The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service.

This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.

Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC).

The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers. Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army`s approach towards a gender-neutral Army.

The five women officers selected for Colonel Time Scale rank are -- Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana from the Corps of Signals, Lt Col Sonia Anand and Lt Col Navneet Duggal from the Corps of EME and Lt Col Reenu Khanna and Lt Col Ritcha Sagar from the Corps of Engineers.

In a big development, the Supreme Court last week passed an interim order allowing women to take the admission exam to National Defence Academy (NDA) where earlier only men could join.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, argued that it is a policy decision of the government. Disagreeing with Centre`s contention, a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed, "This is a policy decision based on gender discrimination...respondents (Centre), must take a constructive view."

The top court pulled up the Army for resisting opportunities to women, and asked it to change its attitude and not wait for judicial orders to be passed in such matters.

The top court directed that women can sit for exams for entry in NDA, which is slated for September 5. The top court added that admissions, etc will be subjected to its final order. "Cannot create bar for women in NDA," noted the bench.

The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service. This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel.

The Indian Army cleared the way for the promotion of five women officers to Colonel rank, post completion of 26 years of reckonable service. This is the first time that women officers serving with the Corps of Signals, Corps of Electronic and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Corps of Engineers have been approved to the rank of Colonel. Previously, promotion to the rank of Colonel was only applicable for women officers in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG) and the Army Education Corps (AEC). The widening of promotion avenues to more branches of the Indian Army is a sign of increasing career opportunities for women officers. Combined with the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers from a majority of branches of the Indian Army, this step defines the Indian Army`s approach towards a gender-neutral Army. The five women officers selected for Colonel Time Scale rank are -- Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana from the Corps of Signals, Lt Col Sonia Anand and Lt Col Navneet Duggal from the Corps of EME and Lt Col Reenu Khanna and Lt Col Ritcha Sagar from the Corps of Engineers. In a big development, the Supreme Court last week passed an interim order allowing women to take the admission exam to National Defence Academy (NDA) where earlier only men could join. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, argued that it is a policy decision of the government. Disagreeing with Centre`s contention, a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed, "This is a policy decision based on gender discrimination...respondents (Centre), must take a constructive view." The top court pulled up the Army for resisting opportunities to women, and asked it to change its attitude and not wait for judicial orders to be passed in such matters. The top court directed that women can sit for exams for entry in NDA, which is slated for September 5. The top court added that admissions, etc will be subjected to its final order. "Cannot create bar for women in NDA," noted the bench.

Indian Army promotes 5 women officers to Colonel rank

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports.&nbsp;

PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan.

Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country.

The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources.

The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying.

Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport.

Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days.

"We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.

Pakistan's state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations, said media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday. PIA was the only commercial airline that was operating flights to and from Kabul. This was done to aid evacuation of diplomats and foreign nationals from Afghanistan. Geo News quoted sources to say that there were no immigration officials and security checks at the Kabul airport. Sanitation workers were also not performing their duties since the Taliban took control of the country. The garbage at the airport's tarmac could cause a tragic accident, feared the sources. The security of Kabul airport is with the US and they were interested in military aircraft only, the report quoted the sources as saying. Radio Pakistan also reported that PIA has "temporarily" suspended its flight operation to Afghanistan due to unavailability of necessary facilities at Kabul airport. Quoting PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, the report said the flight operation will remain closed for a couple of days. "We have talked to Afghan Civil Aviation Authority for restoration of all required facilities at Kabul airport as soon as possible so that PIA could resume its flight operation," Hafeez said, adding that PIA has so far evacuated 1,500 people, including journalists, UN officials and Pakistani national, in five flights. (With inputs from agencies)

Kabul: Pakistan temporarily suspends flight operations due to 'garbage' 

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees",&nbsp; Russian news agencies reported.

Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard.

Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed.

"Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party.&nbsp;"Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?"&nbsp;

The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week.

Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported.

