The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega. 
 
The step adds to growing international isolation of Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents and critical media in the Central American country he has dominated since returning to power 15 years ago. 
 
Ortega's government has arrested several political adversaries, including presidential hopefuls, ahead of a November election in which Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of Washington, will run for a fourth consecutive term. 
 
Contenders from five parties on Monday registered with election authorities to enter the race, Nicaraguan media reported. By evening, no candidates had been put forward by the top opposition groups, whose leaders largely remain in detention. 
 
The EU move follows sanctions by the United States on senior officials in Nicaragua and other members of Ortega's family. 
 
The Council of the EU said the sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a travel ban that impedes the eight from entering or transiting through EU territories, brought to 14 the number of Nicaraguans restricted by the bloc. 
 
"The political situation in Nicaragua has further deteriorated in recent months," the Council said in a statement. 
 
"The political use of the judicial system, the exclusion of candidates from the elections and the arbitrary delisting of opposition parties are contrary to basic democratic principles and constitute a serious violation of the rights of the Nicaraguan people." 
 
The Council of the EU said the detention in July of a seventh potential presidential candidate "illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections." 
 
Amnesty International on Monday called for rights violations in Nicaragua to be investigated, warning that Ortega had built a system of impunity likely to hamper fair elections. 
 
"The road to the elections will be plagued by repressive actions implemented to make it impossible for the population to exercise their political rights without fear of reprisals," Amnesty International said in a statement.

The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega.

The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega. The step adds to growing international isolation of Ortega's government, which has been criticised for crackdowns against his opponents and critical media in the Central American country he has dominated since returning to power 15 years ago. Ortega's government has arrested several political adversaries, including presidential hopefuls, ahead of a November election in which Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of Washington, will run for a fourth consecutive term. Contenders from five parties on Monday registered with election authorities to enter the race, Nicaraguan media reported. By evening, no candidates had been put forward by the top opposition groups, whose leaders largely remain in detention. The EU move follows sanctions by the United States on senior officials in Nicaragua and other members of Ortega's family. The Council of the EU said the sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a travel ban that impedes the eight from entering or transiting through EU territories, brought to 14 the number of Nicaraguans restricted by the bloc. "The political situation in Nicaragua has further deteriorated in recent months," the Council said in a statement. "The political use of the judicial system, the exclusion of candidates from the elections and the arbitrary delisting of opposition parties are contrary to basic democratic principles and constitute a serious violation of the rights of the Nicaraguan people." The Council of the EU said the detention in July of a seventh potential presidential candidate "illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections." Amnesty International on Monday called for rights violations in Nicaragua to be investigated, warning that Ortega had built a system of impunity likely to hamper fair elections. "The road to the elections will be plagued by repressive actions implemented to make it impossible for the population to exercise their political rights without fear of reprisals," Amnesty International said in a statement.

EU puts sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans, as presidential race takes shape

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas. 
 
The health ministry said late on Monday the three Japanese nationals named had clearly acted to avoid contact with authorities after recently returning from abroad. 
 
The announcement, the first of its kind, sparked a flurry of speculation among Twitter users about the details of those identified, such as their jobs and locations. 
 
Japan is asking all travellers from overseas, including its own citizens, to self-quarantine for two weeks, during which they are asked to use a location-tracking smartphone app and report on their health condition.

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas.

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas. The health ministry said late on Monday the three Japanese nationals named had clearly acted to avoid contact with authorities after recently returning from abroad. The announcement, the first of its kind, sparked a flurry of speculation among Twitter users about the details of those identified, such as their jobs and locations. Japan is asking all travellers from overseas, including its own citizens, to self-quarantine for two weeks, during which they are asked to use a location-tracking smartphone app and report on their health condition.

Japan government starts to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers

Aug 3 in history: Columbus embarks on his first Trans-Atlantic voyage to find India and more

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

The residents also announced their support to the Afghanistan government forces and vowed to defend the province. The residents also looked to celebrate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces’ (ANDSF) advances in the fight against the Taliban in southern Herat. The fighting has been going on for seven days in Herat.&nbsp;

The move was also welcomed by Afghans across the country as netizens created a hashtag of 'Herat uprising' and 'Allahu Akbar’, while announcing their support for the Heratis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The residents of Kabul took to social media and looked to come up with a similar show of support in Kabul on Tuesday night. &nbsp;

While welcoming the move, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said, he was just waiting for this day and he is thrilled by this act of the residents. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Herat governor Gen Abdul Saboor Qani said the security forces in the province have air support. A large scale military operation is underway to clear the province of Taliban. &nbsp;

Three civilians were killed and 10 more were wounded in an explosion, which targeted a bus carrying civilians, in Herat on Monday evening, officials said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said.

Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ or 'God is Great’, several residents united against Taliban and marched on the streets of Herat city, which lies on the west, on Monday night, a TOLOnews report said. The residents also announced their support to the Afghanistan government forces and vowed to defend the province. The residents also looked to celebrate Afghan National Defence and Security Forces’ (ANDSF) advances in the fight against the Taliban in southern Herat. The fighting has been going on for seven days in Herat. The move was also welcomed by Afghans across the country as netizens created a hashtag of 'Herat uprising' and 'Allahu Akbar’, while announcing their support for the Heratis. The residents of Kabul took to social media and looked to come up with a similar show of support in Kabul on Tuesday night. While welcoming the move, First Vice President Amrullah Saleh said, he was just waiting for this day and he is thrilled by this act of the residents. On Tuesday, Herat governor Gen Abdul Saboor Qani said the security forces in the province have air support. A large scale military operation is underway to clear the province of Taliban. Three civilians were killed and 10 more were wounded in an explosion, which targeted a bus carrying civilians, in Herat on Monday evening, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

In support for Afghan forces, Herat residents unite to give a tough fight to Taliban  

It’s official now, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and philanthropist wife Melinda French Gates are divorced. A US judge approved their split on Monday, a CNN Business report said.&nbsp;

The divorce agreement of the couple was pursuant to a separation contract, which has not been made public. According to court documents filed, neither person will pay spousal support. No other financial details were divulged in documents. According to the documents, Melinda also does not plan to change her name.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bill and Melinda had announced they are filing for divorce after a 27-year marriage. Melinda had filed the petition for divorce in King County, Washington. &nbsp;

With a joint net worth of around $152 billion, they were one of the world's wealthiest couples. The Gates have channelled billions into charitable work around the globe via their hugely influential foundation.&nbsp;

While announcing their split on Twitter, the couple said they would continue their joint work on the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, which funds programmes in global health, gender equality, education and other causes.&nbsp;

"After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage," they had said in a joint statement, posted on each of their official accounts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

It’s official now, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and philanthropist wife Melinda French Gates are divorced. A US judge approved their split on Monday, a CNN Business report said.

It’s official now, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and philanthropist wife Melinda French Gates are divorced. A US judge approved their split on Monday, a CNN Business report said. The divorce agreement of the couple was pursuant to a separation contract, which has not been made public. According to court documents filed, neither person will pay spousal support. No other financial details were divulged in documents. According to the documents, Melinda also does not plan to change her name. Earlier, Bill and Melinda had announced they are filing for divorce after a 27-year marriage. Melinda had filed the petition for divorce in King County, Washington. With a joint net worth of around $152 billion, they were one of the world's wealthiest couples. The Gates have channelled billions into charitable work around the globe via their hugely influential foundation. While announcing their split on Twitter, the couple said they would continue their joint work on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which funds programmes in global health, gender equality, education and other causes. "After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage," they had said in a joint statement, posted on each of their official accounts. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Gates, Melinda finalise divorce, court documents show 

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;Army patrolling Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown to&nbsp;New Zealand human rights commission launching inquiry into housing crisis,&nbsp;we have it all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can also&nbsp;read about Maduro saying that Venezuela will receive COVAX vaccines in coming days. And from&nbsp;Tokyo 2020,&nbsp;Sindhu after bronze-medal win&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"Had to close off my emotions."

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/army-patrols-sydney-streets-as-brisbane-extends-covid-19-lockdown-402305">Army patrols Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown</a>

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Australian officials extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions on Monday while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. Sydney is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-human-rights-commission-launches-inquiry-into-housing-crisis-402306">New Zealand human rights commission launches inquiry into housing crisis</a>

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New Zealand's Human Rights Commission launched an inquiry into the country's housing crisis on Monday as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market. It has left many people homeless. Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-to-receive-covax-vaccines-in-coming-days-maduro-says-402307">Venezuela to receive COVAX vaccines in coming days, Maduro says</a>

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Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative 'in the coming days',&nbsp;President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday. It will&nbsp;potentially speed&nbsp;up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-i-had-to-close-off-my-emotions-says-pv-sindhu-after-bronze-medal-win-402308">Tokyo 2020: 'Had to close off my emotions,' says Sindhu after bronze-medal win</a>

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India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in badminton women's singles event on Sunday. With the stunning win, she became the first Indian woman to bag two Olympic medals after Sushil Kumar.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Afghan VP Saleh calls out Pakistan for funding terrorism

