<p>Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.</p>

<p>The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different.</p>

<p>European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram.</p>

<p>"Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S).</p>

<p>Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post.</p>

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<p>Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.</p>


Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory.

Nothing more needs to be said about how Mars occupies a place of fascination in human mind. It has been revered as a God, feared in horoscopes. But it surely makes for a unique view in the night sky with its red glory. The planet is not as unfamiliar scientifically as decades ago. Orbitters and rovers are still collecting info about the planet. We often see pics of Martian hills, atmosphere and even storms. But Martian landslide? Well that's something different. European Space Agency (ESA) has captured such a landslide on the surface of Mars. It has posted the image on Instagram. "Captured by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter on 13 April 2021, a 5 km-long landslide can be see in this scene at the rim of a 35 km wide crater in the Aeolis region of Mars (151.88°E/27.38°S). Landslides are geomorphological processes occurring under specific environmental conditions. On Mars as on Earth, they come in various shapes and sizes, and Earth analogues are used to understand similar processes seen on planetary bodies..." said ESA in its post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ESA - European Space Agency (@europeanspaceagency) × Netizens are awestruck, and the post has expectedly gone viral. At the time of publishing of this article, the images had got more than 20 thousand likes.

ESA posts brilliant pics of landslide on Mars

<p>China on Tuesday slammed USA's policy of intervention and called it 'arbitrary' one that was "doomed to fail"</p>

<p>"The US withdrawal shows that the policy of arbitrary military intervention and imposition of one’s values and social systems on other countries is doomed to fail,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said.</p>

<p>The words came just hours after completion of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. China appeared to welcome US exit and said that withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan after a 20-year conflict signalled the country has "turned a new page", after Beijing criticised Washington's chaotic exit.</p>

<p>China has repeatedly slammed what it sees as a hasty and ill-planned US withdrawal and has said it is ready to deepen "friendly and cooperative" relations with the Taliban following their takeover.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, soon after completion of US military withdrawal, Taliban fighters were seen<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-engages-in-celebratory-gunfire-as-us-troops-leave-2-fighters-die-due-to-gunshot-wound-409556"> engaging in celebratory gunfire in Kabul</a></p>

<p>"Afghanistan has been able to free itself of foreign military occupation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Afghan people have ushered in a new beginning for national peace and reconstruction, and Afghanistan has turned a new page."&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's embassy in Kabul remains operational, although Beijing began evacuating Chinese citizens from the country months ago as security deteriorated.</p>

<p>But Beijing has not yet recognised the Taliban as the de facto government, and is wary of the militant group providing support to Muslim-minority Uyghur separatists looking to infiltrate its sensitive border region of Xinjiang.</p>

<p>"We hope that Afghanistan will form an open, inclusive and broadly representative government... and resolutely crack down on all kinds of terrorist forces," Wang said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China on Tuesday slammed USA's policy of intervention and called it 'arbitrary' one that was "doomed to fail" "The US withdrawal shows that the policy of arbitrary military intervention and imposition of one’s values and social systems on other countries is doomed to fail,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said.

China on Tuesday slammed USA's policy of intervention and called it 'arbitrary' one that was "doomed to fail" "The US withdrawal shows that the policy of arbitrary military intervention and imposition of one’s values and social systems on other countries is doomed to fail,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said. The words came just hours after completion of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. China appeared to welcome US exit and said that withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan after a 20-year conflict signalled the country has "turned a new page", after Beijing criticised Washington's chaotic exit. China has repeatedly slammed what it sees as a hasty and ill-planned US withdrawal and has said it is ready to deepen "friendly and cooperative" relations with the Taliban following their takeover. On Tuesday, soon after completion of US military withdrawal, Taliban fighters were seen engaging in celebratory gunfire in Kabul "Afghanistan has been able to free itself of foreign military occupation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular briefing. "The Afghan people have ushered in a new beginning for national peace and reconstruction, and Afghanistan has turned a new page." China's embassy in Kabul remains operational, although Beijing began evacuating Chinese citizens from the country months ago as security deteriorated. But Beijing has not yet recognised the Taliban as the de facto government, and is wary of the militant group providing support to Muslim-minority Uyghur separatists looking to infiltrate its sensitive border region of Xinjiang. "We hope that Afghanistan will form an open, inclusive and broadly representative government... and resolutely crack down on all kinds of terrorist forces," Wang said. (With inputs from agencies)

