<p>The United Nations is convening an aid conference in Geneva in order to raise more than USD 600 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. It has warned of a humanitarian crisis after the Taliban takeover.</p>

<p>More than half the population, or 18 million people were dependent on aid even before Taliban's seizure of Kabul last month. The number is likely to increase due to shortage of cash and food as well as drought, UN officials warned.</p>

<p>Abrupt end in foreign donations following collapse of Ashraf Ghani-led government has put pressure on UN programmes.</p>

<p>UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the organisation was struggling financially.</p>

<p>"At the present moment the U.N. is not even able to pay its salaries to its own workers," he told reporters on Friday.</p>

<p>The Geneva conference, due to begin on Monday afternoon, will be attended by top U.N. officials including Guterres, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer, as well as dozens of government representatives including German foreign minister Heiko Maas.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-can-study-but-in-gender-segregated-classrooms-taliban-minister-412606">Afghan women can study but in gender-segregated classrooms: Taliban Minister</a></strong></p>

<p>About a third of the $606 million being sought would be used by the U.N. World Food Programme which found that 93% of the 1,600 Afghans it surveyed in August and September were not consuming sufficient foods, mostly because they could not get access to cash to pay for it.</p>

<p>"It's now a race against time and the snow to deliver life-saving assistance to the Afghan people who need it most," said WFP deputy regional director Anthea Webb. "We are quite literally begging and borrowing to avoid food stocks running out."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations is convening an aid conference in Geneva in order to raise more than USD 600 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. It has warned of a humanitarian crisis after the Taliban takeover.

The United Nations is convening an aid conference in Geneva in order to raise more than USD 600 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan. It has warned of a humanitarian crisis after the Taliban takeover. More than half the population, or 18 million people were dependent on aid even before Taliban's seizure of Kabul last month. The number is likely to increase due to shortage of cash and food as well as drought, UN officials warned. Abrupt end in foreign donations following collapse of Ashraf Ghani-led government has put pressure on UN programmes. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the organisation was struggling financially. "At the present moment the U.N. is not even able to pay its salaries to its own workers," he told reporters on Friday. The Geneva conference, due to begin on Monday afternoon, will be attended by top U.N. officials including Guterres, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer, as well as dozens of government representatives including German foreign minister Heiko Maas. Also Read | Afghan women can study but in gender-segregated classrooms: Taliban Minister About a third of the $606 million being sought would be used by the U.N. World Food Programme which found that 93% of the 1,600 Afghans it surveyed in August and September were not consuming sufficient foods, mostly because they could not get access to cash to pay for it. "It's now a race against time and the snow to deliver life-saving assistance to the Afghan people who need it most," said WFP deputy regional director Anthea Webb. "We are quite literally begging and borrowing to avoid food stocks running out." (With inputs from agencies)

UN seeks to raise $600 million to avoid Afghan humanitarian crisis

<p>Amazon founder&nbsp;Jeff Bezos has come a long way. From being just a book seller in the 90s to being richest person in the world, Bezos has crossed many milestones. But a new frontier beckons for the billionaire as he plans to live forever, or at the very least longer than average human beings. He is even investing money in research in this direction.</p>

<p>As per MIT Technology Review, Bezos is backing a company that is pursuing biological reprogramming technology which is a way to rejuvenate cells in lab. Some scientists think that such an approach can revitalise entire animal bodies and ultimately prolong life.</p>

<p>The company is called Altos Labs. It is currently reported to be recruiting large cadre of scientists and offering them lavish salaries. They also have assurance that they will have freedom conduct unfettered research to study how cells age. They will not have the pressure scientists working in corporate companies face to deliver the product.</p>

<p>Jeff Bezos has his fingers in many pies. Although he stepped down as a CEO of Amazon in July and went to outer space in a rocket built by his aerospace company Blue Origin. Bezos has ownership of Washington Post and has sizeable investment in Insider (formerly Business Insider).</p>


Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has come a long way. From being just a book seller in the 90s to being richest person in the world, Bezos has crossed many milestones. But a new frontier beckons for the billionaire as he plans to live forever, or at the very least longer than average human beings.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has come a long way. From being just a book seller in the 90s to being richest person in the world, Bezos has crossed many milestones. But a new frontier beckons for the billionaire as he plans to live forever, or at the very least longer than average human beings. He is even investing money in research in this direction. As per MIT Technology Review, Bezos is backing a company that is pursuing biological reprogramming technology which is a way to rejuvenate cells in lab. Some scientists think that such an approach can revitalise entire animal bodies and ultimately prolong life. The company is called Altos Labs. It is currently reported to be recruiting large cadre of scientists and offering them lavish salaries. They also have assurance that they will have freedom conduct unfettered research to study how cells age. They will not have the pressure scientists working in corporate companies face to deliver the product. Jeff Bezos has his fingers in many pies. Although he stepped down as a CEO of Amazon in July and went to outer space in a rocket built by his aerospace company Blue Origin. Bezos has ownership of Washington Post and has sizeable investment in Insider (formerly Business Insider).

Jeff Bezos is pouring money to crack secret of living 'forever'

<p>The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year.</p>

<p>This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines.</p>

<p>In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities.</p>

<p>Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted.</p>

<p>Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.</p>


The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover.

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year. This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines. In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities. Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted. Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.

Number of environmental activists killed world over highest for second year

<p>SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board.</p>

<p>The SpaceX flight has been chartered by Jared Isaacman (38) an American billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payment. He is also a pilot.</p>

<p>The "Inspiration4" mission caps a summer that saw billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos cross the final frontier, on Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin spaceships respectively, a few days apart in July.</p>

<p>But latest SpaceX mission is far more ambitious in scope. SpaceX Crew Dragon will fly further that the orbit of International Space Station.</p>

<p>"The risk is not zero," said Isaacman in an episode of a Netflix documentary about the mission.</p>

<p>"You're riding a rocket at 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometers) per hour around the Earth. In that kind of environment there's risks."</p>

<p>SpaceX has already given 10 astrtonauts rides to the ISS on behalf of NASA. But this will be its first time taking non-professional astronauts.</p>

<p>Lift-off is scheduled for Wednesday from 8:00 pm Eastern Time (0000 GMT) from launch pad 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Center in Florida, from where the Apollo missions to the Moon took off.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board.

SpaceX is all set to launch four people into space on Wednesday (September 15). It will be a three-day mission and it will be the first mission to orbit the Earth with only private citizens on board. The SpaceX flight has been chartered by Jared Isaacman (38) an American billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4 Payment. He is also a pilot. The "Inspiration4" mission caps a summer that saw billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos cross the final frontier, on Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin spaceships respectively, a few days apart in July. But latest SpaceX mission is far more ambitious in scope. SpaceX Crew Dragon will fly further that the orbit of International Space Station. "The risk is not zero," said Isaacman in an episode of a Netflix documentary about the mission. "You're riding a rocket at 17,500 miles (28,000 kilometers) per hour around the Earth. In that kind of environment there's risks." SpaceX has already given 10 astrtonauts rides to the ISS on behalf of NASA. But this will be its first time taking non-professional astronauts. Lift-off is scheduled for Wednesday from 8:00 pm Eastern Time (0000 GMT) from launch pad 39A, at NASA's Kennedy Center in Florida, from where the Apollo missions to the Moon took off. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX gets ready for all-civilian crew spaceflight

<p>Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz.</p>

<p>Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery.</p>

<p>The reason?</p>

<p>He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair.</p>

<p>The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style.</p>

<p>What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?</p>


Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level.

Bling's the thing and for rappers it's part of their statement. But move over shiny medallions dangling around the neck. A rapper has taken the business to the next level. Cool haircuts are passe. Colouring your hair is oh-so-common. The next level thing is to replace all your hair. And while you're at it, why not use gold chains for that extra glitz. Dan Sur has done just that. He is a rapper in Mexico. The 23-year-old recently got his hair replaced with gold chains through surgery. The reason? He wanted to do something different and he says that nobody has ever done it. He underwent the surgery in April this year and his Instagram page has his goldilocks everywhere. As per New York Post, It appears that Dan Sur is the first rapper in history to have chain hair. The rapper even wrote in one of his video posts that he wanted to do something different since colouring hair was something everybody did. He may be the first one to have had chain hair but he doesn't want people to immediately start aping his style. What next? Rap battle with 2 Chainz?

