US Department of Homeland security on Tuesday denied landing rights to a plane carrying more than 100 Americans and US green card holders evacuated from Afghanistan, said organisers of the flight

"They will not allow a charter on an international flight into a U.S. port of entry," Bryan Stern, a founder of non-profit group Project Dynamo, said of the department's Customs and Border Protection agency.

Stern spoke with Reuters on phone from aboard a plane the group chartered from &nbsp;Kam Air, a private Afghan airline. He said he had been sitting for 14 hours at Abu Dhabi airport after the plane arrived from Kabul carrying 117 people. These include 59 children.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-was-advised-to-keep-troops-in-afghanistan-say-top-us-generals-416696">Biden was advised to keep 2500 troops in Afghanistan, say top US generals</a>

Stern's group is one of several that emerged from ad hoc networks of US military veterans, current and former US officials and others that formed to bolster last month's US evacuation operation they saw as chaotic and badly organized.

There was no immediate comment from Homeland department. Reuters quoted an unnamed administration official who said that they were unfamiliar with the matter but that the US government typically takes time to verify the manifests of charter planes before clearing them to land in the United States.

Biden administration has said that repatriating American and green card holders unable to leave Afghanistan was its top priority.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warns-us-of-consequences-over-drones-in-afghan-airspace-416721">Taliban warn US of 'consequences' over drones in Afghan airspace</a>

Twenty-eight Americans, 83 green card holders and six people with U.S. Special Immigration Visas granted to Afghans who worked for the U.S. government during the 20-year war in Afghanistan were aboard the Kam Air flight, Stern said.

He had planned to transfer the passengers to a chartered Ethiopian Airlines plane for an onward flight to the United States that he said the Customs cleared to land at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-brutally-kill-child-after-suspecting-father-belonged-to-afghan-resistance-forces-416664">Taliban brutally kill child after suspecting father belonged to Afghan resistance forces</a>

Customs then changed the clearance to Dulles International Airport outside Washington before denying the plane landing rights anywhere in the United States, he said.

"I have a big, beautiful, giant, humongous Boeing 787 that I can see parked in front of us," he said. "I have crew. I have food."

Stern said intermediaries in Kabul had obtained permission from the Taliban-run Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for the groups to send a charter flight to retrieve the passengers from Kabul airport.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Department of Homeland security on Tuesday denied landing rights to a plane carrying more than 100 Americans and US green card holders evacuated from Afghanistan, said organisers of the flight "They will not allow a charter on an international flight into a U.

US Department of Homeland security on Tuesday denied landing rights to a plane carrying more than 100 Americans and US green card holders evacuated from Afghanistan, said organisers of the flight "They will not allow a charter on an international flight into a U.S. port of entry," Bryan Stern, a founder of non-profit group Project Dynamo, said of the department's Customs and Border Protection agency. Stern spoke with Reuters on phone from aboard a plane the group chartered from Kam Air, a private Afghan airline. He said he had been sitting for 14 hours at Abu Dhabi airport after the plane arrived from Kabul carrying 117 people. These include 59 children. Also Read | Biden was advised to keep 2500 troops in Afghanistan, say top US generals Stern's group is one of several that emerged from ad hoc networks of US military veterans, current and former US officials and others that formed to bolster last month's US evacuation operation they saw as chaotic and badly organized. There was no immediate comment from Homeland department. Reuters quoted an unnamed administration official who said that they were unfamiliar with the matter but that the US government typically takes time to verify the manifests of charter planes before clearing them to land in the United States. Biden administration has said that repatriating American and green card holders unable to leave Afghanistan was its top priority. Also Read | Taliban warn US of 'consequences' over drones in Afghan airspace Twenty-eight Americans, 83 green card holders and six people with U.S. Special Immigration Visas granted to Afghans who worked for the U.S. government during the 20-year war in Afghanistan were aboard the Kam Air flight, Stern said. He had planned to transfer the passengers to a chartered Ethiopian Airlines plane for an onward flight to the United States that he said the Customs cleared to land at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Also Read | Taliban brutally kill child after suspecting father belonged to Afghan resistance forces Customs then changed the clearance to Dulles International Airport outside Washington before denying the plane landing rights anywhere in the United States, he said. "I have a big, beautiful, giant, humongous Boeing 787 that I can see parked in front of us," he said. "I have crew. I have food." Stern said intermediaries in Kabul had obtained permission from the Taliban-run Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for the groups to send a charter flight to retrieve the passengers from Kabul airport. (With inputs from agencies)

US denies landing permission to flight carrying Americans from Kabul: Activist

Asian shares lost ground on Wednesday, and were set for&nbsp;worst quarter since the coronavirus pandemic hit, as worries about&nbsp;economic growth in China combined with fears of a global slowdown and a strong dollar to push equities markets lower.

The dollar touched an 18-month high against the yen in Asian hours and&nbsp;stayed steady at over a 10 month high versus other major peers after&nbsp;overnight gains, boosted by a recent run up in U.S. Treasury yields, which had also helped spook US. equity markets.

