Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;victims in criminal&nbsp;cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations.

Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eam-s-jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-bangladesh-south-korea-czech-republic-and-eu-in-paris-455276">EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris</a>

Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law.

He said the law currently allows those accused of&nbsp;rape&nbsp;to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June.

"This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-have-stopped-bangladesh-killings-rights-activists-452729">US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists</a>

Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement".

She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation.

"This will now stop," she said.

Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts.

Watch |&nbsp;Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-from-bangladesh-authorities-struggle-to-ensure-proper-healthcare-at-rohingya-camps-453230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women.

National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape&nbsp;case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors.

Bangladesh will ban questions probing the "immoral character" of rape victims in criminal cases, authorities said Tuesday, after a long campaign by rights groups against humiliating interrogations of traumatised survivors. Experts say the country's Evidence Act, a 19th-century relic of the British colonial era, has been routinely used to discredit the testimony of victims during court cross-examinations and police investigations. Women activists have spent more than a decade demanding the law be amended and last year a coalition of rights groups petitioned Bangladesh's top court for its repeal. Also read | EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Bangladesh, South Korea, Czech Republic and EU in Paris Justice Minister Anisul Huq told AFP that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet resolved to remove the character evidence provisions from the law. He said the law currently allows those accused of rape to "ask questions as to the immoral character of the victim" but this would be banned, with parliament expected to formalise the decision by June. "This is another step towards empowerment of women," he said. Also read | US sanctions have stopped Bangladesh killings: Rights activists Prominent activist Nina Goswami of the local Ain o Salish Kendra rights group hailed the move as a "remarkable achievement". She said character evidence had hindered justice for decades, with many survivors deciding not to seek charges against their attackers out of fear of social humiliation. "This will now stop," she said. Last year the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) said character evidence had been used to cast doubt on victim testimony, making it difficult to secure guilty verdicts. Watch | Ground report from Bangladesh: Authorities struggle to ensure proper healthcare at Rohingya camps Rights groups have said the number of rapes has increased alarmingly in recent years, blaming legal loopholes and a culture of impunity for violence against women. National anger over the issue has boiled over into sustained public protests, as in 2020 when members of the student wing of Hasina's party were arrested and charged in a gang-rape case that outraged the public.

Bangladesh to ban 'immoral character' evidence in rape cases

&nbsp;With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.

The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources.

The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad.

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After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in.

This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-didnt-join-politics-to-know-the-prices-of-aloo-and-tamatar-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-462066">I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech."

"Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-why-imran-khan-entered-politics-in-his-own-words-462330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.

With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation.

With an eye on the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government later this month in the National Assembly, Pakistan's federal government has tightened the security to maintain law and order situation. The decision to deploy paramilitary forces was made after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party announced a plan to hold a public gathering in Islamabad on March 27, Pakistan`s Geo News reported citing sources. The report said that Pakistan's Interior Ministry has sent a summary to the Cabinet regarding the deployment of at least 1,000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad. Also read | Afghan diplomats under pressure from Taliban regime After PTI made the announcement about holding the public rally, the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) called the people and workers of opposition parties to begin a long march towards Islamabad on March 23 to stage a sit-in. This announcement was made by PDM president Maulana Fazlur Rehman after attending the meeting of the joint opposition at the residence of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country, PTI senator Javed Khan announced that the voting for no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to take place after March 27. Also read | I didn't join politics to know the prices of aloo and tamatar: Pakistan PM Imran Khan The PTI senator said in a tweet that the "biggest rally" in Pakistan's history will take place in Islamabad's D-Chowk on March 27 in front of the Parliament House, where the Pakistani PM will give a "historic speech." "Voting on the no-confidence motion will take place after March 27. The opposition will face complete defeat. Confidence in PM Imran Khan will [increase]," Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Last week, while addressing a public meeting in Lower Dir district, Imran Khan urged people to gather at D-Chowk on the eve of the no-trust vote. Watch | Gravitas: Here's why Imran Khan entered politics in his own words The opposition parties in Pakistan are jettisoning mutual hatred to oust Imran Khan as they submitted the no-trust motion in the National Assembly secretariat on March 8. While the PTI government has exuded confidence to defeat the no-trust motion, the Opposition is sure that they will oust Imran Khan.