China slams USA's 'arbitrary' intervention policy after Afghan exit

<p>Afghanistan will form a government within days, Pakistan's foreign minister said on Tuesday, after weeks of uncertainty following the Taliban's conquest of the country.</p>

<p>"We expect that a consensus government will be formed in the coming days in Afghanistan," Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a news conference in Islamabad.</p>


Afghanistan will form a government within days, Pakistan's foreign minister said on Tuesday, after weeks of uncertainty following the Taliban's conquest of the country.

Afghanistan will form a government within days, Pakistan's foreign minister said on Tuesday, after weeks of uncertainty following the Taliban's conquest of the country. "We expect that a consensus government will be formed in the coming days in Afghanistan," Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a news conference in Islamabad.

Afghan government to be formed in days, says Pakistan foreign minister

<p>Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers.</p>

<p>The Taliban have so far been at pains to show a more conciliatory face to the world, with none of the harsh public punishments and outright bans on public entertainments that characterized their previous time in power before 2001.</p>

<p>Cultural activities are allowed, they say, so long as they do not go against Sharia law and Afghanistan's Islamic culture.</p>

<p>Taliban authorities in Kandahar, the birthplace of the movement issued a formal order against radio stations playing music and female announcers last week but for many, no formal order was necessary.</p>

<p>Already, colourful signs outside beauty parlours have been painted over, jeans have been replaced by traditional dress and radio stations have replaced their normal menu of Hindi and Persian pop and call-in shows with sombre patriotic music.</p>

<p>"It's not that the Taliban ordered us to change anything, we have altered the programming for now as we don't want Taliban to force us to close down," said Khalid Sediqqi, a producer at a private radio station in the central city of Ghazni.</p>

<p>"Also no one in this country is in the mood for entertainment, we are all in a state of shock," he said. "I am not even sure if anyone is tuning to radio anymore."</p>

<p>During the 20 years of Western-backed government, a lively popular culture grew up in Kabul and other cities with a mashup of body building, energy drinks, extravagant sculpted hairstyles and jangly pop songs. Turkish soap operas, call-in programmes and television talent shows like 'Afghan Star' became major hits.</p>

<p><strong>'TOXIC'</strong></p>

<p>For senior Taliban, many raised in religious madrassas and with the experience of years of fighting and hardship, the change is overdue.</p>

<p>"Our culture has become toxic, we see Russian and American influence everywhere even in the food we eat, that is something people should realise and make necessary changes," a Taliban commander said. "This will take time but it will happen."</p>

<p>Across the country, the change has been noticeable.</p>

<p>While senior Taliban officials have said repeatedly their forces should treat the population respectfully and not hand out arbitrary punishments, many mistrust them or don't believe they can control the footsoldiers on the streets.</p>

<p>"There is no music in all Jalalalad city, people are scared and afraid because Taliban are beating people," Naseem, a former official in the eastern province of Nangarhar.</p>

<p>Zarifullah Sahel, a local journalist in Laghman province near Kabul said the head of the Taliban's local cultural commission told the state-run public radio and six other private stations to adjust their programming to ensure it was in line with Sharia law.</p>

<p>Since then music programmes and political, cultural and news programming not related to religious issues had dried up.</p>

<p>But even where formal orders have not been issued, the message that the freewheeling era has come to an end and that it is safer not to stand out has been clear.</p>

<p>"I fear the Taliban may target me if was seen wearing jeans or western shirts or a suit," said Mustafa Ali Rahman, a former tax official in Lagman province. "One just doesn't know what they can do to punish us."</p>

<p>A former civil activist in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif said shops and restaurants appeared to have decided for themselves and turned off their radios.</p>

<p>"There is no warning about music, but people themselves have stopped," he said.</p>


Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers.

