in Mangalore and other places. There are many examples where he forcibly converted subjects to Islam. That is the reason I feel Tipu should not be called a freedom fighter. We should tell the truth to our younger generation. That is the reason I am insisting that Tipu should be dropped from textbook lessons.' said Ranjan. Just days after swearing-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka in July this year, BS Yediyurappa cancelled the controversial Tipu Jayanti celebrations. The Tipu Jayanti festivities had become a bone of contention between the Congress and the BJP after the then Siddaramaiah government had made it a state-sponsored festival. The BJP had hit back at the Congress government, accusing it of attempting to please minorities while hurting sentiments of people in Kodagu and Mangaluru who view the 18th-century ruler as a tyrant. However, historians believe that debate is being generated for purely political gains without any academic merit. 'A blanket statement saying all references to Tipu Sultan is school textbooks should be removed is very odd and completely unacceptable. I say it's odd because this very Chief Minister had donned the costume of Tipu Sultan 7 years ago at a function to say he identified with what Tipu Sultan stood for. This debate cannot be on the knowledge that is new as Tipu Sultan has been dead for more than 200 years now. The other reason is if you have a problem with Tipu Sultan because of the violence he inflicted on a particular community, you must have an objection to all kings because all kings have killed people from one community or another. Every community can now say that their ancestors were killed by a certain king so there should be no references to him.' says Prof Chandan Gowda, Historian. The debate has however boiled down to a single question of whether Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter. While critics of the ruler feel he was no freedom fighter and was merely protecting his kingdom, historians have a different view on the matter. 'Tipu Sultan had a sense that the British were not like any other enemy. He did try to get the Nizam of Hyderabad and Marathas to unite against the British. Which he was not able to do. So his struggle to keep them out can be seen as part of freedom struggle history. If Kittur Rani Chennamma can be part of the freedom struggle, Tipu Sultan qualifies for it... There was no India at that time. Tipu was defending Mysuru. But if defending Mysuru is all that he cared for then that's all he would've done. Would he then have tried to build a larger alliance of the Marathas and the Nizam to keep them(British) out of Peninsular India?' questions Prof Gowda. The controversial Tipu Jayanti was celebrated for three years on November 10, amidst tight security up until 2018. While 65000 police personnel including Rapid Action Force had been deployed for the celebrations, in 2017 Section 144 had to be imposed in Kodagu to contain the violence. As Karnataka struggles with over 100 taluks being hit by floods and unprecedented rains leading to loss of crops and life, politicians continue to fight over a historical figure from the 18th century.

Karnataka government might drop Tipu Sultan chapters from textbooks

The government is constituting a high-level panel under the Cabinet Secretary to suggest measures for mitigating financial stress in the telecom sector, sources said on Tuesday.

The Committee of Secretaries (CoS) will look into the demand of telecom service providers for deferment of spectrum auction payment due from them for coming financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22.

It will also examine the issues of universal services obligation fund charge and reduction of spectrum usage charges, the sources said.

The panel will comprise secretaries from ministries of finance, telecommunication and law among others. It is expected to meet shortly and submit recommendations in a time-bound manner.

The move comes less than a week after the Supreme Court sided with the government's definition of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) that all revenue from telecom companies will be used for calculating the AGR. The court rejected the argument of telecom operators that the AGR only included license and spectrum fees.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said the apex court's decision will negatively impact incumbent operators by over Rs 92,000 crore.

"The Supreme Court's judgment is the last straw in contributing to financial distress," said Rajan S Mathews, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

The sector is already reeling under a daunting debt of Rs four lakh crore and is in dire financial straits as operators are making negative returns on their investments, said Mathews.

Bharti Airtel's Chairman Sunil Mittal reportedly met Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Secretary Anshu Prakash on Monday to press for some relief.

Loss-making Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel both may need to pay up dues of Rs 70,000 crore after the Supreme Court's order at a time when they need to invest in network rollout, technology upgrades and expansion plans ahead of the 5G rollout.

