From bd0d4f8e66baa142b70a24d394650868335732e9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Vivek Teega Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 03:20:27 +0530 Subject: [PATCH] Adding Air Asia and Beirut articles --- airasia.html | 705 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ beirut.html | 857 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2 files changed, 1562 insertions(+) create mode 100644 airasia.html create mode 100644 beirut.html diff --git a/airasia.html b/airasia.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e0159f --- /dev/null +++ b/airasia.html @@ -0,0 +1,705 @@ + + + + + RanchiMall Content Collaboration Output + + + + + + + +
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Air Asia
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Air Asia history
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Air Asia was established in 1993 and commenced its operations on 18th November 1996. This airline + was + originally founded by a government owned conglomerate DRB-Hicom. However, on 2nd December 2001, + the + heaviliy indebted airline was purchased by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes’s company + Tune Air Sdn Bhd for the token sum of one ringgit. Fernandes proceeded to engineer a remarkable + turnaround, turning a profit in 2002 and launching new routes from its hub in KLIA at breakneck + speed which undercutting former monopoly operator Malaysia Airlines with promotional fares as + low as + one ringgit. + + + In 2003, AirAsia has opened a second hub at Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru, which is + near Singapore. And, it launched its first international flight to Bangkok. AirAsia has + therefore + started a Thai subsidiary, added Singapore to the destination list, and it commenced flights to + Indonesia. Also, flight to Macau was started in June 2004 and flight to Mainland China and the + Philippines started in April 2005. In addition, the flight to Vietnam and Cambodia is in the + year + 2005 while to Brunei and Myanmar is in 2006. + + + + + With a strong yet simple slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly”, AirAsia has effectively placed its brand + in + customer’s mind when comes to selection of flight. In Malaysia, AirAsia is the second powerful + national airline. Also, it was the first successful low cost and ticket-less airline in the + Southeast Asian region. It is main based in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) at Kuala Lumpur + International Airport (KLIA). And, AirAsia has a registered office in Petaling Jaya, Selangor + and + its head office is on the grounds of KLIA in Sepang, Selangor. In addition, AirAsia is one of + the + successful businesses that have adopted cost leadership thoroughly through effectiveness and + efficiency of the operation management. AirAsia has broken the travel norms around the world + speedily and has become the world’s top airline. Beside this, AirAsia also has a route network + that + spans more than 20 countries; therefore it continues to pave the way for lower cost aviation + through + innovative solutions, more efficient processes and a passionate approach to the business. + + The vision of AirAsia is to be the largest cost airline in Asia and for the purpose of serving + the 3 + billion people who are currently underserved with poor connectivity as well as high fares. There + are + 4 missions such as to be the best company to work for where the employees are treated as part of + the + big family in AirAsia, to create a ASEAN brand which is being recognized globally, to attain the + lowest cost to make sure everyone in the world can fly with AirAsia, and to maintain the highest + quality product by embracing technology in order to reduce cost and enhance the service levels + of + AirAsia. + + Apart from that, together with the associate companies such as AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia and + Indonesia + AirAsia, AirAsia is set to take the low cost flying. AirAsia X was established in 2007 in order + to + provide high frequency as well as point to point networks to the long haul business. Its cost + efficiencies are derived from maintaining a simple aircraft fleet and a route network based on + low + cost airports. Hence, guests will continue to enjoy the low fares through cost savings that + AirAsia + pass on to the guests. Moreover, AirAsia X franchises the brand name of AirAsia, Asia’s largest + low + cost carrier which uses a common ticketing website, uniform, uniforms, and management style with + AirAsia. AirAsia X is also affiliated with Virgin Group and Air Canada. + + + AirAsia operates over 200 flights a day, to over 75 domestic and international routes covering + Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, the People’s Republic of China, + Vietnam, + Laos, Cambodia, Australia and the Philippines. Service AirAsia focus is an organization that + provides traveling to passenger around South-East Asia. There are two main type of service + provided + by AirAsia which is AirAsia and AirAsia X. AirAsia is an offer for passenger that fly around + South-East Asia but AirAsia X is an offer for passenger that fly toward Australia, China and + etc. + GoHoliday is an extra service provided by AirAsia. + + GoHoliday offer hotels and activities around that country. Package are provided to passenger who + are + interested. GoHostel is also an extra service provided by AirAsia. GoHostel provide variety of + hotel + in the country that the passenger flies to. Offers are often provided to the passenger of + AirAsia. + Plan AirAsia’s CEO Tony Fernandes unveiled a five-year plan to further enhance its presence in + Asia. + In the plan, AirAsia will strengthen and enhance its route network by connecting all the + existing + cities in the region and expanding further into Indochina, Indonesia, Southern China (Kun Ming, + Xiamen, Shenzen) and India. + + The airline will focus on developing its hubs in Bangkok and Jakarta through its sister + companies, + Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia. Hence, with increase frequency and addition of new routes, + AirAsia expects passenger volume to hit 18 million by end-2007. On 27 March 2006, the Government + of + Malaysia announced that AirAsia will take over 96 non-trunk routes, in addition to 19 domestic + trunk + routes. This was part of Malaysia Airlines route rationalization programme which saw a large + number + of its domestic sectors being transferred to AirAsia from 1 August 2006. + + On September 27, 2008, AirAsia has on its list 106 new routes to be added to its current list of + 60 + over the next few years. Technology AirAsia widely utilises the Internet as a booking and + payment + channel. Its website at www. airasia. com allows guests to book and pay for seats, check flight + schedules, and acquire information about the airline. About 45% of AirAsia’s business is done + through Internet sales. It also became the first airline in the world to offer a multilingual + website that comes in six languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, Thai and Bahasa + Indonesia.

