<p>A Palestinian stabbed and wounded two Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday before being shot dead, police said, despite tight security for Ramadan.</p>

<p>One of the Israelis was in a critical condition and the other suffered serious wounds, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.</p>

<p>"Police units that responded at the scene saw the attacker with a knife. The attacker was shot and killed by police units," Rosenfeld said.</p>

<p>Police identified the assailant as a 19-year-old Palestinian.</p>

<p>The Old City, where the attack took place, has been the scene of numerous stabbings of Israelis by wildcat Palestinian assailants in recent years.</p>

<p>The first Israeli was stabbed near Damascus Gate. The second was attacked near Jaffa Gate on the other side of the walled city.</p>

<p>Security has been stepped up across Jerusalem during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of believers were expected to gather at the Old City's politically contentious Al-Aqsa mosque compound later for the last Friday prayers of Ramadan.</p>

<p>The attack came just two days before Israelis hold a major march to mark Jerusalem Day, the annual commemoration of the capture of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community.</p>

<p>In December 2017, US President Donald Trump broke with decades of bipartisan policy to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital in a move that prompted the Palestinians to cut all contacts with his administration and which has sent tensions soaring.</p>

<p>Israel insists the whole of Jerusalem is its "eternal, indivisible capital". The Palestinians demand the city's eastern sector as the capital of their long-promised state.</p>

<p><strong>Trump's gift&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On Thursday evening, Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-moves-to-grant-netanyahu-immunity-limit-supreme-court-221711">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>in Jerusalem as part of a Middle East tour before Washington unveils its long-awaited plan for Israel-Palestinian peace.</p>

<p>Kushner, accompanied by Trump envoy Jason Greenblatt, arrived in Jerusalem after earlier stops in Morocco and Jordan.</p>

<p>He is a key architect of the peace plan that the White House says it intends to present in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>But the plan, previously delayed for an Israeli general election on April 9, could face further postponements due to Israeli politics.</p>

<p>Israel is set to hold another general election in September after Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government, and the plan is widely seen as too sensitive an issue to introduce during a political campaign.</p>

<p>The Palestinian leadership has rejected the peace plan without seeing it, saying Trump has shown himself to be blatantly biased in favour of Israel.</p>

<p>They cite moves including declaring the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital and cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid.</p>

<p>Trump has also handed Netanyahu other diplomatic coups, notably US recognition of Israel's 1981 annexation of the strategic Golan &nbsp;Heights captured from Syria in the Six-Day War.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Kushner delivered Netanyahu a gift from Trump, a map of Israel signed and approvingly annotated by the US president showing the Golan as inside the Jewish state's borders.</p>


A Palestinian stabbed and wounded two Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday before being shot dead, police said, despite tight security for Ramadan. One of the Israelis was in a critical condition and the other suffered serious wounds, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

A Palestinian stabbed and wounded two Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday before being shot dead, police said, despite tight security for Ramadan. One of the Israelis was in a critical condition and the other suffered serious wounds, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. "Police units that responded at the scene saw the attacker with a knife. The attacker was shot and killed by police units," Rosenfeld said. Police identified the assailant as a 19-year-old Palestinian. The Old City, where the attack took place, has been the scene of numerous stabbings of Israelis by wildcat Palestinian assailants in recent years. The first Israeli was stabbed near Damascus Gate. The second was attacked near Jaffa Gate on the other side of the walled city. Security has been stepped up across Jerusalem during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. Tens of thousands of believers were expected to gather at the Old City's politically contentious Al-Aqsa mosque compound later for the last Friday prayers of Ramadan. The attack came just two days before Israelis hold a major march to mark Jerusalem Day, the annual commemoration of the capture of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. It was later annexed in a move not recognised by the international community. In December 2017, US President Donald Trump broke with decades of bipartisan policy to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital in a move that prompted the Palestinians to cut all contacts with his administration and which has sent tensions soaring. Israel insists the whole of Jerusalem is its "eternal, indivisible capital". The Palestinians demand the city's eastern sector as the capital of their long-promised state. Trump's gift On Thursday evening, Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as part of a Middle East tour before Washington unveils its long-awaited plan for Israel-Palestinian peace. Kushner, accompanied by Trump envoy Jason Greenblatt, arrived in Jerusalem after earlier stops in Morocco and Jordan. He is a key architect of the peace plan that the White House says it intends to present in the coming weeks. But the plan, previously delayed for an Israeli general election on April 9, could face further postponements due to Israeli politics. Israel is set to hold another general election in September after Netanyahu failed to form a coalition government, and the plan is widely seen as too sensitive an issue to introduce during a political campaign. The Palestinian leadership has rejected the peace plan without seeing it, saying Trump has shown himself to be blatantly biased in favour of Israel. They cite moves including declaring the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital and cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in Palestinian aid. Trump has also handed Netanyahu other diplomatic coups, notably US recognition of Israel's 1981 annexation of the strategic Golan Heights captured from Syria in the Six-Day War. On Thursday, Kushner delivered Netanyahu a gift from Trump, a map of Israel signed and approvingly annotated by the US president showing the Golan as inside the Jewish state's borders.

Two Israelis wounded in Jerusalem stabbings, attacker killed: Police

<p>Less than 10 months after coming to power in Pakistan with visions of creating a welfare system to lift millions out of poverty, the economic crisis has forced Prime Minister Imran Khan into the hard realities of an IMF bail-out.</p>

<p>In the days since last week's agreement in principle with the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/prevent-imf-bailout-to-pakistan-to-repay-chinese-debt-208726">International Monetary Fund for a $6 billion loan</a>, the rupee currency dropped 5 per cent against the dollar, and it has now lost a third of its value in the past year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-currency-reaches-all-time-low-against-us-dollar-219221">Financial crises</a> have shaken the world's sixth-largest nation repeatedly over the years, threatening the stability of a nuclear-armed state plagued by Islamist militancy, and while the IMF programme may help stabilise the economy, it will bring more hardship.</p>

<p>"It is coming with a lot of pain," Ashfaque Hasan Khan, an academic and a member of Khan's economic advisory council, commented on the likely impact.</p>

<p>Under the IMF's terms, the government is expected to let the rupee fall to help correct an unsustainable current account deficit and cut its debt while trying to expand the tax base in a country where only 1% of people file returns.</p>

<p>Just how committed the government is to make changes could become clearer on Saturday when newly appointed Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh is due to unveil his plan for the economy.</p>

<p>Shaikh has to present a 2019/20 budget next month, having been told by the IMF that the primary budget deficit - excluding interest payments - should be cut to 0.6 per cent of GDP, implying a $5 billion reduction from the current projection for a deficit of 2.2 per cent.</p>

<p>The crisis has taken a toll on policymakers. Khan has also replaced the central bank governor, and this week the finance secretary and the head of Board of Investment left their posts.</p>

<p>Foreign currency reserves stand at around $8 billion, not enough to cover three months of imports, making Pakistan desperate for the IMF board to give its blessing for the release of the first tranche of the loan.</p>

<p>Warning of growing inflationary pressures that are already squeezing household budgets hard, the central bank has hiked its key interest rate by 150 basis points to 12.25 per cent even though the economy is slowing and millions of people are struggling to find work.</p>

<p>Khan's government had tried to avoid going to the IMF. Instead, it sought billions of dollars in loans from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan's "all-weather friend" China.</p>

<p>But that money has not been enough, and analysts say the government will suffer for not reaching an agreement with the IMF more quickly.</p>

<p>"The cost of going into this program is far higher than if we had done it much earlier," said Mohammed Sohail, head of Topline Securities in Karachi. "It shattered confidence."</p>

<p>Foreign direct investment halved during the first 10 months of a fiscal year that began in July.</p>

<p>The $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, launched in 2015, had promised a new beginning, with infrastructure projects that could become a new foundation for growth, but it also required heavy imports of capital equipment, widening the trade deficit.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>Fragile democracy</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once the IMF loan is finalised it should open the way for other funding agreements with other lenders.</p>

<p>While that will bring some relief, Yousuf Nazar, former head of emerging market equity investments at Citigroup and author of a book on Pakistan's economy, saw dangers ahead.</p>

<p>"The fallout could be a widespread social and political backlash that could cut short Imran Khan's tenure in the office," he said.</p>

<p>Opposition parties have threatened protests once the Muslim holy month of Ramadan ends in early June.</p>

<p>At least, unlike some other civilian leaders in Pakistan's fragile democracy, Khan appears to have good relations with the country's powerful generals.</p>

<p>But he's working with a budget where more than half of spending currently goes on the military and debt servicing costs.</p>

<p>Problems are deep-rooted. The tax system is weak, carried by customs and sales tax and a tiny minority of salaried employees and companies. In a population of 208 million, only 1.8 million file income tax returns.</p>

<p>Key industries with powerful lobbies including agriculture as well as an informal sector, estimated at anywhere between a third and 90% of the overall economy, are untouched and tax evasion is rampant.</p>

<p>Having widened to its highest in 11 years, the fiscal deficit is forecast by the IMF at more than 7% of GDP, and while data released this week showed the current account narrowing, the IMF has forecast it at 5.2% of GDP.</p>

<p>"The imbalances are out of hand and to fix those you have to take difficult actions," said former finance secretary Waqar Khan, who helped negotiate Pakistan's last IMF bailout in 2013-16.</p>


Less than 10 months after coming to power in Pakistan with visions of creating a welfare system to lift millions out of poverty, the economic crisis has forced Prime Minister Imran Khan into the hard realities of an IMF bail-out.

Less than 10 months after coming to power in Pakistan with visions of creating a welfare system to lift millions out of poverty, the economic crisis has forced Prime Minister Imran Khan into the hard realities of an IMF bail-out. In the days since last week's agreement in principle with the International Monetary Fund for a $6 billion loan, the rupee currency dropped 5 per cent against the dollar, and it has now lost a third of its value in the past year. Financial crises have shaken the world's sixth-largest nation repeatedly over the years, threatening the stability of a nuclear-armed state plagued by Islamist militancy, and while the IMF programme may help stabilise the economy, it will bring more hardship. "It is coming with a lot of pain," Ashfaque Hasan Khan, an academic and a member of Khan's economic advisory council, commented on the likely impact. Under the IMF's terms, the government is expected to let the rupee fall to help correct an unsustainable current account deficit and cut its debt while trying to expand the tax base in a country where only 1% of people file returns. Just how committed the government is to make changes could become clearer on Saturday when newly appointed Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh is due to unveil his plan for the economy. Shaikh has to present a 2019/20 budget next month, having been told by the IMF that the primary budget deficit - excluding interest payments - should be cut to 0.6 per cent of GDP, implying a $5 billion reduction from the current projection for a deficit of 2.2 per cent. The crisis has taken a toll on policymakers. Khan has also replaced the central bank governor, and this week the finance secretary and the head of Board of Investment left their posts. Foreign currency reserves stand at around $8 billion, not enough to cover three months of imports, making Pakistan desperate for the IMF board to give its blessing for the release of the first tranche of the loan. Warning of growing inflationary pressures that are already squeezing household budgets hard, the central bank has hiked its key interest rate by 150 basis points to 12.25 per cent even though the economy is slowing and millions of people are struggling to find work. Khan's government had tried to avoid going to the IMF. Instead, it sought billions of dollars in loans from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan's "all-weather friend" China. But that money has not been enough, and analysts say the government will suffer for not reaching an agreement with the IMF more quickly. "The cost of going into this program is far higher than if we had done it much earlier," said Mohammed Sohail, head of Topline Securities in Karachi. "It shattered confidence." Foreign direct investment halved during the first 10 months of a fiscal year that began in July. The $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, launched in 2015, had promised a new beginning, with infrastructure projects that could become a new foundation for growth, but it also required heavy imports of capital equipment, widening the trade deficit. Fragile democracy Once the IMF loan is finalised it should open the way for other funding agreements with other lenders. While that will bring some relief, Yousuf Nazar, former head of emerging market equity investments at Citigroup and author of a book on Pakistan's economy, saw dangers ahead. "The fallout could be a widespread social and political backlash that could cut short Imran Khan's tenure in the office," he said. Opposition parties have threatened protests once the Muslim holy month of Ramadan ends in early June. At least, unlike some other civilian leaders in Pakistan's fragile democracy, Khan appears to have good relations with the country's powerful generals. But he's working with a budget where more than half of spending currently goes on the military and debt servicing costs. Problems are deep-rooted. The tax system is weak, carried by customs and sales tax and a tiny minority of salaried employees and companies. In a population of 208 million, only 1.8 million file income tax returns. Key industries with powerful lobbies including agriculture as well as an informal sector, estimated at anywhere between a third and 90% of the overall economy, are untouched and tax evasion is rampant. Having widened to its highest in 11 years, the fiscal deficit is forecast by the IMF at more than 7% of GDP, and while data released this week showed the current account narrowing, the IMF has forecast it at 5.2% of GDP. "The imbalances are out of hand and to fix those you have to take difficult actions," said former finance secretary Waqar Khan, who helped negotiate Pakistan's last IMF bailout in 2013-16.