Doubts are re-emerging over the global recovery at a time when&nbsp;the US&nbsp;Federal Reserve is set to taper stimulus and the administration of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden is stuck in contentious debt ceiling negotiations that could lead to a government shutdown. At the same time, China is grappling with a power crunch that has impacted economic output there.

MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.84% and was heading for a 9.4% decline for the third quarter, its worst quarterly performance since the first three months of 2020, when markets globally were roiled by the initial spread of COVID-19.

There were declines in benchmarks in South Korea, down 1.3%, Australia off 1.2%, and in Chinese blue chips which shed 0.6%%, though Hong Kong bucked the trend rising 0.5%.

Japan`s Nikkei shed 2.12% following declines in the US overnight as the country`s ruling party votes for a new leader who will almost certainly become the next prime minister ahead of a general election due in weeks.

Futures suggested a risk friendlier mood could return later with US&nbsp;stock futures, the S&amp;P 500 e-minis, up 0.51%, pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures 0.36% higher and FTSE futures trading just above flat.

One factor sapping the mood in Asia was China`s worsening power crunch, which pushed investors out of Chinese stocks vulnerable to factory shutdowns including chemicals and steelmaking, even as the country`s all-powerful economic planning agency attempted to reassure residents and businesses.

The energy troubles follows turmoil in China`s property sector as investors closely watch the fate of indebted developer Evergrande, and regulatory changes in education and technology, with some observers suggesting authorities wanted to get the changes in while economic growth was reasonably strong.

"I think the window will close in the next one or two months as GDP may surprise on the downside&nbsp;and there may be employment problems," said Alan Wang, Portfolio Manager, Greater China Equities, at Principal Global Investors.

"When the government sees those numbers they may start to change their behaviour, or maybe extend some deadlines"

Evergrande shares rose 10.8% after it said it plans to sell a 9.99 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) stake it owns in Shengjing Bank, but investors are still waiting to see whether the cash-strapped developer will make an interest payment due Wednesday on a dollar bond.

 
ROTATE TO VALUE

Overnight, all three major US&nbsp;stock indexes slid nearly 2% or more, with interest rate sensitive tech and tech-adjacent stocks worst hit by the surging bond yields, as investors began to shift to value names.&nbsp;

Benchmark 10-year rates have gained 25 basis points in five sessions but inched down in Asian hours to 1.5392%, having hit their highest since mid-June the day before.

"We think (10-year Treasury yields) are likely to around 1.5% to 1.75%, so they obviously still have room to go," said Daniel Lam, senior cross-asset strategist at Standard Chartered.

Lam said the rise in yields was driven by the fact the United States was almost definitely going to start tapering its massive asset purchases by the end of this year.

Oil prices dropped having touched a near three-year high the day before. Brent crude fell 1.8% to $77.67 per barrel US&nbsp;crude dipped 1.75% to $73.97 a barrel.&nbsp;

Gold edged higher with the spot price at $1,739.5 an ounce, up 0.4% from the seven-week low hit the day before as higher yields hurt demand for the non-interest bearing asset.

Asian shares lost ground on Wednesday, and were set for worst quarter since the coronavirus pandemic hit, as worries about economic growth in China combined with fears of a global slowdown and a strong dollar to push equities markets lower.

