With prices soaring in crisis-hit&nbsp;Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

"With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks.

The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanons-economic-crisis-among-worlds-worst-since-1850s-388829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis.

With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives.

Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly.

"Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said.

"At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun.

"But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk.&nbsp;As for me, I can make do."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rock-lebanon-ahead-of-fuel-price-hike-394575">Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike</a>

But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads.

She said the process has been one of trial and error.

In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said.

Newspaper, toilet paper

The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet.

The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list.

In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to&nbsp;address rising period poverty in&nbsp;Lebanon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-lebanon-christian-heads-begin-summit-on-countrys-crisis-395106">Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis</a>

The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class.

"Middle-class women also need them,&nbsp;like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri.

According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products.

Yet the association is struggling to keep up.

"We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-as-poverty-bites-lebanese-give-up-their-pets-388606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods.

Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14.

Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting.

"She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said.

Syria 'all over again'

Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads.

In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth.

Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years.

The project already distributes them to&nbsp;Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps.

Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive.</div>

With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option.

"Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads.

"I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags.

With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own using baby nappies or even rags. "With all the price hikes and the frustration of not being able to manage, I'd rather stop having my period altogether," the 28-year-old told AFP, tears rolling down her cheeks. The price of menstrual pads, the vast majority of which are imported, has risen by almost 500 per cent since the start of a financial crisis the World Bank has dubbed likely one of the world's worst since the 1850s. Packs of sanitary towels now cost between 13,000 and 35,000 Lebanese pounds -- between $8.60 and $23 at the official exchange rate -- up from just 3,000 pounds ($2) before the economic crisis. With more than half the population living in poverty, tens of thousands of women are now on a desperate hunt for affordable alternatives. Sherine initially turned to cheap sanitary pads that she said caused skin irritation, but even those have become too costly. "Right now, I'm using towels and pieces of cloth," she said. "At first, I felt defeated," the young mother told AFP, her hair tied up in a bun. "But I chose to put my daughter first. I would rather buy her milk. As for me, I can make do." Also read | Protests rock Lebanon ahead of fuel price hike But that has often meant repurposing some of the diapers a charity shop has given her for her toddler, cutting each in half to create two separate pads. She said the process has been one of trial and error. In the beginning, "I was always having to check if (blood) had leaked and stained my pants," she said. Newspaper, toilet paper The Lebanese pound has lost more than 90 per cent of its value against the dollar on the black market since the autumn of 2019, and Lebanese earning salaries in the local currency have seen their buying power plummet. The government has subsidised essential goods including medicine, fuel and flour to ease the blow, but has come under fire for failing to include pads on its list. In the absence of state support, the Dawrati (My Period) initiative was launched last year to address rising period poverty in Lebanon. Also read | Pope, Lebanon Christian heads begin summit on country's crisis The group distributes free menstrual products to women in need, including some who were once members of the fast-vanishing middle class. "Middle-class women also need them, like a bank employee whose salary in Lebanese pounds is no longer enough to get by," said co-founder Line Masri. According to Dawrati, half of the women suffering from period poverty are using newspaper, toilet paper or old rags instead of pads, while two-thirds of adolescent girls have no means of purchasing sanitary products. Yet the association is struggling to keep up. "We aren't able to meet demand... because donations have declined significantly," Masri said. At a Beirut charity store initially set up to distribute free clothes to the needy, employee Izdihar said a growing number of women were struggling to manage their periods. Izdihar said she even sometimes had to resort to giving baby diapers from the store to her three daughters, aged 12 to 14. Her youngest, who started menstruating this year, was having trouble adapting. "She's stopped leaving the house when she has her period," Izdihar said. Syria 'all over again' Activists are seeking to produce viable alternatives to disposable pads. In the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, international NGO Days For Girls and local partner WingWoman Lebanon are training refugee women to stitch reusable sanitary pads out of colourful cloth. Each includes a protective shield and absorbent liner and can be washed and reused for up to three years. The project already distributes them to Lebanon's most vulnerable communities, including in Syrian refugee camps. Rima Ali, a Syrian mother of six, was among dozens learning to make the pads. The 45-year-old, who fled the war in Syria nine years ago, said she used to buy only the cheapest pads for herself and her three daughters, but they had become prohibitively expensive. With her family running through around six packets a month, reusable pads seemed like a much better option. "Back in Syria, there were some rough days when we couldn't even afford to buy bread," she said. "We used to cut up material to use" instead of sanitary pads. "I never thought we would have to relive it all over again."

