More than two dozen F-22 stealth fighters are being sent by the&nbsp;United States Air Force&nbsp;for&nbsp;an exercise in the western Pacific this month. This&nbsp;large deployment of the powerful jets seems to be&nbsp;to&nbsp;send a strong message to China.&nbsp;

In Operation Pacific Iron 2021&nbsp;this month&nbsp;at&nbsp;Guam and Tinian islands,&nbsp;around&nbsp;25 F-22s Raptors from the Hawaii Air National Guard and&nbsp;Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, will&nbsp;be&nbsp;deployed, said&nbsp;Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii this week&nbsp;as per a&nbsp;CNN report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pacific Air Forces&nbsp;commander&nbsp;Gen Ken Wilsbach&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"We have never had this many Raptors deployed together in the Pacific Air Forces area of operations."&nbsp;The world's most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22s are fifth-generation combat jets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US government on Friday issued a business advisory on Hong Kong warning companies of "growing risks" that "could adversely affect businesses and individuals operating in Hong Kong."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Biden administration also imposed sanctions against seven Chinese officials over China's crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

However, China's foreign ministry lashed out against the US government asserting that it was "purely China's internal affairs".&nbsp;

"The United States should abide by international law and basic norms of international relations, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any way," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao&nbsp;Lijian&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"China will respond firmly and forcefully to the measures taken by the United States," it added.&nbsp;

The US advisory mentioned risks involved with data privacy and the lack of access to information while mentioning Apple Daily newspaper which was shut by authorities.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden had said earlier that the situation in Hong Kong has been "deteriorating" while adding that the Chinese government has not been keeping its commitment on Hong Kong.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than two dozen F-22 stealth fighters are being sent by the United States Air Force for an exercise in the western Pacific this month. This large deployment of the powerful jets seems to be to send a strong message to China.

More than two dozen F-22 stealth fighters are being sent by the United States Air Force for an exercise in the western Pacific this month. This large deployment of the powerful jets seems to be to send a strong message to China. In Operation Pacific Iron 2021 this month at Guam and Tinian islands, around 25 F-22s Raptors from the Hawaii Air National Guard and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, will be deployed, said Pacific Air Forces in Hawaii this week as per a CNN report. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen Ken Wilsbach said, "We have never had this many Raptors deployed together in the Pacific Air Forces area of operations." The world's most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22s are fifth-generation combat jets. Meanwhile, the US government on Friday issued a business advisory on Hong Kong warning companies of "growing risks" that "could adversely affect businesses and individuals operating in Hong Kong." The Biden administration also imposed sanctions against seven Chinese officials over China's crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. However, China's foreign ministry lashed out against the US government asserting that it was "purely China's internal affairs". "The United States should abide by international law and basic norms of international relations, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any way," China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "China will respond firmly and forcefully to the measures taken by the United States," it added. The US advisory mentioned risks involved with data privacy and the lack of access to information while mentioning Apple Daily newspaper which was shut by authorities. US President Joe Biden had said earlier that the situation in Hong Kong has been "deteriorating" while adding that the Chinese government has not been keeping its commitment on Hong Kong. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid rising tensions with China, US to send F-22 fighter jets to the Pacific  

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood. 
 
The Games will be held without spectators and amid draconian COVID-19 safety measures, while the Japanese public remains largely opposed to the event amid a resurgence of infections and concern that an influx of international visitors could turn the Tokyo Olympics into a super-spreader event. 
 
"We are well aware of the scepticism a number of people have here in Japan. My appeal to the Japanese people is to welcome the athletes for their competitions," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference. 
 
"We ask and invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world. They (athletes) have the same interest as the Japanese people for a safe and secure Games," he said. 
 
Organisers on Saturday recorded their first positive case within the athletes` village, an area that the IOC had been hoping would stay clean as proof that the Games could be held in a safe environment. The Games start on July 23. 
 
Critics of the Games in Japan earlier this week submitted a petition against the event that has garnered more than 450,000 signatures this month. 
 
"The Japanese can have this confidence (of a safe and secure Games) and we will try to continue this dialogue with them, knowing we will not succeed 100%," Bach said. 
 
"But we are also confident once the Japanese people will see the Japanese athletes successfully performing in the Olympic Games then the attitude may become less emotion, for not saying less aggressive."

