<p>With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs &amp; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs &amp; Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ<br />
ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।।<br />
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Deeply privileged &amp; fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAirport</a>⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/dushyanttgautam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dushyanttgautam</a>⁩ Ji &amp; members of Sikh Sangat. <a href="https://t.co/mWhTwpnoOs">pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs</a></p>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1430054013299429378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch | </strong>Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans</p>

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<p>In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat &amp; author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-over-25000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-active-infections-decline-407959">India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.&nbsp;</p>


With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat.

With evacuations from Afghanistan going on in full swing, India also welcomed three Guru Granth Sahib from Kabul at Delhi airport. India's Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed the holy books along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and BJP National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam and members of Sikh Sangat. ਵਾਹੁ ਵਾਹੁ ਬਾਣੀ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰ ਹੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਜੇਵਡੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ।। Deeply privileged & fortunate to welcome the three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at ⁦⁦@DelhiAirport⁩ along with Sh ⁦⁦@VMBJP⁩ Ji, Sh ⁦@dushyanttgautam⁩ Ji & members of Sikh Sangat. pic.twitter.com/mWhTwpnoOs — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 24, 2021 × Puri, said that he was deeply privileged and fortunate to welcome the three holy swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul at Delhi Airport. Also Watch | Reports: WHO says Kabul airport curbs blocking medical supplies for Afghans × In a tweet on the microblogging site, former diplomat & author Puri said, “Blessed to receive and pay obeisance to three holy Swaroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Kabul to Delhi a short while ago.” Several pictures and video of the arrival are doing rounds on social media. Netizens are sharing numerous messages in the form of comments. Several people have also tweeted and retweeted the pictures and video. Also Read: India records over 25,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; active infections decline Meanwhile, An Air India flight AI 1956 had arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight.

Watch: India welcomes three Sikh holy books brought from Kabul

<p>India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-is-serious-says-afghan-sikh-mp-narendra-khalsa-407909">Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa</a></strong></p>

<p>An Air India flight AI 1956 arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute IAF, Air India and MEA teams for their untiring efforts," said External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Op Devi Shakti continues.<br />
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78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe.<br />
<br />
Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirIndiain</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamMEA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamMEA</a> for their untiring efforts. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeviShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeviShakti</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1430062198219366403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Evacuees were earlier flown in from Kabul on an Indian Air Force aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, said “Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an IAF aircraft.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan.<br />
AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> aircraft.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbDushanbe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndEmbDushanbe</a> <a href="https://t.co/BcIWLzSLrL">pic.twitter.com/BcIWLzSLrL</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1429980993545408517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, India brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong>India brings back 146 nationals in four different flights from Doha</p>

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<p>People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul, they said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan.

India has been making strenuous efforts to evacuate several people from war-torn Afghanistan after Taliban took over almost the whole country. Indian government has said on social media that it is helping in the safe return of numerous citizens from Afghanistan. Also Read: Situation is serious, says Afghan Sikh MP Narendra Khalsa An Air India flight AI 1956 arrived in New Delhi from Dushanbe, Tajikistan with 78 passengers onboard. Around 25 Indian nationals also came in the flight. "Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute IAF, Air India and MEA teams for their untiring efforts," said External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar. Op Devi Shakti continues. 78 evacuees from Kabul arrive via Dushanbe. Salute @IAF_MCC, @AirIndiain and #TeamMEA for their untiring efforts. #DeviShakti — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021 × Evacuees were earlier flown in from Kabul on an Indian Air Force aircraft. In a tweet, Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India, said “Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an IAF aircraft.” Helping in the safe return from Afghanistan. AI 1956 enroute to Delhi from Dushanbe carrying 78 passengers, including 25 Indian nationals. Evacuees were flown in from Kabul on an @IAF_MCC aircraft.@IndEmbDushanbe pic.twitter.com/BcIWLzSLrL — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 24, 2021 × On Monday, India brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the country. Watch: India brings back 146 nationals in four different flights from Doha × People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan evacuation: Air India flight arrives in Delhi from Dushanbe with 78 passengers

