Bradley Wiggins plans to become a social worker as the former Tour de France winner moves onto a new life after his remarkable cycling career.

Wiggins was the first Briton to win the Tour de France in 2012 and he followed that memorable success by taking an Olympic time trial gold later the same year.

But the 39-year-old doesn't want to dwell on his sporting success any longer.

"I don't give a s**t about my cycling career now," Wiggins told The Big Issue magazine. "I'm just detached from it, I don't want to live off the back of it.

"I live off of being me, and I'm happy in my own skin."

Wiggins attempted to become a professional rower after his cycling journey ended, but when that venture petered out he worked as a television pundit for Eurosport.

However, Wiggins, who had a difficult relationship with his estranged father after growing up in north London, wants to move into social work in a bid to help others less fortunate than himself.

"When I was offered a TV role I wasn't sure I wanted to do it," he said. "It took me a while to find myself, redefine myself, and come back to cycling without an ego.

"So now I can do the TV job, but I've also enrolled to do an Open University degree in social work. I want to help people.

"Those horrific things I saw when I was growing up. nothing can shock me now, and I want to use that mental toughness working as a social worker.

"And when people say, 'Oh, you're that cyclist', I'll say, 'No, that was a few years ago. I'm a social worker now'."

Wiggins' reputation has suffered since his retirement after internet hackers revealed details of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) Wiggins was granted ahead of some of his biggest races, including the 2012 Tour.

An investigation into the contents of a jiffy bag delivered to the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine for his use was inconclusive.

Wiggins called the controversial investigation a "malicious witch-hunt" at the time.

Meanwhile, Team Wiggins Le Col, the professional development team he formed in 2015, will close at the end of the season.

Wiggins appears to have taken those slings and arrows in his stride as he prepares for a new chapter.

He famously posed on a throne in front of Hampton Court Palace after his Olympic gold in London, but he has no complaints that his spell as the king of cycling is over.

"It's nice to be remembered but I can't keep waltzing in with a rock'n'roll haircut and a suede suit on, drunk," he said.&nbsp;

"I've moved on from that person. Everything ends, everything has to end."

Bradley Wiggins plans to become a social worker as the former Tour de France winner moves onto a new life after his remarkable cycling career. Wiggins was the first Briton to win the Tour de France in 2012 and he followed that memorable success by taking an Olympic time trial gold later the same year.

Bradley Wiggins plans to become a social worker as the former Tour de France winner moves onto a new life after his remarkable cycling career. Wiggins was the first Briton to win the Tour de France in 2012 and he followed that memorable success by taking an Olympic time trial gold later the same year. But the 39-year-old doesn't want to dwell on his sporting success any longer. "I don't give a s**t about my cycling career now," Wiggins told The Big Issue magazine. "I'm just detached from it, I don't want to live off the back of it. "I live off of being me, and I'm happy in my own skin." Wiggins attempted to become a professional rower after his cycling journey ended, but when that venture petered out he worked as a television pundit for Eurosport. However, Wiggins, who had a difficult relationship with his estranged father after growing up in north London, wants to move into social work in a bid to help others less fortunate than himself. "When I was offered a TV role I wasn't sure I wanted to do it," he said. "It took me a while to find myself, redefine myself, and come back to cycling without an ego. "So now I can do the TV job, but I've also enrolled to do an Open University degree in social work. I want to help people. "Those horrific things I saw when I was growing up. nothing can shock me now, and I want to use that mental toughness working as a social worker. "And when people say, 'Oh, you're that cyclist', I'll say, 'No, that was a few years ago. I'm a social worker now'." Wiggins' reputation has suffered since his retirement after internet hackers revealed details of therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) Wiggins was granted ahead of some of his biggest races, including the 2012 Tour. An investigation into the contents of a jiffy bag delivered to the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine for his use was inconclusive. Wiggins called the controversial investigation a "malicious witch-hunt" at the time. Meanwhile, Team Wiggins Le Col, the professional development team he formed in 2015, will close at the end of the season. Wiggins appears to have taken those slings and arrows in his stride as he prepares for a new chapter. He famously posed on a throne in front of Hampton Court Palace after his Olympic gold in London, but he has no complaints that his spell as the king of cycling is over. "It's nice to be remembered but I can't keep waltzing in with a rock'n'roll haircut and a suede suit on, drunk," he said. "I've moved on from that person. Everything ends, everything has to end."

