We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;China launching Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft to&nbsp;Johnson being cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges,&nbsp;we have it all. &nbsp;

You can also read reports about&nbsp;lava gushing as thousands are evacuated after volcano erupted in Spain's Canary Islands,&nbsp;and&nbsp;UN giving list with a twist for top 10 countries that achieved gender equality.

Also read other stories, such as&nbsp;'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges,&nbsp;four words hurting US response to Covid,&nbsp;Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, and six killed and 24 injured in Perm university shooting.

Please click on the headline to read the full story. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-people-killed-and-24-injured-in-perm-university-shooting-russian-health-ministry-414468">Six killed, 24 injured in Perm university shooting: Russian health ministry</a>

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A gunman opened fire Monday on a university campus in central Russia and killed six people before being detained, investigators said, in the country's second mass shooting this year to target students.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-bts-takes-over-unga-performs-permission-to-dance-inside-the-assembly-hall-414476">BTS takes over UNGA, performs 'Permission To Dance' inside the assembly hall</a>

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They came, they spoke and they conquered. Not only did K-pop boyband BTS speak about climate change, and sustainable development amid the pandemic, but the seven-member boy band also performed their latest hit 'Permission To Dance' in and outside the UN headquarters in New York.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-lava-gushes-thousands-evacuated-as-volcano-erupts-in-spains-canary-islands-414400">Lava gushes, thousands evacuated as volcano erupts in Spain's Canary Islands</a>

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Several houses have been destroyed due to a volcano eruption in&nbsp;Spain's Canary Islands, authorities said, after it forced some 5,000 people from their homes.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-general-assembly-2021-heres-what-to-watch-for-414439">United Nations General Assembly 2021: Here's what to watch for</a>

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The United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 76th session is poised to begin its high-level week, which will include discussions on expanding access to COVID-19 vaccinations and facing the rising hazards of climate change.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tongue-in-cheek-un-gives-list-with-a-twist-for-top-10-countries-that-achieved-gender-equality-414418">UN gives list with a twist for top 10 countries that achieved gender equality</a>

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Even when several governments and organisations claim to be doubling their efforts, 1.4 million women are girls fall prey to discrimination, violence and sexism.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-rusesabagina-hotel-rwanda-hero-convicted-on-terror-charges-414458">Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges</a>

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Rwandan prosecutors have sought a life sentence for Rusesabagina, the 67-year-old former hotelier credited with saving hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide, and whose actions inspired the Hollywood film.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a>

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The US pandemic response has been greatly hit by the four little words, "do your own research". The idea has been promoted by the personalities too. It may seem positive but can turn out to be really disturbing as not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense. In recent times, there are loads of incorrect information on the internet.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-showed-its-affection-to-france-during-world-wars-says-acting-pm-414446">Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM</a>

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Acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce has said&nbsp;Australia doesn't need to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French. Numerous&nbsp;Australians died on their soil&nbsp;during both world wars. The leader said he understood the French disappointment but Australia had nothing to prove. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the country to meet President Joe Biden in the United States.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-set-to-launch-tianzhou-3-cargo-spacecraft-today-414426">China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today</a>

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According to China's state-run Global Times, the country is set to launch the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft on Monday. The Long March-7 Y4 has reportedly completed fuel injection. The development comes as Chinese astronauts returned on Earth last week after completing the country's longest crewed mission.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-cautious-over-fulfilling-un-climate-fund-pledges-414349">Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges</a>

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Forcing wealthy nations to honour their UN climate fund pledges this week will "be a stretch", British Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted ahead of a Monday meeting with global leaders aiming to do just that.&nbsp;

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From China launching Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft to Johnson being cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From China launching Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft to Johnson being cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges, we have it all. You can also read reports about lava gushing as thousands are evacuated after volcano erupted in Spain's Canary Islands, and UN giving list with a twist for top 10 countries that achieved gender equality. Also read other stories, such as 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges, four words hurting US response to Covid, Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, and six killed and 24 injured in Perm university shooting. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Six killed, 24 injured in Perm university shooting: Russian health ministry A gunman opened fire Monday on a university campus in central Russia and killed six people before being detained, investigators said, in the country's second mass shooting this year to target students. BTS takes over UNGA, performs 'Permission To Dance' inside the assembly hall They came, they spoke and they conquered. Not only did K-pop boyband BTS speak about climate change, and sustainable development amid the pandemic, but the seven-member boy band also performed their latest hit 'Permission To Dance' in and outside the UN headquarters in New York. Lava gushes, thousands evacuated as volcano erupts in Spain's Canary Islands Several houses have been destroyed due to a volcano eruption in Spain's Canary Islands, authorities said, after it forced some 5,000 people from their homes. United Nations General Assembly 2021: Here's what to watch for The United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 76th session is poised to begin its high-level week, which will include discussions on expanding access to COVID-19 vaccinations and facing the rising hazards of climate change. UN gives list with a twist for top 10 countries that achieved gender equality Even when several governments and organisations claim to be doubling their efforts, 1.4 million women are girls fall prey to discrimination, violence and sexism. Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges Rwandan prosecutors have sought a life sentence for Rusesabagina, the 67-year-old former hotelier credited with saving hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide, and whose actions inspired the Hollywood film. 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report The US pandemic response has been greatly hit by the four little words, "do your own research". The idea has been promoted by the personalities too. It may seem positive but can turn out to be really disturbing as not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense. In recent times, there are loads of incorrect information on the internet. Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM Acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce has said Australia doesn't need to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French. Numerous Australians died on their soil during both world wars. The leader said he understood the French disappointment but Australia had nothing to prove. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the country to meet President Joe Biden in the United States. China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today According to China's state-run Global Times, the country is set to launch the Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft on Monday. The Long March-7 Y4 has reportedly completed fuel injection. The development comes as Chinese astronauts returned on Earth last week after completing the country's longest crewed mission. Johnson cautious over fulfilling UN climate fund pledges Forcing wealthy nations to honour their UN climate fund pledges this week will "be a stretch", British Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted ahead of a Monday meeting with global leaders aiming to do just that.

