Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August&nbsp;9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday. 
 
With a capacity that would rise to two million pilgrims from 60,000 pilgrims per month, Mecca and Medina will start welcoming visitors from abroad to their mosques while maintaining COVID-19 precautionary measures. 
 
An official in the Hajj and Umrah Ministry said domestic and overseas pilgrims will have to include authorised COVID-19 vaccination certificates along with their Umrah request. 
 
Vaccinated pilgrims from countries that Saudi Arabia includes on its entry-ban list will have to be institutionally quarantined upon arrival, the report added. 
 
Umrah, a pilgrimage to Islam's two holiest sites that is undertaken at any time of the year, was reopened in October for domestic worshippers after it was totally upon the outbreak of the pandemic. 
 
Islam's holiest sites' home for the second year in a row had hosted a limited-numbered, domestic Haj pilgrimage in July.

Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August 9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia will gradually begin receiving Umrah pilgrimage requests from abroad for vaccinated pilgrims starting August 9 after about a year and a half of not receiving overseas worshippers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state news agency (SPA) reported early on Sunday. With a capacity that would rise to two million pilgrims from 60,000 pilgrims per month, Mecca and Medina will start welcoming visitors from abroad to their mosques while maintaining COVID-19 precautionary measures. An official in the Hajj and Umrah Ministry said domestic and overseas pilgrims will have to include authorised COVID-19 vaccination certificates along with their Umrah request. Vaccinated pilgrims from countries that Saudi Arabia includes on its entry-ban list will have to be institutionally quarantined upon arrival, the report added. Umrah, a pilgrimage to Islam's two holiest sites that is undertaken at any time of the year, was reopened in October for domestic worshippers after it was totally upon the outbreak of the pandemic. Islam's holiest sites' home for the second year in a row had hosted a limited-numbered, domestic Haj pilgrimage in July.

Saudi Arabia opens Umrah pilgrimage to vaccinated worshipers from abroad: Report

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;US State Department announcing five additions to global terrorist list to&nbsp;Delta variant fuelling concerns for children's health in Florida,&nbsp;we have it all.

You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;Brazil's President Bolsonaro abusing top judge and&nbsp;Israel striking Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons. Also check out a report, which says&nbsp;knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women'.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-announces-five-additions-to-global-terrorist-list-403595">US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list</a>

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The State Department announced the addition of five alleged Islamist militants to its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, requiring the blocking of any ownership or interests in US&nbsp;properties they hold.&nbsp;The designations also expose to possible US&nbsp;sanctions individuals or foreign financial institutions who engage in certain transactions with the five.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-president-bolsonaro-fans-judiciary-flames-abuses-top-judge-403596">Brazil's President Bolsonaro fans judiciary flames, abuses top judge</a>

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Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court and abused one of its justices&nbsp;amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Speaking to supporters, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-hamas-sites-in-gaza-in-response-to-fire-balloons-military-403602">Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons: Military</a>

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Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-attacker-on-tokyo-commuter-train-wanted-to-kill-happy-women-report-403603">Knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women': Report</a>

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The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported. Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack on a train.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-fuels-concerns-for-childrens-health-in-florida-403601">Delta variant fuels concerns for children's health in Florida</a>

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Much of the surge is concentrated in the southeastern state of&nbsp;Florida, where some school districts are defying an order by the Republican governor forbidding mask mandates, in the latest political twist in the health crisis.

&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces major Cabinet reshuffle

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US State Department announcing five additions to global terrorist list to Delta variant fuelling concerns for children's health in Florida, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US State Department announcing five additions to global terrorist list to Delta variant fuelling concerns for children's health in Florida, we have it all. You can also read about Brazil's President Bolsonaro abusing top judge and Israel striking Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons. Also check out a report, which says knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women'. Please click on the headline to read the full story. US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list The State Department announced the addition of five alleged Islamist militants to its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, requiring the blocking of any ownership or interests in US properties they hold. The designations also expose to possible US sanctions individuals or foreign financial institutions who engage in certain transactions with the five. Brazil's President Bolsonaro fans judiciary flames, abuses top judge Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court and abused one of its justices amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Speaking to supporters, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons: Military Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas. Knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women': Report The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported. Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack on a train. Delta variant fuels concerns for children's health in Florida Much of the surge is concentrated in the southeastern state of Florida, where some school districts are defying an order by the Republican governor forbidding mask mandates, in the latest political twist in the health crisis. Watch | South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces major Cabinet reshuffle ×

Morning news brief: US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list and more

The State Department on Friday announced the addition of five alleged Islamist militants to its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, requiring the blocking of any ownership or interests in US&nbsp;properties they hold. 
 