Asian shares lost ground on Wednesday, and were set for worst quarter since the coronavirus pandemic hit, as worries about economic growth in China combined with fears of a global slowdown and a strong dollar to push equities markets lower. The dollar touched an 18-month high against the yen in Asian hours and stayed steady at over a 10 month high versus other major peers after overnight gains, boosted by a recent run up in U.S. Treasury yields, which had also helped spook US. equity markets. Doubts are re-emerging over the global recovery at a time when the US Federal Reserve is set to taper stimulus and the administration of US President Joe Biden is stuck in contentious debt ceiling negotiations that could lead to a government shutdown. At the same time, China is grappling with a power crunch that has impacted economic output there. MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.84% and was heading for a 9.4% decline for the third quarter, its worst quarterly performance since the first three months of 2020, when markets globally were roiled by the initial spread of COVID-19. There were declines in benchmarks in South Korea, down 1.3%, Australia off 1.2%, and in Chinese blue chips which shed 0.6%%, though Hong Kong bucked the trend rising 0.5%. Japan`s Nikkei shed 2.12% following declines in the US overnight as the country`s ruling party votes for a new leader who will almost certainly become the next prime minister ahead of a general election due in weeks. Futures suggested a risk friendlier mood could return later with US stock futures, the S&P 500 e-minis, up 0.51%, pan-region Euro Stoxx 50 futures 0.36% higher and FTSE futures trading just above flat. One factor sapping the mood in Asia was China`s worsening power crunch, which pushed investors out of Chinese stocks vulnerable to factory shutdowns including chemicals and steelmaking, even as the country`s all-powerful economic planning agency attempted to reassure residents and businesses. The energy troubles follows turmoil in China`s property sector as investors closely watch the fate of indebted developer Evergrande, and regulatory changes in education and technology, with some observers suggesting authorities wanted to get the changes in while economic growth was reasonably strong. "I think the window will close in the next one or two months as GDP may surprise on the downside and there may be employment problems," said Alan Wang, Portfolio Manager, Greater China Equities, at Principal Global Investors. "When the government sees those numbers they may start to change their behaviour, or maybe extend some deadlines" Evergrande shares rose 10.8% after it said it plans to sell a 9.99 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) stake it owns in Shengjing Bank, but investors are still waiting to see whether the cash-strapped developer will make an interest payment due Wednesday on a dollar bond. ROTATE TO VALUE Overnight, all three major US stock indexes slid nearly 2% or more, with interest rate sensitive tech and tech-adjacent stocks worst hit by the surging bond yields, as investors began to shift to value names. Benchmark 10-year rates have gained 25 basis points in five sessions but inched down in Asian hours to 1.5392%, having hit their highest since mid-June the day before. "We think (10-year Treasury yields) are likely to around 1.5% to 1.75%, so they obviously still have room to go," said Daniel Lam, senior cross-asset strategist at Standard Chartered. Lam said the rise in yields was driven by the fact the United States was almost definitely going to start tapering its massive asset purchases by the end of this year. Oil prices dropped having touched a near three-year high the day before. Brent crude fell 1.8% to $77.67 per barrel US crude dipped 1.75% to $73.97 a barrel. Gold edged higher with the spot price at $1,739.5 an ounce, up 0.4% from the seven-week low hit the day before as higher yields hurt demand for the non-interest bearing asset.

Asian shares stumble while the dollar holds firm

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain. The asteroid that killed dinosaurs was just 10 kilometres across. But now a comet larger than Mars's moons is speeding up toward the solar system.&nbsp;

Bernardinelli-Bernstein comet is a mammoth! Remember Hale-Bopp? The comet that went around us in the year 1997? It was called a massive comet. And Bernardinelli-Bernstein is 10 times the mass of Hale-Bopp.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a>

In fact it is larger than both moons of Mars. If you line-up these moons, the comet would still be twice the size!

Such a mega thing is coming towards our solar system!

NASA is currently monitoring the comet and we may get better idea about it as it comes nearer. But that comet has already begun to put on a show!

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-latest-mars-flying-tougher-415112">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars</a>

Recently, Las Cumbres Observatory reported that the comet is getting brighter and brighter. This is happening as it gradually comes towards us through space.

Just like its size, the comet has an orbit that has a superhuge diameter. As per calculations from Bad Astrnomy, the comet goes from being about 1.6 billion km away from the Sun to a mind-boggling 2 trillion kilometres away from the Sun. To put things in perspective, this is a fifth of a light-year!

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-massive-eye-of-dying-star-414846">NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star</a>

The comet is expected to make closest approach to the Sun in the year 2031 and it will be comfortably away from Earth when it passes through the solar system. Humanity gets another chance!

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain.

Talk about comets or asteroids coming anywhere near us and mind immediately goes back to what happened to dinosaurs. It just needed a space rock to end the reign of those fearsome reptiles who dominated nearly the entire foodchain. The asteroid that killed dinosaurs was just 10 kilometres across. But now a comet larger than Mars's moons is speeding up toward the solar system. Bernardinelli-Bernstein comet is a mammoth! Remember Hale-Bopp? The comet that went around us in the year 1997? It was called a massive comet. And Bernardinelli-Bernstein is 10 times the mass of Hale-Bopp. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck In fact it is larger than both moons of Mars. If you line-up these moons, the comet would still be twice the size! Such a mega thing is coming towards our solar system! NASA is currently monitoring the comet and we may get better idea about it as it comes nearer. But that comet has already begun to put on a show! Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars Recently, Las Cumbres Observatory reported that the comet is getting brighter and brighter. This is happening as it gradually comes towards us through space. Just like its size, the comet has an orbit that has a superhuge diameter. As per calculations from Bad Astrnomy, the comet goes from being about 1.6 billion km away from the Sun to a mind-boggling 2 trillion kilometres away from the Sun. To put things in perspective, this is a fifth of a light-year! Also Read | NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star The comet is expected to make closest approach to the Sun in the year 2031 and it will be comfortably away from Earth when it passes through the solar system. Humanity gets another chance!

A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system

You may have seen aurora&nbsp;in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have.

And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours.

In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-image-of-hand-of-god-netizens-are-awestruck-416265">NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck</a>

"Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram.

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He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-huge-comet-is-hurtling-through-space-towards-solar-system-asteroids-black-hole-416501">A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system</a>

Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!

You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it.