Top 10 world news: 4 words hurting Covid response, 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted and more

After Taliban took control of Panjshir valley in the recent blitzkrieg, several stories of resistance have emerged from the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In fighting the new rulers of Afghanistan in the valley, many people, including women, took active part along with the resistance forces under the leadership of Ahmad Massoud and former vice president Amrullah Saleh. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A 24-year-old woman Lailuma told New York Post, “I fought them with stones." She added her whole family, including husband, brothers, cousins, father-in-law, mother-in-law, fought the Taliban. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Panjshir was one province, which was determined to not let the insurgents succeed. The mountainous province in the northeastern part of Afghanistan could hold on for the longest time. &nbsp;

After fleeing Panjshir, Lailuma is now living in a displacement camp in Kabul. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistans-women-judges-fear-reprisal-stay-in-hiding-414427" hreflang="en">Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

With the help of enormous weapons arsenal seized from the Afghan army, the Taliban continued their relentless advance and captured the Panjshir valley. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lailuma, vowed to "follow Massoud till my last breath", and hopes to go back to her home one day. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-scholars-to-decide-role-of-women-in-afghanistan-kabul-mayor-414484" hreflang="en">Islamic scholars to decide role of women in Afghanistan: Kabul Mayor</a>

Province’s another resident said the fighting is still on in Panjshir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The fighters of Panjshir valley earned a legendary reputation for resistance. They defended their mountain homes first from the Soviet military for a decade, throughout the following civil war, and against the Taliban from 1996 to 2001. &nbsp;

The 115-kilometre (70-mile) valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, which offer defenders a natural advantage.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After Taliban took control of Panjshir valley in the recent blitzkrieg, several stories of resistance have emerged from the region. In fighting the new rulers of Afghanistan in the valley, many people, including women, took active part along with the resistance forces under the leadership of Ahmad Massoud and former vice president Amrullah Saleh.

After Taliban took control of Panjshir valley in the recent blitzkrieg, several stories of resistance have emerged from the region. In fighting the new rulers of Afghanistan in the valley, many people, including women, took active part along with the resistance forces under the leadership of Ahmad Massoud and former vice president Amrullah Saleh. A 24-year-old woman Lailuma told New York Post, “I fought them with stones." She added her whole family, including husband, brothers, cousins, father-in-law, mother-in-law, fought the Taliban. Watch: × Panjshir was one province, which was determined to not let the insurgents succeed. The mountainous province in the northeastern part of Afghanistan could hold on for the longest time. After fleeing Panjshir, Lailuma is now living in a displacement camp in Kabul. Also Read: Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding With the help of enormous weapons arsenal seized from the Afghan army, the Taliban continued their relentless advance and captured the Panjshir valley. Meanwhile, Lailuma, vowed to "follow Massoud till my last breath", and hopes to go back to her home one day. Also Read: Islamic scholars to decide role of women in Afghanistan: Kabul Mayor Province’s another resident said the fighting is still on in Panjshir. The fighters of Panjshir valley earned a legendary reputation for resistance. They defended their mountain homes first from the Soviet military for a decade, throughout the following civil war, and against the Taliban from 1996 to 2001. The 115-kilometre (70-mile) valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, which offer defenders a natural advantage. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fought Taliban with stones': Stories of resistance from Panjshir emerge

After an argument over gifts, three people were injured on being shot at during a baby shower in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, said Lower Burrell Police Chief John Marhefka in a press briefing. &nbsp;

In Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, police officers were dispatched to the Kinloch Volunteer Fire Department shortly after 6 pm for a shooting inside the fire hall. &nbsp;

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Marhefka said, "This was not an active shooter event, but rather an isolated family incident during a baby shower."

The preliminary investigation suggested the incident happened over a family argument about gifts at the baby shower.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-people-killed-and-24-injured-in-perm-university-shooting-russian-health-ministry-414468" hreflang="en">Six people killed and 24 injured in Perm university shooting: Russian health ministry</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

At first, it escalated into a physical fight, and then led to gunfire when the "suspect introduced a nine-millimeter semiautomatic handgun", and fired three shots into the crowd of about 25 friends and family, the chief said. &nbsp;

Three people were injured in the shooting, which includes a 23-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy, he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-police-inspector-in-southeast-nigeria-414411" hreflang="en">Gunmen kill police inspector in southeast Nigeria</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

For treatment, the victims were taken to Pittsburgh hospital. During press briefing, their injuries were unknown. &nbsp;

After officers arrived, the suspected gunman walked out of the fire hall and was taken into custody. The suspect has been taken to the city jail, where he was expected to face charges later in the day.&nbsp;

After an argument over gifts, three people were injured on being shot at during a baby shower in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, said Lower Burrell Police Chief John Marhefka in a press briefing.

After an argument over gifts, three people were injured on being shot at during a baby shower in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, said Lower Burrell Police Chief John Marhefka in a press briefing. In Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, police officers were dispatched to the Kinloch Volunteer Fire Department shortly after 6 pm for a shooting inside the fire hall. Watch: × Marhefka said, "This was not an active shooter event, but rather an isolated family incident during a baby shower." The preliminary investigation suggested the incident happened over a family argument about gifts at the baby shower. Also Read: Six people killed and 24 injured in Perm university shooting: Russian health ministry At first, it escalated into a physical fight, and then led to gunfire when the "suspect introduced a nine-millimeter semiautomatic handgun", and fired three shots into the crowd of about 25 friends and family, the chief said. Three people were injured in the shooting, which includes a 23-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy, he said. Also Read: Gunmen kill police inspector in southeast Nigeria For treatment, the victims were taken to Pittsburgh hospital. During press briefing, their injuries were unknown. After officers arrived, the suspected gunman walked out of the fire hall and was taken into custody. The suspect has been taken to the city jail, where he was expected to face charges later in the day.