The designations also expose to possible US&nbsp;sanctions individuals or foreign financial institutions who engage in certain transactions with the five. 
 
They include Bonomade Machude Omar, the senior military commander of Islamic State's affiliate in Mozambique, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Omar led a group of extremists, who killed dozens of people in an attack on the Amarula Hotel in the town of Palma in March, Blinken said. 
 
He also is responsible for attacks elsewhere in Mozambique and in Tanzania, Blinken said. 
 
Sidang Hitta and Salem Ould al-Hasan, senior leaders of Mali-based al Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, also were designated, as were Ali Mohamed Rage and Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, leaders of the al Shabaab group of Somalia, Blinken said.

The State Department on Friday announced the addition of five alleged Islamist militants to its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, requiring the blocking of any ownership or interests in US properties they hold.

The State Department on Friday announced the addition of five alleged Islamist militants to its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, requiring the blocking of any ownership or interests in US properties they hold. The designations also expose to possible US sanctions individuals or foreign financial institutions who engage in certain transactions with the five. They include Bonomade Machude Omar, the senior military commander of Islamic State's affiliate in Mozambique, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Omar led a group of extremists, who killed dozens of people in an attack on the Amarula Hotel in the town of Palma in March, Blinken said. He also is responsible for attacks elsewhere in Mozambique and in Tanzania, Blinken said. Sidang Hitta and Salem Ould al-Hasan, senior leaders of Mali-based al Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, also were designated, as were Ali Mohamed Rage and Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, leaders of the al Shabaab group of Somalia, Blinken said.

US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday. 
 
Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack at about 8:40 pm (1140 GMT) on Friday on a train on the Odakyu Line in the western part of the city, media reported. 
 
One victim, a female university student, was seriously wounded, while the rest suffered less severe injuries. 
 
The Sankei newspaper reported that suspect told police: "I began feeling like I wanted to kill women who looked happy about six years ago. Anyone was fine, I just wanted to kill a lot of people." 
 
Other media, including broadcaster NHK, reported similar quotes from suspect. 
 
A police spokesman said they had nothing further to share on the details of case when asked about the media reports on Saturday. 
 
Violent crime is rare in Japan but there have been a spate of knife attacks by assailants unknown to the victims. 
 
In June 2008, a man in a light truck drove into a crowd in the popular Akihabara district and then jumped out of the vehicle and started stabbing pedestrians, leaving seven dead.

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday.

The man alleged to have wounded 10 people in a knife attack on a Tokyo commuter train late on Friday told police he became incensed when he saw women who "looked happy" and wanted to kill them, Japanese media reported on Saturday. Police arrested the 36-year-old man in another part of Tokyo after he slashed and stabbed people in the attack at about 8:40 pm (1140 GMT) on Friday on a train on the Odakyu Line in the western part of the city, media reported. One victim, a female university student, was seriously wounded, while the rest suffered less severe injuries. The Sankei newspaper reported that suspect told police: "I began feeling like I wanted to kill women who looked happy about six years ago. Anyone was fine, I just wanted to kill a lot of people." Other media, including broadcaster NHK, reported similar quotes from suspect. A police spokesman said they had nothing further to share on the details of case when asked about the media reports on Saturday. Violent crime is rare in Japan but there have been a spate of knife attacks by assailants unknown to the victims. In June 2008, a man in a light truck drove into a crowd in the popular Akihabara district and then jumped out of the vehicle and started stabbing pedestrians, leaving seven dead.

Knife attacker on Tokyo commuter train wanted to kill 'happy women': Report

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said. 
 
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza. Hamas had no immediate comment. 
 
Since a May 21 ceasefire ended 11 days of Israel-Hamas fighting, Palestinians in Gaza have sporadically launched balloons laden with incendiary material across the border, causing fires that have burned fields in Israel. 
 
Palestinians say the balloons aim to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on the coastal enclave that were tightened during the May fighting. 
 
Balloon launches had mostly ebbed after Israel eased some restrictions on Gaza. 
 
But on Friday, balloons were again launched from Gaza, causing at least four brush fires in areas near the Israel-Gaza frontier. 
 
The Israeli military said its air strikes were in "response to continual launches of incendiary balloons from Gaza into Israel throughout the day." 
 
The blazes along the Gaza frontier broke out on Friday as Israel separately traded fire over its northern border with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, in a third day of cross-border salvoes amid wider regional tensions with Iran.

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said.