The government is constituting a high-level panel under the Cabinet Secretary to suggest measures for mitigating financial stress in the telecom sector, sources said on Tuesday.

The government is constituting a high-level panel under the Cabinet Secretary to suggest measures for mitigating financial stress in the telecom sector, sources said on Tuesday. The Committee of Secretaries (CoS) will look into the demand of telecom service providers for deferment of spectrum auction payment due from them for coming financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22. It will also examine the issues of universal services obligation fund charge and reduction of spectrum usage charges, the sources said. The panel will comprise secretaries from ministries of finance, telecommunication and law among others. It is expected to meet shortly and submit recommendations in a time-bound manner. The move comes less than a week after the Supreme Court sided with the government's definition of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) that all revenue from telecom companies will be used for calculating the AGR. The court rejected the argument of telecom operators that the AGR only included license and spectrum fees. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said the apex court's decision will negatively impact incumbent operators by over Rs 92,000 crore. "The Supreme Court's judgment is the last straw in contributing to financial distress," said Rajan S Mathews, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The sector is already reeling under a daunting debt of Rs four lakh crore and is in dire financial straits as operators are making negative returns on their investments, said Mathews. Bharti Airtel's Chairman Sunil Mittal reportedly met Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Secretary Anshu Prakash on Monday to press for some relief. Loss-making Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel both may need to pay up dues of Rs 70,000 crore after the Supreme Court's order at a time when they need to invest in network rollout, technology upgrades and expansion plans ahead of the 5G rollout.

Government forms panel of secretaries on measures to ease financial stress in telecom

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'. 
 
"Over the last three days, police have forcibly taken possession of more than 3,000 containers in different parts of the country," Hakimullah Khan, president of the Containers Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told Anadolu Agency. 
 
Opposition parties in Pakistan have announced a five-day anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' from October 27. The protests will begin from various parts of the country and converge in Islamabad on October 31. 
 
Hakimullah Khan has claimed that the owners of the seized containers have faced huge financial loses as a result of the authorities' actions. 
On the other hand, Islamabad's deputy commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has said that the containers have not been seized but hired from their owners for which they shall be duly paid. 
 
"We have not taken a single container by force," said Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad's deputy commissioner. "We have hired all containers from the owners and we will pay for them," he added. 
 
The Azadi March has been announced by Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman believes came to power through "fake elections". The Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached.

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'.

Shipping firms in Pakistan have accused authorities in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of forcibly seizing their containers for using them to block the entry of demonstrators to capital Islamabad ahead of the 'Azadi March'. "Over the last three days, police have forcibly taken possession of more than 3,000 containers in different parts of the country," Hakimullah Khan, president of the Containers Association in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told Anadolu Agency. Opposition parties in Pakistan have announced a five-day anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' from October 27. The protests will begin from various parts of the country and converge in Islamabad on October 31. Hakimullah Khan has claimed that the owners of the seized containers have faced huge financial loses as a result of the authorities' actions. On the other hand, Islamabad's deputy commissioner Hamza Shafqaat has said that the containers have not been seized but hired from their owners for which they shall be duly paid. "We have not taken a single container by force," said Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad's deputy commissioner. "We have hired all containers from the owners and we will pay for them," he added. The Azadi March has been announced by Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman believes came to power through "fake elections". The Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached.

Pakistani shipping firms accuse government of seizing containers to block roads ahead of 'Azaadi March'

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, &nbsp;prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country.

President Klaus Iohannis last week tasked Ludovic Orban, chief of the National Liberal Party (PNL), to form a new government after the previous Social Democratic Party (PSD) &nbsp;administration lost a no-confidence vote.

"We are in a moment in which we need a government to put Romania on the right track", Orban told a press conference flanked by his 17 cabinet members, all but two from his party.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romania-government-faces-collapse-in-no-confidence-vote-254858">The new cabinet</a> needs the approval of parliament, which is a challenge, given that PNL holds only 96 of the 465 seats, leaving it well short of the 233 majority threshold after talks with several other parties failed.

