Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.&nbsp;

Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade.&nbsp;

In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians.&nbsp;

In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage.&nbsp;

One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks.&nbsp;

"We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far.&nbsp;

Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory.&nbsp;

On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began.&nbsp;

Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets.&nbsp;

Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm.&nbsp;

The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.&nbsp;

The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.”&nbsp;

It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years.&nbsp;

Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas.&nbsp;

Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.&nbsp;

An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm.&nbsp;

The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations.&nbsp;

Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.&nbsp;

Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began.&nbsp;

The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage.&nbsp;

The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting.&nbsp;

Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.&nbsp;

The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl.&nbsp;

Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza. &nbsp;

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel. Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade. In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians. In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage. One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks. "We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far. Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing. Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory. On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began. Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets. Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm. The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions. The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem. On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.” It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years. Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas. Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm. The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations. Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began. The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage. The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting. Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl. Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders. Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza.

Hamas defiant with military parade, appearance of top leader 

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

<img alt="Russia Red Square parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d23ddd19-5096-489f-b2d4-ec3de2a6220d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_99L3BK_0.jpg" />

This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months.

The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed on Sunday the parade that marked 76th anniversary of Soviet Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Second World War. The parade on Moscow's Red Square featured over 12,000 troops and more than 190 90 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft under cloudy skies Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, stood beside Soviet war veterans on a review platform set up on Red Square. This year's parade has come amid tension with the West over several issues. The relations were strained after Russia's military buildup near its border with Ukraine. It was soon followed by tit-for-tat action by Russia and number of countries including the US that involved expulsion of diplomats. The issue of Putin-critic Alexei Navalny's jailing has been a point of friction as well with US President Joe Biden himself warning Russia in recent months. The victory parade this year precedes parliamentary elections in September (With inputs from agencies)

Russia remembers victory over Nazi Germany with parade on Red Square

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing.

Some 600 members of El Salvador`s Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang and its rival Barrio 18 made up the bulk of the detentions that were announced on Friday, following a one-week U.S.-backed round-up of Central American gangs that also netted arrests in neighboring Guatemala and Honduras.

The detainees paraded before the press on Saturday, a common tactic that predates Bukele, have been charged with murder, kidnapping and human trafficking, among other crimes, according to officials.

In April, Bukele provoked the ire of rights groups when he published on social media jarring pictures of hundreds of semi-naked jailed gang members, pressed tightly together in rows, despite the raging pandemic.

At the time, the inmates were being punished for an outbreak of violence.

Security Minister Rogelio Rivas called the majority of the newly-detained "terrorists" in remarks after they were assembled in an open-air plaza by heavily-armed soldiers, nearly all the detainees wearing masks and with their faces, many tattooed, looking down.

Government figures show that the murder rate has fallen by nearly half so far this year compared to the same period last year, which Bukele argues is due to a larger military and police presence on streets as well as in jails believed to be controlled by the gangs.

In September, online news site El Faro published an investigation revealing an alleged negotiation between the government and MS-13 over reducing homicides in exchange for other benefits, including electoral support for Bukele, an accusation the president has denied.

The latest round-up could be meant to refute the idea that the government is negotiating with the gangs, security analyst Jeannette Aguilar said in an interview.

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing.

Hundreds of handcuffed Salvadoran gang members were displayed before assembled reporters on Saturday, a vivid show of President Nayib Bukele`s policy of confronting them and the violent crime they are accused of committing. Some 600 members of El Salvador`s Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang and its rival Barrio 18 made up the bulk of the detentions that were announced on Friday, following a one-week U.S.-backed round-up of Central American gangs that also netted arrests in neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. The detainees paraded before the press on Saturday, a common tactic that predates Bukele, have been charged with murder, kidnapping and human trafficking, among other crimes, according to officials. In April, Bukele provoked the ire of rights groups when he published on social media jarring pictures of hundreds of semi-naked jailed gang members, pressed tightly together in rows, despite the raging pandemic. At the time, the inmates were being punished for an outbreak of violence. Security Minister Rogelio Rivas called the majority of the newly-detained "terrorists" in remarks after they were assembled in an open-air plaza by heavily-armed soldiers, nearly all the detainees wearing masks and with their faces, many tattooed, looking down. Government figures show that the murder rate has fallen by nearly half so far this year compared to the same period last year, which Bukele argues is due to a larger military and police presence on streets as well as in jails believed to be controlled by the gangs. In September, online news site El Faro published an investigation revealing an alleged negotiation between the government and MS-13 over reducing homicides in exchange for other benefits, including electoral support for Bukele, an accusation the president has denied. The latest round-up could be meant to refute the idea that the government is negotiating with the gangs, security analyst Jeannette Aguilar said in an interview.

In El Salvador, arrested gang members paraded for the cameras

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-country-will-stay-on-path-of-peaceful-development-252973">70 years of Communist Party rule</a> was on television or their smartphones.

Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square.

Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade.

Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue,&nbsp;the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks.

Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted.

Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations.

The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-celebrates-70th-national-day-president-xi-jinping-presenting-flowers-to-national-heroes-252918"> China</a>, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu.

"I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start.

But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders.

At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance.

Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary.

Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua.

Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle".

Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone,&nbsp;a display of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military prowess</a> meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation.

Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory.

But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party.

Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-national-day-hong-kong-defies-china-anniversary-with-day-of-grief-rallies-and-clashes-252997">"Day of Grief"</a> rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong.

Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname.

"It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch."

A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added.

Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast.

"I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner.

He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones.

For most ordinary citizens in the People's Republic of China, the only way to see the military parade marking 70 years of Communist Party rule was on television or their smartphones. Authorities would not allow just anyone to get near the parade route, with large swathes of central Beijing on lockdown so troops, tanks and missiles could file past Tiananmen Square. Security staff near the city's military museum turned away children carrying Chinese flags and elderly women who had hoped to catch a glimpse of the parade. Authorities also edged back crowds gathering near Chang'an Avenue, the east-west artery used for the parade. Many had stuck small red flags that said "I love China" on their cheeks. Even access to screenings of the festivities at select movie theatres was restricted. Chu Zuoyuan, a 33-year-old from southwestern Sichuan province, told AFP he had planned to watch the parade from a movie theatre, one of 70 chosen to Livestream Tuesday's celebrations. The experience would cap off a trip tracing "revolutionary" sites in China, from Tiananmen Square to Linyi, a city in east China where the Communist Party triumphed over the Nationalists during the civil war, said Chu. "I hope today will leave me with beautiful and deep memories," he exclaimed while waiting for the show to start. But in the end, the Chengdu native was barred from the screening, which admitted residents pre-selected by local officials and community leaders. At the end of the parade, many were finally able to see tanks and other equipment rolls across city streets as they headed back to their bases, with security guards keeping people at a safe distance. Though locals in Beijing strained to catch sight of the parade in person, the Chinese government made sure to widely disseminate broadcasts and ramp up publicity for the 70th anniversary. Ahead of Tuesday's festivities, more than 620,000 households in poor areas in China received donated TV sets with access to shows, reported official news agency Xinhua. Cities around the country had also thrown up red propaganda banners in honour of the 70th anniversary, some bearing slogans like "striving towards a new era" or "happiness comes from struggle". Tuesday's celebrations featured some 15,000 troops along with tanks and a supersonic drone, a display of military prowess meant to highlight China's extraordinary rise from the ravages of war to a modern, powerful nation. Xi, who wore the distinctive "Mao suit", delivered a speech invoking the "Chinese dream" of national rejuvenation, his grand vision of restoring the country to perceived past glory. But a new day of violent protests in semi-autonomous Hong Kong threatened to upstage Beijing's party. Pro-democracy protesters in the financial hub organised defiant "Day of Grief" rallies as nearly four-months of unrest continue in Hong Kong. Chinese people outside the country should watch the parade, commented Wang, a 60-year-old man who only gave his surname. "It doesn't matter if we watch it," he told AFP. "But people outside China should definitely watch." A lot of them "simply do not understand" people on the mainland, he added. Other locals, like Fang Changping, told AFP they had no plans to watch the live broadcast. "I've seen too many of them, and I can see right through them," said the 80-year-old tai-chi practitioner. He was part of a National Day parade back in 1956, Fang explained, and in comparison, today's celebration feels "less authentic".

Ordinary people barred from parade for the People's Republic

Missiles and pyrotechnics: China set to celebrate 70th anniversary

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-suspends-gay-parade-216962">Gay Rights parade</a> that authorities cancelled earlier in the week.

To the cries of "Yes we can!" the demonstrators, several waving rainbow flags and carrying signs with slogans like "Diverse Cuba," managed to march a mere 400 meters along Havana's downtown Paseo del Prado before being dispersed by police.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists, numbering around 100, were protesting the cancellation of the parade against homophobia organised by the government's National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), an office under the Ministry of Health, and held for the past ten years.

The colourful parade, or "conga," used to kick off activities educating people about homophobia and transphobia that is nevertheless taking place.

At least three protesters who refused to obey orders to leave were arrested, according to AFP journalists.

Laydel Alfonso, a 31-year-old restaurant waiter who marched with his face concealed by a silver mask and waving a rainbow flag, was upset that police had broken up the march.

"I don't believe this is right because we're doing nothing wrong," he told AFP.

In a first for Cuba, where there is tight government control, the march was organised on social media.

Cenesex is led by lawmaker Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro, who at the age of 87 is still the first secretary of the island's ruling Communist Party.

Earlier in the week, Cenesex announced that the official march was cancelled due to unspecified "new tensions in the international and regional context." The office urged people to respect the official calls for unity.

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned Gay Rights parade that authorities cancelled earlier in the week.

Cuban police on Saturday broke up an unauthorised pro-LGBT rights march in Havana, held as an alternative to the government-sanctioned Gay Rights parade that authorities cancelled earlier in the week. To the cries of "Yes we can!" the demonstrators, several waving rainbow flags and carrying signs with slogans like "Diverse Cuba," managed to march a mere 400 meters along Havana's downtown Paseo del Prado before being dispersed by police. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists, numbering around 100, were protesting the cancellation of the parade against homophobia organised by the government's National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), an office under the Ministry of Health, and held for the past ten years. The colourful parade, or "conga," used to kick off activities educating people about homophobia and transphobia that is nevertheless taking place. At least three protesters who refused to obey orders to leave were arrested, according to AFP journalists. Laydel Alfonso, a 31-year-old restaurant waiter who marched with his face concealed by a silver mask and waving a rainbow flag, was upset that police had broken up the march. "I don't believe this is right because we're doing nothing wrong," he told AFP. In a first for Cuba, where there is tight government control, the march was organised on social media. Cenesex is led by lawmaker Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro, who at the age of 87 is still the first secretary of the island's ruling Communist Party. Earlier in the week, Cenesex announced that the official march was cancelled due to unspecified "new tensions in the international and regional context." The office urged people to respect the official calls for unity.

