The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the 15th edition of the world's richest cricket league, is set to be a bigger and better affair with a total of 10 teams.&nbsp;

Earlier the league consisted of eight teams but after the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants franchises, the league expanded.&nbsp;

As per reports, the IPL 2022&nbsp;is expected to begin in the last week of March and run until the end of May and ahead of the league, a mega auction will be held.&nbsp;

The much-awaited auction is scheduled to be held on February 12-13 and&nbsp;all eyes will be on the event as 590 players will go under the hammer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-hardik-pandyas-ahmedabad-franchise-named-gujarat-titans-reveals-team-owner-451636">IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya's Ahmedabad franchise named Gujarat Titans, reveals team owner</a>

Ahead of the auction, cricket pundits are speculating which player will end up with which team. Recently, India's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin predicted that his former Delhi Capitals teammate will earn big in the auctions.&nbsp;

On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, "Then, we have Shikhar Dhawan. As the saying goes, Old is Gold. There is no doubt when it comes to that. In fact, when T20 started, it was seen as a young man's sport. But as time flies by, these experienced cricketers are making all the difference and winning you championships."&nbsp;

He added, "So, there is always a value for experience and therefore, Shikhar Dhawan will go for a decent amount. And he will surely score 450-500 runs as well. So, you might ask who will need Shikhar Dhawan? Except for Rajasthan Royals, every single team will need Shikhar Dhawan."&nbsp;

Apart from Delhi Capitals, the left-handed batter has played for Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and it is expected that he will be one of the favoutites to be picked by franchises considering his recent performances. In the previous season, Dhawan scored scored 587 runs in 16 games.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-emotional-call-aakash-chopra-on-csk-shelling-out-inr-120-million-to-retain-ms-dhoni-ahead-of-ipl-auction-451508">'An emotional call': Aakash Chopra on CSK shelling out INR 120 million to retain MS Dhoni ahead of IPL auction</a>

Ashwin also praised&nbsp;young Indian player Ishan Kishan and said he can earn big in the mega auction.&nbsp;

Terming Kishan as a 3-in-1 package, Ashwin said, "Ishan Kishan is one exciting option. But Mumbai also used him in the middle-order. So, he is a 3-in-1 package since his main dynamic of being a keeper adds a massive value."&nbsp;

Ashwin said Kishan is a keeper who can bat at the top, in the middle and he provides "another variety of him being a left-hander".&nbsp;

He added, "The general perception is that he will go for 15-17 crores. I don't know about the exact value. But he is worth every crore that you are gonna be spending."&nbsp;

"So, Ishan Kishan will go for plenty since he is a 5-in-1 player. And he can sledge you from behind the stumps as well. In fact, he sledges you more than Rishabh Pant," Ashwin added.&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the 15th edition of the world's richest cricket league, is set to be a bigger and better affair with a total of 10 teams. Earlier the league consisted of eight teams but after the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants franchises, the league expanded.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, the 15th edition of the world's richest cricket league, is set to be a bigger and better affair with a total of 10 teams. Earlier the league consisted of eight teams but after the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants franchises, the league expanded. As per reports, the IPL 2022 is expected to begin in the last week of March and run until the end of May and ahead of the league, a mega auction will be held. The much-awaited auction is scheduled to be held on February 12-13 and all eyes will be on the event as 590 players will go under the hammer. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya's Ahmedabad franchise named Gujarat Titans, reveals team owner Ahead of the auction, cricket pundits are speculating which player will end up with which team. Recently, India's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin predicted that his former Delhi Capitals teammate will earn big in the auctions. On his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, "Then, we have Shikhar Dhawan. As the saying goes, Old is Gold. There is no doubt when it comes to that. In fact, when T20 started, it was seen as a young man's sport. But as time flies by, these experienced cricketers are making all the difference and winning you championships." He added, "So, there is always a value for experience and therefore, Shikhar Dhawan will go for a decent amount. And he will surely score 450-500 runs as well. So, you might ask who will need Shikhar Dhawan? Except for Rajasthan Royals, every single team will need Shikhar Dhawan." Apart from Delhi Capitals, the left-handed batter has played for Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and it is expected that he will be one of the favoutites to be picked by franchises considering his recent performances. In the previous season, Dhawan scored scored 587 runs in 16 games. ALSO READ | 'An emotional call': Aakash Chopra on CSK shelling out INR 120 million to retain MS Dhoni ahead of IPL auction Ashwin also praised young Indian player Ishan Kishan and said he can earn big in the mega auction. Terming Kishan as a 3-in-1 package, Ashwin said, "Ishan Kishan is one exciting option. But Mumbai also used him in the middle-order. So, he is a 3-in-1 package since his main dynamic of being a keeper adds a massive value." Ashwin said Kishan is a keeper who can bat at the top, in the middle and he provides "another variety of him being a left-hander". He added, "The general perception is that he will go for 15-17 crores. I don't know about the exact value. But he is worth every crore that you are gonna be spending." "So, Ishan Kishan will go for plenty since he is a 5-in-1 player. And he can sledge you from behind the stumps as well. In fact, he sledges you more than Rishabh Pant," Ashwin added.