Even before the last U.S. flight left Kabul at midnight on Monday, many of the bright and garish sights and sounds of city life in Afghanistan were changing as those left behind tried to fit in with the austere tone of their new Taliban rulers. The Taliban have so far been at pains to show a more conciliatory face to the world, with none of the harsh public punishments and outright bans on public entertainments that characterized their previous time in power before 2001. Cultural activities are allowed, they say, so long as they do not go against Sharia law and Afghanistan's Islamic culture. Taliban authorities in Kandahar, the birthplace of the movement issued a formal order against radio stations playing music and female announcers last week but for many, no formal order was necessary. Already, colourful signs outside beauty parlours have been painted over, jeans have been replaced by traditional dress and radio stations have replaced their normal menu of Hindi and Persian pop and call-in shows with sombre patriotic music. "It's not that the Taliban ordered us to change anything, we have altered the programming for now as we don't want Taliban to force us to close down," said Khalid Sediqqi, a producer at a private radio station in the central city of Ghazni. "Also no one in this country is in the mood for entertainment, we are all in a state of shock," he said. "I am not even sure if anyone is tuning to radio anymore." During the 20 years of Western-backed government, a lively popular culture grew up in Kabul and other cities with a mashup of body building, energy drinks, extravagant sculpted hairstyles and jangly pop songs. Turkish soap operas, call-in programmes and television talent shows like 'Afghan Star' became major hits. 'TOXIC' For senior Taliban, many raised in religious madrassas and with the experience of years of fighting and hardship, the change is overdue. "Our culture has become toxic, we see Russian and American influence everywhere even in the food we eat, that is something people should realise and make necessary changes," a Taliban commander said. "This will take time but it will happen." Across the country, the change has been noticeable. While senior Taliban officials have said repeatedly their forces should treat the population respectfully and not hand out arbitrary punishments, many mistrust them or don't believe they can control the footsoldiers on the streets. "There is no music in all Jalalalad city, people are scared and afraid because Taliban are beating people," Naseem, a former official in the eastern province of Nangarhar. Zarifullah Sahel, a local journalist in Laghman province near Kabul said the head of the Taliban's local cultural commission told the state-run public radio and six other private stations to adjust their programming to ensure it was in line with Sharia law. Since then music programmes and political, cultural and news programming not related to religious issues had dried up. But even where formal orders have not been issued, the message that the freewheeling era has come to an end and that it is safer not to stand out has been clear. "I fear the Taliban may target me if was seen wearing jeans or western shirts or a suit," said Mustafa Ali Rahman, a former tax official in Lagman province. "One just doesn't know what they can do to punish us." A former civil activist in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif said shops and restaurants appeared to have decided for themselves and turned off their radios. "There is no warning about music, but people themselves have stopped," he said.

As Afghanistan adjusts to Taliban rule, music goes silent

<p>Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.</p>

<p>Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea.</p>

<p>The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1.</p>

<p>Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval.</p>

<p>However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size.</p>

<p>Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region.</p>

<p>Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers.</p>

<p>The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.</p>

<p>Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases.</p>

<p>The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.</p>


Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China.

