Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force. The induction of the advanced fighter jet is likely to strengthen Taiwan's defences against overly assertive China.

The ceremony&nbsp;took place at an airbase in Chiayi, a city in southern Taiwan. Sandra Oudkirk, Washington's de-facto ambassador to Taiwan was also present.

"I trust that in holding fast to democratic values, there will definitely be more countries with similar values who will stand with us on this front," said President Tsai Ing-wen.

The F-16V is an upgraded and much more sophisticated version of Taiwan's other ageing F-16 fighters which date back to the 1990s. The island also has French-made Mirage jets and its own indigenous warplane.

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1d228cd-86a2-4e03-94a6-01ece747564c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9RV6E2.jpg" />

A fourth-generation multi-role fighter, the F-16V boasts more advanced radar systems as well as more sophisticated weaponry, navigation and electronic warfare systems.

It is however less advanced than fifth-generation fighters like China's J-20, Russia's Su-57 as well as the US-made F-22 and F-35 warplanes.

Taiwan is in the middle of upgrading 141 older F-16s to make them the V version and has also ordered 66 new F-16Vs.

Latest deployment of F-16s has come amid soaring tension between US and China over Taiwan.

The self-ruled democracy of 23 million is claimed by Beijing which has vowed to one day take the island, by force if needs.

The ceremony prompted a fiery response from Beijing at a press briefing, with an official saying "China opposes any official contact between the US and Taiwan".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged the United States not to send "wrong signals to separatist forces", adding that those supporting Taiwan's independence "have spared no effort to split the motherland and collude with foreign forces".

"Their actions are akin to throwing an egg against a rock," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday invoked 'steadfast promise of the Taiwan-US partnership' as she oversaw commissioning of US-made advansed F-16 fighter jet squadron into country's air force. The induction of the advanced fighter jet is likely to strengthen Taiwan's defences against overly assertive China. The ceremony took place at an airbase in Chiayi, a city in southern Taiwan. Sandra Oudkirk, Washington's de-facto ambassador to Taiwan was also present. "I trust that in holding fast to democratic values, there will definitely be more countries with similar values who will stand with us on this front," said President Tsai Ing-wen. The F-16V is an upgraded and much more sophisticated version of Taiwan's other ageing F-16 fighters which date back to the 1990s. The island also has French-made Mirage jets and its own indigenous warplane. A fourth-generation multi-role fighter, the F-16V boasts more advanced radar systems as well as more sophisticated weaponry, navigation and electronic warfare systems. It is however less advanced than fifth-generation fighters like China's J-20, Russia's Su-57 as well as the US-made F-22 and F-35 warplanes. Taiwan is in the middle of upgrading 141 older F-16s to make them the V version and has also ordered 66 new F-16Vs. Latest deployment of F-16s has come amid soaring tension between US and China over Taiwan. The self-ruled democracy of 23 million is claimed by Beijing which has vowed to one day take the island, by force if needs. The ceremony prompted a fiery response from Beijing at a press briefing, with an official saying "China opposes any official contact between the US and Taiwan". Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged the United States not to send "wrong signals to separatist forces", adding that those supporting Taiwan's independence "have spared no effort to split the motherland and collude with foreign forces". "Their actions are akin to throwing an egg against a rock," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan president hails US-Taiwan friendship at F-16 fighter jet induction ceremony

Pharma giant Pfizer said on Thursday that it had struck a deal to sell 10 million Covid-19 treatment courses to US government for USD 5.3 billion. It said that approval of the agreement was pending from regulators. Pfizer will start delivering the treatments to the US government later this year and continuing through the end of 2022, a statement from the company said.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Pfizer had asked US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorisation of Paxlovid, the drug company's antiviral pill that has been observed to cut hospitalisation or death by nearly 90 percent among newly-infected high risk patients treated within three days of the onset of symptoms.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-pharma-giant-pfizers-covid-19-pill-to-be-manufactured-in-95-countries-429924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It is encouraging to see a growing understanding of the valuable role that oral investigational therapies may play in combatting COVID-19, and we look forward to continuing discussions with governments around the world to help ensure broad access for people everywhere."

The move from Pfizer comes a few weeks after Merck approached FDA. Merck sought grren light for its antiviral capsule against coronavirus.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-to-allow-other-companies-to-manufacture-covid-pill-in-95-countries-429793">Pfizer to allow other companies to manufacture Covid pill in 95 countries</a>

The US government announced in June it was investing $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan to accelerate the discovery, development and manufacturing of antiviral medicines.