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Airasia and Tata
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AirAsia is one of the first foreign airline to set up a subordinate airline industry in India. + The + company marked the Tata Group's return to the aviation industry. + + +  AirAsia India is a joint venture (JV) between the Tata group and Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad + AirAsia group. Where the Tatas own 51% stake and the remaining 49% is with AirAsia Bhd. The + Malaysian airline group, which has been reporting losses, reportedly approached the Tatas in + June to + sell its part of the stake. The offer was refused by Tata Sons. + + + Even the AirAsia India is floundering to achieve a reversal of policy, having gained profits + only + for a single quarter since it began operations six years ago. Tata Sons, the other JV partner + with a + 51 per cent stake, has so far made no money out of it.  + + + There are also suppositions that Tata is planning to consolidate its exiting stake in AirAsia + with + Air India into a single enterprise. It is also important to mention that the national carrier + started as a division of Tata Sons Ltd in 1932 and was run as 'Tata Airlines' till 1946, after + which + it became a public limited company, renamed as Air India due to nationalization. + + + From Tata Airlines and Air India to Vistara and AirAsia India, the Tata group has always been an + important part of the growing aviation sector in India.

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Airasia safety issue
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Flying Beast Gaurav Taneja who got suspended from job as a pilot, after he raised his voice + publically on some flight safety issues in AirAsia Airlines. AirAsia India is under governor + probe + for reportedly violation of safety practices. The move comes to light a day after aviation + regulator + The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is the statutory body formed under the + Aircraft + (Amendment) Bill, 2020. DGCA sent a show-cause notice to AirAsia India's Head of Operations, + Manish + Uppal.  + + Mr Taneja in his YouTube video has explained the safety issues of AirAsia India. Taneja also + tweeted + "So good to see that #AirAsia has not yet come up with a statement “WE ARE NOT UNSAFE”. + + + The violations are related to safety protocols, ignorance of The Directorate General of Civil + Aviation circulars on covid-19 safety of passengers, ignorance of sick leaves of pilots and + pressurising pilots to use flap 3 landings in a way to save fuel 98% of time. + + Taking knowledge of that, the DGCA had Tweeted on June 15 “DGCA has taken note of the concerns + raised by some stakeholders against a particular airline and its approach to safety. DGCA has + already started an investigation into the issues flagged and shall take appropriate action based + on + the outcome of the said investigation.”

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Gaurav Taneja allegation on Air Asia
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In June this year, one of AirAsia India’s former pilot who runs a YouTube channel called Flying + Beast. Gaurav Taneja, who has, first raised safety issues at AirAsia through a tweet on June 13, + though he didn’t disclose any details. Gaurav Taneja was terminated by the airline on Friday. + Taneja + tweeted the same around midnight on Monday he tweeted “I was terminated from AirAsia for raising + safety issues! Now, the same issues are raised by DGCA to Air Asia India. Justice will + prevail!”. + This comes a fortnight after he was suspended from the airline. + + + + Soon after Taneja’s termination, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Sunday, + issued + a showcause notice to a senior executive of AirAsia India over Taneja’s allegations of violation + of + safety norms. A DGCA official said that the showcause notice has been served after the pilot's + allegations. "AirAsia India confirms receipt of the notice and we are assisting the regulator in + its + fact-finding process. We will fully cooperate with the regulator," said an AirAsia India + spokesperson. + + In his video on June 14, however, he made several allegations with respect to the violation of + safety norms by the airline. He alleged that he was made to work on his off days and said that + putting sick pilots in the cockpit is risky. When he escalated this to the chief of the safety + of + the airline, he allegedly wrote back that he undergo lifestyle counselling and medical tests + again. + + He also alleged that protocols, that were in place in March when coronavirus was spreading, were + not + followed properly by the airline (although he does not outline which), and stated that from + March 24 + onwards, he refused to fly. + + He also alleged that the airline asks its pilots to do 98% of landings in "Flap 3" mode, which + allows it to save fuel. Failing to do this is considered a violation by the airline, he alleged. + Flaps are part of wings of an aircraft and they are engaged to create a drag during a landing or + a + take-off. + + After this, Amit Singh, the former Chief of Safety at AirAsia India, also tweeted that he + resigned + with just a day’s notice and refused to work with the company because the company allegedly + asked + him to hide safety issues. “As the Chief of Flight Safety of AirAsia India after launch, I + resigned + and left with 1 days’ notice. I refused to work for them for a minute after they asked me to + hide + safety related issues. Such is the safety culture there. They accused me of working for + @DGCAIndia + instead of them,” he tweeted. + + Soon after this DGCA took note of the concerns raised and began investigating the airline.