Japan's defence ministry is seeking an annual budget increase that will add to past hikes to expand military spending over a decade by almost a sixth, as it looks to counter the growing strength of neighbouring China. Since last year, Japan has identified China as its main national security threat, pointing in a July policy paper to a "sense of crisis" over Beijing's threat to Taiwan, which lies close to Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea. The ministry's budget proposal, released on Tuesday, seeks an increase of 2.6 percent in spending, to a record 5.48 trillion yen ($49.93 billion), for the year starting April 1. Finance ministry officials will review, and could amend, the request before sending it to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet for approval. However, Japan's defence spending increases are not enough to keep pace with China's expanding military budget, which increased 6.8% this year and is already about four times more than Japan's, and second only to the United States in size. Instead, Tokyo's strategy is to build a force armed with the latest equipment to deter Beijing from military action to settle territorial or other disputes in the region. Big-ticket spending requests include 130 billion yen for 12 Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealth fighters, four of which will be short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) B variants operating off converted helicopter carriers. The defence ministry is asking for 105 billion yen next year to develop its first new domestic jet fighter in three decades. The project, expected to be completed in the 2030s, at a cost of about $40 billion, is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Japan's forces, which defend its islands alongside U.S. units, also want money for new compact warships and funds to buy and develop longer-range missiles to strike distant enemy targets, including land bases. The ministry is also seeking funds for space-related forces, such as satellites and lasers to track targets beyond the atmosphere. It also wants 34.5 billion yen to strengthen defences against cyber attacks.

Japan's defence ministry seeks fresh hike in military spending

<p>Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is a forgone conclusion. But there is qualitative difference in their hold than when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 90s. This time, the Taliban have been able to lay their hands on weapons and other military equipment left hurriedly by the US forces.</p>

<p>Over last week, pictures of a so-called 'special force' of Taliban are doing round. This is being called the "Badri 313" unit and being projected as something of an elite force of the Taliban</p>

<p><strong>What is&nbsp;Badri 313 unit?</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Badri 313 unit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="719dfa85-6c0e-472d-ab29-261608dc1928" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Badri.JPG" /></p>

<p>Named after the battle of Badr 1,400 years ago, when the Prophet Mohammed supposedly vanquished his enemies with only 313 soldiers, the Taliban unit could number up to several thousand men, experts say.</p>

<p>It's not fully clear how much equipment is at their disposal. But there are number of images of them with captured Humvees, aircraft and weapons abandoned by defeated Afghan National Army.</p>

<p>Pictures and videos of fighters in the so-called "Badri 313" unit have been posted online for propaganda purposes to underline how the Taliban have better equipped and trained men at their disposal than in the past, experts say.</p>

<p>The soldiers are shown in uniforms, boots, balaclavas and body armour similar to those worn by special forces around the world -- and unlike the shalwar kameez, turban and sandals of the traditional Taliban fighter.</p>

<p><img alt="Badri forces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37465922-4782-4fdc-80ae-d66266908c36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Badri%20forces.JPG" /></p>

<p>Rather than a battered Russian-designed Kalashnikov rifle slung over their shoulder, the men of Badri 313 hold new US-made rifles such as the M4, sometimes with night-vision goggles and advanced gunsights.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What do the experts say?</strong></p>

<p>Badri 313 "likely represents some of the best trained and equipped fighters within the Taliban more broadly, although as you would expect there is a degree of sensationalising in propaganda coverage of the unit by the group," Matt Henman from the Janes defence consultancy told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/surrender-or-die-taliban-pin-chilling-letters-on-doors-says-report-409709">'Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>A Western weapons expert who writes on Twitter under the pseudonym Calibre Obscura told AFP that the Badri forces would be no match for Western special forces or those of India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>But "they are more effective than normal Taliban and certainly more than standard Afghan national army troops from a couple of weeks ago," he told AFP.</p>

<p><img alt="Taliban Badri forces" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="522810fd-9fa0-438f-bfd1-f187a49a4b6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taliban%20badri%20forces.JPG" /></p>

<p>Experts say the most sophisticated equipment, especially the helicopters, will be difficult to operate and near-impossible to maintain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is certainly a degree of propaganda, but we saw during the final offensive since May that the Taliban special forces have been critical in the taking over of Afghanistan," said Bill Roggio, managing editor of the US-based Long War Journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When they began to overrun the Afghan forces, they progressively integrated Western supplies. The US in effect armed the Taliban army," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is a forgone conclusion. But there is qualitative difference in their hold than when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 90s.

