A blast was reported to have taken place in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city. Ariana News reported that blast claimed a life and injured seven people. It cited Nangarhar province officials who confirmed the news to the portal.

The news report said that Taliban officials did not provide details but quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Taliban convoy was hit by a roadside mine.

Sources have been quoted to say that a Talibani had been killed and those injured included civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

A blast was reported to have taken place in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city. Ariana News reported that blast claimed a life and injured seven people. It cited Nangarhar province officials who confirmed the news to the portal.

A blast was reported to have taken place in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city. Ariana News reported that blast claimed a life and injured seven people. It cited Nangarhar province officials who confirmed the news to the portal. The news report said that Taliban officials did not provide details but quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Taliban convoy was hit by a roadside mine. Sources have been quoted to say that a Talibani had been killed and those injured included civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Blast in Jalalabad kills 1, injures 7, says report

As Democratic leaders struggle to unite their caucus behind a sprawling domestic policy package, it is increasingly clear the $3.5 trillion in spending and tax increases will have to be pared back, possibly by a lot, to make it to President Joe Biden’s desk.

That will involve difficult choices for a party fractured by mistrust and competing priorities. But in a package that is intended to shape every facet of American life, including public education, health care and the environment, there is room for agreement, even in a thinly divided Congress.

Here are three possible scenarios for how to structure a final deal.

A slightly scaled-back plan that uses budget tricks to hold down the cost.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., chair of the Senate Budget Committee, initially urged his colleagues to embrace spending as much as $6 trillion over 10 years as they began drafting the bill.

To narrow the scope to its current price tag of $3.5 trillion over 10 years, aides said, Sanders and his colleagues employed budget gimmicks such as setting earlier end dates on programs or narrowing their proposed size to lower their cost.

In essence, rather than sacrificing entire programs, Democrats opted to shave down the amount of money devoted to some of them. It is a tactic they could use again to further scale back the package.

Democrats have said they want to extend the refundable child tax credit, which was expanded as part of the $1.9 trillion pandemic aid bill enacted in March and now provides benefits to more than 93% of children — 69 million — by sending monthly checks of up to $300 per child to families. They could lower the overall cost of the package by extending it until 2024 instead of 2025.

Similarly, a proposed expansion of Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision and hearing provisions could be phased in more slowly, reducing its cost in the bill’s official 10-year time frame.

House Democrats have proposed giving seniors access to vision benefits immediately, hearing benefits in 2023 and a dental program in 2028. Some top Senate Democrats say they want to see the dental benefit established sooner. Although rolling it out slower would be cheaper, Democrats would most likely fail to reap an immediate political benefit.

A lowest-common-denominator $900 billion package that extends existing health and child care benefits.

The easiest fallback for Democrats might be to extend the generous tax credits and other benefits created for a single year in the $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief law, known as the American Rescue Plan. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, that skinny option would total $900 billion, still more than President Barack Obama’s 2009 stimulus plan, which, when it passed, was considered huge.

The expansion of the child tax credit has already been hailed as a sea change in anti-poverty policy. Right now, the House is planning to extend it through 2025 at a cost to the Treasury of around $500 billion.

The law also greatly expanded subsidies for the purchase of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and extended those subsidies further into the middle class through 2022. Extending them for 10 years would cost $210 billion.

For workers without children, the pandemic relief law raised the maximum earned-income tax credit, which supplements the income of the working poor, from about $540 to about $1,500 and raised the income cap to qualify from about $16,000 to about $21,000, while letting adults as young as 19 access the program for the first time. Extending that would cost $135 billion. Another popular but temporary provision — a much larger child and dependent care tax credit — could be extended by a decade for $95 billion.

Politically, this skinny option should not be a heavy lift, since the House and Senate have already passed both programs. Extending the child tax credit out a full decade would push the price tag to $1.5 trillion.

The cost of such a plan could be covered by proposals drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee to raise taxes on the wealthy and increase the corporate income tax rate.

A middle-ground $1.5 trillion bill that invests huge resources in programs to combat climate change.

Progressive Democrats have indicated that they will not vote for the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate and would fund new roads, bridges and tunnels without ensuring passage of the climate change and social welfare bill, which would push the country’s fleet of cars, trucks and buses more toward electric power, supported by electric utilities fortified to handle all those vehicles and fueled by solar, wind and other renewable sources. To pass the former without the latter could actually make global warming worse, they argue.

To answer those concerns, Democrats could include the social welfare components of the lowest-common-denominator option — extending the temporary benefits of the American Rescue Plan — while going big on climate change. Those climate provisions would cost $585 billion over 10 years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

They would push utilities away from coal and natural gas-fired power plants with a $150 billion Clean Electricity Performance Program, fund renewable-energy deployment with tax credits worth more than $100 billion and offer $42 billion worth of tax credits for the purchase of electric cars, trucks and buses, while also pumping billions into home and commercial energy efficiency.

Those efforts, with a full, 10-year extension of the child credit, would push the total to $2.1 trillion.

Adding the remainder of the international corporate and business tax changes drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee to the higher corporate tax rate and increased taxes on the rich would just about pay for this option.

As Democratic leaders struggle to unite their caucus behind a sprawling domestic policy package, it is increasingly clear the $3.5 trillion in spending and tax increases will have to be pared back, possibly by a lot, to make it to President Joe Biden’s desk.