Orban, 56, a former transport minister,&nbsp;wants a confidence vote to take place next week, while the PSD, which has 201 seats and says it will not back the new government -- is trying to delay it until early November.

If he does survive, his government will likely be a transitional one until late 2020 when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled.

The new ministers are all from PNL except for four-star general Nicolae Ciuca who takes on defence and career diplomat Bogdan Aurescu, nominated as foreign minister.

Among its priorities, the government aims to keep the annual budget deficit under three per cent of GDP, the EU limit, and to reverse "harmful" judicial reforms introduced by the PSD.

Since taking power in late 2016, the PSD government faced massive protests and criticism from Brussels over the reforms seen as helping politicians to escape corruption sentences.

The liberals also intend to nominate a new European Commissioner after social democrat Rovana Plumb was rejected by the European Parliament.

The political crisis in Romania comes one month before the first round of presidential elections, scheduled for November 10.

Incumbent Iohannis, himself a liberal, seeks a second term with the support of the PNL and is a clear favourite.

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country.

Romania's prime minister-designate on Thursday unveiled a minority government line-up with only a slim chance of winning parliamentary approval, prolonging political uncertainty in the poor, corruption-plagued EU country. President Klaus Iohannis last week tasked Ludovic Orban, chief of the National Liberal Party (PNL), to form a new government after the previous Social Democratic Party (PSD) administration lost a no-confidence vote. "We are in a moment in which we need a government to put Romania on the right track", Orban told a press conference flanked by his 17 cabinet members, all but two from his party. The new cabinet needs the approval of parliament, which is a challenge, given that PNL holds only 96 of the 465 seats, leaving it well short of the 233 majority threshold after talks with several other parties failed. Orban, 56, a former transport minister, wants a confidence vote to take place next week, while the PSD, which has 201 seats and says it will not back the new government -- is trying to delay it until early November. If he does survive, his government will likely be a transitional one until late 2020 when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled. The new ministers are all from PNL except for four-star general Nicolae Ciuca who takes on defence and career diplomat Bogdan Aurescu, nominated as foreign minister. Among its priorities, the government aims to keep the annual budget deficit under three per cent of GDP, the EU limit, and to reverse "harmful" judicial reforms introduced by the PSD. Since taking power in late 2016, the PSD government faced massive protests and criticism from Brussels over the reforms seen as helping politicians to escape corruption sentences. The liberals also intend to nominate a new European Commissioner after social democrat Rovana Plumb was rejected by the European Parliament. The political crisis in Romania comes one month before the first round of presidential elections, scheduled for November 10. Incumbent Iohannis, himself a liberal, seeks a second term with the support of the PNL and is a clear favourite.

Romania's liberals present minority government

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt</a> in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

"We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona.

It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20.

"We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said.

Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos.

Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for.

Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016.

Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself.

'Saddened by crackdown'

After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">hundreds took to the streets</a> in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators.

Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response.

"I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?"

In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014.

Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number.

In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors.

Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president.

"People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview.

"Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added.

Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, &nbsp;Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed.

A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed.

Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force.

'Getting rid of Sisi'

Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-says-world-must-find-solution-for-libya-crisis-213108">any challenge to Sisi's rule</a>, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them.

"The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP.

"The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said.

The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi.

Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos.&nbsp;

He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials.

Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him.

"The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said.

And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests.

"I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations. "We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona. It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20. "We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said. Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos. Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for. Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016. Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself. 'Saddened by crackdown' After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, hundreds took to the streets in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response. "I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?" In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014. Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number. In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors. Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president. "People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview. "Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added. Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed. A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed. Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force. 'Getting rid of Sisi' Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising any challenge to Sisi's rule, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them. "The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP. "The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said. The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi. Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos. He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials. Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him. "The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said. And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests. "I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

Exiled Egyptian dissident determined to topple Sisi

Protesters poured on to the streets on Wednesday (October 23) in Bolivia's capital La Paz as anger continues to mount over election results.