Ravichandran Ashwin names two Indian players who are likely to earn big in IPL 2022 mega auction

Sir Andrew Strauss, the interim managing director of England Men`s Cricket has said that James Anderson and Stuart Broad might have been dropped but this does not mean the end of them as Three Lions players`.

England Men`s selection panel, consisting of Sir Andrew Strauss, interim head coach Paul Collingwood and head scout James Taylor, on Tuesday, named a 16-strong squad for the three-match Test tour of the Caribbean starting next month.

Eight players - James Anderson, Dom Bess, Sam Billings, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, and Dawid Malan - who featured in the recent Ashes series, have missed out on selection.

"In respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, I want to emphasize this does not mean the end for them as England players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-an-experiment-make-no-mistake-sunil-gavaskar-reacts-as-rishabh-pant-opens-in-2nd-odi-451676">This is an experiment, make no mistake: Sunil Gavaskar reacts as Rishabh Pant opens in 2nd ODI</a>

We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously. No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up.

It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond," Strauss said in an official release.

Durham opener Alex Lees and Yorkshire seamer Matthew Fisher are called-up for the first time. Lees, 28, captained the Lions squad in Australia and has shown great potential in the LV= Insurance County Championship over the past few years with Durham and previously Yorkshire.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan Test squad announced vs Australia, Shaun Tait appointed as Babar Azam &amp; Co.'s fast bowling coach">Pakistan Test squad announced vs Australia, Shaun Tait appointed as Babar Azam &amp; Co.'s fast bowling coach</a>

He scored 625 runs in last year`s Championship campaign, with the highest score of 129. The 24-year-old Fisher took 20 wickets for Yorkshire last season at an average of 19.65 from County Championship matches.

His control with the ball has impressed the England set-up for some time, and he was a stand-out performer for the Lions during the winter programme.

Alongside the new additions to the squad, the Lancashire duo of Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Parkinson will be aiming to make their Test debut in the Caribbean having featured in previous squads.

The three-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. Joe Root`s team will be looking to climb the rankings after a disappointing start to the second edition of the Championship.

At the end of the two-year cycle, the top two teams will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final due to be staged in 2023.

England squad: Joe Root (C), Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Matthew Fischer, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Sir Andrew Strauss, the interim managing director of England Men`s Cricket has said that James Anderson and Stuart Broad might have been dropped but this does not mean the end of them as Three Lions players`.

Sir Andrew Strauss, the interim managing director of England Men`s Cricket has said that James Anderson and Stuart Broad might have been dropped but this does not mean the end of them as Three Lions players`. England Men`s selection panel, consisting of Sir Andrew Strauss, interim head coach Paul Collingwood and head scout James Taylor, on Tuesday, named a 16-strong squad for the three-match Test tour of the Caribbean starting next month. Eight players - James Anderson, Dom Bess, Sam Billings, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, and Dawid Malan - who featured in the recent Ashes series, have missed out on selection. "In respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, I want to emphasize this does not mean the end for them as England players. ALSO READ: This is an experiment, make no mistake: Sunil Gavaskar reacts as Rishabh Pant opens in 2nd ODI We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously. No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up. It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond," Strauss said in an official release. Durham opener Alex Lees and Yorkshire seamer Matthew Fisher are called-up for the first time. Lees, 28, captained the Lions squad in Australia and has shown great potential in the LV= Insurance County Championship over the past few years with Durham and previously Yorkshire. ALSO READ: Pakistan Test squad announced vs Australia, Shaun Tait appointed as Babar Azam & Co.'s fast bowling coach He scored 625 runs in last year`s Championship campaign, with the highest score of 129. The 24-year-old Fisher took 20 wickets for Yorkshire last season at an average of 19.65 from County Championship matches. His control with the ball has impressed the England set-up for some time, and he was a stand-out performer for the Lions during the winter programme. Alongside the new additions to the squad, the Lancashire duo of Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Parkinson will be aiming to make their Test debut in the Caribbean having featured in previous squads. The three-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. Joe Root`s team will be looking to climb the rankings after a disappointing start to the second edition of the Championship. At the end of the two-year cycle, the top two teams will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final due to be staged in 2023. England squad: Joe Root (C), Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Matthew Fischer, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Anderson, Broad omission does not mean the end of them as Three Lions players: Andrew Strauss

The Beijing Olympics medal ceremony for the&nbsp;figure&nbsp;skating&nbsp;team event that was won by Russian skaters has been delayed due to an unspecified "legal consultation", the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

There were no details given on the reasons for the delay but with four Russian skaters, including 15-year-old sensation Kamila Valieva, not attending their planned training session on Wednesday the ceremony's postponement raised more questions.&nbsp;

