At least 304 people have died after an earthquake of 7.2 magnitude&nbsp;struck Haiti, sending buildings toppling and causing destruction as rescue workers scrambled for survivors.&nbsp;

The quake, which rattled homes and frightened locals to flee for safety, struck about 100 miles (160 kilometres) west of Port-au-Prince, the country's densely populated capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-turmoil-haiti-gets-hit-with-deadly-quake-killing-over-300-405544">After turmoil, Haiti gets hit with deadly quake killing over 300</a>&nbsp;

The country's civil protection agency said hundreds of people were trapped under rubble and at least 1,800 were injured in the quake that damaged churches, businesses, schools and homes.

Rescuers raced against the clock to find survivors, with the agency tweeting that efforts by "both professional rescuers and members of the public have led to many people being pulled from the rubble," adding that already overburdened hospitals continued to receive injured.

Personnel and medicine were dispatched by Haiti's health ministry to the southwestern peninsula as quickly as possible.

After the first report of 29 fatalities, the death toll climbed steadily throughout the day until it topped 304 hours after the quake.

According to the head of the civil protection agency, Jerry Chandler, hospitals in the worst-hit areas are already struggling to provide emergency care. At least three hospitals were already full.

Several countries quickly pledged support, with the Dominican Republic shipping 10,000 food rations and medical equipment to Haiti, as well as Joe Biden approving "immediate" assistance efforts.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was "following the latest unfolding tragedy in Haiti."

"The UN is working to support rescue and relief efforts," he tweeted.

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I am following the latest unfolding tragedy in Haiti. 
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My heart goes out to all affected by the earthquake. My deepest condolences to all who have lost family and friends. 
&nbsp; 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> is working to support rescue and relief efforts.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1426607727606910977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to Cuban television, a medical brigade of 253 Cubans has been deployed to Haiti to treat the injured and to adapt a Port-au-Prince hospital previously used for Covid patients.

In Ecuador, Quito's Fire Department reported that it is preparing to send a team of 34 team members to help with urban search and rescue efforts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/72-magnitude-earthquake-hits-haiti-at-least-304-people-killed-405523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Venezuela also offered help while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Haitians "can count on the support of Spain to come through this terrible event."

As Ariel Henry, the prime minister, surveyed the disaster via helicopter, he declared a month-long state of emergency, urging those in the country to not panic.

Tropical Storm Grace could hinder relief efforts in Haiti as of late Monday, according to the National Weather Service. It's expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash floods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-wife-injured-world-leaders-pay-tribute-396479">Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute</a>

Merely a&nbsp;month after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7th, this latest earthquake has shaken the nation already plagued with poverty, spiralling gang violence and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 304 people have died after an earthquake of 7.2 magnitude struck Haiti, sending buildings toppling and causing destruction as rescue workers scrambled for survivors.

At least 304 people have died after an earthquake of 7.2 magnitude struck Haiti, sending buildings toppling and causing destruction as rescue workers scrambled for survivors. The quake, which rattled homes and frightened locals to flee for safety, struck about 100 miles (160 kilometres) west of Port-au-Prince, the country's densely populated capital. Also read | After turmoil, Haiti gets hit with deadly quake killing over 300 The country's civil protection agency said hundreds of people were trapped under rubble and at least 1,800 were injured in the quake that damaged churches, businesses, schools and homes. Rescuers raced against the clock to find survivors, with the agency tweeting that efforts by "both professional rescuers and members of the public have led to many people being pulled from the rubble," adding that already overburdened hospitals continued to receive injured. Personnel and medicine were dispatched by Haiti's health ministry to the southwestern peninsula as quickly as possible. After the first report of 29 fatalities, the death toll climbed steadily throughout the day until it topped 304 hours after the quake. According to the head of the civil protection agency, Jerry Chandler, hospitals in the worst-hit areas are already struggling to provide emergency care. At least three hospitals were already full. Several countries quickly pledged support, with the Dominican Republic shipping 10,000 food rations and medical equipment to Haiti, as well as Joe Biden approving "immediate" assistance efforts. UN chief Antonio Guterres said he was "following the latest unfolding tragedy in Haiti." "The UN is working to support rescue and relief efforts," he tweeted. I am following the latest unfolding tragedy in Haiti. My heart goes out to all affected by the earthquake. My deepest condolences to all who have lost family and friends. The @UN is working to support rescue and relief efforts. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 14, 2021 × According to Cuban television, a medical brigade of 253 Cubans has been deployed to Haiti to treat the injured and to adapt a Port-au-Prince hospital previously used for Covid patients. In Ecuador, Quito's Fire Department reported that it is preparing to send a team of 34 team members to help with urban search and rescue efforts. Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Venezuela also offered help while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Haitians "can count on the support of Spain to come through this terrible event." As Ariel Henry, the prime minister, surveyed the disaster via helicopter, he declared a month-long state of emergency, urging those in the country to not panic. Tropical Storm Grace could hinder relief efforts in Haiti as of late Monday, according to the National Weather Service. It's expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash floods. Also read | Haiti President Jovenel Moise assassinated, wife injured; World leaders pay tribute Merely a month after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7th, this latest earthquake has shaken the nation already plagued with poverty, spiralling gang violence and COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Haiti Earthquake: Nation searches for survivors, rescue efforts underway as at least 304 killed

A journalist confronted the&nbsp;Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby&nbsp;about the 'irony' of&nbsp;bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan.