Rapper replaces his hair with gold chains through surgery

<p>What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless.</p>

<p>Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa.</p>

<p>And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanistanCulture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanistanCulture</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrRzgyXPvm">pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm</a></p>
— Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1/status/1436845110906478592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women</p>

<p>Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> <a href="https://t.co/fUZSqy4rRK">pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK</a></p>
— Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasHasNaz/status/1437156150022221831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The expression soon found resonance</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask.<br />
<br />
This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. <a href="https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY">https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY</a> <a href="https://t.co/VkQLQoBXDy">pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy</a></p>
— Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi/status/1436997184671584259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a><br />
<br />
Thank you to Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/RoxanaBahar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoxanaBahar1</a> for the inspiration.<br />
<br />
Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. <a href="https://t.co/i9wFASfWR6">pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6</a></p>
— Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad/status/1436974465750118403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAfghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAfghanistan</a>🇦🇫 <a href="https://t.co/v9LIbcvklG">pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG</a></p>
— Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) <a href="https://twitter.com/spozhmey/status/1437022301069922305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a></p>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghan</a> cultural dress for women look like. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ">https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/XPZfstkGc8">pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8</a></p>
— Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaliBashir/status/1437124777483853837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries.<br />
We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it &amp; we have been accepted in every part of the territory. <a href="https://t.co/qSETchvg1e">pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e</a></p>
— Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zarifa_Ghafari/status/1437081974028570627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how Afghan girls/women dress,<br />
The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women.<br />
<br />
In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfghanWomen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DoNotRecognizeTaliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DoNotRecognizeTaliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCYaldaHakim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCYaldaHakim</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSanaSafi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCSanaSafi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Peymasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Peymasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW">https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW</a> <a href="https://t.co/eOrIrTR5bi">pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi</a></p>
— Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarimEhsanullah/status/1437109520338092032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone?</p>

<p>In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.</p>


What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women.