'I'm just detached from my cycling career,' says former Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins

Can power napping solve an electric car charging challenge?

A trainer aircraft, VT-AVV, crashed in Aligarh at the Dhanipur airstrip after one of its wheels got stuck in wires during the landing on Tuesday.

According to the order, the plane crash took place at around 8:45 am on Tuesday.

All passengers in the aircraft were rescued safely following the crash, according to City Magistrate, Aligarh, Vinit Kumar Singh.

"Six people were on board the aircraft when it crashed after one of its wheels got stuck in the wire during landing. All the 6 people are safe with no injuries," Singh told ANI here.&nbsp;

Fire tenders rushed to the site of the crash as the plane caught fire and were able to get the situation under control.

Aligarh District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into Aligarh chartered service plane crash case.

"I have issued an order for a magisterial inquiry into this matter. I have further directed Vineet Kumar Singh, City Magistrate Aligarh, to investigate the reason behind the crash," Singh wrote in the order.

A trainer aircraft, VT-AVV, crashed in Aligarh at the Dhanipur airstrip after one of its wheels got stuck in wires during the landing on Tuesday. According to the order, the plane crash took place at around 8:45 am on Tuesday.

A trainer aircraft, VT-AVV, crashed in Aligarh at the Dhanipur airstrip after one of its wheels got stuck in wires during the landing on Tuesday. According to the order, the plane crash took place at around 8:45 am on Tuesday. All passengers in the aircraft were rescued safely following the crash, according to City Magistrate, Aligarh, Vinit Kumar Singh. "Six people were on board the aircraft when it crashed after one of its wheels got stuck in the wire during landing. All the 6 people are safe with no injuries," Singh told ANI here. Fire tenders rushed to the site of the crash as the plane caught fire and were able to get the situation under control. Aligarh District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into Aligarh chartered service plane crash case. "I have issued an order for a magisterial inquiry into this matter. I have further directed Vineet Kumar Singh, City Magistrate Aligarh, to investigate the reason behind the crash," Singh wrote in the order.

Aligarh: Aircraft crashes at Dhanipur airstrip, all six onboard safe with no injuries 

At least 23 people were killed after a fire broke out in a bar in southern Mexico Tuesday night, NBC News reported.

The prosecutors said that the fire is likely caused by an attack.

Thirteen others were left seriously injured following the blaze in the southern port city of Coatzacoalcos, NBC said, citing a statement from the state attorney general's office.

The office condemned "what may constitute a malicious attack," it added.&nbsp;

Citing reports, The Los Angeles Times said Molotov cocktails had been thrown into the bar.

Images carried by local media showed a wrecked interior with chairs overturned and debris littering the floor, and emergency vehicles and police outside the building.&nbsp;

"The devious crime of a few moments ago in Coatzacoalcos will not go unpunished," the governor of Veracruz state said in a tweet. &nbsp;

Veracruz is one of the most violent regions of Mexico. Drug trafficking routes to the United States pass through it, and bloody battles frequently erupt between rival drug gangs.

At least 23 people were killed after a fire broke out in a bar in southern Mexico Tuesday night, NBC News reported. The prosecutors said that the fire is likely caused by an attack.

At least 23 people were killed after a fire broke out in a bar in southern Mexico Tuesday night, NBC News reported. The prosecutors said that the fire is likely caused by an attack. Thirteen others were left seriously injured following the blaze in the southern port city of Coatzacoalcos, NBC said, citing a statement from the state attorney general's office. The office condemned "what may constitute a malicious attack," it added. Citing reports, The Los Angeles Times said Molotov cocktails had been thrown into the bar. Images carried by local media showed a wrecked interior with chairs overturned and debris littering the floor, and emergency vehicles and police outside the building. "The devious crime of a few moments ago in Coatzacoalcos will not go unpunished," the governor of Veracruz state said in a tweet. Veracruz is one of the most violent regions of Mexico. Drug trafficking routes to the United States pass through it, and bloody battles frequently erupt between rival drug gangs.