"We live in a democratic country, not a dictatorship," says Bolivian protester

Massive protests continued in Chile on Tuesday (October 22) even as lawmakers called for reforms to tackle inequality in response to countrywide riots that sowed chaos in the South A merican nation and led to 15 deaths and the arrest of more than 2,600 people.

Chileans mount mass protests in Santiago

Thousands of Bolivians furious over what they saw as an attempt by leftist President Evo Morales to rig Sunday's election protested outside the hotel in the capital city of La Paz where the country's electoral board was processing remaining ballots on Tuesday (October 22).

'A giant fraud'- Protests flare over disputed Bolivia election

The government of Bolivian President Evo Morales on Tuesday (October 22) asked an official observer of the country's disputed presidential election to conduct an audit of a binding vote count after an official quick tally showing him winning sparked a backlash and violent street protests.

Unrest in Bolivia grows as observers call on government to respect vote results

Hong Kong residents said on Monday (October 21) that anti-government protesters and police both "overreacted" after a largely peaceful protest degenerated into violence on the Kowloon peninsula, with shops destroyed and ATM torched.

Hong Kong residents blame police and protesters for overreacting after violent protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that "surgical strike" and "Balakot" were not "mere two-three words" but reflected the policy of BJP and its allies and those who shelter terrorists know that any mistake by them will be properly punished.

Addressing an election rally here, Modi accused the Congress of not giving proper response over the terror strikes carried out by Pakistan-based outfits including the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

Prime Minister Modi said the situation was different from the days when terrorists had used the sea route to enter India.

"Those who shelter terrorists know that if they make a mistake, they will get full punishment. Surgical strike and Balakot are not mere two words, but reflect the policy of the BJP and its allies," said Modi.

The Prime Minister was referring to the surgical strike carried across the Line of Control in 2016 after the Uri terror attack and aerial strike on a terror camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack earlier this year.

He also alleged that strong action was not taken during the Congress rule even though the perpetrators of terror incidents claimed the responsibility and attempt was not made to find the accused in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that "surgical strike" and "Balakot" were not "mere two-three words" but reflected the policy of BJP and its allies and those who shelter terrorists know that any mistake by them will be properly punished.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that "surgical strike" and "Balakot" were not "mere two-three words" but reflected the policy of BJP and its allies and those who shelter terrorists know that any mistake by them will be properly punished. Addressing an election rally here, Modi accused the Congress of not giving proper response over the terror strikes carried out by Pakistan-based outfits including the Mumbai terror attack in 2008. Prime Minister Modi said the situation was different from the days when terrorists had used the sea route to enter India. "Those who shelter terrorists know that if they make a mistake, they will get full punishment. Surgical strike and Balakot are not mere two words, but reflect the policy of the BJP and its allies," said Modi. The Prime Minister was referring to the surgical strike carried across the Line of Control in 2016 after the Uri terror attack and aerial strike on a terror camp in Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack earlier this year. He also alleged that strong action was not taken during the Congress rule even though the perpetrators of terror incidents claimed the responsibility and attempt was not made to find the accused in the country.

Surgical strike, Balakot not mere words but reflect BJP-led government's policy: PM Modi

Kashmir Is Limping Its Way Back To Normalcy After Government's Decision To Scrap Special Status

Gravitas: Kashmir: Government restores post-paid mobile connections

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-jammu-and-kashmir-express-joy-after-restoration-of-postpaid-mobile-services-255860">Jammu and Kashmir</a> administration has set up internet kiosks in every district to&nbsp;facilitate students and common people&nbsp;as there is no internet access&nbsp;in the valley following the abrogation of article 370.

In Srinagar, two such centres have been established at the Tourist Reception Centre and the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Every day, hundreds of students and contractors visit the locations to fill different forms with the assistance of&nbsp;an official.