Reality bites after IMF tells Pakistan to leave rupee to market forces

<p>Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying".</p>

<p>Thirty-two enforcement officers from a local council in the Muslim-majority country are going undercover at food outlets as part of the scheme, the New Straits Times newspaper reported.</p>

<p>Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk during Islam's holiest month, unless there are special circumstances such as illness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Muslims in multi-ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-detains-three-accused-of-planning-attacks-links-to-is-219185">Malaysia </a>have traditionally followed a tolerant form of Islam, critics say conservative attitudes have been gaining ground in recent years.</p>

<p>The team in Segamat district, in southern Johor state, will be monitoring 185 outlets, with two of the officers selected as they are good at making popular dishes such as spicy fried noodles.</p>

<p>"We have specially selected enforcement officers who are dark skinned for the undercover job," Mohamad Masni Wakiman, president of the Segamat Municipal Council, was cited as saying by the paper.</p>

<p>"They sound convincing when they speak in Indonesian and Pakistani lingo, so that customers will believe they are really hired to cook and serve meals, and take menu orders."</p>

<p>Many staff at food outlets in Malaysia are migrant workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Muslims are seen ordering food during the daytime, the officers will secretly take pictures of them and contact the local religious affairs department for further action, Masni said.</p>

<p>Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Muslims subject to Islamic laws in certain areas. In Johor, Muslims who skip fasting can be punished with up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit ($240), or both.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sisters in Islam, a group promoting the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia, said that the plan was "shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of fellow Muslims and people from other faiths.</p>

<p>"We strongly demand that all parties cease this disgraceful act of spying."</p>

<p>Over 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who do not typically follow Islam.</p>


Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying".

Malaysian officials are disguising themselves as cooks and waiters to catch Muslims who don't fast during Ramadan, with a rights group Thursday blasting the "disgraceful act of spying". Thirty-two enforcement officers from a local council in the Muslim-majority country are going undercover at food outlets as part of the scheme, the New Straits Times newspaper reported. Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk during Islam's holiest month, unless there are special circumstances such as illness. While Muslims in multi-ethnic Malaysia have traditionally followed a tolerant form of Islam, critics say conservative attitudes have been gaining ground in recent years. The team in Segamat district, in southern Johor state, will be monitoring 185 outlets, with two of the officers selected as they are good at making popular dishes such as spicy fried noodles. "We have specially selected enforcement officers who are dark skinned for the undercover job," Mohamad Masni Wakiman, president of the Segamat Municipal Council, was cited as saying by the paper. "They sound convincing when they speak in Indonesian and Pakistani lingo, so that customers will believe they are really hired to cook and serve meals, and take menu orders." Many staff at food outlets in Malaysia are migrant workers. If Muslims are seen ordering food during the daytime, the officers will secretly take pictures of them and contact the local religious affairs department for further action, Masni said. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Muslims subject to Islamic laws in certain areas. In Johor, Muslims who skip fasting can be punished with up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit ($240), or both. Sisters in Islam, a group promoting the rights of Muslim women in Malaysia, said that the plan was "shameful and gives the wrong impression of Islam in the eyes of fellow Muslims and people from other faiths. "We strongly demand that all parties cease this disgraceful act of spying." Over 60 percent of Malaysia's 32 million inhabitants are ethnic Malay Muslims and the country is also home to substantial ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who do not typically follow Islam.

Malaysian officials go undercover to spy on fasting Muslims

<p>Iran's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-calls-for-unity-to-face-unprecedented-us-pressure-217908/amp">Hassan Rouhani</a> has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics.</p>

<p>"God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.Ir said.</p>

<p>He was speaking after four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, were reportedly attacked off the UAE coast on Sunday, in a sign of mounting regional tensions. Iran has called for an investigation into what it called an "alarming" incident.</p>

<p>Iran and the United States have engaged in a war of words in recent weeks since Tehran began to roll back commitments set out in a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ship-seizure-by-us-violates-spirit-of-trump-kim-summit-218542">US President Donald Trump </a>withdraw the United States from the deal last year and has unilaterally reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. Last month, Washington designated Iran's revolutionary guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation", the first time that part of a foreign government has been branded as such.</p>

<p>The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group plus an amphibious assault ship, a Patriot missile battery and B-52 bombers by the US to the region has triggered fears of possible military clashes.</p>


Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics. "God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said that the Islamic Republic is "too great to be intimidated by anyone" in a late night meeting with clerics. "God willing we will pass this difficult period with glory and our heads held high, and defeat the enemy," Rouhani said late Monday as he met Sunni clerics to mark the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, the official government website dolat.Ir said. He was speaking after four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, were reportedly attacked off the UAE coast on Sunday, in a sign of mounting regional tensions. Iran has called for an investigation into what it called an "alarming" incident. Iran and the United States have engaged in a war of words in recent weeks since Tehran began to roll back commitments set out in a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. US President Donald Trump withdraw the United States from the deal last year and has unilaterally reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. Last month, Washington designated Iran's revolutionary guards as a "foreign terrorist organisation", the first time that part of a foreign government has been branded as such. The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group plus an amphibious assault ship, a Patriot missile battery and B-52 bombers by the US to the region has triggered fears of possible military clashes.

Iran too great to be intimidated by anyone: Rouhani

Sudanese protesters vowed on Friday (May 10) to remain stedfast in their sit-in throughout the holy fasting month of Ramadan, with the help of volunteers who have been preparing the iftar meal for the demonstrators.

Sudanese protesters vow to persevere through Ramadan

The many shades of Ramadan observances and festivities

<p>Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-in-farah-kill-20-army-personnel-216445">Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire</a> offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.</p>

<p>He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace'&nbsp;comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation.</p>

<p>"I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying.</p>

<p>"I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added.</p>

<p>Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad.</p>

<p>The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month.</p>

<p>In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process.</p>

<p>"All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted.</p>

<p>Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms.</p>

<p>"Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying.</p>

<p>Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.&nbsp;</p>


Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged the Taliban to accept the demand of a Ramadan ceasefire offered by the government in an effort to fast track the peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. He said that the ceasefire was on behalf of the grand council, the 'Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace' comprising over 3,200 delegates, adding that Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation. "I once again call on the Taliban to respect this holy month and address the demand of Afghans for peace and reconciliation which was reflected at the Grand Consultative Jirga for Peace," Ghani was quoted by TOLOnews as saying. "I want to assure the people that the resolution of the peace Jirga will make a big part of the peace policy of the government," he added. Last week, the Taliban rejected a similar ceasefire agreement proposed by Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. The militant group said they will not stop "jihad" as it will have more "benefits" during the Ramadan month. In response, Khalilzad had lashed out at the Taliban for rejecting his call for laying down their arms and stopping the violence as a part of efforts to move forward the ongoing peace process. "All sides laying down arms is the outcome of any peace process. All sides agreeing to reduce violence is a necessary step toward achieving that outcome and the morally responsible choice to make. We stand ready," he had tweeted. Khalilzad`s remarks came after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Khalilzad should "forget about the idea of putting down our arms. "Instead of such fantasies, he should ponder upon how to "end the use of force and incurring further human and financial losses for the Kabul administration," TOLOnews had quoted Mujahid as saying. Last year, the Taliban had announced a surprise three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government for the duration of Eid al-Fitr, the religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Afghan President Ghani urges Taliban to accept Ramadan ceasefire offer

The start of the fasting month of Ramadan, the holiest in the Muslim calendar, began on Monday evening in India and will end on June 4.

India celebrates Ramzan

A charity on Tuesday provided Iftar meals to families in the capital of Yemen who are observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

Charity provides Ramadan meals for Yemen families

<p>Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The foes have spent much of the past week in the sixth round of talks in Doha aimed at ending America's longest war, but the Taliban say negotiations have become bogged down.</p>

<p>In a tweet, Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the talks were pausing for the first day of the holy month of Ramadan -- when Muslims fast during the day -- but would be resumed Tuesday.</p>

<p>Sultan Barakat, the director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha, also said the talks would resume Tuesday, and that they had made "good progress".</p>

<p>But Shaheen told AFP late Sunday negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Before the US agrees to any withdrawal, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives.</p>

<p>The insurgents insist they won't do any of these things until the US announces a withdrawal timeline.</p>

<p>At the end of a large peace summit in Kabul last week, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire to begin on the first day of Ramadan, but the insurgents refused.</p>

<p>Ghani on Monday reiterated his call for the Taliban to respect demands from last week's "loya jirga" summit that saw thousands of tribal elders and Afghans meet in Kabul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation," Ghani said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I once again call on the Taliban to pay respect to this month and the demands of the people for peace and reconciliation reflected (in the Loya Jirga)."</p>

<p>On Sunday, at least 13 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan.</p>


Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan.

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban were suspended for the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, with the two sides at apparent loggerheads over the key issue of when foreign forces might leave Afghanistan. The foes have spent much of the past week in the sixth round of talks in Doha aimed at ending America's longest war, but the Taliban say negotiations have become bogged down. In a tweet, Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the talks were pausing for the first day of the holy month of Ramadan -- when Muslims fast during the day -- but would be resumed Tuesday. Sultan Barakat, the director of the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies in Doha, also said the talks would resume Tuesday, and that they had made "good progress". But Shaheen told AFP late Sunday negotiations were stumbling over the fundamental question of when foreign forces would depart Afghanistan. Before the US agrees to any withdrawal, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments including an "intra-Afghan" dialogue with the Kabul government and other Afghan representatives. The insurgents insist they won't do any of these things until the US announces a withdrawal timeline. At the end of a large peace summit in Kabul last week, President Ashraf Ghani offered the Taliban a ceasefire to begin on the first day of Ramadan, but the insurgents refused. Ghani on Monday reiterated his call for the Taliban to respect demands from last week's "loya jirga" summit that saw thousands of tribal elders and Afghans meet in Kabul. "Ramadan is a month of peace and reconciliation," Ghani said. "I once again call on the Taliban to pay respect to this month and the demands of the people for peace and reconciliation reflected (in the Loya Jirga)." On Sunday, at least 13 people were killed and dozens more wounded after a Taliban suicide bomber and several gunmen attacked a police headquarters in northern Afghanistan.

US-Taliban peace talks paused for first day of Ramazan

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 5th, 2019

<p>Pakistan's interior ministry has asked the provincial governments to ensure that the ban on outlawed groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, from collecting donations was strictly enforced during the month of Ramazan, a media report said Sunday.</p>

<p>The ministry issued instructions to the provinces on Saturday to keep banned and under-observation organisations under strict surveillance, the Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p>The provincial governments have started monitoring these outfits, it said.</p>

<p>Citing sources, the paper said that the ministry directed the provincial governments to ensure that the ban on outlawed outfits from collecting Zakat, alms or donations was strictly enforced during the month of Ramazan.</p>

<p>The provincial governments have been instructed to inform the public that under the Anti-terrorism Act 1997 and UN Security Council Act 1948, banned organisations could not be provided with any support or financial assistance as it was a crime punishable by imprisonment between five and 10 years and fine, the paper said.</p>

<p>According to reports, people in Pakistan donate up to $4.5 billion annually, mostly in the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, to help the poor and needy in the name of charity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government often claims that it is cracking down on banned groups, but many continue to raise money and collect Zakat or donations.</p>

<p>Last year, the authorities announced a programme to prevent banned militant groups from getting hands on billions of rupees in public donations and charities.</p>

<p>The dozens of banned groups include Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation and Pak-Turk international CAJ Education Foundation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ministry, the government has taken 589 madrassas, schools, dispensaries, hospitals and ambulances belonging to banned groups into its custody.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's interior ministry has asked the provincial governments to ensure that the ban on outlawed groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, from collecting donations was strictly enforced during the month of Ramazan, a media report said Sunday.