<p>Accusing Beijing of continuing to 'coerce' and 'intimidate' in the South China Sea,&nbsp;US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday pledged Washington would pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;US&nbsp;leader is currently on&nbsp;a trip to Singapore.&nbsp;During the visit, Harris will meet&nbsp;Singapore's President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: </strong>US Vice Prez Kamala Harris visits Singapore to strengthen ties, counter China's influence</p>

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<p>The trip to Southeast Asia looks to bolster ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Vice President will also visit the Changi Naval Base and tour the USS Tulsa, a combat ship of the US Navy later.&nbsp;Harris is on a seven-day visit to the region, which will also include a trip to Vietnam.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/at-risk-afghans-us-grapples-with-august-31-evacuation-deadline-407919">'At risk' Afghans: US grapples with August 31 evacuation deadline</a></strong></p>

<p>Even as Singapore is not a US treaty ally, it remains one of its strongest security partners in the region with deep trade ties.&nbsp;It aims to balance its relationships with both the United States and China by not taking sides.</p>

<p>As per a report released by the Congressional Research Service, which conducts research and analysis for the US Congress,&nbsp;in April,&nbsp;"Singapore has encouraged greater US engagement in Asia, but warned that efforts to 'contain' China's rise are counterproductive. It has maintained generally good relations with China, at least partly as a hedge against possible US retrenchment."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Accusing Beijing of continuing to 'coerce' and 'intimidate' in the South China Sea, US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday pledged Washington would pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Accusing Beijing of continuing to 'coerce' and 'intimidate' in the South China Sea, US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday pledged Washington would pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US leader is currently on a trip to Singapore. During the visit, Harris will meet Singapore's President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Watch: US Vice Prez Kamala Harris visits Singapore to strengthen ties, counter China's influence × The trip to Southeast Asia looks to bolster ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence. The US Vice President will also visit the Changi Naval Base and tour the USS Tulsa, a combat ship of the US Navy later. Harris is on a seven-day visit to the region, which will also include a trip to Vietnam. Also read | 'At risk' Afghans: US grapples with August 31 evacuation deadline Even as Singapore is not a US treaty ally, it remains one of its strongest security partners in the region with deep trade ties. It aims to balance its relationships with both the United States and China by not taking sides. As per a report released by the Congressional Research Service, which conducts research and analysis for the US Congress, in April, "Singapore has encouraged greater US engagement in Asia, but warned that efforts to 'contain' China's rise are counterproductive. It has maintained generally good relations with China, at least partly as a hedge against possible US retrenchment." (With inputs from agencies)

Eye on China: Kamala Harris vows US will pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific

<p>As devastating floods pounded the US state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-in-tennessee-floods-several-missing-407766"><strong>Tennessee</strong></a> over the weekend, a resident Linda Almond recorded a one minute video on Facebook live before she was carried away by floodwaters.</p>

<p>Linda body was reportedly identified by her brother.</p>

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<p>In the video, Linda is heard saying: “Well if anybody has seen me on <strong>Facebook Live</strong> we are being flooded right now in Waverly, Tennessee," adding abruptly, "really scary".</p>

<p>She then says “whoa, whoa" as the water began&nbsp;to rise, “I think something just hit the side of the house," a person is heard saying.</p>

<p>“This is <strong>scary</strong>,” she said as she panicked and added: “Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.” Those were the last words spoken by her as the video cut off.</p>

<p>The family said Linda and her son climbed to the top of the roof but it collapsed. Her son was rescued but there was no sign of Linda.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>“She died in the water yesterday,” <strong>Leo Almond, </strong>her brother said on Facebook, adding, “Please pray for her soul.”</p>

<p>The floods had led to the death of at least 21 people with 20 more missings as <strong>rescue operations </strong>were launched on a huge scale.</p>

<p>The state received&nbsp;38 centimetres of rain amid <strong>storms </strong>as highways, bridges and hundreds of homes were washed out. In Humphreys near Nashville, the rain broke the 24-hour record for Tennessee amid large scale destruction in the state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>


As devastating floods pounded the US state of Tennessee over the weekend, a resident Linda Almond recorded a one minute video on Facebook live before she was carried away by floodwaters.