Students who visit these centres say that they were worried about their appearance in the competitive exams including GATE, JEE and&nbsp;UPSC. “We help them in filling examination and job forms. We have established six&nbsp;counters here and four&nbsp;at DC office. Around a&nbsp;thousand forms have already been filled from this centre,” said Wahid, in charge of this centre.

The officials also help them scan their documents, pay&nbsp;for exams and jobs online in all the districts of the state.

&nbsp;“We were facing hardships to fill these forms and this is of great help. I have come to fill UGC Net exam. I can’t afford to lose this opportunity but having said that in digital India, we want internet back in the state,” says Rashid, a UGC aspirant, who has been waiting for his turn, adding that the government should set up more such centres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postpaid-mobile-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-two-months-255767">The internet connection</a> isn’t just limited to students. At the Deputy Commissioner’s office, people who want to fill other forms are also welcomed by the officials. According to the sources, the government may restore the broadband internet in Kashmir at the end of this month after reviewing the security,&nbsp;law and order situation after the restoration of postpaid mobile services.

“Since the last two months, we had no internet and I think this is a great initiative. If we had no such system, I was planning to go outside the state to fill my MCI form,” said Mudasir Ahmad.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up internet kiosks in every district to facilitate students and common people as there is no internet access in the valley following the abrogation of article 370.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up internet kiosks in every district to facilitate students and common people as there is no internet access in the valley following the abrogation of article 370. In Srinagar, two such centres have been established at the Tourist Reception Centre and the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Every day, hundreds of students and contractors visit the locations to fill different forms with the assistance of an official. Students who visit these centres say that they were worried about their appearance in the competitive exams including GATE, JEE and UPSC. “We help them in filling examination and job forms. We have established six counters here and four at DC office. Around a thousand forms have already been filled from this centre,” said Wahid, in charge of this centre. The officials also help them scan their documents, pay for exams and jobs online in all the districts of the state. “We were facing hardships to fill these forms and this is of great help. I have come to fill UGC Net exam. I can’t afford to lose this opportunity but having said that in digital India, we want internet back in the state,” says Rashid, a UGC aspirant, who has been waiting for his turn, adding that the government should set up more such centres. The internet connection isn’t just limited to students. At the Deputy Commissioner’s office, people who want to fill other forms are also welcomed by the officials. According to the sources, the government may restore the broadband internet in Kashmir at the end of this month after reviewing the security, law and order situation after the restoration of postpaid mobile services. “Since the last two months, we had no internet and I think this is a great initiative. If we had no such system, I was planning to go outside the state to fill my MCI form,” said Mudasir Ahmad.

Government sets up internet kiosks in every district of Kashmir to help people

Valley returning to normalcy as 60% mobile phone connections are restored in J&K. Internet connectivity to soon be restored.

Government ends communication blackout in J&K

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U.S. asylum seekers camped out in a dangerous Mexican border town occupied a bridge to Brownsville, Texas on Thursday (October 10), leading to the closure of the crossing.

Migrant families block U.S.-mexico border bridge

Indigenous leaders in Ecuador captured and publicly paraded eight police officers before a crowd on Thursday (October 10), pushing back against a tough government crackdown on anti-austerity protests that have shaken President Lenin Moreno's administration.

Police held by Ecuador protesters say they are not captives

Bolivian opposition candidates are closing in on President Evo Morales in polls ahead of a general election later this month, with Latin America's longest continuous standing leader possibly being edged out in a second round run-off.

Bolivian poll shows opposition closing in on Morales

The Indian government is open to taking further measures to rationalise taxation so as to encourage 'Make in India' in the defence manufacturing sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

Addressing the top CEOs of the French Defence Industry here, Singh said, "We have recently reduced corporate tax significantly. For the Make in India in defence, if there is a need for further rationalisation, then it may be considered suitable."