Cuban police break up unauthorised LGBT rights march in Havana

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion.

Whether they manage to hold it could be a sign of Cubans` growing ability - or not - to mobilize for certain causes even in the face of resistance from the one-party state that has for decades tightly controlled public spaces.

The state-run National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of Communist Party leader Raul Castro, earlier this week abruptly cancelled its 12th annual conga, which is Cuba`s equivalent of gay pride.

CENESEX said in a statement that certain groups were planning to use the event to undermine the government, emboldened by the escalation of aggression by the Trump administration against Cuba and its leftist ally Venezuela.

The United States has for decades financed often covert programs to promote democracy on the island and undermine the Communist government.

Activists who say the conga is an important and rare space to advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights quickly organized an alternative event and spread the word on social media.&nbsp;

CENESEX denounced this as a 'provocation' and several activists say they received threats either anonymously on social media or from state security in person not to attend it.

The expansion of the internet in Cuba over the past year has seen increasing numbers of Cubans mobilize online over certain issues, sometimes apparently managing to influence policy.

The government, for example, postponed the full implementation of a decree clamping down on the arts after an online campaign protesting the law and stepped back on regulations governing the private sector after entrepreneurs and experts complained.

So far, however, the government has retained tight control over physical public spaces, mostly restricting marches to expressions of support for the government, like the recent Labor Day parade.

The conga in Havana was an exception that became a regular occurrence and a reminder that the government, which once sent gays to work camps in the early days of Fidel Castro`s 1959 revolution, had made considerable advances in LGBT rights in recent years.

The country guarantees rights such as free sex-change operations and forbids discrimination on the basis of sexuality, in a region where some countries still have anti-sodomy laws.

Some LGBT activists feel like the cancellation of the conga was a sign those rights are being eroded, possibly because a recent public consultation over a new constitution revealed that there was more opposition to the community than previously thought.

Many Cubans expressed their opposition to a change in the draft constitution that would have explicitly opened the door to gay marriage.

Evangelical churches, which have become increasingly vocal and have growing followings, also ran unprecedented campaigns against the change, which was eventually watered down.

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion.

Cuban gay rights activists are planning to hold an unprecedented independent march against homophobia on Saturday despite several reporting they had received warnings not to attend and the Communist government saying it was an attempt at subversion. Whether they manage to hold it could be a sign of Cubans` growing ability - or not - to mobilize for certain causes even in the face of resistance from the one-party state that has for decades tightly controlled public spaces. The state-run National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of Communist Party leader Raul Castro, earlier this week abruptly cancelled its 12th annual conga, which is Cuba`s equivalent of gay pride. CENESEX said in a statement that certain groups were planning to use the event to undermine the government, emboldened by the escalation of aggression by the Trump administration against Cuba and its leftist ally Venezuela. The United States has for decades financed often covert programs to promote democracy on the island and undermine the Communist government. Activists who say the conga is an important and rare space to advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights quickly organized an alternative event and spread the word on social media. CENESEX denounced this as a 'provocation' and several activists say they received threats either anonymously on social media or from state security in person not to attend it. The expansion of the internet in Cuba over the past year has seen increasing numbers of Cubans mobilize online over certain issues, sometimes apparently managing to influence policy. The government, for example, postponed the full implementation of a decree clamping down on the arts after an online campaign protesting the law and stepped back on regulations governing the private sector after entrepreneurs and experts complained. So far, however, the government has retained tight control over physical public spaces, mostly restricting marches to expressions of support for the government, like the recent Labor Day parade. The conga in Havana was an exception that became a regular occurrence and a reminder that the government, which once sent gays to work camps in the early days of Fidel Castro`s 1959 revolution, had made considerable advances in LGBT rights in recent years. The country guarantees rights such as free sex-change operations and forbids discrimination on the basis of sexuality, in a region where some countries still have anti-sodomy laws. Some LGBT activists feel like the cancellation of the conga was a sign those rights are being eroded, possibly because a recent public consultation over a new constitution revealed that there was more opposition to the community than previously thought. Many Cubans expressed their opposition to a change in the draft constitution that would have explicitly opened the door to gay marriage. Evangelical churches, which have become increasingly vocal and have growing followings, also ran unprecedented campaigns against the change, which was eventually watered down.

Cuban LGBT activists plan alternate parade in defiance of government

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to disband.

In an a twist on the traditional dancing skeletons and marigold-adorned altars making their way down the capital’s main thoroughfare, the parade also referenced Mexicans who emigrated as well as foreigners who settled in the capital.

“The parade... is dedicated to migrants, who in their transit to other countries have lost their lives, and who in their passing through the country have contributed to a true ‘Refuge City,’” the Mexico City government said on Twitter.