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Army patrolling Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown to New Zealand human rights commission launching inquiry into housing crisis, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Army patrolling Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown to New Zealand human rights commission launching inquiry into housing crisis, we have it all. You can also read about Maduro saying that Venezuela will receive COVAX vaccines in coming days. And from Tokyo 2020, Sindhu after bronze-medal win said, "Had to close off my emotions." Please click on the headline to read the full story. Army patrols Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown Australian officials extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions on Monday while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. Sydney is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections. New Zealand human rights commission launches inquiry into housing crisis New Zealand's Human Rights Commission launched an inquiry into the country's housing crisis on Monday as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market. It has left many people homeless. Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months. Venezuela to receive COVAX vaccines in coming days, Maduro says Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative 'in the coming days', President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday. It will potentially speed up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. Tokyo 2020: 'Had to close off my emotions,' says Sindhu after bronze-medal win India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in badminton women's singles event on Sunday. With the stunning win, she became the first Indian woman to bag two Olympic medals after Sushil Kumar. Watch: Afghan VP Saleh calls out Pakistan for funding terrorism ×

Morning news brief: Army patrols Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown and more

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. 
 
Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. 
 
Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. 
 
"The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. 
 
"It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. 
 
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. 
 
Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. 
 
Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. 
 
The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. 
 
But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. 
 
Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. 
 
“When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless.

New Zealand`s Human Rights Commission on Monday launched an inquiry into the country`s housing crisis as cooling measures by the government this year have failed to ease a red-hot property market, leaving many people homeless. Property prices in New Zealand have soared by the most among OECD nations in the past 12 months, rising about 30%, as investors cashed in on historically low interest rates and cheap access to capital under the government`s pandemic-inspired stimulus spending. Successive governments have failed to solve the housing crisis and for many people, especially young people, the goal of an affordable home has become more remote, New Zealand`s Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt said in a statement. "The housing crisis in Aotearoa is also a human rights crisis encompassing homeownership, market renting, state housing and homelessness," Hunt said, using the country`s indigenous Maori name. "It is having a punishing impact especially on the most marginalised in our communities," he said. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, said in her report published in June that there is a persistent lack of affordable housing in New Zealand, and consecutive governments have failed to ensure that the housing market meets the needs of the entire population, particularly those who have low incomes. Soaring prices and rents have forced families into emergency housing, with the government housing many in motels as there are not enough state homes available. Under pressure Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern launched a raft of measures this year to tax investors and discourage speculators. But these have had only a marginal impact. The rising inequality inflamed by the housing crisis is arguably the biggest political challenge facing Ardern`s centre-left Labour-led government. The 41-year-old`s popularity soared with her response to the pandemic that kept nationwide cases to barely 2,500 and led to an emphatic election win last year. But her support has been slipping with the latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll on Sunday showing Labour`s support fell to 43%, down almost 10 points since the last poll in May, while the main opposition National Party`s support inched up to almost 29%. Support for Ardern as the prime minister also declined but she was still well ahead of her rivals. Ardern defended her government`s record on housing saying it was pulling every lever to ensure everyone gets a warm, dry home. “When I look at the record of what we’ve done, 8,000 houses to date, 18,000 on the cards. We are scaling up as quickly as we can," Ardern told state broadcaster TVNZ in a interview after the inquiry was announced.

New Zealand human rights commission launches inquiry into housing crisis

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. 
 
The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. 
 
Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. 
 
The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers.

Venezuela will receive 6.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines through the COVAX initiative "in the coming days," President Nicolas Maduro said on Sunday, potentially speeding up an inoculation campaign well behind regional peers. The announcement comes after the GAVI alliance, which co-runs the facility along with the World Health Organization (WHO), said in early July that COVAX had received payments from the South American country after Venezuelan officials said some payments were blocked by a bank due to US sanctions. Maduro had given COVAX an "ultimatum" to send the doses or return the funds Venezuela has already paid. Venezuela will receive doses of China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines through the initiative, according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional arm of the WHO. The country has so far been administering Sinopharm, Russia's Sputnik-V, and Cuba's Abdala vaccines. The country of some 28 million inhabitants has reported 305,766 cases and 3,591 deaths, official data show. It had administered some 2.2 million doses as of July 14, according to PAHO. Reuters data show Venezuela has fully vaccinated 3.9% of the population, among the lowest rates in Latin America.

Venezuela to receive COVAX vaccines in coming days, Maduro says

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. 
 
Sydney, Australia's largest city, is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections that added nearly 3,500 cases since the first one was detected in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. 
 
Officials in New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, have implored residents to stay home to prevent more surges and brought in the military to help police enforce compliance after some defied lockdown rules. 
 
Some 300 army personnel, who will be unarmed and under police command, will go door to door to ensure people who have tested positive are isolating at their homes. 
 
After a steady rise in new cases, the lockdown rules in southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane, will run until Sunday as officials fear there could be more undetected cases in the community and urged residents to get tested. Restrictions were due to end Tuesday evening. 
 
Thirteen locally acquired cases were detected in Queensland state, up from nine a day earlier. 
 
