Last week, however, Slovenia, a member of Europe’s Schengen zone of passport-free travel, declared it would only grant passage to those fleeing conflict in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and that all others deemed "economic migrants" would be sent back. That prompted others on the route — Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia — to do the same, leaving growing numbers stranded in tents and around camp fires on Balkan borders with winter approaching.Rights groups have questioned the policy, warning Party Tent Factory asylum should be granted on merit, not on the basis of nationality.The new measure coincides with rising concern, particularly on the political right in Europe, over the security risk of the chaotic and often unchecked flow of humanity into Europe in the aftermath of the November 13 attacks in Paris by Islamist militants in which 130 people died.On the Macedonian-Greek border, crowds of Moroccans, Iranians and others blocked the railway line running between the two countries, halting at least one train that tried to cross.

A group of Bangladeshis had stripped to the waist and written slogans on their chests in red paint. "Shoot us, we never go back," read one. "Shoot us or save us," read another.Meanwhile, the Central Council of Jews in Germany called on Monday for a limit to the migrant influx because of problems with integrating the mainly Muslim newcomers, earning a quick rebuke from a pro-refugee charity. "Many of the refugees are fleeing the terror of the Islamic State and want to live in peace and freedom, but at the same time they come from cultures where hatred of Jews and intolerance are an integral part," the council’s president Josef Schuster said.It’s approaching 7 pm and some among the crowd at the entrance to "the Jungle" in Calais are growing tired of the spectacle.For three hours riot police have fired tear gas down onto them from a motorway bridge to keep them inside Europe’s most notorious migrant camp on the north coast of France.

A trip to India can be many things —exotic, spiritual or rejuvenating, but expensive Why not, ask the folks O’Harani Luxe Experiences, who have partnered with premium luxury retailer Neiman Marcus to come up with a ‘fantasy’ trip to the country that is priced at a whopping $400,000 (Rs 2.61 Cr). For such a price tag, one might believe that even the Taj Mahal maybe up for grabs as part of the platter. But while that may be a little too far fetched, the trip itself is nothing less than a sojourn straight out of a fairytale, claim the organisers. Starting with a round trip on a private jet, the 12-day-and-night package designed for couples includes everything associated with luxury in the country, right from dinners with royalty to private classes in Bollywood dance and cricket. And with the package making it to the top of Neiman Marcus’ special list of 11 fantasy gifts for this Christmas, it might just be an indicator of India’s increasing significance as a luxury travel destination.What does the trip entail to merit such a huge price tag According to Jitin Hingorani, co-founder of O’Harani Luxe Experiences, what makes it premium is the way all the experiences are curated to make the trip unique.