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood.

The International Olympic Committee on Saturday said it was aware of scepticism within Japan about staging the Tokyo Olympics during a pandemic but it is hoping success on the field of play for the host nation could change the mood. The Games will be held without spectators and amid draconian COVID-19 safety measures, while the Japanese public remains largely opposed to the event amid a resurgence of infections and concern that an influx of international visitors could turn the Tokyo Olympics into a super-spreader event. "We are well aware of the scepticism a number of people have here in Japan. My appeal to the Japanese people is to welcome the athletes for their competitions," IOC President Thomas Bach told a news conference. "We ask and invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world. They (athletes) have the same interest as the Japanese people for a safe and secure Games," he said. Organisers on Saturday recorded their first positive case within the athletes` village, an area that the IOC had been hoping would stay clean as proof that the Games could be held in a safe environment. The Games start on July 23. Critics of the Games in Japan earlier this week submitted a petition against the event that has garnered more than 450,000 signatures this month. "The Japanese can have this confidence (of a safe and secure Games) and we will try to continue this dialogue with them, knowing we will not succeed 100%," Bach said. "But we are also confident once the Japanese people will see the Japanese athletes successfully performing in the Olympic Games then the attitude may become less emotion, for not saying less aggressive."

Olympics: IOC aware of Japan scepticism over Games, hopes home success will shift mood

South Korean defender Kim Min-jae has been forced to withdraw from his country's squad for the men's Olympic football tournament after Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan refused to agree to his release. 
 
Kim had been included in coach Kim Hak-bum's line-up as one of three permitted overage members, but clubs are not obligated to allow players to join their Olympic teams as the tournament is not held during an official FIFA window. 
 
The Korean Football Association announced the 24-year-old central defender has been replaced by Park Ji-soo, who currently plays for South Korean army club Gimcheon Sangmu. 
 
The Koreans, who are one of only two Asian nations to have won a medal in the men's Olympic tournament, have been drawn in Group B of the 16-team competition alongside New Zealand, Honduras and Romania, with games set to kick off on July 22.

South Korean defender Kim Min-jae has been forced to withdraw from his country's squad for the men's Olympic football tournament after Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan refused to agree to his release.

South Korean defender Kim Min-jae has been forced to withdraw from his country's squad for the men's Olympic football tournament after Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan refused to agree to his release. Kim had been included in coach Kim Hak-bum's line-up as one of three permitted overage members, but clubs are not obligated to allow players to join their Olympic teams as the tournament is not held during an official FIFA window. The Korean Football Association announced the 24-year-old central defender has been replaced by Park Ji-soo, who currently plays for South Korean army club Gimcheon Sangmu. The Koreans, who are one of only two Asian nations to have won a medal in the men's Olympic tournament, have been drawn in Group B of the 16-team competition alongside New Zealand, Honduras and Romania, with games set to kick off on July 22.

Soccer: Defender Kim ruled out for Korea in Olympics as Beijing block release

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week. 
 
Julius Ssekitoleko was discovered missing from the Ugandan team's training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka, western Japan. 
 
Media reports said he left behind a note saying he wanted to stay and work in Japan, as life in Uganda was difficult. 
 
Ssekitoleko had not qualified to take part in the Tokyo Games, and was due to return to Uganda on next Tuesday. 
 
A nearby train station recorded him purchasing a bullet train ticket to Nagoya in central Japan, the reports said. 
 
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year due to the global pandemic, is being held under tight quarantine rules, restricting participants' movements to prevent the spread of infections.

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week.

An Ugandan weightlifter who went missing from an Olympic training camp on Friday left a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan, media reports said, adding to confusion ahead of the Games which begin next week. Julius Ssekitoleko was discovered missing from the Ugandan team's training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka, western Japan. Media reports said he left behind a note saying he wanted to stay and work in Japan, as life in Uganda was difficult. Ssekitoleko had not qualified to take part in the Tokyo Games, and was due to return to Uganda on next Tuesday. A nearby train station recorded him purchasing a bullet train ticket to Nagoya in central Japan, the reports said. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, postponed for a year due to the global pandemic, is being held under tight quarantine rules, restricting participants' movements to prevent the spread of infections.

Missing Ugandan weightlifter wanted to stay in Japan: Reports

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. 
 
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. 
 