"This promising treatment could help accelerate our path out of this pandemic by offering another life-saving tool for people who get sick with COVID-19," US health secretary Xavier Becerra said.&nbsp;

While vaccinations remain the most important step to end the pandemic, "This agreement would help ensure millions of doses of this drug would be available to the American people if it is authorized," he said.

The US is also buying 3.1 million courses of the Merck pill, Molnupiravir.

Pfizer has also entered into advance purchase agreements with several other countries and has initiated bilateral outreach to approximately 100 countries around the world, and is committed to working on "equitable access" for the treatment at an affordable price.

It announced a deal Tuesday with the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to sub-license production for supply in 95 low- and middle-income nations covering around 53 percent of the world's population.

Paxlovid is a combination of a new molecule, PF-07321332, and HIV antiviral ritonavir. Both belong to a class of antivirals called "protease inhibitors," which block the action of an enzyme critical to viral replication.

A treatment course consists of one pill every 12 hours for five days.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharma giant Pfizer said on Thursday that it had struck a deal to sell 10 million Covid-19 treatment courses to US government for USD 5.3 billion. It said that approval of the agreement was pending from regulators.

Pharma giant Pfizer said on Thursday that it had struck a deal to sell 10 million Covid-19 treatment courses to US government for USD 5.3 billion. It said that approval of the agreement was pending from regulators. Pfizer will start delivering the treatments to the US government later this year and continuing through the end of 2022, a statement from the company said. On Tuesday, Pfizer had asked US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorisation of Paxlovid, the drug company's antiviral pill that has been observed to cut hospitalisation or death by nearly 90 percent among newly-infected high risk patients treated within three days of the onset of symptoms. × "It is encouraging to see a growing understanding of the valuable role that oral investigational therapies may play in combatting COVID-19, and we look forward to continuing discussions with governments around the world to help ensure broad access for people everywhere." The move from Pfizer comes a few weeks after Merck approached FDA. Merck sought grren light for its antiviral capsule against coronavirus. Also Read | Pfizer to allow other companies to manufacture Covid pill in 95 countries The US government announced in June it was investing $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan to accelerate the discovery, development and manufacturing of antiviral medicines. "This promising treatment could help accelerate our path out of this pandemic by offering another life-saving tool for people who get sick with COVID-19," US health secretary Xavier Becerra said. While vaccinations remain the most important step to end the pandemic, "This agreement would help ensure millions of doses of this drug would be available to the American people if it is authorized," he said. The US is also buying 3.1 million courses of the Merck pill, Molnupiravir. Pfizer has also entered into advance purchase agreements with several other countries and has initiated bilateral outreach to approximately 100 countries around the world, and is committed to working on "equitable access" for the treatment at an affordable price. It announced a deal Tuesday with the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to sub-license production for supply in 95 low- and middle-income nations covering around 53 percent of the world's population. Paxlovid is a combination of a new molecule, PF-07321332, and HIV antiviral ritonavir. Both belong to a class of antivirals called "protease inhibitors," which block the action of an enzyme critical to viral replication. A treatment course consists of one pill every 12 hours for five days. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer strikes USD 5.3 billion deal to sell 10 million COVID treatments in US

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences.

The bill was passed after a public outcry against recent increase in incidents of rape of women and children. There was a growing demand for effectively curbing crime.

Almost a year ago, Pakistan President Arif Alvi had approved anti-rape ordinance that was cleared by Pakistan Cabinet. The ordinance called for chemical castration of rapist

The new Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 bill was passed along with 33 other bills by the joint session of parliament on Wednesday. It seeks to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"Chemical castration is a process duly notified by rules framed by the prime minister, whereby a person is rendered incapable of performing sexual intercourse for any period of his life, as may be determined by the court through administration of drugs which shall be conducted through a notified medical board," according to the bill.

Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed protested over the bill and termed it un-Islamic and against Sharia. 
He said a rapist should be hanged publicly, but there was no mention of castration in Sharia.

Chemical castration is the use of drugs to reduce sexual activity. It is a legal form of punishment in countries including South Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic and in some states in the US, according to media reports.

Critics say fewer than 4 per cent of sexual assault or rape cases in Pakistan result in a conviction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences.

