We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;PM Modi saying&nbsp;necessary to make full use of our potential on&nbsp;Independence Day to&nbsp;world leaders congratulating India on Independence Day,&nbsp;we have it all.

You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;Taliban capturing Jalalabad&nbsp;after Mazar-e-Sharif&nbsp;as Biden orders more troops. And also check out a report on&nbsp;17 territories around the world, which&nbsp;are still under colonial rule.&nbsp;

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-mazar-e-sharif-taliban-captures-jalalabad-as-biden-orders-more-troops-405494">After Mazar-e-Sharif, Taliban captures Jalalabad as Biden orders more troops</a>

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Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif.&nbsp;Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-necessary-to-make-full-use-of-indias-potential-says-pm-modi-405470">Independence Day- Necessary to make full use of our potential, says PM Modi</a>

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Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of Independence Day said this is a day to remember our great freedom fighters. The Indian prime minister hosted the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The celebrations this year has been scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-congratulate-india-on-independence-day-405490">World leaders congratulate India on Independence Day&nbsp;</a>

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As India celebrates Independence Day, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US&nbsp;president&nbsp;Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes.&nbsp;On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-17-territories-around-the-world-are-still-under-colonial-rule-404052">These 17 territories around the world are still under colonial rule</a>

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As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories&nbsp;around the world, where less&nbsp;than two million people&nbsp;still&nbsp;live under colonial rule.&nbsp;The UN has also prepared a list of these territories.&nbsp;The list, which was&nbsp;last updated on September 22, 2020.&nbsp;The list says&nbsp;New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries which hold these territories.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;75 years of Independence: India celebrates 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From PM Modi saying necessary to make full use of our potential on Independence Day to world leaders congratulating India on Independence Day, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From PM Modi saying necessary to make full use of our potential on Independence Day to world leaders congratulating India on Independence Day, we have it all. You can also read about Taliban capturing Jalalabad after Mazar-e-Sharif as Biden orders more troops. And also check out a report on 17 territories around the world, which are still under colonial rule. Please click on the headline to read the full story. After Mazar-e-Sharif, Taliban captures Jalalabad as Biden orders more troops Taliban continued its surge across Afghanistan seizing Jalalabad early on Sunday morning after taking Mazar-e-Sharif. Amid the rapid Taliban advance, US President announced up to 3,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan to ensure evacuation of US personnel in Afghanistan. Independence Day- Necessary to make full use of our potential, says PM Modi Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of Independence Day said this is a day to remember our great freedom fighters. The Indian prime minister hosted the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The celebrations this year has been scaled down due to the coronavirus pandemic. World leaders congratulate India on Independence Day As India celebrates Independence Day, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US president Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes. On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US President Joe Biden said, “I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.” These 17 territories around the world are still under colonial rule As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories around the world, where less than two million people still live under colonial rule. The UN has also prepared a list of these territories. The list, which was last updated on September 22, 2020. The list says New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries which hold these territories. Watch | 75 years of Independence: India celebrates 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' ×

Morning news brief: Taliban captures Jalalabad as Biden orders more troops and more

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US&nbsp;president&nbsp;Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes.&nbsp;

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.”&nbsp;

Biden added,&nbsp;“In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow.”&nbsp;

The president also said, “In the&nbsp;past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia—through the Quad—to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our&nbsp;'last-mile'&nbsp;coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

US&nbsp;secretary of state Antony&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;said, “On behalf of the government and people of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of India on your 75th Independence Day.”&nbsp;

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I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. 
 
I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.<a href="https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp">https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZKoTDPdHsB">pic.twitter.com/ZKoTDPdHsB</a>
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India’s&nbsp;neighbours, such as Bhutan, have also congratulated the country on the memorable day.&nbsp;Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, said, “I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times.&nbsp;I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.”&nbsp;

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US president Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes.

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US president Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes. On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US President Joe Biden said, “I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.” Biden added, “In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow.” The president also said, “In the past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia—through the Quad—to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our 'last-mile' coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, “On behalf of the government and people of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of India on your 75th Independence Day.” I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp pic.twitter.com/ZKoTDPdHsB — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) August 14, 2021 × India’s neighbours, such as Bhutan, have also congratulated the country on the memorable day. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, said, “I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.”