As Democratic leaders struggle to unite their caucus behind a sprawling domestic policy package, it is increasingly clear the $3.5 trillion in spending and tax increases will have to be pared back, possibly by a lot, to make it to President Joe Biden’s desk. That will involve difficult choices for a party fractured by mistrust and competing priorities. But in a package that is intended to shape every facet of American life, including public education, health care and the environment, there is room for agreement, even in a thinly divided Congress. Here are three possible scenarios for how to structure a final deal. A slightly scaled-back plan that uses budget tricks to hold down the cost. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., chair of the Senate Budget Committee, initially urged his colleagues to embrace spending as much as $6 trillion over 10 years as they began drafting the bill. To narrow the scope to its current price tag of $3.5 trillion over 10 years, aides said, Sanders and his colleagues employed budget gimmicks such as setting earlier end dates on programs or narrowing their proposed size to lower their cost. In essence, rather than sacrificing entire programs, Democrats opted to shave down the amount of money devoted to some of them. It is a tactic they could use again to further scale back the package. Democrats have said they want to extend the refundable child tax credit, which was expanded as part of the $1.9 trillion pandemic aid bill enacted in March and now provides benefits to more than 93% of children — 69 million — by sending monthly checks of up to $300 per child to families. They could lower the overall cost of the package by extending it until 2024 instead of 2025. Similarly, a proposed expansion of Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision and hearing provisions could be phased in more slowly, reducing its cost in the bill’s official 10-year time frame. House Democrats have proposed giving seniors access to vision benefits immediately, hearing benefits in 2023 and a dental program in 2028. Some top Senate Democrats say they want to see the dental benefit established sooner. Although rolling it out slower would be cheaper, Democrats would most likely fail to reap an immediate political benefit. A lowest-common-denominator $900 billion package that extends existing health and child care benefits. The easiest fallback for Democrats might be to extend the generous tax credits and other benefits created for a single year in the $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief law, known as the American Rescue Plan. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, that skinny option would total $900 billion, still more than President Barack Obama’s 2009 stimulus plan, which, when it passed, was considered huge. The expansion of the child tax credit has already been hailed as a sea change in anti-poverty policy. Right now, the House is planning to extend it through 2025 at a cost to the Treasury of around $500 billion. The law also greatly expanded subsidies for the purchase of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and extended those subsidies further into the middle class through 2022. Extending them for 10 years would cost $210 billion. For workers without children, the pandemic relief law raised the maximum earned-income tax credit, which supplements the income of the working poor, from about $540 to about $1,500 and raised the income cap to qualify from about $16,000 to about $21,000, while letting adults as young as 19 access the program for the first time. Extending that would cost $135 billion. Another popular but temporary provision — a much larger child and dependent care tax credit — could be extended by a decade for $95 billion. Politically, this skinny option should not be a heavy lift, since the House and Senate have already passed both programs. Extending the child tax credit out a full decade would push the price tag to $1.5 trillion. The cost of such a plan could be covered by proposals drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee to raise taxes on the wealthy and increase the corporate income tax rate. A middle-ground $1.5 trillion bill that invests huge resources in programs to combat climate change. Progressive Democrats have indicated that they will not vote for the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate and would fund new roads, bridges and tunnels without ensuring passage of the climate change and social welfare bill, which would push the country’s fleet of cars, trucks and buses more toward electric power, supported by electric utilities fortified to handle all those vehicles and fueled by solar, wind and other renewable sources. To pass the former without the latter could actually make global warming worse, they argue. To answer those concerns, Democrats could include the social welfare components of the lowest-common-denominator option — extending the temporary benefits of the American Rescue Plan — while going big on climate change. Those climate provisions would cost $585 billion over 10 years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. They would push utilities away from coal and natural gas-fired power plants with a $150 billion Clean Electricity Performance Program, fund renewable-energy deployment with tax credits worth more than $100 billion and offer $42 billion worth of tax credits for the purchase of electric cars, trucks and buses, while also pumping billions into home and commercial energy efficiency. Those efforts, with a full, 10-year extension of the child credit, would push the total to $2.1 trillion. Adding the remainder of the international corporate and business tax changes drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee to the higher corporate tax rate and increased taxes on the rich would just about pay for this option.

How Democrats could shrink their $3.5 trillion budget bill

In central Berlin, a giant billboard shows a pair of hands, arranged in the shape of a diamond, in front of a female torso dressed in a green jacket. “Tschüss Mutti,” the billboard reads. “Bye, bye, Mommy.”

Even without a face, Germans know who’s being depicted. The diamond, the colorful jacket and the word “Mutti” are iconic, just like Angela Merkel herself.

After 16 years, Germany is saying “Tschüss” to its longtime chancellor. Across the country, the departure of Ms. Merkel has brought out affectionate nostalgia, tinged with a drop of irony. Yet there’s also fatigue, verging on irritation, a twitchy restlessness to see her off and start afresh. As with most farewells, feelings are mixed.

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For Ms. Merkel, a leader who never sought acclaim, a low-key, almost ambivalent exit feels fitting. But it also reveals an irony about her rule. The qualities that ensured her success — her caution and consistency, her firmness and diligence — are now, at the end of her tenure, leading some to regard her departure with relief. The Germany Ms. Merkel made, in nearly two decades of steady stewardship, is ready to move on.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-far-right-is-nowhere-in-the-election-but-its-here-to-stay-414856">Germany’s far-right is nowhere in the election. But it’s ‘here to stay.’</a>

For all her calm, Ms. Merkel’s time in charge has not been without tumult. She steered Germany through a series of crises — the financial crash in 2008, the euro debt crisis that followed, the migration crisis of 2015 and, of course, the pandemic. She brokered a truce, albeit a brittle one, between Russia and Ukraine, helped to negotiate Brexit and saw Donald Trump come and go. Each event had the potential to sunder the world. In part thanks to Ms. Merkel, none did.