It had initially been moved to Tuesday evening from Monday before being postponed indefinitely.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zhu-yi-who-gave-up-us-citizenship-to-compete-for-china-slammed-after-poor-show-at-beijing-winter-olympics-451484">Zhu Yi, who gave up US citizenship to compete for China, slammed after poor show at Beijing Winter Olympics</a>&nbsp;

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team claimed the gold medal on Monday with Valieva landing the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition. The United States took silver and Japan bronze.&nbsp;

"A situation arose at short notice that requires legal consultation," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, without providing any details on the nature of the ongoing consultation.&nbsp;

"You can bet your bottom dollar we are doing everything that this situation can be resolved as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"I cannot give you any more details but we will do our utmost."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eileen-gu-dodges-us-passport-question-after-lifting-china-to-top-of-the-medals-table-at-beijing-games-451469">Eileen Gu dodges US passport question after lifting China to top of the medals table at Beijing Games</a>

Adams said the ceremony would take place as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Valieva was one of the four ROC athletes, along with pairs dancers Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov, and Mark Kondratiuk, who did not appear at their practice sessions on Wednesday. It was not clear why they had not trained.

Kondratiuk also represented the ROC team and competed in Tuesday's individual short programme. He advanced to the finals scheduled on Thursday.

Russian athletes are competing in Beijing as representatives of the ROC rather than their home nation due to doping sanctions.

The only ROC skaters to train were team ice dancers Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov.

The International&nbsp;Skating&nbsp;Union (ISU) did not provide any details on the reason for the delay other than citing "legal consultations," in an emailed response to Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from the Russian Olympic Committee or the International Testing Agency (ITA), which is in charge of doping controls during the Olympics.

The Beijing Olympics medal ceremony for the figure skating team event that was won by Russian skaters has been delayed due to an unspecified "legal consultation", the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The Beijing Olympics medal ceremony for the figure skating team event that was won by Russian skaters has been delayed due to an unspecified "legal consultation", the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. There were no details given on the reasons for the delay but with four Russian skaters, including 15-year-old sensation Kamila Valieva, not attending their planned training session on Wednesday the ceremony's postponement raised more questions. It had initially been moved to Tuesday evening from Monday before being postponed indefinitely. ALSO READ | Zhu Yi, who gave up US citizenship to compete for China, slammed after poor show at Beijing Winter Olympics The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team claimed the gold medal on Monday with Valieva landing the first quadruple jumps by a woman in Olympic competition. The United States took silver and Japan bronze. "A situation arose at short notice that requires legal consultation," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said, without providing any details on the nature of the ongoing consultation. "You can bet your bottom dollar we are doing everything that this situation can be resolved as soon as possible. "I cannot give you any more details but we will do our utmost." ALSO READ | Eileen Gu dodges US passport question after lifting China to top of the medals table at Beijing Games Adams said the ceremony would take place as soon as possible. Valieva was one of the four ROC athletes, along with pairs dancers Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov, and Mark Kondratiuk, who did not appear at their practice sessions on Wednesday. It was not clear why they had not trained. Kondratiuk also represented the ROC team and competed in Tuesday's individual short programme. He advanced to the finals scheduled on Thursday. Russian athletes are competing in Beijing as representatives of the ROC rather than their home nation due to doping sanctions. The only ROC skaters to train were team ice dancers Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov. The International Skating Union (ISU) did not provide any details on the reason for the delay other than citing "legal consultations," in an emailed response to Reuters. There was no immediate comment from the Russian Olympic Committee or the International Testing Agency (ITA), which is in charge of doping controls during the Olympics.

Beijing Olympics: Medals ceremony of figure skating team event won by Russia delayed over legal issue

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said.&nbsp;

On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news! The SG (Secretary-General) offers condolences to her family and the people and the government of India at this time. She was the voice of an entire subcontinent."&nbsp;

Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92, leaving the entire nation teary-eyed. She passed away at 8:12am (local time) due to a multi-organ failure, said the doctor who was treating her in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.&nbsp;

Lata Mangeshkar's last rites were conducted at Shivaji Park on Sunday in Mumbai with full state honours. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to pay his last respects.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lata-mangeshkar-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-pm-modi-srk-sachin-attend-funeral-451042">Lata Mangeshkar laid to rest with full state honours, PM Modi, SRK, Sachin attend funeral</a>

Pakistan PM Imran Khan condoled the death of Mangeshkar, saying the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known.&nbsp;

"With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world," Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said that Mangeshkar's music crossed cultural frontiers.

Solih tweeted: "Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar's passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India."&nbsp;

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With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1490318992199667718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Saddened to hear of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LataMangeshkar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LataMangeshkar</a>’s passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India. <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a>
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1490358869813788672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said. On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news!