Pakistan's parliament has passed a new legislation that may subject sex offenders convicted of multiple rapes to chemical castration. The legislation has been passed with an aim to speed up convictions and impose tougher sentences. The bill was passed after a public outcry against recent increase in incidents of rape of women and children. There was a growing demand for effectively curbing crime. Almost a year ago, Pakistan President Arif Alvi had approved anti-rape ordinance that was cleared by Pakistan Cabinet. The ordinance called for chemical castration of rapist The new Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 bill was passed along with 33 other bills by the joint session of parliament on Wednesday. It seeks to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Dawn newspaper reported. "Chemical castration is a process duly notified by rules framed by the prime minister, whereby a person is rendered incapable of performing sexual intercourse for any period of his life, as may be determined by the court through administration of drugs which shall be conducted through a notified medical board," according to the bill. Jamaat-i-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed protested over the bill and termed it un-Islamic and against Sharia. He said a rapist should be hanged publicly, but there was no mention of castration in Sharia. Chemical castration is the use of drugs to reduce sexual activity. It is a legal form of punishment in countries including South Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic and in some states in the US, according to media reports. Critics say fewer than 4 per cent of sexual assault or rape cases in Pakistan result in a conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan parliament passes bill for chemical castration of habitual rapists 

Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian national on death row in Pakistan, got the right to appeal the sentence as Pakistani parliament passed a bill enabling him to do so as ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).&nbsp;

Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav is a spy, while India maintains that he was abducted from Iran while conducting his own business.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-big-win-for-india-kulbhushan-jadhav-granted-right-to-appeal-430103/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan 2017. India had then approached the ICJ and was able to obtain a stay on the Pakistani court order.

In 2020, Imran Khan government had presented an ordinance in Pakistan's National Assembly in accordance with the International Court of Justice verdict. Pakistan's Opposition parties had opposed this move.

ICJ, based at The Hague, had asked Pakistan in 2019 to ensure "effective review and reconsideration" of the death sentence handed to Jadhav and also given instruction to provide him consular access.

"Pakistan was under an obligation to provide, by means of its own choosing, effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Mr. Jadhav, so as to ensure that full weight was given to the effect of the violation of the rights set forth in Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," ICJ had observed.

Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian national on death row in Pakistan, got the right to appeal the sentence as Pakistani parliament passed a bill enabling him to do so as ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian national on death row in Pakistan, got the right to appeal the sentence as Pakistani parliament passed a bill enabling him to do so as ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav is a spy, while India maintains that he was abducted from Iran while conducting his own business. × Jadhav was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan 2017. India had then approached the ICJ and was able to obtain a stay on the Pakistani court order. In 2020, Imran Khan government had presented an ordinance in Pakistan's National Assembly in accordance with the International Court of Justice verdict. Pakistan's Opposition parties had opposed this move. ICJ, based at The Hague, had asked Pakistan in 2019 to ensure "effective review and reconsideration" of the death sentence handed to Jadhav and also given instruction to provide him consular access. "Pakistan was under an obligation to provide, by means of its own choosing, effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence of Mr. Jadhav, so as to ensure that full weight was given to the effect of the violation of the rights set forth in Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," ICJ had observed.

Pak parliament passes bill enabling Kulbhushan Jadhav's right to appeal as ordered by ICJ

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that &nbsp;false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated.

"The Government firmly believes that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country`s long-standing cordial ties with India," said the statement of the Government of Maldives.

The statement made a mention of strong bond the two countries shared

"The strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives` closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts," it said.

The statement also laid emphasis on maritime security that is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

"Support provided by India, on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people. The Government of Maldives has also established partnerships with other countries in similar areas of cooperation, to enhance technical and strategic capacities," said the statement.

The Maldives also reiterated the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Maldives for the countless assistance provided by India over the years, particularly, on instances such as the 1988 mercenary attack on the country, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2015 Male` water crisis and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"India will always remain a true and a trusted friend of the people of the Maldives," read the statement.

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated.

Maldives on Wednesday issued a statement denouncing attempts to spread false information about India using so-called 'India out' slogan on social media. Maldives government said that false allegations regarding ties with one of the country`s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated. "The Government firmly believes that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country`s long-standing cordial ties with India," said the statement of the Government of Maldives. The statement made a mention of strong bond the two countries shared "The strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives` closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts," it said. The statement also laid emphasis on maritime security that is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region. "Support provided by India, on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people. The Government of Maldives has also established partnerships with other countries in similar areas of cooperation, to enhance technical and strategic capacities," said the statement. The Maldives also reiterated the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Maldives for the countless assistance provided by India over the years, particularly, on instances such as the 1988 mercenary attack on the country, the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the 2015 Male` water crisis and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "India will always remain a true and a trusted friend of the people of the Maldives," read the statement.