Russian Presideny Vladimir Putin on Sunday rejected the idea of sending Afghan refugees and evacuees to central Asian nations. He indicated that such a move would be a threat to Moscow and he did not want "militants showing up here under cover of refugees", Russian news agencies reported. Central Asian nations were formerly part of Soviet Russia and the area is still considered to be a Russian backyard. Putin criticised the idea floated by some Western countries to relocate refugees from Afghanistan to neighbouring Central Asian countries while their visas to the United States and Europe are being processed. "Does that mean that they can be sent without visas to those countries, to our neighbours, while they themselves (the West) don't want to take them without visas?" TASS news agency quoted Putin as telling leaders of the ruling United Russia party. "Why is there such a humiliating approach to solving the problem?" The United States reportedly held secret talks with a number of countries in a desperate attempt to secure deals to temporarily house at-risk Afghans who worked for the US government, Reuters reported last week. Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) is due to discuss Afghanistan on Monday (August 23). CSTO is a military alliance of ex-Soviet republics led by Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin against sending Afghan refugees to central Asian countries

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack.

These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions.

The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020.

The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. &nbsp;

Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year.

The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law".

He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning.&nbsp;

"We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny.

Britain and United States on Friday sanctioned 7 Russian officials for poisoning of jailed kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny. Friday (August 20) marked a year of near-fatal poisoning of Navalny. All sanctioned individuals are members of Russia's domestic security service the FSB. They are accused of planning or carrying out the nerve agent attack. These individuals now face asset freezes and travel bans under the sanctions. The measures are the second round of reprisals by Britain for the poisoning, after it targeted six individuals and one entity in October 2020. The United States and European Union also imposed a round of their own sanctions in March. Western intelligence agencies have assessed with "high confidence" that FSB officers poisoned Navalny with the nerve agent Novichok last year. The dissident was flown to Germany for treatment but defiantly returned in January, only to be arrested and then sent to a penal colony. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the latest sanctions were "sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law". He reiterated Western calls for a "transparent criminal investigation" into the poisoning. "We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents," Raab added, saying there should be no impunity for the use of chemical weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny poisoning: Seven more Russians sanctioned by UK, US

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth.

And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space.&nbsp;

Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch.

But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21

But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes.

Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do.

Asteroids are serious business (ask Dinosaurs. They aren't here but). One nudge and things on Earth will literally shake to the worst extent possible. Imagine what a full-blown collision might do. To avoid this not-so-neat fate, NASA keeps an eye on asteroids that are zooming past or hurtling towards the Earth. And a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid is going to come in our neighbourhood in space. Name's 2016 AJ193, cruising speed is 94,208 km per hour. The asteroid is just 1.4 kilometre wide but due to its huge speed, it packs a serious punch. But we need not prepare for end of mankind just yet. The asteroid is going to drive by at a distance nine times that between Earth and the Moon. This will happen on August 21 But the huge distance doesn't make it too far to observe. Astronomers will be able to look at the asteroid through telescopes. Much better than looking at an asteroid slated to hit Earth right?

Asteroid termed 'potentially hazardous' by NASA is coming near Earth

Global warming and the buzz around it is not new. But when we get constant reminders how it is affecting our planet, it becomes a scary thing. Nature itself sends these reminders our way. Sometimes they are in the form of tornados or melting ice caps.

Rain is generally a good thing. But when it rains where it usually should snow, alarm bells ring. At the summit of Greenland, it rained for the first time on record. The precipitation at the summit is usually in the form of snow. But thanks to global warming, another warning has come our way. The rain means that Greenland is warming up fast.

As per a report on CNN, temperature at the summit rose above the freezing point for just third time in the decade. The warm air fuelled the extreme rain event. This resulted in 7 billion tons of water falling in the form of rain. The report quotes a scientist as saying that this was "unprecedented"

A major United Nations climate report released earlier this month that Greenland's ice has been melting for the last two decades because of burning of fossil fuels.

A study published in the journal Cryosphere says that Earth has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice since the mid-90s

Global warming and the buzz around it is not new. But when we get constant reminders how it is affecting our planet, it becomes a scary thing. Nature itself sends these reminders our way.