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said. On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news! The SG (Secretary-General) offers condolences to her family and the people and the government of India at this time. She was the voice of an entire subcontinent." Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92, leaving the entire nation teary-eyed. She passed away at 8:12am (local time) due to a multi-organ failure, said the doctor who was treating her in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Lata Mangeshkar's last rites were conducted at Shivaji Park on Sunday in Mumbai with full state honours. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to pay his last respects. ALSO READ | Lata Mangeshkar laid to rest with full state honours, PM Modi, SRK, Sachin attend funeral Pakistan PM Imran Khan condoled the death of Mangeshkar, saying the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. "With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world," Khan tweeted. Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said that Mangeshkar's music crossed cultural frontiers. Solih tweeted: "Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar's passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India." With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 6, 2022 × Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar’s passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. #India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India. @HCIMaldives — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 6, 2022 ×

UN Secretary-General offers condolences on legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar's sad demise

'World's largest igloo cafe' in India's Jammu and Kashmir attracts new tourists - see pictures

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5).&nbsp;

In the latest media interview, the tennis star also said that she never accused anyone of sexual assault.&nbsp;

The IOC President has held a face-to-face meeting with Shuai and he was joined by the former Chair of the Athletes' Commission and IOC member Kirsty Coventry.&nbsp;

As per the statement released by IOC on Monday, the meeting took place on Saturday over dinner at the Olympic Club in Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-bones-are-sticking-out-i-cry-every-day-russian-athlete-claims-food-at-beijing-winter-olympics-inedible-451017">'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible</a>

The three-time Olympian, Shuai informed the President that she would attend several events at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 over the coming days.&nbsp;

The IOC president invited her to Lausanne to visit the IOC and The Olympic Museum. Peng Shuai accepted this invitation.&nbsp;

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IOC statement on meeting with Peng Shuai<a href="https://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS">https://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS</a>
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1490506866014965766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Shuai denies making accusations of sexual assault

Ahead of the IOC's statement, Shuai told L'Equipe sports daily in an interview published on Monday (February 7) that she never accused anyone of sexual assault.&nbsp;

The tennis player said that she herself had deleted her social media post in November that had appeared to make such a claim, creating a global outrage over the safety of the player.&nbsp;

However, Shuai denies making any allegation. "I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way," said Pend in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe at a hotel in Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-large-fluctuations-in-covid-19-cases-expected-say-beijing-winter-olympics-organisers-450939">No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers</a>

The tennis player remained in the headlines globally in November when she appeared to allege on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past.&nbsp;

The post was deleted within minutes but screenshots of the same were circulated on China's Twitter-like social media platform, Weibo.&nbsp;

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5).

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5). In the latest media interview, the tennis star also said that she never accused anyone of sexual assault. The IOC President has held a face-to-face meeting with Shuai and he was joined by the former Chair of the Athletes' Commission and IOC member Kirsty Coventry. As per the statement released by IOC on Monday, the meeting took place on Saturday over dinner at the Olympic Club in Beijing. ALSO READ | 'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible The three-time Olympian, Shuai informed the President that she would attend several events at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 over the coming days. The IOC president invited her to Lausanne to visit the IOC and The Olympic Museum. Peng Shuai accepted this invitation. IOC statement on meeting with Peng Shuaihttps://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) February 7, 2022 × Shuai denies making accusations of sexual assault Ahead of the IOC's statement, Shuai told L'Equipe sports daily in an interview published on Monday (February 7) that she never accused anyone of sexual assault. The tennis player said that she herself had deleted her social media post in November that had appeared to make such a claim, creating a global outrage over the safety of the player. However, Shuai denies making any allegation. "I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way," said Pend in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe at a hotel in Beijing. ALSO READ | No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers The tennis player remained in the headlines globally in November when she appeared to allege on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past. The post was deleted within minutes but screenshots of the same were circulated on China's Twitter-like social media platform, Weibo.

'I never said': Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai denies making sexual assault accusations

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question.&nbsp;

The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change.&nbsp;

The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims.&nbsp;

The findings of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor were released on February 7. It was conducted by NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch.&nbsp;

It evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges.&nbsp;

As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough.&nbsp;

As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity.&nbsp;

As per the report, Amazon, Deutsche Telekom, Enel, GlaxoSmithKline, Google, Hitachi, IKEA, Vale, Volkswagen and Walmart have low integrity.&nbsp;

Accenture, BMW Group, Carrefour, CVS Health, Deutsche Post DHL, E.ON SE, JBS, Nestlé, Novartis, Saint-Gobain and Unilever have very low integrity.&nbsp;

"We set out to uncover as many replicable good practices as possible, but we were frankly surprised and disappointed at the overall integrity of the companies' claims," said Thomas Day of NewClimate Institute, lead author of the study.&nbsp;

"As pressure on companies to act on climate change rises, their ambitious-sounding headline claims all too often lack real substance, which can mislead both consumers and the regulators that are core to guiding their strategic direction. Even companies that are doing relatively well exaggerate their actions," Day added.&nbsp;

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question. The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change.