After an altercation over gifts, three shot at a baby shower in US, say police

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. &nbsp;

This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea. &nbsp;

On Twitter last week, Minaj helped raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccines by claiming she would only get the shots once she'd "done enough research." &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The idea may seem reasonable and even positive. It is also a favoured talking point echoed by many in the right-wing media. &nbsp;

The real issue is that not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense as there are loads of incorrect information on the internet. And especially when it comes to understanding the complexities of medical science, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-if-covid-19-were-10-times-deadlier-414234" hreflang="en">What if COVID-19 were 10 times deadlier?</a>

Renee DiResta, research manager, Stanford Internet Observatory, said, "The notion of doing your own research is not a bad idea in itself, as it's important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism about information being fed to you.”&nbsp;

“But in today's media environment fueled by clicks and engagement, it's all too easy to come across misleading data that confirms biases. Nobody's going to the library and looking up authoritative sources to do their own research," DiResta added.&nbsp;

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea.

The four little words, "do your own research", seem to be hurting the US pandemic response greatly, said a CNN report citing reliable sources on Sunday. This idea has real consequences as personalities from Nicki Minaj to Sean Hannity continue to promote the idea. On Twitter last week, Minaj helped raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccines by claiming she would only get the shots once she'd "done enough research." Watch: × The idea may seem reasonable and even positive. It is also a favoured talking point echoed by many in the right-wing media. The real issue is that not everyone doesn't know how to do research in the right sense as there are loads of incorrect information on the internet. And especially when it comes to understanding the complexities of medical science, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Also Read: What if COVID-19 were 10 times deadlier? Renee DiResta, research manager, Stanford Internet Observatory, said, "The notion of doing your own research is not a bad idea in itself, as it's important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism about information being fed to you.” “But in today's media environment fueled by clicks and engagement, it's all too easy to come across misleading data that confirms biases. Nobody's going to the library and looking up authoritative sources to do their own research," DiResta added.

'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report

Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The remark comes as the French government has got enraged with the cancellation of the French-Australian $90bn submarine deal and the announcement of the strategic partnership between Australia, the US and the UK, known as Aukus. The French ambassador has said the nation felt it had been “fooled”. &nbsp;

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In his first stint as acting PM, Joyce said he understood the French government’s disappointment about the scrapped $90bn submarine deal, but Australia had nothing to prove. &nbsp;

“Australia doesn’t need to prove their affinity and their affection and their resolute desire to look after the liberty and the freedom and the equality of France,” the leader said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melbourne-to-buy-trains-from-french-firm-amid-diplomatic-spat-414408" hreflang="en">Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat</a>

“We have tens of thousands of Australians, who have died on French soil or died protecting French soil from the countries that surround them both in the first world war and the second world war. I never expected they came with a price because the price of those families, the tragedy of those deaths, is without price. It’s without cost.” &nbsp;

After Scott Morrison left the country to meet Joe Biden in the United States, Joyce made the comments.&nbsp;

Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce.

Australia doesn't have to prove its “affinity” and “affection” to the French as “tens of thousands of Australians died on French soil” during both world wars, said acting prime minister Barnaby Joyce. The remark comes as the French government has got enraged with the cancellation of the French-Australian $90bn submarine deal and the announcement of the strategic partnership between Australia, the US and the UK, known as Aukus. The French ambassador has said the nation felt it had been “fooled”. Watch: × In his first stint as acting PM, Joyce said he understood the French government’s disappointment about the scrapped $90bn submarine deal, but Australia had nothing to prove. “Australia doesn’t need to prove their affinity and their affection and their resolute desire to look after the liberty and the freedom and the equality of France,” the leader said. Also Read: Melbourne to buy trains from French firm amid diplomatic spat “We have tens of thousands of Australians, who have died on French soil or died protecting French soil from the countries that surround them both in the first world war and the second world war. I never expected they came with a price because the price of those families, the tragedy of those deaths, is without price. It’s without cost.” After Scott Morrison left the country to meet Joe Biden in the United States, Joyce made the comments.

Australia showed its 'affection' to France during world wars, says acting PM

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 250 female judges are in hiding as the Afghanistan's new rulers, Taliban, doesn’t condone women in senior positions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They are at risk from not only the fundamentalists, but the men they once jailed. After coming to power, the Taliban opened the gates of prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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"Now, we do not feel safe.&nbsp;The same criminals are going after my own life, the lives of my family. God forbid if they seek revenge," said Nabila, a woman judge. &nbsp;

After the Taliban takeover, a few dozen women judges fled Afghanistan. The rest are in hiding, as per Judge Vanessa Ruiz from the US-based International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). &nbsp;

It seems all the judges, who worked under the former Afghan government, have been now replaced by Taliban appointees. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/only-job-for-women-is-cleaning-female-bathrooms-says-kabuls-acting-mayor-report-414357" hreflang="en">Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report</a>

These judges have presided over the worst cases of violence against women, including rape, murder and domestic abuse. &nbsp;

Ruiz said, "They would be angry at any judge who sentenced them, but that a woman had official authority, and sat in judgment of a man, is rage of a completely different order."&nbsp;

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal.