"There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick. And on top of that, another 3,500 in Kuwait...I mean, isn't this ironic?," a journalist asked Kirby on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kirby said the influx of fresh troops does not mean the US&nbsp;is reentering combat with the Taliban.

“This is a temporary mission with a narrow focus,” he told reporters at the Pentagon.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-advances-in-afghanistan-us-and-britain-to-evacuate-embassies-405040">Taliban advances in Afghanistan, US and Britain to evacuate embassies</a>

In addition to sending three infantry battalions, two from the Marine Corps and one from the Army,&nbsp;to the airport, the Pentagon will dispatch 3,500 to 4,000 troops from a combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait to act as a reserve force.

Kirby said they will be on standby “in case we need even more” than the 3,000 going to Kabul.

Also, about 1,000 Army and Air Force troops, including military police and medical personnel, will be sent to Qatar in coming days to support a State Department effort to accelerate its processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications from Afghans who once worked for the US&nbsp;government and feel threatened by the Taliban, Kirby said.

The 3,000 troops who are to arrive at the Kabul airport in the next day or two, Kirby said, are to assist with security at the airport and to help process the departure of embassy personnel,&nbsp;not to get involved in the Afghan government’s war with the Taliban.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;decision has cast new doubt on Washington's strategy to influence Afghanistan's peace process by maintaining aid and diplomatic personnel even after the troop withdrawal.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-turmoil-taliban-claims-13th-provincial-capital-405086/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

About 3,500 additional US&nbsp;troops would be sent to the region from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to be on standby if the situation worsened, as well as 1,000 personnel to help process Afghans going through a special immigration process.

It is common for the US&nbsp;military to send in troops to evacuate personnel in combat zones.

The United States has ordered&nbsp;the deployment of thousands of troops to Afghanistan to evacuate their nationals, as the Taliban overran more key regional cities in an offensive that has left the capital dangerously exposed.

The orders came as the Taliban took control of Kandahar, the nation's second biggest city in the insurgency's heartland, leaving only Kabul and pockets of other territory in government hands.

The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan" in the face of Taliban violence.

They said Washington was reducing its "civilian footprint" in Kabul given the "evolving security situation" and would increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US&nbsp;effort in the country, a State Department statement said.

'Not abandonment'&nbsp;

Biden has insisted he has no regrets with his decision, but the speed and ease of the Taliban's urban victories in recent days has been a surprise and forced new calculations.

The Afghan government has now effectively lost control of most of the country, following an eight-day blitz into urban centres by the Taliban that has also stunned Kabul's American backers.

The offensive was launched in early May after the United States and its allies all but withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden determined to end two decades of war by September 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

A journalist confronted the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby about the 'irony' of bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan. "There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick.

A journalist confronted the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, John Kirby about the 'irony' of bringing in 3,000 troops after just pulling 2,500 out of Afghanistan. "There's a certain irony here that the drawdown was for 2,500 troops, and you are sending in an additional 3,000 to get out civilians, and ramping it up super-quick. And on top of that, another 3,500 in Kuwait...I mean, isn't this ironic?," a journalist asked Kirby on Thursday. Kirby said the influx of fresh troops does not mean the US is reentering combat with the Taliban. “This is a temporary mission with a narrow focus,” he told reporters at the Pentagon. Also read| Taliban advances in Afghanistan, US and Britain to evacuate embassies In addition to sending three infantry battalions, two from the Marine Corps and one from the Army, to the airport, the Pentagon will dispatch 3,500 to 4,000 troops from a combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division to Kuwait to act as a reserve force. Kirby said they will be on standby “in case we need even more” than the 3,000 going to Kabul. Also, about 1,000 Army and Air Force troops, including military police and medical personnel, will be sent to Qatar in coming days to support a State Department effort to accelerate its processing of Special Immigrant Visa applications from Afghans who once worked for the US government and feel threatened by the Taliban, Kirby said. The 3,000 troops who are to arrive at the Kabul airport in the next day or two, Kirby said, are to assist with security at the airport and to help process the departure of embassy personnel, not to get involved in the Afghan government’s war with the Taliban. The decision has cast new doubt on Washington's strategy to influence Afghanistan's peace process by maintaining aid and diplomatic personnel even after the troop withdrawal. About 3,500 additional US troops would be sent to the region from Fort Bragg in North Carolina to be on standby if the situation worsened, as well as 1,000 personnel to help process Afghans going through a special immigration process. It is common for the US military to send in troops to evacuate personnel in combat zones. The United States has ordered the deployment of thousands of troops to Afghanistan to evacuate their nationals, as the Taliban overran more key regional cities in an offensive that has left the capital dangerously exposed. The orders came as the Taliban took control of Kandahar, the nation's second biggest city in the insurgency's heartland, leaving only Kabul and pockets of other territory in government hands. The State Department said Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday and told him the United States "remains invested in the security and stability of Afghanistan" in the face of Taliban violence. They said Washington was reducing its "civilian footprint" in Kabul given the "evolving security situation" and would increase the tempo of Special Immigration Visa flights for Afghans who helped the US effort in the country, a State Department statement said. 'Not abandonment' Biden has insisted he has no regrets with his decision, but the speed and ease of the Taliban's urban victories in recent days has been a surprise and forced new calculations. The Afghan government has now effectively lost control of most of the country, following an eight-day blitz into urban centres by the Taliban that has also stunned Kabul's American backers. The offensive was launched in early May after the United States and its allies all but withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden determined to end two decades of war by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