Pakistan's interior ministry has asked the provincial governments to ensure that the ban on outlawed groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, LeT and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, from collecting donations was strictly enforced during the month of Ramazan, a media report said Sunday. The ministry issued instructions to the provinces on Saturday to keep banned and under-observation organisations under strict surveillance, the Express Tribune reported. The provincial governments have started monitoring these outfits, it said. Citing sources, the paper said that the ministry directed the provincial governments to ensure that the ban on outlawed outfits from collecting Zakat, alms or donations was strictly enforced during the month of Ramazan. The provincial governments have been instructed to inform the public that under the Anti-terrorism Act 1997 and UN Security Council Act 1948, banned organisations could not be provided with any support or financial assistance as it was a crime punishable by imprisonment between five and 10 years and fine, the paper said. According to reports, people in Pakistan donate up to $4.5 billion annually, mostly in the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, to help the poor and needy in the name of charity. The government often claims that it is cracking down on banned groups, but many continue to raise money and collect Zakat or donations. Last year, the authorities announced a programme to prevent banned militant groups from getting hands on billions of rupees in public donations and charities. The dozens of banned groups include Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, ISIS, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation and Pak-Turk international CAJ Education Foundation. According to the ministry, the government has taken 589 madrassas, schools, dispensaries, hospitals and ambulances belonging to banned groups into its custody.

Keep banned groups in check during Ramazan: Pakistan interior ministry to provinces

<p>Every issue tends to get a political flavour as the election season comes near in any country. As the general elections in India approach, much is being spoken about the timing, the said clash between the voting dates and the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan.</p>

<p>Speaking up on the issue, veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Tuesday said that he finds the discussion around the issue “totally disgusting”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter he wrote: "I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting. This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive, revolting and intolerable. EC (Election Commission) should not consider it for a second."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting . This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive , revolting and intolerable . EC shouldn’t consider it for a second .</p>
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/1105174534909452294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The said controversy erupted after some people reportedly pointed out that the ensuing general elections are kept to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan so as to dissuade Muslims from voting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The voting dates were announced on Sunday by the Election Commission. The dates for the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the month of Ramadan this year is likely to start around May 5. It is a holy month for Muslims who fast during the day and eat after the sun sets.&nbsp;</p>


Every issue tends to get a political flavour as the election season comes near in any country. As the general elections in India approach, much is being spoken about the timing, the said clash between the voting dates and the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan.

Every issue tends to get a political flavour as the election season comes near in any country. As the general elections in India approach, much is being spoken about the timing, the said clash between the voting dates and the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan. Speaking up on the issue, veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Tuesday said that he finds the discussion around the issue “totally disgusting”. Taking to Twitter he wrote: "I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting. This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive, revolting and intolerable. EC (Election Commission) should not consider it for a second." I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting . This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive , revolting and intolerable . EC shouldn’t consider it for a second . — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 11, 2019 × The said controversy erupted after some people reportedly pointed out that the ensuing general elections are kept to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan so as to dissuade Muslims from voting. The voting dates were announced on Sunday by the Election Commission. The dates for the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting of votes will be held on May 23. Meanwhile, the month of Ramadan this year is likely to start around May 5. It is a holy month for Muslims who fast during the day and eat after the sun sets.

Javed Akhtar on elections during Ramadan debate: This is repulsive, revolting and intolerable

<p>Protests over a proposed tax hike might have shone the spotlight on economic hardships in Jordan, but the poorest in the kingdom's capital remain voiceless as they struggle to survive. &nbsp</p>

<p>Gaunt men sit on the ground of a rubbish-strewn alley in Amman's Nazzal neighbourhood, absent the traditional lights and cheerful decorations that usually come with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.</p>

<p>One the capital's poorest areas, the breaking of the daily fast in Nazzal is far from festive.</p>

<p>On the top floor of a dilapidated building, Yusra Moheiddine stands timidly at the door of her apartment, her daughter clinging to the hem of her black niqab robe.</p>

<p>"I'm ashamed," the mother mutters, of the impoverished conditions in which her family lives.&nbsp</p>

<p>Mass protests against rising costs and the proposed new tax law have rocked Jordan in recent days as the cash-strapped government pushes austerity measures to slash the country's debt in the face of an economic crisis.</p>

<p>The authorities shelved the tax proposals in the face of public ire -- but for Moheiddine the victory for the demonstrators means little.</p>

<p>Her family of three survives on the five dollars (six euros) a day her sick husband makes collecting cans.&nbsp</p>

<p>For them, their struggle has long been one of day-to-day survival.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Sewage and insects</strong></p>

<p>Since getting married, 38-year-old of Palestinian origin has lived in seven different apartments -- driven out each time by landlords tired of being shorted on the rent.&nbsp</p>

<p>Holding her daughter in her arms, Moheiddine insists that the young girl "wants to be a school teacher when she grows up".&nbsp</p>

<p>But the hurdles she'll have to overcome to do so may prove too much.&nbsp</p>

<p>As the summer sun dips below the horizon in the city of seven hills, millions of people gather over sumptious meals to break their daily fasts.</p>

<p>In Nazzal, this hard-up family break the fast with a yellowish porridge, garnished with a few pieces of cucumber.&nbsp</p>

<p>Down the road, 37-year-old Rania lives with her husband and three children in a small house where "only sewage and insects dare go".</p>

<p>"In the winter, when it rains, we are drowned in sewage," she says, not giving her surname. &nbsp</p>

<p>They've dug a hole in the corner of the yard to serve as a septic tank.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I have to empty it every week, otherwise it's a disaster," said Rania.&nbsp</p>

<p>In the house's only bedroom, torn foam mattresses are arranged side-by-side and the walls are splotched with mould stains.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Where would I go?</strong></p>

<p>"Everyone tells me to leave, but where would I go?" she asks.&nbsp</p>

<p>Her husband makes a pittance selling corn on the cob and the family can't afford to live elsewhere.</p>

<p>On the neighbourhood's main streets, a bit more lively than the surrounding alleyways, shops reopen after dark -- as is customary during Ramadan.&nbsp</p>

<p>Children line up to buy neon-yellow sugary drinks, girls stroll arm-in-arm, and groups of elderly men sit on plastic chairs earnestly discussing the world's problems.</p>

<p>Jihad, a fruit and vegetable seller in his 50s, is fatalistic.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Our turnover has dropped by more than 50% compared to last year, but I get it... who wants to buy a melon or a watermelon when he can't even buy bread?"</p>

<p>He doesn't believe the recent demonstrations will make much of a difference.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Nothing will change. The only one who can save us is God," he said.&nbsp</p>

<p>On the adjacent sidewalk, Abboud Agraba, dressed in a long beige robe, bursts into laughter.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Don't believe a word they're telling you. We're happy here, we're not in need of anything. Rising prices? Taxes? Never heard of them," he said sarcastically, before his grin quickly faded.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I have a degree in engineering, but I've been unemployed for years," he said.&nbsp</p>


Protests over a proposed tax hike might have shone the spotlight on economic hardships in Jordan, but the poorest in the kingdom's capital remain voiceless as they struggle to survive

Protests over a proposed tax hike might have shone the spotlight on economic hardships in Jordan, but the poorest in the kingdom's capital remain voiceless as they struggle to survive. Gaunt men sit on the ground of a rubbish-strewn alley in Amman's Nazzal neighbourhood, absent the traditional lights and cheerful decorations that usually come with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. One the capital's poorest areas, the breaking of the daily fast in Nazzal is far from festive. On the top floor of a dilapidated building, Yusra Moheiddine stands timidly at the door of her apartment, her daughter clinging to the hem of her black niqab robe. "I'm ashamed," the mother mutters, of the impoverished conditions in which her family lives. Mass protests against rising costs and the proposed new tax law have rocked Jordan in recent days as the cash-strapped government pushes austerity measures to slash the country's debt in the face of an economic crisis. The authorities shelved the tax proposals in the face of public ire -- but for Moheiddine the victory for the demonstrators means little. Her family of three survives on the five dollars (six euros) a day her sick husband makes collecting cans. For them, their struggle has long been one of day-to-day survival. Sewage and insects Since getting married, 38-year-old of Palestinian origin has lived in seven different apartments -- driven out each time by landlords tired of being shorted on the rent. Holding her daughter in her arms, Moheiddine insists that the young girl "wants to be a school teacher when she grows up". But the hurdles she'll have to overcome to do so may prove too much. As the summer sun dips below the horizon in the city of seven hills, millions of people gather over sumptious meals to break their daily fasts. In Nazzal, this hard-up family break the fast with a yellowish porridge, garnished with a few pieces of cucumber. Down the road, 37-year-old Rania lives with her husband and three children in a small house where "only sewage and insects dare go". "In the winter, when it rains, we are drowned in sewage," she says, not giving her surname. They've dug a hole in the corner of the yard to serve as a septic tank. "I have to empty it every week, otherwise it's a disaster," said Rania. In the house's only bedroom, torn foam mattresses are arranged side-by-side and the walls are splotched with mould stains. Where would I go? "Everyone tells me to leave, but where would I go?" she asks. Her husband makes a pittance selling corn on the cob and the family can't afford to live elsewhere. On the neighbourhood's main streets, a bit more lively than the surrounding alleyways, shops reopen after dark -- as is customary during Ramadan. Children line up to buy neon-yellow sugary drinks, girls stroll arm-in-arm, and groups of elderly men sit on plastic chairs earnestly discussing the world's problems. Jihad, a fruit and vegetable seller in his 50s, is fatalistic. "Our turnover has dropped by more than 50% compared to last year, but I get it... who wants to buy a melon or a watermelon when he can't even buy bread?" He doesn't believe the recent demonstrations will make much of a difference. "Nothing will change. The only one who can save us is God," he said. On the adjacent sidewalk, Abboud Agraba, dressed in a long beige robe, bursts into laughter. "Don't believe a word they're telling you. We're happy here, we're not in need of anything. Rising prices? Taxes? Never heard of them," he said sarcastically, before his grin quickly faded. "I have a degree in engineering, but I've been unemployed for years," he said.

After protests, Jordan's poor have little hope of change

<p>The ceasefire will last "from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr," President Ashraf Ghani tweeted from an official account, indicating it could run from June 12-19.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear if the Taliban had agreed to the ceasefire, which would be the first for Eid since the US invasion in 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are checking with our officials regarding the ceasefire announcement," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP.</p>

<p>The surprise move comes days after a gathering of Afghanistan's top clerics in the capital Kabul called for a ceasefire and issued a fatwa against suicide bombings and attacks.</p>

<p>An hour after the fatwa was issued, a suicide bomber detonated outside the gathering, killing seven people.</p>

<p>Ghani said his government supported the clerics' call.</p>

<p>"The government of Afghanistan not only supports the unanimous fatwa announcement by the ulemas (scholars) but also backs the recommended ceasefire," he said in a statement released by his office.</p>

<p>"(At) the same time, the Afghan government directs all the security and defence forces of the country... to stop all the attacks on the Taliban, but the operation will continue against Daesh (Islamic State), Al-Qaeda and other international terrorist networks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party. At the time he also called for a ceasefire.</p>

<p>The insurgents did not officially respond but announced the launch of their annual spring offensive in an apparent rejection of the plan, one of the most comprehensive ever offered by the Afghan government.</p>

<p>Last month, the Pentagon said that senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire.</p>

<p>"A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon.</p>

<p>He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials.</p>

<p>A ceasefire would bring welcome relief to civilians in the war-torn country, nearly 17 years after the Taliban regime was toppled.</p>

<p>In recent years the resurgent militant group, along with the Islamic State group, have stepped up their attacks on Kabul in particular, making it the deadliest place in the country for civilians.</p>

<p>Fearful residents have limited their movements and Eid celebrations in the capital are set to be muted, unlike in other parts of the Muslim world.&nbsp;</p>


The 27th day of Ramadan is set for Monday, June 11 while the fifth day of Eid should fall on June 15

The ceasefire will last "from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr," President Ashraf Ghani tweeted from an official account, indicating it could run from June 12-19. It was not immediately clear if the Taliban had agreed to the ceasefire, which would be the first for Eid since the US invasion in 2001. "We are checking with our officials regarding the ceasefire announcement," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. The surprise move comes days after a gathering of Afghanistan's top clerics in the capital Kabul called for a ceasefire and issued a fatwa against suicide bombings and attacks. An hour after the fatwa was issued, a suicide bomber detonated outside the gathering, killing seven people. Ghani said his government supported the clerics' call. "The government of Afghanistan not only supports the unanimous fatwa announcement by the ulemas (scholars) but also backs the recommended ceasefire," he said in a statement released by his office. "(At) the same time, the Afghan government directs all the security and defence forces of the country... to stop all the attacks on the Taliban, but the operation will continue against Daesh (Islamic State), Al-Qaeda and other international terrorist networks." In February Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party. At the time he also called for a ceasefire. The insurgents did not officially respond but announced the launch of their annual spring offensive in an apparent rejection of the plan, one of the most comprehensive ever offered by the Afghan government. Last month, the Pentagon said that senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire. "A lot of the diplomatic activity and dialogue is occurring off the stage, and it's occurring at multiple levels," General John Nicholson said in a teleconference with reporters at the Pentagon. He would not identify the figures involved in the negotiations, except to say that they included mid- and senior-level Taliban officials. A ceasefire would bring welcome relief to civilians in the war-torn country, nearly 17 years after the Taliban regime was toppled. In recent years the resurgent militant group, along with the Islamic State group, have stepped up their attacks on Kabul in particular, making it the deadliest place in the country for civilians. Fearful residents have limited their movements and Eid celebrations in the capital are set to be muted, unlike in other parts of the Muslim world.