As numerous women workers have been ordered to stay home in Afghanistan, a section of women, who had been working earlier as judges in the country’s courts, fear reprisal. Around 250 female judges are in hiding as the Afghanistan's new rulers, Taliban, doesn’t condone women in senior positions. They are at risk from not only the fundamentalists, but the men they once jailed. After coming to power, the Taliban opened the gates of prisons, releasing thousands of convicted criminals. Watch: × "Now, we do not feel safe. The same criminals are going after my own life, the lives of my family. God forbid if they seek revenge," said Nabila, a woman judge. After the Taliban takeover, a few dozen women judges fled Afghanistan. The rest are in hiding, as per Judge Vanessa Ruiz from the US-based International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). It seems all the judges, who worked under the former Afghan government, have been now replaced by Taliban appointees. Also Read | Only job for women is cleaning female bathrooms, says Kabul's acting mayor: Report These judges have presided over the worst cases of violence against women, including rape, murder and domestic abuse. Ruiz said, "They would be angry at any judge who sentenced them, but that a woman had official authority, and sat in judgment of a man, is rage of a completely different order."

Afghanistan's women judges fear reprisal, stay in hiding   

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The announcement came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Canberra lied about plans to cancel the contract to buy French submarines. The PM said he had raised concerns over the deal "some months ago". &nbsp;

Watch:

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The decision of Australia to tear up the deal of French submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels has sparked outrage in Paris. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an unprecedented move, Macron has recalled France's ambassadors to Canberra and Washington. &nbsp;

On Sunday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said there would be a telephone conversation between Biden and Macron "in the coming days" at the request of the US president. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-foreign-minister-jean-yves-le-drian-seek-to-deepen-india-france-strategic-partnership-414120" hreflang="en">Jaishankar, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian seek to deepen India-France strategic partnership</a>

After the announcement of a US-Australian-British defence pact that prompted Canberra's cancellation of the huge contract for diesel-electric French vessels, Macron will ask the US president for "clarification". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Attal said, "We want explanations." The US have to answer for "what looks a lot like a major breach of trust". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday.

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday. The announcement came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Canberra lied about plans to cancel the contract to buy French submarines. The PM said he had raised concerns over the deal "some months ago". Watch: × The decision of Australia to tear up the deal of French submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels has sparked outrage in Paris. In an unprecedented move, Macron has recalled France's ambassadors to Canberra and Washington. On Sunday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said there would be a telephone conversation between Biden and Macron "in the coming days" at the request of the US president. Also Read: Jaishankar, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian seek to deepen India-France strategic partnership After the announcement of a US-Australian-British defence pact that prompted Canberra's cancellation of the huge contract for diesel-electric French vessels, Macron will ask the US president for "clarification". Attal said, "We want explanations." The US have to answer for "what looks a lot like a major breach of trust". (With inputs from agencies)

Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air  

Law enforcement and residents of the District of Columbia were on high alert Saturday as far-right demonstrators were expected to gather at the foot of the Capitol to protest the jailing of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the building Jan. 6.

The Department of Defense put 100 National Guard troops on standby. The Capitol Police erected fencing around Capitol Hill. Even youth soccer games were canceled before the “Justice for J6” rally, the first significant gathering of right-wing demonstrators at the Capitol since a mob attacked the building in January as Congress was officially certifying President Joe Biden’s victory.

The rally is being organized by Matt Braynard, a former Trump campaign operative, and his organization, Look Ahead America. The organization has demanded that the Department of Justice drop charges against what the group calls “nonviolent protesters” facing charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot. Organizers have secured a permit for 700 attendees, according to the document.

Braynard has told protesters to be peaceful, “respectful and kind” to the hundreds of police officers expected to meet them, and to refrain from bringing signs, flags or clothing promoting a candidate or objecting to the 2020 election.

“What we’re looking for is pure patriotism,” he said in a promotional video.

But the Department of Homeland Security has warned of potential violence.

“We are aware of a small number of recent online threats of violence referencing the planned rally, including online discussions encouraging violence the day before the rally,” the department’s intelligence officers wrote in a report obtained by The New York Times.

Officers are preparing for violence to erupt with “little-to-no warning,” although authorities have not identified any “specific or credible plot associated with the event,” according to the document.

It is not at all clear whether the event will attract a large crowd. But in a measure of the lasting effect of the Jan. 6 riot, Washington is bracing for trouble.

Dozens of officers in riot gear could be seen near the Capitol on Saturday morning, as well as officers on horseback. Law enforcement agencies in the region, including the Virginia State Police and the police department for Prince George’s County in Maryland, arrived with armored cars and other resources.

Soccer games and other outdoor activities for children in nearby parks were canceled. Taking time from a somber news conference in which the United States accepted culpability for an errant airstrike in Kabul, John Kirby, the Department of Defense's chief spokesperson, said the defense secretary had approved a request for a contingent of unarmed National Guard troops.

The rally is the latest effort to rewrite the history of the deadly mob attack on the Capitol, which sought to disrupt Congress’s count to formalize Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, and which prosecutors say led to as many as 1,000 assaults against police officers. Federal authorities have issued multiple intelligence reports this year warning that the attack on Jan. 6 may not have been an isolated episode and that domestic extremists have been emboldened by the mob attack and false narratives around the 2020 election.

Trump issued a statement from his office Thursday, making no mention of the rally but saying, “Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election.” He added, “JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!”

In addition to restoring the fence, the Capitol Police have installed new security camera technology to better monitor a wider range of activity around the complex and have streamlined their intelligence-sharing and planning processes after the January attack.

Law enforcement and residents of the District of Columbia were on high alert Saturday as far-right demonstrators were expected to gather at the foot of the Capitol to protest the jailing of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the building Jan.