Her role in these crises continues to be debated. Many progressives maintain that her austerity policies have done more harm than good, and many conservatives believe she should have closed Germany’s borders to migrants in 2015. The overall verdict, though, is unlikely to change. Under great pressure, Ms. Merkel was a conservative in the best sense, retaining the country’s prosperity, cohesion and purpose. Her great achievement was not what she built, but what she managed to keep.

Yet preservation can quickly turn to stagnation. Many of Ms. Merkel’s policies that had an initially stabilizing effect carried hidden long-term costs. And at the very moment she is about to leave office, that’s starting to show. Her “sins of omission” — as a British historian and Germany expert, Timothy Garton Ash, put it to me — are becoming painfully obvious.

Take Europe. Across nearly two decades, Ms. Merkel played an outsize role in guiding the union through a succession of challenges. But in the process, she stored up future problems.

In 2016, for example, the chancellor spearheaded a deal with Turkey to take in refugees. The move ended the yearlong migration crisis, in which more than a million migrants claimed asylum in Europe. But it’s hardly a sustainable solution, neither for Turkey — where economic difficulties and growing numbers of refugees threaten to destabilize the country — nor for Europe. Migrants, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover of the country, will continue to seek refuge on the continent. Some workable solution, attentive to the needs of both migrants and citizens, must be found.

In other areas, too, Ms. Merkel’s approach fell short. Her handling of the euro debt crisis helped secure the future of the bloc, but at the cost of leaving the underlying dynamics — overindebted southern countries and an unbalanced monetary union — untouched. Her conciliatory approach to Russia, not least over the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, looks ever more untenable as President Vladimir Putin ruthlessly consolidates his regime.

And while her inclination to avoid censuring Hungary and Poland for their breaches of the rule of law protected the bloc against disintegration, it sidestepped essential questions about the character of Europe. In Ms. Merkel’s absence, European leaders — including Germany’s next chancellor, whoever that is — will need to determine the bloc’s future course. How will it navigate the increased rivalry between America and China? To what extent will it embark on a more autonomous defense strategy? And how will it combat the rise of the far right?

At home, a similar pattern prevailed. Look at the economy. Yes, Germany’s export surplus came to an all-time high during Ms. Merkel’s tenure, and G.D.P. reached a record high in 2019. But it has come at the cost of an increased — some say excessive — dependence on the Chinese market, something Ms. Merkel has done little to address. What’s more, by shielding Germany’s car industry from more ambitious carbon-emission goals, Ms. Merkel has in effect exonerated managers from the need to innovate. That’s one reason German car companies are scrambling to keep up with their American and Chinese counterparts.

Then there’s climate change. Trying to protect key industries and fearing to impose too much change on voters, Ms. Merkel refrained from any far-reaching plan to cut emissions until late in her tenure. And though the share of renewable energy grew to 45 percent during her time in office, many experts agree that on its current trajectory, the country will not meet its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2045. Despite being seen abroad as the “climate chancellor,” Ms. Merkel has taken only very minor steps toward confronting the defining issue of our time.

It all adds up to a country at once cozy and cosseted, ignorant of the dangers waiting in the wings. Ursula Weidenfeld, an economics journalist and the author of a recent biography of the chancellor, has likened Ms. Merkel’s Germany to the Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” Peaceful and prosperous, soothingly old-fashioned, self-satisfied to the point of delusion and naïve in a likable yet unnerving way: The analogy is apt.

Ms. Merkel protected the Shire, which is what Germans expected of her and why she won four national elections in a row. But in doing so, she fostered its peculiar detachment from the world and its unwillingness to change, innovate or even discuss different ways forward.

The chancellor also became stuck in her ways. Humble and unpretentious, she saw herself as a servant to her country. But in return for her service, dedication and competence, she came to expect — demand, even — blind trust. She has grown increasingly impatient with the forever chatter of Germany’s political class.

Her famous phrase during the migration crisis — “We can do this” — was to some a welcome dose of optimism. But to others, not least in her own party, it was a decree, a royal diktat from above silencing opposition and curtailing debate. Perhaps that tendency hardened over time. Ahead one of the endless meetings with Germany’s 16 governors during the pandemic’s first wave in 2020, she reportedly complained about the “orgies of debates on reopening the country.”

It was an unusual outburst, one that underscored a growing unease about her methods and her achievements. After all, the pandemic exposed Germany’s lack of digital services, the need to modernize its public health service and the vulnerability of the economy’s supply chains. The floods in July, in which over 200 people lost their lives, were a tragic reminder that Germany will not be spared the perils of climate change. Against this backdrop, the prospect of change — no matter how familiar the candidates — has become more appealing.

Just a couple of years ago, Ms. Merkel was garlanded as the “leader of the free world.” Against the chaos and disruption of Mr. Trump, her sober, judicious style was widely envied. Now, in a twist of history, different qualities are wanted. I’m pretty sure there will be many moments in the not-too-distant future when Germans will painfully miss Angela Merkel. And yet: It is time. Tschüss Mutti.

In central Berlin, a giant billboard shows a pair of hands, arranged in the shape of a diamond, in front of a female torso dressed in a green jacket. “Tschüss Mutti,” the billboard reads.