In one segment, gray metallic panels representing the Mexico side of the US&nbsp;border wall were stenciled with the phrase, “There are also dreams on this side.”

Other presentations honored exiled Spaniards, Argentineans and Jews, Mexico City’s culture ministry said.

The event ahead of November&nbsp;1 and 2, when Mexicans observe Day of the Dead in town squares, homes and cemeteries, coincided by chance with the journey of a migrant caravan traveling into Mexico, many fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras and Guatemala.

Some plan to seek asylum in Mexico. Others intend to reach the United States, angering Trump who has threatened to close the border and cut aid to Central American nations.

The caravan arrived in the southern state of Oaxaca on Saturday and may reach Mexico City as soon as next Friday. City officials will make four shelters available to house the group, according to local media.

Their arrival may prompt tension, said Johan Rivera, 36, a parade spectator.

“It’s delicate... There are lots of things to think through and analyze,” he said.

The parade, which included dancers portraying Monarch butterflies, famous for their long migratory routes, ended at a massive altar decorated with skeleton figures that local officials dedicated to migrants who have died.

“Mexico has always, traditionally, been a country of crossings,” said Mariana Villalobos, 33, at the parade. “It has a long tradition in accommodating migrants as well as refugees. And the current political situation... shows this is something very much alive.”

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US President Donald Trump to disband.

Mexico City dedicated its Day of the Dead parade on Saturday to migrants, just as thousands of Central Americans were trekking from the country’s southern border toward the United States under pressure from US President Donald Trump to disband. In an a twist on the traditional dancing skeletons and marigold-adorned altars making their way down the capital’s main thoroughfare, the parade also referenced Mexicans who emigrated as well as foreigners who settled in the capital. “The parade... is dedicated to migrants, who in their transit to other countries have lost their lives, and who in their passing through the country have contributed to a true ‘Refuge City,’” the Mexico City government said on Twitter. In one segment, gray metallic panels representing the Mexico side of the US border wall were stenciled with the phrase, “There are also dreams on this side.” Other presentations honored exiled Spaniards, Argentineans and Jews, Mexico City’s culture ministry said. The event ahead of November 1 and 2, when Mexicans observe Day of the Dead in town squares, homes and cemeteries, coincided by chance with the journey of a migrant caravan traveling into Mexico, many fleeing violence and poverty in Honduras and Guatemala. Some plan to seek asylum in Mexico. Others intend to reach the United States, angering Trump who has threatened to close the border and cut aid to Central American nations. The caravan arrived in the southern state of Oaxaca on Saturday and may reach Mexico City as soon as next Friday. City officials will make four shelters available to house the group, according to local media. Their arrival may prompt tension, said Johan Rivera, 36, a parade spectator. “It’s delicate... There are lots of things to think through and analyze,” he said. The parade, which included dancers portraying Monarch butterflies, famous for their long migratory routes, ended at a massive altar decorated with skeleton figures that local officials dedicated to migrants who have died. “Mexico has always, traditionally, been a country of crossings,” said Mariana Villalobos, 33, at the parade. “It has a long tradition in accommodating migrants as well as refugees. And the current political situation... shows this is something very much alive.”

Mexico honors migrants at Day of the Dead as caravan treks north

The national capital is gearing up for the 69th Republic Day which is all set to be celebrated in grandeur at India Gate, like each year, with the highlight of the day being the parade.&nbsp;

This year, the Republic Day celebrations will have 10 top leaders of ASEAN countries as chief guests -&nbsp;Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.&nbsp;

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Marching contingent of the India Navy during the Republic Day parade rehearsal at Rajpath. (PTI)
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For the first time, the parade will showcase over 700 participants across the guest countries along with participants from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy.&nbsp;

In another first, a newly-formed all-woman bikers contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) will make its debut on Rajpath. The 27-member BSF women &#39;daredevils&#39; squad, named &#39;Seema Bhavani&#39;, will showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles.

The government&#39;s research institute ICAR will, for the first time, participate in the Republic Day parade with its tableau showcasing integrated farming as key for doubling farmers&#39; income.

As part of the celebrations, a scintillating flypast and air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 795 Police personnel have been awarded Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day this year. &nbsp;Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) have been awarded to 107 personnel, President&#39;s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to 75 personnel and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 613 personnel.&nbsp;

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ITBP soldiers march during rehearsals ahead of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI)
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Additionally, eighteen children, including seven girls have been selected for the National Bravery Awards 2017. Three of the bravehearts are being awarded posthumously. They would participate in the Republic Day Parade 2018 at the Rajpath, where they would be one of the main attractions of the event.

Also, as part of the Republic Day celebrations, the Government of India is organising &lsquo;Bharat Parv&rsquo; event at the Red Fort in Delhi, starting from 26 January to 31 January 2018.&nbsp;

The objective of the event will be to &ldquo;generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and to ensure wider participation of the general public.&rdquo;&nbsp;

The event will be open to all and entry will be free. However, visitors will have to carry identity for security check. The government has designated the Ministry of Tourism as the nodal Ministry for the event.&nbsp;

Some of the highlights of the event are Display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, performances by Armed Forces Bands, a multi-cuisine food court, craft mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country and photo exhibition by the directorate of advertising and visual publicity.

The national capital has been brought under a ground-to-air security cover in view of the Republic Day celebrations and the visit of 10 ASEAN leaders for a high-profile summit here, a senior police official said.