Law enforcement and residents of the District of Columbia were on high alert Saturday as far-right demonstrators were expected to gather at the foot of the Capitol to protest the jailing of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the building Jan. 6. The Department of Defense put 100 National Guard troops on standby. The Capitol Police erected fencing around Capitol Hill. Even youth soccer games were canceled before the “Justice for J6” rally, the first significant gathering of right-wing demonstrators at the Capitol since a mob attacked the building in January as Congress was officially certifying President Joe Biden’s victory. The rally is being organized by Matt Braynard, a former Trump campaign operative, and his organization, Look Ahead America. The organization has demanded that the Department of Justice drop charges against what the group calls “nonviolent protesters” facing charges stemming from the Jan. 6 riot. Organizers have secured a permit for 700 attendees, according to the document. Braynard has told protesters to be peaceful, “respectful and kind” to the hundreds of police officers expected to meet them, and to refrain from bringing signs, flags or clothing promoting a candidate or objecting to the 2020 election. “What we’re looking for is pure patriotism,” he said in a promotional video. But the Department of Homeland Security has warned of potential violence. “We are aware of a small number of recent online threats of violence referencing the planned rally, including online discussions encouraging violence the day before the rally,” the department’s intelligence officers wrote in a report obtained by The New York Times. Officers are preparing for violence to erupt with “little-to-no warning,” although authorities have not identified any “specific or credible plot associated with the event,” according to the document. It is not at all clear whether the event will attract a large crowd. But in a measure of the lasting effect of the Jan. 6 riot, Washington is bracing for trouble. Dozens of officers in riot gear could be seen near the Capitol on Saturday morning, as well as officers on horseback. Law enforcement agencies in the region, including the Virginia State Police and the police department for Prince George’s County in Maryland, arrived with armored cars and other resources. Soccer games and other outdoor activities for children in nearby parks were canceled. Taking time from a somber news conference in which the United States accepted culpability for an errant airstrike in Kabul, John Kirby, the Department of Defense's chief spokesperson, said the defense secretary had approved a request for a contingent of unarmed National Guard troops. The rally is the latest effort to rewrite the history of the deadly mob attack on the Capitol, which sought to disrupt Congress’s count to formalize Biden’s victory in the 2020 election, and which prosecutors say led to as many as 1,000 assaults against police officers. Federal authorities have issued multiple intelligence reports this year warning that the attack on Jan. 6 may not have been an isolated episode and that domestic extremists have been emboldened by the mob attack and false narratives around the 2020 election. Trump issued a statement from his office Thursday, making no mention of the rally but saying, “Our hearts and minds are with the people being persecuted so unfairly relating to the January 6th protest concerning the Rigged Presidential Election.” He added, “JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!” In addition to restoring the fence, the Capitol Police have installed new security camera technology to better monitor a wider range of activity around the complex and have streamlined their intelligence-sharing and planning processes after the January attack.

Capitol area on edge over right-wing protest of Jan 6 arrests

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković. &nbsp;

Jaishankar discussed on ways to take the strong, traditional friendship between both the countries forward. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. 
 
Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. 
 
Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side. <a href="https://t.co/n7pNmL1d7K">pic.twitter.com/n7pNmL1d7K</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1439614842843717637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. And agreed to take forward the long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side, between the two nations. &nbsp;

In a tweet, Jaishankar announced, “Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side.” &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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In the meeting with Saudi foreign minister, Jaishankar discussed various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also talked about ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Twitter, Jaishankar earlier said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/a-day-after-bitter-power-tussle-indias-northern-punjab-state-gets-new-cm-414241" hreflang="en">A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM</a>

The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a busy day on Sunday. After holding discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on regional and bilateral issues, the minister also welcomed Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković. Jaishankar discussed on ways to take the strong, traditional friendship between both the countries forward. Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side. pic.twitter.com/n7pNmL1d7K — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 19, 2021 × The two leaders also reaffirmed the strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. And agreed to take forward the long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side, between the two nations. In a tweet, Jaishankar announced, “Warm and fruitful discussions with Serbian FM Nikola Selaković. Reaffirmed our strong political bonds and independent stance in global politics. Agreed to take forward our long-standing cooperation, especially on the economic side.” Watch: × In the meeting with Saudi foreign minister, Jaishankar discussed various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also talked about ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. On Twitter, Jaishankar earlier said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." Also Read: A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian external affairs minister meets Serbian foreign minister, holds talks

Tropical Storm Peter formed in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean on Sunday, forecasters said, announcing the 16th named storm of the 2021 season.

As of 9 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, the storm was about 470 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands and expected to pass “well north of the Lesser Antilles,” according to the National Hurricane Center.

The center said that rainfall around the edge of the storm could lead to “areas of urban and small stream flooding” in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the rest of the northern Leeward Islands from late Sunday into Tuesday.

Meteorologists have faced a dizzying several months as the arrival of peak hurricane season — August through November — has led to a run of named storms that formed in quick succession, bringing stormy weather, flooding and damaging winds to parts of the United States and the Caribbean.

The arrival of Peter came as another storm, Odette, weakened into a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday and was expected to bring heavy rain and strong wind gusts to Newfoundland and Labrador on Sunday into Monday, according to the Canadian Hurricane Centre.

Tropical Depression Nicholas made landfall early on Sept. 14 as a hurricane over the Gulf Coast of Texas. The storm unleashed heavy rain across parts of Louisiana, threatening to hinder the state’s efforts to restore electricity to tens of thousands of customers who were already battered by Hurricane Ida.

Tropical Storm Mindy hit the Florida Panhandle on Sept. 8, just hours after it formed in the Gulf of Mexico, while a powerful Hurricane Larry was simultaneously churning in the Atlantic.