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Airasia and DGCA
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Air Asia has been on a drift from years, due to different reasons as company going in loss and so + on. + These time are already tough due to the prevailing pandemic. Various services are suffering a + huge + loss and so is Air Asia. + + + Recently the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended Captain Manish Uppal, the + Head + of Operations, Air Asia and Captain Mukesh Neema, Chief of Flight Safety, Air Asia, on safety + violations by Air Asia. Taneja's allegations regarding the safety as the company sent sick pilot + on + work and instructed pilots to do "flap 3" in order to save fuel.  Registered allegations says + that + the low-cost carrier violates safety norms and puts the lives of its pilots, crew and all the + passengers at risk. + + + In June, the DGCA took note of the complaints raised by a number of stakeholders and started an + investigation into the reported issues. The aviation regulator said it will "take appropriate + action + based on the outcome of the said investigation". + + + However, the aviation watchdog has received criticism for announcing a short-term suspension of + the + carrier's top brass as compared to the suspension of the pilot. + Also, DGCA mentioned that AirAsia India was under investigation after Taneja's allegations.

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Airasia is unsafe
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The youtuber who raised his voice against the safety issues of passengers in Air Asia Mr. Gaurav + Taneja also a pilot by profession alleged in his youtube video that, "the AirAsia airline by + which + we travel is unsafe." Initially he said when we ask for sick leave it is counted as off day. + "Pilots + do fear asking for a sick leave, as it may lead to punitive action," The punitive action may be + in + the form of a lower bonus. + "On any other job, one could go to work despite feeling a bit under the weather. As a pilot, I + can't + afford to do that," says the pilot.  + + Secondly, he talked about standard operating procedure (SOPs) not being followed. Though he + doesn't + get into the details on which SoPs were not being followed. + + Lastely he talked about landing issues. Flap 3 or Flap 4. + The purpose of the flaps is to generate more lift at slower airspeed, which enables the airplane + to + fly at a greatly reduced speed with a lower risk of stalling. This is especially useful during + takeoff and landing. + A no-flaps landing is done in the conditions of strong or gusty winds.  + Flap 3 is more preferred as it saves fuel which is the reason why nearly all airlines advise + their + pilots to use this mode of landing, rather than Flap 4. + + But the AirAsia airline has asked its pilots to do 98 per cent of landings in "Flap 3" mode, + which + allows it to save fuel. He said if a pilot does not do 98 per cent of landings in "Flap 3" mode, + the + airline considers it a violation of its standard operating procedure or also denoted as SOP.

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Airasia senior managment suspension
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended two senior executives of AirAsia + India. Captain Manish Uppal, the Head of Operations and Captain Mukesh Neema, Chief of Flight + Safety + are suspended for three months over violations of safety protocols.  + + + + The DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to Air Asia India on June 28, in connection with a pilot + levelling allegation that the airline engaged in compromising safety protocols.  + + + The AirAsia came into the soptlight during the month of June, when a suspended AirAsia Pilot, + Gaurav + Taneja levelled allegations against Air Asia company through his YouTube channel called "Flying + Beast". In his vlog, he alleged Air Asia for the violations of safety norms by the low-cost + carrier, + forcing the pilots to use a landing mechanism that would save fuel. He allegedly said that they + are + not at all worried for the safety of their passengers rather forcing to save fuel as much as + possible. He tweeted, on June 14, that he has been suspended by AirAsia India "for standing up + for + safety operations of an aircraft and its passengers". The following day, he posted a detailed + video + on YouTube entitled "Reasons behind suspension from my pilot job". + + + On the suspension of the two executives, Taneja tweeted, "Capt Manish Uppal and Mukesh Neema + from + @AirAsiaIndian are suspended by @DGCAIndia for safety violations and risking people lives for + profits. All the "safety experts" who were acting as PR agents of @AirAsiaIndian , you are + caught + with your pants down."

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burnol for Airasia
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#BurnolForAirAsia became one of the top trends in Twitter. This trend was initiated by former + Captain + Gaurav Taneja. He sent a box full of Burnol tubes to AirAsia after the airline company lost a + legal + battle.  + + + + Gaurav Taneja through his YouTube channel, exposed the reality of AirAsia company. He alleged + Air + Asia for compromising with the life and safety of the passengers in order to save fuel by + forcing + the Pilots to use a landing mechanism that would save fuel. He added how the pilots were being + mentally tortured by the company for the above reason.  + Taneja was suspended as soon as this came into notice by the airline company. He then came up + with a + video and disclosed the reason of his suspension and company's malpractices with solid evidence. + His movement accumulated massive support from the netizens who also filed an RTI to seek + complete + information from the aviation company. + + + Taneja's stand for the right cause throughout gave him favourable results, Captain Manish Uppal + (Head Of Operations) and Captain Mukesh Nema (Chief Of Flight Safety) were suspended by DGCA. + After + this news, he decided to send a savage box of surprise to AirAsia - a box full or burnol tubes + and + tweeted, + + + "Sending a box full of this #SabKeLiye Please distribute properly. No cheating this time please + @AirAsiaIndian #BurnolForAirasia."