You may have seen aurora in person if you ever happened to go to Scandinavian countries or far in the southern hemisphere. The photos are aplenty. It's possible for most of us to witness them once in life, at least dream of it. But watching the mesmerising play of aurora from above it is a fortune only astronauts may have. And in times of social media, it has become possible for them to share the wonderful experience with all of us. Thomas Pesquet, the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut has done just the same from his perch on International Space Station (ISS). He has posted a picture of aurora, not with sky in its background but Earth! This adds another one to what is a soothing play of colours. In Pesquet's photo, the blue Earth appears bathed in colour green. The waves dance, rise up and reach the horizon where they change colour to red. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck "Another aurora but this one is special as it is so bright. It is the full Moon lighting up the shadow side of Earth almost like daylight." writes Pesquet in his post on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × He hasn't mentioned exact location of the aurora or whether it was Aurora Borealis or Aurora Australis (aurora visible in southern hemisphere). But such details don't matter while we look at the picture. Also Read | A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system Aurora is formed due to interaction between solar particles and particles of Earth's atmosphere. When particles from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, they get channelled to the poles and there they interact with the atmosphere. The result? A soft dance of colours which is a sight to behold!

Astronaut posts breathtaking photo of aurora taken from above Earth

The US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday successfully launched Landsat 9 which is a powerful satellite built to monitor Earth's land surface. The launch took place at 2:12 pm EDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Landsat 9 is a joiNT NASA and US Geological Survey (USGS) mission. The satellite was carried by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg`s Space Launch Complex 3E.

Norway`s Svalbard satellite-monitoring ground station acquired signals from the spacecraft about 83 minutes after launch. Landsat 9 is performing as expected and will eventually settle into its final orbit that takes it over the planet`s poles, at an altitude of about 438 miles (705 kilometres).

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"NASA uses the unique assets of our own unprecedented fleet, as well as the instruments of other nations, to study our own planet and its climate systems," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson."With a 50-year data bank to build on, Landsat 9 will take this historic and invaluable global program to the next level. We look forward to working with our partners at the US Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior again on Landsat Next, because we never stop advancing our work to understand our planet," added Nelson.

"Today`s successful launch is a major milestone in the nearly 50-year joint partnership between USGS and NASA who, for decades, have partnered to collect valuable scientific information and use that data to shape policy with the utmost scientific integrity," said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.

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"As the impacts of the climate crisis intensify in the United States and across the globe, Landsat 9 will provide data and imagery to help make science-based decisions on key issues including water use, wildfire impacts, coral reef degradation, glacier and ice-shelf retreat, and tropical deforestation," added Haaland.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-super-huge-comet-is-hurtling-through-space-towards-solar-system-asteroids-black-hole-416501">A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system</a>

The first Landsat satellite launched in 1972. Since then, the US space agency has always kept a Landsat in orbit to collect images of the physical material covering our planet`s surface and changes to land usage.The images allow researchers to monitor phenomena including agricultural productivity, forest extent and health, water quality, coral reef habitat health, and glacier dynamics. "The Landsat mission is like no other," said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday successfully launched Landsat 9 which is a powerful satellite built to monitor Earth's land surface.

The US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday successfully launched Landsat 9 which is a powerful satellite built to monitor Earth's land surface. The launch took place at 2:12 pm EDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Landsat 9 is a joiNT NASA and US Geological Survey (USGS) mission. The satellite was carried by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg`s Space Launch Complex 3E. Norway`s Svalbard satellite-monitoring ground station acquired signals from the spacecraft about 83 minutes after launch. Landsat 9 is performing as expected and will eventually settle into its final orbit that takes it over the planet`s poles, at an altitude of about 438 miles (705 kilometres). Also Read | Astronaut posts breathtaking photo of aurora taken from above Earth "NASA uses the unique assets of our own unprecedented fleet, as well as the instruments of other nations, to study our own planet and its climate systems," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson."With a 50-year data bank to build on, Landsat 9 will take this historic and invaluable global program to the next level. We look forward to working with our partners at the US Geological Survey and the Department of the Interior again on Landsat Next, because we never stop advancing our work to understand our planet," added Nelson. "Today`s successful launch is a major milestone in the nearly 50-year joint partnership between USGS and NASA who, for decades, have partnered to collect valuable scientific information and use that data to shape policy with the utmost scientific integrity," said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Also Read | NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck "As the impacts of the climate crisis intensify in the United States and across the globe, Landsat 9 will provide data and imagery to help make science-based decisions on key issues including water use, wildfire impacts, coral reef degradation, glacier and ice-shelf retreat, and tropical deforestation," added Haaland. Also Read | A super-huge comet is hurtling through space towards solar system The first Landsat satellite launched in 1972. Since then, the US space agency has always kept a Landsat in orbit to collect images of the physical material covering our planet`s surface and changes to land usage.The images allow researchers to monitor phenomena including agricultural productivity, forest extent and health, water quality, coral reef habitat health, and glacier dynamics. "The Landsat mission is like no other," said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA launches Landsat 9 satellite to monitor Earth's surface

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on"

Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users. Microsoft had begun acquisition talks in August 2020 but the deal collapsed by September.