Ida battered Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 29 before its remnants brought deadly flooding to the New York area. Two other tropical storms, Julian and Kate, both fizzled out within a day at the same time.

In mid-August, Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Florida Panhandle and Hurricane Grace hit Haiti and Mexico. Tropical Storm Henri knocked out power and brought record rainfall to the Northeastern United States on Aug. 22.

The links between hurricanes and climate change are becoming more apparent. A warming planet can expect to see stronger hurricanes over time, and a higher incidence of the most powerful storms. But the overall number of storms could drop, because factors like stronger wind shear could keep weaker storms from forming.

Hurricanes are also becoming wetter because of more water vapor in the warmer atmosphere; scientists have suggested storms like Hurricane Harvey in 2017 produced far more rain than it would have without the human effects on climate. Rising sea levels are also contributing to higher storm surge — the most destructive element of tropical cyclones.

A major United Nations climate report released in August warned that nations have delayed curbing their fossil-fuel emissions for so long that they can no longer stop global warming from intensifying over the next 30 years, leading to more frequent life-threatening heat waves and severe droughts. Tropical cyclones have likely become more intense over the past 40 years, the report said, a shift that cannot be explained by natural variability alone.

Ana became the first named storm of the season on May 22, making this the seventh year in a row that a named storm developed in the Atlantic before the official start of hurricane season on June 1.

In May, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast that there would be 13 to 20 named storms this year, six to 10 of which would be hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher in the Atlantic. In early August, in a midseason update to the forecast, scientists continued to warn that this year’s hurricane season would be an above average one, suggesting a busy end to the season.

NOAA updated its forecast on Aug. 4, predicting 15 to 21 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes, by the end of the season on Nov. 30. Peter is the 16th named storm of 2021.

Last year, there were 30 named storms, including six major hurricanes, forcing meteorologists to exhaust the alphabet for the second time and use Greek letters.

It was the highest number of storms on record, surpassing the 28 from 2005, and included the second-highest number of hurricanes on record.

Tropical Storm Peter formed in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean on Sunday, forecasters said, announcing the 16th named storm of the 2021 season. As of 9 a.

Tropical Storm Peter formed in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean on Sunday, forecasters said, announcing the 16th named storm of the 2021 season. As of 9 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, the storm was about 470 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands and expected to pass “well north of the Lesser Antilles,” according to the National Hurricane Center. The center said that rainfall around the edge of the storm could lead to “areas of urban and small stream flooding” in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the rest of the northern Leeward Islands from late Sunday into Tuesday. Meteorologists have faced a dizzying several months as the arrival of peak hurricane season — August through November — has led to a run of named storms that formed in quick succession, bringing stormy weather, flooding and damaging winds to parts of the United States and the Caribbean. The arrival of Peter came as another storm, Odette, weakened into a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday and was expected to bring heavy rain and strong wind gusts to Newfoundland and Labrador on Sunday into Monday, according to the Canadian Hurricane Centre. Tropical Depression Nicholas made landfall early on Sept. 14 as a hurricane over the Gulf Coast of Texas. The storm unleashed heavy rain across parts of Louisiana, threatening to hinder the state’s efforts to restore electricity to tens of thousands of customers who were already battered by Hurricane Ida. Tropical Storm Mindy hit the Florida Panhandle on Sept. 8, just hours after it formed in the Gulf of Mexico, while a powerful Hurricane Larry was simultaneously churning in the Atlantic. Ida battered Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 29 before its remnants brought deadly flooding to the New York area. Two other tropical storms, Julian and Kate, both fizzled out within a day at the same time. In mid-August, Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Florida Panhandle and Hurricane Grace hit Haiti and Mexico. Tropical Storm Henri knocked out power and brought record rainfall to the Northeastern United States on Aug. 22. The links between hurricanes and climate change are becoming more apparent. A warming planet can expect to see stronger hurricanes over time, and a higher incidence of the most powerful storms. But the overall number of storms could drop, because factors like stronger wind shear could keep weaker storms from forming. Hurricanes are also becoming wetter because of more water vapor in the warmer atmosphere; scientists have suggested storms like Hurricane Harvey in 2017 produced far more rain than it would have without the human effects on climate. Rising sea levels are also contributing to higher storm surge — the most destructive element of tropical cyclones. A major United Nations climate report released in August warned that nations have delayed curbing their fossil-fuel emissions for so long that they can no longer stop global warming from intensifying over the next 30 years, leading to more frequent life-threatening heat waves and severe droughts. Tropical cyclones have likely become more intense over the past 40 years, the report said, a shift that cannot be explained by natural variability alone. Ana became the first named storm of the season on May 22, making this the seventh year in a row that a named storm developed in the Atlantic before the official start of hurricane season on June 1. In May, scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast that there would be 13 to 20 named storms this year, six to 10 of which would be hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher in the Atlantic. In early August, in a midseason update to the forecast, scientists continued to warn that this year’s hurricane season would be an above average one, suggesting a busy end to the season. NOAA updated its forecast on Aug. 4, predicting 15 to 21 named storms, including seven to 10 hurricanes, by the end of the season on Nov. 30. Peter is the 16th named storm of 2021. Last year, there were 30 named storms, including six major hurricanes, forcing meteorologists to exhaust the alphabet for the second time and use Greek letters. It was the highest number of storms on record, surpassing the 28 from 2005, and included the second-highest number of hurricanes on record.

Tropical storm Peter forms in the Atlantic Ocean

“I think I’ve come to believe that even if the COVID death toll was '10 times' what it currently is,” MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote a few days ago on Twitter, “the politics of all of it wouldn’t be appreciably different.”

