Hitting 62.8tn figures using a supercomputer,&nbsp;researchers&nbsp;from Switzerland&nbsp;have calculated the mathematical constant&nbsp;‘pi’&nbsp;to a new world-record level of exactitude.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;Graubuenden&nbsp;University of Applied Sciences said,&nbsp;“The calculation took 108 days and nine hours.”&nbsp;

According to the university’s Centre for Data Analytics,&nbsp;Visualisation&nbsp;and Simulation, the&nbsp;efforts were “almost twice as fast as the record Google set using its cloud in 2019, and 3.5 times as fast as the previous world record in 2020.”&nbsp;

These researchers&nbsp;are&nbsp;waiting for the Guinness Book of Records to certify the feat. Until then,&nbsp;these experts&nbsp;have&nbsp;revealed only the final 10 digits calculated for pi. These are&nbsp;7817924264.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;the previous world&nbsp;record,&nbsp;pi’s&nbsp;calculation&nbsp;was&nbsp;achieved&nbsp;till&nbsp;50tn figures.&nbsp;

The constant&nbsp;Pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, with an infinite number of digits following the decimal point.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, the researchers continue to push calculations for the constant,&nbsp;whose first 10 figures are 3.141592653,&nbsp;further&nbsp;with the help of&nbsp;computers.&nbsp;

As per the&nbsp;Swiss team,&nbsp;the experience they built calculating pi could be applied in other areas,&nbsp;such as “RNA analysis, simulations of fluid dynamics and textual analysis.”&nbsp;

Hitting 62.8tn figures using a supercomputer, researchers from Switzerland have calculated the mathematical constant ‘pi’ to a new world-record level of exactitude.

Hitting 62.8tn figures using a supercomputer, researchers from Switzerland have calculated the mathematical constant ‘pi’ to a new world-record level of exactitude. In a statement, Graubuenden University of Applied Sciences said, “The calculation took 108 days and nine hours.” According to the university’s Centre for Data Analytics, Visualisation and Simulation, the efforts were “almost twice as fast as the record Google set using its cloud in 2019, and 3.5 times as fast as the previous world record in 2020.” These researchers are waiting for the Guinness Book of Records to certify the feat. Until then, these experts have revealed only the final 10 digits calculated for pi. These are 7817924264. In the previous world record, pi’s calculation was achieved till 50tn figures. The constant Pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, with an infinite number of digits following the decimal point. Nevertheless, the researchers continue to push calculations for the constant, whose first 10 figures are 3.141592653, further with the help of computers. As per the Swiss team, the experience they built calculating pi could be applied in other areas, such as “RNA analysis, simulations of fluid dynamics and textual analysis.”

Researchers calculate constant pi to a new record 62.8tn figures

In the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan against the government forces, it seems former inmates of Guantanamo have played a crucial role. &nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the Taliban leaders, who gave a victory speech from the presidential palace, described himself as a former inmate of Guantanamo, while another detainee in the infamous prison is also emerging as a key figure in the regime change.&nbsp;

The first inmate, who is presently a commander of the Taliban, gave the address live-streamed by Al-Jazeera news channel from inside the presidential palace in Kabul. He said he had spent eight years in the US Navy-controlled detention centre in Guantanamo Bay.&nbsp;

According to experts, the name of the commander is Gholam Ruhani, who was accused by the US of being a security agent for the Taliban's Ministry of Intelligence with close family ties to the senior members of the group, a Daily Mail report said.&nbsp;

As per his Guantanamo file, he was born in 1975 and grew up in Ghazni, before being sent to Iran by his parents to avoid the Afghan-Soviet war.&nbsp;

He returned home in 1992 and after Taliban took over, joined the Ministry of Intelligence to avoid being drafted for combat operations. He was a part of a security detail patrolling the streets of Kabul, as per US officials.&nbsp;

The other inmate is Khairullah Khairkhwa. The Taliban member was released from Gitmo by Obama administration even though the Pentagon classified him as too dangerous to release, a New York Post report said.&nbsp;