Diapers and rags: Lebanon crisis plunges women into period poverty

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon&nbsp;Jimmy&nbsp;Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation.

Next Digital did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed last week after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-apple-daily-signs-off-in-painful-farewell-393526">Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell</a>

Beijing imposed the legislation in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. It punishes acts deemed by China to be subversive, secessionist, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Critics say it has been used to crush dissent, while its supporters said it has restored order in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests.

The Next Digital memo, shared separately by two employees, said assets linked to the company remained frozen under the national security investigation.

Dated June 30, the memo was addressed to all Hong Kong staff from the board.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-of-hong-kong-security-law-crackdown-on-people-and-the-press-394849">A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press</a>

"The group will cease operations," it said. "Although the road ahead is difficult, continue to move forward!"

The Hong Kong Security Bureau, which directed the asset freeze, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Lai, a staunch Beijing critic, was arrested last year on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. He is currently serving a prison sentence for taking part in illegal assemblies during Hong Kong's mass 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-into-contentious-security-law-hong-kong-has-made-117-arrests-394837">One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests</a>

Next Digital, which had a market capitalisation of HK$765 million ($98.52 million), said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday that it had accepted a proposal to divest Amazing Sino, which operates the online edition of Taiwan's Apple Daily.

It had earlier ceased printing its Taiwan edition on the democratic island, which China views as a breakaway province, blaming declining advertising revenue and difficult business conditions in Hong Kong linked to politics.

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation.

According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, Hong Kong media group Next Digital, owned by jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai, will cease operating from July 1 after the company's assets were frozen as part of a national security investigation. Next Digital did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed last week after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law. Also read | Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell Beijing imposed the legislation in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. It punishes acts deemed by China to be subversive, secessionist, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Critics say it has been used to crush dissent, while its supporters said it has restored order in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests. The Next Digital memo, shared separately by two employees, said assets linked to the company remained frozen under the national security investigation. Dated June 30, the memo was addressed to all Hong Kong staff from the board. Also read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press "The group will cease operations," it said. "Although the road ahead is difficult, continue to move forward!" The Hong Kong Security Bureau, which directed the asset freeze, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lai, a staunch Beijing critic, was arrested last year on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. He is currently serving a prison sentence for taking part in illegal assemblies during Hong Kong's mass 2019 pro-democracy protests. Also read | One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests Next Digital, which had a market capitalisation of HK$765 million ($98.52 million), said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday that it had accepted a proposal to divest Amazing Sino, which operates the online edition of Taiwan's Apple Daily. It had earlier ceased printing its Taiwan edition on the democratic island, which China views as a breakaway province, blaming declining advertising revenue and difficult business conditions in Hong Kong linked to politics.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai's Next Digital to stop operating from July 1: Memo

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Researchers have developed a prototype <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> testing face mask that has the capability to do just that.

Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/confused-about-masks-heres-what-scientists-know-344077">Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know</a>

According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus.

Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”.

Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. &nbsp;

"The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.

Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them.

In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-secret-weapon-that-makes-cotton-most-suitable-for-reusable-face-masks-369402">Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks</a>

In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated.

The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics.&nbsp;

These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins".

The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing&nbsp;face&nbsp;mask for at least 15 minutes after its&nbsp;sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis.&nbsp;

A strip on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;displays the result.&nbsp;

Wearable warning

The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments.&nbsp;

The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen.&nbsp;

From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar.

"In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the&nbsp;face&nbsp;masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

&nbsp;

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not. Researchers have developed a prototype COVID-19 testing face mask that has the capability to do just that. Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result. Also read | Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus. Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”. Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. "The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them. In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen. Also read | Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated. The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics. These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins". The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing face mask for at least 15 minutes after its sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the mask and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis. A strip on the mask displays the result. Wearable warning The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments. The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen. From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar. "In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the face masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added. However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

Could your face mask detect Covid?

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27&nbsp;times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. &nbsp;

He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days.

He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support.

Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach.

According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along.

Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). &nbsp;

Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News.

If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment.

The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him.

In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. &nbsp;

Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness.

Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach.

According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances.

Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened".

Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,".

"He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this."

While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother".

(With inputs from agencies)

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April.