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Whistleblower targeted by Airasia
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Air Asia has fired Captain Gaurav Taneja, who brought out the company's malpractices in order to + save + fuel and for that neglecting  the safety of the passengers. He is said to have acted as a + whistleblower as he exposed the unlawful activity which went on, in the Air Asia company.  + + + On June 14, Taneja came up with a YouTube video and said that he has been suspended by the + AirAsia + company for standing up for "safe operations of an aircraft and its passengers." Taneja alleged + that + the company forced the Pilots to use a landing technique called "Flap 3" mode in order to save + fuel. + Thus, for a minimal amout of fuel, the passengers safety is being compromised.  + + + On June 15, the aviation regulator DGCA tweeted that it has taken note of allegations against a + "particular airline". Consequently, the DGCA had decided to issue a showcause notice to a senior + executive of the airline after the alleged violation of safety norms came to light. The + showcause + notice has been served post the pilot's allegations. + + + Air Asia issued a statement that  it has complied with the direction of DGCA and appointed + INTERIM + POST HOLDERS  while maintaining that it prioritizes safety. Authorities will exercise an option + of + an appeal for addressal.  + "AirAsia India confirms receipt of the notice and we are assisting the regulator in its fact + finding + process. We will fully cooperate with the regulator," said an AirAsia India spokesperson. + + + While, On June 26, Taneja, who was already suspended got dismissed for publicly alleging safety + violations at the airline.

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Way forward for Air Asia
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AirAsia is the first subordinate aviation industry in India. Ever since its launch, AirAsia India + has + been involved in one controversy or the other. + + + Now this is being speculated Tata is planning to merge its exiting stake in AirAsia with Air + India + into a single entity. After all the controversial draught of being in loss, not treating + employees + in a proper decorum and risking passengers life in order to save fuel have brought a negative + impact + on industries goodwill. + + + It can be said that this is going to be a tough task to regain customers trust and reputation. + For + this the company will have to stick to all the safety norms according to the aviation industry. + And + also taking all the precautionary measures during the pandemic.  + + + AirAsia will have to prioritise the safety of the passengers and the crews. Also, to create a + healthy working environment where the employees won't fear to ask for leave during emergency and + make sure that they are not finding the job as a burden.

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Beirut
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Beirut blast
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Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and also the largest city of the country. On a peninsula at the + midpoint of the Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, Beirut is an important regional seaport.  + + +  Recently, during the novel corona virus pandemic a deadly blast took place in Beirut. On 4th of + August, 2020 at 6:08 pm a powerful explosion took place in the city. The blast which followed + the  + fire at the port of Beirut, resulted 135 deaths , more than 80 missing and a large number of + people + left homeless. The roof of the warehouse caught alight and there was a large initial explosion, + followed by a series of smaller blasts that some witnesses said sounded like fireworks going + off. + About 30 seconds later, there was a colossal explosion that sent a mushroom cloud into the air + and a + supersonic blastwave radiating through the city. That blastwave levelled buildings near the port + and + caused extensive damage over much of the rest of the capital, which is home to two million + people. + Hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, although some of them too were devastated due to the blast. + The + warehouse was completely eradicated and an adjacent grain silo was heavily damaged. The blast + destroyed the immediate dockside area, creating a crater approximately 140 metres wide, which + flooded with seawater. Satellite images highlight complete devastation in the port area, with + one + ship apparently blown out of the water and onto the dockside. The explosion's shockwave blew out + windows at Beirut International Airport's passenger terminal, about 9km (5 miles) away from the + port. The blast was also heard as far away as Cyprus, about 200km (125 miles) across the + Mediterranean Sea, and seismologists at the United States Geological Survey said it was the + equivalent of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. . Kilometers from the port, balconies were knocked + down, + windows shattered, streets were covered with glass and bricks and lined with wrecked cars. The + impact from the explosion shockwave was reportedly felt on the island of Cyprus 150 miles away + also + a civil defence official on the scene of the blast said his men had evacuated dozens to + hospitals + and that there were still bodies inside the port, many of them under debris. Scores of + ambulances + ferried the injured from the port area, where the wounded lay on the ground. The red cross has + made + an urgent call for blood donations while the head of Lebanese red cross told local TV there were + hundreds of casualties although many were superficial wounds from broken glass.  + + + The president Michel Aoun said that blast was caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate it is + used + as fertilizer and even as an explosive. The chemical was confiscated by the government from a + stranded ship and was stored in the port without proper safety measures for six long years. + This has lead to a blame game in the country among the official and the government. The head of + custom authority and the head of port told that they had written the judiciary several times + asking + for the chemical to be sold to ensure the safety of the port but no action was taken for the + above. + The economic minister of the country says, “I think it is all because of the bad management.” + + + Specialist at the University of the Sheffield in the UK estimate that the blast had about one + tenth + of the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The matter has been + handed over to the specialists. Supreme defence council has vowed that found responsible will + face + maximum punishment. Even the netizens want a fair decision on the above.