Afghanistan President Ghani announces ceasefire with Taliban for Eid

<p>Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain and Coach Waqar Younis has apologised to fans for cutting a cake on Wasim Akram`s birthday during the month of Ramzan.</p>

<p>"Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai’s birthday yesterday..We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ??. It was a poor act on our behalf <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SORRY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SORRY</a></p>
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1003558416009318400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While Pakistan’s misery continued onfield the press box celebrated <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wasimakramlive</a> birthday! Lots of ? A very happy birthday to a living legend..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPak?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPak</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7Vr3rDFnN">pic.twitter.com/V7Vr3rDFnN</a></p>
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial/status/1003292366965526529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Both Younis and Akram drew flak from fans and followers for celebrating the birthday during Ramzan.&nbsp;</p>


The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley

Former Pakistan Cricket Team Captain and Coach Waqar Younis has apologised to fans for cutting a cake on Wasim Akram`s birthday during the month of Ramzan. "Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai`s birthday yesterday. We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ????. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY," he tweeted. Apologise to everyone for cutting cake on Waseem Bhai’s birthday yesterday..We should have respected Ramadan and the people who were fasting ??. It was a poor act on our behalf #SORRY — Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 4, 2018 × The celebration happened during the second Test match between England and Pakistan in Headlingley. While Pakistan’s misery continued onfield the press box celebrated @wasimakramlive birthday! Lots of ? A very happy birthday to a living legend..#ENGvPak pic.twitter.com/V7Vr3rDFnN — zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 3, 2018 × Both Younis and Akram drew flak from fans and followers for celebrating the birthday during Ramzan.

Waqar Younis apologises for cutting Wasim's birthday cake during Ramzan

<p>Lal Hussain saunters through Rawalpindi's empty streets at&nbsp;1:00 am&nbsp;shattering the silence with syncopated drum beats, awakening startled Pakistanis so they can sleepily eat one last meal before the day's Ramadan fasting begins.</p>

<p>"Wake up and eat your morning meal!" he howls along with the Bhangra-inspired beats emanating from his dhol drum.</p>

<p>Hussain has been faithfully hitting the streets every Ramadan for the last 35 years, walking with his tasselled drum for miles through the deserted byways and back alleys of the city's old quarter.</p>

<p>Mothers and children peek through their windows to catch a glimpse of the drummer as he passes, while men greet him in the streets offering small amounts of cash as thanks for his service.</p>

<p>But this centuries-old tradition is becoming rarer in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Millions of devout Pakistanis observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan. From sunrise onwards they abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar.</p>

<p>Then in the hours before dawn, they eat once more, with sehri, the morning meal, giving them a final opportunity to consume litres (pints) of water and juice and plates of food before the day-long fast.</p>

<p>Drummers once provided the heartbeat to the sehri ritual but their future is uncertain as more Pakistanis connect to the grid and purchase smartphones.</p>

<p>Now, people almost universally rely on phone alarms, digital clocks or public announcements on loudspeakers to rouse them from their slumber in time for sehri.</p>

<p>"Need is the mother of innovation," says Uxi Mufti, former director general of Pakistan's national institute of culture and heritage.</p>

<p>"Now when (the drummers) are not required, they are vanishing."</p>

<p>Every year fewer drummers fan out in the cities and villages across Pakistan during Ramadan to wake their fellow Muslims for sehri.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hardly a dozen drummers are left in Rawalpindi," Hussain tells&nbsp;as he makes his rounds through the city of some five million people.</p>

<p>"There used to be a drum beater in every street but now many of them have gone. The younger generations have adopted other professions."</p>

<p>Even as his fellow drummers have retired or abandoned the tradition, the 66-year-old persists undaunted as he battles hepatitis C -- determined to keep the practice alive for as long as possible.</p>

<p>His dedication has endeared him to residents.</p>

<p>"It rekindles (memories of) our forefathers, our culture, so we enjoy it in the same manner," says Yasir Butt.</p>

<p>And with Pakistan's frequent power cuts, Hussain says he is ultimately more reliable than residents' battery-reliant phones.</p>

<p>"There are people who tell me to continue with drum beating as they don't trust their mobile phones," he says.</p>


'Wake up and eat your morning meal' he howls along with the Bhangra-inspired beats emanating from his dhol drum

Lal Hussain saunters through Rawalpindi's empty streets at 1:00 am shattering the silence with syncopated drum beats, awakening startled Pakistanis so they can sleepily eat one last meal before the day's Ramadan fasting begins. "Wake up and eat your morning meal!" he howls along with the Bhangra-inspired beats emanating from his dhol drum. Hussain has been faithfully hitting the streets every Ramadan for the last 35 years, walking with his tasselled drum for miles through the deserted byways and back alleys of the city's old quarter. Mothers and children peek through their windows to catch a glimpse of the drummer as he passes, while men greet him in the streets offering small amounts of cash as thanks for his service. But this centuries-old tradition is becoming rarer in Pakistan. Millions of devout Pakistanis observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan. From sunrise onwards they abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. Then in the hours before dawn, they eat once more, with sehri, the morning meal, giving them a final opportunity to consume litres (pints) of water and juice and plates of food before the day-long fast. Drummers once provided the heartbeat to the sehri ritual but their future is uncertain as more Pakistanis connect to the grid and purchase smartphones. Now, people almost universally rely on phone alarms, digital clocks or public announcements on loudspeakers to rouse them from their slumber in time for sehri. "Need is the mother of innovation," says Uxi Mufti, former director general of Pakistan's national institute of culture and heritage. "Now when (the drummers) are not required, they are vanishing." Every year fewer drummers fan out in the cities and villages across Pakistan during Ramadan to wake their fellow Muslims for sehri. "Hardly a dozen drummers are left in Rawalpindi," Hussain tells as he makes his rounds through the city of some five million people. "There used to be a drum beater in every street but now many of them have gone. The younger generations have adopted other professions." Even as his fellow drummers have retired or abandoned the tradition, the 66-year-old persists undaunted as he battles hepatitis C -- determined to keep the practice alive for as long as possible. His dedication has endeared him to residents. "It rekindles (memories of) our forefathers, our culture, so we enjoy it in the same manner," says Yasir Butt. And with Pakistan's frequent power cuts, Hussain says he is ultimately more reliable than residents' battery-reliant phones. "There are people who tell me to continue with drum beating as they don't trust their mobile phones," he says.

The beat is fading for Pakistan's Ramadan drummers

<p>Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh warning of heatwave in Karachi as the mercury to heat the maximum temerature, media reports said.</p>

<p>The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday.</p>

<p>The intensity of the heatwaves would stay between moderate to severe, chinese news agency Xinhuanet reported.</p>

<p>According to the media reports, the temperature would remain between 40 to 44 degress celsius.</p>

<p>Citizens of the city are also advised to stay indoors and to avoid diirect sunlight to prevent the heatwave related issues like sun stroke and dehydration.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-heatwave-kills-65-people-in-karachi-welfare-organisation-138799">Sixty-five people died in three days </a>last week after temperature climbed up to 44 degrees Celsius&nbsp;in Karachi.</p>

<p>The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.</p>

<p>Reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi has stirred unease as the people fear a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat.</p>

<p>In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days.</p>

<p>Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat.</p>

<p>The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday

Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh warning of heatwave in Karachi as the mercury to heat the maximum temerature, media reports said. The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday. The intensity of the heatwaves would stay between moderate to severe, chinese news agency Xinhuanet reported. According to the media reports, the temperature would remain between 40 to 44 degress celsius. Citizens of the city are also advised to stay indoors and to avoid diirect sunlight to prevent the heatwave related issues like sun stroke and dehydration. Sixty-five people died in three days last week after temperature climbed up to 44 degrees Celsius in Karachi. The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi has stirred unease as the people fear a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat. In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days. Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat. The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment. (With inputs from Reuters)

PMD issues fresh heatwave warning for three days in Karachi

<p>Unrest-gripped Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir is in being talked about for a completely different reason. A video clip from the region, showing a Sikh man beating drums and waking his Muslims neighbours for <em>Sehri,&nbsp;</em>is going viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 21-second video clip features an unidentified old Sikh man who is urging Muslims to wake up and start their fasting.</p>

<p>"Those who are loved by Allah, his messengers, those who seek paradise, wake up to start your fast," the man shouts.</p>

<p>The heart-warming incident of communal harmony from the valley is being lauded by netizens from all across the country.</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W6BxyKCgXFg" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Usually, a person from the Muslim community takes up the&nbsp;task of waking up others for <em>Sehri</em> (the pre-fasting meal that is consumed before dawn). The <em>Seharkhwaan</em>&nbsp;beat drums and go around waking up Muslims for <em>Sehri</em> and prayers.</p>


The 21-second video clip features an unidentified old Sikh man who is urging Muslims to wake and start their fasting

Unrest-gripped Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir is in being talked about for a completely different reason. A video clip from the region, showing a Sikh man beating drums and waking his Muslims neighbours for Sehri, is going viral. The 21-second video clip features an unidentified old Sikh man who is urging Muslims to wake up and start their fasting. "Those who are loved by Allah, his messengers, those who seek paradise, wake up to start your fast," the man shouts. The heart-warming incident of communal harmony from the valley is being lauded by netizens from all across the country. Usually, a person from the Muslim community takes up the task of waking up others for Sehri (the pre-fasting meal that is consumed before dawn). The Seharkhwaan beat drums and go around waking up Muslims for Sehri and prayers.

Watch: Sikh man wakes up Muslim neighbours for Sehri in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>Bigg Boss 11’s finalist Hina Khan is having a tough time this month as her social media profile invited strong criticism for the third time in a row after she posted some videos of herself dancing in a belly dance costume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media trollers bashed the TV actress for her choice of attire and the purpose during the holy month of Ramadan when all Muslims are expected to observe fast and not engage in dance, music or other entertainment-related activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trolls took a dig at her religious beliefs by saying, "Ramzan ka to lehaz karti tum." Another said: "Ramadan ka mahina h kuch to sharam Karo hina roze rakh nahi rahi hogi kam se kam rozo ka ehtaram hi karlo."</p>

<p>This is the first post she made:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1gvABxTG/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
<div style="padding:8px">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8 line-height:0 margin-top:40px padding:50% 0 text-align:center width:100%">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1gvABxTG/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Let’s dance ? Styled and customised by @kansalsunakshi Jewellery @accessorize_surprise @vblitzcommunications</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realhinakhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Hina Khan</a> (@realhinakhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-28T05:48:12+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This is the video:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSsDFaBywB/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
<div style="padding:8px">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8 line-height:0 margin-top:40px padding:62.5% 0 text-align:center width:100%">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSsDFaBywB/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">❤️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realhinakhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Hina Khan</a> (@realhinakhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-27T19:07:28+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Hina being herself, instead of getting bogged down by the comments decided to post some more scintillating pictures of herself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are some other pictures she posted:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1y2SBqt4/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
<div style="padding:8px">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8 line-height:0 margin-top:40px padding:50% 0 text-align:center width:100%">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjT1y2SBqt4/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">??? Styled by @kansalsunakshi Top- @aaryaa_kk X customised skirt Shoes- @trufflecollectionindia</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/realhinakhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Hina Khan</a> (@realhinakhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-28T05:50:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 27, 2018 at 10:50pm PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This is the third time when Hina invited the wrath of social media trollers after she posted a Mother’s Day comment and a Ramadan tweet. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Hina posted a heartfelt message for her mother and captioned the post as such that a brand of refrigerator was also tagged in it. Twitteratis got to action and made fun of Hina for making Mother’s Day all about a brand campaign. The second time Hina infuriated her fans was when she posted a photo of herself preparing to fast on the first day of Ramadan, however, some wrote that due to her absent-mindedness she missed out on the first day of the fasting month. Hina, on both occasions, gave a fitting reply to the trollers asking them to think before commenting.&nbsp;</p>