Pakistan government to deploy paramilitary forces in Islamabad ahead of no-confidence motion

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stalemate-in-ladakh-de-escalation-from-the-friction-points-and-the-way-ahead-419900">Also Read:&nbsp;Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead</a>

In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure.

In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC.

"We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi conceded that ties with India had "met with some setbacks" amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should help each other accomplish goals instead of "draining each other's energies", while adding that "some forces" have tried to create division between the two Asian countries. India and China have been locked in a border tussle since May 2020. In June 2020, Chinese and Indian troops had clashed at Galwan leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 PLA soldiers although reports claimed the casualties among the Chinese troops was much higher. Also Read: Stalemate in Ladakh - De-escalation from the friction points and the way ahead In February last year, the Chinese government had said it was pulling out troops from the forward areas along the LAC, however, India's Army said Chinese troops hadn't pulled back completely and were fortifying positions and building infrastructure. In January, the two nations concluded the 14th round of corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border. In a joint statement, the two sides said had a "frank and in-depth exchange of views" on the issues related to the LAC in the western sector while seeking to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said that India will not agree to any status change along the LAC. "We are absolutely clear that we will not agree to any change in the status quo. Any attempt to change the LAC unilaterally by one side. So however complex, however long it takes, however difficult it is, I think that clarity is what guides us," Jaishankar said while adding that "friction points" still needed to be resolved. (With inputs from Agencies)

India, China should help each other, not drain each other's energies: Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in&nbsp;rain&nbsp;for days, braced for&nbsp;more&nbsp;heavy downpours on Sunday as the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from&nbsp;flooding across the country's east rose to 17.

A wild weather system that dumped&nbsp;more&nbsp;than a year's worth of&nbsp;rainfall over a week in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) brought widespread destruction, leaving thousands of people in the states displaced and sweeping away property, livestock and roads.

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Seventeen people have been killed since the deluge began, including a Queensland woman, whose body was found on Saturday, according to police.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) of NSW said a new weather system could bring another round of heavy&nbsp;rains across NSW, of which&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;is the capital, raising the risks of flooding.

"We are facing, unfortunately, a few&nbsp;more&nbsp;days of ongoing wet, stormy weather which will be quite dangerous for residents of NSW," BOM meteorologist Jane Golding said at a televised briefing.

In the north of New South Wales, the Clarence River remained at a major flood level, but Golding said that the severe weather appeared likely to clear&nbsp;from&nbsp;Wednesday onwards.

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In Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and surrounding areas that were hit by heavy storms last weekend and flooded several thousand properties, the clean-up continued over the weekend.

The process of recovery will take months, authorities said on Sunday, while donating&nbsp;more&nbsp;than A$2 million ($1.5 million) to different charities.

"For an event that lasted just three days, it's going to have a big impact on our economy and on our budget," Queensland's treasurer, Cameron Dick, said at a briefing.

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in rain for days, braced for more heavy downpours on Sunday as the death toll from flooding across the country's east rose to 17.

Sydney, Australia's most populous city that has been drenched in rain for days, braced for more heavy downpours on Sunday as the death toll from flooding across the country's east rose to 17. A wild weather system that dumped more than a year's worth of rainfall over a week in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales (NSW) brought widespread destruction, leaving thousands of people in the states displaced and sweeping away property, livestock and roads. Also read | Ukraine conflict: Putin likens sanctions on Russia to declaration of war Seventeen people have been killed since the deluge began, including a Queensland woman, whose body was found on Saturday, according to police. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) of NSW said a new weather system could bring another round of heavy rains across NSW, of which Sydney is the capital, raising the risks of flooding. "We are facing, unfortunately, a few more days of ongoing wet, stormy weather which will be quite dangerous for residents of NSW," BOM meteorologist Jane Golding said at a televised briefing. In the north of New South Wales, the Clarence River remained at a major flood level, but Golding said that the severe weather appeared likely to clear from Wednesday onwards. Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report In Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and surrounding areas that were hit by heavy storms last weekend and flooded several thousand properties, the clean-up continued over the weekend. The process of recovery will take months, authorities said on Sunday, while donating more than A$2 million ($1.5 million) to different charities. "For an event that lasted just three days, it's going to have a big impact on our economy and on our budget," Queensland's treasurer, Cameron Dick, said at a briefing.