The world's biggest companies are taking pledges to tackle issues related to climate change, but how well are they coming along is a question. The latest report highlights a grim reality as according to a study of 25 corporations, many big companies are failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change. The climate pledges of 25 of the world's largest companies in reality only commit to reducing their emissions by 40 per cent on average, not 100 per cent as suggested by their "net zero" and "carbon neutral" claims. The findings of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor were released on February 7. It was conducted by NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch. It evaluates 25 major companies – operating across different sectors and geographies – to determine the transparency and integrity of their headline climate pledges. As per the study, Google, Amazon, Ikea, Apple and Nestle are among those failing to change quickly enough. As per the report, only one company's net-zero pledge was evaluated as having "reasonable integrity"; three with "moderate", ten with "low". The remaining 12 were rated as having "very low" integrity. As per the report, Amazon, Deutsche Telekom, Enel, GlaxoSmithKline, Google, Hitachi, IKEA, Vale, Volkswagen and Walmart have low integrity. Accenture, BMW Group, Carrefour, CVS Health, Deutsche Post DHL, E.ON SE, JBS, Nestlé, Novartis, Saint-Gobain and Unilever have very low integrity. "We set out to uncover as many replicable good practices as possible, but we were frankly surprised and disappointed at the overall integrity of the companies' claims," said Thomas Day of NewClimate Institute, lead author of the study. "As pressure on companies to act on climate change rises, their ambitious-sounding headline claims all too often lack real substance, which can mislead both consumers and the regulators that are core to guiding their strategic direction. Even companies that are doing relatively well exaggerate their actions," Day added.

World's top companies failing to meet their own targets on tackling climate change

Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades after she had acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father King George VI.&nbsp;

She received greetings and wishes from all over the world as she marked the historic date quietly at Sandringham, her estate in eastern England where her father died.&nbsp;

In a landmark address marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said that she wants Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to be known as 'Queen Consort' when Prince Charles becomes King.&nbsp;

The announcement further quantifies the speculations that&nbsp;whether the longest-serving British monarch will abdicate to let her son take over.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/britains-camilla-from-public-shaming-to-queen-elizabeths-consort-in-waiting-450974">Britain's Camilla: From public shaming to Queen Elizabeth's Consort-in-waiting</a>&nbsp;

On the day when the entire country was celebrating, there were reports that the Queen might step down in favour of her son Prince Charles.&nbsp;

Important to note that Queen has said in the past that she will never abdicate and will stay in the role her entire life.&nbsp;

The Daily Star&nbsp;reported citing a military source&nbsp;that "sensitive" planning for Prince Charles' coronation is underway.

The report also added that there's a "working plan" for Charles to be crowned, which might take place as early as 2023.&nbsp;

"We are shaping a military event that will need approval from the palace nearer the time," the source added.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-queen-elizabeth-ii-begins-celebrations-to-mark-70-years-on-throne-450792">Queen Elizabeth II begins celebrations to mark 70 years on throne</a>&nbsp;

The source added, "Our role is the ceremonial presentation and to make sure we are ready for whatever date is ­decided. We have lots of contingencies in place – but this will be special."&nbsp;

"On current direction we have been told to make contingency plans for a coronation parade – that means we need to make sure the military can ­deliver what we plan. Delicate matters regarding the date for the coronation will be made by the Palace and the Queen’s office," the source added.&nbsp;

The source said that any event of such magnitude will ­require a detailed "military and ­security planning", adding that with the lead on security will be the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Lady Pamela Hicks, cousin of the late Prince Philip, stated otherwise during a&nbsp;virtual event.&nbsp;

During a panel called "70 Years of Duty and Friendship", Hicks was asked about the rumoured abdication.&nbsp;

She replied: "She [Queen] will never abdicate."&nbsp;

"Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands abdicated to her daughter [in 1948], but the Queen was shocked by the idea because she never can, because she has been anointed and takes her religion very seriously," she explained during the virtual event held on February 4.&nbsp;

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Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades after she had acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father King George VI.

Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to reign for seven decades after she had acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father King George VI. She received greetings and wishes from all over the world as she marked the historic date quietly at Sandringham, her estate in eastern England where her father died. In a landmark address marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said that she wants Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to be known as 'Queen Consort' when Prince Charles becomes King. The announcement further quantifies the speculations that whether the longest-serving British monarch will abdicate to let her son take over. IN PICS | Britain's Camilla: From public shaming to Queen Elizabeth's Consort-in-waiting On the day when the entire country was celebrating, there were reports that the Queen might step down in favour of her son Prince Charles. Important to note that Queen has said in the past that she will never abdicate and will stay in the role her entire life. The Daily Star reported citing a military source that "sensitive" planning for Prince Charles' coronation is underway. The report also added that there's a "working plan" for Charles to be crowned, which might take place as early as 2023. "We are shaping a military event that will need approval from the palace nearer the time," the source added. IN PICS | Queen Elizabeth II begins celebrations to mark 70 years on throne The source added, "Our role is the ceremonial presentation and to make sure we are ready for whatever date is decided. We have lots of contingencies in place – but this will be special." "On current direction we have been told to make contingency plans for a coronation parade – that means we need to make sure the military can deliver what we plan. Delicate matters regarding the date for the coronation will be made by the Palace and the Queen’s office," the source added. The source said that any event of such magnitude will require a detailed "military and security planning", adding that with the lead on security will be the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police. On the other hand, Lady Pamela Hicks, cousin of the late Prince Philip, stated otherwise during a virtual event. During a panel called "70 Years of Duty and Friendship", Hicks was asked about the rumoured abdication. She replied: "She [Queen] will never abdicate." "Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands abdicated to her daughter [in 1948], but the Queen was shocked by the idea because she never can, because she has been anointed and takes her religion very seriously," she explained during the virtual event held on February 4. ×