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Trump's divestment push ended by the time he left office in January and no potential suitor ending up acquiring TikTok.

Nadella was speaking at the Code Conference in Beverly Hills, California. He said that he was looking forward to bringing Microsoft's security, child safety and cloud expertise to TikTok.

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"It's unbelievable," Nadella said of the experience during an on-stage interview. "I learned so many things about so much and so many people. First of all, TikTok came to us. We didn't go to TikTok."

"TikTok was caught in between a lot of things happening across two capitals," Nadella continued. "President Trump had a particular point of view of what he was trying to get done there, and then it just dropped off. The [U.S. government] had a particular set of requirements and then it just disappeared."

Nadella said Microsoft's services related to content moderation and child safety was what had attracted TikTOk CEO Zhang Yiming to Microsoft.

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ByteDance did not immediately respond to Reuter's request for comment.

Nadella said he has no idea whether the US is still pushing for a deal under President Joe Biden. The Biden administration has said it is reviewing the national security concerns&nbsp;

"At this point, I'm happy with what I have," Nadella said.

He also expressed support for greater government regulation of cryptocurrency rules, which could stifle ransomware attacks since the ransoms often flow through opaque systems.

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on" Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users.

Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said on Monday that the company's near acquisition of social media app TikTok was the "strangest thing" he had "ever worked on" Former US President Donald Trump had ordered TikTok to separate its US version from Chinese parent company ByteDance over concerns of data security of US users. Microsoft had begun acquisition talks in August 2020 but the deal collapsed by September. Also Read | Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates offers $1.5 billion in climate help if US takes legislative action Trump's divestment push ended by the time he left office in January and no potential suitor ending up acquiring TikTok. Nadella was speaking at the Code Conference in Beverly Hills, California. He said that he was looking forward to bringing Microsoft's security, child safety and cloud expertise to TikTok. Also Read | Safe and easy: Microsoft announces 'passwordless account' for users "It's unbelievable," Nadella said of the experience during an on-stage interview. "I learned so many things about so much and so many people. First of all, TikTok came to us. We didn't go to TikTok." "TikTok was caught in between a lot of things happening across two capitals," Nadella continued. "President Trump had a particular point of view of what he was trying to get done there, and then it just dropped off. The [U.S. government] had a particular set of requirements and then it just disappeared." Nadella said Microsoft's services related to content moderation and child safety was what had attracted TikTOk CEO Zhang Yiming to Microsoft. Also Read | Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco among tech giants to utilise data from India’s farmers ByteDance did not immediately respond to Reuter's request for comment. Nadella said he has no idea whether the US is still pushing for a deal under President Joe Biden. The Biden administration has said it is reviewing the national security concerns "At this point, I'm happy with what I have," Nadella said. He also expressed support for greater government regulation of cryptocurrency rules, which could stifle ransomware attacks since the ransoms often flow through opaque systems.

Failed TikTok deal 'strangest thing I've worked on', says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it.

The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve.

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The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions

The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number.

The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds.

Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price.

The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras.

As festival of lights Diwali approaches, UK Royal Mint is getting ready for traditional gold purchase made by Indians all over the world on the day of Dhanteras. The mint has launched a gold bar with Hindu Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on it. The gold bar weighs 20 g and is made up of 999.9 fine gold. It will be presented to customers in a specially designed henna patterned sleeve. Also Read | Gold gains as soft dollar lifts bullion appeal; Fed in focus The Royal Mint website says that the gold bar is 'an auspicious gift which unites British minting excellence and time-honoured traditions The gold bar has been designed by Emma Noble and has a thickness of 2.1 mm. Each gold bar will come with a unique serial number. The gold bar will be available for purchase on the official Royal Mint website. Each bar has been priced at 1080 Pounds. Gold is often bought as an investment and gold bars are not only purchased for the intrinsic value of the metal in it but designs and themes also add a value of collectibility. This may further increase the price. The gold bar with Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi on it is likely to be a hit among Indians and British Indians in the UK.

UK Royal Mint launches gold bar featuring Lakshmi, Hindu Goddess of wealth

A lack of investment in new oil and gas supplies, amid a shift in focus to cleaner fuels, is likely to drive price volatility in the next decade as demand for traditional energy sources grows, senior industry executives said.

Global energy investment saw its biggest fall on record in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hammered demand, while a push for energy transition to meet greener targets pulled more funds into renewable resources.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) too has called on investors to stop funding new fossil fuel projects to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, even as industry participants remain split on forecasts for peak oil demand.

Underinvestment in the global oil and gas sector could lead to tighter supplies at a time when demand is set to recover, senior executives at Vitol, Trafigura, Hess Corp and Equinor cautioned.

"It seems likely that rather than falling, global oil demand is set to continue to rise as new markets and consumers emerge," Ben Luckock, co-head of oil trading at Trafigura said at the annual APPEC 2021 conference.