World leaders congratulate India on Independence Day 

Aug 15 in history: India becomes independent from British rule and more

As luck would have it, a man in&nbsp;South Carolina in the United States&nbsp;is claiming&nbsp;to have won&nbsp;second lottery prize in just as many weeks.&nbsp;

The winner&nbsp;from Grand Strand first claimed a&nbsp;$40,000 prize on July 16 and then&nbsp;the&nbsp;next one of&nbsp;$3 million on&nbsp;July 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the&nbsp;South Carolina Education Lottery said on Wednesday,&nbsp;“The man had&nbsp;purchased both Mega Millions Quick Pick tickets from a Murphy USA gas station in Myrtle Beach.”&nbsp;

The newly-turned&nbsp;millionaire used to&nbsp;shop at a nearby Walmart and&nbsp;also&nbsp;drop by Murphy USA afterwards&nbsp;to&nbsp;fill&nbsp;gas&nbsp;and play the lotto,&nbsp;the winner&nbsp;told lottery officials.&nbsp;

He said,&nbsp;"I couldn't believe it.&nbsp;My family was&nbsp;also&nbsp;shocked when I broke the news."&nbsp;

In both&nbsp;the&nbsp;cases,&nbsp;the man&nbsp;missed the jackpot by just&nbsp;a&nbsp;number. Still, he&nbsp;is quite a&nbsp;lucky guy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the South Carolina Education Lottery,&nbsp;"The odds of winning $40,000 playing Mega Millions are 1 in 931,001, and the odds of winning $3 million are about 1 in 13 million."&nbsp;

As luck would have it, a man in South Carolina in the United States is claiming to have won second lottery prize in just as many weeks. The winner from Grand Strand first claimed a $40,000 prize on July 16 and then the next one of $3 million on July 27.

As luck would have it, a man in South Carolina in the United States is claiming to have won second lottery prize in just as many weeks. The winner from Grand Strand first claimed a $40,000 prize on July 16 and then the next one of $3 million on July 27. In a statement, the South Carolina Education Lottery said on Wednesday, “The man had purchased both Mega Millions Quick Pick tickets from a Murphy USA gas station in Myrtle Beach.” The newly-turned millionaire used to shop at a nearby Walmart and also drop by Murphy USA afterwards to fill gas and play the lotto, the winner told lottery officials. He said, "I couldn't believe it. My family was also shocked when I broke the news." In both the cases, the man missed the jackpot by just a number. Still, he is quite a lucky guy. According to the South Carolina Education Lottery, "The odds of winning $40,000 playing Mega Millions are 1 in 931,001, and the odds of winning $3 million are about 1 in 13 million."

As good as it gets: Lucky US man wins two lotteries in a gap of 11 days  

R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22. Samson has been leading the RR franchise since IPL 2021 and led them to the final in IPL 2022. In IPL 2023, the Royals ended fifth and narrowly missed out on entering the playoffs. Ashwin, who has been part of the Royals since 2022, feels Samson is a phenomenal leader and also dwelled on his on and off-field bond with the keeper-batter.

Speaking to Star Sports, Ashwin told, "On the field, I try and give him inputs as I see how the game is panning out. However, that relationship off the field doesn’t come on the field. It’s generally that younger brother, elder brother sort of a relationship off it. On the field, we are able to switch off."

He further opined, "I do what he wants and give my inputs and then he takes what he wants and gets on with it. I find Sanju as a young captain, he is able to differentiate, and demarcate both which is phenomenal."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-odi-world-cup-winning-captain-pat-cummins-named-sunrisers-hyderabad-skipper-696341">IPL 2024: ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins named Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper</a>

Ashwin added, "Sanju is extremely funny off the field. I am not sure a lot of people understand that or probably know that. It’s a problem of perfection a lot of people battle how you see someone on the ground and how they are off it, it’s completely different."&nbsp;

At present, Samson is gearing up for IPL 2024 whereas Ashwin is currently part of the Indian team who will take on England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. He will join the Samson-starrer RR franchise soon after the end of the India-England Test series.&nbsp;

RR squad for IPL 2024

Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.&nbsp;

R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22.