What represents a 'proper' dress? That too for a woman? Common sense dictates that it is she who will decide that and no other. But unfortunately, every culture in the world has its fair share of men dictating what's good/ proper/ admissible/ allowed for women. The list is endless. Taliban's return to power has seen its all-male government deciding what women should wear in public. They are acting as self-declared custodians of Afghan women and think they have all the rights to dictate terms. They want Afghan women to wear burqa. And Afghan women are not taking any of this. They are expressing their freedom in a unique way. Dr Bahar Jalali, who started the first gender studies program in Afghanistan wore a traditional Afghan dress and boldly proclaimed "This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress" This is Afghan culture. I am wearing a traditional Afghan dress. #AfghanistanCulture pic.twitter.com/DrRzgyXPvm — Dr. Bahar Jalali (@RoxanaBahar1) September 12, 2021 × The tweet has gone viral and seems to have started a movement among Afghan women Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi, head of Afghan service at DW News joined Dr Jalali and repeated the chant "This is Afghan culture" Me wearing traditional Afghan attire in Kabul. This is Afghan culture and this is how Afghan women dress. @RoxanaBahar1 pic.twitter.com/fUZSqy4rRK — Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi (@WasHasNaz) September 12, 2021 × The expression soon found resonance So how do Afghan women dress then? They ask. This is how. If I was in Afghanistan then I would have the scarf on my head. This is as “conservative” and “traditional” as I/you can get. https://t.co/4fjoSUuJZY pic.twitter.com/VkQLQoBXDy — Sana Safi ثنا ساپۍ (@BBCSanaSafi) September 12, 2021 × This is Afghan culture. My traditional dress #AfghanWomen Thank you to Dr @RoxanaBahar1 for the inspiration. Our cultural attire is not the dementor outfits the Taliban have women wearing. pic.twitter.com/i9wFASfWR6 — Peymana Assad 🏔 (@Peymasad) September 12, 2021 × "...the black burqa has never been part of the Afghan culture" This is our Afghan authentic dress. Afghan women wear such colorful and modest attires. The black burqa never has been part of the Afghan culture. #FreeAfghanistan🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/v9LIbcvklG — Spozhmay Maseed (@spozhmey) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × This is how #Afghan cultural dress for women look like. #Afghanistan https://t.co/mcikMUHilQ pic.twitter.com/XPZfstkGc8 — Malali Bashir (@MalaliBashir) September 12, 2021 × When we talk about Afg clothing, we mean ds beautiful clothing that we have inherited from our elders for centuries. We meant this beautiful Afg dress that we have always been supported by the Afghan community by wearing it & we have been accepted in every part of the territory. pic.twitter.com/qSETchvg1e — Zarifa Ghafari (@Zarifa_Ghafari) September 12, 2021 × Afghan men raised their voice in support of these women as well This is how Afghan girls/women dress, The polar opposite of that radical Arab dress code for women. In this picture it’s my sister Zent Jn in shine Laghman our lovely hometown🇦🇫 #Afghanistan #AfghanWomen #DoNotRecognizeTaliban @BBCYaldaHakim @BBCSanaSafi @Peymasad https://t.co/6Oq2D8ryCW pic.twitter.com/eOrIrTR5bi — Ehsanullah Karim (@KarimEhsanullah) September 12, 2021 × Many men, pretending to be of 'open minded' sort, proudly proclaim that they let their sisters, wives do certain things. The question is, who put the men on this perch? Who are they to 'let' or 'allow' women to do anything? Who is anyone to dictate terms to anyone? In today's Afghanistan sadly, these questions find limited resonance in the ruling class.

Burqa not part of Afghan culture, defiant women in traditional wear tell Taliban

<p>French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again&nbsp;posted an intriguing entry on Instagram. Pesquet often posts photos of Earth from the ISS. Many of his posts have shown beauty of the outer space. But this time, he has chosen to take a few snaps of the very vehicle that has enabled him to take pics that are literally out of this world.</p>

<p>Pesquet has focussed his lens on ISS service module's solar panels, the mighty wings that sustain it by receiving solar energy. In the pics, not only the solar panels are shining in all their glory but are resplendent in bluish hue that is likely a reflection of our blue planet.</p>

<p>Pesquet has posted two images. In one, collection of thousands of panels is seen with Earth in the background. But Pesquet has also zoomed in and has let the camera lens unravel the intriguing beauty of individual panels. The panels retain the blue hue and the picture seems as if a wing of a butterfly has been magnified to absorb the intricate beauty.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTrLmxTKk2P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro)</a></p>
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<p>Pesquet's pics have gone viral as they do always. The 'like's are likely to hit 50 thousand mark. The comments are pouring in as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thomas Pesquet was sent to International Space Station in November 2016 for a six month mission. For his current mission, he was sent to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.</p>


French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again posted an intriguing entry on Instagram.

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is known for posting mesmerising pics on his Instagram account. The astronaut, who is at International Space Station (ISS) has again posted an intriguing entry on Instagram. Pesquet often posts photos of Earth from the ISS. Many of his posts have shown beauty of the outer space. But this time, he has chosen to take a few snaps of the very vehicle that has enabled him to take pics that are literally out of this world. Pesquet has focussed his lens on ISS service module's solar panels, the mighty wings that sustain it by receiving solar energy. In the pics, not only the solar panels are shining in all their glory but are resplendent in bluish hue that is likely a reflection of our blue planet. Pesquet has posted two images. In one, collection of thousands of panels is seen with Earth in the background. But Pesquet has also zoomed in and has let the camera lens unravel the intriguing beauty of individual panels. The panels retain the blue hue and the picture seems as if a wing of a butterfly has been magnified to absorb the intricate beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thomas Pesquet (@thom_astro) × Pesquet's pics have gone viral as they do always. The 'like's are likely to hit 50 thousand mark. The comments are pouring in as well. Thomas Pesquet was sent to International Space Station in November 2016 for a six month mission. For his current mission, he was sent to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.