As devastating floods pounded the US state of Tennessee over the weekend, a resident Linda Almond recorded a one minute video on Facebook live before she was carried away by floodwaters. Linda body was reportedly identified by her brother. × In the video, Linda is heard saying: “Well if anybody has seen me on Facebook Live we are being flooded right now in Waverly, Tennessee," adding abruptly, "really scary". She then says “whoa, whoa" as the water began to rise, “I think something just hit the side of the house," a person is heard saying. “This is scary,” she said as she panicked and added: “Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.” Those were the last words spoken by her as the video cut off. The family said Linda and her son climbed to the top of the roof but it collapsed. Her son was rescued but there was no sign of Linda. Watch: “She died in the water yesterday,” Leo Almond, her brother said on Facebook, adding, “Please pray for her soul.” The floods had led to the death of at least 21 people with 20 more missings as rescue operations were launched on a huge scale. The state received 38 centimetres of rain amid storms as highways, bridges and hundreds of homes were washed out. In Humphreys near Nashville, the rain broke the 24-hour record for Tennessee amid large scale destruction in the state. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: 'Really scary, my goodness' - Woman livestreams Tennessee floods on Facebook before being washed away

<p>We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;Biden ordering US commercial airlines to help in Afghan evacuation to&nbsp;Egypt closing Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday,&nbsp;we have it all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can also&nbsp;read reports about&nbsp;at least 20 dead in Kabul airport evacuation operation and&nbsp;thousands left without power as Tropical Storm Henri hits US east coast. Also check out that&nbsp;Kamala Harris is visiting Singapore to deepen ties and counter China's influence.</p>

<p>Please click on the headline to read the full story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-left-without-power-as-tropical-storm-henri-hits-us-east-coast-407676"><strong>Thousands left without power as Tropical Storm Henri hits US east coast</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f90683c0-6dbd-4feb-9c1f-e6715bce05f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BP3.JPG" /></p>

<p>Tropical Storm Heri lashed Rhode Island on the US east coast leaving thousands without electricity and bringing record rainfall. US President Joe Biden said the storm has "potential for widespread consequences across the region with significant flooding and power outage" in New England.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-orders-us-commercial-airlines-to-help-in-afghan-evacuation-407670"><strong>Biden orders US commercial airlines to help in Afghan evacuation</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Br1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0552b864-ac60-4fef-8b37-03ee1b6df65c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BP1.JPG" /></p>

<p>The Biden administration has ordered six civilian aircraft to speed up the evacuation process calling in &nbsp;Delta, American Airlines, Atlas, Omni, Hawaiian and United Airlines to help US citizens and other personnel to leave the airport in limited time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-20-dead-in-kabul-airport-evacuation-operation-report-407689"><strong>At least 20 dead in Kabul airport evacuation operation: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="532c25f7-8ed0-40bf-9315-a9482ad3da6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BP2.JPG" /></p>

<p>After the UK government announced seven Afghans were killed near Kabul airport on Saturday as thousands gathered over the weekend, news wire Reuters quoting a NATO official said at least 20 people have died in the past week around the Hamid Karzai international airport.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-to-close-rafah-crossing-with-gaza-from-monday-407684"><strong>Egypt to close Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="832078ea-cbba-4cfd-80ce-146a5aaeee15" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BP4.JPG" /></p>

<p>Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday.&nbsp;Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-visits-singapore-to-deepen-ties-counter-chinas-influence-407683"><strong>Kamala Harris visits Singapore to deepen ties, counter China's influence</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="Brief 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3583c656-5777-4830-8c40-4a4a67053490" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BP5.JPG" /></p>