At least 23 killed, 13 wounded in Mexico bar fire likely caused by 'attack': Prosecutors

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants.

Negotiations over how to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan have been held in Qatar's capital, Doha, since late last year. The ninth round of talks began last week.

"We hope to have good news soon for our Muslim, independence-seeking nation," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha.

US officials engaged in talks with the Taliban in Doha were not immediately available for comment.

Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks, is scheduled to be in Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani about the agreement.

A senior security official in Kabul said the Taliban and US officials had agreed upon a timeline of about 14 to 24 months for the withdrawal of US forces.

Details would be shared with the Afghan government before they were made public, the official said.

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants.

The Taliban said on Wednesday they were close to an agreement with US officials on a deal that would see US forces withdraw from Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban promise the country would not become a haven for international militants. Negotiations over how to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan have been held in Qatar's capital, Doha, since late last year. The ninth round of talks began last week. "We hope to have good news soon for our Muslim, independence-seeking nation," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha. US officials engaged in talks with the Taliban in Doha were not immediately available for comment. Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations said the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been leading the talks, is scheduled to be in Kabul to brief President Ashraf Ghani about the agreement. A senior security official in Kabul said the Taliban and US officials had agreed upon a timeline of about 14 to 24 months for the withdrawal of US forces. Details would be shared with the Afghan government before they were made public, the official said.

Taliban says near agreement on US withdrawal from Afghanistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-alone-will-be-to-blame-for-no-deal-brexit-eu-tells-johnson-246104">Britain's government</a> will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported.

The move, also reported by the Guardian, limits the amount of parliamentary time available to lawmakers who want to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without an exit deal.

Johnson's office did not immediately comment on the reports, which caused the pound to fall.

It comes a day after lawmakers who are opposed to a so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-corbyn-will-do-everything-necessary-to-stop-no-deal-brexit-245995">no-deal Brexit</a> met to discuss ways they could use parliamentary procedure to force Johnson to seek a delay to Brexit.

A meeting about the government's move to limit parliamentary time was due to take place at Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral on Wednesday, the Guardian's political editor, Heather Stewart, said on Twitter.

"Suggestion from more than one source of a Privy Council meeting at Balmoral today, to discuss/agree extending the conference recess until 14 October," Stewart said.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Boris Johnson; Britain's biggest embarrassment

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The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said senior ministers would hold a conference call on Wednesday morning.

Parliament returns on September 3 and had been expected to sit for two weeks before breaking up again to allow each national political party to hold their annual conference. Typically it begins sitting again in early October.

The BBC said Johnson would set an October 14 date for the Queen's Speech - the formal state opening of a new session of parliament at which Queen Elizabeth reads a speech prepared by the government, setting out a legislative agenda for the coming year.

A Queen's Speech on October 14 would delay parliament's return, and leave lawmakers with just over two weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31.

Britain's government will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported.

Britain's government will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported. The move, also reported by the Guardian, limits the amount of parliamentary time available to lawmakers who want to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without an exit deal. Johnson's office did not immediately comment on the reports, which caused the pound to fall. It comes a day after lawmakers who are opposed to a so-called no-deal Brexit met to discuss ways they could use parliamentary procedure to force Johnson to seek a delay to Brexit. A meeting about the government's move to limit parliamentary time was due to take place at Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral on Wednesday, the Guardian's political editor, Heather Stewart, said on Twitter. "Suggestion from more than one source of a Privy Council meeting at Balmoral today, to discuss/agree extending the conference recess until 14 October," Stewart said. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Boris Johnson; Britain's biggest embarrassment The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said senior ministers would hold a conference call on Wednesday morning. Parliament returns on September 3 and had been expected to sit for two weeks before breaking up again to allow each national political party to hold their annual conference. Typically it begins sitting again in early October. The BBC said Johnson would set an October 14 date for the Queen's Speech - the formal state opening of a new session of parliament at which Queen Elizabeth reads a speech prepared by the government, setting out a legislative agenda for the coming year. A Queen's Speech on October 14 would delay parliament's return, and leave lawmakers with just over two weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to restrict parliament time before Brexit: Report

China has denied a request for a US Navy warship to visit the Chinese port city of Qingdao in recent days, a US defence official told Reuters on Tuesday, at a time of tense ties between the world's two largest economies.