Hina became the target of social media trollers for the third time this month-- after her Mother's Day comment and Ramadan tweet invited strong negative comments

Bigg Boss 11’s finalist Hina Khan is having a tough time this month as her social media profile invited strong criticism for the third time in a row after she posted some videos of herself dancing in a belly dance costume. Social media trollers bashed the TV actress for her choice of attire and the purpose during the holy month of Ramadan when all Muslims are expected to observe fast and not engage in dance, music or other entertainment-related activities. The trolls took a dig at her religious beliefs by saying, "Ramzan ka to lehaz karti tum." Another said: "Ramadan ka mahina h kuch to sharam Karo hina roze rakh nahi rahi hogi kam se kam rozo ka ehtaram hi karlo." This is the first post she made: Let’s dance ? Styled and customised by @kansalsunakshi Jewellery @accessorize_surprise @vblitzcommunications A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT × This is the video: ❤️ A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 12:07pm PDT × Hina being herself, instead of getting bogged down by the comments decided to post some more scintillating pictures of herself. These are some other pictures she posted: ??? Styled by @kansalsunakshi Top- @aaryaa_kk X customised skirt Shoes- @trufflecollectionindia A post shared by Hina Khan (@realhinakhan) on May 27, 2018 at 10:50pm PDT × This is the third time when Hina invited the wrath of social media trollers after she posted a Mother’s Day comment and a Ramadan tweet. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, Hina posted a heartfelt message for her mother and captioned the post as such that a brand of refrigerator was also tagged in it. Twitteratis got to action and made fun of Hina for making Mother’s Day all about a brand campaign. The second time Hina infuriated her fans was when she posted a photo of herself preparing to fast on the first day of Ramadan, however, some wrote that due to her absent-mindedness she missed out on the first day of the fasting month. Hina, on both occasions, gave a fitting reply to the trollers asking them to think before commenting.

Bigg Boss 11's Hina Khan trolled for dancing during Ramadan

<p>Liverpool physiotherapist Ruben Pons has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will not fast before the finals of UEFA Champion League on Saturday. Pons also mentioned that 44-goal sensation, Salah will break his fast on both Friday and Saturday for match preparation and also for the final encounter.</p>

<p>An Egypt based newspaper claimed that Salah will uphold the fasting and has rejected the idea of breaking the fast as Mo Salah is a devout Muslim and has been abstaining from eating food and drinking any liquid during daylight hours of the Ramadan which is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam.</p>

<p>As the finals of UEFA Champions League coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, it was rumoured that Mohamed Salah will keep the fast but under Islamic teachings, it is permissible to break your fast with anything that is adequate need or if you are travelling during the day.</p>

<p>Also, Manager Jurgen Klopp gave his opinion and said, "Religion is private, how I understand it."</p>

<p>He further added, "Nothing to say about that but all fine you will see him out there. In training he is full of power - you need to be the day before a final."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who will win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsLeagueFinal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsLeagueFinal</a>? <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadriden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFAChampionsLeagueFinal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFAChampionsLeagueFinal</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1000303682536194048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


An Egypt based newspaper claimed that Salah will uphold the fasting

Liverpool physiotherapist Ruben Pons has confirmed that Mohamed Salah will not fast before the finals of UEFA Champion League on Saturday. Pons also mentioned that 44-goal sensation, Salah will break his fast on both Friday and Saturday for match preparation and also for the final encounter. An Egypt based newspaper claimed that Salah will uphold the fasting and has rejected the idea of breaking the fast as Mo Salah is a devout Muslim and has been abstaining from eating food and drinking any liquid during daylight hours of the Ramadan which is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam. As the finals of UEFA Champions League coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, it was rumoured that Mohamed Salah will keep the fast but under Islamic teachings, it is permissible to break your fast with anything that is adequate need or if you are travelling during the day. Also, Manager Jurgen Klopp gave his opinion and said, "Religion is private, how I understand it." He further added, "Nothing to say about that but all fine you will see him out there. In training he is full of power - you need to be the day before a final." Who will win #ChampionsLeagueFinal? @LFC or @realmadriden #UEFAChampionsLeagueFinal — WION (@WIONews) May 26, 2018 ×

Is Mohamed Salah fasting for Ramadan during Champions League final

<p>A heatwave has killed 65 people in&nbsp;Pakistan's southern city of Karachi over the past three days, a social welfare organisation said on Tuesday, amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist.</p>

<p>The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.</p>

<p>Temperatures hit 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) on Monday, local media reported.</p>

<p>Faisal Edhi, who runs the Edhi Foundation that operates morgues and an ambulance service in Pakistan's biggest city, said the deaths occurred mostly in the poor areas of Karachi.</p>

<p>"Sixty-five people have died over the last three days," Edhi told Reuters. "We have the bodies in our cold storage facilities and their neighbourhood doctors have said they died of heat-stroke."</p>

<p>A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment.</p>

<p>But Sindh province's Health Secretary Fazlullah Pechuho told the English-language Dawn newspaper that no one has died from heat-stroke.</p>

<p>“Only doctors and hospitals can decide whether the cause of death was heat-stroke or not. I categorically reject that people have died due to heat-stroke in Karachi," Pechuho was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi will stir unease amid fears of a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat.</p>

<p>In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days.</p>

<p>Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat.</p>

<p>The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment.</p>

<p>Edhi said most of the dead brought to the morgue were working class factory workers who came from the low-income Landhi and Korangi areas of Karachi.</p>

<p>"They work around heaters and boilers in textile factories and there are eight to nine hours of (scheduled power outages) in these areas," he said.</p>

<p>Temperatures are expected to stay above 40C until Thursday, local media reported.</p>


The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours

A heatwave has killed 65 people in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi over the past three days, a social welfare organisation said on Tuesday, amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist. The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Temperatures hit 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) on Monday, local media reported. Faisal Edhi, who runs the Edhi Foundation that operates morgues and an ambulance service in Pakistan's biggest city, said the deaths occurred mostly in the poor areas of Karachi. "Sixty-five people have died over the last three days," Edhi told Reuters. "We have the bodies in our cold storage facilities and their neighbourhood doctors have said they died of heat-stroke." A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment. But Sindh province's Health Secretary Fazlullah Pechuho told the English-language Dawn newspaper that no one has died from heat-stroke. “Only doctors and hospitals can decide whether the cause of death was heat-stroke or not. I categorically reject that people have died due to heat-stroke in Karachi," Pechuho was quoted as saying. Nonetheless, reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi will stir unease amid fears of a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat. In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days. Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat. The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment. Edhi said most of the dead brought to the morgue were working class factory workers who came from the low-income Landhi and Korangi areas of Karachi. "They work around heaters and boilers in textile factories and there are eight to nine hours of (scheduled power outages) in these areas," he said. Temperatures are expected to stay above 40C until Thursday, local media reported.

Pakistan: Heatwave kills 65 people in Karachi

<p>As Muslims all across the globe celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday released an official statement stating that Ramadan "reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the White House may also organise a small Iftar event on June 6, with ambassadors from Muslim majority countries and other US Muslim leaders as attendees.</p>

<p>Last year in January, Trump had signed an order banning refugee admissions and temporarily barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries -- Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The move instantly soured United States' relations with Muslim Americans. The Trump administration, in 2016, also pressed for mosque surveillance for security.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Last year in January, Trump signed an order banning refugee admissions and temporarily barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries

As Muslims all across the globe celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday released an official statement stating that Ramadan "reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life." According to reports, the White House may also organise a small Iftar event on June 6, with ambassadors from Muslim majority countries and other US Muslim leaders as attendees. Last year in January, Trump had signed an order banning refugee admissions and temporarily barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries -- Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The move instantly soured United States' relations with Muslim Americans. The Trump administration, in 2016, also pressed for mosque surveillance for security.

Muslims add to religious tapestry of American life: Trump's Ramadan message

<p>The holy month of Ramadan brought good tidings for hundreds of Muslim workers in the UAE.</p>

<p>Saji Cheriyan, a businessman from Kerala, build a mosque for Muslim worshippers in the UAE at the cost of whopping Rs 2.4 crores (Dh 1.3 million).</p>

<p>Cheriyan, who hails from a small town in Kerala called Kayamkulam, is a practising Christian who moved to the Arab country over a decade ago in the year 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He once noticed that Muslim workers, who lived in a worker accommodation, travelled for long to visit a mosque and offer prayers, Cheriyan was resolved to gift them a mosque near to their area of living, a dream which came true recently. As many as 250 worshippers can easily be accommodated in the building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE.</p>

<p>Cheriyan "opted for the name Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus) for the mosque after an Abu Dhabi mosque was renamed so in 2017," a Facebook post described.</p>


Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE

The holy month of Ramadan brought good tidings for hundreds of Muslim workers in the UAE. Saji Cheriyan, a businessman from Kerala, build a mosque for Muslim worshippers in the UAE at the cost of whopping Rs 2.4 crores (Dh 1.3 million). Cheriyan, who hails from a small town in Kerala called Kayamkulam, is a practising Christian who moved to the Arab country over a decade ago in the year 2003. He once noticed that Muslim workers, who lived in a worker accommodation, travelled for long to visit a mosque and offer prayers, Cheriyan was resolved to gift them a mosque near to their area of living, a dream which came true recently. As many as 250 worshippers can easily be accommodated in the building. Mariam, Umm Eisa mosque stands at East Ville Real Estate complex in Al Hayl Industrial Area, UAE. Cheriyan "opted for the name Mariam, Umm Eisa (Mary, the Mother of Jesus) for the mosque after an Abu Dhabi mosque was renamed so in 2017," a Facebook post described.

For Ramadan, Christian expat gifts mosque worth Rs 2.4 crore to Muslim workers in UAE

<p>For Rohingya Muslim refugee Imtiaz Fatema, sitting in her makeshift camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, the holy month of Ramadan has become a period of uncertainty and melancholy.</p>

<p>Living in tough conditions -- most of the refugees reside in flimsy, bamboo-and-plastic structures -- Fatema reflects on her previous life in Myanmar, where they were able to work and buy a delectable spread for their families, "during Ramadan we used to have good food there -- crispy food while we sit for Iftar (breaking fast) in the early morning."</p>

<p>Now, her young toddler and her life on handouts from aid agencies in the refugee camps, cooking meals consisting of mostly rice, dal, and salt on a flimsy pot in front of her shelter.</p>

<p>Ramadan, the ninth and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is marked by fasting and visiting friends and family. At sunset, Muslims around the world gather for 'Iftar', the fast-breaking meal of the day.</p>

<p>"We are just thinking about how we will buy food for Iftar (breaking fast) and for dinner during the coming Ramadan. We have nothing. We need help," said Fatema.</p>

<p>Ramadan is expected to start this week, subject to the sighting of the moon. Rohingya Muslims residing in refugee camps have also been getting ready for the start of the holy month by repairing their shelters.</p>

<p>According to the United Nations and rights groups, attacks from insurgents in Myanmar had sent nearly 700,000 Rohingyas fleeing to camps in Bangladesh.</p>


Ramzan is expected to start this week, subject to the sighting of the moon. Rohingya Muslims residing in refugee camps have also been getting ready for the start of the holy month by repairing their shelters

For Rohingya Muslim refugee Imtiaz Fatema, sitting in her makeshift camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, the holy month of Ramadan has become a period of uncertainty and melancholy. Living in tough conditions -- most of the refugees reside in flimsy, bamboo-and-plastic structures -- Fatema reflects on her previous life in Myanmar, where they were able to work and buy a delectable spread for their families, "during Ramadan we used to have good food there -- crispy food while we sit for Iftar (breaking fast) in the early morning." Now, her young toddler and her life on handouts from aid agencies in the refugee camps, cooking meals consisting of mostly rice, dal, and salt on a flimsy pot in front of her shelter. Ramadan, the ninth and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is marked by fasting and visiting friends and family. At sunset, Muslims around the world gather for 'Iftar', the fast-breaking meal of the day. "We are just thinking about how we will buy food for Iftar (breaking fast) and for dinner during the coming Ramadan. We have nothing. We need help," said Fatema. Ramadan is expected to start this week, subject to the sighting of the moon. Rohingya Muslims residing in refugee camps have also been getting ready for the start of the holy month by repairing their shelters. According to the United Nations and rights groups, attacks from insurgents in Myanmar had sent nearly 700,000 Rohingyas fleeing to camps in Bangladesh.