Mullah Khairkhwa had previously served as the Taliban’s minister of interior in Afghanistan, where he oversaw enforcement of brutal Islamist punishments. &nbsp;

After 9/11, he was held in Pakistan and sent to Gitmo in 2002. The Pentagon had accused him of closely associating with Osama bin Laden and his henchmen.&nbsp;

In the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan against the government forces, it seems former inmates of Guantanamo have played a crucial role. One of the Taliban leaders, who gave a victory speech from the presidential palace, described himself as a former inmate of Guantanamo, while another detainee in the infamous prison is also emerging as a key figure in the regime change.

In the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan against the government forces, it seems former inmates of Guantanamo have played a crucial role. One of the Taliban leaders, who gave a victory speech from the presidential palace, described himself as a former inmate of Guantanamo, while another detainee in the infamous prison is also emerging as a key figure in the regime change. The first inmate, who is presently a commander of the Taliban, gave the address live-streamed by Al-Jazeera news channel from inside the presidential palace in Kabul. He said he had spent eight years in the US Navy-controlled detention centre in Guantanamo Bay. According to experts, the name of the commander is Gholam Ruhani, who was accused by the US of being a security agent for the Taliban's Ministry of Intelligence with close family ties to the senior members of the group, a Daily Mail report said. As per his Guantanamo file, he was born in 1975 and grew up in Ghazni, before being sent to Iran by his parents to avoid the Afghan-Soviet war. He returned home in 1992 and after Taliban took over, joined the Ministry of Intelligence to avoid being drafted for combat operations. He was a part of a security detail patrolling the streets of Kabul, as per US officials. The other inmate is Khairullah Khairkhwa. The Taliban member was released from Gitmo by Obama administration even though the Pentagon classified him as too dangerous to release, a New York Post report said. Mullah Khairkhwa had previously served as the Taliban’s minister of interior in Afghanistan, where he oversaw enforcement of brutal Islamist punishments. After 9/11, he was held in Pakistan and sent to Gitmo in 2002. The Pentagon had accused him of closely associating with Osama bin Laden and his henchmen.

Guantanamo ex-inmates emerge as key players in Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan 

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;US lowering flag at Kabul embassy to&nbsp;hundreds gathering at airport,&nbsp;we have it all.

You can also&nbsp;read about Taliban saying 'war is over in Afghanistan'&nbsp;as the US is stunned by government’s collapse, and&nbsp;quake death toll surging to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue. Also check out reports where Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month, and&nbsp;rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-us-lowers-flag-at-kabul-embassy-hundreds-gather-at-airport-amid-international-evacuation-405858">Live: US lowers flag at Kabul embassy; hundreds gather at airport</a>

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As the Taliban entered Kabul and took control of the capital, Afghanistan President&nbsp;Ashraf&nbsp;Ghani&nbsp;fled the country on Sunday.&nbsp;The Taliban swiftly took control of the presidential palace and declared victory even as the United States lowered its flag at the embassy in Kabul.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by govt’s collapse</a>

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The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday&nbsp;in an interview. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

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Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday, saying he had done so to prevent a "flood of bloodshed", as the Taliban reached Kabul after an astonishing rout of government forces.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quake-death-toll-surges-to-1297-in-haiti-as-rescue-efforts-continue-405886">Quake death toll surges to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue&nbsp;</a>

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A day after the&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;7.2-magnitude&nbsp;earthquake ravaged Haiti, the&nbsp;death toll&nbsp;soared to&nbsp;1,297.&nbsp;The quake had razed&nbsp;thousands of structures in the country.&nbsp;The&nbsp;rescue efforts are being undertaken by the personnel in the country.&nbsp;A&nbsp;tropical storm is also heading towards&nbsp;the country to make matters worse.&nbsp;At least 5,700 people are also injured in the Caribbean nation.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-announces-snap-polls-next-month-405884">Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month</a>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India prepares to evacuate its citizens after Taliban capture Kabul