R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22. Samson has been leading the RR franchise since IPL 2021 and led them to the final in IPL 2022. In IPL 2023, the Royals ended fifth and narrowly missed out on entering the playoffs. Ashwin, who has been part of the Royals since 2022, feels Samson is a phenomenal leader and also dwelled on his on and off-field bond with the keeper-batter. Speaking to Star Sports, Ashwin told, "On the field, I try and give him inputs as I see how the game is panning out. However, that relationship off the field doesn’t come on the field. It’s generally that younger brother, elder brother sort of a relationship off it. On the field, we are able to switch off." He further opined, "I do what he wants and give my inputs and then he takes what he wants and gets on with it. I find Sanju as a young captain, he is able to differentiate, and demarcate both which is phenomenal." Also read: IPL 2024: ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins named Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ashwin added, "Sanju is extremely funny off the field. I am not sure a lot of people understand that or probably know that. It’s a problem of perfection a lot of people battle how you see someone on the ground and how they are off it, it’s completely different." At present, Samson is gearing up for IPL 2024 whereas Ashwin is currently part of the Indian team who will take on England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. He will join the Samson-starrer RR franchise soon after the end of the India-England Test series. RR squad for IPL 2024 Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.

On Zoom work call, US woman gets shot fatally by toddler: Police 

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism. The United Nations (UN) also played a big role in it. But the million-dollar question is that has it ended? Well, the answer is no. &nbsp;

As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories around the world, where less than two million people still live under colonial rule. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the chapter XI of UN charter, the non-self-governing territories are whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. &nbsp;

The UN has also prepared a list of these territories. The list, which was last updated on September 22, 2020, includes Montserrat, Saint Helena, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Turks and Caicos Islands, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Guam, Pitcairn, New Caledonia, Tokelau, etc. &nbsp;

The list says New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries, which hold these territories. &nbsp;

During the inception of UN, around some 750 million people, which was nearly a third of the world's population, used to live in territories dependent on colonial powers. &nbsp;

Born with the UN, the wave of decolonisation changed the face of the planet. It is also one of the world body’s biggest successes. &nbsp;

Due to the decolonisation, around 80 former colonies have gained independence. It also includes all 11 Trust Territories, which achieved self-determination through independence or free association with an independent state. &nbsp;

As of now, the special committee formed by the world body continues to monitor the situation in the remaining 17 territories. It is working to facilitate their advance towards complete self-determination.&nbsp;

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism.

For years during the freedom struggle, India fought valiantly against the British to gain the right to self-government. At the time, several other oppressed people around the world also made numerous sacrifices to see the end of the colonialism. The United Nations (UN) also played a big role in it. But the million-dollar question is that has it ended? Well, the answer is no. As per a UN data, there around 17 non-self-governing territories around the world, where less than two million people still live under colonial rule. According to the chapter XI of UN charter, the non-self-governing territories are whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. The UN has also prepared a list of these territories. The list, which was last updated on September 22, 2020, includes Montserrat, Saint Helena, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Turks and Caicos Islands, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Guam, Pitcairn, New Caledonia, Tokelau, etc. The list says New Zealand, United Kingdom, France and United States are some of the countries, which hold these territories. During the inception of UN, around some 750 million people, which was nearly a third of the world's population, used to live in territories dependent on colonial powers. Born with the UN, the wave of decolonisation changed the face of the planet. It is also one of the world body’s biggest successes. Due to the decolonisation, around 80 former colonies have gained independence. It also includes all 11 Trust Territories, which achieved self-determination through independence or free association with an independent state. As of now, the special committee formed by the world body continues to monitor the situation in the remaining 17 territories. It is working to facilitate their advance towards complete self-determination.

These 17 territories around the world are still under colonial rule 

As the negotiations for the&nbsp;transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not&nbsp;enter Kabul for now.&nbsp;In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and&nbsp;not fight in Kabul.&nbsp;

“Since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully. Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” the statement read.&nbsp;

The Taliban has&nbsp;instructed all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul&nbsp;and not try to enter the city.&nbsp;

The group said it&nbsp;wants a government that is acceptable to everyone. It was declared by the&nbsp;Islamic Emirate&nbsp;of Afghanistan, which the group calls its government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement also said, “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against. All should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and not try to leave the country.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the negotiations for the transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not enter Kabul for now. In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and not fight in Kabul.