A seven-year-old boy who was slammed into the floor 27 times during judo practice has died in Taiwan. He suffered severe brain haemorrhaging after a judo class back in April. This child, who was not identified, has been on life support for almost 70 days. He was admitted to the Fengyuan Hospital, and doctors informed his family on Tuesday that the child’s blood pressure and heart rate levels were dropping. After talking to the doctors, in a bid to ease his suffering, the family agreed to withdraw life support. Reportedly, the cause behind the brain damage and the resulting coma was a very violent class of Judo, where the little boy was slammed into the floor almost 27 times, first by a classmate and then by the coach. According to a local news site Taipei Times, the boy’s coach, a man in his 60’s was charged with physical assault resulting in serious injury along. Identified by his surname Ho, the coach was also charged with using a minor to commit a crime. Earlier this month, he was released on a bail of NT$100,000 ($3,583). Now, upon the child’s death, prosecutors will push to change the charge to "injury causing death", according to news site Taiwan News. If found guilty he can be liable to a jail sentence of a minimum of seven years in jail, which can go up to life imprisonment. The most surprising detail about this is that the child was accompanied by his maternal uncle, who was not only present there but also made a video of the class to show the child’s mother that judo might be unsuitable for him. In this video dated 21 April, the child can be heard screaming from pain, as his classmates repeatedly throw him down. Instead of assisting the child, the coach who later was found to be unlicensed, orders the child to stand up and tells older boys to continue, after this, he can be seen proceeding to himself pick up the seven-year-old and throw him to the ground. Eventually, the child passed out. According to his family, this makes the coach accuse the little boy of feigning unconsciousness. Many have questioned why the uncle instead of making a video didn’t stop the coach. According to experts in Taiwan, this can be because of a long-seated notion of respect and reverence that Taiwanese have for teachers, to them this sometimes also means accepting their authority regardless of the circumstances. Talking to reporters the boy's mother said that his uncle felt "terrible for what happened". Recalling the day she said earlier, "I still remember that morning when I took him to school,". "He turned around and said, 'Mama goodbye'. By night, he had become like this." While some on the Taiwanese social media are calling for harsher action against the coach, others can be seen saying, "there is no pain now, little brother". (With inputs from agencies)

7-year-old dies after getting thrown 27 times during Judo class in Taiwan

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from&nbsp;Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say.

As worries mount that the insurgents could retake power in the war-torn country, experts with years of experience in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;warned that poor leadership, corruption and ethnic divisions in the Afghan security forces offer the Taliban advantages, and that much depends on whether President Ashraf Ghani's troubled government can hold.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-security-forces-eliminate-258-taliban-terrorists-in-last-24-hrs-392487">Afghan security forces eliminate 258 Taliban terrorists in last 24 hrs</a>

The Islamist rebels have taken control of dozens of&nbsp;Afghanistan's 400 districts since the September deadline for withdrawal was set by Washington, where Ghani is set to meet with US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> at the White House on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that a new US intelligence report estimates that the Taliban could win control of the country's capital within six to 12 months of the US pullout.

Taliban not unstoppable&nbsp;

"There's really no denying the &nbsp;size and the speed of the kind of territorial losses the government has suffered," Andrew Watkins of the International Crisis Group told AFP.

But "the fall of Kabul is not imminent. The Taliban is not an unstoppable military juggernaut," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-watching-taliban-gains-as-it-leaves-afghanistan-393536/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Most of the districts the insurgents have claimed are "out in rural areas of the country that have little strategic or military value. There's no military need for either actor to be out there."

Yet some are on transport routes and around provincial capitals.

"The Taliban are strengthening their chokeholds around major cities. They're not necessarily in the near-term future going to try and take those cities," Watkins said.

Afghan security forces have lost the support of US airstrikes on the Taliban in the past year, and their own air force could be weakened if thousands of US civilian contractors, who keep Afghan aircraft flying, depart by September.

Carter Malkasian, a former Pentagon official and now an&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;security expert at the CNA consultancy, said it is only "remotely possible" that the Taliban sweep into Kabul in the near term.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-afghanistans-main-border-crossing-with-tajikistan-393160">Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan</a>

However, he said, such an outcome is conceivable within a year, as regional capitals are not currently under threat.

"If you see the losses of big cities like Kandahar city or Mazar-i-Sharif, &nbsp;then I would start worrying about Kabul falling," said Malkasian.

Aim to demoralize&nbsp;

James Dobbins, the former US Special Representative for&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and now an expert at Rand Corporation said he expects the fighting to escalate.

Right now, he said, "the Taliban have certain advantages. But their advantages generally apply in the countryside where their supporters are."&nbsp;

The cities are more of a challenge for the group than when they gained power in 1996: the country is more populous, urbanized, better educated, better connected and more complicated to manage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-makes-further-inroads-in-northern-afghanistan-seizes-border-port-with-tajikistan-393655">Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan</a>

"They don't have many supporters in the cities where all the infrastructure is," he said.