Sydney faces more rain as death toll from Australian floods rises to 17

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out&nbsp;of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

"Noting the unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment," Mastercard said it had "decided to suspend our network services in Russia."

Visa, for its part, said that "effective immediately" it would "work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days."

US President Joe Biden "welcomed the decision" during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in which the two discussed US, ally and private industry actions to deter Russia from aggression, according to a White House readout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-holds-phone-call-with-joe-biden-pushes-for-more-us-support-to-ukraine-459443">Zelensky holds phone call with Joe Biden, pushes for more US support to Ukraine</a>

Major corporations across a range of industries have halted business in Russia since its invasion began on February 24, including everything from US-based tech firms such as Intel and Airbnb to French luxury giants LVMH, Hermes and Chanel.

Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack.

"Our colleagues, our customers and our partners have been affected in ways that most of us could not imagine," Mastercard said, stating that its cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the company's network.

Visa similarly said that cards issued in Russia would no longer work outside the country.

Both companies said cards issued abroad would no longer work in Russia.

&nbsp;Russian banks downplay effects&nbsp;

"We are compelled to act following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed," Visa CEO Al Kelly said.

Russia's major banks, including its largest lender Sberbank and the Russia Central Bank, downplayed the effects that the cards' suspensions would have on their clients.

"All Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by Russian banks will continue to operate normally on Russian territory until their expiration date," the Russia Central Bank said.

Sberbank said in a statement on its official Telegram account that the cards "can be used for operations in the Russian territory -- to withdraw cash, make transfers using the card number, and for payment at offline as well as at online Russian stores."

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The cards would continue to work on Russian territory, it said, because all payments in Russia are made through a national system and do not depend on foreign systems.

However, the central bank warned that Russians traveling abroad should carry alternate means of payment.

Mastercard added that it would continue to provide pay and benefits to its nearly 200 employees in Russia.

Visa's and Mastercard's announcements came hours after PayPal also halted its services in Russia.

Ukrainian deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted a letter early Saturday from PayPal CEO Dan Schulman officially announcing the stop.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-ukraine-war-are-we-heading-towards-world-war-iii-459352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia," Schulman said in the letter.

He added that PayPal would continue to support its staff in the region and would focus on "enabling our customers and our global employee community to support" humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

&nbsp;

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

Card payment giants Visa and Mastercard announced Saturday they will suspend operations in Russia, the latest major US firms to join the business freeze-out of Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. "Noting the unprecedented nature of the current conflict and the uncertain economic environment," Mastercard said it had "decided to suspend our network services in Russia." Visa, for its part, said that "effective immediately" it would "work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days." US President Joe Biden "welcomed the decision" during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in which the two discussed US, ally and private industry actions to deter Russia from aggression, according to a White House readout. Also read | Zelensky holds phone call with Joe Biden, pushes for more US support to Ukraine Major corporations across a range of industries have halted business in Russia since its invasion began on February 24, including everything from US-based tech firms such as Intel and Airbnb to French luxury giants LVMH, Hermes and Chanel. Visa and Mastercard had already announced that they were complying with US and international sanctions imposed on Russia in the wake of its attack. "Our colleagues, our customers and our partners have been affected in ways that most of us could not imagine," Mastercard said, stating that its cards issued by Russian banks would no longer be supported by the company's network. Visa similarly said that cards issued in Russia would no longer work outside the country. Both companies said cards issued abroad would no longer work in Russia. Russian banks downplay effects "We are compelled to act following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed," Visa CEO Al Kelly said. Russia's major banks, including its largest lender Sberbank and the Russia Central Bank, downplayed the effects that the cards' suspensions would have on their clients. "All Visa and Mastercard bank cards issued by Russian banks will continue to operate normally on Russian territory until their expiration date," the Russia Central Bank said. Sberbank said in a statement on its official Telegram account that the cards "can be used for operations in the Russian territory -- to withdraw cash, make transfers using the card number, and for payment at offline as well as at online Russian stores." Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report The cards would continue to work on Russian territory, it said, because all payments in Russia are made through a national system and do not depend on foreign systems. However, the central bank warned that Russians traveling abroad should carry alternate means of payment. Mastercard added that it would continue to provide pay and benefits to its nearly 200 employees in Russia. Visa's and Mastercard's announcements came hours after PayPal also halted its services in Russia. Ukrainian deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov tweeted a letter early Saturday from PayPal CEO Dan Schulman officially announcing the stop. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III "Under the current circumstances, we are suspending PayPal services in Russia," Schulman said in the letter. He added that PayPal would continue to support its staff in the region and would focus on "enabling our customers and our global employee community to support" humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine Crisis: Visa, Mastercard suspend operations in Russia