In central Berlin, a giant billboard shows a pair of hands, arranged in the shape of a diamond, in front of a female torso dressed in a green jacket. “Tschüss Mutti,” the billboard reads. “Bye, bye, Mommy.” Even without a face, Germans know who’s being depicted. The diamond, the colorful jacket and the word “Mutti” are iconic, just like Angela Merkel herself. After 16 years, Germany is saying “Tschüss” to its longtime chancellor. Across the country, the departure of Ms. Merkel has brought out affectionate nostalgia, tinged with a drop of irony. Yet there’s also fatigue, verging on irritation, a twitchy restlessness to see her off and start afresh. As with most farewells, feelings are mixed. × For Ms. Merkel, a leader who never sought acclaim, a low-key, almost ambivalent exit feels fitting. But it also reveals an irony about her rule. The qualities that ensured her success — her caution and consistency, her firmness and diligence — are now, at the end of her tenure, leading some to regard her departure with relief. The Germany Ms. Merkel made, in nearly two decades of steady stewardship, is ready to move on. Also Read | Germany’s far-right is nowhere in the election. But it’s ‘here to stay.’ For all her calm, Ms. Merkel’s time in charge has not been without tumult. She steered Germany through a series of crises — the financial crash in 2008, the euro debt crisis that followed, the migration crisis of 2015 and, of course, the pandemic. She brokered a truce, albeit a brittle one, between Russia and Ukraine, helped to negotiate Brexit and saw Donald Trump come and go. Each event had the potential to sunder the world. In part thanks to Ms. Merkel, none did. Her role in these crises continues to be debated. Many progressives maintain that her austerity policies have done more harm than good, and many conservatives believe she should have closed Germany’s borders to migrants in 2015. The overall verdict, though, is unlikely to change. Under great pressure, Ms. Merkel was a conservative in the best sense, retaining the country’s prosperity, cohesion and purpose. Her great achievement was not what she built, but what she managed to keep. Yet preservation can quickly turn to stagnation. Many of Ms. Merkel’s policies that had an initially stabilizing effect carried hidden long-term costs. And at the very moment she is about to leave office, that’s starting to show. Her “sins of omission” — as a British historian and Germany expert, Timothy Garton Ash, put it to me — are becoming painfully obvious. Take Europe. Across nearly two decades, Ms. Merkel played an outsize role in guiding the union through a succession of challenges. But in the process, she stored up future problems. In 2016, for example, the chancellor spearheaded a deal with Turkey to take in refugees. The move ended the yearlong migration crisis, in which more than a million migrants claimed asylum in Europe. But it’s hardly a sustainable solution, neither for Turkey — where economic difficulties and growing numbers of refugees threaten to destabilize the country — nor for Europe. Migrants, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover of the country, will continue to seek refuge on the continent. Some workable solution, attentive to the needs of both migrants and citizens, must be found. In other areas, too, Ms. Merkel’s approach fell short. Her handling of the euro debt crisis helped secure the future of the bloc, but at the cost of leaving the underlying dynamics — overindebted southern countries and an unbalanced monetary union — untouched. Her conciliatory approach to Russia, not least over the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, looks ever more untenable as President Vladimir Putin ruthlessly consolidates his regime. And while her inclination to avoid censuring Hungary and Poland for their breaches of the rule of law protected the bloc against disintegration, it sidestepped essential questions about the character of Europe. In Ms. Merkel’s absence, European leaders — including Germany’s next chancellor, whoever that is — will need to determine the bloc’s future course. How will it navigate the increased rivalry between America and China? To what extent will it embark on a more autonomous defense strategy? And how will it combat the rise of the far right? At home, a similar pattern prevailed. Look at the economy. Yes, Germany’s export surplus came to an all-time high during Ms. Merkel’s tenure, and G.D.P. reached a record high in 2019. But it has come at the cost of an increased — some say excessive — dependence on the Chinese market, something Ms. Merkel has done little to address. What’s more, by shielding Germany’s car industry from more ambitious carbon-emission goals, Ms. Merkel has in effect exonerated managers from the need to innovate. That’s one reason German car companies are scrambling to keep up with their American and Chinese counterparts. Then there’s climate change. Trying to protect key industries and fearing to impose too much change on voters, Ms. Merkel refrained from any far-reaching plan to cut emissions until late in her tenure. And though the share of renewable energy grew to 45 percent during her time in office, many experts agree that on its current trajectory, the country will not meet its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2045. Despite being seen abroad as the “climate chancellor,” Ms. Merkel has taken only very minor steps toward confronting the defining issue of our time. It all adds up to a country at once cozy and cosseted, ignorant of the dangers waiting in the wings. Ursula Weidenfeld, an economics journalist and the author of a recent biography of the chancellor, has likened Ms. Merkel’s Germany to the Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” Peaceful and prosperous, soothingly old-fashioned, self-satisfied to the point of delusion and naïve in a likable yet unnerving way: The analogy is apt. Ms. Merkel protected the Shire, which is what Germans expected of her and why she won four national elections in a row. But in doing so, she fostered its peculiar detachment from the world and its unwillingness to change, innovate or even discuss different ways forward. The chancellor also became stuck in her ways. Humble and unpretentious, she saw herself as a servant to her country. But in return for her service, dedication and competence, she came to expect — demand, even — blind trust. She has grown increasingly impatient with the forever chatter of Germany’s political class. Her famous phrase during the migration crisis — “We can do this” — was to some a welcome dose of optimism. But to others, not least in her own party, it was a decree, a royal diktat from above silencing opposition and curtailing debate. Perhaps that tendency hardened over time. Ahead one of the endless meetings with Germany’s 16 governors during the pandemic’s first wave in 2020, she reportedly complained about the “orgies of debates on reopening the country.” It was an unusual outburst, one that underscored a growing unease about her methods and her achievements. After all, the pandemic exposed Germany’s lack of digital services, the need to modernize its public health service and the vulnerability of the economy’s supply chains. The floods in July, in which over 200 people lost their lives, were a tragic reminder that Germany will not be spared the perils of climate change. Against this backdrop, the prospect of change — no matter how familiar the candidates — has become more appealing. Just a couple of years ago, Ms. Merkel was garlanded as the “leader of the free world.” Against the chaos and disruption of Mr. Trump, her sober, judicious style was widely envied. Now, in a twist of history, different qualities are wanted. I’m pretty sure there will be many moments in the not-too-distant future when Germans will painfully miss Angela Merkel. And yet: It is time. Tschüss Mutti.