US is sending 3,000 troops to Kabul as 2,500 leave, journalist confronts Pentagon about the irony

Abdulla Shahid, the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA)&nbsp;76th session,&nbsp; has announced a programme&nbsp;to train the diplomats and civil servants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The first of its kind programme aims to give opportunity to young diplomats,&nbsp;previously only given to countries that could “second” diplomats to the&nbsp;Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA).

The announcement was made by Abdulla Shahid on International Youth Day that was celebrated on 12th August.&nbsp;

In a tweet he said, "I am pleased to announce that, as #UNGA76 President, I intend to establish the “PGA Youth Fellowship Programme”.

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I am a firm believer in the importance of youth participation, especially in shaping decisions that affect their tomorrow. 
 
On this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalYouthDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalYouthDay</a> I am pleased to announce that, as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA76?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA76</a> President, I intend to establish the “PGA Youth Fellowship Programme”.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1425958122015924228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Giving details he said, "The Youth Fellowship intends to develop the next generation diplomats/civil servants from LDC/LLDC/SIDS" who will be brought to New York for a period of one year to give them "exposure to the UN system and making them strong advocates for multilateralism".&nbsp;

LLDCS are Landlocked Developing Countries while SIDS are Small Islands Developing States.

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The Youth Fellowship intends to develop the next generation diplomats/civil servants from LDC/LLDC/SIDS, by bringing them to New York for a year and giving them exposure to the UN system, and making them strong advocates for multilateralism.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1425958302685478919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While the number of young diplomats who will be chosen is yet to be determined, the PGA-elect has requested for political and financial support from member states.&nbsp;

Shahid is the first Maldivian national to hold the office of President of UNGA.&nbsp;

During the UNGA elections earlier this year, he got a whopping 143 votes in the 193-member body.&nbsp;97 votes are the threshold for winning the elections.

The tenure of the post is one year and is a prestigious one due to authority over the working of the General Assembly.

Abdulla Shahid, the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 76th session, has announced a programme to train the diplomats and civil servants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Abdulla Shahid, the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 76th session, has announced a programme to train the diplomats and civil servants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The first of its kind programme aims to give opportunity to young diplomats, previously only given to countries that could “second” diplomats to the Office of the President of the General Assembly (PGA). The announcement was made by Abdulla Shahid on International Youth Day that was celebrated on 12th August. In a tweet he said, "I am pleased to announce that, as #UNGA76 President, I intend to establish the “PGA Youth Fellowship Programme”. I am a firm believer in the importance of youth participation, especially in shaping decisions that affect their tomorrow. On this #InternationalYouthDay I am pleased to announce that, as #UNGA76 President, I intend to establish the “PGA Youth Fellowship Programme”. — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) August 12, 2021 × Giving details he said, "The Youth Fellowship intends to develop the next generation diplomats/civil servants from LDC/LLDC/SIDS" who will be brought to New York for a period of one year to give them "exposure to the UN system and making them strong advocates for multilateralism". LLDCS are Landlocked Developing Countries while SIDS are Small Islands Developing States. The Youth Fellowship intends to develop the next generation diplomats/civil servants from LDC/LLDC/SIDS, by bringing them to New York for a year and giving them exposure to the UN system, and making them strong advocates for multilateralism. — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) August 12, 2021 × While the number of young diplomats who will be chosen is yet to be determined, the PGA-elect has requested for political and financial support from member states. Shahid is the first Maldivian national to hold the office of President of UNGA. During the UNGA elections earlier this year, he got a whopping 143 votes in the 193-member body. 97 votes are the threshold for winning the elections. The tenure of the post is one year and is a prestigious one due to authority over the working of the General Assembly.

UNGA president-elect Abdulla Shahid announces programme to train diplomats from least developed countries

World number four Rafa Nadal on Tuesday said he had withdrawn from the Masters 1000 hardcourt event underway in Toronto due to persistent pain in his injured left foot.

