Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day. The government has flown in hundreds of commandos into Qala-i-Naw, the city that is capital of northwestern province of Badghis.

This is the first provincial capital to face all-out assault by the Taliban since US troop withdrawal.

With the US pullout "90 percent complete", according to the Pentagon, the insurgents have launched a blistering campaign to capture new territory, and fears are mounting that Afghan forces will be stretched without vital American air support.

Video obtained by AFP showed thick smoke billowing over the city, and the sound of gunfire could be heard. 
Badghis health official Abdul Latif Rostaee said at least 10 civilians had been taken to hospital since the fighting erupted.

"The Taliban have resumed their attacks from several directions with light and heavy weapons," Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams told AFP on Thursday.

"Our security forces are bravely fighting them and the enemy is being pushed back. They are fleeing. We will give a hard blow to the enemy."

On Wednesday, the Taliban briefly seized the police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency, but were later pushed back.

'Women will not be able to work'

Parisila Herawai, a rights activist in the city, expressed concern for the safety of women in particular.

"It is an emergency situation for all women, especially activists," she told AFP. 
"If the Taliban plan to remain in the city, we will not be able to work."

As news of the assault spread on Wednesday, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city, as onlookers cheered.

Local officials said some security officers had surrendered to the Taliban, and the insurgents opened the gates of the city jail, freeing hundreds of prisoners.

Most had since been recaptured, officials said.

Overnight, the defence ministry rushed hundreds of commandos to the city to launch a "large scale operation", spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day.

Smoke covered the provincial capital in Afghanistan on Thursday as fighting went on between Afghan forces and the Taliban. The fighting is going on for a second straight day. The government has flown in hundreds of commandos into Qala-i-Naw, the city that is capital of northwestern province of Badghis. This is the first provincial capital to face all-out assault by the Taliban since US troop withdrawal. With the US pullout "90 percent complete", according to the Pentagon, the insurgents have launched a blistering campaign to capture new territory, and fears are mounting that Afghan forces will be stretched without vital American air support. Video obtained by AFP showed thick smoke billowing over the city, and the sound of gunfire could be heard. Badghis health official Abdul Latif Rostaee said at least 10 civilians had been taken to hospital since the fighting erupted. "The Taliban have resumed their attacks from several directions with light and heavy weapons," Badghis Governor Hessamuddin Shams told AFP on Thursday. "Our security forces are bravely fighting them and the enemy is being pushed back. They are fleeing. We will give a hard blow to the enemy." On Wednesday, the Taliban briefly seized the police headquarters and the local office of the country's spy agency, but were later pushed back. 'Women will not be able to work' Parisila Herawai, a rights activist in the city, expressed concern for the safety of women in particular. "It is an emergency situation for all women, especially activists," she told AFP. "If the Taliban plan to remain in the city, we will not be able to work." As news of the assault spread on Wednesday, social media was flooded with videos of clashes -- with some showing armed Taliban fighters on motorbikes entering the city, as onlookers cheered. Local officials said some security officers had surrendered to the Taliban, and the insurgents opened the gates of the city jail, freeing hundreds of prisoners. Most had since been recaptured, officials said. Overnight, the defence ministry rushed hundreds of commandos to the city to launch a "large scale operation", spokesman Fawad Aman said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan govt sends commandos as Taliban surround Afghan city

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces.

One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions

Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department.

"Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day."

The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them.

The White House has declined to comment.

Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country.

Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home."

Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning.

(With agency inputs)

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying.