<p>US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris will meet Singapore's leaders on Monday on the first working day of a trip to Southeast Asia aimed at bolstering ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong>'Not erasing, but protecting my students': Afghanistan girls boarding school founder burns records</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Biden ordering US commercial airlines to help in Afghan evacuation to Egypt closing Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Biden ordering US commercial airlines to help in Afghan evacuation to Egypt closing Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday, we have it all. You can also read reports about at least 20 dead in Kabul airport evacuation operation and thousands left without power as Tropical Storm Henri hits US east coast. Also check out that Kamala Harris is visiting Singapore to deepen ties and counter China's influence. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Thousands left without power as Tropical Storm Henri hits US east coast Tropical Storm Heri lashed Rhode Island on the US east coast leaving thousands without electricity and bringing record rainfall. US President Joe Biden said the storm has "potential for widespread consequences across the region with significant flooding and power outage" in New England. Biden orders US commercial airlines to help in Afghan evacuation The Biden administration has ordered six civilian aircraft to speed up the evacuation process calling in Delta, American Airlines, Atlas, Omni, Hawaiian and United Airlines to help US citizens and other personnel to leave the airport in limited time. At least 20 dead in Kabul airport evacuation operation: Report After the UK government announced seven Afghans were killed near Kabul airport on Saturday as thousands gathered over the weekend, news wire Reuters quoting a NATO official said at least 20 people have died in the past week around the Hamid Karzai international airport. Egypt to close Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday. Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions. Kamala Harris visits Singapore to deepen ties, counter China's influence US Vice President Kamala Harris will meet Singapore's leaders on Monday on the first working day of a trip to Southeast Asia aimed at bolstering ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence. Watch | 'Not erasing, but protecting my students': Afghanistan girls boarding school founder burns records ×

Morning news brief: Tropical Storm Henri hits US east coast and more

<p>The US&nbsp;special envoy for North Korea was due to meet his South Korean counterpart on Monday, as the two allies look for ways to entice Pyongyang back to talks over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.<br />
<br />
Sung Kim arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a four-day visit. He met with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong at the minister's residence on Sunday, where they discussed ways for a speedy resumption of the peace process on the Korean peninsula, a foreign ministry official said.<br />
<br />
On Monday Kim will meet with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, and on Tuesday with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Seoul.<br />
<br />
The visit comes as a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations in July gave way to a new standoff over US-South Korean military exercises that North Korea has warned could trigger a security crisis.<br />
<br />
The nine-day exercise began on August&nbsp;16, with silence so far from North Korean state media despite fears that the country could conduct a missile test or take other actions to underscore its disapproval.<br />
<br />
North Korea has said it is open to diplomacy, but that the American overtures appear hollow while "hostile acts" such as the drills continue.<br />
<br />
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration has said it will explore diplomacy to achieve North Korean denuclearisation, but shown no willingness to ease sanctions.</p>


The US special envoy for North Korea was due to meet his South Korean counterpart on Monday, as the two allies look for ways to entice Pyongyang back to talks over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

The US special envoy for North Korea was due to meet his South Korean counterpart on Monday, as the two allies look for ways to entice Pyongyang back to talks over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. Sung Kim arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a four-day visit. He met with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong at the minister's residence on Sunday, where they discussed ways for a speedy resumption of the peace process on the Korean peninsula, a foreign ministry official said. On Monday Kim will meet with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, and on Tuesday with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Seoul. The visit comes as a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations in July gave way to a new standoff over US-South Korean military exercises that North Korea has warned could trigger a security crisis. The nine-day exercise began on August 16, with silence so far from North Korean state media despite fears that the country could conduct a missile test or take other actions to underscore its disapproval. North Korea has said it is open to diplomacy, but that the American overtures appear hollow while "hostile acts" such as the drills continue. US President Joe Biden's administration has said it will explore diplomacy to achieve North Korean denuclearisation, but shown no willingness to ease sanctions.

US, South Korea envoys discuss jumpstarting talks with North Korea

<p>Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.<br />
<br />
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat.<br />
<br />
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US&nbsp;forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely.<br />
<br />
Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct."<br />
<br />
Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago.<br />
<br />
"It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.</p>


Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters.