Global warming and the buzz around it is not new. But when we get constant reminders how it is affecting our planet, it becomes a scary thing. Nature itself sends these reminders our way. Sometimes they are in the form of tornados or melting ice caps. Rain is generally a good thing. But when it rains where it usually should snow, alarm bells ring. At the summit of Greenland, it rained for the first time on record. The precipitation at the summit is usually in the form of snow. But thanks to global warming, another warning has come our way. The rain means that Greenland is warming up fast. As per a report on CNN, temperature at the summit rose above the freezing point for just third time in the decade. The warm air fuelled the extreme rain event. This resulted in 7 billion tons of water falling in the form of rain. The report quotes a scientist as saying that this was "unprecedented" A major United Nations climate report released earlier this month that Greenland's ice has been melting for the last two decades because of burning of fossil fuels. A study published in the journal Cryosphere says that Earth has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice since the mid-90s

It rains instead of snow on Greenland summit for first time ever

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor.

She is due to step down after elections this September.

The meet&nbsp;marks end of an era as Merkel, who is from East Germany, meets Putin who was stationed in Dresden&nbsp;during his time as a KGB agent. Both&nbsp;Merkel and Putin speak each other's language fluently.

Putin is the only G-20 leader still around since Merkel took over Germany's top job.&nbsp;

The Russian leader has been described by foes and fans alike as both arrogant and charming.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spy-faces-investigation-after-she-falls-in-love-with-her-subject-407233">Russian spy faces investigation after she falls in love with her subject</a>

Relations between two of Europe's longest serving leaders soured in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, drawing broad condemnation and sanctions from the West.

Friday's talks coincide with the first anniversary of the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, an incident that severely strained Russia-Germany ties.

Putin gave Merkel flowers before the talks and said he expected a substantive meeting despite it being a "farewell" visit.

Merkel said the two had differences of opinion but that it was important to talk. She said she wanted to discuss Afghanistan as well as the situation in Russia with civil society and non-governmental organisations, some of which have been outlawed in a pre-election crackdown.

A news conference is expected at around 1300 GMT.

The anniversary of the poisoning of Navalny, Putin's most vocal domestic critic, is likely to loom large at their talks.

Navalny was flown to Germany last year after being poisoned with what the West concluded was a military nerve agent. Moscow rejects that and alleges a Western smear campaign. Navalny was jailed when he flew back to Russia.

In a letter to mark the anniversary published in three European newspapers on Friday, Navalny appealed to the West to do more to combat corruption in countries like Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday began talks with President Vladimir Putin in a historic meet that marks end of an era. This is Merkel's last Russia visit as Germany's chancellor. She is due to step down after elections this September. The meet marks end of an era as Merkel, who is from East Germany, meets Putin who was stationed in Dresden during his time as a KGB agent. Both Merkel and Putin speak each other's language fluently. Putin is the only G-20 leader still around since Merkel took over Germany's top job. The Russian leader has been described by foes and fans alike as both arrogant and charming. Also Read | Russian spy faces investigation after she falls in love with her subject Relations between two of Europe's longest serving leaders soured in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, drawing broad condemnation and sanctions from the West. Friday's talks coincide with the first anniversary of the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, an incident that severely strained Russia-Germany ties. Putin gave Merkel flowers before the talks and said he expected a substantive meeting despite it being a "farewell" visit. Merkel said the two had differences of opinion but that it was important to talk. She said she wanted to discuss Afghanistan as well as the situation in Russia with civil society and non-governmental organisations, some of which have been outlawed in a pre-election crackdown. A news conference is expected at around 1300 GMT. The anniversary of the poisoning of Navalny, Putin's most vocal domestic critic, is likely to loom large at their talks. Navalny was flown to Germany last year after being poisoned with what the West concluded was a military nerve agent. Moscow rejects that and alleges a Western smear campaign. Navalny was jailed when he flew back to Russia. In a letter to mark the anniversary published in three European newspapers on Friday, Navalny appealed to the West to do more to combat corruption in countries like Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Angela Merkel meets Vladimir Putin one last time, marks end of an era

We all need some break no matter our jobs. We wanted to head home in pre-pandemic times and are now yearning to go out in what seem like endless Work From Home sessions.&nbsp;

If such is our condition, we can understand if a global personality takes a little break from daily tasks. Pope Francis did just that. He played Foosball, or table football for those who don't know what Foosball is.

The table is usually a fixture in pubs, but Friday was a day it was allowed to be carried into &nbsp;Paul VI hall in the Vatican. A young man was the challenger to Pope Francis himself.

The short match was held after the pontiff's weekly General Audience.