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US lowering flag at Kabul embassy to hundreds gathering at airport, we have it all. You can also read about Taliban saying 'war is over in Afghanistan' as the US is stunned by government’s collapse, and quake death toll surging to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US lowering flag at Kabul embassy to hundreds gathering at airport, we have it all. You can also read about Taliban saying 'war is over in Afghanistan' as the US is stunned by government’s collapse, and quake death toll surging to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue. Also check out reports where Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month, and rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Live: US lowers flag at Kabul embassy; hundreds gather at airport As the Taliban entered Kabul and took control of the capital, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday. The Taliban swiftly took control of the presidential palace and declared victory even as the United States lowered its flag at the embassy in Kabul. 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by govt’s collapse The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday in an interview. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan. 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday, saying he had done so to prevent a "flood of bloodshed", as the Taliban reached Kabul after an astonishing rout of government forces. Quake death toll surges to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country. The rescue efforts are being undertaken by the personnel in the country. A tropical storm is also heading towards the country to make matters worse. At least 5,700 people are also injured in the Caribbean nation. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces snap polls next month Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced snap elections on Sunday as the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Watch | India prepares to evacuate its citizens after Taliban capture Kabul ×

Morning news brief: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban and more

A day after the&nbsp;powerful&nbsp;7.2-magnitude&nbsp;earthquake ravaged Haiti, the&nbsp;death toll&nbsp;soared to&nbsp;1,297 on Sunday.&nbsp;The quake had razed&nbsp;thousands of structures in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country.&nbsp;A&nbsp;tropical storm is also heading towards&nbsp;Haiti to make matters worse.&nbsp;

At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation.&nbsp;Thousands more have been&nbsp;displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been&nbsp;destroyed or damaged.&nbsp;

In numerous&nbsp;areas,&nbsp;survivors have been forced to live&nbsp;out in the open.&nbsp;On Sunday, people could also be seen&nbsp;lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may&nbsp;reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried.&nbsp;The&nbsp;tropical storm was although demoted&nbsp;to a depression on&nbsp;Sunday by&nbsp;the US National Hurricane Centre.&nbsp;It may&nbsp;bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;earthquake struck at a crucial time when the&nbsp;country was&nbsp;already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence.&nbsp;

On Sunday,&nbsp;Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to&nbsp;help the people of Haiti&nbsp;in these difficult times,&nbsp;the pope called for the solidarity of the international community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden&nbsp;authorised&nbsp;an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country.

A day after the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake ravaged Haiti, the death toll soared to 1,297 on Sunday. The quake had razed thousands of structures in the country. The rescue efforts are now being undertaken by the personnel in the country. A tropical storm is also heading towards Haiti to make matters worse. At least 5,700 people have also got injured in the Caribbean nation. Thousands more have been displaced due to the destruction. Several homes have either been destroyed or damaged. In numerous areas, survivors have been forced to live out in the open. On Sunday, people could also be seen lining up to buy whatever little was available at a local street market. The coming of Tropical Depression Grace, which may reach Haiti on Monday night, has left several residents worried. The tropical storm was although demoted to a depression on Sunday by the US National Hurricane Centre. It may bring heavy rain, flooding and landslides. The earthquake struck at a crucial time when the country was already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and a wave of gang violence. On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti. He also prayed for the victims and wished encouragement for survivors. In order to help the people of Haiti in these difficult times, the pope called for the solidarity of the international community. US President Joe Biden authorised an immediate response and named USAID Administrator Samantha Power to oversee the US effort to help Haiti. (With inputs from agencies)

Quake death toll surges to 1,297 in Haiti as rescue efforts continue 

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday&nbsp;in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. &nbsp;

The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the group, said the Taliban did not want to live in isolation and the type of rule and the form of regime would be clear soon. &nbsp;

Naeem added, the group has respected women's and minorities' rights and freedom of expression within Sharia law. The group is also ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them necessary protection. &nbsp;

After Taliban insurgents entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan. The planned withdrawal of US forces has now become a mission to ensure a safe evacuation. &nbsp;

The Afghan government's rapid collapse and the ensuing chaos raised several questions. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

Several netizens also said the images of US helicopters circling the Kabul embassy evoked the humiliating departure of its personnel from Vietnam many years ago. &nbsp;

A US State Department official also said the country’s flag is no longer flying at embassy amid evacuations from the capital. Nearly all embassy personnel have been relocated to the city's international airport. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community.