The injury kept the 20-time Grand Slam champion out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics this year and played a role in his shock third-round exit at the Washington Open last week.

"I have had this issue for a couple of months, as people know," said Nadal, a five-time winner of the event which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovic-withdraws-from-western-southern-open-404346" hreflang="en">Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Western &amp; Southern Open</a>

"Of course, it is not a happy situation after all the success that I had here in Canada, not being able to play this year after missing a year."

He said the decision was a tough one but added that the most important thing was getting better so he could go back to appreciate his time on the court.

"Today, with this pain, I am not able to enjoy it, and I really don't believe that I have the chance to fight for the things that I really need to fight for," he said.

Nadal has said he has been dealing with a recurring foot issue since 2005, which returned at this year's Roland Garros, where he fell to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals before deciding to sit out two of the year's biggest events.

Nadal will now turn his attention to getting fit ahead of the U.S. Open in New York.

"I really wanted to play here a lot, but now is the moment to make a decision, and this is, unfortunately, the decision that I have taken, and probably in the next couple of days we are going to know more," he said.

Second seed Nadal will be replaced by the lucky loser and fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the main draw.

World number four Rafa Nadal on Tuesday said he had withdrawn from the Masters 1000 hardcourt event underway in Toronto due to persistent pain in his injured left foot.

World number four Rafa Nadal on Tuesday said he had withdrawn from the Masters 1000 hardcourt event underway in Toronto due to persistent pain in his injured left foot. The injury kept the 20-time Grand Slam champion out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics this year and played a role in his shock third-round exit at the Washington Open last week. "I have had this issue for a couple of months, as people know," said Nadal, a five-time winner of the event which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Western & Southern Open "Of course, it is not a happy situation after all the success that I had here in Canada, not being able to play this year after missing a year." He said the decision was a tough one but added that the most important thing was getting better so he could go back to appreciate his time on the court. "Today, with this pain, I am not able to enjoy it, and I really don't believe that I have the chance to fight for the things that I really need to fight for," he said. Nadal has said he has been dealing with a recurring foot issue since 2005, which returned at this year's Roland Garros, where he fell to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals before deciding to sit out two of the year's biggest events. Nadal will now turn his attention to getting fit ahead of the U.S. Open in New York. "I really wanted to play here a lot, but now is the moment to make a decision, and this is, unfortunately, the decision that I have taken, and probably in the next couple of days we are going to know more," he said. Second seed Nadal will be replaced by the lucky loser and fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the main draw.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Toronto Masters with persistent foot injury

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out bullying in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea on Monday and warned the UN Security Council that a conflict "would have serious&nbsp;global consequences for security and for commerce," sparking a strong rebuke from&nbsp;China.

The South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Is World coming together against China in South China Sea?</a>

"Conflict in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, or in any ocean, would have serious&nbsp;global consequences for security, and for commerce," Blinken told a Security Council meeting on maritime security. "When a state faces no consequences for ignoring these rules, it fuels greater impunity and instability everywhere."

China&nbsp;claims vast swaths of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea which overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Trillions of dollars in trade flow every year through the waterway, which also contains rich fishing grounds and gas fields.

"We have seen dangerous&nbsp;encounters between vessels at sea and provocative actions to advance unlawful maritime claims," said Blinken, adding that Washington was concerned by actions that "intimidate and bully other states from lawfully accessing their maritime resources."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-at-stake-for-india-in-south-china-sea-372397">What is at stake for India in South China Sea?</a>

China's deputy UN Ambassador Dai Bing accused the United States of "stirring up trouble out nothing, arbitrarily sending advanced military vessels and aircraft into the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea as provocations and publicly trying to drive a wedge into regional countries."

"This country itself has become the biggest threat to peace and stability in the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea," Dai said.

Blinken said it was the responsibility of all countries, not just claimants to the islands and waters of the South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, to defend the rules they had all agreed to follow to peacefully resolve maritime disputes.

&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out bullying in the South China Sea on Monday and warned the UN Security Council that a conflict "would have serious global consequences for security and for commerce," sparking a strong rebuke from China.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out bullying in the South China Sea on Monday and warned the UN Security Council that a conflict "would have serious global consequences for security and for commerce," sparking a strong rebuke from China. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. Also read | Is World coming together against China in South China Sea? "Conflict in the South China Sea, or in any ocean, would have serious global consequences for security, and for commerce," Blinken told a Security Council meeting on maritime security. "When a state faces no consequences for ignoring these rules, it fuels greater impunity and instability everywhere." China claims vast swaths of the South China Sea which overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. Trillions of dollars in trade flow every year through the waterway, which also contains rich fishing grounds and gas fields. "We have seen dangerous encounters between vessels at sea and provocative actions to advance unlawful maritime claims," said Blinken, adding that Washington was concerned by actions that "intimidate and bully other states from lawfully accessing their maritime resources." Also read | What is at stake for India in South China Sea? China's deputy UN Ambassador Dai Bing accused the United States of "stirring up trouble out nothing, arbitrarily sending advanced military vessels and aircraft into the South China Sea as provocations and publicly trying to drive a wedge into regional countries." "This country itself has become the biggest threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea," Dai said. Blinken said it was the responsibility of all countries, not just claimants to the islands and waters of the South China Sea, to defend the rules they had all agreed to follow to peacefully resolve maritime disputes.