"That raises the prospect of potential cycles of higher prices for traditional forms of energy.

"Whilst that might be beneficial to oil producers in the short term, it also means significant costs to the global economy which is in nobody`s long-term interest," Luckock added.

PRICE SPIKES

A sharp rebound in global demand for energy, power and metals has already led to a supply crunch and a surge in prices.

Gas prices in Europe and Asia are at or near record highs, while those in the United States are at seven-year peaks. Coal prices are at record levels and Brent breached $80 per barrel, highest since 2018.&nbsp;

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies still have a cap on oil production, while a lack of investment has limited output from the group`s top two African producers.

But the spare capacity may be challenged next year "if we do not see an accelerated pace of investment in the U.S. sector and&nbsp; rapid rapprochement between the U.S. and Iran", Vitol`s Asia CEO Mike Mueller said.

He was referring to global talks to revive a nuclear deal with Tehran that could lead to more Iranian supplies. 
Several executives said investment in fossil fuel sources was needed to avoid shortages and price swings.

"We`re in a period where we have been investing too little coming back from COVID," said Eirik Waerness, Equinor`s senior vice president and chief economist.

"That is probably exacerbated by a lot of uncertainty regarding what the energy transition will be, so there will be a wait-and-see attitude here in terms of also going into new types of investment in the energy transition."

But it will take a long time before new energy sources can compensate for global demand, he added.

DEMAND OUTLOOK

Executives at the conference said they expect global oil demand to reach pre-pandemic levels by early next year, in line with a bullish forecast from OPEC.

BP and TotalEnergies expect oil demand to peak in the next decade.

"Depending on where the climate-energy transition goes, there is probably peak demand laying out there somewhere," said Greg Hill, Hess Corp`s president and chief operating officer.

"I think it`s much further out than what a lot of the pundits are thinking right now," he added.

He noted that even in the IEA`s sustainable development scenario, oil and gas account for 46% of the global energy mix in 2040.

"The world needs cheap affordable energy. We want to be in that space," Hill said.

A lack of investment in new oil and gas supplies, amid a shift in focus to cleaner fuels, is likely to drive price volatility in the next decade as demand for traditional energy sources grows, senior industry executives said.

A lack of investment in new oil and gas supplies, amid a shift in focus to cleaner fuels, is likely to drive price volatility in the next decade as demand for traditional energy sources grows, senior industry executives said. Global energy investment saw its biggest fall on record in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hammered demand, while a push for energy transition to meet greener targets pulled more funds into renewable resources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) too has called on investors to stop funding new fossil fuel projects to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, even as industry participants remain split on forecasts for peak oil demand. Underinvestment in the global oil and gas sector could lead to tighter supplies at a time when demand is set to recover, senior executives at Vitol, Trafigura, Hess Corp and Equinor cautioned. "It seems likely that rather than falling, global oil demand is set to continue to rise as new markets and consumers emerge," Ben Luckock, co-head of oil trading at Trafigura said at the annual APPEC 2021 conference. "That raises the prospect of potential cycles of higher prices for traditional forms of energy. "Whilst that might be beneficial to oil producers in the short term, it also means significant costs to the global economy which is in nobody`s long-term interest," Luckock added. PRICE SPIKES A sharp rebound in global demand for energy, power and metals has already led to a supply crunch and a surge in prices. Gas prices in Europe and Asia are at or near record highs, while those in the United States are at seven-year peaks. Coal prices are at record levels and Brent breached $80 per barrel, highest since 2018. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies still have a cap on oil production, while a lack of investment has limited output from the group`s top two African producers. But the spare capacity may be challenged next year "if we do not see an accelerated pace of investment in the U.S. sector and rapid rapprochement between the U.S. and Iran", Vitol`s Asia CEO Mike Mueller said. He was referring to global talks to revive a nuclear deal with Tehran that could lead to more Iranian supplies. Several executives said investment in fossil fuel sources was needed to avoid shortages and price swings. "We`re in a period where we have been investing too little coming back from COVID," said Eirik Waerness, Equinor`s senior vice president and chief economist. "That is probably exacerbated by a lot of uncertainty regarding what the energy transition will be, so there will be a wait-and-see attitude here in terms of also going into new types of investment in the energy transition." But it will take a long time before new energy sources can compensate for global demand, he added. DEMAND OUTLOOK Executives at the conference said they expect global oil demand to reach pre-pandemic levels by early next year, in line with a bullish forecast from OPEC. BP and TotalEnergies expect oil demand to peak in the next decade. "Depending on where the climate-energy transition goes, there is probably peak demand laying out there somewhere," said Greg Hill, Hess Corp`s president and chief operating officer. "I think it`s much further out than what a lot of the pundits are thinking right now," he added. He noted that even in the IEA`s sustainable development scenario, oil and gas account for 46% of the global energy mix in 2040. "The world needs cheap affordable energy. We want to be in that space," Hill said.

Lack of investment, more demand to drive oil price volatility-industry execs

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year.