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the group, said the Taliban did not want to live in isolation and the type of rule and the form of regime would be clear soon. Naeem added, the group has respected women's and minorities' rights and freedom of expression within Sharia law. The group is also ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them necessary protection. After Taliban insurgents entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan. The planned withdrawal of US forces has now become a mission to ensure a safe evacuation. The Afghan government's rapid collapse and the ensuing chaos raised several questions. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." Several netizens also said the images of US helicopters circling the Kabul embassy evoked the humiliating departure of its personnel from Vietnam many years ago. A US State Department official also said the country’s flag is no longer flying at embassy amid evacuations from the capital. Nearly all embassy personnel have been relocated to the city's international airport. (With inputs from agencies)

'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse

Aug 16 in history: French India territories are officially handed over to New Delhi and more

Around 22 Afghan students, who are enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Indian capital New Delhi, don’t want to go back, and sought extension of visas through academic courses.&nbsp;

These students from Afghanistan are worried as the Taliban has taken control of the country and their visa tenure in India is about to expire within months. The limit for visa of most of these foreign students is getting over by December this year. &nbsp;

With the situation in Afghanistan turning volatile, these students don’t want to go back and want to extend their visa through academic courses, such as a PhD, an ANI report said.&nbsp;

"For a war-torn country like Afghanistan, most of the people are extensively unemployed and trying to escape from either death or captivity. Arranging a 'hefty fee' seems impossible," said some Afghan students in JNU.&nbsp;

A JNU student, Jalaluddin, said, "Situation is extremely critical there. I am hoping that the administration will understand our situation and extend my visa permit. Also, PhD in JNU is highly expensive for foreign nationals, and for poor families that are certainly not the possible way out. However, at present, I really don't know what to do."&nbsp;

If a student’s visa expires, he or she cannot work or study until a new permit is given. While extending a visa, the person must be sure that his or her passport has not expired at the same time. The study permit cannot be extended beyond the passport's expiry date.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Around 22 Afghan students, who are enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Indian capital New Delhi, don’t want to go back, and sought extension of visas through academic courses.

Around 22 Afghan students, who are enrolled in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Indian capital New Delhi, don’t want to go back, and sought extension of visas through academic courses. These students from Afghanistan are worried as the Taliban has taken control of the country and their visa tenure in India is about to expire within months. The limit for visa of most of these foreign students is getting over by December this year. With the situation in Afghanistan turning volatile, these students don’t want to go back and want to extend their visa through academic courses, such as a PhD, an ANI report said. "For a war-torn country like Afghanistan, most of the people are extensively unemployed and trying to escape from either death or captivity. Arranging a 'hefty fee' seems impossible," said some Afghan students in JNU. A JNU student, Jalaluddin, said, "Situation is extremely critical there. I am hoping that the administration will understand our situation and extend my visa permit. Also, PhD in JNU is highly expensive for foreign nationals, and for poor families that are certainly not the possible way out. However, at present, I really don't know what to do." If a student’s visa expires, he or she cannot work or study until a new permit is given. While extending a visa, the person must be sure that his or her passport has not expired at the same time. The study permit cannot be extended beyond the passport's expiry date. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan students in Indian varsity fear for safety in home country, want visa extension 

Citing a lack of parliamentary support,&nbsp;Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed.

The development comes as the country is struggling with its deadliest COVID-19&nbsp;outbreak yet.&nbsp;After holding a special meeting with cabinet members,&nbsp;Yassin offered resignation to the king.