Farewell, Angela Merkel. You were once the ‘Leader of the Free World’

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions.

Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items.

"Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chaotic-afghanistan-will-again-become-a-safe-haven-for-terrorists-imran-khan-at-unga-415729">Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA</a>

She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others.

The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-activist-says-taliban-have-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-women-415507">Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people.

US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-says-executions-will-return-in-afghanistan-41539">Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan</a>

The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued general licenses that will further pave way for aid to flow into Afghanistan despite US sanctions on Taliban. The step was taken amid concern that USA's sanctions may compound humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Treasury Department said that it had issued two general licenses. First would allow US government, NGOs and certain international organisations including the United Nations to engage in transactions with Taliban or Haqqani Network that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. Taliban and Haqqani Network are under sanctions. Second license authorizes certain transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and other items. "Treasury is committed to facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and other activities that support their basic human needs," Andrea Gacki, director of the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, said in the statement. Also Read | Chaotic Afghanistan will again become a safe haven for terrorists: Imran Khan at UNGA She added that Washington will continue to work with financial institutions, NGOs and international organizations to ease the flow of agricultural goods, medicine and other resources while upholding sanctions on the Taliban, Haqqani Network and others. The United Nations said that at the start of the year more than 18 million people - about half of Afghanistan's population - require aid amid the second drought in four years. Also Read | Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that Afghanistan is on "the verge of a dramatic humanitarian disaster" and has decided to engage the Taliban in order to help the country's people. US President Joe Biden's administration has said it is committed to allowing humanitarian work in Afghanistan to continue despite Washington listing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. Also Read | Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan The sanctions freeze any US assets of the Islamist militant group and bar Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services. (With inputs from agencies)

US finds way to provide humanitarian aid to Afghan people despite sanctions

Today in history: OIC charter signed, second battle of Champagne begins

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way

A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return. He said this during an interview to Associated Press.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-taliban-guidelines-stir-fear-about-the-future-of-press-freedom-41537">New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom</a>

Mullah Nooruddin Turabi defended the Taliban ways during the interview.

“Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments,” Turabi was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-taliban-sacks-v-c-around-70-teaching-staff-of-kabul-university-resign-415340">After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign</a>

“No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran.”

Turabi was justice minister of the so-called Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Taliban government of the late 90s. He is now in-charge of prisons.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-botched-drone-strike-in-kabul-started-with-the-wrong-car-414864">A botched drone strike in Kabul started with the wrong car</a>

Taliban took control of Afghanistan in a lightning-swift offensive after withdrawal of the US troops in August. Afghans gathered in thousands at Kabul airport to flee the country out of fear of the Taliban.

After solidifying grip on power, Taliban appeared to suggest that their rule would be different than before, but their all-men government features individuals who are designated terrorists.

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return.

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return. He said this during an interview to Associated Press. Also Read | New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom Mullah Nooruddin Turabi defended the Taliban ways during the interview. “Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments,” Turabi was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Also Read | After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign “No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran.” Turabi was justice minister of the so-called Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Taliban government of the late 90s. He is now in-charge of prisons. Also Read | A botched drone strike in Kabul started with the wrong car Taliban took control of Afghanistan in a lightning-swift offensive after withdrawal of the US troops in August. Afghans gathered in thousands at Kabul airport to flee the country out of fear of the Taliban. After solidifying grip on power, Taliban appeared to suggest that their rule would be different than before, but their all-men government features individuals who are designated terrorists.

Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown.

The funding was passed by House of Representatives by a comfortable 420-9

"Passage of this bill reflects the great unity in Congress... for Israel's security," Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats, said in a speech on the chamber floor.&nbsp;

"Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel's security is an imperative for America's security."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-huddles-with-democrats-as-divisions-threaten-his-agenda-415220">Biden huddles with Democrats as divisions threaten his agenda</a>

Iron Dome missile defense system has till now destroyed thousands of short-range rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza before they struck populated areas of Israel. The system was launched a decade ago and has been backed by the US.

Provision for fresh funding was initially removed from the legislation addressing government shutdown after section of Democratic Party lawmakers threatened to oppose the legislation unless Iron Dome funding was removed from the wording

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-poll-reveals-donald-trump-has-higher-positive-rating-than-biden-415194">Harvard poll reveals Donald Trump has higher positive rating than Biden</a>

This elicited disapproving remarks from several lawmakers from both parties.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy termed it a Democratic capitulation to "the anti-Semitic influence of their radical members."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-crack-down-on-potent-class-of-greenhouse-gases-415169">US to crack down on potent class of greenhouse gases</a>

Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, tweeted he was "incredulous" that colleagues would object to defending "one of our most important allies and only Jewish nation in the world" from Hamas rockets.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked both parties for their commitment to the country's security and the American people for their "steadfast friendship."

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown.