Biden administration is considering an expedited visa path for vulnerable Afghans including women journalists, activists and politicians who may be targetted by the Taliban, Reuters cited US officials as saying. Rights groups have been asking the State Department and White House to add up to 2,000 visas specifically for vulnerable women and women's advocates to a developing policy plan to evacuate thousands Afghans after the U.S. military pullout this month. The current plan includes translators who worked with foreign forces. One of the officials said that US government was not only looking at women under threat but also men and minorities in high risk professions Women who made gains during the two-decade U.S. occupation, and their supporters and advocates, should be part of any expedited list, rights groups have argued to the White House and State Department. "Lives are at risk,” said Teresa Casale, advocacy director for Mina’s List, which advocates for women’s representation in governments around the world. "Women leaders are being actively targeted and killed by Taliban forces. They receive threats against their lives and safety every day." The group and others are recommending these visas be added to an expedited activation process for Afghan people most at risk, by creating a fast track program in State Department, and that U.S. officials actively pursue diplomacy to other countries as well to secure them. The White House has declined to comment. Women police officers, media workers, judges and medical workers have been assassinated in Afghanistan as foreign military left the country. Women who appear on television and radio faced particular threats, Human Rights Watch wrote in April. "Female reporters may be targeted not only for issues they cover but also for challenging perceived social norms prohibiting women from being in a public role and working outside the home." Under the Taliban, women were barred from education or work, required to fully cover their bodies, and could not leave home without a male relative. "Moral offenses" were punished by flogging and stoning. (With agency inputs)

US mulls visas for vulnerable Afghan women after military exit

July 8 in history: Vasco da Gama's voyage, first issue of WSJ, more

Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck.

On&nbsp;Saturday (local time) five shots were heard on Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw a city 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta, according to a witness quoted by local channel WXIA

Police officials found body of one man who was later identified as club pro Eugene Siller, on a green. He had been shot in the head, police spokeswoman Shenise Barner told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The two men whose bodies were then found in the back of the truck were also gunshot victims, police said.&nbsp; 
Authorities did not elaborate on a possible motive.

Nearby Kennesaw State University issued an alert shortly after the shooting, warning of the possible presence of an "armed and dangerous" man.

The university later lifted the alert, saying there was "no credible threat to (the) campus."

The United States has a long and painful history of deadly gun violence, in the form of a steady daily toll of shootings as well as high-profile mass killings that have targeted schools, work places and shopping centers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck.

Police in USA's Georgia state were searching on Monday for a shooter after the person drove onto a golf course, killed an employee and fled, leaving two corpses in his pickup truck. On Saturday (local time) five shots were heard on Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw a city 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta, according to a witness quoted by local channel WXIA Police officials found body of one man who was later identified as club pro Eugene Siller, on a green. He had been shot in the head, police spokeswoman Shenise Barner told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The two men whose bodies were then found in the back of the truck were also gunshot victims, police said. Authorities did not elaborate on a possible motive. Nearby Kennesaw State University issued an alert shortly after the shooting, warning of the possible presence of an "armed and dangerous" man. The university later lifted the alert, saying there was "no credible threat to (the) campus." The United States has a long and painful history of deadly gun violence, in the form of a steady daily toll of shootings as well as high-profile mass killings that have targeted schools, work places and shopping centers. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Police seek killer after 3 bodies at golf club

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline.

"No need for me to go to jail today," he told journalists at his Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where hundreds of his supporters are camped outside in solidarity.

"They cannot accept papers and expect me to show up in prison," he added, referring to his legal bid to challenge the sentence.

Jacob Zuma (79) told his supporters earlier that his &nbsp;"constitutional rights were abused" by judges of the country's constitutional court.

He was sentenced to the jail term for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to give evidence to corruption investigators.

His supporters have vowed to render South Africa ungovernable if he is jailed.&nbsp;

After sentencing Zuma, the South African court nonetheless agreed to hear his challenge to rescind the order.&nbsp; 
The deadline to surrender himself to the authorities was set to run out on Sunday.

In a show of force, loyalists clad in their African National Congress (ANC) regalia have been outside their embattled leader's Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province for weeks.

Supporters defiant

"When I saw the police here I wondered how will they get to me, how will they get through all these people," Zuma said earlier as he continued to mock South African authorities.