Thousands of armed personnel have been keeping a tight vigil for Republic Day in Delhi and in border areas of the city to ensure a smooth passage of the celebrations tomorrow.

The entire central and New Delhi region will have nearly 50,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and the central security forces. Several security layers have been put in place and Delhi Police personnel along with paramilitary and NSG commandos have been deployed.

 
&nbsp;

The parade has 10 chief guests this year -- the leaders of all 10 ASEAN nations

The national capital is gearing up for the 69th Republic Day which is all set to be celebrated in grandeur at India Gate, like each year, with the highlight of the day being the parade. This year, the Republic Day celebrations will have 10 top leaders of ASEAN countries as chief guests - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. Marching contingent of the India Navy during the Republic Day parade rehearsal at Rajpath. (PTI) × For the first time, the parade will showcase over 700 participants across the guest countries along with participants from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy. In another first, a newly-formed all-woman bikers contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) will make its debut on Rajpath. The 27-member BSF women 'daredevils' squad, named 'Seema Bhavani', will showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles. The government's research institute ICAR will, for the first time, participate in the Republic Day parade with its tableau showcasing integrated farming as key for doubling farmers' income. As part of the celebrations, a scintillating flypast and air display by various aircraft will be the hallmark of the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath. A total of 795 Police personnel have been awarded Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day this year. Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) have been awarded to 107 personnel, President's Police Medals for Distinguished Service to 75 personnel and Police Medal for Meritorious Service to 613 personnel. ITBP soldiers march during rehearsals ahead of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) × Additionally, eighteen children, including seven girls have been selected for the National Bravery Awards 2017. Three of the bravehearts are being awarded posthumously. They would participate in the Republic Day Parade 2018 at the Rajpath, where they would be one of the main attractions of the event. Also, as part of the Republic Day celebrations, the Government of India is organising ‘Bharat Parv’ event at the Red Fort in Delhi, starting from 26 January to 31 January 2018. The objective of the event will be to “generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and to ensure wider participation of the general public.” The event will be open to all and entry will be free. However, visitors will have to carry identity for security check. The government has designated the Ministry of Tourism as the nodal Ministry for the event. Some of the highlights of the event are Display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, performances by Armed Forces Bands, a multi-cuisine food court, craft mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country and photo exhibition by the directorate of advertising and visual publicity. The national capital has been brought under a ground-to-air security cover in view of the Republic Day celebrations and the visit of 10 ASEAN leaders for a high-profile summit here, a senior police official said. Thousands of armed personnel have been keeping a tight vigil for Republic Day in Delhi and in border areas of the city to ensure a smooth passage of the celebrations tomorrow. The entire central and New Delhi region will have nearly 50,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and the central security forces. Several security layers have been put in place and Delhi Police personnel along with paramilitary and NSG commandos have been deployed.

Republic Day parade 2018: Look out for what's new

&nbsp;

January 26 marks the&nbsp;implementation&nbsp;of a parliamentary&nbsp;form of Government&nbsp;in India. The&nbsp;constitution of India&nbsp;came into force&nbsp;on this day&nbsp;in 1950.&nbsp;

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It replaced the Colonial period&#39;s &quot;Government of India Act (1935)&quot;&nbsp;as the governing document.

Though the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, it was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on January 26, 1949.&nbsp;

The 26th day of January was chosen as the day for the implementation of the Constitution to coincide it with the day of Purna Swaraj, the declaration of Indian Independence by Congress during Colonial power in 1930.&nbsp;

The Republic Day is a three-day celebration and is concluded with a beating retreat on the third day.&nbsp;

The Beating Retreat ends with a song &quot;Abide by Me&quot;, which is said to one of the favourites of &#39;Bapu&quot;.&nbsp;

The celebration of the first Republic Day in 1950 was held at Irwin stadium in Delhi. Indonesian President&nbsp;Sukarno was the chief guest to this first celebration.&nbsp;

The celebrations of Republic Day on Rajpath began in 1955. The first chief guest of the Rajpath parade was the first governor-general of Pakistan, Malik Gulam Mohammed.

France and Britain have been invited five times for Republic Day celebration on Rajpath while the United States is invited just once.&nbsp;Pakistan has been invited twice.&nbsp;No guest was invited to the Republic Day in 1966.&nbsp;

The only two original and handwritten versions of the Constitution are preserved in the Parliament of India in helium-filled cases. One of these is written in Hindi while the other is scripted in English.&nbsp; 
 
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France and Britain have been invited five times for Republic Day celebration on Rajpath while the Unioted States is invited just once. Pakistan has been invited twice. No guest was invited to the Republic Day celebration of 1966

January 26 marks the implementation of a parliamentary form of Government in India. The constitution of India came into force on this day in 1950. × It replaced the Colonial period's "Government of India Act (1935)" as the governing document. Though the Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, it was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on January 26, 1949. The 26th day of January was chosen as the day for the implementation of the Constitution to coincide it with the day of Purna Swaraj, the declaration of Indian Independence by Congress during Colonial power in 1930. The Republic Day is a three-day celebration and is concluded with a beating retreat on the third day. The Beating Retreat ends with a song "Abide by Me", which is said to one of the favourites of 'Bapu". The celebration of the first Republic Day in 1950 was held at Irwin stadium in Delhi. Indonesian President Sukarno was the chief guest to this first celebration. The celebrations of Republic Day on Rajpath began in 1955. The first chief guest of the Rajpath parade was the first governor-general of Pakistan, Malik Gulam Mohammed. France and Britain have been invited five times for Republic Day celebration on Rajpath while the United States is invited just once. Pakistan has been invited twice. No guest was invited to the Republic Day in 1966. The only two original and handwritten versions of the Constitution are preserved in the Parliament of India in helium-filled cases. One of these is written in Hindi while the other is scripted in English.