Highlighting the purpose for his meeting with the top CEOs, Singh said, "The primary aim is to explore the ways to strengthen our defence industrial partnership. I hope this event will provide traction to pitch for our Make in India initiative and it will be equally beneficial to you to engage with us."

The Defence Minister also said that India would be open to exploring the opportunity of the co-production of the high-end defence equipment and seek collaborations to modernise country's shipyards and defence platforms by the infusion of technology.

"India would be open to exploring the opportunity of the co-production of high-end defence equipment, and we want collaboration to modernise our shipyard and defence platform by infusion of technology," Singh said.

Singh pitched that the French firm can make India as its base for the production of defence equipment, and "not solely for India but to other countries as well and can consider an aero-engine complex on the government to government basis."

The CEOs of Dassault Aviation, Airbus Helicopters, Nexter, Arquus, Rafaut Sas, Sogitec Industries, Roxel, Naval Group, Thales, Safran, MBDA, Assystem were present at the meeting.

The meeting was conducted on the background of the Defence expo which will be held in Lucknow in 2020 with the theme of 'Digital transformation of defence.

The Indian government is open to taking further measures to rationalise taxation so as to encourage 'Make in India' in the defence manufacturing sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

The Indian government is open to taking further measures to rationalise taxation so as to encourage 'Make in India' in the defence manufacturing sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. Addressing the top CEOs of the French Defence Industry here, Singh said, "We have recently reduced corporate tax significantly. For the Make in India in defence, if there is a need for further rationalisation, then it may be considered suitable." Highlighting the purpose for his meeting with the top CEOs, Singh said, "The primary aim is to explore the ways to strengthen our defence industrial partnership. I hope this event will provide traction to pitch for our Make in India initiative and it will be equally beneficial to you to engage with us." The Defence Minister also said that India would be open to exploring the opportunity of the co-production of the high-end defence equipment and seek collaborations to modernise country's shipyards and defence platforms by the infusion of technology. "India would be open to exploring the opportunity of the co-production of high-end defence equipment, and we want collaboration to modernise our shipyard and defence platform by infusion of technology," Singh said. Singh pitched that the French firm can make India as its base for the production of defence equipment, and "not solely for India but to other countries as well and can consider an aero-engine complex on the government to government basis." The CEOs of Dassault Aviation, Airbus Helicopters, Nexter, Arquus, Rafaut Sas, Sogitec Industries, Roxel, Naval Group, Thales, Safran, MBDA, Assystem were present at the meeting. The meeting was conducted on the background of the Defence expo which will be held in Lucknow in 2020 with the theme of 'Digital transformation of defence.

Government ready for tax rationalisation to encourage 'Make in India': Rajnath Singh

The U.N. refugee agency is among the possible contenders for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

UNHCR is a possible contender for the 2019 peace prize

Britain's insolvency agency said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-to-fly-back-another-5000-people-on-thursday-after-thomas-cook-collapse-253440">Hays Travel had reached an agreement with Thomas Cook Group</a> Plc to buy 555 stores of the collapsed travel firm in the UK.

The travel agency will also re-employ some former employees from Thomas Cook's retail operations, the British agency said in a statement.

The world's largest travel firm, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-thomas-cook-holidaymakers-back-in-uk-252603">Thomas Cook, collapsed last month</a>, stranding hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers around the globe and sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history.

Britain's insolvency agency said on Wednesday that Hays Travel had reached an agreement with Thomas Cook Group Plc to buy 555 stores of the collapsed travel firm in the UK.

Britain's insolvency agency said on Wednesday that Hays Travel had reached an agreement with Thomas Cook Group Plc to buy 555 stores of the collapsed travel firm in the UK. The travel agency will also re-employ some former employees from Thomas Cook's retail operations, the British agency said in a statement. The world's largest travel firm, Thomas Cook, collapsed last month, stranding hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers around the globe and sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history.

Hays Travel to buy Thomas Cook's UK stores: Government agency

Around 570 migrants from an overcrowded camp on the island of Lesbos arrived in the port of Piraeus on Monday where buses waited to take them to a camp on the mainland.