"If (Police Minister) Bheki Cele comes here to arrest uBaba (Zuma) he must start with us," supporter Lindokuhle Maphalala told AFP.&nbsp;

Vowing to protect Zuma, the protesters called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down.&nbsp;

"We are here to say Ramaphosa must step down. Must step down", a visibly angry loyalist said. "As from Monday we will make the country ungovernable."&nbsp;

Police, under orders to arrest Zuma if necessary, were stationed across the province on Sunday to control the crowds descending on Nkandla.

If Zuma fails to turn himself in, police will be given a further three days to arrest him.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline.

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Sunday put up a defiant face and refused to surrender in order to start 12-month jail term for contempt. He refused to surrender by court-set deadline. "No need for me to go to jail today," he told journalists at his Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, where hundreds of his supporters are camped outside in solidarity. "They cannot accept papers and expect me to show up in prison," he added, referring to his legal bid to challenge the sentence. Jacob Zuma (79) told his supporters earlier that his "constitutional rights were abused" by judges of the country's constitutional court. He was sentenced to the jail term for contempt of court after he repeatedly refused to give evidence to corruption investigators. His supporters have vowed to render South Africa ungovernable if he is jailed. After sentencing Zuma, the South African court nonetheless agreed to hear his challenge to rescind the order. The deadline to surrender himself to the authorities was set to run out on Sunday. In a show of force, loyalists clad in their African National Congress (ANC) regalia have been outside their embattled leader's Nkandla homestead in Kwa-Zulu Natal province for weeks. Supporters defiant "When I saw the police here I wondered how will they get to me, how will they get through all these people," Zuma said earlier as he continued to mock South African authorities. "If (Police Minister) Bheki Cele comes here to arrest uBaba (Zuma) he must start with us," supporter Lindokuhle Maphalala told AFP. Vowing to protect Zuma, the protesters called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. "We are here to say Ramaphosa must step down. Must step down", a visibly angry loyalist said. "As from Monday we will make the country ungovernable." Police, under orders to arrest Zuma if necessary, were stationed across the province on Sunday to control the crowds descending on Nkandla. If Zuma fails to turn himself in, police will be given a further three days to arrest him. (With inputs from agencies)

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma refuses to surrender

Tropical storm Elsa battered Jamaica and Cuba with winds and rain Sunday after claiming at least three lives while cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean, authorities said.

Flooding, mudslides and destructive gusts were expected as the storm -- downgraded from hurricane status but still powerful -- crept north toward the United States.&nbsp;

"Across portions of southern Haiti and Jamaica, storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) with isolated total amounts of 15 inches are expected through today," the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Sunday.

The NHC reported a tropical storm warning for Cuba, Jamaica and the Florida Keys, with a weakening Elsa forecast to hit western Florida as early as Tuesday.

In Surfside, Florida, where a high-rise condo building collapsed on June 24, authorities said they might topple a remaining part of the building in a controlled implosion as early as Sunday -- avoiding the risk that Elsa might bring it down more destructively.

As of 2 pm Sunday (1800 GMT), Elsa was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said.&nbsp;

Centered in waters north of Kingston, Jamaica, it was beginning to be felt on Cuba's southern coast, with forecasters predicting heavy rains and "strong and intense" wind gusts.

On the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, a 15-year-old boy was killed Saturday near Bahoruco when a wall collapsed; and a 75-year-old woman in Bani met a similar fate, the Listin Diario newspaper said.&nbsp; 
A third person died in Soufriere on the island state of Santa Lucia, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) said, without offering details.

Heavy winds led to widespread electricity and water outages, the CDEMA said. It said hundreds of homes in Barbados were damaged.

Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, reported no deaths or "serious damage" though some crops were battered, according to Jerry Chandler, who heads that country's civil protection agency.

On Friday, Elsa -- then packing winds of 75 miles per hour -- &nbsp;became the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before weakening to tropical-storm status on Saturday.

Tropical storm Elsa battered Jamaica and Cuba with winds and rain Sunday after claiming at least three lives while cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean, authorities said.