Taliban's grip on power in Afghanistan is a forgone conclusion. But there is qualitative difference in their hold than when they ruled Afghanistan in the late 90s. This time, the Taliban have been able to lay their hands on weapons and other military equipment left hurriedly by the US forces. Over last week, pictures of a so-called 'special force' of Taliban are doing round. This is being called the "Badri 313" unit and being projected as something of an elite force of the Taliban What is Badri 313 unit? Named after the battle of Badr 1,400 years ago, when the Prophet Mohammed supposedly vanquished his enemies with only 313 soldiers, the Taliban unit could number up to several thousand men, experts say. It's not fully clear how much equipment is at their disposal. But there are number of images of them with captured Humvees, aircraft and weapons abandoned by defeated Afghan National Army. Pictures and videos of fighters in the so-called "Badri 313" unit have been posted online for propaganda purposes to underline how the Taliban have better equipped and trained men at their disposal than in the past, experts say. The soldiers are shown in uniforms, boots, balaclavas and body armour similar to those worn by special forces around the world -- and unlike the shalwar kameez, turban and sandals of the traditional Taliban fighter. Rather than a battered Russian-designed Kalashnikov rifle slung over their shoulder, the men of Badri 313 hold new US-made rifles such as the M4, sometimes with night-vision goggles and advanced gunsights. What do the experts say? Badri 313 "likely represents some of the best trained and equipped fighters within the Taliban more broadly, although as you would expect there is a degree of sensationalising in propaganda coverage of the unit by the group," Matt Henman from the Janes defence consultancy told AFP. Also Read | 'Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report A Western weapons expert who writes on Twitter under the pseudonym Calibre Obscura told AFP that the Badri forces would be no match for Western special forces or those of India and Pakistan. But "they are more effective than normal Taliban and certainly more than standard Afghan national army troops from a couple of weeks ago," he told AFP. Experts say the most sophisticated equipment, especially the helicopters, will be difficult to operate and near-impossible to maintain. "There is certainly a degree of propaganda, but we saw during the final offensive since May that the Taliban special forces have been critical in the taking over of Afghanistan," said Bill Roggio, managing editor of the US-based Long War Journal. "When they began to overrun the Afghan forces, they progressively integrated Western supplies. The US in effect armed the Taliban army," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: What is Badri 313 unit? Taliban's so-called 'special force'

<p>The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'. The letters are reportedly being pinned to the doors of residences in rural areas and now even in the cities.</p>

<p>Daily Mail reported that the letters are ordering the addressees to attend a Taliban-convened court or face death.</p>

<p>Pinning such letters is a traditional Afghan method of intimidation. This method by used even during the Soviet occupation and then by Taliban to instill fear.</p>

<p>One of those to receive a warning was Naz, a 34-year-old father-of-six whose construction company helped the UK military build roads in Helmand and the runway at Camp Bastion, the report said.</p>

<p>He had applied for sanctuary in Britain under ARAP, the Afghan relocation programme, but had been rejected.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-what-is-badri-313-unit-talibans-so-called-special-force-409665">Explainer: What is Badri 313 unit? Taliban's so-called 'special force'</a></strong></p>

<p>Naz said: "The letter was official and stamped by the Taliban. It is a clear message that they want to kill me. If I attend the court, I will be punished with my life.</p>

<p>"If I don`t, they will kill me ? that is why I am in hiding, trying to find a way to escape. But I need help."</p>

<p>Those received by former British translators are designed to both spread fear and compliance with Taliban directives with threats of violence or death if "demands are not met", the Daily Mail report said</p>

<p>As in Naz`s case, that usually involves an interpreter surrendering to a Taliban court.</p>

<p>Shir, 47, worked on the front lines in Helmand and qualified for relocation. But he was unable to force his way through the airport to board an evacuation flight.</p>

<p>"My daughter found the letter on our door with a nail in it. It instructed me to surrender myself for the judgment of the court of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) or they would act like hunters to find me. They would then kill me."</p>

<p>He immediately moved home and is now in hiding.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'.