Rohingya Muslim refugee worries about food for breaking fast during Ramzan

<p>A stampede on Monday by thousands of poor villagers outside the home of a businessman distributing alms ahead of Ramadan killed at least 10 women and injured about 50 people, police in southeast Bangladesh said.</p>

<p>It is a custom for devout Muslims to donate money or goods to the poor before or during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday this week.</p>

<p>The stampede began after people jostled to collect clothes and other items at the residence of the owner of a steel mill, said police official Rafiqul Alam in the district of Chittagong, about 260 km (165 miles) from Dhaka, the capital.</p>

<p>"There were 10,000 to 12,000 people, mostly women and trying to push to each other to collect alms ahead of other and that led stamped," he told Reuters.</p>

<p>The injured were treated at a nearby hospital and allowed to go, police said.</p>


The stampede began after people jostled to collect clothes and other items at the residence of the owner of a steel mill

A stampede on Monday by thousands of poor villagers outside the home of a businessman distributing alms ahead of Ramadan killed at least 10 women and injured about 50 people, police in southeast Bangladesh said. It is a custom for devout Muslims to donate money or goods to the poor before or during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday this week. The stampede began after people jostled to collect clothes and other items at the residence of the owner of a steel mill, said police official Rafiqul Alam in the district of Chittagong, about 260 km (165 miles) from Dhaka, the capital. "There were 10,000 to 12,000 people, mostly women and trying to push to each other to collect alms ahead of other and that led stamped," he told Reuters. The injured were treated at a nearby hospital and allowed to go, police said.

Bangladesh: Ten die in stampede for alms ahead of Ramadan, 50 hurt

<p dir="ltr">Chandra Shekhar Kundu from north Indian state West Bengal couldn&rsquo;t sleep one night when he saw two kids scavenging for food in a trash can. They looked malnourished and seemed desperate to find anything to eat. Shekhar was out that night, throwing trash after celebrating his son&rsquo;s birthday. He went back home looking for anything to give them but had no luck. He then tried to chance upon any eatery that might be open but came back disheartened.</p>

<p>That night, Chandra Shekhar Kundu, a computer science teacher at&nbsp;an engineering college did not sleep at all as he &ldquo;couldn&rsquo;t get their image out of (his) head. It stuck&rdquo;.</p>

<p>According to a recent report published by the UN&rsquo;s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes, gets lost or wasted. This, when The Hunger Project reports, roughly one in nine people in the world do not have enough to eat.</p>

<p><strong>Less Food or Wastage</strong></p>

<p>The world statistics indicate that hunger as a global problem does not majorly arise due to a shortage of food&nbsp;if at all it does, but because of mismanagement and imbalances in storage facilities, lack&nbsp;of access and a problem with our collective conscience.</p>

<p>&ldquo;My conscience, it&nbsp;is what didn&rsquo;t let me sleep that night&rdquo;, says Chandra Shekhar Kundu.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>My conscience, it&nbsp;is what didn&rsquo;t let me sleep that night.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=My conscience, it?is what didn?t let me sleep that night." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>After that fateful night, Shekhar went back to college and with the help of some of his students made a documentary on food wastage. The film helped raise awareness in college and thus led to a reduced food wastage in the college canteen. It was his first victory.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Shekhar then started an organisation called Food Education and Economic Development (FEED) in 2016 to procure and provide food to the underprivileged and hungry kids in his area under Save Food, Save Life initiative. Shekhar along with a group of 135 students, teachers and social activists have tied up with hostels and mess facilities of Police and CISF barracks. He says, &ldquo;We get our stock of food from these barracks, their hostel and canteens. We are able to feed 100 children daily with this food that would have otherwise been wasted. Also, if anyone has leftover food then they call us on the helpline number and we go collect it. This food, I mention, is always fresh and not stale ever.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/19667509_1460515267342188_3166014277922999587_o-20170713113405.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Children in West Bengal happy after getting a free meal from FEED (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/19748709_1913555188967878_2493286808151584494_n-20170713113758.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>One-third food produced every year is wasted. A kid here in the picture enjoying his food given by volunteers of FEED. (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>His initiative is now also recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations where he discusses ways to improve upon his work. He, however, feels that the government is not very proactive in its approach to reducing&nbsp;food wastage. He adds, &ldquo;I wrote to the President of India about how this wastage should stop but there was no campaign, no reply till three months. But the State government was much more supportive.&rdquo;</p>

<p><strong>A Mere Topic of Discussion?</strong></p>

<p>Discussed regularly at world forums now, food wastage as an issue has taken the shape of an intellectual and&nbsp;politicised discourse.</p>

<p>Recognised institutes undertaking the job of studying the problems of food wastage report that the wastage happens at every level and in different ways globally. In developed countries of the Western world, consumers contribute to food wastage in high amounts while in lesser developed and developing countries like India, it happens at the retailer stage where prepared food is being sold.</p>

<p>Shekhar adds, &ldquo;When I started, I went around asking for leftover food of the day from various hotels and restaurants but I didn&rsquo;t get a positive response. They just wouldn&#39;t agree to give; their major concern would be &lsquo;what if someone falls sick after he or she eats, then who will take the responsibility?&rsquo; It was very tough to convince them that we would deliver the food within one hour&rsquo;s time.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Hotels wouldn&#39;t give leftover food--their major concern would be &lsquo;what if someone falls sick after eating, then who will take the responsibility?&rsquo;</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Hotels wouldn't give leftover food--their major concern would be ?what if someone falls sick after eating, then who will take the responsibility??" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>So, in practice, these major retail eatery joints are happy throwing away the leftover food but not give it to those who need. That is where we, as a society, have failed.</p>

<p>While Chandra Shekhar Kundu continues to serve the underprivileged children in his vicinity with food and has recently opened a kindergarten school to educate those who can&rsquo;t afford, there is Islamic Relief Foundation which started a campaign called #GiftAMeal to feed the poor and underprivileged on the occasion of Ramadan, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.</p>

<p>The campaign in India sourced its food from large restaurant chains like Nazeer Foods, Saleem&rsquo;s, Al Bake, Karim&rsquo;s and Hotel River View once a week for for a month. Thus, during the holy month of fasting, the organisation was able to feed poor people belonging to slum clusters, <em>raiin baseras</em> and homeless who sleep on the streets of Delhi and around the National Capital Region.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/thumbnail_1-20170713113056.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Islamic Relief Foundation volunteers distribute food packets to a slum kid (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/thumbnail_2-20170713113159.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>People of a slum in Delhi get together to receive their free meal from Islamic Relief Foundation volunteers (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>With an aim of feeding 5000 people in one month, Akmal Shareef, Islamic Relief India&rsquo;s Head of Mission for India and Nepal says, &ldquo;The smiles on people&#39;s face when they get this Ramadan special food is the satisfaction that keeps us going. It is encouraging to see so many restaurants coming together with Islamic Relief India to feed the poor and homeless of Delhi during the month of giving of Ramadan.&rdquo;</p>

<p>While most hotel chains and restaurants often shy off from contributing their surplus food to the needy, more&nbsp;number of hospitality chains are adopting this in an organised manner. A prominent hotel chain Manager* says, &ldquo;The hospitality sector is evolving and is now progressively incorporating elimination of food wastage as part of its CSR practices. It not only improves brand awareness and loyalty of customers but also makes the company feel good about itself.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Hotels now adopt elimination of food wastage as part of their CSR practices, as it improves their brand awareness and loyalty of customers.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Hotels now adopt elimination of food wastage as part of their CSR practices, as it improves their brand awareness and loyalty of customers." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>It has been seen that brand support for cause-related social issues helps create novelty for reputable hotels and restaurants. Donating of food for big chains is a matter of doing good business which involuntarily becomes a means of tackling with food waste.</p>

<p><strong>The Other Side</strong></p>

<p>But this isn&rsquo;t enough.</p>

<p>A study conducted by Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata in 2016 revealed that only 10 per cent of food&nbsp;gets cold storage facility in India. This, when accompanied by inappropriate supply chain management, results in India wasting food both at pre and post-harvest. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India ranks 63 among 88 countries in Global Hunger Index with 20 crore Indians sleeping hungry on any given night, but in spite of this, nearly 21 million tonnes of wheat are wasted in India each year instead of reaching the needy.</p>

<p>India is not unique to food wastage but it needs to learn a lot from the world countries in tackling with hunger. In February 2016, the French national assembly voted to ban supermarkets from throwing unsold food that had not spoiled. Some restaurants in Germany ask people to pay extra if they do not finish the food on their plate. Scotland was able to reduce food wastage in restaurants by providing them with doggy bags so they could get leftover food packed and some even give an option of changing portion sizes. Wonder what we are waiting for?</p>

<p>* Name of person and hotel chain withheld upon request for anonymity</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


While Indians go hungry, nearly 21 million tonnes of wheat are wasted in India each year instead of reaching the needy

Chandra Shekhar Kundu from north Indian state West Bengal couldn’t sleep one night when he saw two kids scavenging for food in a trash can. They looked malnourished and seemed desperate to find anything to eat. Shekhar was out that night, throwing trash after celebrating his son’s birthday. He went back home looking for anything to give them but had no luck. He then tried to chance upon any eatery that might be open but came back disheartened. That night, Chandra Shekhar Kundu, a computer science teacher at an engineering college did not sleep at all as he “couldn’t get their image out of (his) head. It stuck”. According to a recent report published by the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes, gets lost or wasted. This, when The Hunger Project reports, roughly one in nine people in the world do not have enough to eat. Less Food or Wastage The world statistics indicate that hunger as a global problem does not majorly arise due to a shortage of food if at all it does, but because of mismanagement and imbalances in storage facilities, lack of access and a problem with our collective conscience. “My conscience, it is what didn’t let me sleep that night”, says Chandra Shekhar Kundu. My conscience, it is what didn’t let me sleep that night. × After that fateful night, Shekhar went back to college and with the help of some of his students made a documentary on food wastage. The film helped raise awareness in college and thus led to a reduced food wastage in the college canteen. It was his first victory. Shekhar then started an organisation called Food Education and Economic Development (FEED) in 2016 to procure and provide food to the underprivileged and hungry kids in his area under Save Food, Save Life initiative. Shekhar along with a group of 135 students, teachers and social activists have tied up with hostels and mess facilities of Police and CISF barracks. He says, “We get our stock of food from these barracks, their hostel and canteens. We are able to feed 100 children daily with this food that would have otherwise been wasted. Also, if anyone has leftover food then they call us on the helpline number and we go collect it. This food, I mention, is always fresh and not stale ever.” Children in West Bengal happy after getting a free meal from FEED (WION) × One-third food produced every year is wasted. A kid here in the picture enjoying his food given by volunteers of FEED. (WION) × His initiative is now also recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations where he discusses ways to improve upon his work. He, however, feels that the government is not very proactive in its approach to reducing food wastage. He adds, “I wrote to the President of India about how this wastage should stop but there was no campaign, no reply till three months. But the State government was much more supportive.” A Mere Topic of Discussion? Discussed regularly at world forums now, food wastage as an issue has taken the shape of an intellectual and politicised discourse. Recognised institutes undertaking the job of studying the problems of food wastage report that the wastage happens at every level and in different ways globally. In developed countries of the Western world, consumers contribute to food wastage in high amounts while in lesser developed and developing countries like India, it happens at the retailer stage where prepared food is being sold. Shekhar adds, “When I started, I went around asking for leftover food of the day from various hotels and restaurants but I didn’t get a positive response. They just wouldn't agree to give; their major concern would be ‘what if someone falls sick after he or she eats, then who will take the responsibility?’ It was very tough to convince them that we would deliver the food within one hour’s time." Hotels wouldn't give leftover food--their major concern would be ‘what if someone falls sick after eating, then who will take the responsibility?’ × So, in practice, these major retail eatery joints are happy throwing away the leftover food but not give it to those who need. That is where we, as a society, have failed. While Chandra Shekhar Kundu continues to serve the underprivileged children in his vicinity with food and has recently opened a kindergarten school to educate those who can’t afford, there is Islamic Relief Foundation which started a campaign called #GiftAMeal to feed the poor and underprivileged on the occasion of Ramadan, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. The campaign in India sourced its food from large restaurant chains like Nazeer Foods, Saleem’s, Al Bake, Karim’s and Hotel River View once a week for for a month. Thus, during the holy month of fasting, the organisation was able to feed poor people belonging to slum clusters, raiin baseras and homeless who sleep on the streets of Delhi and around the National Capital Region. Islamic Relief Foundation volunteers distribute food packets to a slum kid (WION) × People of a slum in Delhi get together to receive their free meal from Islamic Relief Foundation volunteers (WION) × With an aim of feeding 5000 people in one month, Akmal Shareef, Islamic Relief India’s Head of Mission for India and Nepal says, “The smiles on people's face when they get this Ramadan special food is the satisfaction that keeps us going. It is encouraging to see so many restaurants coming together with Islamic Relief India to feed the poor and homeless of Delhi during the month of giving of Ramadan.” While most hotel chains and restaurants often shy off from contributing their surplus food to the needy, more number of hospitality chains are adopting this in an organised manner. A prominent hotel chain Manager* says, “The hospitality sector is evolving and is now progressively incorporating elimination of food wastage as part of its CSR practices. It not only improves brand awareness and loyalty of customers but also makes the company feel good about itself.” Hotels now adopt elimination of food wastage as part of their CSR practices, as it improves their brand awareness and loyalty of customers. × It has been seen that brand support for cause-related social issues helps create novelty for reputable hotels and restaurants. Donating of food for big chains is a matter of doing good business which involuntarily becomes a means of tackling with food waste. The Other Side But this isn’t enough. A study conducted by Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata in 2016 revealed that only 10 per cent of food gets cold storage facility in India. This, when accompanied by inappropriate supply chain management, results in India wasting food both at pre and post-harvest. India ranks 63 among 88 countries in Global Hunger Index with 20 crore Indians sleeping hungry on any given night, but in spite of this, nearly 21 million tonnes of wheat are wasted in India each year instead of reaching the needy. India is not unique to food wastage but it needs to learn a lot from the world countries in tackling with hunger. In February 2016, the French national assembly voted to ban supermarkets from throwing unsold food that had not spoiled. Some restaurants in Germany ask people to pay extra if they do not finish the food on their plate. Scotland was able to reduce food wastage in restaurants by providing them with doggy bags so they could get leftover food packed and some even give an option of changing portion sizes. Wonder what we are waiting for? * Name of person and hotel chain withheld upon request for anonymity (WION)