This marks at least the second time China has denied a request by the United States this month, having earlier rejected a request for two US Navy ships to visit Hong Kong, as the political crisis in the former British colony deepened.

The defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the destroyer was supposed to visit on Sunday but China denied the request prior to that.

US military warships have occasionally made visits to China, most recently in 2017, the defence official said. The last US Navy ship to visit Qingdao was the destroyer Benfold in 2016.

Asked why the US request was denied, the US defence official said the question should be directed to Beijing.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, speaking at a daily news briefing in Beijing, said he had no understanding of the situation, and referred questions to the military.

China's Ministry of Defence did not respond to a request for comment.

A trade war between the world's two largest economies has damaged global growth and raised market fears that the world economy could tip into recession.

But, US President Donald Trump on Monday raised hopes for a deal that could de-escalate the tariff war.

Earlier this month, China denied a request by the US Navy transport dock ship Green Bay and guided-missile cruiser Lake Erie to visit Hong Kong. The proposed visit would have taken place at a time when anti-government protests in Hong Kong are posing the biggest challenge China's Communist Party rulers since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. Authorities in Beijing have sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible to subdue the violence.

China's 2019 defence spending will rise 7.5 per cent from 2018, according to a budget report issued earlier this year, and its military build-up has raised concerns among neighbours and Western allies, particularly as Beijing has become more assertive in territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas and over Taiwan, a self-ruled territory Beijing claims as its own.

Last year, the US military put countering China, along with Russia, at the centre of a new national defence strategy, shifting priorities after more than a decade and a half of focusing on the fight against Islamist militants.

China has denied a request for a US Navy warship to visit the Chinese port city of Qingdao in recent days, a US defence official told Reuters on Tuesday, at a time of tense ties between the world's two largest economies.

China has denied a request for a US Navy warship to visit the Chinese port city of Qingdao in recent days, a US defence official told Reuters on Tuesday, at a time of tense ties between the world's two largest economies. This marks at least the second time China has denied a request by the United States this month, having earlier rejected a request for two US Navy ships to visit Hong Kong, as the political crisis in the former British colony deepened. The defence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the destroyer was supposed to visit on Sunday but China denied the request prior to that. US military warships have occasionally made visits to China, most recently in 2017, the defence official said. The last US Navy ship to visit Qingdao was the destroyer Benfold in 2016. Asked why the US request was denied, the US defence official said the question should be directed to Beijing. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, speaking at a daily news briefing in Beijing, said he had no understanding of the situation, and referred questions to the military. China's Ministry of Defence did not respond to a request for comment. A trade war between the world's two largest economies has damaged global growth and raised market fears that the world economy could tip into recession. But, US President Donald Trump on Monday raised hopes for a deal that could de-escalate the tariff war. Earlier this month, China denied a request by the US Navy transport dock ship Green Bay and guided-missile cruiser Lake Erie to visit Hong Kong. The proposed visit would have taken place at a time when anti-government protests in Hong Kong are posing the biggest challenge China's Communist Party rulers since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. Authorities in Beijing have sent a clear warning that forceful intervention is possible to subdue the violence. China's 2019 defence spending will rise 7.5 per cent from 2018, according to a budget report issued earlier this year, and its military build-up has raised concerns among neighbours and Western allies, particularly as Beijing has become more assertive in territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas and over Taiwan, a self-ruled territory Beijing claims as its own. Last year, the US military put countering China, along with Russia, at the centre of a new national defence strategy, shifting priorities after more than a decade and a half of focusing on the fight against Islamist militants.