Will Queen Elizabeth II abdicate? Reports suggest 'sensitive' planning underway for Prince Charles' coronation

Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former defence minister of Ukraine has said that Russia has enough troops in place to seize Kyiv or another Ukrainian city, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

However, Zagorodnyuk further added that Moscow might fall short in numbers for a full takeover and occupation of the country, the report published on February 6 added.

In an interview with the media outlet, the former defence minister said that the situation is "pretty dire". "Russia could now seize any city in Ukraine. But we still don't see the 200,000 troops needed for a full-scale invasion," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-crisis-s-400-air-defence-system-iskander-missiles-in-belarus-see-satellite-images-451164">Russia-Ukraine crisis: S-400 air defence system, Iskander missiles in Belarus - see satellite images</a>

He said, "We don't see a political endgame here. If Putin seizes Kyiv, there will be full-scale war. The Ukrainian army forces will fight. There will be enormous resistance for all time. Why would you do that?"

"Ukraine is not going to say: 'Let’s join Russia.' This is understood. Unless, of course, Putin is totally delusional and has his own understanding of reality. There will be blood, sanctions. Nobody needs that kind of international war in Europe right now." Zagorodnyuk was quoted by the media portal.&nbsp;

On Sunday (February 6) itself, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take military action against Ukraine "any day now".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-that-russia-could-take-military-action-against-ukraine-any-day-now-451104">US warns that Russia could take military action against Ukraine 'any day now'</a>

"We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take the diplomatic path instead," Sullivan told the "Fox News Sunday" program.&nbsp;

Ahead of Sullivan's comments, two US officials said Russia has in place about 70 per cent of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Amid calls to defuse tensions with diplomacy, further US troops arrived in Poland on Monday (February 7) following elite troops, the chain of command and other personnel at the weekend.&nbsp;

Washington is reinforcing its NATO allies in Eastern Europe amid a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border.

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Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former defence minister of Ukraine has said that Russia has enough troops in place to seize Kyiv or another Ukrainian city, Guardian reported.

Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former defence minister of Ukraine has said that Russia has enough troops in place to seize Kyiv or another Ukrainian city, Guardian reported. However, Zagorodnyuk further added that Moscow might fall short in numbers for a full takeover and occupation of the country, the report published on February 6 added. In an interview with the media outlet, the former defence minister said that the situation is "pretty dire". "Russia could now seize any city in Ukraine. But we still don't see the 200,000 troops needed for a full-scale invasion," he was quoted as saying. IN PICS | Russia-Ukraine crisis: S-400 air defence system, Iskander missiles in Belarus - see satellite images He said, "We don't see a political endgame here. If Putin seizes Kyiv, there will be full-scale war. The Ukrainian army forces will fight. There will be enormous resistance for all time. Why would you do that?" "Ukraine is not going to say: 'Let’s join Russia.' This is understood. Unless, of course, Putin is totally delusional and has his own understanding of reality. There will be blood, sanctions. Nobody needs that kind of international war in Europe right now." Zagorodnyuk was quoted by the media portal. On Sunday (February 6) itself, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take military action against Ukraine "any day now". ALSO READ | US warns that Russia could take military action against Ukraine 'any day now' "We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take the diplomatic path instead," Sullivan told the "Fox News Sunday" program. Ahead of Sullivan's comments, two US officials said Russia has in place about 70 per cent of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Amid calls to defuse tensions with diplomacy, further US troops arrived in Poland on Monday (February 7) following elite troops, the chain of command and other personnel at the weekend. Washington is reinforcing its NATO allies in Eastern Europe amid a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border. ×

Ex-Ukraine defence chief says Russia could seize any city in Ukraine. But will it plan full-scale invasion?