With a smile on his face, the pontiff briefly played against the young man, his hands gripping the rods of the red tiny football players.

Pope Francis has been an avid football&nbsp;fan since his childhood and he is a lifelong fan of the Argentinian Buenos Aires San Lorenzo soccer team.

(With inputs from agencies)

We all need some break no matter our jobs. We wanted to head home in pre-pandemic times and are now yearning to go out in what seem like endless Work From Home sessions.

We all need some break no matter our jobs. We wanted to head home in pre-pandemic times and are now yearning to go out in what seem like endless Work From Home sessions. If such is our condition, we can understand if a global personality takes a little break from daily tasks. Pope Francis did just that. He played Foosball, or table football for those who don't know what Foosball is. The table is usually a fixture in pubs, but Friday was a day it was allowed to be carried into Paul VI hall in the Vatican. A young man was the challenger to Pope Francis himself. The short match was held after the pontiff's weekly General Audience. With a smile on his face, the pontiff briefly played against the young man, his hands gripping the rods of the red tiny football players. Pope Francis has been an avid football fan since his childhood and he is a lifelong fan of the Argentinian Buenos Aires San Lorenzo soccer team. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis takes time out with some Foosball

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor.

The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials.

The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency.

These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required.

Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor. The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials. The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency. These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required. Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

Guards at UK Kabul embassy told they are not eligible for British protection

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that one in every three Afghans was at risk of severe or acute hunger. The total number is pegged at 14 million people. The situation has erupted due to combined efforts of war and drought linked to global warming.

The dire assessment comes as the country faces an uncertain future after the Taliban routed the government to take power over the weekend.

"2021 is an extraordinarily difficult year for Afghanistan," WFP representative and country director Mary-Ellen McGroarty told AFP in a telephone interview from Kabul.

McGroarty warned of "horrendous humanitarian crisis unfolding. She said that she intended to remain in the South Asian nation with the WFP "to deliver the much needed humanitarian response that is now required"

The war-torn country is facing its second severe drought in three years, on top of the fighting and displacement of people, she said.

"We are in a dire situation, the latest analysis indicates that 14 million people are already at risk of severe or acute hunger," McGroarty added, adding that two million children are at risk of malnutrition.

Wheat production has fallen 40 per cent after one of the driest periods in almost 30 years.

"It's had a devastating impact as well on livestock," McGroarty explained.

"As the conflict has escalated right across the country, farmers are unable to harvest the land, they're fleeing from their homes," she said.

Orchards have been destroyed in some areas, along with civilian infrastructure such as bridges, dams and roads.

 
"So, today, when you have the combined impact of the conflict with the drought, food is getting expensive."

 
The price of a bag of wheat is today 24 per cent higher than the five-year average.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that one in every three Afghans was at risk of severe or acute hunger. The total number is pegged at 14 million people.

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Friday that one in every three Afghans was at risk of severe or acute hunger. The total number is pegged at 14 million people. The situation has erupted due to combined efforts of war and drought linked to global warming. The dire assessment comes as the country faces an uncertain future after the Taliban routed the government to take power over the weekend. "2021 is an extraordinarily difficult year for Afghanistan," WFP representative and country director Mary-Ellen McGroarty told AFP in a telephone interview from Kabul. McGroarty warned of "horrendous humanitarian crisis unfolding. She said that she intended to remain in the South Asian nation with the WFP "to deliver the much needed humanitarian response that is now required" The war-torn country is facing its second severe drought in three years, on top of the fighting and displacement of people, she said. "We are in a dire situation, the latest analysis indicates that 14 million people are already at risk of severe or acute hunger," McGroarty added, adding that two million children are at risk of malnutrition. Wheat production has fallen 40 per cent after one of the driest periods in almost 30 years. "It's had a devastating impact as well on livestock," McGroarty explained. "As the conflict has escalated right across the country, farmers are unable to harvest the land, they're fleeing from their homes," she said. Orchards have been destroyed in some areas, along with civilian infrastructure such as bridges, dams and roads. "So, today, when you have the combined impact of the conflict with the drought, food is getting expensive." The price of a bag of wheat is today 24 per cent higher than the five-year average. (With inputs from agencies)

One-third Afghan population at risk of severe or acute hunger, says WFP

United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that most Afghans are unable to leave their homeland and those in danger "have no clear way out".