I like this question because I’m interested in COVID-19 counterfactuals — whether ideology and identity and in-group loyalty determined everything about the pandemic response, or whether there’s a world where Donald Trump went all-in for strict disease-fighting measures and liberals turned anti-lockdown in response, or one where Trump won reelection and hesitation over the “Trump vaccine” ended up stronger on the left.

But those are strictly political counterfactuals, whereas Hayes raises a more medical one: How much of our polarized response to COVID-19 is independent of the nature of the disease itself?

Here’s a quick case that he’s right. At the pandemic’s outset, skeptics of a sweeping response argued that public health authorities were overestimating the disease’s dangers, and many conservatives were eager to believe them. The Hoover Institution’s Richard Epstein famously predicted COVID-19 would claim only 5,000 lives in the United States. Stanford University epidemiologist John Ioannidis speculated that 10,000 deaths could be a reasonable expectation — which absent media hysteria would feel no different from a bad flu year. Over subsequent months skeptics talked about a “casedemic” in which testing would find more cases but deaths would remain relatively low, and in June 2020 Mike Pence famously downplayed predictions of a second wave.

Today it’s clear that the public health authorities got all kinds of things wrong, and many bad decisions — especially about closing schools — were made in an atmosphere of panic. Still, on the fundamental question of how bad the disease would be, the authorities were more right than their more optimistic critics. Even with rapidly developed vaccines, we’ve had 670,000 reported coronavirus deaths and counting. This is less death, yes, than some of the absolute worst-case projections. But it’s still more than '50 times' more death than the early predictions from people who thought authorities were panicking too quickly.

In that sense we’ve already run a version of Hayes' counterfactual. COVID-19 has been deadlier than many people on the right hoped or predicted, and yet the partisan divide that took shape last spring hasn’t really budged, with Republicans still taking the libertarian side in debate after debate — closures, masks, now vaccine mandates.

But I’m still not sure Hayes is right about the COVID-19 10-times-worse scenario being basically identical to this one in its divisions. As bad as the coronavirus has been, most people who get it still come out OK, children are especially unlikely to be hospitalized or die, and deaths are concentrated in a population, the elderly in nursing homes, that (to our shame) we already keep somewhat out of mind.

Yes, long-haul COVID-19 is a real problem, but America is good at ignoring its chronic illness epidemics. Yes, there does seem to be a notable tendency for right-wing talk radio hosts to die of the disease — but in the big picture of celebrities, the most famous deaths are more obscure than seemed likely when Tom Hanks or for that matter Trump himself fell ill.

And as terrible as it is that 1 in 500 Americans have died of COVID-19, it’s still much easier to have gone through the pandemic 'without' having a close friend or family member die of it — as I have not, for instance — than it would be were the toll 1 in 50.

Before the pandemic, I once built a column around psychiatrist-blogger Scott Alexander’s concept of “the scissor,” which describes a controversy or idea or event perfectly calibrated to divide people while making them think that the other side is bonkers. Arguably COVID-19's death rate makes it a perfect scissor: It’s high enough to make the alarmed feel vindicated, but still low enough that many skeptics feel vindicated as well.

Whereas if the fatality figures were 10 times lower, I suspect there would be much more internal liberal debate over the wisdom of the sweeping early response. And if they were 10 times higher, I think there might have been more red-state support for public health restrictions of all kinds.

But that doesn’t mean that the country would have been more unified in a “COVID 10-times-worse” world. Instead, there would be more regional fractures, more governors trying to close borders and restrict travel, more vicious interstate fighting over medical resources, more frenzied culture wars over which drugs to try experimentally, more total panic and meltdown around schools.

And since the one thing we don’t seem to be doing yet is preparing for the next pandemic, my fear is that within the next 20 years we’ll encounter an invisible enemy that puts the Hayes counterfactual to a test.

“I think I’ve come to believe that even if the COVID death toll was '10 times' what it currently is,” MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote a few days ago on Twitter, “the politics of all of it wouldn’t be appreciably different.