Maldives denounces attempts to spread falsehoods about India on social media

A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce.

Last week, Oklahoma’s newly appointed adjutant general for the National Guard, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, announced on behalf of the governor, Kevin Stitt, that guardsmen in the state would not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, defying a Pentagon directive issued in August that makes vaccinations mandatory for all troops, including the National Guard, by deadlines set by each service branch.

“The order I issued came directly from the governor. That is the lawful order to the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard,” Mancino said in an interview, adding that he had been vaccinated.

Pentagon officials said Wednesday that a failure to follow “valid medical readiness requirements” could “jeopardize” the status of troops.

The officials insist that Stitt has no legal standing to obviate the mandate, although experts on the obscure laws governing the Guard disagree. They note that unless federally deployed, National Guard members are under the jurisdiction of the governor of their state and therefore not subject to federal mandates. “Guard members can only serve one boss at a time,” said John Goheen, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association of the United States.

The Pentagon is not without redress. It could deny funding to state units or impede the promotions of Guard members who refuse to get vaccinated. Officials said Wednesday that Guard members who refused to be vaccinated also could face dismissal, just as with active duty troops.

“Oklahoma may be able to take this step as a legal matter, but there are definitely things the federal government can do in response that might make it a painful Pyrrhic victory,” said Eugene Fidell, an adjunct professor of law at the New York University Law School. “The governor and state adjutant general thus might find themselves commanding some very unhappy personnel.”

The Pentagon is bracing for other states to follow Oklahoma’s lead. So far none have, but many are believed to be closely watching the situation, which could become the subject of lawsuits. “This could be contagious,” Fidell said.

National Guard troops have been caught in the political cross hairs over the years, including in 2018, when several governors said they would withhold or recall their troops from the border with Mexico as the Trump administration separated adults who illegally crossed into the United States from their children. In 1986, several governors balked at sending Guard troops for maneuvers in Honduras ordered by President Ronald Reagan.

But these rare conflicts in the military have never centered on vaccine mandates, which have existed for decades.

The standoff, while so far limited in scope, demonstrates the headaches Biden faces as he pushes the Jan. 4 deadline for large companies to mandate coronavirus vaccinations or start weekly testing of their workers. The new rule, applying to companies with 100 or more employees, would cover roughly 84 million workers, and is already meeting fierce resistance.

Stitt is one of several Republican state officials who have been resisting Biden’s vaccine mandates covering federal employees and contractors.

Some governors who have been more resistant to mandates have so far declined to join Stitt.

“I took an oath, and I intend to do what I promised the country I would do,” Gen. Thomas Carden, the head of the Georgia National Guard, told a local reporter last week. “It’s cut and dry for us.”

Spokesmen for the Guards in North Dakota and Florida — two other states whose governors oppose vaccine mandates — said they were following the Pentagon order, while Texas officials were more vague.

“The decision whether or not to receive a vaccination is a personal matter each Soldier and Airman must weigh. The Texas National Guard provides the resources necessary for each Service member to make informed decisions,” an unidentified spokesperson said in response to an email query.

While the vast majority of active duty troops have been vaccinated, the percentage of those in the Guard has dragged below the averages for the civilian population. In Oklahoma, 89% of airmen in the Guard have been vaccinated, while only 40% of Army guardsmen have had shots.

Mancino issued his memo a day after Stitt dismissed his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, a proponent for vaccines.

A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce.