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown. The funding was passed by House of Representatives by a comfortable 420-9 "Passage of this bill reflects the great unity in Congress... for Israel's security," Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats, said in a speech on the chamber floor. "Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel's security is an imperative for America's security." Also Read | Biden huddles with Democrats as divisions threaten his agenda Iron Dome missile defense system has till now destroyed thousands of short-range rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza before they struck populated areas of Israel. The system was launched a decade ago and has been backed by the US. Provision for fresh funding was initially removed from the legislation addressing government shutdown after section of Democratic Party lawmakers threatened to oppose the legislation unless Iron Dome funding was removed from the wording Also Read | Harvard poll reveals Donald Trump has higher positive rating than Biden This elicited disapproving remarks from several lawmakers from both parties. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy termed it a Democratic capitulation to "the anti-Semitic influence of their radical members." Also Read | US to crack down on potent class of greenhouse gases Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, tweeted he was "incredulous" that colleagues would object to defending "one of our most important allies and only Jewish nation in the world" from Hamas rockets. Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked both parties for their commitment to the country's security and the American people for their "steadfast friendship." (With inputs from agencies)

US House greenlights $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;held talks with Pakistan&nbsp;over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban.

Blinken met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan is the key ally of Taliban regime. Blinken also held talks with ministers of four other veto-wielding Security Council members including China and Russia.

"I think there is very strong unity of approach and unity of purpose," Blinken told reporters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-taliban-guidelines-stir-fear-about-the-future-of-press-freedom-41537">New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom</a>

US State Department said that Bliken highlighted "the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement" in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Pakistan has been speaking in favour of engagement with Taliban and unfreezing of Afghan assets. However, Qureshi has said that&nbsp;there was no rush to recognise a new Taliban government, a step opposed by Western nations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-says-executions-will-return-in-afghanistan-415399">Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan</a>

Qureshi, opening his meeting with Blinken, said, "We have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability."

China and Russia have both moved to engage with the Taliban but have also stopped short of recognition and have longstanding concerns about Islamic extremism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-taliban-sacks-v-c-around-70-teaching-staff-of-kabul-university-resign-415340">After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign</a>

The Taliban swept through Afghanistan last month after President Joe Biden withdrew US troops, saying there was no point in extending America's longest war beyond 20 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Pakistan over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Pakistan over Afghanistan on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on Thursday. He said he believed the world was united on pressing the Taliban. Blinken met his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan is the key ally of Taliban regime. Blinken also held talks with ministers of four other veto-wielding Security Council members including China and Russia. "I think there is very strong unity of approach and unity of purpose," Blinken told reporters. Also Read | New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom US State Department said that Bliken highlighted "the importance of coordinating our diplomatic engagement" in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pakistan has been speaking in favour of engagement with Taliban and unfreezing of Afghan assets. However, Qureshi has said that there was no rush to recognise a new Taliban government, a step opposed by Western nations. Also Read | Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan Qureshi, opening his meeting with Blinken, said, "We have to find a way of collectively working to achieve our common objective, which is peace and stability." China and Russia have both moved to engage with the Taliban but have also stopped short of recognition and have longstanding concerns about Islamic extremism. Also Read | After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign The Taliban swept through Afghanistan last month after President Joe Biden withdrew US troops, saying there was no point in extending America's longest war beyond 20 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday.

Jitender Gogi, the now-dead gangster, was being produced in court. Two out of three attackers were dressed as lawyers. All of them were killed by the police in retaliatory fire. As per media reports, three other people have been injured which includes a woman lawyer. The incident at a court in Delhi's Rohini area was partially caught on camera.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Visuals of the shootout at Delhi's Rohini court today 
 
As per Delhi Police, assailants opened fire at gangster Jitender Mann 'Gogi', who has died. Three attackers have also been shot dead by police. <a href="https://t.co/dYgRjQGW7J">pic.twitter.com/dYgRjQGW7J</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1441324350880174083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The gangster Jitender Gogi was killed by the attackers who reportedly belonged to rival 'Tillu' gang. News agency IANS has quoted sources as saying that the incident took place in court no 207.

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Gogi was arrested in April this year by special cell of the police. He is a known criminal&nbsp;who has been involved in numerous crimes for many years.

He was also involved in killing of a 22-year-old singer in north Indian state of Haryana. She was gunned down in 2017.

On&nbsp;the incident at Rohini court, a Delhi Police spokesperson said a police team took swift action and launched counter firing.

Two of the assailants were in lawyers' attire and attacked the undertrial&nbsp;Gogi. "Both assailants died along with Gogi," the spokesperson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scomosas-australian-pm-scott-morrison-nicknamed-indian-fried-snack-after-himself-415320">'Scomosas': Australian PM Scott Morrison nicknamed Indian fried snack after himself</a>

"They killed Gogi and the cops shot them dead," sources said adding that the judge was present in the court at the time of the incident. A woman lawyer was also injured during the firing.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana also confirmed that the attackers have been neutralised.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday.