Tropical storm Elsa battered Jamaica and Cuba with winds and rain Sunday after claiming at least three lives while cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean, authorities said. Flooding, mudslides and destructive gusts were expected as the storm -- downgraded from hurricane status but still powerful -- crept north toward the United States. "Across portions of southern Haiti and Jamaica, storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) with isolated total amounts of 15 inches are expected through today," the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Sunday. The NHC reported a tropical storm warning for Cuba, Jamaica and the Florida Keys, with a weakening Elsa forecast to hit western Florida as early as Tuesday. In Surfside, Florida, where a high-rise condo building collapsed on June 24, authorities said they might topple a remaining part of the building in a controlled implosion as early as Sunday -- avoiding the risk that Elsa might bring it down more destructively. As of 2 pm Sunday (1800 GMT), Elsa was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour, the NHC said. Centered in waters north of Kingston, Jamaica, it was beginning to be felt on Cuba's southern coast, with forecasters predicting heavy rains and "strong and intense" wind gusts. On the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, a 15-year-old boy was killed Saturday near Bahoruco when a wall collapsed; and a 75-year-old woman in Bani met a similar fate, the Listin Diario newspaper said. A third person died in Soufriere on the island state of Santa Lucia, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) said, without offering details. Heavy winds led to widespread electricity and water outages, the CDEMA said. It said hundreds of homes in Barbados were damaged. Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, reported no deaths or "serious damage" though some crops were battered, according to Jerry Chandler, who heads that country's civil protection agency. On Friday, Elsa -- then packing winds of 75 miles per hour -- became the first hurricane of the Atlantic season before weakening to tropical-storm status on Saturday.

Storm Elsa cuts through Caribbean after claiming three lives

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach.

The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament.

"It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying.

Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19.

With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts.

He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned.

Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year. As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach. The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament. "It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying. Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19. With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts. He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned. Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed. Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM's party falls short in Tokyo election

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week.

American soldiers handed over the base to0 Afghan security forces.

“They (Americans) are completely out now and everything is under our control, including watchtowers, air traffic and the hospital,” a senior Afghan government official told Reuters.

Reuters journalists on Monday visited the heavily fortified compound, long a symbol of Western forces deployed to shore up the Afghan government against the Taliban's campaign to regain power after being toppled by a U.S. intervention in 2001.

At the air base, dozens of vehicles left behind by US forces could be seen. Afghan officials and personnel could be seen travelling in others.

Hundreds of Afghan security personnel moved into barracks that once housed US soldiers.

Outside the walls of the vast base, things are not as serene. The Taliban have ramped up offensives against Afghan government forces across the country, particularly in the north where insurgents have gained territory rapidly.

On Sunday, hundreds of members of the Afghan security forces fled to refuge in neighbouring Tajikistan.

There are fears that Afghanistan may once again see a civil war for control of the country. Peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government remain inconclusive

Neighbourhoods and markets in the shadow of the base were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next.

“It is not a problem for us if there are foreign forces (here) or they leave, but the fact that the Taliban are taking over districts at any moment affects our work,” Wasim Shirzad, a shopkeeper told Reuters.

Another shopkeeper Nematullah Ferdaws, agreed: “Most shopkeepers do not invest...because they are hesitant about the country's future.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week.