“I think I’ve come to believe that even if the COVID death toll was '10 times' what it currently is,” MSNBC host Chris Hayes wrote a few days ago on Twitter, “the politics of all of it wouldn’t be appreciably different.” I like this question because I’m interested in COVID-19 counterfactuals — whether ideology and identity and in-group loyalty determined everything about the pandemic response, or whether there’s a world where Donald Trump went all-in for strict disease-fighting measures and liberals turned anti-lockdown in response, or one where Trump won reelection and hesitation over the “Trump vaccine” ended up stronger on the left. But those are strictly political counterfactuals, whereas Hayes raises a more medical one: How much of our polarized response to COVID-19 is independent of the nature of the disease itself? Here’s a quick case that he’s right. At the pandemic’s outset, skeptics of a sweeping response argued that public health authorities were overestimating the disease’s dangers, and many conservatives were eager to believe them. The Hoover Institution’s Richard Epstein famously predicted COVID-19 would claim only 5,000 lives in the United States. Stanford University epidemiologist John Ioannidis speculated that 10,000 deaths could be a reasonable expectation — which absent media hysteria would feel no different from a bad flu year. Over subsequent months skeptics talked about a “casedemic” in which testing would find more cases but deaths would remain relatively low, and in June 2020 Mike Pence famously downplayed predictions of a second wave. Today it’s clear that the public health authorities got all kinds of things wrong, and many bad decisions — especially about closing schools — were made in an atmosphere of panic. Still, on the fundamental question of how bad the disease would be, the authorities were more right than their more optimistic critics. Even with rapidly developed vaccines, we’ve had 670,000 reported coronavirus deaths and counting. This is less death, yes, than some of the absolute worst-case projections. But it’s still more than '50 times' more death than the early predictions from people who thought authorities were panicking too quickly. In that sense we’ve already run a version of Hayes' counterfactual. COVID-19 has been deadlier than many people on the right hoped or predicted, and yet the partisan divide that took shape last spring hasn’t really budged, with Republicans still taking the libertarian side in debate after debate — closures, masks, now vaccine mandates. But I’m still not sure Hayes is right about the COVID-19 10-times-worse scenario being basically identical to this one in its divisions. As bad as the coronavirus has been, most people who get it still come out OK, children are especially unlikely to be hospitalized or die, and deaths are concentrated in a population, the elderly in nursing homes, that (to our shame) we already keep somewhat out of mind. Yes, long-haul COVID-19 is a real problem, but America is good at ignoring its chronic illness epidemics. Yes, there does seem to be a notable tendency for right-wing talk radio hosts to die of the disease — but in the big picture of celebrities, the most famous deaths are more obscure than seemed likely when Tom Hanks or for that matter Trump himself fell ill. And as terrible as it is that 1 in 500 Americans have died of COVID-19, it’s still much easier to have gone through the pandemic 'without' having a close friend or family member die of it — as I have not, for instance — than it would be were the toll 1 in 50. Before the pandemic, I once built a column around psychiatrist-blogger Scott Alexander’s concept of “the scissor,” which describes a controversy or idea or event perfectly calibrated to divide people while making them think that the other side is bonkers. Arguably COVID-19's death rate makes it a perfect scissor: It’s high enough to make the alarmed feel vindicated, but still low enough that many skeptics feel vindicated as well. Whereas if the fatality figures were 10 times lower, I suspect there would be much more internal liberal debate over the wisdom of the sweeping early response. And if they were 10 times higher, I think there might have been more red-state support for public health restrictions of all kinds. But that doesn’t mean that the country would have been more unified in a “COVID 10-times-worse” world. Instead, there would be more regional fractures, more governors trying to close borders and restrict travel, more vicious interstate fighting over medical resources, more frenzied culture wars over which drugs to try experimentally, more total panic and meltdown around schools. And since the one thing we don’t seem to be doing yet is preparing for the next pandemic, my fear is that within the next 20 years we’ll encounter an invisible enemy that puts the Hayes counterfactual to a test.

What if COVID-19 were 10 times deadlier?

In defiance to Taliban’s repressive measures, Afghan women take to streets in Kabul to voice their concern. &nbsp;

Holding up messages calling for the participation of women in public life, over a dozen women staged a protest in Kabul on Sunday. They marched from what was once the ministry of women affairs to the city center. &nbsp;

The protest came after several restrictions were imposed on girls and women in the country. &nbsp;

Detailing the latest measures taken by the new rulers, the interim mayor of Afghanistan's capital on Sunday said, “Female employees in the Kabul city government have been told to stay home, with work only allowed for those who cannot be replaced by men.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Earlier, some Afghan women activists under the banner of Movement of Change Party held a press conference. These activists deemed the current ongoing situation in the country as critical and historical. &nbsp;

They said that the nation wants a continuation of previous efforts with the hope to witness peace, justice, security and others. They also said that the change of government and that of a political structure should not undermine the need for people to enjoy their basic rights or face the denial of their rights of social service. &nbsp;

At the press conference, the women demanded the doors of schools and universities should immediately be opened to all girls and female students. They also sought a non-discriminative education system where all are eligible.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unesco-calls-on-afghanistans-new-rulers-to-ensure-girls-schools-reopen-414201" hreflang="en">UNESCO calls on Afghanistan’s new rulers to ensure girls’ schools reopen</a> &nbsp;

They also expected the international community to stand with the Afghan women and that the international community' silence on the matter is worrisome. &nbsp;

Later speaking to WION, Ghazala Koofi, the lead organiser of press conference, stated that they would take to the streets if their due rights are not given. &nbsp;

These women also said that by denying their right to work and participate meaningfully in the social, political and economic sphere the incumbent government is going against Islamic principles. Freedom of religion, individual rights and liberties must be respected, said the women.&nbsp;

In defiance to Taliban’s repressive measures, Afghan women take to streets in Kabul to voice their concern. Holding up messages calling for the participation of women in public life, over a dozen women staged a protest in Kabul on Sunday.

In defiance to Taliban’s repressive measures, Afghan women take to streets in Kabul to voice their concern. Holding up messages calling for the participation of women in public life, over a dozen women staged a protest in Kabul on Sunday. They marched from what was once the ministry of women affairs to the city center. The protest came after several restrictions were imposed on girls and women in the country. Detailing the latest measures taken by the new rulers, the interim mayor of Afghanistan's capital on Sunday said, “Female employees in the Kabul city government have been told to stay home, with work only allowed for those who cannot be replaced by men.” Watch: × Earlier, some Afghan women activists under the banner of Movement of Change Party held a press conference. These activists deemed the current ongoing situation in the country as critical and historical. They said that the nation wants a continuation of previous efforts with the hope to witness peace, justice, security and others. They also said that the change of government and that of a political structure should not undermine the need for people to enjoy their basic rights or face the denial of their rights of social service. At the press conference, the women demanded the doors of schools and universities should immediately be opened to all girls and female students. They also sought a non-discriminative education system where all are eligible. Also Read: UNESCO calls on Afghanistan’s new rulers to ensure girls’ schools reopen They also expected the international community to stand with the Afghan women and that the international community' silence on the matter is worrisome. Later speaking to WION, Ghazala Koofi, the lead organiser of press conference, stated that they would take to the streets if their due rights are not given. These women also said that by denying their right to work and participate meaningfully in the social, political and economic sphere the incumbent government is going against Islamic principles. Freedom of religion, individual rights and liberties must be respected, said the women.

Afghan women take to streets in Kabul, vow to fight for rights

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Gandharv Walia

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