US, China trade barbs at UN over South China Sea

Manchester City centre back John Stones has signed a new five-year contract with the club, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old made 22 league appearances last season as City won the title. He was also part of the England team that finished runners-up to Italy in the European Championship.

Stones' contract with the club was due to expire next summer, but he will now remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2026.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-jack-grealish-says-he-cried-like-lionel-messi-over-leaving-aston-villa-404390" hreflang="en">Football: Jack Grealish says he cried like Lionel Messi over leaving Aston Villa</a>

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"I love being part of this squad. There are so many quality players here and I know we can continue winning trophies, which is my main focus," Stones told the club's website.

"The success we've had in the last four years has been incredible. To be a part of it has been a dream come true and I just want to continue winning."

Stones has made 168 appearances for City and won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups since joining from Everton in 2016.

He was an integral part of manager Pep Guardiola's squad last season as they reclaimed the league title, forming a strong partnership with Ruben Dias in the heart of the defence.

City will begin their title defence with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 15.

Manchester City centre back John Stones has signed a new five-year contract with the club, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday. The 27-year-old made 22 league appearances last season as City won the title.

Manchester City centre back John Stones has signed a new five-year contract with the club, the Premier League side announced on Tuesday. The 27-year-old made 22 league appearances last season as City won the title. He was also part of the England team that finished runners-up to Italy in the European Championship. Stones' contract with the club was due to expire next summer, but he will now remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2026. ALSO READ: Football: Jack Grealish says he cried like Lionel Messi over leaving Aston Villa The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "I love being part of this squad. There are so many quality players here and I know we can continue winning trophies, which is my main focus," Stones told the club's website. "The success we've had in the last four years has been incredible. To be a part of it has been a dream come true and I just want to continue winning." Stones has made 168 appearances for City and won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups since joining from Everton in 2016. He was an integral part of manager Pep Guardiola's squad last season as they reclaimed the league title, forming a strong partnership with Ruben Dias in the heart of the defence. City will begin their title defence with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 15.

Football: Manchester City defender John Stones pens new deal until 2026

Paris St Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi next season after Barcelona announced that the Argentina great’s contract would not be renewed.

Messi bade a tearful farewell to the Spanish club where he has spent his entire career on Sunday and confirmed that he was in talks with PSG about a possible move.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-liverpool-defender-andy-robertson-out-with-ligament-damage-404388" hreflang="en">Football: Liverpool defender Andy Robertson out with ligament damage</a>

The 34-year-old would be the biggest capture yet of an eye-catching transfer window where PSG have already signed Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, and Georginio Wijnaldum.

“I am happy if he comes to Paris,” Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament Donnarumma told Sky Italia.

“He is the best player in the world, I am excited and happy at the thought of having him in the team.”

Mauricio Pochettino’s side began their bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 title from Lille with a 2-1 win at Troyes on Saturday.

Paris St Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi next season after Barcelona announced that the Argentina great’s contract would not be renewed.

Paris St Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi next season after Barcelona announced that the Argentina great’s contract would not be renewed. Messi bade a tearful farewell to the Spanish club where he has spent his entire career on Sunday and confirmed that he was in talks with PSG about a possible move. ALSO READ: Football: Liverpool defender Andy Robertson out with ligament damage The 34-year-old would be the biggest capture yet of an eye-catching transfer window where PSG have already signed Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, and Georginio Wijnaldum. “I am happy if he comes to Paris,” Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament Donnarumma told Sky Italia. “He is the best player in the world, I am excited and happy at the thought of having him in the team.” Mauricio Pochettino’s side began their bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 title from Lille with a 2-1 win at Troyes on Saturday.

Football: Gianluigi Donnarumma thrilled at prospect of Lionel Messi joining him at PSG

Former New Zealand&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;all-rounder Chris Cairns is on life support at a Canberra hospital after recently collapsing with a heart problem, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday.

Cairns, 51, had undergone several operations after suffering an aortic dissection but had not responded to treatment as hoped, Newshub reported. An aortic dissection is a tear in the body's main artery.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-in-olympics-icc-confirms-intention-to-push-games-inclusion-in-games-404403" hreflang="en">Cricket in Olympics? ICC confirms 'intention' to push game's inclusion in Games</a>

Newshub said he would be transferred to a specialist hospital in Sydney.

New Zealand's&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;players' union was unable to provide immediate comment.