As the negotiations for the transition process are underway, Taliban have announced that it will not enter Kabul for now. In a statement, it said as it is a largely and densely populated city, it wants to enter peacefully and not fight in Kabul. “Since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully. Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” the statement read. The Taliban has instructed all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul and not try to enter the city. The group said it wants a government that is acceptable to everyone. It was declared by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which the group calls its government. “Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate,” it said. The statement also said, “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against. All should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and not try to leave the country.” (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban declare not to enter Kabul for now, wait for transition

In a tweet,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced&nbsp;on Saturday that&nbsp;August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day&nbsp;to commemorate the&nbsp;struggles and sacrifices of&nbsp;the&nbsp;people&nbsp;at that time.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;prime minister said the&nbsp;pains of the&nbsp;partition can never be forgotten.&nbsp;“Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” said Modi on the microblogging site.&nbsp;

“May the #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay keep reminding us of the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment," he added in another tweet.&nbsp;

On August 14, Pakistan was carved out as a Muslim country after the division of India. It also brought the end of the&nbsp;British colonial rule in 1947. Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them&nbsp;also&nbsp;lost their lives&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;large-scale&nbsp;riots, which broke out during the partition.&nbsp;

This year,&nbsp;India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of the people at that time.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of the people at that time. The prime minister said the pains of the partition can never be forgotten. “Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” said Modi on the microblogging site. “May the #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay keep reminding us of the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment," he added in another tweet. On August 14, Pakistan was carved out as a Muslim country after the division of India. It also brought the end of the British colonial rule in 1947. Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them also lost their lives due to the large-scale riots, which broke out during the partition. This year, India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi: August 14 to be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;Taliban seizing more Afghan cities to&nbsp;Nicaraguan police raiding La Prensa newspaper and charging directors with fraud,&nbsp;we have it all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;Canada saying it will accept 20,000 Afghans, such as women leaders, human rights workers and&nbsp;US issuing&nbsp;new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary.&nbsp;Also check out&nbsp;a report, where&nbsp;Tesla says CEO Elon Musk's compensation for 2020 was nil.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-more-afghan-cities-assault-on-capital-kabul-expected-405265">Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected</a>

<img alt="Br1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8bd20fc-1413-483c-afb3-ae7ce6c0265a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AB1.JPG" />

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away.&nbsp;A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-to-accept-20000-vulnerable-afghans-such-as-women-leaders-human-rights-workers-405268">Canada to accept 20,000 Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers</a>

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Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said.&nbsp;It is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicaraguan-police-raid-la-prensa-newspaper-charge-directors-with-fraud-405266">Nicaraguan police raid La Prensa newspaper, charge directors with fraud</a>

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Nicaraguan police raided the office of La Prensa&nbsp;after President Daniel Ortega's government opened customs fraud and money laundering investigations against the publication. The 95-year-old newspaper said it would only publish digital content as the authorities had impounded its ink and paper, forcing it to stop printing a paper edition.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-new-terrorism-threat-warning-ahead-of-911-anniversary-405276">US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary</a>

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The National&nbsp;Terrorism&nbsp;Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened&nbsp;threat&nbsp;environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences."

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tesla-says-ceo-elon-musks-compensation-for-2020-was-nil-405267">Tesla says CEO Elon Musk's compensation for 2020 was nil</a>

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Tesla Inc said, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk's total compensation for 2020 was nil in comparison to $23,760 in 2019.&nbsp;In a regulatory filing, the electric-car maker also said finance chief Zachary Kirkhorn's total compensation was $46.6 million, versus the $21.2 million he got in 2019.

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Watch | Afghanistan Crisis: Afghan army and warlords surrender to Taliban