Britain plans to push world leaders to consider new sanctions on the Taliban when the G7 group of advanced economies meet on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Afghanistan, sources told Reuters. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who currently leads the group that includes the United States, Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Canada, called on Sunday for the virtual meeting, in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan. Britain believes the G7 should consider economic sanctions and withhold aid if the Taliban commits human rights abuses and allows its territory to be used as a haven for militants, according to a British government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, and a second Western diplomat. US President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the Taliban had not taken any action against US forces controlling Kabul airport, and had largely followed through on their pledge to let Americans reach the airport safely. Asked whether he would support Britain's push for sanctions if the Taliban committed abuses, Biden said, "The answer is yes. It depends on the conduct." Taliban militants seized control of Kabul last weekend in an upheaval that sent civilians and Afghan military allies fleeing for safety. Many fear a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. "It is vital that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations, prevent a humanitarian crisis and support the Afghan people to secure the gains of the last 20 years," Johnson said on Twitter on Sunday. Sanctions against the Taliban are unlikely to be adopted immediately, one Western diplomat said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab first raised the possibility of sanctions to pressure the Taliban last week.

Britain to push for sanctions on Taliban at G7 meeting: Sources

<p>Amid chaos triggered by Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, evacuees finally got a reason to smile when an Afghan mother delivered a baby girl aboard a US military evacuation flight, moments after touching down at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Saturday, said the US Air Force on its social media account. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Air Mobility Command said in a tweet on Sunday, “The woman went into labour aboard a C-17 transport aircraft during the second leg of her journey fleeing the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The flight was from a staging base in the Middle East to the large US air base in Germany.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>When the aircraft was at its flight altitude, above 28,000 feet (8,534 meters), the mother began to have complications due to the lower air pressure in the plane, the US Air Force said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Twitter, US Air Mobility Command added, "The aircraft commander decided to descend in altitude to increase air pressure in the aircraft, which helped stabilise and save the mother's life." &nbsp;</p>

<p>After the plane was on the ground at Ramstein base, Air Force's 86th Medical Group personnel assisted in the delivery of the baby in the C-17's cargo bay. The mother and baby were then transported to a nearby medical facility. They are now in good condition.&nbsp;</p>


Amid chaos triggered by Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, evacuees finally got a reason to smile when an Afghan mother delivered a baby girl aboard a US military evacuation flight, moments after touching down at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Saturday, said the US Air Force on its social media account.

Amid chaos triggered by Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, evacuees finally got a reason to smile when an Afghan mother delivered a baby girl aboard a US military evacuation flight, moments after touching down at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Saturday, said the US Air Force on its social media account. The US Air Mobility Command said in a tweet on Sunday, “The woman went into labour aboard a C-17 transport aircraft during the second leg of her journey fleeing the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The flight was from a staging base in the Middle East to the large US air base in Germany.” When the aircraft was at its flight altitude, above 28,000 feet (8,534 meters), the mother began to have complications due to the lower air pressure in the plane, the US Air Force said. On Twitter, US Air Mobility Command added, "The aircraft commander decided to descend in altitude to increase air pressure in the aircraft, which helped stabilise and save the mother's life." After the plane was on the ground at Ramstein base, Air Force's 86th Medical Group personnel assisted in the delivery of the baby in the C-17's cargo bay. The mother and baby were then transported to a nearby medical facility. They are now in good condition.