The Taliban, fully in control of power in Afghanistan in the wake of US withdrawal have been pinning letters asking those Afghans who assisted Western powers to 'surrender or die'. The letters are reportedly being pinned to the doors of residences in rural areas and now even in the cities. Daily Mail reported that the letters are ordering the addressees to attend a Taliban-convened court or face death. Pinning such letters is a traditional Afghan method of intimidation. This method by used even during the Soviet occupation and then by Taliban to instill fear. One of those to receive a warning was Naz, a 34-year-old father-of-six whose construction company helped the UK military build roads in Helmand and the runway at Camp Bastion, the report said. He had applied for sanctuary in Britain under ARAP, the Afghan relocation programme, but had been rejected. Also Read | Explainer: What is Badri 313 unit? Taliban's so-called 'special force' Naz said: "The letter was official and stamped by the Taliban. It is a clear message that they want to kill me. If I attend the court, I will be punished with my life. "If I don`t, they will kill me ? that is why I am in hiding, trying to find a way to escape. But I need help." Those received by former British translators are designed to both spread fear and compliance with Taliban directives with threats of violence or death if "demands are not met", the Daily Mail report said As in Naz`s case, that usually involves an interpreter surrendering to a Taliban court. Shir, 47, worked on the front lines in Helmand and qualified for relocation. But he was unable to force his way through the airport to board an evacuation flight. "My daughter found the letter on our door with a nail in it. It instructed me to surrender myself for the judgment of the court of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) or they would act like hunters to find me. They would then kill me." He immediately moved home and is now in hiding. (With inputs from agencies)

'Surrender or die': Taliban pin chilling letters on doors, says report

<p>Pakistan minister on Tuesday ruled out long term stay of US troops in Pakistan. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that presence of US troops was 'temporary'. He was quoted by PTI who cited Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.</p>

<p>The minister told the Dawn newspaper that the foreigners came to Pakistan after evacuation from Afghanistan and their stay would be for a limited period and have been issued transit visas ranging from 21 to 30 days.</p>

<p>Pictures of US troops at Islamabad airport had sparked rumours of their long-term presence in Pakistan.</p>

<p>He rejected the assertion that Pakistan was set to return to the Musharraf era and chided the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam's chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his claim that the government was booking hotels for Americans in the federal capital, the report said.</p>

<p>As many as 2,192 individuals had entered Pakistan from the Torkham border while 1,627 had come to Islamabad by air, Ahmad said, adding that a small number of people had come from the Chaman border.</p>

<p>Many people travelled between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Chaman border on a daily basis. Many Afghans entered Pakistan from this border and returned to their country, he said, adding that it was ?a normal activity?.</p>

<p>Ahmad said the issuance of visas to those coming from Afghanistan was not a money-making exercise and that no target had been set to generate funds through this activity.</p>

<p>He pointed out that a normal visa fee was being charged from these people while visas on arrival were being issued for free of cost. Asked as to what was the status of individuals crossing into Pakistan from Torkham and Chaman borders, he said none of them had been given refugee status.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan minister on Tuesday ruled out long term stay of US troops in Pakistan. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that presence of US troops was 'temporary'.

Pakistan minister on Tuesday ruled out long term stay of US troops in Pakistan. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that presence of US troops was 'temporary'. He was quoted by PTI who cited Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. The minister told the Dawn newspaper that the foreigners came to Pakistan after evacuation from Afghanistan and their stay would be for a limited period and have been issued transit visas ranging from 21 to 30 days. Pictures of US troops at Islamabad airport had sparked rumours of their long-term presence in Pakistan. He rejected the assertion that Pakistan was set to return to the Musharraf era and chided the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam's chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his claim that the government was booking hotels for Americans in the federal capital, the report said. As many as 2,192 individuals had entered Pakistan from the Torkham border while 1,627 had come to Islamabad by air, Ahmad said, adding that a small number of people had come from the Chaman border. Many people travelled between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the Chaman border on a daily basis. Many Afghans entered Pakistan from this border and returned to their country, he said, adding that it was ?a normal activity?. Ahmad said the issuance of visas to those coming from Afghanistan was not a money-making exercise and that no target had been set to generate funds through this activity. He pointed out that a normal visa fee was being charged from these people while visas on arrival were being issued for free of cost. Asked as to what was the status of individuals crossing into Pakistan from Torkham and Chaman borders, he said none of them had been given refugee status. (With inputs from agencies)