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned on Sunday (February 6) that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take military action against Ukraine "any day now".&nbsp;

The border tensions between Russia and Ukraine have heightened in the last couple of weeks with both sides amassing massive troops. However, there are calls to tackle the situation with diplomacy.&nbsp;

The United States and other Western countries have expressed their fears over potential Russian incursion but Kremlin denies it. The escalating tensions have created a war-like situation that could impact not just Europe, but the Asian countries&nbsp;significantly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take the diplomatic path instead," Sullivan told the "Fox News Sunday" program.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-sending-troops-to-start-war-with-russia-in-europe-says-usa-451046">'Not sending troops to start war' with Russia in Europe, says USA</a>

On Saturday (Feb 5), two US officials said Russia has in place about 70 per cent of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Reports have suggested and also satellite images show that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the border.&nbsp;

Moscow has said it is not planning an invasion but could take unspecified military action if its security demands are not met.&nbsp;

Those include a promise that NATO will never admit Ukraine, a demand the United States and the 30-nation Western security alliance have called unacceptable.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chance-of-diplomatic-solution-higher-than-military-escalation-ukraine-presidency-451038">Chance of diplomatic solution 'higher' than military escalation: Ukraine presidency</a>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden held a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, the White House said.&nbsp;

That call came ahead of a visit by Macron to Moscow on Monday, the culmination of days of French contacts with Russia and Ukraine to try to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;

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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned on Sunday (February 6) that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take military action against Ukraine "any day now".

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned on Sunday (February 6) that Russian President Vladimir Putin could take military action against Ukraine "any day now". The border tensions between Russia and Ukraine have heightened in the last couple of weeks with both sides amassing massive troops. However, there are calls to tackle the situation with diplomacy. The United States and other Western countries have expressed their fears over potential Russian incursion but Kremlin denies it. The escalating tensions have created a war-like situation that could impact not just Europe, but the Asian countries significantly. "We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now, or Russia could choose to take the diplomatic path instead," Sullivan told the "Fox News Sunday" program. ALSO READ | 'Not sending troops to start war' with Russia in Europe, says USA On Saturday (Feb 5), two US officials said Russia has in place about 70 per cent of the combat power it believes it would need for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reports have suggested and also satellite images show that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the border. Moscow has said it is not planning an invasion but could take unspecified military action if its security demands are not met. Those include a promise that NATO will never admit Ukraine, a demand the United States and the 30-nation Western security alliance have called unacceptable. ALSO READ | Chance of diplomatic solution 'higher' than military escalation: Ukraine presidency Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden held a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, the White House said. That call came ahead of a visit by Macron to Moscow on Monday, the culmination of days of French contacts with Russia and Ukraine to try to de-escalate tensions. ×

US warns that Russia could take military action against Ukraine 'any day now'

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward.

Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg.

The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart.

“Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.”

At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system.

Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country.

“For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.”

Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster.

Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care.

Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid.

“We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said.

Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban.

As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals.

Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies.

The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician.

“After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said.

While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers.

Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people.

On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar.

Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said.

In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.”

The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily.

In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said.

Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen.

Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good.

Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day.

Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building.

At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.”

“When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director.

Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers.

Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said.

Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said.

The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said.

Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said.

He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19.

Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic.

Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said.

But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale.

Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan.

Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before.