China denies Qingdao port visit for US warship amid tensions

World of fake-branded bars: How forgery crisis is slipping dirty gold into global markets

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago.

But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority.

The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea.

"We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar.

He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues.

"The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said.

The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region."

A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya.

Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks.

The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated.

"The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights.

Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking".

"Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar's navy will join maritime drills with the US in Southeast Asia next week, a spokesman said Wednesday, in a rare show of military cooperation despite Washington slapping sanctions on top army brass over the Rohingya crisis. The inclusion in the drills does not violate US travel bans against Myanmar's commander-in-chief and three senior figures for overseeing a bloody campaign that drove 740,000 Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh two years ago. But there are growing calls to further isolate the military, expand sanctions and prosecute senior leadership for genocide against the stateless minority. The drills come at a time of stepped-up US engagement in the region and tensions between China and several Southeast Asian nations over rival claims in the South China Sea. "We were invited as part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for the exercise," said Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief's office in Myanmar. He said the exercise, starting in the Gulf of Thailand on September 2, focus on crime, piracy and security, and the travel bans were separate issues. "The sanctions imposed were personal and this exercise is coordination between ASEAN and the US," he said. The US State Department said in a media advisory that the drills with the 10 nations of the regional bloc provide an opportunity "to work with all members of ASEAN on shared maritime security priorities in the region." A UN fact-finding mission wants Myanmar's commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing to face charges of genocide after documenting arson, extra-judicial killings and rape during the military's August 2107 campaign against the Rohingya. Myanmar has rebuffed the allegations, saying it was defending itself from Rohingya insurgent attacks. The crisis has also shattered the reputation of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Allegations of abuses on the ground in Rakhine state have been largely directed against army units, but rights groups say naval vessels were also implicated. "The US should be working with members of the international community to push for accountability in Myanmar, not joining its military in exercises,” said John Quinley with the NGO Fortify Rights. Prominent Rohingya activist Tun Khin called the joint exercises "shocking". "Just weeks after the USA designates the head of the military as responsible for gross human rights violations, they are working together with that same military."

Myanmar to join US-ASEAN maritime drills despite sanctions

Facebook has blocked at least 31 accounts which were reportedly involved in spreading "propaganda" against polio vaccination in Pakistan.

This comes after Imran Khan-led PTI government in Pakistan requested the social media giant to take action against the accounts.

On Monday, rumours swirled over social media that a one-year-old girl had died after she was administrated with the polio vaccines.

"Print and electronic media showed responsibility and decided to wait till getting the autopsy report of the deceased. However, an organised campaign was launched on the social media that the girl had died because of the vaccine and people should not vaccinate their children," Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, Babar Bin Atta said.

However, the autopsy has cited suffocation to be a cause of girl's death. Following this, the government approached Facebook with its demand.

"As per the autopsy report, the girl died due to suffocation as a peanut got stuck in her throat. Just after getting the report we contacted Facebook and officially launched a campaign against those accounts which were involved in propaganda against the vaccine," he said.

While 58 cases have been confirmed in the South Asian country until now, only 12 and eight cases were confirmed in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

While polio is highly infectious, it is easily preventable by the polio vaccine.

Polio cases are presently reported from two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Due to this, nationals of either of the countries undertaking travel abroad are recommended to be vaccinated at the start of their journey by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).

Facebook has blocked at least 31 accounts which were reportedly involved in spreading "propaganda" against polio vaccination in Pakistan. This comes after Imran Khan-led PTI government in Pakistan requested the social media giant to take action against the accounts.