Spokesperson of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Shabia Mantoo reiterated UN's call to neighbour countries of Afghanistan to keep their borders open to allow people to seek asylum. She called the situation in Afghanistan "evolving crisis".

"The vast majority of Afghans are not able to leave the country through regular channels," she told a Geneva news briefing. "As of today, those who may be in danger have no clear way out."

Mantoo said that there have only been "small-scale movements" of Afghans crossing into Pakistan and Iran. These two countries already host 90 per cent of the 2.6 million Afghan refugees registered since fleeing their homeland over the last decades.

More than 18,000 people have been flown out of Kabul since the Taliban took over Afghanistan's capital, a NATO official said on Friday, pledging to redouble evacuation efforts as criticism of the West's handling of the crisis mounted.

Mantoo welcomed the evacuation of Afghan nationals through such separate bilateral programmes, but stressed that they should not substitute for an "urgent and wider international humanitarian response".

"UNHCR remains concerned about the risk of human rights violations against civilians in this evolving context, including women and girls," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that most Afghans are unable to leave their homeland and those in danger "have no clear way out". Spokesperson of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Shabia Mantoo reiterated UN's call to neighbour countries of Afghanistan to keep their borders open to allow people to seek asylum.

United Nations refugee agency said on Friday that most Afghans are unable to leave their homeland and those in danger "have no clear way out". Spokesperson of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Shabia Mantoo reiterated UN's call to neighbour countries of Afghanistan to keep their borders open to allow people to seek asylum. She called the situation in Afghanistan "evolving crisis". "The vast majority of Afghans are not able to leave the country through regular channels," she told a Geneva news briefing. "As of today, those who may be in danger have no clear way out." Mantoo said that there have only been "small-scale movements" of Afghans crossing into Pakistan and Iran. These two countries already host 90 per cent of the 2.6 million Afghan refugees registered since fleeing their homeland over the last decades. More than 18,000 people have been flown out of Kabul since the Taliban took over Afghanistan's capital, a NATO official said on Friday, pledging to redouble evacuation efforts as criticism of the West's handling of the crisis mounted. Mantoo welcomed the evacuation of Afghan nationals through such separate bilateral programmes, but stressed that they should not substitute for an "urgent and wider international humanitarian response". "UNHCR remains concerned about the risk of human rights violations against civilians in this evolving context, including women and girls," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghans in danger 'have no clear way out': UN

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently.

Several people were killed in the eastern city of Asadabad when Taliban fighters fired on people waving the national flag at a rally Thursday, Afghanistan’s annual Independence Day, according to a witness cited by Reuters.

It was not clear whether the casualties had come from the gunshots or from a stampede they set off, the witness, Mohammed Salim, was quoted by the news agency as saying.

It was a remarkable display of defiance, coming just one day after violence broke out at protests in two other cities, with Taliban members shooting into crowds and beating demonstrators.

It was also further evidence that while tens of thousands are now seeking escape, there were many more left behind and determined to have a voice in the kind of state where they live.

After sweeping so quickly into power, the reality of governing a changed nation is proving as difficult for the Taliban as their military blitz across the nation’s provinces was fast.

Many critical workers are hiding in their homes, fearful of retribution despite promises of amnesty. And services like electricity, sanitation and clean water could soon be affected, aid agencies say.

While the Taliban, for now, have a monopoly on the use of force, there is no functioning police service in any traditional sense. Instead, former fighters are patrolling checkpoints and — in many cases, according to witness accounts — administering the law as they see fit.

The Taliban leadership’s suggestion this week that the brutality that defined their rule two decades ago was a thing of the past has not always been matched by the actions of the foot soldiers on the street.

Taliban members are intensifying a search for people who they believe worked with U.S. and NATO forces, including among the crowds of Afghans outside Kabul’s airport, and have threatened to kill or arrest their family members if they cannot find them, according to a confidential United Nations document.

Afghans, fleeing the country, face violence from the Taliban on the dangerous road to the airport, where the U.S. military has tried to quell the continued chaos. The sound of fighter jets roaring over Kabul was nearly constant Thursday as more U.S. and international forces raced to evacuate foreign nationals, many still trapped outside the airport.