However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-take-a-stand-against-them-taliban-warns-turkey-over-involvement-in-kabul-airport-397830">Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport</a>

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. 
 
Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. 
 
In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. 
 
"What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. 
 
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kills-22-afghan-commandos-after-they-try-to-surrender-report-397798">Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report&nbsp;</a>

Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. 
 
Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. 
 
Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday.

Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told the Daily Telegraph in an interview published on Tuesday. "Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it," he was quoted as saying in the newspaper. However, Wallace warned that Britain will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Also Read | Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan with an iron fist from 1996 to 2001, have been fighting for 20 years to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Emboldened by the departure of foreign forces by a September target, the Sunni Muslim insurgent group is making a fresh push to surround cities and gain territory. In his interview with the newspaper, Wallace recognised that the prospect of the UK working with the Taliban would be controversial. "What (the Taliban) desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support (for) nation building, and you don't do that with a terrorist balaclava on," he said. "You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time", he added. Also Read | Taliban kills 22 Afghan commandos after they try to surrender: Report Wallace appealed for the Taliban and Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, to work together to bring stability to the country after decades of conflict. Senior Afghan leaders will fly to Doha for talks with the Taliban this week, as the insurgent group takes a hard stance on negotiations, even warning Turkey against plans to keep some troops in Afghanistan to run and guard Kabul's main airport. Taliban officials said last week the group had taken control of 85% of territory in Afghanistan.

British defence minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;death toll mounting to 72 in violence in South Africa over jailing of former President Jacob Zuma to watchdog saying Cuba curbs social media access after it is faced with rare protests,&nbsp;we have it all.&nbsp;You can also&nbsp;read about&nbsp;the&nbsp;South Africa’s men in blue facing a hard time in maintaining law and order. And according to a report, British Defence Minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power.

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-defence-minister-says-uk-will-work-with-taliban-should-they-come-to-power-report-397960">British Defence Minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report</a>

<img alt="Brief " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abc5664e-95f4-4705-bc60-4b6f6e01854b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Briefff1.JPG" />

British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said&nbsp;Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan. But will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violence-in-south-africa-over-jailing-of-former-president-jacob-zuma-death-toll-mounts-to-72-397940">Violence in South Africa over jailing of former President Jacob Zuma: Death toll mounts to 72</a>

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Violence following the imprisonment of former South African president Jacob Zuma has spread across the country. Rioting continued on Tuesday with the death toll rising to 72 as police and the military struggle to quell the looting and violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faced-with-rare-protests-cuba-curbs-social-media-access-watchdog-says-397955">Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says</a>

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4e12923-61c2-4e55-8b52-6760a27f394f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Briefff3.JPG" />

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-men-in-blue-face-a-hard-time-397959">South Africa’s men in blue face a hard time</a>

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South Africa’s&nbsp;men in blue, police, has been going through a tough time due to&nbsp;violent protests and&nbsp;widespread looting in the country.&nbsp;If you want to be a cop in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa,&nbsp;you really have to be committed&nbsp;as&nbsp;it is not a fancy job.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ahead of SCO summit, Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Afghan counterpart in Dushanbe

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Watch:&nbsp;Biden targets Trump for false accusations of election fraud, decries 'big lie'

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From death toll mounting to 72 in violence in South Africa over jailing of former President Jacob Zuma to watchdog saying Cuba curbs social media access after it is faced with rare protests, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From death toll mounting to 72 in violence in South Africa over jailing of former President Jacob Zuma to watchdog saying Cuba curbs social media access after it is faced with rare protests, we have it all. You can also read about the South Africa’s men in blue facing a hard time in maintaining law and order. And according to a report, British Defence Minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power. Please click on the headline to read the full story. British Defence Minister says UK will work with Taliban should they come to power: Report British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said Britain will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan. But will review any relationship 'if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights'. Violence in South Africa over jailing of former President Jacob Zuma: Death toll mounts to 72 Violence following the imprisonment of former South African president Jacob Zuma has spread across the country. Rioting continued on Tuesday with the death toll rising to 72 as police and the military struggle to quell the looting and violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. South Africa’s men in blue face a hard time South Africa’s men in blue, police, has been going through a tough time due to violent protests and widespread looting in the country. If you want to be a cop in South Africa, you really have to be committed as it is not a fancy job. Watch: Ahead of SCO summit, Indian EAM Jaishankar meets Afghan counterpart in Dushanbe × Watch: Biden targets Trump for false accusations of election fraud, decries 'big lie' ×