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Beirut explosion reason
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On 4th of August, 2020 in the evening a deadly  took place which created a shock wave that + shattered + glasses for miles in Beirut the capital of Lebanon. It is said that the explosion happened + because + of ammonium nitrate kept in the port from last six years without any precautionary measures. + + + + Multiple reports suggest that a huge tremor-causing explosion was preceded by a fire, possibly + of + firecrackers. Newly surfaced documents show that at least 10 times, over the past six years, + authorities from Lebanon's customs, military, security agencies and judiciary raised alarm that + a + massive stockpile of explosive chemicals was being kept with almost no safeguard at the port in + the + heart of Beirut. But, the government did not heed attention to these documents reported + earlier.  + + + Large quantities of stored ammonium nitrate are regarded as a major fire hazard, with multiple + reported cases across the world. Big stockpiles of ammonium nitrate can explode in two possible + ways. One is by some type of detonation or initiation because the storage comes in contact with + explosive mixture or an outside source of energy. Second, the blast can result due to a fire + which + starts into the ammonium nitrate storage because of the heat generated due to the oxidation + process + at large scale.  + + + Primary observations by the experts point serious lack of maintaining safety norms at the + explosive + storage of such chemical. There are also questions about how ammonium nitrate and another source + of + fire were present so close to each other, which caused the widespread destruction. + + + Lebanese President, Michel Aoun said "there are two possible causes of the explosion that killed + nearly 150 people - either negligence or 'external intervention' by a missile or bomb." Aoun + said + the Lebanese government's investigation into the cause of the explosion is concentrating on 20 + people. Port officials have been put under house arrest. The explosion caused a deadly effect + resulting 135 deaths, 5,000 injuries, more than 100 not found and approx 300,000 were left + homeless. + Due to this the government has announced an emergency for the next two weeks in the country. The + case is under investigation as to know who triggered the explosion.

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beirut death toll
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The full horror and scale of the damage caused by massive explosion in Lebanon's capital killed + at + least 100 people and injured thousands more. The blast triggered a huge mushroom cloud, + flattering + much of the city's port, damaging buildings, and littering debri's everywhere. A warehouse + storing + thousands of tons of unsecured highly volatile material has emerged as a possible source of + explosion. Lebanon's health minister said that hundreds of people have been reportedly missing + and + death toll will likely increase. Following the explosion in Beirut on Tuesday (4Aug) the death + toll + has risen to at least 350 and the number of injured to 5000. + + + + + International aid flights began to arrive, as Lebanon's leaders struggled to deal with the + aftermath + of the devastating blast, paralysed by an economic crisis and facing a public where many already + blame chronic mismanagement for the disaster. The residents of Beirut are stunned, sleepless and + stoic  as emerged from the aftermath of a catastrophic explosion searching for missing + relatives, + bandaging their wounds and retrieving the left out of their houses. + + + Lebanon's cabinet declared a two-week state of emergency in the capital city and handed control + of + security in the capital to the military. Officials said they expect the death toll to rise + further + as emergency workers dig through the wreckage to search for survivors. + + + Beirut's city governor, Marwan Abboud said up to 300,000 people have lost their homes and + authorities are working on providing them with food, water and shelter. + + + Prime Minister Hassan Diab, appealed to all countries and friends of Lebanon to extend help to + the + small nation, saying:  "We are witnessing a real catastrophe."  He declared a national day of + mourning soon after the blast occurred. He said those responsible for the "catastrophe"  would + be + held to account. President Michel Aoun called for "urgent" defence council talk in the aftermath + of + the explosion.   + EU Commissioner for Crisis Management said, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is now + coordinating + the urgent deployment of over a 100 highly trained firefighters, with vehicles, dogs and + equipment, + specialised in search and rescue in urban contexts. "They will work with the Lebanese + authorities to + save lives on the ground."