"Kabul is now a city of five million people. It's not what it was the last time the Taliban captured it. And I think they'd have a hard time controlling it."

Watkins said the Afghan military is doing what it needs to do, shrinking its footprint to focus on defending population centres and major supply arteries.

And a recent shakeup of the leadership could improve its operations.

"The Afghan military has to demonstrate a strength and a resilience that makes the Taliban reconsider trying to take over the country by force," he said.

However, he added, "The territorial losses the Afghan government has suffered are going to wind up having political impact. There is a potential of freaking out everyone, from rank and file Afghan soldiers and policemen . . . all the way up to the highest political level," Watkins said.

Gaining the upper hand

Malkasian said that the Taliban are focused as much on eroding public morale and confidence in the government as they are on gaining the upper hand in negotiations on a future government.

"Ultimately what they want to do is not to have to fight their way tooth and nail to Kabul or to conquer the rest of the country," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-between-afghan-forces-and-taliban-escalates-393605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What they would like to see is for the Afghan government to fall apart, so that they can step into a vacuum."

Malkasian insisted that peace talks are important to the insurgents, to lend them credibility if they do end up assuming power.

"The Taliban do care about international recognition. They do care about receiving future assistance," he noted.

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say.

Kabul could be captured by the Taliban within a year as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan, but its fall is not inevitable and will depend on a much better-run Afghan defence force, US experts say. As worries mount that the insurgents could retake power in the war-torn country, experts with years of experience in Afghanistan warned that poor leadership, corruption and ethnic divisions in the Afghan security forces offer the Taliban advantages, and that much depends on whether President Ashraf Ghani's troubled government can hold. Also read | Afghan security forces eliminate 258 Taliban terrorists in last 24 hrs The Islamist rebels have taken control of dozens of Afghanistan's 400 districts since the September deadline for withdrawal was set by Washington, where Ghani is set to meet with US counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on Friday. The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that a new US intelligence report estimates that the Taliban could win control of the country's capital within six to 12 months of the US pullout. Taliban not unstoppable "There's really no denying the size and the speed of the kind of territorial losses the government has suffered," Andrew Watkins of the International Crisis Group told AFP. But "the fall of Kabul is not imminent. The Taliban is not an unstoppable military juggernaut," he said. Most of the districts the insurgents have claimed are "out in rural areas of the country that have little strategic or military value. There's no military need for either actor to be out there." Yet some are on transport routes and around provincial capitals. "The Taliban are strengthening their chokeholds around major cities. They're not necessarily in the near-term future going to try and take those cities," Watkins said. Afghan security forces have lost the support of US airstrikes on the Taliban in the past year, and their own air force could be weakened if thousands of US civilian contractors, who keep Afghan aircraft flying, depart by September. Carter Malkasian, a former Pentagon official and now an Afghanistan security expert at the CNA consultancy, said it is only "remotely possible" that the Taliban sweep into Kabul in the near term. Also read | Taliban captures Afghanistan's main border crossing with Tajikistan However, he said, such an outcome is conceivable within a year, as regional capitals are not currently under threat. "If you see the losses of big cities like Kandahar city or Mazar-i-Sharif, then I would start worrying about Kabul falling," said Malkasian. Aim to demoralize James Dobbins, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan and now an expert at Rand Corporation said he expects the fighting to escalate. Right now, he said, "the Taliban have certain advantages. But their advantages generally apply in the countryside where their supporters are." The cities are more of a challenge for the group than when they gained power in 1996: the country is more populous, urbanized, better educated, better connected and more complicated to manage. Also read | Taliban makes further inroads in northern Afghanistan, seizes border port with Tajikistan "They don't have many supporters in the cities where all the infrastructure is," he said. "Kabul is now a city of five million people. It's not what it was the last time the Taliban captured it. And I think they'd have a hard time controlling it." Watkins said the Afghan military is doing what it needs to do, shrinking its footprint to focus on defending population centres and major supply arteries. And a recent shakeup of the leadership could improve its operations. "The Afghan military has to demonstrate a strength and a resilience that makes the Taliban reconsider trying to take over the country by force," he said. However, he added, "The territorial losses the Afghan government has suffered are going to wind up having political impact. There is a potential of freaking out everyone, from rank and file Afghan soldiers and policemen . . . all the way up to the highest political level," Watkins said. Gaining the upper hand Malkasian said that the Taliban are focused as much on eroding public morale and confidence in the government as they are on gaining the upper hand in negotiations on a future government. "Ultimately what they want to do is not to have to fight their way tooth and nail to Kabul or to conquer the rest of the country," he said. "What they would like to see is for the Afghan government to fall apart, so that they can step into a vacuum." Malkasian insisted that peace talks are important to the insurgents, to lend them credibility if they do end up assuming power. "The Taliban do care about international recognition. They do care about receiving future assistance," he noted.