Children's Day: No child should go to bed hungry

<p>This is a very different kind of a Ramadan story.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
It is not one that goes around debunking myths of Ramadan, nor does it subscribe you to any type of dos and don&#39;ts of fasting. It even steers clear of the overused path of showcasing mouth-watering Ramadan food that you can open your fast with or try out at dawn for <em>suhoor</em> ( a meal eaten at dawn, before starting with the fast).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But it does have food pictures. After all, what is Ramadan without a bright spectacle of<em> korma, nihari, biryani</em> and<em> kebab</em> infused in the aroma of <em>garam masala</em> or a sight of freshly prepared<em> kulfi </em><em>falooda</em><em>, malai jalebi </em>and silver coated <em>phirni</em> with extra almonds in a <em>kulhad</em> (earthen cup)!&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is obvious that the elaborate menu has your attention but this story focuses on sellers and not what&rsquo;s sold.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Sher Bahadur from Dhampur in District Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh is one such seller who talks about his love for Ramadan and how it has changed his life for the better. Belonging to a family of confectioners, Sher Bahadur believes that it&rsquo;s in his blood to make sweets. So every year, in the month of Ramadan, he makes the best kind of dry, raw <em>sewai</em>.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;Our family has always been in the trade of making sweets, we are famous for our <em>&lsquo;mithai&rsquo; </em>and <em>&lsquo;batasha&rsquo;</em> back home. Here in Batla House (a popular Muslim neighbourhood) in Delhi, my cousin brother and I sell at least 12 types of uncooked<em> sewai</em>: <em>Lachha feni, Benarasi feni, Benarasi </em><em>kemami</em><em>, Zafrani sewai, Rasgolla Feni, </em><em>Khajla</em> and more&rdquo;, he says. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(1)-20170623081936.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>There are more than 15 varieties of sewai in the market, with some of them specially made for Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Sher Bahadur is 45 years old, married with a wife and six kids who stay in Dhampur. A small-time trader, he doesn&rsquo;t have the money to keep a family of eight in Delhi but there&rsquo;s hope for him, as every Ramadan, he is able to save a considerable amount to buy his own property in the capital.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&ldquo;Ramadan is a blessing for my family. I have been selling<em> sewai</em> in Ramadan since 20 years now and every year, this month, our profit simply doubles or even triples sometimes. I eagerly wait for Ramadan to earn more as I have been saving up extra money to buy my own house here (Delhi)&rdquo;, he adds.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>I eagerly wait for Ramadan to earn more as I have been saving up extra money to buy my own house in Delhi.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I eagerly wait for Ramadan to earn more as I have been saving up extra money to buy my own house in Delhi." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;For 11 months of the year, Sher Bahadur works as a labourer in Delhi, earning enough to survive in the city and saving up the rest for his family.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Not wanting to rely on the money earned from the confectionary shop in Dhampur, which is shared by his siblings and their children, he comes to Delhi off and on to make some extra money for his kids.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Co-sharing a rented shop in Batla House, Sher Bahadur works with his 40-year-old cousin brother Mohammed Raees to make some quick money in Ramadan. On speaking with Raees about his dependence on Ramadan for livelihood, he joyfully responds, &ldquo;The contrast in our income between regular months and Ramadan is incredible. From Rs. 11,000 a month, it shoots up to anywhere between Rs. 35,000- 40,000. We make the most of this time and keep our shop open 24/7.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(6)-20170623080158.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Sher Bahadur (R) and Mohammed Raees (L) sitting in their shop of sewai which they specially procure for Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&ldquo;In Ramadan, we shut it only for two hours after <em>&lsquo;fajr&rsquo;</em>, the morning prayers. People buy from us at all odd times, after &lsquo;<em>iftaar&rsquo;</em> in the evening, before &lsquo;suhoor&rsquo; at dawn, so we can&rsquo;t afford to close it. We divide the time of manning the shop and subsequently the profits.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Sher Bahadur and Mohammed Raees are no exceptions. There are many like them who leave their routine jobs to sell items specific to the holy month of Ramadan. They all look forward to Ramadan earnings in order to build their future and of their children.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(4)-20170623083152.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A khujoor (dates) seller smiles after a profitable day at work during Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa-20170623080944.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Faqaar makes a lot of profit selling dates in Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Faqaar from Bhalswa village in the outskirts of Delhi comes to Nizamuddin, another popular Muslim neighbourhood, in the month of Ramadan to sell dates. The sweet savoury is ubiquitous in every Muslim household during this time and he uses this as an opportunity to earn quick money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He says, &ldquo;I have recently gotten married and have a lot of responsibilities. The profits I earn during Ramadan are incomparable to what I earn in the rest of the months. It&rsquo;s been 7-8 years since I have been selling <em>&lsquo;khujoor&rsquo;</em> (dates) and I come here to Nizamuddin every year because there is always a good demand. People break their fasts with dates and for most, it&rsquo;s an essential part of their Ramadan routine.&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
He adds, &ldquo;On regular days I sell men&rsquo;s clothes which don&#39;t amount to a lot of money but during Ramadan I earn Rs. 1000-2000 daily selling dates. &#39;<em>Ye </em><em>barqat</em><em> ka </em><em>maheena</em><em> hai&#39;</em>. (It is an auspicious and blessed month).&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>On regular days I sell men&rsquo;s clothes which don&#39;t amount to a lot of money but during Ramadan I earn Rs. 1000-2000 daily selling dates. &#39;Ye barqat ka maheena hai&#39;.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=On regular days I sell men?s clothes which don't amount to a lot of money but during Ramadan I earn Rs. 1000-2000 daily selling dates. 'Ye barqat ka maheena hai'." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>For 30-years-old Ayub, who sells <em>&lsquo;Feni&rsquo; </em>(a type of raw sewai) outside Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, Ramadan is a month of a complete shift. He says, &ldquo;I have been selling <em>feni</em><em> </em>from a young age. My father would sell a cart of <em>biryani </em>every day that my mother made at home on regular days but he would stop selling it during Ramadan and switch to <em>feni</em>. I have learnt it from him. I source the <em>sewai</em> from different pockets in Delhi, from wherever it&rsquo;s cheaper and come to Old Delhi to sell it. People from all over the city come here to buy. I have been able to marry off my elder sister with savings accumulated over the years due to Ramadan.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(5)-20170623075441.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Ayub with his stock of sewai, meeting the needs of those eat it compulsively every day during Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><em>Khujoor</em><em> </em>and <em>Sewai</em><em> </em>sellers aren&#39;t the only ones who wait for Ramadan every year. Even regular fruit sellers like Abdul Basheer from Nizamuddin eagerly wait for the month to start. He says, &ldquo;Who doesn&rsquo;t like more money? I have been living in Delhi for 15 years and come from a village in East Delhi. Ramadan is good for business. In normal days, I earn about Rs 1000 daily--it doubles during Ramadan as everybody who is fasting eats fruit chaat. So there is a constant surge in demand for fruits.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(5)-20170623075750.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Abdul Basheer with his cart of fruits in Nizamuddin for Ramadan (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Abdul, like the rest of them, gets employed in other areas of work during the rest of the months. He does plumbing in cooperative societies and leaves every other work to sell fruits during Ramadan. For him doing business in Nizamuddin during Ramadan is an experience in itself. He says, &ldquo;People from different backgrounds and cultures come here to pay respect at the <em>Dargah</em>. Doing business with them opens horizons and makes you familiar with a different set of living styles.&rdquo;</p>

<p>This trend, is, however, not just limited to the Delhi but is popular around all major metro cities during Ramadan, offering a new lease of life for many who are stuck in jobs that don&rsquo;t pay enough.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Ramadan or Ramazan as many call it is the Islamic holy month of fasting where more than a billion people every year for almost 30 days, don&rsquo;t eat or drink during the day from dawn to sunrise. It is kept with an intention to get closer to God while avoiding any other distraction of physical pleasure, food et al.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Billions of Muslims around the world are today celebrating &#39;<em>Jamat ul Vida&#39;,</em> which is the last Friday of Ramadan. It is believed that whatever prayer is made today gets accepted by God.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


"Ramadan is a blessing for my family...This month, our profit simply doubles or even triples sometimes", says Sher Bahadur, a food trader from Delhi.