US troop presence in Pakistan 'temporary': Pakistan interior minister

<p>A US Congressional committee probing January 6 Capitol Hill attack has asked &nbsp;35 telephone, email and social media companies to preserve records which can be relevant to its investigation. Reuters quoted source to say that these records include those of US President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.</p>

<p>In a statement revealing the data preservation requests, a spokesperson for the House of Representatives' Jan. 6 investigation committee, led by Democrat Bennie Thompson, said it had "sent letters to 35 private-sector entities, including telecommunications, email, and social media companies, instructing them to preserve records" which could be "relevant" to the committee's inquiry.</p>

<p>"The Select Committee is at this point gathering facts, not alleging wrongdoing by any individual," the statement added.</p>

<p>This marked the House committee's latest round of requests after last week ordering federal agencies and social media companies to hand over records related to the violence and the events leading up to it.</p>

<p>Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Congress was meeting to certify Biden's victory. Nearly 600 people have been arrested in connection with the attack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US Congressional committee probing January 6 Capitol Hill attack has asked 35 telephone, email and social media companies to preserve records which can be relevant to its investigation.

A US Congressional committee probing January 6 Capitol Hill attack has asked 35 telephone, email and social media companies to preserve records which can be relevant to its investigation. Reuters quoted source to say that these records include those of US President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. In a statement revealing the data preservation requests, a spokesperson for the House of Representatives' Jan. 6 investigation committee, led by Democrat Bennie Thompson, said it had "sent letters to 35 private-sector entities, including telecommunications, email, and social media companies, instructing them to preserve records" which could be "relevant" to the committee's inquiry. "The Select Committee is at this point gathering facts, not alleging wrongdoing by any individual," the statement added. This marked the House committee's latest round of requests after last week ordering federal agencies and social media companies to hand over records related to the violence and the events leading up to it. Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Congress was meeting to certify Biden's victory. Nearly 600 people have been arrested in connection with the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Capitol Hill attack: Congress committee asks telecom companies to preserve Trump's call records

<p>Centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) were seen extending their lead over German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in a poll published on Monday. Such a situation will increase chance of a left-leaning government coming into power in general elections next month.</p>

<p>The Insa poll for Bild TV showed support for the SPD and their chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz jump by 2 percentage points to 25%, the highest reading in the survey in four years.</p>

<p>Merkel's conservatives and Armin Laschet, their top candidate lost 3 points and reached a record low at 20 per cent.</p>

<p>The ecologist Greens stood at 16.5%, the business-friendly FDP at 13.5%, the far-right AfD at 11% and far-left Die Linke at 7%.</p>

<p>Insa head Hermann Binkert said Laschet could currently only become chancellor with a three-way 'Jamaica coalition' consisting of the black conservatives, the Greens and the yellow FDP.</p>

<p>"Olaf Scholz would have four options in which to lead the government," Binkert added. This included a so-called "traffic light" coalition with the Greens and the FDP and a more left-leaning coalition with the Greens and Die Linke.</p>

<p>Another possibility would be an SPD-led coalition government supported by the Greens and conservatives, or an SPD-led coalition supported by the conservatives and the FPD.</p>

<p>The conservatives rallied behind Laschet, promising to go on the offensive after he struggled to revive their campaign in a televised debate with rivals.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) were seen extending their lead over German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in a poll published on Monday. Such a situation will increase chance of a left-leaning government coming into power in general elections next month.

Centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) were seen extending their lead over German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in a poll published on Monday. Such a situation will increase chance of a left-leaning government coming into power in general elections next month. The Insa poll for Bild TV showed support for the SPD and their chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz jump by 2 percentage points to 25%, the highest reading in the survey in four years. Merkel's conservatives and Armin Laschet, their top candidate lost 3 points and reached a record low at 20 per cent. The ecologist Greens stood at 16.5%, the business-friendly FDP at 13.5%, the far-right AfD at 11% and far-left Die Linke at 7%. Insa head Hermann Binkert said Laschet could currently only become chancellor with a three-way 'Jamaica coalition' consisting of the black conservatives, the Greens and the yellow FDP. "Olaf Scholz would have four options in which to lead the government," Binkert added. This included a so-called "traffic light" coalition with the Greens and the FDP and a more left-leaning coalition with the Greens and Die Linke. Another possibility would be an SPD-led coalition government supported by the Greens and conservatives, or an SPD-led coalition supported by the conservatives and the FPD. The conservatives rallied behind Laschet, promising to go on the offensive after he struggled to revive their campaign in a televised debate with rivals. (With inputs from agencies)

German poll: Social Democrats seen racing ahead, setback for Merkel

<p>Pandemic has not been kind to every worker working from home. Many of them are facing mental issues. With a view to give its employees an opportunity to focus on their mental health, Nike has given staff at its head office a week's break before ahead of their return to office in September.</p>

<p>Nike's head of insights Mark Marazzo made the announcement on LinkedIn a week ago.</p>

<p>"Take the time to unwind, destress and spend time with your loved ones," he told the staff in his announcement.</p>

<p>Marazzo told Nike staff: "Do not work". He said that the past year has been "rough" and that everyone was living through a "traumatic event"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not just a 'week off' for the team... it's an acknowledgment that we can prioritize mental health and still get work done." he said in his announcement.</p>

<p>This is not a first time a corporate company has told its staff to take it easy. Dating app Bumble had told its staff to take a step back to focus on themselves back in June.</p>


Pandemic has not been kind to every worker working from home. Many of them are facing mental issues. With a view to give its employees an opportunity to focus on their mental health, Nike has given staff at its head office a week's break before ahead of their return to office in September.

Pandemic has not been kind to every worker working from home. Many of them are facing mental issues. With a view to give its employees an opportunity to focus on their mental health, Nike has given staff at its head office a week's break before ahead of their return to office in September. Nike's head of insights Mark Marazzo made the announcement on LinkedIn a week ago. "Take the time to unwind, destress and spend time with your loved ones," he told the staff in his announcement. Marazzo told Nike staff: "Do not work". He said that the past year has been "rough" and that everyone was living through a "traumatic event" "It's not just a 'week off' for the team... it's an acknowledgment that we can prioritize mental health and still get work done." he said in his announcement. This is not a first time a corporate company has told its staff to take it easy. Dating app Bumble had told its staff to take a step back to focus on themselves back in June.

Just don't do it: Nike gives its head office staff a week's break

<p>One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday.</p>

<p>The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.</p>

<p>"Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said.</p>

<p>"On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered."</p>

<p>The operation is still in progress in the area.</p>

<p>"This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.</p>


One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector.

One terrorist was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The Army said that in the early hours a terrorist from across the LoC made an attempt to infiltrate in the Poonch sector. "Alert Army troops detected the infiltration bid by effective use of the integrated surveillance grid," the Army said. "On being challenged by the Army troops, there ensued a fierce firefight with the terrorist in which one terrorist was neutralised, and his body along with an AK-47 rifle has been recovered." The operation is still in progress in the area. "This action by alert Army troops displays a resolve of the Indian Army to thwart any misadventure along the Line of Control," the Army said.

Infiltration bid foiled at LoC in J&K's Poonch, terrorist killed

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