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Beirut ammonium nitrate
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Tha countdown of this explosion started years back, when a troubled russian leased cargo ship + made an + unscheduled stop at the city's port. An indebted vessel crewed by sullen transport. The chemical + "ammonium nitrate" was purchased by international Bank of Mozambique for making explosives it + was + being transported via leased russian ship. The people did not have money to pay for passage + through + the Suez canal. Thus, at the ship in Beirut port, after some legal procedure the vessel was kept + in + the port as they did not have money for further voyage. Later it was heard that the chemical + will be + auctioned but it never happened. All this ended on Tuesday in a giant explosion. It devastated + one + of the middle East most foundly regarded cities Beirut. + + + Ammonium nitrate  is a white crystalline solid, which is soluble in water. It consists of ions + of + ammonium and nitrate. It is made in large industrial quantities through the chemical reaction of + nitric oxide and ammonia. It is primarily used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertiliser, but + it + is also used to create commercial explosives for mining and construction. Ammonium nitrate is + made + all over the world and is relatively cheap to buy. But storing it can be a problem, and it has + been + associated with serious industrial accidents in the past + Ammonium nitrate is an industrial chemical commonly used in fertilizers and as an explosive for + quarrying and mining. It is an oxidizer considered relatively safe if uncontaminated. But it is + extremely dangerous if contaminated, mixed with fuel or stored unsafely. A large quantity of + ammonium nitrate exposed to intense heat can trigger an explosion. Storing the chemical near + large + fuel tanks in large quantities and in a poorly-ventilated facility can cause a massive blast. + 'This + is probably up there among the biggest non-nuclear explosions of all time,' says Roland Alford, + managing director of a company that specializes in the disposal of explosive ordnance.  + + + A common chemical ingredient of agricultural fertilisers, the nitrogen rich compound is also the + main component of the explosive composition known as ANFO — ammonium nitrate fuel oil. Ammonium + Nitrate alone is not ANFO. ANFO is premixed Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (Diesel, Kerosine, + fermented molasses,) powdered aluminum is sometimes added to the batches used for military + grade  + explosives to speed up the detonation. + + + + + On its own, ammonium nitrate is relatively safe to handle. However, if large amount of this + material + lying around for a long time, it will begin to decay. Over time it will absorb bit of moisture + and + eventually turn into an enormous rock. This makes it more dangerous because if  fire reaches it, + the + chemical reaction will be intense. When ammonium nitrate explodes, it can release toxic gases + including nitrogen oxides and ammonia gas. The nitrogen oxide, which is often associated with + air + pollution.  + + + + + Ammonium nitrate has been used by armies around the world as an explosive. It has also been used + in + several terrorist acts. However, for combinations to explode, triggers like detonators are + required. + Many Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by terrorists around the world have ANFO as the + main + explosive, triggered by primary explosives like RDX or TNT. In the majority of terror attacks in + India, including those in Pulwama, Varanasi, Malegaon, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, + ammonium + nitrate has been used along with initiator explosives like RDX.

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Beirut coronavirus cases
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The virus was confirmed to have reached  Lebanon in February 2020. Lebanon recorded its first + case of + coronavirus on February 21 and following the entry of several new cases coming. Thus, preventive + measures were taken such as avoiding public venues, like resorts and theaters. Post this, the + closure of schools, universities, and nurseries was extended to March 14. However, numbers + steadily + increased until a national lockdown was announced on March 15, supplemented by an overnight + curfew + 11 days later. As of 10 June 2020, some of the hardest-hit cities and towns in the country + include  + Beirut and its metropolitan area, Bcharre in the north of the country and  Majdel Anjar in the  + Beqaa Governorate. Lebanon recorded 3582 cases so far with 47 deaths and 1671 recoveries. + + + Lebanon have been badly hit  by the corona virus pandemic, then the economic crisis and now the + nuclear like explosion. + After the catastrophic explosion that shook the city of Beirut on August 4,  Lebanon now + recorded + highest 255 fresh Covid-19 cases in a day. COVID-19 testing has been halted across Beirut + following + Tuesday’s deadly explosion. The blast struck the country amid an increasingly dangerous second + wave + of the virus, and experts are worried. Russia sent 5 Emergency Situations Ministry planes to + Beirut + to assist in eliminating the consequences of the explosion. A mobile hospital with doctors and a + laboratory was also sent to Lebanon to detect the coronavirus. Thus, Lebanon has confirmed a + RECORD + 255 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. + The infection rate stands at 4,604 in the country, since the outbreak first began in February. + The + pandemic has heightened the woes of a crisis-hit country swaying from a massive explosion that + killed more than 130 people, wounded at least 5,000 and left an estimated 300,000 homeless. Many + people forgot their face masks as they packed up into vehicles, riding with strangers on the + move to + hospitals, which were also damaged by the explosion. This put a further strain on the nation's + health system which was already running short on personal protective equipment and struggling + with + more than 5200 cases of COVID 19.  + + + Health Minister, Hamad Hassan said "Due to the emergency and panic, I am worried that treating + the + wounded in hospitals and the loss of personal protection equipment supplies may have an impact + on + the number of coronavirus patients in the next 10 days."  + + + Lebanon's hospitals were, for the first time in months, overwhelmed with cases other than + COVID-19, + with people severly wounded post explosion. Since the explosion, people have crowded into the + hardest hit districts to scrutinize their damaged homes and businesses, or as volunteers in + cleanup + efforts. The blast forced authorities to suspend a lockdown that was supposed to last until + August + 10. + It is still too soon to know what impact the explosion will have on Lebanon’s coronavirus + outbreak. + Though testing, contact tracing and the hospitalization of severely ill patients continue, + according + to the World Health Organization, health workers and aid agencies are sounding the alarm. + + + Beirut explosions stoke fears of coronavirus spike as hospitals are overwhelmed. The city is + decimated with thousands of residents left homeless, a medical system already strained from + coronavirus and up to $5 billion worth of damage.