Australia is going through a cycle of stop-and-start lockdowns in several cities after the emergence of the fast-moving Delta strain and such restrictions are likely to persist until the country hits a higher vaccination coverage. 
 
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised lockdowns would be "less likely" once the country inoculates 70% of its population above 16 years, which now stands at 19%. Morrison expects to hit that mark by the end of the year. 
 
Although Australia's vaccination drive has lagged many other developed economies, it has so far fared much better in keeping its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with just under 34,400 cases and 924 deaths.

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules.

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. Sydney, Australia's largest city, is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections that added nearly 3,500 cases since the first one was detected in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. Officials in New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, have implored residents to stay home to prevent more surges and brought in the military to help police enforce compliance after some defied lockdown rules. Some 300 army personnel, who will be unarmed and under police command, will go door to door to ensure people who have tested positive are isolating at their homes. After a steady rise in new cases, the lockdown rules in southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane, will run until Sunday as officials fear there could be more undetected cases in the community and urged residents to get tested. Restrictions were due to end Tuesday evening. Thirteen locally acquired cases were detected in Queensland state, up from nine a day earlier. Australia is going through a cycle of stop-and-start lockdowns in several cities after the emergence of the fast-moving Delta strain and such restrictions are likely to persist until the country hits a higher vaccination coverage. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised lockdowns would be "less likely" once the country inoculates 70% of its population above 16 years, which now stands at 19%. Morrison expects to hit that mark by the end of the year. Although Australia's vaccination drive has lagged many other developed economies, it has so far fared much better in keeping its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with just under 34,400 cases and 924 deaths.

Army patrols Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown

Aug 2 in history: British East India Company rule ends and more

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.&nbsp;

The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’.&nbsp;

While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security.&nbsp;

“A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said.&nbsp;

The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan.&nbsp;

Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.” &nbsp;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reiterated that Taliban have changed compared to 20 years ago, but the change has been negative, and they have become more 'cruel’. The Afghanistan president said the group will show no will for peace and will not get back to the negotiating table unless the situation changes on the battlefield, a TOLOnews report said. Ghani made these remarks while addressing an event at the inauguration of what the Presidential Palace termed 'electronic governance’. While highlighting the importance of the implementation of his six-month plan, Ghani said one part of it includes public mobilisation for defending the system under the leadership of the National Directorate of Security. “A Talib that has changed in the last 24 hours. What is their change? They have become more cruel, more oppressive, more non-Muslim,” president said. The Taliban has also been blamed by Ghani for creating the conditions for the presence of foreign terrorists in Afghanistan. Ghani said that the country’s situation will witness a change within the next six months after following his plan. Ghani said, “They will not engage in meaningful negotiations unless the situation changes on the battlefield; therefore, we should have a clear stance. For this, there is a need for a countrywide mobilisation.”

Afghan President: Taliban have turned more 'cruel’ in 20 years  

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn.&nbsp;

A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency. The MP has also urged ministers to abandon plans to cut universal credit.&nbsp;

A leading Brexiter and MP for Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Steve Baker has called on ministers to not ignore the cost of living crisis being faced by people 'in real trouble' in constituencies like his, who had been 'tipped over the edge' financially by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The pandemic universal credit uplift of £20 a week will be withdrawn as planned at September end, confirmed work and pensions minister Thérèse Coffey.&nbsp;

Although Coffey was earlier uneasy about the end of the uplift and lobbied for its extension to September, the minister seems to have given in as both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are opposed to its further extension.&nbsp;

Baker’s comments came after a Sheffield University study identified Wycombe as having the UK’s highest levels of food insecurity. Around 14% residents had reported going hungry in January and February, while one third struggled to afford food.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn. A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency.

Boris Johnson is in dire straits as of now as the United Kingdom prime minister is facing another backbench rebellion over the Treasury’s spending this autumn. A high-profile Tory MP has hit out at 'intolerable' levels of hunger and poverty in his affluent home counties constituency. The MP has also urged ministers to abandon plans to cut universal credit. A leading Brexiter and MP for Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, Steve Baker has called on ministers to not ignore the cost of living crisis being faced by people 'in real trouble' in constituencies like his, who had been 'tipped over the edge' financially by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic universal credit uplift of £20 a week will be withdrawn as planned at September end, confirmed work and pensions minister Thérèse Coffey. Although Coffey was earlier uneasy about the end of the uplift and lobbied for its extension to September, the minister seems to have given in as both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are opposed to its further extension. Baker’s comments came after a Sheffield University study identified Wycombe as having the UK’s highest levels of food insecurity. Around 14% residents had reported going hungry in January and February, while one third struggled to afford food.

UK PM faces ‘backbench’ rebellion over hunger, poverty in home counties 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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