A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce. Last week, Oklahoma’s newly appointed adjutant general for the National Guard, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, announced on behalf of the governor, Kevin Stitt, that guardsmen in the state would not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, defying a Pentagon directive issued in August that makes vaccinations mandatory for all troops, including the National Guard, by deadlines set by each service branch. “The order I issued came directly from the governor. That is the lawful order to the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard,” Mancino said in an interview, adding that he had been vaccinated. Pentagon officials said Wednesday that a failure to follow “valid medical readiness requirements” could “jeopardize” the status of troops. The officials insist that Stitt has no legal standing to obviate the mandate, although experts on the obscure laws governing the Guard disagree. They note that unless federally deployed, National Guard members are under the jurisdiction of the governor of their state and therefore not subject to federal mandates. “Guard members can only serve one boss at a time,” said John Goheen, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association of the United States. The Pentagon is not without redress. It could deny funding to state units or impede the promotions of Guard members who refuse to get vaccinated. Officials said Wednesday that Guard members who refused to be vaccinated also could face dismissal, just as with active duty troops. “Oklahoma may be able to take this step as a legal matter, but there are definitely things the federal government can do in response that might make it a painful Pyrrhic victory,” said Eugene Fidell, an adjunct professor of law at the New York University Law School. “The governor and state adjutant general thus might find themselves commanding some very unhappy personnel.” The Pentagon is bracing for other states to follow Oklahoma’s lead. So far none have, but many are believed to be closely watching the situation, which could become the subject of lawsuits. “This could be contagious,” Fidell said. National Guard troops have been caught in the political cross hairs over the years, including in 2018, when several governors said they would withhold or recall their troops from the border with Mexico as the Trump administration separated adults who illegally crossed into the United States from their children. In 1986, several governors balked at sending Guard troops for maneuvers in Honduras ordered by President Ronald Reagan. But these rare conflicts in the military have never centered on vaccine mandates, which have existed for decades. The standoff, while so far limited in scope, demonstrates the headaches Biden faces as he pushes the Jan. 4 deadline for large companies to mandate coronavirus vaccinations or start weekly testing of their workers. The new rule, applying to companies with 100 or more employees, would cover roughly 84 million workers, and is already meeting fierce resistance. Stitt is one of several Republican state officials who have been resisting Biden’s vaccine mandates covering federal employees and contractors. Some governors who have been more resistant to mandates have so far declined to join Stitt. “I took an oath, and I intend to do what I promised the country I would do,” Gen. Thomas Carden, the head of the Georgia National Guard, told a local reporter last week. “It’s cut and dry for us.” Spokesmen for the Guards in North Dakota and Florida — two other states whose governors oppose vaccine mandates — said they were following the Pentagon order, while Texas officials were more vague. “The decision whether or not to receive a vaccination is a personal matter each Soldier and Airman must weigh. The Texas National Guard provides the resources necessary for each Service member to make informed decisions,” an unidentified spokesperson said in response to an email query. While the vast majority of active duty troops have been vaccinated, the percentage of those in the Guard has dragged below the averages for the civilian population. In Oklahoma, 89% of airmen in the Guard have been vaccinated, while only 40% of Army guardsmen have had shots. Mancino issued his memo a day after Stitt dismissed his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, a proponent for vaccines.

Oklahoma governor and Pentagon standoff over vaccines intensifies

A quick cup of coffee or tea is something that we all crave when things get too overwhelming or when we feel sleepy. A few sips and we are ready to tackle life again. But according to a new study, drinking coffee or tea may protect you from stroke and dementia.

The study is carried out by researchers from Tianjin Medical University in China. The study is being called one of its own kind due to large number of people involved.

365,000 people between the ages 50 and 74 were observed for more than a decade. The participants reported how much tea or coffee they drank at the start of the study.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/groundbreaking-uk-scientists-come-up-with-vaccine-therapy-that-could-prevent-alzheimers-disease-429476">'Groundbreaking': UK scientists come up with vaccine therapy that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease</a>

As the research went on, it was observed that 5,079 of the participants developed dementia. 10,053 of the participants had at least one stroke.

But there were people with lower risk of dementia and stroke. Researchers found those who had two to three cups of coffee or three to five cups of tea a day, or a combination of four to six cups of coffee and tea had the lowest risk.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blood-pressure-medicines-may-protect-against-type-2-diabetes-428880">Blood pressure medicines may protect against type-2 diabetes</a>

Moreover, those who had two to three cups of coffee and two to three cups of tea daily had &nbsp;32% lower risk of stroke and 28 per cent lower risk of dementia than those who did not drink tea or coffee.

The research has been published in journal PLOS Medicine.

A quick cup of coffee or tea is something that we all crave when things get too overwhelming or when we feel sleepy. A few sips and we are ready to tackle life again.

A quick cup of coffee or tea is something that we all crave when things get too overwhelming or when we feel sleepy. A few sips and we are ready to tackle life again. But according to a new study, drinking coffee or tea may protect you from stroke and dementia. The study is carried out by researchers from Tianjin Medical University in China. The study is being called one of its own kind due to large number of people involved. 365,000 people between the ages 50 and 74 were observed for more than a decade. The participants reported how much tea or coffee they drank at the start of the study. Also Read | 'Groundbreaking': UK scientists come up with vaccine therapy that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease As the research went on, it was observed that 5,079 of the participants developed dementia. 10,053 of the participants had at least one stroke. But there were people with lower risk of dementia and stroke. Researchers found those who had two to three cups of coffee or three to five cups of tea a day, or a combination of four to six cups of coffee and tea had the lowest risk. Also Read | Blood pressure medicines may protect against type-2 diabetes Moreover, those who had two to three cups of coffee and two to three cups of tea daily had 32% lower risk of stroke and 28 per cent lower risk of dementia than those who did not drink tea or coffee. The research has been published in journal PLOS Medicine.