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Beirut demographics
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Any country's or city's demographics play's a very important role in it's planning and + development. + It is very strange to come across the fact that the country Lebanon's capital Beirut also known + as + largest city of the country has not taken a formal census or population count since 1930's. + Because + of that the exact population count of the country varies depending on the sources. +  No recent population census has been conducted, but 2007 estimates ranged from slightly more + than 1 + million to 2.2 million as part of Greater Beirut which makes it the third largest city in the + Levant + region and the fifteenth - largestin the Arab world.  + + + Beirut's 2020 population is now estimated at 2,424,425. In 1950, the population of Beirut was + 322,360. Beirut has grown by 195,720 since 2015, which represents a 1.70% annual change. These + population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World urbanisation + projects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Beirut, which typically includes + Beirut's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas. Though, recent estimates put the + population at around 361,000 with the broader metro area being home to over 2.2 million + residents. + + + On a peninsula  at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coast, Beirut is an important + regional + seaport. It is one of the most religious and diverse cities in the Middle East. There is a total + of + 18 recognized religions within the area, include four Muslim sects, twelve Christian sects, and + a + Jewish sect. The city was relatively well blended until the civil war when segregation occurred. + The + eastern side of the city is mainly Christian, while the western side has a Sunni Muslim + majority. + However, in recent years, religious groups are becoming more integrated.

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Beirut government
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The capital of Lebanon, Beirut which faced a deadly blast on Tuesday 4th August 2020 is going + through + its worst phase after the explosion that took place. The country was already suffering a major + economic downturn before the devastating explosion and UN agencies have warned of a humanitarian + crisis unless food and medical aid are delivered swiftly. + The Lebanese Parliament, all the Ministries and most of the public administrations, embassies + and + consulates are there.  Beirut Governorate is one of eight mohafazat. + + + + + Reports quickly emerged that Lebanese customs officials had requested the disposal of the highly + combustible materials. Public outrage erupted in Beirut, after reports emerged that the Lebanese + government had known about the explosive materials being stored at the port that fueled the + deadly + catastrophe, though their disposal had been requested on multiple occasions. Protestors marched + towards the government building shouting to change the president. As they call the blast the + result + of negligence of the government. Ater the blast France president visited the city and promised + to + help them. But he even stated that he won't give a blank check to such a government whose + citizens + doesn't have faith on them. The country was already going through economic crises due to corona + virus disease. Many lost jobs, undisputed deaths due to covid-19, with edible shortage for the + public. This was worsen by the deadly blast. Because of the early condition and addition to that + this blast have not even left them in a condition to rebuild their home. + + + The tragedy has triggered widespread outrage in Lebanon, where people see it symbolically, the + persistent government corruption and neglect, calling for the resignation of the country’s top + politicians.  + + + Lebanese Prime Minister, Hassan Diab and his cabinet resigned after the deadly explosion under + pressure from protests over long term government neglect and corruption that have sought to + overturn + the country's political elite and devastated large parts of central Beirut. Mr. Diab said,   + "I set out to combat corruption, but I discovered that corruption is bigger than the state, I + declare today the resignation of this government. God bless Lebanon." He will go to the + presidential + palace to "hand over the resignation in the name of all the ministers." Several key ministers + and at + least nine members of parliament announced their resignations. However,  the Cabinet members + will + continue to serve in a caretaker role until a new government is formed. + + + + + Mr. Diab's government lasted less than eight months. It was formed in January after the former + prime + minister, Saad Hariri, stepped aside in late 2019 under pressure from protests that demanded + political reform and an end to corruption.

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Beirut economic crisis
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The city Beirut of lebanon is going through a tough time from a long time. The country is going + through a economic crisis, financial crisis and government crisis. Lebanon's economy was already + in + crisis then the blast hit Beirut. Soon after the explosion, there is crisis amid food shortages, + economic struggle. + The massive explosion swayed the city Beirut with 135 people dead and 5,000 injured. However, + the + number of deaths is expected to raise. Moreover, the blast displaced 300,000 people. + + + In the past year, a breakdown in the country's banking system and inflation had triggered mass + protests. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the World Bank projected that 45% of people in + Lebanon would be below the poverty line in 2020. The situation such that middle class and poor + people are not able to afford important households. It can also be called as a health crisis. + The + International Monetary Fund last forecast that Lebanon's economy - beset by soaring food prices, + a + collapsing currency and Covid-19 - would contract by 12% this year. That is far worse than the + 4.7% + average drop in output forecast for the Middle East and central Asia. The country defaulted on + some + of its debt in March. Lebanon had been looking to secure a $10 billion loan from the IMF, but + talks + stalled last month. + + + Few months ago as an economic crisis caused the country's capital to collapse and sore. The + country's pound or lira has lost about 85% of its value. It is said to be a result of government + corruption and financial mismanagement. This lead to unemployment and poverty. There have been + many + protests against the political elites due to the breakdown of banking system and sky rocking in + the + country. All this paused after the lockdown imposed due to COVID 19.  + + + The mass protest again gained pace after the explosion took place on 4th August,2020 in Beirut + port. + As people claim it to be a result of complete negligence and mismanagement of the government. As + the + explosion took place because of ammonium nitrate which is highly combustible, even after knowing + all + this and receiving letter regarding removing it, and essential precautionary measures to the + same + the government and ministry did nothing. This period has made rich richer, middle class a poor + and + the poors to a detitue. + + + The nation's government debt levels have for years been among the highest in the world, as were + current account deficits. Lebanon produces little and depends heavily on imports, including most + of + its food. It was borrowing heavily to pay for these imports. The collapse of Lebanon's financial + system is symptomatic of a wider failure of governance. + + + The explosion declared Beirut, a "disaster city", has piled more pressure on its economy. The + incident destroyed dozens of buildings. The major part of the city is swayed. The port where the + blast occurred is the nation's main maritime hub, and 60% of the country's imports pass through + it. + With the Lebanese currency in free fall and unemployment above 30 per cent, it is predicted more + than half the population will be living in poverty by the end of the year.