Afghan woman gives birth to baby girl on US aircraft at Germany air base

<p>US&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris will meet Singapore's leaders on Monday on the first working day of a trip to Southeast Asia aimed at bolstering ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence.<br />
<br />
Harris will meet Singapore's President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and later visit the Changi Naval Base and tour the USS Tulsa, a combat ship of the US&nbsp;Navy.<br />
<br />
Singapore is not a US&nbsp;treaty ally, but remains one of its strongest security partners in the region with deep trade ties. However, it also seeks to balance its relationships with the United States and China by not taking sides.<br />
<br />
The country is home to the biggest port in Southeast Asia, and supports continued free navigation in the area, where China is growing increasingly assertive.<br />
<br />
Harris arrived in Singapore on Sunday at the start of a seven-day visit to the region, which will also include a trip to Vietnam. During the visits, US&nbsp;officials will aim to address Washington's concerns about China's claims to disputed parts of the South China Sea.<br />
<br />
"Singapore has encouraged greater US&nbsp;engagement in Asia, but warned that efforts to 'contain' China's rise are counterproductive," according to a report released in April by the Congressional Research Service, which conducts research and analysis for the US&nbsp;Congress.<br />
<br />
"Singapore has maintained generally good relations with China, at least partly as a hedge against possible US&nbsp;retrenchment," the report said.<br />
<br />
In a recent interview with Reuters, Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan, welcomed the role the United States and China play in the region - reflecting the delicate diplomacy it has succeeded at and one Harris has to navigate.<br />
<br />
He said the United States and Singapore will discuss topics such as the pandemic, the digital economy and cybersecurity.</p>


US Vice President Kamala Harris will meet Singapore's leaders on Monday on the first working day of a trip to Southeast Asia aimed at bolstering ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence.

US Vice President Kamala Harris will meet Singapore's leaders on Monday on the first working day of a trip to Southeast Asia aimed at bolstering ties as part of Washington's efforts to counter China's growing influence. Harris will meet Singapore's President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and later visit the Changi Naval Base and tour the USS Tulsa, a combat ship of the US Navy. Singapore is not a US treaty ally, but remains one of its strongest security partners in the region with deep trade ties. However, it also seeks to balance its relationships with the United States and China by not taking sides. The country is home to the biggest port in Southeast Asia, and supports continued free navigation in the area, where China is growing increasingly assertive. Harris arrived in Singapore on Sunday at the start of a seven-day visit to the region, which will also include a trip to Vietnam. During the visits, US officials will aim to address Washington's concerns about China's claims to disputed parts of the South China Sea. "Singapore has encouraged greater US engagement in Asia, but warned that efforts to 'contain' China's rise are counterproductive," according to a report released in April by the Congressional Research Service, which conducts research and analysis for the US Congress. "Singapore has maintained generally good relations with China, at least partly as a hedge against possible US retrenchment," the report said. In a recent interview with Reuters, Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan, welcomed the role the United States and China play in the region - reflecting the delicate diplomacy it has succeeded at and one Harris has to navigate. He said the United States and Singapore will discuss topics such as the pandemic, the digital economy and cybersecurity.

Kamala Harris visits Singapore to deepen ties, counter China's influence

<p>Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said.<br />
<br />
Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details.<br />
<br />
According to two Egyptian security sources, the closure was made for security reasons following an escalation between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, with Israeli aircraft striking sites in Gaza after gunfire across Gaza's border with Israel earlier in the day.<br />
<br />
Rafah is the sole crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where an Israeli-led blockade has placed severe restrictions on the movement of goods and people for years.<br />
<br />
Egypt had opened the crossing indefinitely in February in what was described as an effort to encourage negotiations between Palestinian factions meeting at the time in Cairo.<br />
<br />
Egypt kept the crossing open during and after an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May, delivering aid and construction materials through Rafah after helping broker a truce between the two sides.</p>


Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said. Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details.

Egypt is to close the Rafah crossing on its border with the Gaza Strip until further notice on Monday, Egyptian security sources said. Hamas, the Palestinian faction that controls Gaza, said it had been informed by Egypt of the decision to shut the crossing in both directions, without giving details. According to two Egyptian security sources, the closure was made for security reasons following an escalation between Israel and Hamas on Saturday, with Israeli aircraft striking sites in Gaza after gunfire across Gaza's border with Israel earlier in the day. Rafah is the sole crossing between Egypt and Gaza, where an Israeli-led blockade has placed severe restrictions on the movement of goods and people for years. Egypt had opened the crossing indefinitely in February in what was described as an effort to encourage negotiations between Palestinian factions meeting at the time in Cairo. Egypt kept the crossing open during and after an 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas in May, delivering aid and construction materials through Rafah after helping broker a truce between the two sides.