Drinking tea, coffee lowers risk of stroke and dementia: Study

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict.

A divisive figure, his candidacy is one of many points of contention overshadowing the presidential and parliamentary votes which remain in doubt with just weeks to go, despite international pressure for them to happen on time.

Declaring his candidacy in a televised speech, Haftar said elections were the only way out of the crisis in Libya, which has suffered chaos and conflict since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Haftar, head of a force called the Libyan National Army, waged war on factions in the west after the country split in 2014, including a 14-month offensive to capture Tripoli which was repelled by the internationally recognised government.

Haftar, who formally registered for the vote at an election commission centre in Benghazi, pledged "to begin the path of reconciliation, peace and construction" in the event of his victory.

His decision to run will anger many in Tripoli and western regions who say no vote in areas he holds can be fair and who accuse him of war crimes during the assault, something he denies.

The election is meant as a milestone in the UN-backed political process to knit Libya back together.

However, with no clear agreement on the legal basis for the election, major factions may reject the vote. On Monday, interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who may also be a candidate for president, called for a new election law.

In September, Haftar paved the way for his presidential bid by saying he would step down from his military role for three months - as required by an election law that has been rejected by armed factions based in Tripoli.

Haftar's campaign to take Tripoli was backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia. The internationally recognised government in Tripoli received military support from Turkey.

Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, registered his candidacy on Sunday to run in the election.

Analysts say they do not expect Gaddafi to prove as strong a candidate as rivals who have been able to build constituencies through their control over financial or military resources during the past decade.

Among the officers who supported Gaddafi when he seized power from King Idris in 1969, Haftar was disowned by Gaddafi after he was captured leading Libyan forces in Chad in 1987.

He settled outside Washington D.C. in Virginia and returned to Libya only as the revolt against Gaddafi was gathering pace.

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict.

Khalifa Haftar, a major figure in the Libyan civil war who wields wide sway over the east of the country, announced on Tuesday he will run in a Dec. 24 presidential election that aims to help end a decade of conflict. A divisive figure, his candidacy is one of many points of contention overshadowing the presidential and parliamentary votes which remain in doubt with just weeks to go, despite international pressure for them to happen on time. Declaring his candidacy in a televised speech, Haftar said elections were the only way out of the crisis in Libya, which has suffered chaos and conflict since the NATO-backed uprising that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Haftar, head of a force called the Libyan National Army, waged war on factions in the west after the country split in 2014, including a 14-month offensive to capture Tripoli which was repelled by the internationally recognised government. Haftar, who formally registered for the vote at an election commission centre in Benghazi, pledged "to begin the path of reconciliation, peace and construction" in the event of his victory. His decision to run will anger many in Tripoli and western regions who say no vote in areas he holds can be fair and who accuse him of war crimes during the assault, something he denies. The election is meant as a milestone in the UN-backed political process to knit Libya back together. However, with no clear agreement on the legal basis for the election, major factions may reject the vote. On Monday, interim Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, who may also be a candidate for president, called for a new election law. In September, Haftar paved the way for his presidential bid by saying he would step down from his military role for three months - as required by an election law that has been rejected by armed factions based in Tripoli. Haftar's campaign to take Tripoli was backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia. The internationally recognised government in Tripoli received military support from Turkey. Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, registered his candidacy on Sunday to run in the election. Analysts say they do not expect Gaddafi to prove as strong a candidate as rivals who have been able to build constituencies through their control over financial or military resources during the past decade. Among the officers who supported Gaddafi when he seized power from King Idris in 1969, Haftar was disowned by Gaddafi after he was captured leading Libyan forces in Chad in 1987. He settled outside Washington D.C. in Virginia and returned to Libya only as the revolt against Gaddafi was gathering pace.

Eastern Libyan commander Haftar announces election bid

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media.

The officials said that the suspects are from Helmand, Ghazni, and Urozgan provinces but added that further investigations have been started, said Khaama Press.Weapons of the suspects have been seized by the Taliban.

A few days back, the Taliban arrested ten ISIS-K affiliates and killed three more during large-scale operations in Kandahar province.The four hideouts of the ISIS-K have been eliminated in the province, according to the Taliban`s officials in Kandahar province.