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Beirut Hariri Trial
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On  14th of February, 2005 the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri was killed when a car + bomb exploded as his convoy passed in a street in central Beirut.  After fifteen and a half + years, a + UN-backed tribunal has tried four members of Hezbollah in their absence, on charges of allegedly + planning and organising this attack.  + + + The incident took place 15years ago in Beirut one of the city of lebanon, when Rafik Hariri  was + executed along with 21 others. By a suicide bomber in an explosive packed van, behind which + Hariri + car was being driven. This blast devasted the capital of Lebanon roiled the middle East. +  The case gained pace in the year 2009 and the entire trial was based of phone records. The + Lebanon's suspected the blast was done by Syria as they always interfere in their matter. After + the + investigation they took out warrant against four. Tribunal faces doubts as Hezbollah chief + Hassan + Nasrallah refused to hand over the defendants. + + + The four defendants were: + Salim Ayyash, 56, is accused of leading the team that carried out the bombing, which involved a + truck packed full of explosives that detonated near Hariri’s motorcade on February 14, 2005. + Assad Sabra, 43, and Hussein Oneissi, 46, asent a fake video to news channel claiming + responsibility + on behalf of a made-up group. + Hassan Habib Merhi, 54, is accused of general involvement in the plot. + The alleged mastermind of the bombing, Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine, is believed to + have + died while fighting with the Syrian government in May 2016. And many more alligations were + imposed + upon them. They will be punished with a sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.  + + + The current prime minister said that the circumstances brought about by the pandemic,  Lebanon + should avoid riots triggered by the court's verdict. "Confronting the conflicts is a priority."  +  Salim Jamil Ayyash, Hassan Habib Merhi, Assad Hassan Sabra and Hussein Hassan Oneissi are + accused + of allegedly conspiring to commit the terrorist attack that killed Hariri and 21 others.  + + + Although the verdict was scheduled to be announced in May, it had to be delayed because of the + COVID-19 pandemic. The attack was claimed by a previously unknown fundamentalist group called + Victory of the Jihad in Greater Syria. However, the accusation believes that it could be a false + claim, so they initiated the corresponding proceedings. This 'in absentia' trial is the first + such + trial since the Nuremberg trials after World War II.

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Beirut famous for
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Beirut the capital and the largest city in Lebanon has its own uniqueness and importance. The + city is + also known as Paris of middle East as percolotes the same old city captivating french. The + reason + behind this resemblance is that, lebanon was under French control from 1920 to 1943. + + + In the words of the famous poet Mahmoud Darwish, "A city that cannot be known by its smell is + unreliable..... A smell is a memory and a setting sun."  + The tangy smell of a manoushe, where zaatar and zeit collide to create the most fragrant of + smells, + always remind one of Beirut. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the middle east and + all + of Aisa. Lebanon debatably has the most diverse culture. Its multi-religious, multi-ethnic and + multi- lingual. + + + All the places to visit in Beirut city share history and character with some of the most exotic + cities in the world- Italy, Morocco, Egypt, and Greece. Beirut is the capital and the largest + city + of Lebanon. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been inhabited for more than + 5,000 + years.  + + + Beirut sits on a peninsula extending westward into the Mediterranean Sea. It is flanked by the + Lebanon Mountains and has taken on a triangular shape, largely influenced by its situation + between + and two hills. The coast is diverse, with rocky beaches, sandy shores and cliffs situated beside + one + another.  + + + The country has a great history and culture as it has witnessed ravages of time and war. Which + one + of the main reason of having museums in the city. It is one of the world's oldest continually + inhabited city which makes a whole lot of history. This can even be seen as many nondescript + mid-century residence and houses make its architectural pearls stand out even more in context. + It is + also known for its historical  buildings and archeology. The wide avenues and boulevards built + by + French colonial rulers match the glorious mosque complexes that were built by the Ottomans and + the + Mamluks, and the ancient ruins of Roman temples and bathhouse top it all. + + + Regarding food it is said they the Lebanese dispora has awoken the hunger for hummus and + tabbouleh + all around the world.  The country is one of the best producers of wine and till date the city + is + considered as the best terrain for viticulture (cultivation of grapes for wine). The food scene + in + Beirut is incredible, albeit expensive Typical Lebanese dishes like hummus, fattoush, za’atar + salad + and falafel are famous here. Since, Beirut being an international city, virtually every other + cuisine is available as well. + + + It is a place where years of history have been showcased. From the large ruins of ancient Rome + to + Ksara wine, there is a lot Beirut is known for along with a long list of places to visit in + Beirut. +

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