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Taliban seizing more Afghan cities to Nicaraguan police raiding La Prensa newspaper and charging directors with fraud, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Taliban seizing more Afghan cities to Nicaraguan police raiding La Prensa newspaper and charging directors with fraud, we have it all. You can also read about Canada saying it will accept 20,000 Afghans, such as women leaders, human rights workers and US issuing new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary. Also check out a report, where Tesla says CEO Elon Musk's compensation for 2020 was nil. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Canada to accept 20,000 Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers Canada plans to resettle more than 20,000 vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights workers and reporters to protect them from Taliban reprisals, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said. It is in addition to an earlier initiative to welcome thousands of Afghans, who worked for the Canadian government, such as interpreters, embassy workers and their families. Nicaraguan police raid La Prensa newspaper, charge directors with fraud Nicaraguan police raided the office of La Prensa after President Daniel Ortega's government opened customs fraud and money laundering investigations against the publication. The 95-year-old newspaper said it would only publish digital content as the authorities had impounded its ink and paper, forcing it to stop printing a paper edition. US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened threat environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences." Tesla says CEO Elon Musk's compensation for 2020 was nil Tesla Inc said, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk's total compensation for 2020 was nil in comparison to $23,760 in 2019. In a regulatory filing, the electric-car maker also said finance chief Zachary Kirkhorn's total compensation was $46.6 million, versus the $21.2 million he got in 2019. Watch | Afghanistan Crisis: Afghan army and warlords surrender to Taliban ×

Morning news brief: Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected and more

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. 
 
Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. 
 
At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. 
 
For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. 
 
For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. 
 
"We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. 
 
The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. 
 
"Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. 
 
"Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation.

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition began a round of talks on Friday in Mexico City aimed at overcoming Venezuela's acute political and economic crisis, which has caused millions to flee the Latin American nation. Unlike previous negotiation efforts, the talks will include more than a dozen countries, among them the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia, Turkey and Norway, which will act as the facilitator. At the National Museum of Anthropology, the parties agreed to a memorandum of understanding containing the road map that will guide the dialogue process. For the talks to advance to a potential agreement, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demands that sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe on officials and institutions be lifted. Venezuela says the sanctions are responsible for the OPEC member's economic crisis. For its part, the opposition coalition calls to allow humanitarian aid, including vaccines against COVID-19, to enter into Venezuela; the release of dozens of supporters whom it considers "political prisoners;" and guarantees it will be allowed to participate in regional elections in November. "We already know what we do not agree on. ... The job now is to find points of confluence to guarantee the future and the happiness of the people of Venezuela," Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's parliament, said at the beginning of the talks. The return to the negotiating table represents a turnaround for the opposition, which in the past accused Maduro of using dialogue to buy time and defuse international pressure. The Venezuelan government abandoned the 2019 dialogue, which took place in Barbados and Norway, after the United States tightened sanctions. "Today we are beginning the second stage of a negotiation process that we know will be complex, which will surely have very difficult moments," said Gerardo Blyde, chair of the Venezuelan opposition delegation. "Between these two sidewalks where each party supports narratives that seem diametrically opposed is a street full of hopeless and suffering citizens, our people," he added.

Venezuelan government and opposition talks open in Mexico City

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. 
 
A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. 
 
Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. 
 
"The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. 
 
"Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." 
 
A US&nbsp;defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September&nbsp;11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. 
 
President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US&nbsp;embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. 
 
"Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. 
 
The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US&nbsp;civilians. 
 
The US&nbsp;embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. 
 
A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." 
 
The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. 
 
"This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. 
 
Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away.

Taliban insurgents have seized Afghanistan's second- and third-biggest cities, local officials said on Friday, as resistance from government forces crumbled and fears grew that an assault on the capital Kabul could be just days away. A government official confirmed that Kandahar, the economic hub of the south, was under Taliban control as US-led international forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years of war. Herat in the west also fell to the hardline Islamist group. "The city looks like a frontline, a ghost town," provincial council member Ghulam Habib Hashimi said by telephone from the city of about 600,000 people near the border with Iran. "Families have either left or are hiding in their homes." A US defence official said there was concern that the Taliban, ousted from power in 2001 after the September 11 attacks on the United States, could make a move on Kabul within days. President Joe Biden's administration on Thursday announced plans to send 3,000 additional troops to help evacuate US embassy staff, and the Pentagon said most would be in Kabul by the end of the weekend. Britain also confirmed the start of a military operation to support the evacuation of its nationals. "Kabul is not right now in an imminent threat environment, but clearly ... if you just look at what the Taliban has been doing, you can see that they are trying to isolate Kabul," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. The White House said Biden was receiving regular briefings from his national security team on efforts to remove US civilians. The US embassy in the Afghan capital informed staff that burn bins and an incinerator were available to destroy material including papers and electronic devices to "reduce the amount of sensitive material on the property," according to an advisory seen by Reuters. A State Department spokesperson said the embassy was following standard procedure to "minimise our footprint." The United Nations has said it would not evacuate its personnel from Afghanistan but was relocating some to Kabul from other parts of the country. Many other Western embassies and aid groups said they were bringing some staff home. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "Afghanistan is spinning out of control" and urged all parties to do more to protect civilians. "This is the moment to halt the offensive. This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war, or the isolation of Afghanistan," Guterres told reporters in New York. Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said after a security meeting chaired by President Ashraf Ghani that he was proud of the armed forces and the government would do all it could to strengthen resistance to the Taliban.