India&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;export&nbsp;a&nbsp;record&nbsp;7&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;this&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

"Indian&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday.

"By the end of February, we had already&nbsp;exported 6.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat. Still one month is left."

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In the 2012-13 fiscal&nbsp;year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;shipped a&nbsp;record&nbsp;6.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes.

A recent rally in international prices has made&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;shipments more lucrative for traders.

Benchmark&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports.

Traders last week said&nbsp;India's&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-official-slams-pak-for-sending-inedible-wheat-says-indias-far-better-reports-459159">Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports</a>

India&nbsp;will also send 50,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last&nbsp;year.

New Delhi has already sent 4,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said. "Indian wheat exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday. "By the end of February, we had already exported 6.6 million tonnes of wheat. Still one month is left." Also read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga In the 2012-13 fiscal year, India shipped a record 6.5 million tonnes. A recent rally in international prices has made wheat shipments more lucrative for traders. Benchmark wheat prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world wheat exports. Traders last week said India's wheat exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments. Also read | Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports India will also send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last year. New Delhi has already sent 4,000 tonnes of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India set to export record 7 million tonnes wheat this year

NASA&nbsp;is&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;the&nbsp;International Space Station&nbsp;in orbit&nbsp;without&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior&nbsp;official&nbsp;said Monday.

Kathy Lueders, who heads the agency's human spaceflight program, told reporters on a call that operations on the research platform were proceeding "nominally" and "we're not getting&nbsp;any&nbsp;indications at a working level that our counterparts are not committed."

"That said, we always look for how do we get more operational flexibility and our cargo providers are looking at how do we add different capabilities," she continued.

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While the US side of the ISS supplies power and life support, Russia is responsible for propulsion and keeping the&nbsp;station&nbsp;afloat: it does this by using docked Progress spacecraft to periodically give the&nbsp;station&nbsp;a boost to maintain its altitude, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) high.&nbsp;

Last week, though, Russia's&nbsp;space&nbsp;chief Dmitry Rogozin raised the prospect of pulling out of the partnership in response to US sanctions, allowing the 400 ton structure to come crashing down to Earth while most likely avoiding his country, since its&nbsp;orbit&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;fly much over it.

Lueders said: "Northrop Grumman has been offering up a reboost capability, and you know, our SpaceX folks are looking at can we have additional capability."

The last Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel that arrived at the ISS on February 21 was the first to boast a capacity to "reboost" the outpost&nbsp;without&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;help.

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On Friday, SpaceX boss Elon Musk tweeted his company's logo in response to Rogozin's rhetorical question about who would save the ISS&nbsp;from&nbsp;an uncontrolled de-orbit.

But Lueders stressed that such plans were a contingency measure only.&nbsp;

"It would be very difficult for us to be operating on our own -- ISS is an&nbsp;international&nbsp;partnership that was created...with joint dependencies," she said.

"As a team, we are looking at where we may have operational flexibilities, but... it would be a sad day for&nbsp;international&nbsp;operations if we can't&nbsp;continue to peacefully operate in&nbsp;space," she concluded.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun

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A symbol of post Cold War detente, the ISS has been continuously habited for more than 21 years and has weathered past geopolitical storms, notably Russia's&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of Crimea in 2014. But some observers believe the&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;could hasten the demise of US-Russian&nbsp;space&nbsp;cooperation.