A New Zealand&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;spokesman said the board was respecting Cairns' right to privacy and declined to comment on the situation.

Regarded as one of the best all-rounders of his era, Cairns played 62 tests, 215 one-day internationals, and two Twenty20 matches for New Zealand between 1989-2006 before becoming a television pundit.

His father Lance also represented New Zealand in&nbsp;cricket.

Cairns has lived in Canberra for several years after his marriage to Australian Melanie Croser in 2010.

After retiring from international&nbsp;cricket, Cairns was the subject of allegations of match-fixing in India as captain of the Chandigarh Lions in the defunct Indian&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;League (ICL) in 2008.

He denied any wrongdoing and fought several legal battles to clear his name, winning a libel case against former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi in 2012.

In 2015, he was cleared of perjury in relation to the libel case after being charged by Britain's Crown Prosecution Service.

Former New Zealand cricket all-rounder Chris Cairns is on life support at a Canberra hospital after recently collapsing with a heart problem, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday.

Former New Zealand cricket all-rounder Chris Cairns is on life support at a Canberra hospital after recently collapsing with a heart problem, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday. Cairns, 51, had undergone several operations after suffering an aortic dissection but had not responded to treatment as hoped, Newshub reported. An aortic dissection is a tear in the body's main artery. ALSO READ: Cricket in Olympics? ICC confirms 'intention' to push game's inclusion in Games Newshub said he would be transferred to a specialist hospital in Sydney. New Zealand's cricket players' union was unable to provide immediate comment. A New Zealand Cricket spokesman said the board was respecting Cairns' right to privacy and declined to comment on the situation. Regarded as one of the best all-rounders of his era, Cairns played 62 tests, 215 one-day internationals, and two Twenty20 matches for New Zealand between 1989-2006 before becoming a television pundit. His father Lance also represented New Zealand in cricket. Cairns has lived in Canberra for several years after his marriage to Australian Melanie Croser in 2010. After retiring from international cricket, Cairns was the subject of allegations of match-fixing in India as captain of the Chandigarh Lions in the defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2008. He denied any wrongdoing and fought several legal battles to clear his name, winning a libel case against former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi in 2012. In 2015, he was cleared of perjury in relation to the libel case after being charged by Britain's Crown Prosecution Service.

Cricket: Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns on life support - Reports

Shares in&nbsp;Krafton&nbsp;Inc, the Tencent Holdings-backed South Korean company behind blockbuster video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG), fell as much as 20 per cent on their trading debut on Tuesday.

Analysts attributed the share tumble of South Korea's second-largest IPO to an expensive valuation and China regulation risks, with gaming companies facing uncertain prospects after China regulators have come down hard on a number of industries, upending norms with new guidance and rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubg-mobile-india-in-hot-water-for-sharing-data-with-chinese-servers-393567">PUBG Mobile India in hot water for sharing data with Chinese servers</a>

Krafton&nbsp;shares opened down 9.9 per cent from their IPO price of 498,000 won, making it South Korea's lowest trading debut since LG Philips LCD, now LG Display, first went public in 2004, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon.

The stock closed down 8.8 per cent from the IPO price, valuing the company at about $19.32 billion.

"This was a classic case of the owners being a bit too greedy in their valuation assessment of the company. Although the IPO price range was lowered, it was not lowered enough," said Douglas Kim, an independent analyst, who publishes on Smartkarma.

Krafton&nbsp;derived 87 per cent of its revenue from Asia excluding South Korea in the January-March quarter, a large portion of which is estimated by analysts to come from sales in China handled by Tencent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pubg-battlegrounds-mobile-india-officially-launched-for-android-395353">Pubg Battlegrounds Mobile India officially launched for Android</a>

Krafton&nbsp;earns fees by providing technology services for "Peacekeeper Elite", a game similar to "PUBG Mobile" that Tencent distributes and is usually among China's top two grossing games, it said in an IPO filing.

"About 70 per cent (of sales) appear to be from Tencent," LightStream Research analyst Mio Kato, who publishes on Smartkarma, told Reuters.

"China has already made noises about (Tencent's) 'Honor of Kings' ... If they also request changes for 'Peacekeeper Elite' that would be a negative and could be a very large negative."

Shares in Tencent and global gaming companies with China exposure such as Activision Blizzard tumbled last week after the Economic Information Daily, which is affiliated with the official Xinhua Agency, called online gaming "spiritual opium".

Tencent quickly said it would further curb minors' access to its flagship video game "Honor of Kings".

Still,&nbsp;Krafton&nbsp;raised $3.75 billion in South Korea's second-largest IPO after Samsung Life Insurance's float in 2010, even after the firm cut its fund-raising target by a quarter after regulators ordered it to revise its filings.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bgmi-maker-kraftons-shares-tumble-20-after-listing-debut-404410/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Based on market capitalisation,&nbsp;Krafton&nbsp;was benchmark KOSPI's 19th biggest stock on Tuesday, excluding preferred shares.