Taliban seize more Afghan cities, assault on capital Kabul expected

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the office of La Prensa, the only national newspaper, after President Daniel Ortega's government opened customs fraud and money laundering investigations against the publication. 
 
La Prensa has long been a thorn in the side of Ortega, repeatedly referring to him as a "dictator" after his security forces in 2018 crushed a wave of protests in the Central American country and 326 people died. 
 
On Thursday, the 95-year-old newspaper said it would only publish digital content as the authorities had impounded its ink and paper, forcing it to stop printing a paper edition. 
 
La Prensa's editor-in-chief, Eduardo Enríquez, told Reuters that policemen raided the newspaper's offices on Friday and prohibited staff from using their cell phones. Enriquez said he was not at the newspaper when the police arrived. 
 
The police raid follows a months-long crackdown by Ortega's government against its political rivals, including multiple presidential candidates, ahead of elections due in November. 
 
Ortega, who has ruled Nicaragua since returning to power in 2007, has said his administration was arresting and prosecuting criminals, who were plotting a coup against him. 
 
"The National Police initiated an investigation against La Prensa ... and its directors for customs fraud, money laundering," the police said in a statement. 
 
The directors could not immediately be reached for comment. 
 
La Prensa is owned by the Chamorro family, one of Nicaragua's most prominent. Several of its members, who aspired to contest the elections as presidential hopefuls in November, have been arrested in recent months. 
 
That includes Cristiana Chamorro, the 66-year-old vice president of La Prensa and daughter of the late leader Violeta, who ended Ortega's first stint in power when she won the 1990 presidential elections. 
 
Violeta's brother, opposition politician Pedro Joaquin, has also been detained, while her other brother, prominent Ortega critic and journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro, fled abroad.

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the office of La Prensa, the only national newspaper, after President Daniel Ortega's government opened customs fraud and money laundering investigations against the publication.

Nicaraguan police on Friday raided the office of La Prensa, the only national newspaper, after President Daniel Ortega's government opened customs fraud and money laundering investigations against the publication. La Prensa has long been a thorn in the side of Ortega, repeatedly referring to him as a "dictator" after his security forces in 2018 crushed a wave of protests in the Central American country and 326 people died. On Thursday, the 95-year-old newspaper said it would only publish digital content as the authorities had impounded its ink and paper, forcing it to stop printing a paper edition. La Prensa's editor-in-chief, Eduardo Enríquez, told Reuters that policemen raided the newspaper's offices on Friday and prohibited staff from using their cell phones. Enriquez said he was not at the newspaper when the police arrived. The police raid follows a months-long crackdown by Ortega's government against its political rivals, including multiple presidential candidates, ahead of elections due in November. Ortega, who has ruled Nicaragua since returning to power in 2007, has said his administration was arresting and prosecuting criminals, who were plotting a coup against him. "The National Police initiated an investigation against La Prensa ... and its directors for customs fraud, money laundering," the police said in a statement. The directors could not immediately be reached for comment. La Prensa is owned by the Chamorro family, one of Nicaragua's most prominent. Several of its members, who aspired to contest the elections as presidential hopefuls in November, have been arrested in recent months. That includes Cristiana Chamorro, the 66-year-old vice president of La Prensa and daughter of the late leader Violeta, who ended Ortega's first stint in power when she won the 1990 presidential elections. Violeta's brother, opposition politician Pedro Joaquin, has also been detained, while her other brother, prominent Ortega critic and journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro, fled abroad.

Nicaraguan police raid La Prensa newspaper, charge directors with fraud

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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