Egypt to close Rafah crossing with Gaza from Monday

Aug 23 in history: World Wide Web is opened to the public and more

<p>Social media seems to be buzzing with several comments, videos and pictures after New Zealand’s COVID-19 response minister makes an error while updating the country live on the coronavirus outbreak. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A slip of the tongue by the minister has gone viral as it gave several netizens a lighthearted break from regular pandemic coverage. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ha so finally found out why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpreadYourLegs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpreadYourLegs</a> has been trending in NZ 😂😂 oh <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishipkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishipkins</a> thank you for the laugh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19nz?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19nz</a> <a href="https://t.co/bCvRPw0mf4">https://t.co/bCvRPw0mf4</a></p>
— Lanz/Harleequinz #ReleaseTheAyerCut #ProdigalSon (@Lanz_J23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lanz_J23/status/1429736987452313602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The New Zealanders embraced the hashtag #spreadyourlegs and called on others to “spread your legs, and save lives”. Some citizens also said it gives new meaning to the government’s pandemic catch phrase “go hard, go early”.</p>

<p>Updating the country on the growing number of coronavirus cases in the country, Minister Chris Hipkins mistakenly urged New Zealanders to socially distance when they go outside to “spread their legs”. The error was made at a media briefing on Sunday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong>Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours</p>

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<p>Hipkins said, “It is a challenge for people in high density areas to get outside and spread their legs when they are surrounded by other people.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The typically composed Dr Ashley Bloomfield, who is director general of health, was standing just next to the minister at the podium. Bloomfield briefly raised his eyebrows as Hipkins continued with his address. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-not-a-cow-you-are-not-a-horse-fda-warns-against-using-animal-drug-ivermectin-to-treat-covid-19-407793">'You are not a cow, You are not a horse': FDA warns against using ‘animal drug’ ivermectin to treat COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>In response to a Delta outbreak, New Zealand has currently imposed a nationwide lockdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After realising the mistake, the minister said he would go and “stretch his legs”. He also acknowledged that the media “would all have fun with him later”.&nbsp;</p>


Social media seems to be buzzing with several comments, videos and pictures after New Zealand’s COVID-19 response minister makes an error while updating the country live on the coronavirus outbreak.

Social media seems to be buzzing with several comments, videos and pictures after New Zealand’s COVID-19 response minister makes an error while updating the country live on the coronavirus outbreak. A slip of the tongue by the minister has gone viral as it gave several netizens a lighthearted break from regular pandemic coverage. Ha so finally found out why #SpreadYourLegs has been trending in NZ 😂😂 oh @chrishipkins thank you for the laugh #COVID19nz https://t.co/bCvRPw0mf4 — Lanz/Harleequinz #ReleaseTheAyerCut #ProdigalSon (@Lanz_J23) August 23, 2021 × The New Zealanders embraced the hashtag #spreadyourlegs and called on others to “spread your legs, and save lives”. Some citizens also said it gives new meaning to the government’s pandemic catch phrase “go hard, go early”. Updating the country on the growing number of coronavirus cases in the country, Minister Chris Hipkins mistakenly urged New Zealanders to socially distance when they go outside to “spread their legs”. The error was made at a media briefing on Sunday. Watch | Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours × Hipkins said, “It is a challenge for people in high density areas to get outside and spread their legs when they are surrounded by other people.” The typically composed Dr Ashley Bloomfield, who is director general of health, was standing just next to the minister at the podium. Bloomfield briefly raised his eyebrows as Hipkins continued with his address. Also Read | 'You are not a cow, You are not a horse': FDA warns against using ‘animal drug’ ivermectin to treat COVID-19 In response to a Delta outbreak, New Zealand has currently imposed a nationwide lockdown. After realising the mistake, the minister said he would go and “stretch his legs”. He also acknowledged that the media “would all have fun with him later”.

Watch: New Zealand Covid minister’s ‘Spread your legs’ error goes viral  

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