Some 65 per cent of the IPO proceeds will go to&nbsp;Krafton, which plans to use the bulk of the funds to acquire other gaming companies. The remainder went to shareholders cashing out their investments.

More large offerings are in the pipeline in what is shaping up to be a bumper year for South Korean stock market floats, including EV battery maker LG Energy Solution and payments firm Kakao Pay, which is backed by China's Ant Financial.

($1 = 1,148.9900 won)

Shares in Krafton Inc, the Tencent Holdings-backed South Korean company behind blockbuster video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG), fell as much as 20 per cent on their trading debut on Tuesday.

Shares in Krafton Inc, the Tencent Holdings-backed South Korean company behind blockbuster video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG), fell as much as 20 per cent on their trading debut on Tuesday. Analysts attributed the share tumble of South Korea's second-largest IPO to an expensive valuation and China regulation risks, with gaming companies facing uncertain prospects after China regulators have come down hard on a number of industries, upending norms with new guidance and rules. Also read | PUBG Mobile India in hot water for sharing data with Chinese servers Krafton shares opened down 9.9 per cent from their IPO price of 498,000 won, making it South Korea's lowest trading debut since LG Philips LCD, now LG Display, first went public in 2004, according to data from Refinitiv Eikon. The stock closed down 8.8 per cent from the IPO price, valuing the company at about $19.32 billion. "This was a classic case of the owners being a bit too greedy in their valuation assessment of the company. Although the IPO price range was lowered, it was not lowered enough," said Douglas Kim, an independent analyst, who publishes on Smartkarma. Krafton derived 87 per cent of its revenue from Asia excluding South Korea in the January-March quarter, a large portion of which is estimated by analysts to come from sales in China handled by Tencent. Also read | Pubg Battlegrounds Mobile India officially launched for Android Krafton earns fees by providing technology services for "Peacekeeper Elite", a game similar to "PUBG Mobile" that Tencent distributes and is usually among China's top two grossing games, it said in an IPO filing. "About 70 per cent (of sales) appear to be from Tencent," LightStream Research analyst Mio Kato, who publishes on Smartkarma, told Reuters. "China has already made noises about (Tencent's) 'Honor of Kings' ... If they also request changes for 'Peacekeeper Elite' that would be a negative and could be a very large negative." Shares in Tencent and global gaming companies with China exposure such as Activision Blizzard tumbled last week after the Economic Information Daily, which is affiliated with the official Xinhua Agency, called online gaming "spiritual opium". Tencent quickly said it would further curb minors' access to its flagship video game "Honor of Kings". Still, Krafton raised $3.75 billion in South Korea's second-largest IPO after Samsung Life Insurance's float in 2010, even after the firm cut its fund-raising target by a quarter after regulators ordered it to revise its filings. Based on market capitalisation, Krafton was benchmark KOSPI's 19th biggest stock on Tuesday, excluding preferred shares. Some 65 per cent of the IPO proceeds will go to Krafton, which plans to use the bulk of the funds to acquire other gaming companies. The remainder went to shareholders cashing out their investments. More large offerings are in the pipeline in what is shaping up to be a bumper year for South Korean stock market floats, including EV battery maker LG Energy Solution and payments firm Kakao Pay, which is backed by China's Ant Financial. ($1 = 1,148.9900 won)

South Korea's Krafton, maker of hit game 'PUBG', tumbles on stock market debut

An Ariana Grande fan who suffered depression since the blast at the US singer's concert in Manchester, UK, has been found dead in her bedroom.

Eve Aston, 20, had&nbsp;experienced depression after attending the Manchester Arena concert in 2017, where an explosion killed 23 people including the suicide bomber.

It is unclear what caused her death, but her family said she had trouble sleeping and was sensitive to loud noises since the concert.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sixth-day-of-greek-fires-blaze-ravages-evia-island-like-a-horror-movie-404258">Sixth day of Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie'</a>

The family is raising funds for her funeral after her father discovered her dead in Finchfield, Wolverhampton, last month.&nbsp;

Funding on the GoFundMe page has raised £5,625, exceeding its target of £4,500, with people contributing these funds for the heartbroken family.

In an interview with the Birmingham Mail,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aston&nbsp;said that her daughter had always been outgoing and had plenty of friends, but that she suffered PTSD after attending the concert at Manchester Arena, where she was on the other side&nbsp;of the venue away from where the bomb went off. She returned to the site to lay flowers in memory of the 22 victims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-herd-of-wandering-elephants-finally-on-their-way-back-home-404259">China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home</a>

Eve was interested in cars, but due to depression, she had had difficulty launching a career. Recent weeks had brought her back to "her old self" although she had lost a lot of weight.

There were multiple opportunities to identify the suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, as a security threat, according to the recent inquiry into the police and security response to the Manchester Arena attack.

A mother of one of the victims has pushed for the introduction of "Martyn's law", which requires venues and local authorities to have plans in place to deal with terrorist attacks.&nbsp;Currently, the government is consulting on whether or not this should become a legal requirement.