French astronaut posts intriguing pics of ISS

<p>The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities. The Taliban formed an interim "Islamic Emirate" and announced a government earlier this week.</p>

<p>The cabinet members includes Taliban leaders many of whom are considered hardliners. Several of them, including Sirajuddin Haqqani feature on global terrorism lists. The list announced by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid is dominated by members of the group's old guard. Not a single woman finds representation in the government.</p>

<p>"Our demands should be taken seriously. We want honorable officials, Jafari Jurisprudence (Shia school) should be recognized," said Ayatullah Salehi Mudaras, a member of the Shia Ulema, as quoted by TOLO News. This comes after a large gathering was held by the Shia Ulema on Tuesday.</p>

<p>However, Taliban appear to gain a steady hold on power in Afghanistan. Other countries appear to slowly accept the new reality.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-shows-support-for-talibans-new-government-in-afghanistan-412024">said that it stood with the wishes of the Afghan people</a>. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that had formally recognised Taliban regime when they were in power in late 90s</p>

<p>Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/must-maintain-a-dialogue-with-taliban-says-un-secretary-general-411988">said that the world must maintain a dialogue</a> with the Taliban.</p>

<p>He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihadists in Sahel region of Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities.

The Shia Ulema Council in Afghanistan has called for an inclusive government in the country giving adequate representation to Shia Muslims and one that respects rights of all minorities. The Taliban formed an interim "Islamic Emirate" and announced a government earlier this week. The cabinet members includes Taliban leaders many of whom are considered hardliners. Several of them, including Sirajuddin Haqqani feature on global terrorism lists. The list announced by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid is dominated by members of the group's old guard. Not a single woman finds representation in the government. "Our demands should be taken seriously. We want honorable officials, Jafari Jurisprudence (Shia school) should be recognized," said Ayatullah Salehi Mudaras, a member of the Shia Ulema, as quoted by TOLO News. This comes after a large gathering was held by the Shia Ulema on Tuesday. However, Taliban appear to gain a steady hold on power in Afghanistan. Other countries appear to slowly accept the new reality. Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that it stood with the wishes of the Afghan people. Saudi Arabia was one of the few countries that had formally recognised Taliban regime when they were in power in late 90s Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that the world must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihadists in Sahel region of Africa. "We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Shia body calls for inclusive government, minority rights

<p>In a sign that he wanted to defuse dispute with the Supreme Court, Brasil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said that he never intended to attack any branch of the government. The apparent Olive branch boosted markets.</p>

<p>As pro-Bolsonaro marches took place across Brazil, the president called on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Maraes to resign and also said that he will not comply with his rulings. This deepened the rift with the judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, pro-Bolsonaro truckers, seeking to support the president in his battle with the Supreme Court, blocked highways across Brazil, threatening key export routes.</p>

<p>As tensions mounted, Bolsonaro put out an official statement on Thursday afternoon seeking to smooth over his tussle with the Supreme Court, whose justices he has accused of preventing him from governing.</p>

<p>Markets reacted positively to president's statement. Brazil's currency stregthened dramatically after the presidency release. It closed 1.8 per cent stronger against dollar.</p>

<p>After losing 4% on Wednesday in the wake of the controversial comments, Brazil's Bovespa stock index rebounded 1.7% on Thursday following his sudden moderation in tone.</p>

<p>In his statement, the former army captain said his occasional strong language came from "the heat of the moment" and any problems with the justices should be resolved in court.</p>

<p>The tensions with Brazil's top court have created one more crisis for the embattled far-right leader.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro's poll numbers are already slipping as he has overseen world's second deadliest coronavirus outbreak, nearly double-digit inflation and stubborn unemployment levels. Presidential elections are due next year in Brazil.</p>

<p>Later in the evening, in a live broadcast on social media, Bolsonaro maintained the conciliatory tone saying he would not step outside the bounds of the constitution and that he did not have any problems with Brazil's institutions.</p>

<p>He said his disagreements were with individual public figures. The president did, however, repeat that he believed the electronic voting system was vulnerable to interference, an issue that has put him at loggerheads with the Supreme Court and attracted condemnation from across the political spectrum.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In a sign that he wanted to defuse dispute with the Supreme Court, Brasil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said that he never intended to attack any branch of the government.