Taliban takeover of Afghanistan not inevitable: US experts

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly. &nbsp;

Reports started pouring in back in late May. Wildlife managers from Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and West Virginia first started receiving reports of sick and dying birds, described by the informers as having “eye swelling and crusty discharge”, and also having some neurological signs.

According to a US Geological Survey&nbsp;statement, “No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-american-bird-population-fell-by-quarter-over-50-years-study-250699">North America&nbsp;lost&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;3&nbsp;billion birds&nbsp;over 50 years: Study</a>

Kentucky’s department of fish and wildlife resources has asked the public to report any encounter with a sick or dead bird via a new online reporting system. According to them so far, the species affected by this peculiar illness include Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European Starlings. Other S species can also be affected by it. As part of the investigation, more than twenty samples have already been sent out for testing.

On the other hand, Indiana based wildlife officials tested several birds for West Nile virus and Avian influenza, but all samples came back negative.

Ohio’s wildlife Centre has posted on social media website Facebook that the organisation has been admitting songbirds suffering from similar symptoms and that they are working with the relevant authorities to try and determine the cause behind this sickness afflicting local birds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-thousands-of-migratory-birds-dropping-dead-across-north-america-327989">Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?</a>

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has recommended against feeding and/or handling birds until a cause is found behind this disease. According to them feeders and baths can serve as a medium of transmitting the disease from one bird to another. They recommend cleaning feeders and baths with a 10 per cent bleach solution.

While it remains unclear if birdbaths are linked to their mortality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had previously warned in April about a songbird related salmonella outbreak in several states. Eight people are reported to have been killed in this outbreak.

People have reported that birds seem to be behaving blind in this new disease outbreak and that they are not avoiding humans.

This disease and its related mortality come at a time when these Aves have already been facing an unprecedented challenge in the US. In only the last half-decade or fifty years, the nation has lost more than a quarter of its bird population (2019 study figures).

“This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function, and services.” says the study.

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly.

A mysterious illness has struck birds in South and Midwestern US, killing many. The victims of this strange illness tend to suffer from weird crusty eyes, swollen up faces and an inability to fly. Reports started pouring in back in late May. Wildlife managers from Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland and West Virginia first started receiving reports of sick and dying birds, described by the informers as having “eye swelling and crusty discharge”, and also having some neurological signs. According to a US Geological Survey statement, “No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.” Also read | North America lost nearly 3 billion birds over 50 years: Study Kentucky’s department of fish and wildlife resources has asked the public to report any encounter with a sick or dead bird via a new online reporting system. According to them so far, the species affected by this peculiar illness include Blue Jays, Common Grackles and European Starlings. Other S species can also be affected by it. As part of the investigation, more than twenty samples have already been sent out for testing. On the other hand, Indiana based wildlife officials tested several birds for West Nile virus and Avian influenza, but all samples came back negative. Ohio’s wildlife Centre has posted on social media website Facebook that the organisation has been admitting songbirds suffering from similar symptoms and that they are working with the relevant authorities to try and determine the cause behind this sickness afflicting local birds. Also read | Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America? The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has recommended against feeding and/or handling birds until a cause is found behind this disease. According to them feeders and baths can serve as a medium of transmitting the disease from one bird to another. They recommend cleaning feeders and baths with a 10 per cent bleach solution. While it remains unclear if birdbaths are linked to their mortality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), had previously warned in April about a songbird related salmonella outbreak in several states. Eight people are reported to have been killed in this outbreak. People have reported that birds seem to be behaving blind in this new disease outbreak and that they are not avoiding humans. This disease and its related mortality come at a time when these Aves have already been facing an unprecedented challenge in the US. In only the last half-decade or fifty years, the nation has lost more than a quarter of its bird population (2019 study figures). “This loss of bird abundance signals an urgent need to address threats to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity, function, and services.” says the study.

Swollen faces and crusty eyes: Birds in US struck with mysterious disease

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> by August 31, or risk losing their jobs.