Ten facts about the Republic Day celebrations in India

Saad al-Hariri attended independence day celebrations in Beirut on Wednesday after returning to Lebanon for the first time since resigning as prime minister in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia.

Hariri, whose sudden resignation on November 4 pitched Lebanon into crisis, flew into Beirut late on Tuesday. He stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut.

Lebanese state officials and senior politicians close to Hariri say Riyadh forced him to quit and held him in the kingdom, which Saudi Arabia and Hariri have denied.

The resignation took even Hariri`s aides by surprise.

A long-time Saudi ally, Hariri cited fear of assassination in his resignation speech, and attacked Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shi`ite ally Hezbollah for sowing strife in the Arab world.

The resignation thrust Lebanon to the forefront of a regional tussle between the Sunni monarchy of Saudi Arabia and Shi`ite Islamist Iran, which backs Hezbollah.

Hariri`s return to Lebanon followed an intervention by France. It is not yet clear if he will stick by his resignation or rescind it.

Ahead of his arrival on Tuesday, Hariri said he would declare his &quot;political position&quot; in Beirut.

Aoun has said he will not consider Hariri`s resignation until he returned to Beirut and delivered it in person. Hariri is expected to meet Aoun at the presidential palace later on Wednesday.

Hariri left Riyadh for Paris at the weekend. He journeyed back to Beirut on Tuesday, stopping in Egypt and Cyprus.

The resignation shook the power-sharing deal that brought him to office last year and resulted in Aoun, a Hezbollah political ally, becoming head of state.

Hezbollah, a heavily armed military and political movement, is part of the Lebanese government.&nbsp;

Hariri, who flew into Beirut late on Tuesday, stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut

Saad al-Hariri attended independence day celebrations in Beirut on Wednesday after returning to Lebanon for the first time since resigning as prime minister in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia. Hariri, whose sudden resignation on November 4 pitched Lebanon into crisis, flew into Beirut late on Tuesday. He stood alongside President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at a military parade in central Beirut. Lebanese state officials and senior politicians close to Hariri say Riyadh forced him to quit and held him in the kingdom, which Saudi Arabia and Hariri have denied. The resignation took even Hariri`s aides by surprise. A long-time Saudi ally, Hariri cited fear of assassination in his resignation speech, and attacked Iran and its powerful Lebanese Shi`ite ally Hezbollah for sowing strife in the Arab world. The resignation thrust Lebanon to the forefront of a regional tussle between the Sunni monarchy of Saudi Arabia and Shi`ite Islamist Iran, which backs Hezbollah. Hariri`s return to Lebanon followed an intervention by France. It is not yet clear if he will stick by his resignation or rescind it. Ahead of his arrival on Tuesday, Hariri said he would declare his "political position" in Beirut. Aoun has said he will not consider Hariri`s resignation until he returned to Beirut and delivered it in person. Hariri is expected to meet Aoun at the presidential palace later on Wednesday. Hariri left Riyadh for Paris at the weekend. He journeyed back to Beirut on Tuesday, stopping in Egypt and Cyprus. The resignation shook the power-sharing deal that brought him to office last year and resulted in Aoun, a Hezbollah political ally, becoming head of state. Hezbollah, a heavily armed military and political movement, is part of the Lebanese government.

Hariri, back in Beirut, attends national day parade

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that Gujarat, in reality, has worsened since BJP came to power 22 years ago.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at much-touted Gujarat model, Chidambaram said that state&#39;s developmental model, which is being further examined and dissected, in a sense&nbsp;disappointed many as&nbsp;Modi failed to deliver on his &#39;extravagant promises&#39; as he failed to deliver on his grandstanding with his extravagant promises ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2014: &ldquo;I will create 2 crore jobs every year&rdquo;, &ldquo;I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian&rdquo; and so on.

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1. Mr Narendra Modi, the candidate, claimed to bring development to the centre of the political debate in 2014 with his brilliant slogan &#39;achhe din aane wale hain&#39;.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094160940580864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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2. He also took to grandstanding with his extravagant promises: &ldquo;I will create 2 crore jobs every year&rdquo;, &ldquo;I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian&rdquo; and so on.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094235695710208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; is being dissected and examined.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094329153249280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader went on to compare Gujarat&#39;s development figures with other states&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, and stated state continues to lag behind even after all the &#39;boasting&#39;.&nbsp;

He acknowledged that the state has made some&nbsp;industrial progress. However, it still has a long way to go in critical areas of human development.