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza. Hamas had no immediate comment. Since a May 21 ceasefire ended 11 days of Israel-Hamas fighting, Palestinians in Gaza have sporadically launched balloons laden with incendiary material across the border, causing fires that have burned fields in Israel. Palestinians say the balloons aim to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on the coastal enclave that were tightened during the May fighting. Balloon launches had mostly ebbed after Israel eased some restrictions on Gaza. But on Friday, balloons were again launched from Gaza, causing at least four brush fires in areas near the Israel-Gaza frontier. The Israeli military said its air strikes were in "response to continual launches of incendiary balloons from Gaza into Israel throughout the day." The blazes along the Gaza frontier broke out on Friday as Israel separately traded fire over its northern border with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, in a third day of cross-border salvoes amid wider regional tensions with Iran.

Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons: Military

Aug 7 in history: Iraqi Government slaughters over 600 Assyrians in Sumail and more

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. 
 
Speaking to supporters in southern Brazil, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. The insult was uttered during a live broadcast shared on Bolsonaro's Facebook account but later deleted. Copies continue to be shared on social media. 
 
Justice Barroso, speaking at a forum on electoral systems after the comments, said that if his actions were causing such a nuisance, it was a sign he was doing his job properly. 
 
Bolsonaro has railed for weeks against the electronic urns used in Brazil and pushed for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed. 
 
Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses next year's presidential election. He has threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed. 
 
With his popularity falling after overseeing the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, opinion polls show Bolsonaro trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, though neither of them has officially announced they will run. 
 
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court approved an investigation into the president's unfounded accusations about voter fraud. 
 
On Thursday, in Bolsonaro's worst set-back in Congress since taking office in 2019, a lower house committee voted to shelve a constitutional amendment he has been pushing that would have adopted printed ballots. 
 
Speaker Arthur Lira, however, said on Friday he would put the controversial amendment to the plenary despite the committee defeat. He explained the decision saying that a quick resolution was preferable because political tensions over the issue are holding up the country's legislative agenda. 
 
The proposal is not expected to clear the lower chamber where constitutional amendments need three-fifths of the votes. 
 
Earlier on Friday, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco criticized Bolsonaro for his attacks on the Supreme Court and offered to mediate, saying the president's insults against Barroso were unacceptable. 
 
Pacheco said Bolsonaro must respect the results of next year's election even if he fails to change the all-electronic voting system - which the president groundlessly claims is vulnerable to tampering. 
 
"Any threat, however slight, to this democracy will be promptly rejected by the Senate," Pacheco said in a GloboNews television interview. 
 
The Senate head said anyone advocating a "democratic retreat" or the suspension of next year's elections would be seen as an "enemy of the nation." 
 
"I think a majority in Congress at this moment want to maintain the electronic voting system," he said.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro ignored calls to drop his feud with the Supreme Court on Friday and called one of its justices a "son of a whore," amid rising tensions over his unfounded claims the nation's voting system is vulnerable to fraud. Speaking to supporters in southern Brazil, he insulted Luis Roberto Barroso, the top court justice who also heads the Supreme Electoral Court. The insult was uttered during a live broadcast shared on Bolsonaro's Facebook account but later deleted. Copies continue to be shared on social media. Justice Barroso, speaking at a forum on electoral systems after the comments, said that if his actions were causing such a nuisance, it was a sign he was doing his job properly. Bolsonaro has railed for weeks against the electronic urns used in Brazil and pushed for the adoption of printed receipts that can be counted if any election result is disputed. Critics say Bolsonaro, like former US President Donald Trump, is sowing doubts in case he loses next year's presidential election. He has threatened not to accept the result if the system is not changed. With his popularity falling after overseeing the world's second-highest COVID-19 death toll, opinion polls show Bolsonaro trails former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, though neither of them has officially announced they will run. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court approved an investigation into the president's unfounded accusations about voter fraud. On Thursday, in Bolsonaro's worst set-back in Congress since taking office in 2019, a lower house committee voted to shelve a constitutional amendment he has been pushing that would have adopted printed ballots. Speaker Arthur Lira, however, said on Friday he would put the controversial amendment to the plenary despite the committee defeat. He explained the decision saying that a quick resolution was preferable because political tensions over the issue are holding up the country's legislative agenda. The proposal is not expected to clear the lower chamber where constitutional amendments need three-fifths of the votes. Earlier on Friday, Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco criticized Bolsonaro for his attacks on the Supreme Court and offered to mediate, saying the president's insults against Barroso were unacceptable. Pacheco said Bolsonaro must respect the results of next year's election even if he fails to change the all-electronic voting system - which the president groundlessly claims is vulnerable to tampering. "Any threat, however slight, to this democracy will be promptly rejected by the Senate," Pacheco said in a GloboNews television interview. The Senate head said anyone advocating a "democratic retreat" or the suspension of next year's elections would be seen as an "enemy of the nation." "I think a majority in Congress at this moment want to maintain the electronic voting system," he said.