In a sign that he wanted to defuse dispute with the Supreme Court, Brasil President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said that he never intended to attack any branch of the government. The apparent Olive branch boosted markets. As pro-Bolsonaro marches took place across Brazil, the president called on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Maraes to resign and also said that he will not comply with his rulings. This deepened the rift with the judiciary. On Thursday, pro-Bolsonaro truckers, seeking to support the president in his battle with the Supreme Court, blocked highways across Brazil, threatening key export routes. As tensions mounted, Bolsonaro put out an official statement on Thursday afternoon seeking to smooth over his tussle with the Supreme Court, whose justices he has accused of preventing him from governing. Markets reacted positively to president's statement. Brazil's currency stregthened dramatically after the presidency release. It closed 1.8 per cent stronger against dollar. After losing 4% on Wednesday in the wake of the controversial comments, Brazil's Bovespa stock index rebounded 1.7% on Thursday following his sudden moderation in tone. In his statement, the former army captain said his occasional strong language came from "the heat of the moment" and any problems with the justices should be resolved in court. The tensions with Brazil's top court have created one more crisis for the embattled far-right leader. Bolsonaro's poll numbers are already slipping as he has overseen world's second deadliest coronavirus outbreak, nearly double-digit inflation and stubborn unemployment levels. Presidential elections are due next year in Brazil. Later in the evening, in a live broadcast on social media, Bolsonaro maintained the conciliatory tone saying he would not step outside the bounds of the constitution and that he did not have any problems with Brazil's institutions. He said his disagreements were with individual public figures. The president did, however, repeat that he believed the electronic voting system was vulnerable to interference, an issue that has put him at loggerheads with the Supreme Court and attracted condemnation from across the political spectrum. (With inputs from agencies)

Bolsonaro offers Olive branch in his feud with Supreme Court

<p>United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihaidists in Sahel region of Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said.</p>

<p>"Our duty is to extend our solidarity to a people who suffer greatly, where millions and millions risk dying of hunger," added the secretary-general.</p>

<p>He said that the world must avoid an "econnomic collapse" in Afghanistan.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres said there were "no guarantees" about what might come out of talks but that discussions are a must "if we want Afghanistan not to be a center of terrorism, if we want women and girls to not lose all the rights acquired during the previous period, if we want different ethnic groups to be able to feel represented."</p>

<p>Without calling for the lifting of international sanctions or the release of Afghan funds frozen around the world, the UN head predicted that "financial instruments" would allow Afghanistan's economy "to breathe."</p>

<p>"Until now, in the discussions that we have had, there is at least a receptivity to talk," added Guterres, who does not rule out going to Afghanistan one day if conditions are right.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-20-changed-visas-painted-walls-new-airport-names-hint-at-changed-afghanistan-411938">Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>What the UN wishes is "an inclusive government," where all components of Afghan society are represented, and "this first preliminary government" announced a few days ago "does not give that impression," he added, regretfully.</p>

<p>He said Afghanistan must be governed "in peace and stability, with the rights of the people respected."</p>

<p>Guterres added that the Taliban wants recognition, financial support and sanctions to be abolished.&nbsp;<br />
"That gives a certain leverage to the international community," he said.</p>

<p>Asked about the risks of an Afghanistan-like scenario occurring in the Sahel, the secretary-general said he feared the "psychological and real impact" of what happened in recent weeks.</p>