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4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted &lsquo;Gujarat Model&rsquo; is being dissected and examined.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094329153249280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gujarat performed above the national growth average even before 1995, he added.&nbsp;

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5. Even before 1995, Gujarat&rsquo;s growth rate was higher than the national average and Gujarat has maintained that edge. Amul, the ports, the vibrant textile industry and the chemical and petrochemical industry pre-date 1995.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094416247910400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Voicing his concern on how various sections of people have been neglected on the guise of much-touted developmental agenda of Modi, he said that the upcoming election will be of many hues like economic/social reality vs headline-grabbing announcements and poor human development Indicators vs billion dollar investment proposals.

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9. As a result of a distorted concept of development or vikas, many sections of the people have been left behind.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094684712771584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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10. The election in Gujarat promises to be a contest of many hues: Economic/Social Reality vs Headline Grabbing Announcements and Poor Human Development Indicators vs Billion Dollar Investment Proposals.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/932094915751714816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, former PM Manmohan Singh also addressed the distress among the youth of different sections of the society &quot;The winds of change are blowing in Gujarat. The agitations are an indication of the deep dissatisfaction with the performance of successive BJP governments in Gujarat. The Congress will ensure the voice of every Gujarati, regardless of caste, creed, gender or class, is&nbsp;heard.&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
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Being one of the biggest events in the United States, Thanksgiving falls on every fourth Thursday in November.

Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that Gujarat, in reality, has worsened since BJP came to power 22 years ago. Taking a jibe at much-touted Gujarat model, Chidambaram said that state's developmental model, which is being further examined and dissected, in a sense disappointed many as Modi failed to deliver on his 'extravagant promises' as he failed to deliver on his grandstanding with his extravagant promises ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2014: “I will create 2 crore jobs every year”, “I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian” and so on. 1. Mr Narendra Modi, the candidate, claimed to bring development to the centre of the political debate in 2014 with his brilliant slogan 'achhe din aane wale hain'. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 2. He also took to grandstanding with his extravagant promises: “I will create 2 crore jobs every year”, “I will bring back black money stashed abroad and put Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian” and so on. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted ‘Gujarat Model’ is being dissected and examined. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × The Congress leader went on to compare Gujarat's development figures with other states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, and stated state continues to lag behind even after all the 'boasting'. He acknowledged that the state has made some industrial progress. However, it still has a long way to go in critical areas of human development. 4. A similar sense of disappointment prevails in Gujarat which goes to election in December. The much-touted ‘Gujarat Model’ is being dissected and examined. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Gujarat performed above the national growth average even before 1995, he added. 5. Even before 1995, Gujarat’s growth rate was higher than the national average and Gujarat has maintained that edge. Amul, the ports, the vibrant textile industry and the chemical and petrochemical industry pre-date 1995. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Voicing his concern on how various sections of people have been neglected on the guise of much-touted developmental agenda of Modi, he said that the upcoming election will be of many hues like economic/social reality vs headline-grabbing announcements and poor human development Indicators vs billion dollar investment proposals. 9. As a result of a distorted concept of development or vikas, many sections of the people have been left behind. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × 10. The election in Gujarat promises to be a contest of many hues: Economic/Social Reality vs Headline Grabbing Announcements and Poor Human Development Indicators vs Billion Dollar Investment Proposals. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 19, 2017 × Earlier, former PM Manmohan Singh also addressed the distress among the youth of different sections of the society "The winds of change are blowing in Gujarat. The agitations are an indication of the deep dissatisfaction with the performance of successive BJP governments in Gujarat. The Congress will ensure the voice of every Gujarati, regardless of caste, creed, gender or class, is heard." he said.

How US celebrates Thanksgiving Day

Anniesa Hasibuan is the first Indonesian designer to showcase at the New York Fashion Week and the first one to be presenting an entire collection of hijab designs at the international platform. 
 
Her collection called D&rsquo;JAKARTA consisted of 48 looks: 38 ready-to-wear pieces and 10 evening gowns. The entire line-up has intricate details infused in the colours of rich gold, brown, peach and green shades with bespoke jewellery and shoes for the look. Anniesa received a standing ovation from the fashion world after the finale, which was a mix of contemporary designs and Indonesian flavour. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/newstyle-20160922124050.png" />
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Models showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan&#39;s collection.
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With a keen interest in fashion, Anniesa started working on it a year ago. Her work inspired by her home-country started gaining recognition from peers in the industry and the Indonesian government. Her collection is a step towards representing Muslim women in high fashion. Models walking the runway in embellished modest high fashion is a statement in itself. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/style4-20160922115034.jpg" />
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Model showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan&#39;s collection.
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She now wants to introduce Indonesia&rsquo;s name to the fashion world and make people aware of its diversity and culture.

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<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/pinknew-20160923082301.png" />

<div class="media-description">
Model showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan&#39;s collection.
</div>
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New York Fashion Week 2016, like every year, offered a unique collection to the fashion lovers around the world, decoding new fashion trends for the season. 
 