An Ariana Grande fan who suffered depression since the blast at the US singer's concert in Manchester, UK, has been found dead in her bedroom. Eve Aston, 20, had experienced depression after attending the Manchester Arena concert in 2017, where an explosion killed 23 people including the suicide bomber.

An Ariana Grande fan who suffered depression since the blast at the US singer's concert in Manchester, UK, has been found dead in her bedroom. Eve Aston, 20, had experienced depression after attending the Manchester Arena concert in 2017, where an explosion killed 23 people including the suicide bomber. It is unclear what caused her death, but her family said she had trouble sleeping and was sensitive to loud noises since the concert. Also read | Sixth day of Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie' The family is raising funds for her funeral after her father discovered her dead in Finchfield, Wolverhampton, last month. Funding on the GoFundMe page has raised £5,625, exceeding its target of £4,500, with people contributing these funds for the heartbroken family. In an interview with the Birmingham Mail, Aston said that her daughter had always been outgoing and had plenty of friends, but that she suffered PTSD after attending the concert at Manchester Arena, where she was on the other side of the venue away from where the bomb went off. She returned to the site to lay flowers in memory of the 22 victims. Also read | China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home Eve was interested in cars, but due to depression, she had had difficulty launching a career. Recent weeks had brought her back to "her old self" although she had lost a lot of weight. There were multiple opportunities to identify the suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, as a security threat, according to the recent inquiry into the police and security response to the Manchester Arena attack. A mother of one of the victims has pushed for the introduction of "Martyn's law", which requires venues and local authorities to have plans in place to deal with terrorist attacks. Currently, the government is consulting on whether or not this should become a legal requirement.

Survivor of Ariana Grande concert attack found dead

In Pics: These countries don't celebrate Independence Day. Find out why

After 13 months of intensive treatment, an infant believed to be the tiniest in the world at birth has been released from a Singaporean hospital.

A baby is typically born at 40 weeks or more, but this girl was delivered at just under 25 weeks. At birth, the baby named Kwek Yu Xuan weighed only 212 grams or 7.47 ounces&nbsp;- about the weight of an apple - and measured just 24 cm in length.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sixth-day-of-greek-fires-blaze-ravages-evia-island-like-a-horror-movie-404258">Sixth day of Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie'</a>

The National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore where she was born had deemed her chances of survival as "limited".

In a statement, the hospital described her as&nbsp;an extraordinary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> baby, a ray of hope amid the turmoil.

Yu Xuan was hospitalised for a long period of time and had to depend on various machines to survive. Her parents had raised S$366,884 ($270,601; £195,188) through a crowdfunding campaign to pay for her long hospital stay.

The baby was delivered through&nbsp;emergency C-section four months early after her mother was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by dangerously high blood pressure that can harm and even kill the mother and baby.

The previous record-holder for the world's tiniest babies before Yu Xuan was a US baby girl born in 2018 who weighed 245g.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-herd-of-wandering-elephants-finally-on-their-way-back-home-404259">China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home</a>

Even though she still has chronic lung disease and will need assistance at home with breathing, doctors say she is doing well and has made good progress, and her condition has now improved enough to allow her discharge.

Now, with a weight of 6.3kg (14 pounds), according to the doctors, Yu Xuan is much healthier.

After 13 months of intensive treatment, an infant believed to be the tiniest in the world at birth has been released from a Singaporean hospital. A baby is typically born at 40 weeks or more, but this girl was delivered at just under 25 weeks.

After 13 months of intensive treatment, an infant believed to be the tiniest in the world at birth has been released from a Singaporean hospital. A baby is typically born at 40 weeks or more, but this girl was delivered at just under 25 weeks. At birth, the baby named Kwek Yu Xuan weighed only 212 grams or 7.47 ounces - about the weight of an apple - and measured just 24 cm in length. Also read | Sixth day of Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie' The National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore where she was born had deemed her chances of survival as "limited". In a statement, the hospital described her as an extraordinary COVID-19 baby, a ray of hope amid the turmoil. Yu Xuan was hospitalised for a long period of time and had to depend on various machines to survive. Her parents had raised S$366,884 ($270,601; £195,188) through a crowdfunding campaign to pay for her long hospital stay. The baby was delivered through emergency C-section four months early after her mother was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by dangerously high blood pressure that can harm and even kill the mother and baby. The previous record-holder for the world's tiniest babies before Yu Xuan was a US baby girl born in 2018 who weighed 245g. Also read | China’s herd of wandering elephants finally on their way back home Even though she still has chronic lung disease and will need assistance at home with breathing, doctors say she is doing well and has made good progress, and her condition has now improved enough to allow her discharge. Now, with a weight of 6.3kg (14 pounds), according to the doctors, Yu Xuan is much healthier.

'Smallest baby at birth' comes home after 13 months in the hospital

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