Morning news brief: 'UK will work with Taliban should they come to power' and more

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found&nbsp;in British Columbia’s&nbsp;Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said&nbsp;Penelakut&nbsp;Tribe.&nbsp;

This latest discovery has come up in continuation to&nbsp;other similar findings in British Columbia as well as in Saskatchewan province.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-unmarked-graves-found-at-another-indigenous-school-in-canada-393533">Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada</a>

In a statement posted by the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;Cowichan Tribes on its Facebook page, the&nbsp;Penelakut&nbsp;Tribe said,&nbsp;"It is impossible to get over acts of genocide and human rights violations. Healing is an ongoing process, and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes,&nbsp;we lose more people because the burden is too great.”&nbsp;

“We are at another point in time where we must face the trauma because of these acts of genocide. Each time we do, it is possible to heal a little more,"&nbsp;added the&nbsp;tribe in the statement.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeau-says-canada-must-learn-from-our-past-after-school-graves-found-393758">Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found</a>

Survivors of the Kuper School regarded it as 'Canada's Alcatraz’,&nbsp;as per a&nbsp;1997 documentary posted on YouTube and produced with funding from the federal government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered.&nbsp;Several investigations have also been initiated with the help of&nbsp;ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of former residential schools across the&nbsp;country.&nbsp;

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said Penelakut Tribe.

More than 160 'undocumented and unmarked' graves have been found in British Columbia’s Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School, said Penelakut Tribe. This latest discovery has come up in continuation to other similar findings in British Columbia as well as in Saskatchewan province. Also Read: Hundreds of unmarked graves found at another Indigenous school in Canada In a statement posted by the neighbouring Cowichan Tribes on its Facebook page, the Penelakut Tribe said, "It is impossible to get over acts of genocide and human rights violations. Healing is an ongoing process, and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes, we lose more people because the burden is too great.” “We are at another point in time where we must face the trauma because of these acts of genocide. Each time we do, it is possible to heal a little more," added the tribe in the statement. Also Read: Trudeau says Canada must 'learn from our past' after school graves found Survivors of the Kuper School regarded it as 'Canada's Alcatraz’, as per a 1997 documentary posted on YouTube and produced with funding from the federal government. In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered. Several investigations have also been initiated with the help of ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of former residential schools across the country.

More unmarked graves of indigenous tribe discovered at 'Canada's Alcatraz'

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. 
 
Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. 
 
More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. 
 
The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. 
 
The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. 
 
According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. 
 
A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. 
 
The building was shaking, the guest said. 
 
Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media.

The death toll in the partial collapse of a budget hotel in China's eastern city of Suzhou on Monday has risen to 17, state media said on Wednesday. Of the 23 people trapped in the rubble of the Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in Suzhou only six survived, according to state media. More than 650 people were involved in the search and rescue operation, which concluded on Wednesday morning. The provincial government of Jiangsu has set up a team to conduct an in-depth investigation on the specific causes of the collapse. The Siji Kaiyuan opened in 2018 and had a total of 54 rooms, according to online booking sites. The part of the hotel that collapsed was three storeys tall. According to some state media reports, the collapse was initially determined to be caused by the property owner`s alteration of the hotel structure. A hotel guest who checked out on Monday just before the collapsed spoke of loud drilling noises and the sound of the shovelling of sand, according toe Beijing Youth Daily. The building was shaking, the guest said. Cities in Jiangsu have since held an emergency meeting on the safety of existing building structures, and called for tougher inspection and supervision.

Death toll rises to 17 in partial collapse of China hotel

Apple Inc is working on a service that will let users pay for purchases in instalments, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, sending shares of Afterpay Ltd and other "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) companies sharply lower. 
 
The US&nbsp;tech giant will use Goldman Sachs, its partner since 2019 for the Apple Card credit card, as the lender for the loans, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. 
 
Shares of Australia-listed Afterpay, the country's biggest BNPL provider, slid close to 10% in Wednesday trading. Smaller rival Zip Co Ltd and Sezzle also fell sharply. Nasdaq-listed Affirm Holdings Inc tumbled more than 14% on Tuesday before closing down 10.5%. 
 