Bagram Air base buzzed again on Monday as Afghan forces settled in the vast complex. US forces have fully vacated the base which was their main hub for 20 years for 20 years until their withdrawal last week. American soldiers handed over the base to0 Afghan security forces. “They (Americans) are completely out now and everything is under our control, including watchtowers, air traffic and the hospital,” a senior Afghan government official told Reuters. Reuters journalists on Monday visited the heavily fortified compound, long a symbol of Western forces deployed to shore up the Afghan government against the Taliban's campaign to regain power after being toppled by a U.S. intervention in 2001. At the air base, dozens of vehicles left behind by US forces could be seen. Afghan officials and personnel could be seen travelling in others. Hundreds of Afghan security personnel moved into barracks that once housed US soldiers. Outside the walls of the vast base, things are not as serene. The Taliban have ramped up offensives against Afghan government forces across the country, particularly in the north where insurgents have gained territory rapidly. On Sunday, hundreds of members of the Afghan security forces fled to refuge in neighbouring Tajikistan. There are fears that Afghanistan may once again see a civil war for control of the country. Peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government remain inconclusive Neighbourhoods and markets in the shadow of the base were left ruing the past and bracing for what comes next. “It is not a problem for us if there are foreign forces (here) or they leave, but the fact that the Taliban are taking over districts at any moment affects our work,” Wasim Shirzad, a shopkeeper told Reuters. Another shopkeeper Nematullah Ferdaws, agreed: “Most shopkeepers do not invest...because they are hesitant about the country's future.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan soldiers occupy Bagram air base, former hub of US forces

Twenty three members of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) called of the meeting planned on Monday to overcome the impasse on crude oil output levels, said AFP citing sources.

No new date has been given to reconvene.

Since May, the group has raised oil output little by little, after slashing it more than a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic crushed demand.

The proposal to increase output by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) is at stake.

That would add a further two million bpd to markets by the end of the year, helping to fuel a hoped-for recovery in the global economy as the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control.

But that plan risks being delayed or even failing over a further proposal to extend the cap on incremental increases through to the end of 2022. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The market is now fearing several scenarios," said Bjarne Schieldrop, a Norway-based analyst with SEB.

In one, there is no deal and no increase in production, sending oil prices shooting up, he said. Another sees a "free-for-all (in) production and a collapse in the oil price".

UAE on Sunday criticised terms of extension as unjust.

A video conference between OPEC members and their 10 allies was due to begin at 1300 GMT, but the meeting was called off a few hours later with no new date set.&nbsp;

Oil prices, which had already been sliding over concerns about the global economy, slumped in April 2020 when the coronavirus spread around the world and battered global consumption, transport and supply chains.

OPEC+ decided to withdraw 9.7 million bpd from the market and to gradually restore supplies by the end of April 2022.

Benchmark oil prices rebounded as a result. North Sea Brent and West Texas Intermediate, the most widely traded crude oil futures contracts, have lately been steady at around $75 a barrel, up by about half since the beginning of this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twenty three members of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) called of the meeting planned on Monday to overcome the impasse on crude oil output levels, said AFP citing sources.

Twenty three members of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) called of the meeting planned on Monday to overcome the impasse on crude oil output levels, said AFP citing sources. No new date has been given to reconvene. Since May, the group has raised oil output little by little, after slashing it more than a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic crushed demand. The proposal to increase output by 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) is at stake. That would add a further two million bpd to markets by the end of the year, helping to fuel a hoped-for recovery in the global economy as the coronavirus pandemic is brought under control. But that plan risks being delayed or even failing over a further proposal to extend the cap on incremental increases through to the end of 2022. "The market is now fearing several scenarios," said Bjarne Schieldrop, a Norway-based analyst with SEB. In one, there is no deal and no increase in production, sending oil prices shooting up, he said. Another sees a "free-for-all (in) production and a collapse in the oil price". UAE on Sunday criticised terms of extension as unjust. A video conference between OPEC members and their 10 allies was due to begin at 1300 GMT, but the meeting was called off a few hours later with no new date set. Oil prices, which had already been sliding over concerns about the global economy, slumped in April 2020 when the coronavirus spread around the world and battered global consumption, transport and supply chains. OPEC+ decided to withdraw 9.7 million bpd from the market and to gradually restore supplies by the end of April 2022. Benchmark oil prices rebounded as a result. North Sea Brent and West Texas Intermediate, the most widely traded crude oil futures contracts, have lately been steady at around $75 a barrel, up by about half since the beginning of this year. (With inputs from agencies)

OPEC+ postpones meeting over oil output impasse, new date not set

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties.

Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon. He said in his tweet that the damage was being assessed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Initial report: At approx. 2:45 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by three rockets. The rockets landed on the base perimeter. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. For more information see <a href="https://twitter.com/SecMedCell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecMedCell</a>
— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/OIRSpox/status/1412027260681523202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The attack took place on Ain al-Assad facility situated in western province of Anbar. This attack is latest in the list of attacks against US interest in Iraq.

US forces, whose 2,500 troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group, have been targeted more than 40 times this year.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack immediately.

Monday's attack has come a week after deadly US airstrike against pro-Iran fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Pentagon said that the airstrikes were carried out as a retaliation for attacks against US interests. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared they sent a "strong message" not to keep attacking American forces. &nbsp;

The Hashed-al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary alliance that includes several Iranian proxies and has become the main power broker in Baghdad, said the raids killed four of its fighters in the Qaim region near the border with Syria.

The June 27-28 overnight strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq, the Pentagon said.

Hours later, pro-Iran militias fired several shells at an American base in eastern Syria.

Iran-aligned groups operate in Iraq, which counts both Tehran and Washington as allies, and in war-torn Syria, where Iran is a key backer of the Damascus regime.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties. Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon.

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties. Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon. He said in his tweet that the damage was being assessed. Initial report: At approx. 2:45 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by three rockets. The rockets landed on the base perimeter. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. For more information see @SecMedCell — OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 5, 2021 × The attack took place on Ain al-Assad facility situated in western province of Anbar. This attack is latest in the list of attacks against US interest in Iraq. US forces, whose 2,500 troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group, have been targeted more than 40 times this year. No group claimed responsibility for the attack immediately. Monday's attack has come a week after deadly US airstrike against pro-Iran fighters in Iraq and Syria. Pentagon said that the airstrikes were carried out as a retaliation for attacks against US interests. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared they sent a "strong message" not to keep attacking American forces. The Hashed-al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary alliance that includes several Iranian proxies and has become the main power broker in Baghdad, said the raids killed four of its fighters in the Qaim region near the border with Syria. The June 27-28 overnight strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq, the Pentagon said. Hours later, pro-Iran militias fired several shells at an American base in eastern Syria. Iran-aligned groups operate in Iraq, which counts both Tehran and Washington as allies, and in war-torn Syria, where Iran is a key backer of the Damascus regime. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets fired at Iraqi base hosting US troops: Coalition

Gunmen kidnapped 140 students from a boarding school on Monday, an official said. The school is located in northwestern Nigeria. This incident is latest in the spate of abductions targetting schoolchildren.

Criminal gangs, heavily-armed, often attack villages to loot, steal cattle and abduct for ransom in northwest and central Nigeria. Since the start of the year, they have increasingly targetted schools and collges.

In the latest incident, the attackers opened fire and overpowered security guards of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state in the early hours of Monday. They abducted most of the 165 pupils boarding there.

"The kidnappers took away 140 students, only 25 students escaped. We still have no idea where the students were taken," Emmanuel Paul, a teacher at the school told AFP.

Kaduna state police spokesman Muhammed Jalige could not give exact number of students abducted.

"Tactical police teams went after the kidnappers," he said. "We are still on the rescue mission." 
Police said they had safely rescued 26 people, including a female teacher.

Around 1,000 students and pupils have been abducted in Nigeria since December. Most have been released after negotiations with local officials, although some are still being held.

Often, gangs target rural schools and colleges where students stay in dormitories and security is light, allowing them to easily transport large numbers of victims to forest hideouts to negotiate ransoms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen kidnapped 140 students from a boarding school on Monday, an official said. The school is located in northwestern Nigeria. This incident is latest in the spate of abductions targetting schoolchildren.