Migrants moved from Lesbos camp reach manland

Portugal's ruling Socialists (PS) won Sunday's (October 6) parliamentary election but fell short of an outright majority, meaning Prime Minister Antonio Costa will need to negotiate a new deal with one or both of his far-left allies in the previous legislature.

Portugal's PM Costa says won election, to stick to pact with far-left

The Royal Australian Navy commenced its largest deployment of 2019, with the new Air Warfare Destroyer HMAS Hobart leading a nine-ship task group out of Sydney on Thursday (September 26).

Australia's newest navy destroyer 'Hobart' departs for Asia deployment

World leaders paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the 150th anniversary of his birth at a United Nations event on Tuesday, praising his lasting legacy.

Mahatma Gandhi: Global leaders celebrate his legacy at the United Nations

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-trump-rouhani-know-conditions-for-talks-but-up-to-them-to-deliver-251896">Macron</a> had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

"France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly.

Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed.

"There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said.

Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday.

The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance.

"In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron.

He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous".

"It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration.

During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity".

He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy.

But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long.

France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right. "France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly. Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed. "There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said. Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday. The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance. "In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron. He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous". "It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration. During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity". He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy. But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long. France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance

Top Indian automaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/maruti-suzuki-cuts-3000-contract-jobs-245947">Maruti Suzuki</a> said on Wednesday it lowered prices of some cars, making it one of the first major companies to respond to the government's move to cut corporate taxes in a bid to revive economic growth.

The company cut prices on 10 different models by 5,000 rupees ($70) each, representing discounts of just about 1 per cent or less on average car prices.

The price cuts start on Wednesday.

Maruti said the move was aimed at reviving demand by sharing "the benefits of corporate tax reduction with its customers".

The price cuts will kick in just ahead of the festive season, and Maruti said it hoped the move would help entice entry-level customers.

On Friday, Finance Minister announced a cut in the headline corporate tax rate to 22 per cent from 30 per cent in a move widely cheered by local stock markets.

The cuts were the latest in a line of government measures aimed at reviving growth in Asia's third-largest economy, which slumped to a six-year low in the April-June quarter.

Maruti's shares were down 2.7 per cent&nbsp;at 6,811.30 rupees by 0514 GMT on Wednesday amid a broader decline in Indian stocks.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Top Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki said on Wednesday it lowered prices of some cars, making it one of the first major companies to respond to the government's move to cut corporate taxes in a bid to revive economic growth.

Top Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki said on Wednesday it lowered prices of some cars, making it one of the first major companies to respond to the government's move to cut corporate taxes in a bid to revive economic growth. The company cut prices on 10 different models by 5,000 rupees ($70) each, representing discounts of just about 1 per cent or less on average car prices. The price cuts start on Wednesday. Maruti said the move was aimed at reviving demand by sharing "the benefits of corporate tax reduction with its customers". The price cuts will kick in just ahead of the festive season, and Maruti said it hoped the move would help entice entry-level customers. On Friday, Finance Minister announced a cut in the headline corporate tax rate to 22 per cent from 30 per cent in a move widely cheered by local stock markets. The cuts were the latest in a line of government measures aimed at reviving growth in Asia's third-largest economy, which slumped to a six-year low in the April-June quarter. Maruti's shares were down 2.7 per cent at 6,811.30 rupees by 0514 GMT on Wednesday amid a broader decline in Indian stocks.

Maruti trims prices after government cuts corporate taxes

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness.

"Exemption of Goods and Services Tax on specified defence goods not manufactured in India will greatly benefit defence preparedness," Kumar said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced that GST and I-GST will be exempted for imports of specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously.&nbsp;

"This is being extended upto only 2024," Sitharaman said.