(Contributed by&nbsp;Zeba Khan)

South Asian designs getting recognition on the world's fashion map

Anniesa Hasibuan is the first Indonesian designer to showcase at the New York Fashion Week and the first one to be presenting an entire collection of hijab designs at the international platform. Her collection called D’JAKARTA consisted of 48 looks: 38 ready-to-wear pieces and 10 evening gowns. The entire line-up has intricate details infused in the colours of rich gold, brown, peach and green shades with bespoke jewellery and shoes for the look. Anniesa received a standing ovation from the fashion world after the finale, which was a mix of contemporary designs and Indonesian flavour. Models showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan's collection. With a keen interest in fashion, Anniesa started working on it a year ago. Her work inspired by her home-country started gaining recognition from peers in the industry and the Indonesian government. Her collection is a step towards representing Muslim women in high fashion. Models walking the runway in embellished modest high fashion is a statement in itself. Model showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan's collection. She now wants to introduce Indonesia’s name to the fashion world and make people aware of its diversity and culture. Model showcasing Anniesa Hasibuan's collection. New York Fashion Week 2016, like every year, offered a unique collection to the fashion lovers around the world, decoding new fashion trends for the season. (Contributed by Zeba Khan)

#BeTheChange: The woman who made hijab fashionable

Iraqi security forces paraded through Baghdad today to celebrate victories over the Islamic State jihadist group, but an unannounced rehearsal two days earlier put a damper on the festivities. 
 
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reviewed the forces from a pavilion as they passed through central Tahrir Square, and military jets and helicopters overflew the city. 
 
The parade was held to mark &quot;the liberation of Fallujah and Ramadi and all the Iraqi territory that was liberated,&quot; defence ministry spokesman Brigadier General Tahseen Ibrahim told AFP, referring to two key cities recaptured from the jihadists. 
 
But an unannounced rehearsal for the parade held on Tuesday, in which many roads were closed and military vehicles drove through the city, inspired fear rather than celebration. 
 
Some speculated on social media that it was a message to protesters planning a demonstration on Friday that Abadi has called on them to delay, while others speculated that it could be a military coup. 
 
Iraq announced the full recapture of Fallujah, a city 50 kilometres west of Baghdad that had been outside government control for more than two and a half years, at the end of June. 
 
Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, was declared to have been recaptured at the end of December, but fighting in the area continued into this year. 
 
More recently, Baghdad`s forces seized a key military base south of Mosul from IS that the Pentagon has said will serve as a &quot;springboard&quot; for the push to retake the last IS-held city in Iraq. 
 
IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and training have since regained significant ground. 
 
(AFP)

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reviewed the forces from a pavilion as they passed through central Tahrir Square

Iraqi security forces paraded through Baghdad today to celebrate victories over the Islamic State jihadist group, but an unannounced rehearsal two days earlier put a damper on the festivities. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reviewed the forces from a pavilion as they passed through central Tahrir Square, and military jets and helicopters overflew the city. The parade was held to mark "the liberation of Fallujah and Ramadi and all the Iraqi territory that was liberated," defence ministry spokesman Brigadier General Tahseen Ibrahim told AFP, referring to two key cities recaptured from the jihadists. But an unannounced rehearsal for the parade held on Tuesday, in which many roads were closed and military vehicles drove through the city, inspired fear rather than celebration. Some speculated on social media that it was a message to protesters planning a demonstration on Friday that Abadi has called on them to delay, while others speculated that it could be a military coup. Iraq announced the full recapture of Fallujah, a city 50 kilometres west of Baghdad that had been outside government control for more than two and a half years, at the end of June. Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, was declared to have been recaptured at the end of December, but fighting in the area continued into this year. More recently, Baghdad`s forces seized a key military base south of Mosul from IS that the Pentagon has said will serve as a "springboard" for the push to retake the last IS-held city in Iraq. IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and training have since regained significant ground. (AFP)

Iraq holds parade to celebrate victories over IS

An Israeli court today sentenced an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man to life in prison for stabbing participants at a Jerusalem Gay Pride parade, killing a 16-year-old girl and wounding others. 
 
The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings. He was sentenced to life plus 31 years, a court statement said. 
 
The incident triggered harsh criticism of the police when it emerged that Schlissel had been released from prison only three weeks earlier after serving a 10-year sentence for a similar attack. 
 
He had also posted a letter on the Internet speaking of the &quot;abomination&quot; of a Gay Pride parade being held in the Holy City and the need to stop it, even at the cost of one`s life. 
 
Many questioned how Schlissel, 40, when he was convicted, was allowed anywhere near the parade, which saw thousands marching through central Jerusalem. 
 
Witnesses described terrifying scenes of Schlissel, dressed in the dark suit worn by ultra-Orthodox Jews, storming the parade with a knife. 
 
(AFP)

The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings

An Israeli court today sentenced an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man to life in prison for stabbing participants at a Jerusalem Gay Pride parade, killing a 16-year-old girl and wounding others. The Jerusalem District Court convicted Yishai Schlissel in April of murder and six counts of attempted murder over the July 2015 stabbings. He was sentenced to life plus 31 years, a court statement said. The incident triggered harsh criticism of the police when it emerged that Schlissel had been released from prison only three weeks earlier after serving a 10-year sentence for a similar attack. He had also posted a letter on the Internet speaking of the "abomination" of a Gay Pride parade being held in the Holy City and the need to stop it, even at the cost of one`s life. Many questioned how Schlissel, 40, when he was convicted, was allowed anywhere near the parade, which saw thousands marching through central Jerusalem. Witnesses described terrifying scenes of Schlissel, dressed in the dark suit worn by ultra-Orthodox Jews, storming the parade with a knife. (AFP)

Jewish man who stabbed Jerusalem Gay Pride marchers sentenced to life

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