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday. Jitender Gogi, the now-dead gangster, was being produced in court. Two out of three attackers were dressed as lawyers. All of them were killed by the police in retaliatory fire. As per media reports, three other people have been injured which includes a woman lawyer. The incident at a court in Delhi's Rohini area was partially caught on camera. #WATCH | Visuals of the shootout at Delhi's Rohini court today As per Delhi Police, assailants opened fire at gangster Jitender Mann 'Gogi', who has died. Three attackers have also been shot dead by police. pic.twitter.com/dYgRjQGW7J — ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2021 × The gangster Jitender Gogi was killed by the attackers who reportedly belonged to rival 'Tillu' gang. News agency IANS has quoted sources as saying that the incident took place in court no 207. Also Read | Indian salon ordered to pay Rs 20 million as damages for a 'traumatic' haircut Gogi was arrested in April this year by special cell of the police. He is a known criminal who has been involved in numerous crimes for many years. He was also involved in killing of a 22-year-old singer in north Indian state of Haryana. She was gunned down in 2017. On the incident at Rohini court, a Delhi Police spokesperson said a police team took swift action and launched counter firing. Two of the assailants were in lawyers' attire and attacked the undertrial Gogi. "Both assailants died along with Gogi," the spokesperson said. Also Read | 'Scomosas': Australian PM Scott Morrison nicknamed Indian fried snack after himself "They killed Gogi and the cops shot them dead," sources said adding that the judge was present in the court at the time of the incident. A woman lawyer was also injured during the firing. Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana also confirmed that the attackers have been neutralised. (With inputs from agencies)

Straight from a crime film: Attackers dressed as lawyers kill Indian gangster inside courtroom

It's true what they say. Home is where the heart is. But when you build a house with love, the place, that exact place, becomes a matter of deep attachment. Losing a house is traumatic event. It is a joyous moment indeed when a stroke of luck turns the odds in your favour and your home is preserved.

One such house is being called the 'miracle house' on social media. The house is located on La Palma on Canary Islands.&nbsp;

Canary Islands have seen massive volcanic eruptions just a few days ago.

But as it can be seen in the photo, the house in the middle has been spared by the lava flows that appear to have flown around it. Lava is literally thousands of degrees hot and does not spare anything in its path as it moves on ground.

This house appears to have been spared from the fury and has justifiably earned the tag of 'miracle house'.

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On Friday, Jets of red hot lava shot into the sky on Spain's La Palma. as a huge cloud of toxic ash drifted from the Cumbre Vieja volcano toward the mainland and jeopardized the island's economically crucial banana crops.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bloodthirsty-vampire-bats-prefer-sharing-drink-with-friends-finds-study-415520">Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer sharing drink with friends, finds study</a>

Walls of lava, which turns black when exposed to the air, have advanced slowly westward since Sunday (September 19), engulfing everything in their path, including houses, schools and some banana plantations.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-insight-lander-detects-huge-marsquakes-415585">NASA's InSight lander detects huge 'marsquakes'</a>

With more than 200 houses destroyed and thousands of evacuated people unable to return home, the Canary Islands' regional government said it would buy two housing developments with a combined 73 properties for those made homeless. Spanish banks jointly announced they would offer vacant homes they hold across the Canaries as emergency shelter.

(With inputs from agencies)

It's true what they say. Home is where the heart is. But when you build a house with love, the place, that exact place, becomes a matter of deep attachment. Losing a house is traumatic event.

It's true what they say. Home is where the heart is. But when you build a house with love, the place, that exact place, becomes a matter of deep attachment. Losing a house is traumatic event. It is a joyous moment indeed when a stroke of luck turns the odds in your favour and your home is preserved. One such house is being called the 'miracle house' on social media. The house is located on La Palma on Canary Islands. Canary Islands have seen massive volcanic eruptions just a few days ago. But as it can be seen in the photo, the house in the middle has been spared by the lava flows that appear to have flown around it. Lava is literally thousands of degrees hot and does not spare anything in its path as it moves on ground. This house appears to have been spared from the fury and has justifiably earned the tag of 'miracle house'. Also Read | Indian salon ordered to pay Rs 20 million as damages for a 'traumatic' haircut On Friday, Jets of red hot lava shot into the sky on Spain's La Palma. as a huge cloud of toxic ash drifted from the Cumbre Vieja volcano toward the mainland and jeopardized the island's economically crucial banana crops. Also Read | Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer sharing drink with friends, finds study Walls of lava, which turns black when exposed to the air, have advanced slowly westward since Sunday (September 19), engulfing everything in their path, including houses, schools and some banana plantations. Also Read | NASA's InSight lander detects huge 'marsquakes' With more than 200 houses destroyed and thousands of evacuated people unable to return home, the Canary Islands' regional government said it would buy two housing developments with a combined 73 properties for those made homeless. Spanish banks jointly announced they would offer vacant homes they hold across the Canaries as emergency shelter. (With inputs from agencies)

Canary Islands 'miracle home' defies odds to escape lava flows

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats? So what if vampire bats feast on blood? To each their own right?

Agreed this question sounds fine only when restricted to vampire bats and not other animals (don't 'Hammer' your memory too much on this).

But from scientific point of view, it is indeed fascinating that vampire bats form social bonds that come into play when they obtain their food.

Researchers have now found that vampire bats are more likely to share 'drink' with their friends than strangers. Vampire bats form long-term social bonds between them. But it was unclear before now whether these bonds came into play when they hunted.

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>

Gerald Carter, an evolutionary biologist from Ohio State University in Columbus and Simon Ripperger of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin built on a previous research to come to this conclusion.

The previous research involved study of 50 female bats with tiny computers glued to their backs. This way their movements were tracked.

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Carter and Ripperger found that though 'buddy' bats did not necessarily leave for a hunt together, if they bumped into each in the wild when one of them was feeding, it was likely that they shared the food. The likelihood of a bat sharing its food with a 'stranger' bat was found to be less.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-iss-cracks-serious-issue-415124">Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut</a>

It is possible that this is a survival mechanism that has merged itself with evolution. For a vampire bat on a hunt, opening a fresh wound takes considerable time. But if a friend is already feeding and is willing to share, this save energy of the bat thus making it available for other functions.

The fascinating observations have been published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats?