Finance minister said this while addressing a press conference in Panaji, Goa after the 37th GST Council meeting.&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness. "Exemption of Goods and Services Tax on specified defence goods not manufactured in India will greatly benefit defence preparedness," Kumar said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced that GST and I-GST will be exempted for imports of specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously. "This is being extended upto only 2024," Sitharaman said. Finance minister said this while addressing a press conference in Panaji, Goa after the 37th GST Council meeting.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar lauds government over exemption of GST on specified defence goods

'Only Bibi' no more: Why does Israel's Netanyahu want to power-share?

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

"Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government. &nbsp;

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government. "Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas 'against' possible new Netanyahu government

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak.

After facing intense criticism and demand from the MPs of opposition parties, Yadav, who is also a Minister for Health and Population claimed that the government was capable of controlling the epidemic.

He, therefore, refrained from demands of declaring an emergency.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"In our country, this disease also emerged to be complex like that of other nations but is seen with very minimal effect and for having a very low mortality rate.

The situation of emergency would not be viable for Nepal and would like to acknowledge it to everyone present here," Yadav said in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday.

Referring to the latest outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh, Philippines and other Asian nations, Yadav claimed that it has been contained through the active involvement of all three tiers of government.

As per Health Minister, the total number of infected people in the Himalayan nation now stands at 5,095 with six mortalities recorded.

The disease has already gripped 56 districts of the nation.

The government has been able to dispense the dengue tests kits to only 11 affected districts with special sanitation campaign underway in Dharan, Ithari, Biratnagar and Pokhara districts only.

Several MPs from the opposition and the ruling party had questioned Health Minister on government being silent over declaring the disease as "Health Emergency", even though it was taking the form of epidemic worrying the public.

During a meeting, lawmaker Devendra Raj Kandel questioned the minister about not declaring the state of emergency when the disease had already spread to 56 districts.

Other lawmakers namely Sujata Pariyar, Khagaraj Adhikari, Ram Bahadur Bista, Dilendra Prasad Badu, Amanlal Modi, Pushpa Bhusal, Prem Suwal, Parbata DC Chaudhary, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Meena Subba, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Birodh Khatiwada , Krishna Gopal Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar KC and Nabina Lama also drew the government's attention to dengue epidemic in the country.

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak.

Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav has claimed that there is no such condition to declare "Health Emergency" in the country following the dengue outbreak. After facing intense criticism and demand from the MPs of opposition parties, Yadav, who is also a Minister for Health and Population claimed that the government was capable of controlling the epidemic. He, therefore, refrained from demands of declaring an emergency. "In our country, this disease also emerged to be complex like that of other nations but is seen with very minimal effect and for having a very low mortality rate. The situation of emergency would not be viable for Nepal and would like to acknowledge it to everyone present here," Yadav said in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday. Referring to the latest outbreak of dengue in Bangladesh, Philippines and other Asian nations, Yadav claimed that it has been contained through the active involvement of all three tiers of government. As per Health Minister, the total number of infected people in the Himalayan nation now stands at 5,095 with six mortalities recorded. The disease has already gripped 56 districts of the nation. The government has been able to dispense the dengue tests kits to only 11 affected districts with special sanitation campaign underway in Dharan, Ithari, Biratnagar and Pokhara districts only. Several MPs from the opposition and the ruling party had questioned Health Minister on government being silent over declaring the disease as "Health Emergency", even though it was taking the form of epidemic worrying the public. During a meeting, lawmaker Devendra Raj Kandel questioned the minister about not declaring the state of emergency when the disease had already spread to 56 districts. Other lawmakers namely Sujata Pariyar, Khagaraj Adhikari, Ram Bahadur Bista, Dilendra Prasad Badu, Amanlal Modi, Pushpa Bhusal, Prem Suwal, Parbata DC Chaudhary, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Meena Subba, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Birodh Khatiwada , Krishna Gopal Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar KC and Nabina Lama also drew the government's attention to dengue epidemic in the country.

No such condition to declare 'Health Emergency' in Nepal after dengue outbreak

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