Amena, 7 months old, lay silently in her hospital crib amid the mewling of desperately ill infants in the malnutrition ward. Her mother, Balqisa, had brought the child to Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, the night before. “Her body was so hot,” she said, stroking her daughter’s emaciated leg. The baby had a high fever, convulsions and sepsis, said Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Sadiq, a pediatrician, glancing at her chart. “Her chances are not good,” the doctor said. “We got her too late.” At the Indira Gandhi hospital, and in faltering hospitals across Afghanistan, famished children arrive by car and taxi and ambulance every day and night. Acute malnutrition is just one of a cascade of maladies that threaten to topple the country’s fragile health system. Late last month, António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council that Afghanistan was “hanging by a thread,” as he called for countries to suspend all sanctions that restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country. “For 20 years, we kept Afghanistan on a transfusion,” said Filipe Ribeiro, country representative for Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders, in Kabul. “Overnight, we removed the drip. Now we have to find a way to put it back.” Three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population has plunged into acute poverty, with 4.7 million Afghans likely to suffer severe malnutrition this year, according to the United Nations. Last month, the organization made its biggest appeal ever for a single country, asking international donors to give more than $5 billion to fend off a humanitarian disaster. Save the Children said the number of critically malnourished children visiting its clinics in Afghanistan had doubled since August, with 40 children dying in December on their way to receive medical care. Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister of Norway, whose country hosted meetings between Taliban representatives and Afghan civil society groups late last month, spoke to the Security Council about the urgency to expedite aid. “We need new agreements and commitments in place to be able to assist and help an extremely vulnerable civil population, and most vulnerable among them, the children who face hunger and suffering,” he said. Before the U.S.-backed Afghan government disintegrated in August as the Taliban overran the country, the health system relied on international aid to survive. But much of that funding has been frozen to comply with sanctions imposed on the Taliban. As a result, the International Rescue Committee recently predicted that 90% of Afghanistan’s health clinics were likely to shut down in the coming months. The World Health Organization has said that outbreaks of diarrhea, measles, dengue fever, malaria and COVID-19 threaten to overwhelm overburdened hospitals. Kabul’s Indira Gandhi hospital nearly shut down in October, when the unpaid staff had to cut down trees for cooking fires. A flush of funding in November from the International Committee of the Red Cross allowed it to keep its doors open and provide desperately needed medical supplies. The infusion could keep the hospital afloat for the next several months, according to Sadiq, the pediatrician. “After that, no one knows what will happen,” he said. While there have been other infusions of aid, including $308 million in relief authorized by the United States, they have not been enough to cover 1,200 health facilities and 11,000 health workers. Although the drastic decline in war-related casualties has relieved the burden of such patients on many hospitals, the suspension of operations by private facilities and the ability to safely travel Afghanistan’s roads has left other hospitals overrun with people. On a recent morning, the corridors of Indira Gandhi hospital were crammed with beds as patients’ family members squatted on floors amid parcels of food bought at the local bazaar. Patients’ meals consist of an egg, two apples, a milk packet, rice and juice, so many families supplement them with outside food. Some buy medicine at local pharmacies because the hospital can provide only about 70% of required medication, Sadiq said. In the children’s critical care ward, many of the tiny cribs held two or three infants. In the ward for premature babies, two newborns had been placed in some incubators designed for a single infant. “I’ve never seen it like this,” said Sadiq, who has worked at the hospital for more than three years. “And just imagine this same situation in every hospital in Afghanistan.” The hospital, the largest in Afghanistan, is squeezing 500 patients into the 360-bed facility, Dr. Hasibullah Rahimzay Wardak, the hospital director, said. More than 1,000 patients arrive on a typical day, many from distant provinces. About 250-300 are admitted daily. In the crowded malnutrition ward, 15-20 emaciated babies arrive daily, with about 60 infants filling the crowded malnutrition ward on any given day. The mortality rate is 2%-3%, Sadiq said. Soraya, 2, had arrived 20 days earlier, dangerously underweight and gasping for breath. Her mother, Sara, 17, sat by her child’s bed as the girl’s bony chest heaved up and down. Sadiq tenderly lifted the girl’s legs, which were limp and swollen. Soraya weighed 14 pounds on arrival, the doctor said, but weighed just 12 pounds now. Even so, he said, her condition had improved. Her chances of survival were good. Adding more pressure on Afghanistan’s overburdened health care system is a fourth wave of COVID-19. Yet the virus is an afterthought in Afghanistan, where many people struggle to find enough to eat every day. Few Afghans wear masks — even at the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul. There, officials clustered in groups on a recent weekday, greeting visitors with hugs and kisses, and ignoring faded signs saying masks were required throughout the building. At the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital in Kabul, the only remaining COVID-19 facility in the capital, few staff members or patients complied with worn stickers on the floors that proclaimed: “Let’s Beat Coronavirus — Please keep at least 2 meters from people around you.” “When I try to talk to people about COVID-19, they say we have no food, no water, no electricity — why should we care about this virus?” said Dr. Tariq Ahmad Akbari, the hospital’s medical director. Akbari suspected that the omicron variant had entered the country, but the hospital lacked the medical equipment to test for variants. He and his staff had not been paid for five months, he said, and the hospital was critically low on oxygen supplies and health care workers. Seven of the hospital’s eight female doctors fled after the Taliban takeover in August, part of a hollowing out that reduced the staff from 350 to 190 the past five months. Four of the five staff microbiologists quit. And only five of the country’s 34 COVID-19 centers were still operating, Akbari said. Several staff members lived in the hospital in Kabul because, without salaries, they cannot afford rent, he said. The hospital was recently buoyed by a two-month stopgap grant of $800,000 from an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Akbari said. And Afghanistan’s relative isolation after the Taliban takeover had likely helped contain the spread of COVID-19, he said. Up to 20 patients died per day during the previous wave, but just one or two a day now. And the hospital tests about 150 patients a day now, down from 600 to 700 daily tests during the second wave, Akbari said. He speculated that Afghans are so overwhelmed by other survival issues that they are less likely to seek treatment for COVID-19. Before the Taliban takeover, the Ministry of Public Health published detailed daily charts showing the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths — and the positivity rate for testing. But now the poorly funded ministry struggles to keep tabs on the pandemic. Of the more than 856,000 tests conducted since the first wave of COVID-19 in early 2020 — of an estimated population of nearly 40 million — roughly 163,000 were positive, a Health Ministry spokesperson said. More than 7,400 COVID-19 deaths had been confirmed since 2020, he said. But because testing is extremely limited and the cause of death is not recorded in many instances, particularly in rural areas of Afghanistan, no one knows the pandemic’s true scale. Akbari shook his head in frustration as he described how little was known about the virus in Afghanistan. Looking defeated, he said, “If we have a surge like we had during the second and third wave, we would not be equipped to handle it.”

Afghanistan’s health care system is collapsing under stress

Russia-Ukraine crisis: S-400 air defence system, Iskander missiles in Belarus - see satellite images

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Srishti Sisodia

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