This is a very different kind of a Ramadan story. It is not one that goes around debunking myths of Ramadan, nor does it subscribe you to any type of dos and don'ts of fasting. It even steers clear of the overused path of showcasing mouth-watering Ramadan food that you can open your fast with or try out at dawn for suhoor ( a meal eaten at dawn, before starting with the fast). But it does have food pictures. After all, what is Ramadan without a bright spectacle of korma, nihari, biryani and kebab infused in the aroma of garam masala or a sight of freshly prepared kulfi falooda, malai jalebi and silver coated phirni with extra almonds in a kulhad (earthen cup)! It is obvious that the elaborate menu has your attention but this story focuses on sellers and not what’s sold. Sher Bahadur from Dhampur in District Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh is one such seller who talks about his love for Ramadan and how it has changed his life for the better. Belonging to a family of confectioners, Sher Bahadur believes that it’s in his blood to make sweets. So every year, in the month of Ramadan, he makes the best kind of dry, raw sewai. “Our family has always been in the trade of making sweets, we are famous for our ‘mithai’ and ‘batasha’ back home. Here in Batla House (a popular Muslim neighbourhood) in Delhi, my cousin brother and I sell at least 12 types of uncooked sewai: Lachha feni, Benarasi feni, Benarasi kemami, Zafrani sewai, Rasgolla Feni, Khajla and more”, he says. There are more than 15 varieties of sewai in the market, with some of them specially made for Ramadan (WION) × Sher Bahadur is 45 years old, married with a wife and six kids who stay in Dhampur. A small-time trader, he doesn’t have the money to keep a family of eight in Delhi but there’s hope for him, as every Ramadan, he is able to save a considerable amount to buy his own property in the capital. “Ramadan is a blessing for my family. I have been selling sewai in Ramadan since 20 years now and every year, this month, our profit simply doubles or even triples sometimes. I eagerly wait for Ramadan to earn more as I have been saving up extra money to buy my own house here (Delhi)”, he adds. I eagerly wait for Ramadan to earn more as I have been saving up extra money to buy my own house in Delhi. × For 11 months of the year, Sher Bahadur works as a labourer in Delhi, earning enough to survive in the city and saving up the rest for his family. Not wanting to rely on the money earned from the confectionary shop in Dhampur, which is shared by his siblings and their children, he comes to Delhi off and on to make some extra money for his kids. Co-sharing a rented shop in Batla House, Sher Bahadur works with his 40-year-old cousin brother Mohammed Raees to make some quick money in Ramadan. On speaking with Raees about his dependence on Ramadan for livelihood, he joyfully responds, “The contrast in our income between regular months and Ramadan is incredible. From Rs. 11,000 a month, it shoots up to anywhere between Rs. 35,000- 40,000. We make the most of this time and keep our shop open 24/7. Sher Bahadur (R) and Mohammed Raees (L) sitting in their shop of sewai which they specially procure for Ramadan (WION) × “In Ramadan, we shut it only for two hours after ‘fajr’, the morning prayers. People buy from us at all odd times, after ‘iftaar’ in the evening, before ‘suhoor’ at dawn, so we can’t afford to close it. We divide the time of manning the shop and subsequently the profits.” Sher Bahadur and Mohammed Raees are no exceptions. There are many like them who leave their routine jobs to sell items specific to the holy month of Ramadan. They all look forward to Ramadan earnings in order to build their future and of their children. A khujoor (dates) seller smiles after a profitable day at work during Ramadan (WION) × Faqaar makes a lot of profit selling dates in Ramadan (WION) × Faqaar from Bhalswa village in the outskirts of Delhi comes to Nizamuddin, another popular Muslim neighbourhood, in the month of Ramadan to sell dates. The sweet savoury is ubiquitous in every Muslim household during this time and he uses this as an opportunity to earn quick money. He says, “I have recently gotten married and have a lot of responsibilities. The profits I earn during Ramadan are incomparable to what I earn in the rest of the months. It’s been 7-8 years since I have been selling ‘khujoor’ (dates) and I come here to Nizamuddin every year because there is always a good demand. People break their fasts with dates and for most, it’s an essential part of their Ramadan routine.” He adds, “On regular days I sell men’s clothes which don't amount to a lot of money but during Ramadan I earn Rs. 1000-2000 daily selling dates. 'Ye barqat ka maheena hai'. (It is an auspicious and blessed month).” On regular days I sell men’s clothes which don't amount to a lot of money but during Ramadan I earn Rs. 1000-2000 daily selling dates. 'Ye barqat ka maheena hai'. × For 30-years-old Ayub, who sells ‘Feni’ (a type of raw sewai) outside Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, Ramadan is a month of a complete shift. He says, “I have been selling feni from a young age. My father would sell a cart of biryani every day that my mother made at home on regular days but he would stop selling it during Ramadan and switch to feni. I have learnt it from him. I source the sewai from different pockets in Delhi, from wherever it’s cheaper and come to Old Delhi to sell it. People from all over the city come here to buy. I have been able to marry off my elder sister with savings accumulated over the years due to Ramadan.” Ayub with his stock of sewai, meeting the needs of those eat it compulsively every day during Ramadan (WION) × Khujoor and Sewai sellers aren't the only ones who wait for Ramadan every year. Even regular fruit sellers like Abdul Basheer from Nizamuddin eagerly wait for the month to start. He says, “Who doesn’t like more money? I have been living in Delhi for 15 years and come from a village in East Delhi. Ramadan is good for business. In normal days, I earn about Rs 1000 daily--it doubles during Ramadan as everybody who is fasting eats fruit chaat. So there is a constant surge in demand for fruits.” Abdul Basheer with his cart of fruits in Nizamuddin for Ramadan (WION) × Abdul, like the rest of them, gets employed in other areas of work during the rest of the months. He does plumbing in cooperative societies and leaves every other work to sell fruits during Ramadan. For him doing business in Nizamuddin during Ramadan is an experience in itself. He says, “People from different backgrounds and cultures come here to pay respect at the Dargah. Doing business with them opens horizons and makes you familiar with a different set of living styles.” This trend, is, however, not just limited to the Delhi but is popular around all major metro cities during Ramadan, offering a new lease of life for many who are stuck in jobs that don’t pay enough. Ramadan or Ramazan as many call it is the Islamic holy month of fasting where more than a billion people every year for almost 30 days, don’t eat or drink during the day from dawn to sunrise. It is kept with an intention to get closer to God while avoiding any other distraction of physical pleasure, food et al. Billions of Muslims around the world are today celebrating 'Jamat ul Vida', which is the last Friday of Ramadan. It is believed that whatever prayer is made today gets accepted by God. (WION)

For the food sellers of Delhi, Ramadan is a lifesaver

<p>In the tragic Grenfell tower fire, many lives were saved because of Muslim residents who were awake for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) during the holy month of Ramzaan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muslim residents observing Ramzaan were the first ones to notice the smoke coming out of the seventh floor of the Grenfell tower,&nbsp;media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Waiting to have their pre-dawn meal, Sehri, the residents came out in a frenzy and began knocking on their neighbours&#39; doors to alert them of the imminent danger.</p>

<p>No fire alarms or water sprinklers had gone off till then, an eyewitness said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of local mosques, churches and Sikh temples&nbsp;opened their doors to help those who were evacuated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seventeen people have died in the fire so far. The death toll in the incident is likely to rise further.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Fasting Muslims waiting for pre-dawn meal were the first to notice Grenfell fire; went out to save neighbours' lives

In the tragic Grenfell tower fire, many lives were saved because of Muslim residents who were awake for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) during the holy month of Ramzaan. Muslim residents observing Ramzaan were the first ones to notice the smoke coming out of the seventh floor of the Grenfell tower, media reports said. Waiting to have their pre-dawn meal, Sehri, the residents came out in a frenzy and began knocking on their neighbours' doors to alert them of the imminent danger. No fire alarms or water sprinklers had gone off till then, an eyewitness said. A number of local mosques, churches and Sikh temples opened their doors to help those who were evacuated. Seventeen people have died in the fire so far. The death toll in the incident is likely to rise further.

London tower fire: Muslims fasting for Ramzaan helped save lives

<p>At this year&#39;s International Yoga Day celebrations here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have for company scores of roza-observing Muslims who will be performing various asanas.</p>

<p>At least 300 Muslim men and women under the banner of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch will be among the 55,000-strong participants at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan.</p>

<p>&quot;More than 1,000 Muslims had contacted us about participating in the International Yoga Day celebrations, but at least 300 have confirmed their participation. Most of the participants will be observing roza, while performing yoga.</p>

<p>&quot;In fact most of them are likely to arrive to the programme venue after Sehri (pre-dawn meal),&quot; Mahiraj Dhwaj Singh, national co-convenor (organisation) of Muslim Rashtriya Manch for UP and Uttarakhand, told PTI.</p>

<p>Azam Khan, the national president of Shriram Mandir Nirman Muslim Karsevak Manch, will also be performing yoga while fasting.<br />
&quot;I will be participating in the third International Yoga Day celebrations and performing various yoga asanas (postures),&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Singh said a request seeking a separate area for the Muslims participants will be made to the organisers.</p>

<p>Mohsin Raza, minister of state for Muslim Waqf and Haj, when contacted, said, &quot;I will also participate and perform yoga while observing roza. Both yoga and roza are good for one&#39;s health.&quot;</p>

<p>Raees Khan, the UP and Uttarakhand in-charge of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, informed that the manch is trying to ensure attendance of at least 1,000 Muslim yoga enthusiasts at Modi&#39;s programme.</p>

<p>&quot;So far 300 have already confirmed their participation. Most of the participants will be rozadars. Since 15 days, the participants have been practicing different aasans and postures,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Member of UP unit of BJP Iqbal Haidar, who also heads a brotherhood committee of Muslims and had pledged to build Ram temple in Ayodhya, said, &quot;I will be fasting, but at the same time participate in the Yoga Day celebrations. Yoga and roza are two different entities, and there should be no confusion in this regard. There should also be no difficulty or restriction on the participation of a rozedar in yoga programmes.&quot;</p>

<p>For convenience of ordinary citizens, LED screens will be installed at different parks in Lucknow, so that visitors could also participate simultaneously. Directions have already been issued to hold a 28-day workshop for the participants prior to the International Yoga Day.</p>

<p>The main programme would be the mass yoga demonstration from 7.00 am to 8.00 am, which will adhere to Common Yoga Protocol. Other events would include yoga fests, seminars, workshops, musical and cultural programmes.</p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have for company scores of roza-observing Muslims who will be performing various asanas

At this year's International Yoga Day celebrations here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have for company scores of roza-observing Muslims who will be performing various asanas. At least 300 Muslim men and women under the banner of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch will be among the 55,000-strong participants at the Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan. "More than 1,000 Muslims had contacted us about participating in the International Yoga Day celebrations, but at least 300 have confirmed their participation. Most of the participants will be observing roza, while performing yoga. "In fact most of them are likely to arrive to the programme venue after Sehri (pre-dawn meal)," Mahiraj Dhwaj Singh, national co-convenor (organisation) of Muslim Rashtriya Manch for UP and Uttarakhand, told PTI. Azam Khan, the national president of Shriram Mandir Nirman Muslim Karsevak Manch, will also be performing yoga while fasting. "I will be participating in the third International Yoga Day celebrations and performing various yoga asanas (postures)," he said. Singh said a request seeking a separate area for the Muslims participants will be made to the organisers. Mohsin Raza, minister of state for Muslim Waqf and Haj, when contacted, said, "I will also participate and perform yoga while observing roza. Both yoga and roza are good for one's health." Raees Khan, the UP and Uttarakhand in-charge of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, informed that the manch is trying to ensure attendance of at least 1,000 Muslim yoga enthusiasts at Modi's programme. "So far 300 have already confirmed their participation. Most of the participants will be rozadars. Since 15 days, the participants have been practicing different aasans and postures," he said. Member of UP unit of BJP Iqbal Haidar, who also heads a brotherhood committee of Muslims and had pledged to build Ram temple in Ayodhya, said, "I will be fasting, but at the same time participate in the Yoga Day celebrations. Yoga and roza are two different entities, and there should be no confusion in this regard. There should also be no difficulty or restriction on the participation of a rozedar in yoga programmes." For convenience of ordinary citizens, LED screens will be installed at different parks in Lucknow, so that visitors could also participate simultaneously. Directions have already been issued to hold a 28-day workshop for the participants prior to the International Yoga Day. The main programme would be the mass yoga demonstration from 7.00 am to 8.00 am, which will adhere to Common Yoga Protocol. Other events would include yoga fests, seminars, workshops, musical and cultural programmes. (PTI)

Yoga Day: Fasting Muslims to take part in PM Modi's UP event

The Afghan Taliban said today they were launching new operations after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, dismissing reports that they had been weakened following a change of leadership in May.<br />
<br />
Afghan government and NATO officials have said government forces have had growing success against the Taliban since US commanders were granted more freedom to conduct air strikes and other operations against the insurgents.<br />
<br />
They have also pointed to apparent leadership problems within the Taliban since former leader Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike and replaced by the hardline cleric Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.<br />
<br />
The Taliban&#39;s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said reports of a reduction in insurgent operations during Ramadan reflected a natural slowdown during one of the hottest periods of the year when Muslims are required not to eat or drink during daylight hours.<br />
<br />
&quot;But the commanders of the American occupation forces and the puppet figures in Kabul got the wrong impression from this situation and think that Mujahideen have been weakened or are facing problems due to the change in leadership,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
With the end of Ramadan and the Eid holiday immediately afterwards, the insurgents, who are seeking to force the NATO-led coalition out of Afghanistan and bring in Islamic law, were moving on to the offensive and had seized three district centres in the past 24 hours.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;

'Reduction in insurgent operations during Ramadan reflected a natural slowdown'

The Afghan Taliban said today they were launching new operations after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, dismissing reports that they had been weakened following a change of leadership in May. Afghan government and NATO officials have said government forces have had growing success against the Taliban since US commanders were granted more freedom to conduct air strikes and other operations against the insurgents. They have also pointed to apparent leadership problems within the Taliban since former leader Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike and replaced by the hardline cleric Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. The Taliban's chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said reports of a reduction in insurgent operations during Ramadan reflected a natural slowdown during one of the hottest periods of the year when Muslims are required not to eat or drink during daylight hours. "But the commanders of the American occupation forces and the puppet figures in Kabul got the wrong impression from this situation and think that Mujahideen have been weakened or are facing problems due to the change in leadership," he said. With the end of Ramadan and the Eid holiday immediately afterwards, the insurgents, who are seeking to force the NATO-led coalition out of Afghanistan and bring in Islamic law, were moving on to the offensive and had seized three district centres in the past 24 hours. (Reuters)

Dismissing slowdown after leadership change, Afghan Taliban announces new operations

ramadan

Ramadan, News on Ramadan, stories on Ramadan, articles on Ramadan, Ramadan stories at Wion, Ramadan news, Ramadan latest news