<p>"There is a real danger. (Some) terrorist groups may feel enthusiastic about what happened and have ambitions beyond what they thought a few months ago," he warned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres pleaded for countries to continue dialogue with the Taliban. He said this during an interview with AFP on Thursday. He expressed fears that hardline Islamists' return to power in Afghanistan may embolden jihaidists in Sahel region of Africa. "We must maintain a dialogue with the Taliban, where we affirm our principles directly -- a dialogue with a feeling of solidarity with the Afghan people," he said. "Our duty is to extend our solidarity to a people who suffer greatly, where millions and millions risk dying of hunger," added the secretary-general. He said that the world must avoid an "econnomic collapse" in Afghanistan. × Guterres said there were "no guarantees" about what might come out of talks but that discussions are a must "if we want Afghanistan not to be a center of terrorism, if we want women and girls to not lose all the rights acquired during the previous period, if we want different ethnic groups to be able to feel represented." Without calling for the lifting of international sanctions or the release of Afghan funds frozen around the world, the UN head predicted that "financial instruments" would allow Afghanistan's economy "to breathe." "Until now, in the discussions that we have had, there is at least a receptivity to talk," added Guterres, who does not rule out going to Afghanistan one day if conditions are right. Also Read | Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan What the UN wishes is "an inclusive government," where all components of Afghan society are represented, and "this first preliminary government" announced a few days ago "does not give that impression," he added, regretfully. He said Afghanistan must be governed "in peace and stability, with the rights of the people respected." Guterres added that the Taliban wants recognition, financial support and sanctions to be abolished. "That gives a certain leverage to the international community," he said. Asked about the risks of an Afghanistan-like scenario occurring in the Sahel, the secretary-general said he feared the "psychological and real impact" of what happened in recent weeks. "There is a real danger. (Some) terrorist groups may feel enthusiastic about what happened and have ambitions beyond what they thought a few months ago," he warned. (With inputs from agencies)

'Must maintain a dialogue with Taliban', says UN Secretary General

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.</p>

<p>They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko.</p>

<p>After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy".</p>

<p>The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values."</p>

<p>The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration"</p>

<p>"We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration.</p>

<p>"Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said.&nbsp;<br />
"Together we are stronger." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU.</p>

<p>Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely. They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko. After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy". The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country. The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols. Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values." The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration" "We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically. The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration. "Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said. "Together we are stronger." The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU. Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration

<p>A US Air Force base was given the all-clear Friday, facility officials said, lifting a four-hour lockdown following reports of an active shooter.</p>

<p>The Ohio base shut down at roughly 9:25 pm (0125 GMT Friday) with security forces sweeping the three-storey National Air and Space Intelligence Center.</p>

<p>Installation Commander Colonel Patrick Miller&nbsp;told local media WHIOTV that two people reported hearing a single gunshot in the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, prompting the search.</p>

<p>"At the end of the night, we did not find a threat,"&nbsp;Miller said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The base's official account tweeted shortly before 2 am that they had been "given the All Clear. Lockdown has been lifted".</p>

<p>Miller added roughly 100 people barricaded themselves in rooms during the incident.</p>

<p>The facility's loudspeakers -- which had been blaring for several hours so loudly it could be heard outside the base -- broadcast the all-clear, according to WHIOTV.</p>


A US Air Force base was given the all-clear Friday, facility officials said, lifting a four-hour lockdown following reports of an active shooter. The Ohio base shut down at roughly 9:25 pm (0125 GMT Friday) with security forces sweeping the three-storey National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

A US Air Force base was given the all-clear Friday, facility officials said, lifting a four-hour lockdown following reports of an active shooter. The Ohio base shut down at roughly 9:25 pm (0125 GMT Friday) with security forces sweeping the three-storey National Air and Space Intelligence Center. Installation Commander Colonel Patrick Miller told local media WHIOTV that two people reported hearing a single gunshot in the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, prompting the search. "At the end of the night, we did not find a threat," Miller said. The base's official account tweeted shortly before 2 am that they had been "given the All Clear. Lockdown has been lifted". Miller added roughly 100 people barricaded themselves in rooms during the incident. The facility's loudspeakers -- which had been blaring for several hours so loudly it could be heard outside the base -- broadcast the all-clear, according to WHIOTV.

US air base gives all-clear after active shooter reports

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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