Facebook has blocked at least 31 accounts which were reportedly involved in spreading "propaganda" against polio vaccination in Pakistan. This comes after Imran Khan-led PTI government in Pakistan requested the social media giant to take action against the accounts. On Monday, rumours swirled over social media that a one-year-old girl had died after she was administrated with the polio vaccines. "Print and electronic media showed responsibility and decided to wait till getting the autopsy report of the deceased. However, an organised campaign was launched on the social media that the girl had died because of the vaccine and people should not vaccinate their children," Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, Babar Bin Atta said. However, the autopsy has cited suffocation to be a cause of girl's death. Following this, the government approached Facebook with its demand. "As per the autopsy report, the girl died due to suffocation as a peanut got stuck in her throat. Just after getting the report we contacted Facebook and officially launched a campaign against those accounts which were involved in propaganda against the vaccine," he said. While 58 cases have been confirmed in the South Asian country until now, only 12 and eight cases were confirmed in 2018 and 2017, respectively. While polio is highly infectious, it is easily preventable by the polio vaccine. Polio cases are presently reported from two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Due to this, nationals of either of the countries undertaking travel abroad are recommended to be vaccinated at the start of their journey by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).

After Pakistan's demand, Facebook blocks 31 accounts for spreading 'propaganda' against polio vaccination

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US&nbsp;officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Government officials said 14 members of the militia were killed and several civilians were wounded during clashes in the western province of Herat.

Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Heart police, said the 14 men were killed in Rubat-e-Sangi district of Herat after a large number of Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in the Chahardara area.

"At least nine others are wounded in the clashes and the Taliban militants were pushed back after Afghan forces reinforced the area," said Walizada.

Taliban officials were not immediately available for comment.

US&nbsp;and Taliban officials are said to be nearing an agreement, after months of negotiations, under which the United States would start to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban pledges not to allow the country to harbour other Islamic extremist groups.

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.

Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war. Government officials said 14 members of the militia were killed and several civilians were wounded during clashes in the western province of Herat. Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Heart police, said the 14 men were killed in Rubat-e-Sangi district of Herat after a large number of Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in the Chahardara area. "At least nine others are wounded in the clashes and the Taliban militants were pushed back after Afghan forces reinforced the area," said Walizada. Taliban officials were not immediately available for comment. US and Taliban officials are said to be nearing an agreement, after months of negotiations, under which the United States would start to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban pledges not to allow the country to harbour other Islamic extremist groups.

Taliban kills 14 pro-government militia in Afghanistan: Officials

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-new-army-chief-takes-office-amid-international-criticism-244641">Shavendra Silva has been accused by the United Nations of committing war crimes </a>during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in 2009.

His appointment last week by President Maithripala Sirisena was widely condemned by other countries and rights organisations.

The 55-year-old was quick to dismiss the allegations while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure.

"There can be concerns, countries can have concerns, but I am sure the president considered the requirement of the nation," Silva said.

"Allegations have been there. This is not the first time allegations have been made (against me). Anyone can make allegations."

Silva said he wanted to move forward and cited claims about a mass grave in Sri Lanka's northwest that was later found using carbon dating to be hundreds of years old.

The government had already rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job.

The United Nations Human Rights Council and several UN reports have accused Silva of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity while crushing Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009.

Silva was the commanding officer of an army division in the island's northern warzone in the final months of the offensive that the UN said killed at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the hands of the military.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week that she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment.

The American embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible".

Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes.

Sri Lanka's new army chief on Monday brushed aside international outrage over his appointment, saying "anyone can make allegations" that he had committed war crimes. Shavendra Silva has been accused by the United Nations of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in 2009. His appointment last week by President Maithripala Sirisena was widely condemned by other countries and rights organisations. The 55-year-old was quick to dismiss the allegations while praising Sirisena's "courageous decision" to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure. "There can be concerns, countries can have concerns, but I am sure the president considered the requirement of the nation," Silva said. "Allegations have been there. This is not the first time allegations have been made (against me). Anyone can make allegations." Silva said he wanted to move forward and cited claims about a mass grave in Sri Lanka's northwest that was later found using carbon dating to be hundreds of years old. The government had already rejected as "unwarranted and unacceptable" the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job. The United Nations Human Rights Council and several UN reports have accused Silva of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity while crushing Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009. Silva was the commanding officer of an army division in the island's northern warzone in the final months of the offensive that the UN said killed at least 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians in the hands of the military. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said last week that she was "deeply troubled" by Silva's appointment. The American embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as "serious and credible". Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

Sri Lanka's new army chief dismisses war crimes claims

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Zee News Rajasthan

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