The BNPL industry has boomed over the past year due to a pandemic-driven surge in online shopping. The trend has also attracted the attention of mainstream firms such as PayPal Holdings Inc. 
 
The prospect of going up against a company the size of Apple, as well as other likely entrants, would pose a major test to pure-play BNPL firms which have so far gone largely unchallenged. 
 
The Bloomberg report said Apple Pay users would be allowed to split their payments into four interest-free instalments, or across several months with interest. 
 
A Goldman Sachs spokesperson declined to comment. Apple was not immediately available for comment. 
 
Such an offering would rival similar services by Klarna, Afterpay, Zip's Quadpay and Affirm in the United States, the sector's key growth market where competition is intense. 
 
PayPal launched its BNPL service in Australia on Wednesday, challenging Afterpay on its home turf where the U.S. payments giant said it would do away with late fees, an area that earned Afterpay close to A$70 million in fiscal 2020. 
 
A Zip spokesman said Apple`s reported move was "validation that what Zip has been doing is resonating with customers and merchants" and that it was growing customer numbers despite increased competition.

Apple Inc is working on a service that will let users pay for purchases in instalments, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, sending shares of Afterpay Ltd and other "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) companies sharply lower.

Apple Inc is working on a service that will let users pay for purchases in instalments, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, sending shares of Afterpay Ltd and other "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) companies sharply lower. The US tech giant will use Goldman Sachs, its partner since 2019 for the Apple Card credit card, as the lender for the loans, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Shares of Australia-listed Afterpay, the country's biggest BNPL provider, slid close to 10% in Wednesday trading. Smaller rival Zip Co Ltd and Sezzle also fell sharply. Nasdaq-listed Affirm Holdings Inc tumbled more than 14% on Tuesday before closing down 10.5%. The BNPL industry has boomed over the past year due to a pandemic-driven surge in online shopping. The trend has also attracted the attention of mainstream firms such as PayPal Holdings Inc. The prospect of going up against a company the size of Apple, as well as other likely entrants, would pose a major test to pure-play BNPL firms which have so far gone largely unchallenged. The Bloomberg report said Apple Pay users would be allowed to split their payments into four interest-free instalments, or across several months with interest. A Goldman Sachs spokesperson declined to comment. Apple was not immediately available for comment. Such an offering would rival similar services by Klarna, Afterpay, Zip's Quadpay and Affirm in the United States, the sector's key growth market where competition is intense. PayPal launched its BNPL service in Australia on Wednesday, challenging Afterpay on its home turf where the U.S. payments giant said it would do away with late fees, an area that earned Afterpay close to A$70 million in fiscal 2020. A Zip spokesman said Apple`s reported move was "validation that what Zip has been doing is resonating with customers and merchants" and that it was growing customer numbers despite increased competition.

Apple's potential 'buy now, pay later' plan sends sector tumbling

The United States has "deep concerns" about the military coup in Myanmar and called on Southeast Asian nations to take action to end violence and restore democracy in the country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. 
 
The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) has been leading the main diplomatic effort on member country Myanmar since a February&nbsp;1 coup plunged it into turmoil. 
 
During a video conference with ASEAN foreign ministers on Wednesday, Blinken urged ASEAN to take "immediate action" on a five-point consensus, agreed upon in April, to appoint a special envoy to Myanmar, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. 
 
Myanmar has descended into chaos after the coup, with hundreds of protesters killed by security forces and thousands jailed amid paralysing strikes and spreading conflict in border regions. 
 
Blinken asked for the release of all those "unjustly detained" in the country, and the restoration of Myanmar`s democratic transition, Price said. 
 
Blinken also emphasised the US&nbsp;rejection of China's "unlawful maritime claims" in the South China Sea and said Washington "stands with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of (Chinese) coercion", Price said.

The United States has "deep concerns" about the military coup in Myanmar and called on Southeast Asian nations to take action to end violence and restore democracy in the country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

The United States has "deep concerns" about the military coup in Myanmar and called on Southeast Asian nations to take action to end violence and restore democracy in the country, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) has been leading the main diplomatic effort on member country Myanmar since a February 1 coup plunged it into turmoil. During a video conference with ASEAN foreign ministers on Wednesday, Blinken urged ASEAN to take "immediate action" on a five-point consensus, agreed upon in April, to appoint a special envoy to Myanmar, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement. Myanmar has descended into chaos after the coup, with hundreds of protesters killed by security forces and thousands jailed amid paralysing strikes and spreading conflict in border regions. Blinken asked for the release of all those "unjustly detained" in the country, and the restoration of Myanmar`s democratic transition, Price said. Blinken also emphasised the US rejection of China's "unlawful maritime claims" in the South China Sea and said Washington "stands with Southeast Asian claimants in the face of (Chinese) coercion", Price said.