Nothing like a good drink with a buddy eh? Life's worries can take a hike while we vibe with those who matter. Why not extend the same logic to bloodthirsty, blood-sucking vampire bats? So what if vampire bats feast on blood? To each their own right? Agreed this question sounds fine only when restricted to vampire bats and not other animals (don't 'Hammer' your memory too much on this). But from scientific point of view, it is indeed fascinating that vampire bats form social bonds that come into play when they obtain their food. Researchers have now found that vampire bats are more likely to share 'drink' with their friends than strangers. Vampire bats form long-term social bonds between them. But it was unclear before now whether these bonds came into play when they hunted. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars Gerald Carter, an evolutionary biologist from Ohio State University in Columbus and Simon Ripperger of the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin built on a previous research to come to this conclusion. The previous research involved study of 50 female bats with tiny computers glued to their backs. This way their movements were tracked. Also Read | Health effects of wildfires: Where there’s smoke, there’s less cow milk Carter and Ripperger found that though 'buddy' bats did not necessarily leave for a hunt together, if they bumped into each in the wild when one of them was feeding, it was likely that they shared the food. The likelihood of a bat sharing its food with a 'stranger' bat was found to be less. Also Read | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut It is possible that this is a survival mechanism that has merged itself with evolution. For a vampire bat on a hunt, opening a fresh wound takes considerable time. But if a friend is already feeding and is willing to share, this save energy of the bat thus making it available for other functions. The fascinating observations have been published in the journal PLOS Biology.

Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer sharing drink with friends, finds study

Global investors are in guessing mode as a crucial date for a key interest payment passed without a comment from indebted property company Evergrande. There are fears that China will let bondholders abroad swallow large losses. The liquidity crisis at the world's most indebted company is deepening.

Evergrande owes $305 billion, has run short of cash and investors are worried a collapse could pose systemic risks to China's financial system and reverberate around the world.

Deadline for payment of interest of USD 305 billion was Thursday (September 24). Bondholders have not been paid or heard from the company, reported Reuters quoting two people familiar with the situation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/evergrande-chairman-reassures-investors-shares-surge-415070">Evergrande chairman reassures investors, shares surge</a>

The firm has a 30-day grace period and will default if that passes without payment.

Evergrande's silence on the dollar bond interest payment and another $47.5 million payment due next week contrasts with its treatment of its domestic investors. The company this week resolved one coupon payment on a domestic bond.

"This is part of the tactics of any sovereign driven restructuring process - keeping people in the dark or guessing," said Karl Clowry, a partner at Addleshaw Goddard in London.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crisis-hit-evergrande-says-deal-has-been-reached-to-avoid-default-414778">China's crisis-hit Evergrande says deal has been reached to avoid default</a>

"The view from Beijing is offshore bondholders are largely Western institutions and so can justifiably be given different treatment. I think people think it's still a falling knife."

China's central bank again injected cash into the banking system on Friday, seen as a signal of support for markets. But authorities have been silent on Evergrande's predicament and China's state media has offered no clues on a rescue package.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-evergrande-crisis-a-global-financial-crisis-in-the-making-414669">China's Evergrande crisis: A global financial crisis in the making</a>

"These are periods of eerie silence as no-one wants to take massive risks at this stage," said Howe Chung Wan, head of Asia fixed income at Principal Global Investors in Singapore.

"There's no precedent to this at the size of Evergrande ... we have to see in the next ten days or so, before China goes into holiday, how this is going to play out."

Evergrande appointed financial advisers and warned of default last week and world markets fell heavily on Monday amid fears of contagion, though they have since stabilised.

(With inputs from agencies)

Global investors are in guessing mode as a crucial date for a key interest payment passed without a comment from indebted property company Evergrande. There are fears that China will let bondholders abroad swallow large losses.

Global investors are in guessing mode as a crucial date for a key interest payment passed without a comment from indebted property company Evergrande. There are fears that China will let bondholders abroad swallow large losses. The liquidity crisis at the world's most indebted company is deepening. Evergrande owes $305 billion, has run short of cash and investors are worried a collapse could pose systemic risks to China's financial system and reverberate around the world. Deadline for payment of interest of USD 305 billion was Thursday (September 24). Bondholders have not been paid or heard from the company, reported Reuters quoting two people familiar with the situation. Also Read | Evergrande chairman reassures investors, shares surge The firm has a 30-day grace period and will default if that passes without payment. Evergrande's silence on the dollar bond interest payment and another $47.5 million payment due next week contrasts with its treatment of its domestic investors. The company this week resolved one coupon payment on a domestic bond. "This is part of the tactics of any sovereign driven restructuring process - keeping people in the dark or guessing," said Karl Clowry, a partner at Addleshaw Goddard in London. Also Read | China's crisis-hit Evergrande says deal has been reached to avoid default "The view from Beijing is offshore bondholders are largely Western institutions and so can justifiably be given different treatment. I think people think it's still a falling knife." China's central bank again injected cash into the banking system on Friday, seen as a signal of support for markets. But authorities have been silent on Evergrande's predicament and China's state media has offered no clues on a rescue package. Also Read | China's Evergrande crisis: A global financial crisis in the making "These are periods of eerie silence as no-one wants to take massive risks at this stage," said Howe Chung Wan, head of Asia fixed income at Principal Global Investors in Singapore. "There's no precedent to this at the size of Evergrande ... we have to see in the next ten days or so, before China goes into holiday, how this is going to play out." Evergrande appointed financial advisers and warned of default last week and world markets fell heavily on Monday amid fears of contagion, though they have since stabilised. (With inputs from agencies)

Evergrande investors in dark as no news on interest payment emerges

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