"I agree that, within a year, I think we will be able to come back to normal life," said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on ABC new network's "This Week."

He added that he did not think that coronavirus variants won't exist or that vaccines won't be needed. He said that &nbsp;"most likely scenario" new variants will be observed and vaccines that would last "at least a year" would be developed.

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"I think the most likely scenario is annual revaccination, but we don't know really. We need to wait and see the data," Bourla said.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel echoed Bourla's thoughts in his conversation with Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung last week. He said "enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this earth can be vaccinated.”

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These remarks from the CEOs have come after US Food and Drug Administration's decision to recommend third dose (booster) of Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and above and also for those having compromised immune system.

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Rochelle Walensky, Director of Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said last week that boosters would also be available for people in high-risk environments such as healthcare workers.

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year.

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year. "I agree that, within a year, I think we will be able to come back to normal life," said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on ABC new network's "This Week." He added that he did not think that coronavirus variants won't exist or that vaccines won't be needed. He said that "most likely scenario" new variants will be observed and vaccines that would last "at least a year" would be developed. Also Read | 'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot "I think the most likely scenario is annual revaccination, but we don't know really. We need to wait and see the data," Bourla said. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel echoed Bourla's thoughts in his conversation with Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung last week. He said "enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this earth can be vaccinated.” Also Read | ‘Every day is frightening’: Working for the top US employer amid Covid These remarks from the CEOs have come after US Food and Drug Administration's decision to recommend third dose (booster) of Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and above and also for those having compromised immune system. Also Read | As delta outbreak ravages US, CDC chief says health systems ‘in dire straits' Rochelle Walensky, Director of Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said last week that boosters would also be available for people in high-risk environments such as healthcare workers.

Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year

Japan's ruling party is due to vote on Wednesday to decide who will be country's next prime minister after incumbent Yoshihide Suga. Person to win September 29 contest to lead the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is certain to succeed unpopular Suga. LDP has majority in Japanese parliament's powerful lower house.

There are several names in contention. These include popular vaccine minister Taro Kono, 58, a U.S.-educated former defence and foreign minister seen as a maverick; ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, a consensus-builder saddled with a bland image; former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, 60, an ultra-conservative; and Seiko Noda, 61, from the party's dwindling liberal wing.

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Last year, LDP factions rallied around Suga after Abe quit, citing ill-health. But Suga's voter ratings tanked over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting him to announce his departure ahead of a general election that must be held by Nov. 28.

"This time there is no band-wagon to jump on and factions are divided," said Steven Reed, a professor emeritus at Chuo University. "That's pretty rare."

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Contenders need to attract votes from grassroots LDP members and rookie lawmakers, more likely to be swayed by popularity ratings, while also wooing party bosses. But rank-and-file members will have less say if no candidate wins a majority and a second-round vote is held between the top two contenders.

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Public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday that Kishida led among lawmakers and Kono, followed by Takaichi, among party members and that a second-round runoff vote was inevitable.

Neither Takaichi nor Noda, seeking to become Japan's first female premier, were initially viewed as having any chance. But analysts say support from Abe and core conservatives has bolstered Takaichi's chances, though she remains a long shot.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japan's ruling party is due to vote on Wednesday to decide who will be country's next prime minister after incumbent Yoshihide Suga. Person to win September 29 contest to lead the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is certain to succeed unpopular Suga.

Japan's ruling party is due to vote on Wednesday to decide who will be country's next prime minister after incumbent Yoshihide Suga. Person to win September 29 contest to lead the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is certain to succeed unpopular Suga. LDP has majority in Japanese parliament's powerful lower house. There are several names in contention. These include popular vaccine minister Taro Kono, 58, a U.S.-educated former defence and foreign minister seen as a maverick; ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, a consensus-builder saddled with a bland image; former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, 60, an ultra-conservative; and Seiko Noda, 61, from the party's dwindling liberal wing. Also Read | Japan's Princess Mako to give up one-off payment in controversial marriage: Media Last year, LDP factions rallied around Suga after Abe quit, citing ill-health. But Suga's voter ratings tanked over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting him to announce his departure ahead of a general election that must be held by Nov. 28. "This time there is no band-wagon to jump on and factions are divided," said Steven Reed, a professor emeritus at Chuo University. "That's pretty rare." Also Read | At Quad leaders’ summit, Japanese PM welcomed AUKUS deal: Official Contenders need to attract votes from grassroots LDP members and rookie lawmakers, more likely to be swayed by popularity ratings, while also wooing party bosses. But rank-and-file members will have less say if no candidate wins a majority and a second-round vote is held between the top two contenders. Also Read | We will monitor actions, not the words of the Taliban: Japan's PM Public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday that Kishida led among lawmakers and Kono, followed by Takaichi, among party members and that a second-round runoff vote was inevitable. Neither Takaichi nor Noda, seeking to become Japan's first female premier, were initially viewed as having any chance. But analysts say support from Abe and core conservatives has bolstered Takaichi's chances, though she remains a long shot. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan's ruling party to elect Suga's successor this week

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying.

Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel.

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Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented.

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UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis.&nbsp;

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UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country.

If an emergency plan made by UK government is put to action by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, hundreds of British soldiers could be drafted to deliver fuel to fuel stations across the country. The fuel stations are running dry due to shortage and panic buying. Johnson is expected to go in a huddle with senior members of the cabinet to decide on activating Operation Escalin. The meeting has been called after British Petroleum (BP) said that a third of its petrol stations had run out of main two grades of fuel. Association of petroleum retailers has said that 50-90 per cent of their members have reported having run out of fuel. Also Read | UK says it has 'captured evidence' of multiple ships breaching North Korea sanctions Operation Escalin was conceived years ago to be prepared for a no-deal Brexit. If the operation is put to action now, it will see hundreds of British soldiers being drafted to drive a reserve fleet of 80 tankers. The operation may take three weeks to be fully implemented. Also Read | UK to issue temporary visas to ease truck driver shortage until Christmas eve UK Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, transport secretary Grant Shapps and home secretary Priti Patel held a meeting on Sunday to address the fuel crisis. Also Read | Can Macron lead the European Union after Merkel retires? UK ministers reportedly believe that the fuel shortage would have been minimal had there been no panic buying from the public. But media reports about the crisis have led to people standing in long queues to buy fuel.

UK PM Boris Johnson may deploy army to address fuel crisis

A Sikh officer in United States Marine Corps got permission to wear a turban when on duty. However, there are caveats to this permission and now he may sue&nbsp;the Marine Corps for their removal if his appeal is not upheld.

First Lieutenant Sukhbir Toor is the first person ever to have been granted permission to wear a turban by US Marines, a branch of US military which is absolutely strict about its dress code. Marines have been known to incorporate changes very late compared to other branches of US military.&nbsp;

First Lt. Toor got a permission to wear turban in daily dress at normal duty. But he cannot do so in conflict zone or while serving in a ceremonial unit. An he is not happy with it. He has made an appeal to Marine Corps Commandant.

<img alt="Toor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c3ebce7-93f1-4b13-8d3a-86390b0440d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/toor%202.JPG" />

“We’ve come a long way, but there is still more to go,” he was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

“The Marine Corps needs to show it really means what it has been saying about strength in diversity — that it doesn’t matter what you look like, it just matters that you can do your job.”

Toor joined US Marines after college in 2017. Initially, he shaved his beard and wore standard headgear of the Marines. But as he progressed and became a captain, he decided that it was time he found a way to honour both, his country and his religion.

<img alt="Toor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b513bb6-d3f8-4d95-aca5-2f4417a1420d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/toor%201.JPG" />

(First Lt Sukhbir Toor, image: The New York Times)

He formally asked for permission to wear a turban and to keep a beard. He was granted permission but with so many restrictions that it amounted to a denial.

Toor appealed the decision. The Marine Corps retreated somewhat and allowed him to wear turban while on ordinary duty. However,&nbsp;a turban was prohibited while his possible service in a ceremonial unit.

Toor is going a step ahead and pressing for more permissions as he feels restrictions on turban may deter Sikhs and Muslims from joining US Marine Corps.

A Sikh officer in United States Marine Corps got permission to wear a turban when on duty. However, there are caveats to this permission and now he may sue the Marine Corps for their removal if his appeal is not upheld.

A Sikh officer in United States Marine Corps got permission to wear a turban when on duty. However, there are caveats to this permission and now he may sue the Marine Corps for their removal if his appeal is not upheld. First Lieutenant Sukhbir Toor is the first person ever to have been granted permission to wear a turban by US Marines, a branch of US military which is absolutely strict about its dress code. Marines have been known to incorporate changes very late compared to other branches of US military. First Lt. Toor got a permission to wear turban in daily dress at normal duty. But he cannot do so in conflict zone or while serving in a ceremonial unit. An he is not happy with it. He has made an appeal to Marine Corps Commandant. “We’ve come a long way, but there is still more to go,” he was quoted as saying by The New York Times. “The Marine Corps needs to show it really means what it has been saying about strength in diversity — that it doesn’t matter what you look like, it just matters that you can do your job.” Toor joined US Marines after college in 2017. Initially, he shaved his beard and wore standard headgear of the Marines. But as he progressed and became a captain, he decided that it was time he found a way to honour both, his country and his religion. (First Lt Sukhbir Toor, image: The New York Times) He formally asked for permission to wear a turban and to keep a beard. He was granted permission but with so many restrictions that it amounted to a denial. Toor appealed the decision. The Marine Corps retreated somewhat and allowed him to wear turban while on ordinary duty. However, a turban was prohibited while his possible service in a ceremonial unit. Toor is going a step ahead and pressing for more permissions as he feels restrictions on turban may deter Sikhs and Muslims from joining US Marine Corps.

Sikh officer in US Marines was allowed turban, but he may sue

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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