Blinken calls on Southeast Asian nations to take action on Myanmar

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. 
 
Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump 
 
Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-officials-say-cargo-ship-possibly-attacked-en-route-to-uae-395707">Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE</a>

The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. 
 
"Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. 
 
"We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." 
 
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. 
 
"Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." 
 
In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. 
 
The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. 
 
The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US President Donald Trump Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel. Also Read: Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. "Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. "We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. "Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

In a first for Gulf, UAE opens embassy in Israel, hails trade ties

In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan&nbsp;on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage.&nbsp;

22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for&nbsp;over two hours,&nbsp;starting at 6:52 am.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;first&nbsp;quake, which&nbsp;was&nbsp;also&nbsp;the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;with a magnitude of 5.2,&nbsp;struck at a relatively shallow depth of 5.9 kilometers. The other&nbsp;quakes&nbsp;ranged from&nbsp;the&nbsp;magnitude 3 to 5.&nbsp;

Taiwan Apple Daily news website&nbsp;posted a photograph, showing the&nbsp;remains of a second floor wall above a storefront that had fallen&nbsp;on&nbsp;to the street and crumbled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These&nbsp;quakes&nbsp;occurred&nbsp;in Hualien County around the midpoint of the island’s east coast.&nbsp;

Last week,&nbsp;an earthquake occurred off the Taiwan coast, which&nbsp;shook&nbsp;the&nbsp;buildings&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;capital,&nbsp;Taipei.&nbsp;

The country's weather bureau said the quake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale took place on the east coast.&nbsp;

There were no reports of any casualties. The underwater quake took place at a depth of 7.6 km, the weather bureau said.&nbsp;

Hualien city measured the highest intensity including&nbsp;Yanliao&nbsp;village.&nbsp;

There have been a number of earthquakes reported in Hualien since June. On June 28, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien County in eastern Taiwan with another reported on June 23 measuring 4.9 in the same area.&nbsp;

On June 11, at least three earthquakes had hit&nbsp;Shoufeng&nbsp;in Hualien with one recorded at magnitude 5.3 at a depth of 11.2 km.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Taiwan has been susceptible to earthquakes for a long time with one the worst occurring in 1999 which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake shattered several buildings and led to the death of over 2,000 people.&nbsp;

The Taiwan government has set up several early warning systems across the country including in schools and in high-risk areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)&nbsp;

In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage. 22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for over two hours, starting at 6:52 am.

In a series, over 20 earthquakes struck the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday morning. The earthquakes are likely to have caused some damage. 22 quakes were reported by the Central Weather Bureau for over two hours, starting at 6:52 am. The first quake, which was also the largest with a magnitude of 5.2, struck at a relatively shallow depth of 5.9 kilometers. The other quakes ranged from the magnitude 3 to 5. Taiwan Apple Daily news website posted a photograph, showing the remains of a second floor wall above a storefront that had fallen on to the street and crumbled. These quakes occurred in Hualien County around the midpoint of the island’s east coast. Last week, an earthquake occurred off the Taiwan coast, which shook the buildings in the capital, Taipei. The country's weather bureau said the quake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale took place on the east coast. There were no reports of any casualties. The underwater quake took place at a depth of 7.6 km, the weather bureau said. Hualien city measured the highest intensity including Yanliao village. There have been a number of earthquakes reported in Hualien since June. On June 28, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit Hualien County in eastern Taiwan with another reported on June 23 measuring 4.9 in the same area. On June 11, at least three earthquakes had hit Shoufeng in Hualien with one recorded at magnitude 5.3 at a depth of 11.2 km. Taiwan has been susceptible to earthquakes for a long time with one the worst occurring in 1999 which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The earthquake shattered several buildings and led to the death of over 2,000 people. The Taiwan government has set up several early warning systems across the country including in schools and in high-risk areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Eastern Taiwan hit by series of earthquakes causing some damage  

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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