As they struggle with the immediate crisis, the Taliban is facing threats to the long-term stability of the state. The new regime is finding itself frozen out financially.

The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that it would block Afghanistan’s access to about $460 million in emergency reserves, a decision that followed pressure from the Biden administration. An agreement reached in November among more than 60 countries to send Afghanistan $12 billion over the next four years is also in doubt.

The assistance is critical in a country where the U.N. estimates that many are going hungry.

“That’s 14 million people, including 2 million children who are malnourished,” the World Food Program said in a statement.

Some protests turned violent when demonstrators tried to tear down the new Taliban flag and replace it with the tricolors of the Afghan one.

“Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation and the country,” a top official for the deposed Afghan government, Amrullah Saleh, wrote on Twitter.

In the 20th century, there have been at least 19 iterations of the flag.

Afghanistan — a nation with a brutal history, but also home to beautiful natural wonders and a quilt of cultures — is now the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The Taliban reasserted its new regime in a Tweet on Thursday commemorating the anniversary of independence from British rule more than a century ago.

That anniversary was also the occasion for the street protests, with many calling for independence from Taliban rule.

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently.

Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day Thursday, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace. At one demonstration in the city, about 200 people had gathered before the Taliban broke it up violently. Several people were killed in the eastern city of Asadabad when Taliban fighters fired on people waving the national flag at a rally Thursday, Afghanistan’s annual Independence Day, according to a witness cited by Reuters. It was not clear whether the casualties had come from the gunshots or from a stampede they set off, the witness, Mohammed Salim, was quoted by the news agency as saying. It was a remarkable display of defiance, coming just one day after violence broke out at protests in two other cities, with Taliban members shooting into crowds and beating demonstrators. It was also further evidence that while tens of thousands are now seeking escape, there were many more left behind and determined to have a voice in the kind of state where they live. After sweeping so quickly into power, the reality of governing a changed nation is proving as difficult for the Taliban as their military blitz across the nation’s provinces was fast. Many critical workers are hiding in their homes, fearful of retribution despite promises of amnesty. And services like electricity, sanitation and clean water could soon be affected, aid agencies say. While the Taliban, for now, have a monopoly on the use of force, there is no functioning police service in any traditional sense. Instead, former fighters are patrolling checkpoints and — in many cases, according to witness accounts — administering the law as they see fit. The Taliban leadership’s suggestion this week that the brutality that defined their rule two decades ago was a thing of the past has not always been matched by the actions of the foot soldiers on the street. Taliban members are intensifying a search for people who they believe worked with U.S. and NATO forces, including among the crowds of Afghans outside Kabul’s airport, and have threatened to kill or arrest their family members if they cannot find them, according to a confidential United Nations document. Afghans, fleeing the country, face violence from the Taliban on the dangerous road to the airport, where the U.S. military has tried to quell the continued chaos. The sound of fighter jets roaring over Kabul was nearly constant Thursday as more U.S. and international forces raced to evacuate foreign nationals, many still trapped outside the airport. As they struggle with the immediate crisis, the Taliban is facing threats to the long-term stability of the state. The new regime is finding itself frozen out financially. The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that it would block Afghanistan’s access to about $460 million in emergency reserves, a decision that followed pressure from the Biden administration. An agreement reached in November among more than 60 countries to send Afghanistan $12 billion over the next four years is also in doubt. The assistance is critical in a country where the U.N. estimates that many are going hungry. “That’s 14 million people, including 2 million children who are malnourished,” the World Food Program said in a statement. Some protests turned violent when demonstrators tried to tear down the new Taliban flag and replace it with the tricolors of the Afghan one. “Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation and the country,” a top official for the deposed Afghan government, Amrullah Saleh, wrote on Twitter. In the 20th century, there have been at least 19 iterations of the flag. Afghanistan — a nation with a brutal history, but also home to beautiful natural wonders and a quilt of cultures — is now the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taliban reasserted its new regime in a Tweet on Thursday commemorating the anniversary of independence from British rule more than a century ago. That anniversary was also the occasion for the street protests, with many calling for independence from Taliban rule.

As demonstrations spread, Taliban face growing challenges

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

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