NASA is exploring ways to keep the International Space Station in orbit without Russian help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior official said Monday.

NASA is exploring ways to keep the International Space Station in orbit without Russian help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior official said Monday. Kathy Lueders, who heads the agency's human spaceflight program, told reporters on a call that operations on the research platform were proceeding "nominally" and "we're not getting any indications at a working level that our counterparts are not committed." "That said, we always look for how do we get more operational flexibility and our cargo providers are looking at how do we add different capabilities," she continued. Also read | New artificial intelligence model shows hidden turbulence in Sun's atmosphere While the US side of the ISS supplies power and life support, Russia is responsible for propulsion and keeping the station afloat: it does this by using docked Progress spacecraft to periodically give the station a boost to maintain its altitude, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) high. Last week, though, Russia's space chief Dmitry Rogozin raised the prospect of pulling out of the partnership in response to US sanctions, allowing the 400 ton structure to come crashing down to Earth while most likely avoiding his country, since its orbit doesn't fly much over it. Lueders said: "Northrop Grumman has been offering up a reboost capability, and you know, our SpaceX folks are looking at can we have additional capability." The last Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel that arrived at the ISS on February 21 was the first to boast a capacity to "reboost" the outpost without Russian help. Also read | NASA's Curiosity rover captures image of mineral 'flower' on Mars On Friday, SpaceX boss Elon Musk tweeted his company's logo in response to Rogozin's rhetorical question about who would save the ISS from an uncontrolled de-orbit. But Lueders stressed that such plans were a contingency measure only. "It would be very difficult for us to be operating on our own -- ISS is an international partnership that was created...with joint dependencies," she said. "As a team, we are looking at where we may have operational flexibilities, but... it would be a sad day for international operations if we can't continue to peacefully operate in space," she concluded. Watch | Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun A symbol of post Cold War detente, the ISS has been continuously habited for more than 21 years and has weathered past geopolitical storms, notably Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. But some observers believe the invasion of Ukraine could hasten the demise of US-Russian space cooperation.

NASA exploring ways to keep International Space Station afloat without Russia

TikTok&nbsp;on Monday began letting users upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to veteran titan&nbsp;YouTube.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded&nbsp;videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

"Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;up to 10 minutes long,"&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

TikTok&nbsp;more than tripling the length of&nbsp;videos&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences.

"YouTube&nbsp;is still ahead of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok&nbsp;effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP.

"The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and&nbsp;longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could help&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-temporarily-disables-google-maps-live-traffic-data-in-ukraine-457341">Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine</a>

Longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could also enable&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added.

YouTube&nbsp;recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals&nbsp;TikTok.

The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan.

"YouTube&nbsp;creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post.

"To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats."

Watch |&nbsp;YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on

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Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;are incredibly popular.&nbsp;YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan.

Short&nbsp;videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes.

Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year. "Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload videos up to 10 minutes long," TikTok said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world." Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips TikTok more than tripling the length of videos comes as YouTube and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences. "YouTube is still ahead of TikTok in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP. "The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and longer videos could help TikTok catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement." Also read | Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine Longer videos could also enable TikTok creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added. YouTube recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals TikTok. The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan. "YouTube creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post. "To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats." Watch | YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at TikTok are incredibly popular. YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan. Short videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok videos get longer in challenge to YouTube

Twitter&nbsp;will put warnings on&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;sharing links to&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Pressure is on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation.

Kremlin-run&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war.&nbsp;

Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;per day that are sharing links to&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets.

"Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-ukraines-tank-man-halts-russian-military-convoy-twitter-applauds-as-video-goes-viral-456656">Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral</a>

In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on&nbsp;Twitter."

The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social&nbsp;media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity.

The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social&nbsp;media&nbsp;scheme to undermine Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-to-come-up-with-a-range-of-new-features-for-its-users-457296">WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users</a>

The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia.