'He's son of a wh**e': Brazil President insults Supreme Court judge during live broadcast

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf&nbsp;said&nbsp;no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said.&nbsp;

Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for&nbsp;Islamabad on Thursday night.&nbsp;He was on&nbsp;a&nbsp;10-day visit to the United States capital.&nbsp;

Summing up the visit, the&nbsp;national security adviser told&nbsp;US-based Pakistani journalists,&nbsp;“The word base was not mentioned, not even once, during our talks, except in the media.&nbsp;Bases were not discussed at all from either side during this trip because we have already made our position clear. That chapter is closed."&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;there were&nbsp;reports in both&nbsp;the&nbsp;US and Pakistani media, which&nbsp;said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;US&nbsp;was seeking military bases in Pakistan to influence developments in Afghanistan,&nbsp;especially&nbsp;if the Taliban seized Kabul.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;US officials&nbsp;also&nbsp;did talk about using Pakistani airspace&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach Afghanistan and having bases in the region but&nbsp;there was no mention of the location&nbsp;at&nbsp;a recent congressional hearing.&nbsp;

Underlining&nbsp;Pakistan’s desire to maintain good ties with both&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and&nbsp;Beijing,&nbsp;Yusuf&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“If there are tensions between the United States and China, we cannot say that our relations with both will remain seamless.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said. Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for Islamabad on Thursday night.

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said. Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for Islamabad on Thursday night. He was on a 10-day visit to the United States capital. Summing up the visit, the national security adviser told US-based Pakistani journalists, “The word base was not mentioned, not even once, during our talks, except in the media. Bases were not discussed at all from either side during this trip because we have already made our position clear. That chapter is closed." Earlier, there were reports in both the US and Pakistani media, which said that the US was seeking military bases in Pakistan to influence developments in Afghanistan, especially if the Taliban seized Kabul. The US officials also did talk about using Pakistani airspace to reach Afghanistan and having bases in the region but there was no mention of the location at a recent congressional hearing. Underlining Pakistan’s desire to maintain good ties with both Washington and Beijing, Yusuf said, “If there are tensions between the United States and China, we cannot say that our relations with both will remain seamless.”

Pakistan NSA says, word ‘base’ never mentioned in talks with US 

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi.&nbsp;

During the meeting,&nbsp;the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy. He also raised concerns of the region that he came to know during recent interactions.&nbsp;

“Rapid deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected,” said the minister on the micro blogging site. &nbsp;

Jaishankar also said, “Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani.” &nbsp;

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Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani. 
 
Shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan. Also the concerns of the region that I heard during recent interactions. <a href="https://t.co/D6yA7EB4JL">pic.twitter.com/D6yA7EB4JL</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1423910550115819524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, had spoken to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body.&nbsp;

An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN &amp; international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence &amp; atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President."&nbsp;

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy.

In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced that he is meeting Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Minister shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan with the envoy. He also raised concerns of the region that he came to know during recent interactions. “Rapid deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan is a serious matter. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan requires that the rights and interests of all sections of society are promoted and protected,” said the minister on the micro blogging site. Jaishankar also said, “Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani.” Pleased to receive Qatar Special Envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani. Shared the Indian perspective on recent developments in Afghanistan. Also the concerns of the region that I heard during recent interactions. pic.twitter.com/D6yA7EB4JL — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 7, 2021 × Earlier, Mohammad Haneef Atmar, the Afghan foreign minister, had spoken to his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar about holding an emergency session of the UN Security Council to address the Taliban's brutality and crimes across Afghanistan. India is the President of the United Nations Security Council for August and decides upon the work of the top United Nations body. An Afghan government readout said Afghan FM called Dr S Jaishankar to "discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session on Afghanistan" and that the "UN & international community must play a greater role in stopping the unfolding tragedy in Afghanistan due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of India as the current UNSC President."

Jaishankar meets Qatar special envoy, discusses Afghan security situation 

Indian government&nbsp;has given&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine&nbsp;approval for emergency use in the country, said&nbsp;Union Health Minister Mansukh&nbsp;Mandaviya&nbsp;in a tweet on Saturday.&nbsp;

The vaccine joins the likes of&nbsp;Covishield,&nbsp;Covaxin, Moderna and&nbsp;Sputnik V&nbsp;vaccines, which have got the emergency use approval&nbsp;in the country&nbsp;till now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the microblogging site,&nbsp;Mandaviya&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“India expands its vaccine basket.&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for emergency use in India.&nbsp;Now,&nbsp;India has 5 EUA vaccines.&nbsp;This will further boost our nation's collective fight against COVID-19.”&nbsp;

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India expands its vaccine basket! 
 
Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for Emergency Use in India. 
 
Now India has 5 EUA vaccines. 
 
This will further boost our nation's collective fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1423915409791610886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A Johnson &amp; Johnson India spokesperson said, “We are pleased to announce that on August 7, the Government of India issued Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 single-dose vaccine in India, to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older."

Earlier, Global healthcare major Johnson &amp; Johnson had said it applied for Emergency Use&nbsp;Authorisation&nbsp;(EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India.&nbsp;

The company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government.&nbsp;

"On August 5, 2021 Johnson &amp; Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson &amp; Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement.&nbsp;

This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added.&nbsp;

"Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and&nbsp;organisations&nbsp;such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said.&nbsp;

The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related&nbsp;hospitalisation&nbsp;and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added.&nbsp;

"We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian government has given Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine approval for emergency use in the country, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a tweet on Saturday.

Indian government has given Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine approval for emergency use in the country, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a tweet on Saturday. The vaccine joins the likes of Covishield, Covaxin, Moderna and Sputnik V vaccines, which have got the emergency use approval in the country till now. On the microblogging site, Mandaviya said, “India expands its vaccine basket. Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for emergency use in India. Now, India has 5 EUA vaccines. This will further boost our nation's collective fight against COVID-19.” India expands its vaccine basket! Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for Emergency Use in India. Now India has 5 EUA vaccines. This will further boost our nation's collective fight against #COVID19 — Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 7, 2021 × A Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said, “We are pleased to announce that on August 7, the Government of India issued Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single-dose vaccine in India, to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older." Earlier, Global healthcare major Johnson & Johnson had said it applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India. The company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government. "On August 5, 2021 Johnson & Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement. This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added. "Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said. The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalisation and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added. "We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J single-dose COVID-19 vaccine gets emergency use approval in India 

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum.&nbsp;

Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member.&nbsp;

The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources.&nbsp;

Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.&nbsp;

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said. On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison. In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison. The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum. Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member. The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources. Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.

Heavy fighting continues between Afghan govt forces, Taliban in Sheberghan  

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf.&nbsp;

In an interview, Yusuf told The Financial Times, “The president of the United States hasn’t spoken to the prime minister of such an important country, who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan — we struggle to understand the signal, right?” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-cannot-bear-burden-of-more-refugees-from-afghanistan-says-nsa-402154">Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA</a> 

Yusuf added, “We’ve been told every time that… [the phone call] will happen, it’s technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don’t believe it.”

While refusing to elaborate, the NSA said, “If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options.” &nbsp;

However, the US State Department has already assured Islamabad that Washington recognises Pakistan’s vital role in restoring peace in Afghanistan and wants the country to play that role. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-selling-cars-and-buffaloes-broke-pakistan-puts-pm-imran-khans-residence-on-rent-402681">After selling cars and buffaloes, broke Pakistan puts PM Imran Khan's residence on rent</a>

US State Department’s spokesman Ned Price said, “Pakistan has much to gain and will continue to have a critical role, be well-positioned to have a role in supporting the outcome in Afghanistan.” &nbsp;

Price, in a briefing in Washington on Monday, said, “Not only the United States seeks, but that many of our international partners, many of the countries in the region also seek this supporting role from Pakistan. So, we’ll continue to work and to communicate closely with our Pakistani partners on this.” &nbsp;

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf.

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf. In an interview, Yusuf told The Financial Times, “The president of the United States hasn’t spoken to the prime minister of such an important country, who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan — we struggle to understand the signal, right?” Also Read: Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA Yusuf added, “We’ve been told every time that… [the phone call] will happen, it’s technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don’t believe it.” While refusing to elaborate, the NSA said, “If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options.” However, the US State Department has already assured Islamabad that Washington recognises Pakistan’s vital role in restoring peace in Afghanistan and wants the country to play that role. Also Read: After selling cars and buffaloes, broke Pakistan puts PM Imran Khan's residence on rent US State Department’s spokesman Ned Price said, “Pakistan has much to gain and will continue to have a critical role, be well-positioned to have a role in supporting the outcome in Afghanistan.” Price, in a briefing in Washington on Monday, said, “Not only the United States seeks, but that many of our international partners, many of the countries in the region also seek this supporting role from Pakistan. So, we’ll continue to work and to communicate closely with our Pakistani partners on this.”

Pakistan has other options if US continues to ignore its leadership: NSA

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