His resignation follows months of political instability, which eventually led to the loss of his majority in parliament.&nbsp;

According to the palace, King Al-Sultan Abdullah did not believe an election should be held due to the coronavirus&nbsp;situation, and he was happy for Muhyiddin to stay on as interim leader.&nbsp;

“The king has received the resignation letter of Muhyiddin Yassin and the entire cabinet effective immediately. Following the resignation, the king is pleased for Muhyiddin to fill the role as caretaker prime minister until a new prime minister is appointed,” it said.&nbsp;

Muhyiddin’s government had been precarious ever since he was sworn in around 18 months ago. He was named PM following a flurry of backroom deals organised after the collapse of the then ruling coalition, but with no public mandate.&nbsp;

In recent weeks his razor-thin parliamentary majority has crumbled, despite attempts to win support from opposition MPs. Muhyiddin is facing growing anger over the coronavirus crisis, which has continued to worsen even after restrictions.&nbsp;

In a televised address,&nbsp;Muhyiddin said he had submitted his resignation to the king because he had failed to maintain the confidence of a majority of lawmakers. He hoped a new government would be formed as soon as possible.

(With inputs from agencies)

Citing a lack of parliamentary support, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed.

Citing a lack of parliamentary support, Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned on Monday. But the leader agreed with the king to remain caretaker premier until a new government is formed. The development comes as the country is struggling with its deadliest COVID-19 outbreak yet. After holding a special meeting with cabinet members, Yassin offered resignation to the king. His resignation follows months of political instability, which eventually led to the loss of his majority in parliament. According to the palace, King Al-Sultan Abdullah did not believe an election should be held due to the coronavirus situation, and he was happy for Muhyiddin to stay on as interim leader. “The king has received the resignation letter of Muhyiddin Yassin and the entire cabinet effective immediately. Following the resignation, the king is pleased for Muhyiddin to fill the role as caretaker prime minister until a new prime minister is appointed,” it said. Muhyiddin’s government had been precarious ever since he was sworn in around 18 months ago. He was named PM following a flurry of backroom deals organised after the collapse of the then ruling coalition, but with no public mandate. In recent weeks his razor-thin parliamentary majority has crumbled, despite attempts to win support from opposition MPs. Muhyiddin is facing growing anger over the coronavirus crisis, which has continued to worsen even after restrictions. In a televised address, Muhyiddin said he had submitted his resignation to the king because he had failed to maintain the confidence of a majority of lawmakers. He hoped a new government would be formed as soon as possible. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia's prime minister quits, to take up caretaker role

More than 60 countries issued a joint statement saying Afghans and international citizens, who want to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to depart and added that airports and border crossings must remain open, the US&nbsp;State Department said late on Sunday.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;government and countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Qatar and the UK said in a joint statement that "those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility - and accountability - for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order."&nbsp;

It added that "the Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to assist them."&nbsp;

The Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan was over after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled on Monday to evacuate thousands of their citizens.&nbsp;

The Pentagon authorised another 1,000 troops to help evacuate US&nbsp;citizens and Afghans who worked for them from Kabul as the US&nbsp;government said it would assume air traffic control to facilitate the departure of thousands of Americans.&nbsp;

A joint statement from the State Department and Pentagon after the Taliban entered the Afghan capital confirmed that the United States over the next 48 hours will "have expanded our security presence to nearly 6,000 troops, with a mission focused solely on facilitating these efforts and will be taking over air traffic control."&nbsp;

Secretary of State Antony&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;said on Twitter "the United States joins the international community in affirming that Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so. Roads, airports, and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained."&nbsp;

Other countries signing the joint statement include Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and Yemen as well as the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, the State Department said.&nbsp;

More than 60 countries issued a joint statement saying Afghans and international citizens, who want to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to depart and added that airports and border crossings must remain open, the US State Department said late on Sunday.