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan branch is now the only terror group that operates against the Taliban in Afghanistan and inflicts causalities on civilians people mainly the Shia Muslims, according to Khaama Press.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media.

The Taliban`s officials in central Daikundi province said that they arrested 11 people who are suspected to be affiliates of ISIS-K, the terror group which recently speeded its attacks in Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of it, reported local media. The officials said that the suspects are from Helmand, Ghazni, and Urozgan provinces but added that further investigations have been started, said Khaama Press.Weapons of the suspects have been seized by the Taliban. A few days back, the Taliban arrested ten ISIS-K affiliates and killed three more during large-scale operations in Kandahar province.The four hideouts of the ISIS-K have been eliminated in the province, according to the Taliban`s officials in Kandahar province. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan branch is now the only terror group that operates against the Taliban in Afghanistan and inflicts causalities on civilians people mainly the Shia Muslims, according to Khaama Press.

Taliban arrest 11 IS suspects in central Daikundi province

Sports equipment retailer Decathlon said Tuesday it would no longer sell canoes in the north of France to prevent migrants from attempting to use them to cross to England.

"The purchase of canoes will no longer be possible" in Decathlon stores in Calais and Grande-Synthe, near Dunkirk, "given the current context," the retailer told AFP, confirming local media reports.

The items were not being used for their original sporting purpose, but "could be used to cross the Channel," it said.&nbsp;

In such cases, "people's lives would be endangered," the retailer argued.&nbsp;

The stores themselves had decided to stop selling the canoes and management had approved the decision, Decathlon said.&nbsp;

The canoes will continue to be available for online purchase and in other stores. Other safety equipment, such as life-jackets and thermal protection will also still be sold in the Calais and Grande-Synthe stores.

On Friday, three migrants were reported missing after trying to cross the Channel to Britain in canoes, as the number of crossings soars.&nbsp;

Two canoes were found adrift off Calais on Thursday and two people were fished out of the water.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, French police cleared a major migrant camp that was home to around a thousand people hoping to reach Britain. Tensions are high between London and Paris over English Channel crossings.

A record number of migrants crossed the Channel in small boats last Thursday -- 1,185 according to British figures -- which the British government described as "unacceptable".

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin spoke to his British counterpart Priti Patel on Monday, but only after giving a blunt interview in which he said Britain should "stop using us as a punch-ball in their domestic politics".

The French authorities said they carried out 10 separate operations Tuesday in which they rescued 272 migrants who were trying to cross the Channel to England aboard makeshift boats, some of them in difficulty.

Maritime officials said they were taken to the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer where they were looked after by the border police and firefighters.

Maritime Prefect Philippe Dutrieux said around 15,400 migrants have tried to make the dangerous Channel crossing between January 1 and August 31, with some 3,500 of them rescued from boats in distress and brought to French shores.

In 2020, some 9,500 people crossed the Channel or tried to do so, compared to 2,300 in 2019 and 600 in 2018.

Sports equipment retailer Decathlon said Tuesday it would no longer sell canoes in the north of France to prevent migrants from attempting to use them to cross to England.

Sports equipment retailer Decathlon said Tuesday it would no longer sell canoes in the north of France to prevent migrants from attempting to use them to cross to England. "The purchase of canoes will no longer be possible" in Decathlon stores in Calais and Grande-Synthe, near Dunkirk, "given the current context," the retailer told AFP, confirming local media reports. The items were not being used for their original sporting purpose, but "could be used to cross the Channel," it said. In such cases, "people's lives would be endangered," the retailer argued. The stores themselves had decided to stop selling the canoes and management had approved the decision, Decathlon said. The canoes will continue to be available for online purchase and in other stores. Other safety equipment, such as life-jackets and thermal protection will also still be sold in the Calais and Grande-Synthe stores. On Friday, three migrants were reported missing after trying to cross the Channel to Britain in canoes, as the number of crossings soars. Two canoes were found adrift off Calais on Thursday and two people were fished out of the water. Earlier on Tuesday, French police cleared a major migrant camp that was home to around a thousand people hoping to reach Britain. Tensions are high between London and Paris over English Channel crossings. A record number of migrants crossed the Channel in small boats last Thursday -- 1,185 according to British figures -- which the British government described as "unacceptable". French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin spoke to his British counterpart Priti Patel on Monday, but only after giving a blunt interview in which he said Britain should "stop using us as a punch-ball in their domestic politics". The French authorities said they carried out 10 separate operations Tuesday in which they rescued 272 migrants who were trying to cross the Channel to England aboard makeshift boats, some of them in difficulty. Maritime officials said they were taken to the ports of Calais, Dunkirk and Boulogne-sur-Mer where they were looked after by the border police and firefighters. Maritime Prefect Philippe Dutrieux said around 15,400 migrants have tried to make the dangerous Channel crossing between January 1 and August 31, with some 3,500 of them rescued from boats in distress and brought to French shores. In 2020, some 9,500 people crossed the Channel or tried to do so, compared to 2,300 in 2019 and 600 in 2018.