Gunmen kidnapped 140 students from a boarding school on Monday, an official said. The school is located in northwestern Nigeria. This incident is latest in the spate of abductions targetting schoolchildren. Criminal gangs, heavily-armed, often attack villages to loot, steal cattle and abduct for ransom in northwest and central Nigeria. Since the start of the year, they have increasingly targetted schools and collges. In the latest incident, the attackers opened fire and overpowered security guards of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna state in the early hours of Monday. They abducted most of the 165 pupils boarding there. "The kidnappers took away 140 students, only 25 students escaped. We still have no idea where the students were taken," Emmanuel Paul, a teacher at the school told AFP. Kaduna state police spokesman Muhammed Jalige could not give exact number of students abducted. "Tactical police teams went after the kidnappers," he said. "We are still on the rescue mission." Police said they had safely rescued 26 people, including a female teacher. Around 1,000 students and pupils have been abducted in Nigeria since December. Most have been released after negotiations with local officials, although some are still being held. Often, gangs target rural schools and colleges where students stay in dormitories and security is light, allowing them to easily transport large numbers of victims to forest hideouts to negotiate ransoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Gunmen kidnap 140 students from boarding school

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be part of this interaction as well. Leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (CPN-Maoist) will also participate.

“Over 500 leaders of political parties and political organizations from more than 160 countries and over 10,000 representatives of political parties will attend the Summit, which is themed on 'For the People’s Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties,” said Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) in a statement.&nbsp;

Zhaoming said the CPC and World Political Parties Summit would be held on July 6.&nbsp;

China has been holding discussions with leaders and heads of government of neighboring countries and its allies&nbsp;on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.&nbsp;

Spokesperson of the international committee of the party said that the conference will allow the CPC and political parties from around the world to jointly cope with challenges brought by the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

“The Summit will allow the CPC and political parties from all over the world to strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration, jointly cope with challenges brought by the changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen the ability and ideal to seek happiness for the people, promote world peace and development,” the statement added.&nbsp;

Earlier in May, the Nepali political leaders in a virtual meeting with CPC leaders appreciated the Chinese Government for their continuous support to Nepal in fighting the pandemic and stressed on Nepal-China relation.&nbsp;

“Nepal and China are trusted friends and good neighbors. The deep-rooted historical friendly relation goes back to thousands of years. China’s support is highly significant for improving living condition of Nepali people. We greatly value the development and humanitarian support from China,” CPN-Maoist Centre chairperson 'Prachanda' had said during the meeting.&nbsp;

Recently, Nepal decided to procure four million doses of Vero Cell vaccines from China under a non-disclosure agreement signed between the two nations.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be part of this interaction as well. Leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (CPN-Maoist) will also participate. “Over 500 leaders of political parties and political organizations from more than 160 countries and over 10,000 representatives of political parties will attend the Summit, which is themed on 'For the People’s Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties,” said Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) in a statement. Zhaoming said the CPC and World Political Parties Summit would be held on July 6. China has been holding discussions with leaders and heads of government of neighboring countries and its allies on the occasion of the 100th anniversary. Spokesperson of the international committee of the party said that the conference will allow the CPC and political parties from around the world to jointly cope with challenges brought by the Covid pandemic. “The Summit will allow the CPC and political parties from all over the world to strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration, jointly cope with challenges brought by the changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen the ability and ideal to seek happiness for the people, promote world peace and development,” the statement added. Earlier in May, the Nepali political leaders in a virtual meeting with CPC leaders appreciated the Chinese Government for their continuous support to Nepal in fighting the pandemic and stressed on Nepal-China relation. “Nepal and China are trusted friends and good neighbors. The deep-rooted historical friendly relation goes back to thousands of years. China’s support is highly significant for improving living condition of Nepali people. We greatly value the development and humanitarian support from China,” CPN-Maoist Centre chairperson 'Prachanda' had said during the meeting. Recently, Nepal decided to procure four million doses of Vero Cell vaccines from China under a non-disclosure agreement signed between the two nations.

Chinese President to hold talks with Nepal PM Oli, other leaders

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.