More than 60 countries issued a joint statement saying Afghans and international citizens, who want to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to depart and added that airports and border crossings must remain open, the US State Department said late on Sunday. The US government and countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Qatar and the UK said in a joint statement that "those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility - and accountability - for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order." It added that "the Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to assist them." The Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan was over after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled on Monday to evacuate thousands of their citizens. The Pentagon authorised another 1,000 troops to help evacuate US citizens and Afghans who worked for them from Kabul as the US government said it would assume air traffic control to facilitate the departure of thousands of Americans. A joint statement from the State Department and Pentagon after the Taliban entered the Afghan capital confirmed that the United States over the next 48 hours will "have expanded our security presence to nearly 6,000 troops, with a mission focused solely on facilitating these efforts and will be taking over air traffic control." Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter "the United States joins the international community in affirming that Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so. Roads, airports, and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained." Other countries signing the joint statement include Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and Yemen as well as the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, the State Department said.

Over 60 countries say Afghans, others must be allowed to leave Afghanistan

History repeats itself, they say. &nbsp;

When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life.&nbsp;

The article written by the then academic in Los Angeles Times on February 15, 1989, has been dug up by social media sleuths and is doing the rounds online this week.&nbsp;

Written after the former Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan on being defeated at the hands of the US and Pakistan-backed Mujahideen, Ghani's article started with the line: "The Soviets have left Afghanistan, making the collapse of the besieged puppet regime in Kabul just a matter of time."&nbsp;

Fast forward to circa 2021, and it's the Americans&nbsp;who are making the hasty retreat after two decades of war. The Taliban, which essentially is an offshoot of the Mujahideen backed by Pakistan, are in control of capital Kabul. And on Sunday, Ghani's regime collapsed. He himself fled the country as Taliban occupied his presidential palace. He reportedly first went to Tajikistan, and is going to leave for US.&nbsp;

"The [George] Bush Administration could insist that the Afghan people be given the right to self-determination and take the initiative by channeling future economic assistance only to a government so freely chosen," Ghani had written in 1989, basically arguing in his article that US should demand a referendum for self-determination for the Afghans.&nbsp;

"By doing so, it could help thwart blatant Pakistani and Iranian attempts at determining the future of Afghanistan and at fanning the flames of civil war," wrote Ghani, who at the time was an assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The article was thoroughly critical of the Pakistan military and how the US regime at the time was colluding with Islamabad in supporting the Mujahideen and warlords fighting Soviet Union, at a time when Afghanistan was a theatre of the US-USSR Cold War.&nbsp;

"The Afghan people have no desire that the United States micromanage their politics. Rather, they wish that the United States would stop colluding with the Pakistani generals in choosing the cast of political actors and writing the script for the future of their country," he wrote.&nbsp;

"Over the years Washington has been entrusting Pakistani military intelligence with the distribution of more than $2 billion in military and financial aid and with the allocation of Stinger missiles to the Afghan resistance." &nbsp;

It is haunting to see how Ghani's words from that article might just be describing the chaos today. &nbsp;

"In the absence of an interim government truly representative of the Afghan people, there is no incentive for the peaceful surrender of Kabul and other cities still in the hands of the Soviet-backed regime. Nearly 3 million civilians, locked in besieged Kabul and already on the brink of starvation, are sure to suffer tremendous losses should the encircling resistance groups attack the capital," he wrote at the time.&nbsp;

History repeats itself, they say. When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life.