Decathlon stops sale of canoes in northern France to curb migrant crossings

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year.

Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight &nbsp;pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil.

"We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs.

"Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was."

The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban.

"If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech.

Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance

-- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed.

For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. 
But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago.

Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. 
The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police.

More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted.

Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee.

Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty.

The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain.

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year. Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil. "We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs. "Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was." The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban. "If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech. Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance -- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed. For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago. Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police. More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted. Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee. Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty. The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Pro-democracy Tiananmen vigil leader invokes Gandhi at sentencing

A day after Polish forces used tear gas and water cannons against migrants at Poland-Belarus border, Poland said on Wednesday that migrant crisis could last for months or even years. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak there were more attempts to cross the border during the night.

Thousands of migrants, mainly from the Middle East, are staying on the border in what the West says is a crisis engineered by Belarus to try to divide the EU and hit back against sanctions.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin have refuted the allegations. They have criticised the European Union for not taking in the migrants.

"We have to prepare for the fact that the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border will not be resolved quickly. We have to prepare for months or even years," Blaszczak told Poland's Radio Jedynka.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-build-a-wall-as-migrant-crisis-escalates-at-belarus-poland-border-429730">Poland to build a wall, as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border</a>

Blaszczak said &nbsp;attempts to cross the border had continued during the night, adding that migrants had used the same "method of attacking the Polish border" as seen on Tuesday at the Bruzgi-Kuznica border crossing.

"The public attention focused on what happened in Kuznica, while smaller groups of migrants tried to break through the Polish border in other sections, also at night," he said.

The border guard service said it had detected 161 illegal crossing attempts on Tuesday, including "two forceful attempts".

Polish police said nine officers, a border guard and a soldier were hurt during Tuesday's clashes -- though no officers were still in hospital on Wednesday.

Belarus and Russia condemned the use of tear gas and water cannon, which came a day after the EU and US said they were expanding sanctions against Belarus.

The West has accused Belarus of luring thousands of migrants, many from Iraq and Syria, with the promise of an easy crossing into the EU and then forcing them to stay at the border.

Eastern EU members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have all refused to take the migrants, leaving many stranded for weeks in forested borderlands.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Polish forces used tear gas and water cannons against migrants at Poland-Belarus border, Poland said on Wednesday that migrant crisis could last for months or even years.

A day after Polish forces used tear gas and water cannons against migrants at Poland-Belarus border, Poland said on Wednesday that migrant crisis could last for months or even years. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak there were more attempts to cross the border during the night. Thousands of migrants, mainly from the Middle East, are staying on the border in what the West says is a crisis engineered by Belarus to try to divide the EU and hit back against sanctions. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin have refuted the allegations. They have criticised the European Union for not taking in the migrants. "We have to prepare for the fact that the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border will not be resolved quickly. We have to prepare for months or even years," Blaszczak told Poland's Radio Jedynka. Also Read | Poland to build a wall, as migrant crisis escalates at Belarus-Poland border Blaszczak said attempts to cross the border had continued during the night, adding that migrants had used the same "method of attacking the Polish border" as seen on Tuesday at the Bruzgi-Kuznica border crossing. "The public attention focused on what happened in Kuznica, while smaller groups of migrants tried to break through the Polish border in other sections, also at night," he said. The border guard service said it had detected 161 illegal crossing attempts on Tuesday, including "two forceful attempts". Polish police said nine officers, a border guard and a soldier were hurt during Tuesday's clashes -- though no officers were still in hospital on Wednesday. Belarus and Russia condemned the use of tear gas and water cannon, which came a day after the EU and US said they were expanding sanctions against Belarus. The West has accused Belarus of luring thousands of migrants, many from Iraq and Syria, with the promise of an easy crossing into the EU and then forcing them to stay at the border. Eastern EU members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have all refused to take the migrants, leaving many stranded for weeks in forested borderlands. (With inputs from agencies)

Migrant crisis may last for years, says Poland

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.