Twitter&nbsp;and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation

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Social&nbsp;media&nbsp;networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Pressure is on social media giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation. Kremlin-run media outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war. Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000 tweets per day that are sharing links to state-affiliated media outlets. "Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added. Also read | Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on Twitter." The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity. The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social media scheme to undermine Ukraine. Also read | WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia. Twitter and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks. Watch | Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation Social media networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter to label tweets linking to Russian state media

The United States barred on Friday travel by&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining&nbsp;the democratic process" in&nbsp;Somalia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after&nbsp;Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-us-eu-uk-sanction-russian-president-vladimir-putin-top-officials-456616">Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials</a>

"We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department.

No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in&nbsp;Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-president-suspends-prime-minister-over-corruption-charges-440324">Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges</a>

The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed.

Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in&nbsp;Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result.

The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in&nbsp;Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election.

Watch |&nbsp;UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions

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In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday. Also read | Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials "We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of Somali officials and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department. No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble. Also read | Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed. Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election. Watch | UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

US restricts visas for Somali officials accused of undermining democracy

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. 
 
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security. 
 
The security forces covered many parts of Kabul on Friday, TOLOnews reported.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-detain-29-women-and-their-families-in-kabul-claims-us-diplomat-452857">&nbsp;Taliban detain 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat</a> 
 
"Around 10 to 15 individuals stormed into the residence suddenly. They spread everywhere in the residence, including rooms, roofs and the kitchen and searched everywhere inside the house," said Sayed Azim, a resident of Kabul. 
 
Some residents of capital Kabul criticised the house raids by the Islamic Emirate's forces. 
 
"This arbitrary action is wrong. They should have a permit for searches and there should be women among them to search the houses," said Rashid, a resident. 
 
"If they have information about a crime, they should go search for it, but innocent people should not be disturbed," said Haroon, a resident.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-releases-14-women-prisoners-in-kabul-amid-global-pressure-450684">Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure</a> 
 
But the Islamic Emirate's Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a statement that the raids are aimed to detain the robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who have been already recognised by the intelligence service. According to the statement, all necessary measures have been taken to protect civilians and innocent people. 
 
"We have already detected all the (spots) through intelligence, and after full detection, the operations were launched and criminals were detained. There will be searching -- of course -- if there is nothing no one will be harmed but if the criminals are hiding anywhere, they will be detained," Mujahid said in a voice clip to TOLOnews.

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security.

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security. The security forces covered many parts of Kabul on Friday, TOLOnews reported. Also read | Taliban detain 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat "Around 10 to 15 individuals stormed into the residence suddenly. They spread everywhere in the residence, including rooms, roofs and the kitchen and searched everywhere inside the house," said Sayed Azim, a resident of Kabul. Some residents of capital Kabul criticised the house raids by the Islamic Emirate's forces. "This arbitrary action is wrong. They should have a permit for searches and there should be women among them to search the houses," said Rashid, a resident. "If they have information about a crime, they should go search for it, but innocent people should not be disturbed," said Haroon, a resident. Also read | Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure But the Islamic Emirate's Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a statement that the raids are aimed to detain the robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who have been already recognised by the intelligence service. According to the statement, all necessary measures have been taken to protect civilians and innocent people. "We have already detected all the (spots) through intelligence, and after full detection, the operations were launched and criminals were detained. There will be searching -- of course -- if there is nothing no one will be harmed but if the criminals are hiding anywhere, they will be detained," Mujahid said in a voice clip to TOLOnews.

Kabul residents panicked by house-to-house searches

&nbsp;An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. 
 
Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protesters-demand-release-of-afghanistans-frozen-assets-455272">Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets</a> 
 
She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. 
 
She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. 
 
"Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-womens-rights-activists-still-missing-un-human-rights-office-expresses-concern-451313">Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern</a> 
 
A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. 
 
"We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. 
 
This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. 
 
"What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" 
 
"If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor.

Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-polio-vaccinators-killed-in-series-of-afghan-attacks-un-456107">Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN</a>

"The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. 
 
Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews. Also read | Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. "Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added. Also read | Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. "We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. "What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" "If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor. Read | Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN "The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

UN team in Kabul to ensure transparency with aid

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