History repeats itself, they say. When Afghanistan's now-ousted president Ashraf Ghani wrote more than three decades ago about the then imminent fall of a "puppet regime", he may not have imagined he would be in a similar predicament later in life. The article written by the then academic in Los Angeles Times on February 15, 1989, has been dug up by social media sleuths and is doing the rounds online this week. Written after the former Soviet Union's exit from Afghanistan on being defeated at the hands of the US and Pakistan-backed Mujahideen, Ghani's article started with the line: "The Soviets have left Afghanistan, making the collapse of the besieged puppet regime in Kabul just a matter of time." Fast forward to circa 2021, and it's the Americans who are making the hasty retreat after two decades of war. The Taliban, which essentially is an offshoot of the Mujahideen backed by Pakistan, are in control of capital Kabul. And on Sunday, Ghani's regime collapsed. He himself fled the country as Taliban occupied his presidential palace. He reportedly first went to Tajikistan, and is going to leave for US. "The [George] Bush Administration could insist that the Afghan people be given the right to self-determination and take the initiative by channeling future economic assistance only to a government so freely chosen," Ghani had written in 1989, basically arguing in his article that US should demand a referendum for self-determination for the Afghans. "By doing so, it could help thwart blatant Pakistani and Iranian attempts at determining the future of Afghanistan and at fanning the flames of civil war," wrote Ghani, who at the time was an assistant professor of anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. The article was thoroughly critical of the Pakistan military and how the US regime at the time was colluding with Islamabad in supporting the Mujahideen and warlords fighting Soviet Union, at a time when Afghanistan was a theatre of the US-USSR Cold War. "The Afghan people have no desire that the United States micromanage their politics. Rather, they wish that the United States would stop colluding with the Pakistani generals in choosing the cast of political actors and writing the script for the future of their country," he wrote. "Over the years Washington has been entrusting Pakistani military intelligence with the distribution of more than $2 billion in military and financial aid and with the allocation of Stinger missiles to the Afghan resistance." It is haunting to see how Ghani's words from that article might just be describing the chaos today. "In the absence of an interim government truly representative of the Afghan people, there is no incentive for the peaceful surrender of Kabul and other cities still in the hands of the Soviet-backed regime. Nearly 3 million civilians, locked in besieged Kabul and already on the brink of starvation, are sure to suffer tremendous losses should the encircling resistance groups attack the capital," he wrote at the time.

Blast from past: Ghani's 1989 article resurfaces, revealing irony of Afghan chaos repeat 

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. &nbsp;

On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.”&nbsp;

He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” &nbsp;

When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.”&nbsp;

Blinken was also reminded by the&nbsp;interviewer&nbsp;that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”&nbsp;

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday.

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.” He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.” Blinken was also reminded by the interviewer that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”

US to recognise a future Afghan govt only if it upholds basic rights: Blinken 

In what has added to the misery of Haiti, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the country hard, triggering large scale destruction. Around 304 people have died and at least 1,800 others have been hurt along with the destruction of hundreds of homes.&nbsp;

In the Caribbean island nation, people rushed onto streets to seek safety and help others, who are trapped in the rubble of collapsed hotels, homes and other structures.&nbsp;

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake was about 125 km west of Port-au-Prince. &nbsp;

The earthquake struck the southwestern part of the nation on Saturday. The aftershocks were felt throughout the day and late into the night. &nbsp;

The residents of Haiti are already witnessing a tough time due to coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and deepening poverty.&nbsp;

Many people are now living on streets as several residents have become homeless after the destruction of their homes while others are worrying about their safety in the fractured homes. &nbsp;

Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with incoming patients. He also declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country.&nbsp;

As Tropical Storm Grace may reach Haiti late on Monday or early Tuesday, the situation could worsen by early next week. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what has added to the misery of Haiti, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the country hard, triggering large scale destruction. Around 304 people have died and at least 1,800 others have been hurt along with the destruction of hundreds of homes.

In what has added to the misery of Haiti, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the country hard, triggering large scale destruction. Around 304 people have died and at least 1,800 others have been hurt along with the destruction of hundreds of homes. In the Caribbean island nation, people rushed onto streets to seek safety and help others, who are trapped in the rubble of collapsed hotels, homes and other structures. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake was about 125 km west of Port-au-Prince. The earthquake struck the southwestern part of the nation on Saturday. The aftershocks were felt throughout the day and late into the night. The residents of Haiti are already witnessing a tough time due to coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination and deepening poverty. Many people are now living on streets as several residents have become homeless after the destruction of their homes while others are worrying about their safety in the fractured homes. Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with incoming patients. He also declared a one-month state of emergency for the whole country. As Tropical Storm Grace may reach Haiti late on Monday or early Tuesday, the situation could worsen by early next week. (With inputs from agencies)

After turmoil, Haiti gets hit with deadly quake killing over 300 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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