This rule is valid for the Chinese city-based flight attendants and pilots. Cathay said the need to segregate vaccinated crew from un-vaccinated ones have complicated the staff rostering process, something that the airline is struggling with because of Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules on return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-impact-on-aviation-industry-low-cost-airfare-schemes-could-be-halted-for-a-long-time-289864">Coronavirus impact on aviation industry: Low-cost airfare schemes could be halted for a long time</a>

The said rules have been made lenient for a crew that has attained a full vaccination against the novel coronavirus. Only fully vaccinated crew is allowed to operate to certain high-risk destinations, especially on 
“bubble” flights that are quarantine-free.

In a statement, the airline said that they “understand there will be some who cannot take a vaccine and we will look into accommodating them on a short-term basis where we can,".

However, the airline will “review the future employment of those who are unable to become vaccinated and assess whether they can continue to be employed as aircrew with Cathay Pacific."

After a previous warning that vaccinations might become compulsory, according to the company’s own figures around 90 per cent of their pilots and more than 65 per cent of the flight crew has already been vaccinated, or have vaccination appointments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-the-global-aviation-industry-survive-coronavirus-related-slowdown-286815">Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown?</a>

Different airlines have undertaken different policies to ensure the vaccination of their crew.

Earlier this week, US-based United Airlines said that from August onwards it would only allow fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to work on high-risk destinations flights. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines Inc announced last month that all its new hires would have to be vaccinated. &nbsp;

While Emirates has been providing free vaccination to its crew since January. The airlines also informed its airlines that they have to either get vaccinated or pay for regular covid tests to prove that they are not infected. &nbsp;

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get vaccinated against coronavirus by August 31, or risk losing their jobs.

In one of the toughest policies by an airline, Cathay Pacific Ltd has notified on Thursday that all of its Hong Kong-based employees must get vaccinated against coronavirus by August 31, or risk losing their jobs. This rule is valid for the Chinese city-based flight attendants and pilots. Cathay said the need to segregate vaccinated crew from un-vaccinated ones have complicated the staff rostering process, something that the airline is struggling with because of Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules on return. Also read | Coronavirus impact on aviation industry: Low-cost airfare schemes could be halted for a long time The said rules have been made lenient for a crew that has attained a full vaccination against the novel coronavirus. Only fully vaccinated crew is allowed to operate to certain high-risk destinations, especially on “bubble” flights that are quarantine-free. In a statement, the airline said that they “understand there will be some who cannot take a vaccine and we will look into accommodating them on a short-term basis where we can,". However, the airline will “review the future employment of those who are unable to become vaccinated and assess whether they can continue to be employed as aircrew with Cathay Pacific." After a previous warning that vaccinations might become compulsory, according to the company’s own figures around 90 per cent of their pilots and more than 65 per cent of the flight crew has already been vaccinated, or have vaccination appointments. Also read | Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown? Different airlines have undertaken different policies to ensure the vaccination of their crew. Earlier this week, US-based United Airlines said that from August onwards it would only allow fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew to work on high-risk destinations flights. On the other hand, Delta Air Lines Inc announced last month that all its new hires would have to be vaccinated. While Emirates has been providing free vaccination to its crew since January. The airlines also informed its airlines that they have to either get vaccinated or pay for regular covid tests to prove that they are not infected.

Cathay Pacific airlines tells employees 'get vaccinated or risk losing your job'

The United States and&nbsp;China&nbsp;are discussing a possible meeting of US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks.

The administration of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US&nbsp;President Joe Biden</a> has also informed counterparts in Beijing that it would like Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state, to visit&nbsp;China&nbsp;over the summer, the newspaper said.

According to the British newspaper's report, the White House has also held preliminary internal discussions about sending Blinken or Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, to&nbsp;China&nbsp;later this year. A move that could set the stage for Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold a bilateral summit on the margins of the G20 leaders meeting in Rome in October.

Relations between the two nations have recently been particularly turbulent with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden</a> ordering an enquiry into the Coronavirus origins.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-rally-around-the-need-to-counter-and-compete-with-china-white-house-391244">G7 rally around the need to 'counter and compete' with China: White House</a>

US's&nbsp;decision to significantly step up engagement with China comes after months of talks between the country and its allies on Beijing, and how to better address various concerns these nations share over China. Many of these&nbsp;talks produced some tough joint statements.&nbsp;

In the recently held G7 summit in the UK, The Group of Seven rich nations pledged to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong.

The nations also agreed to launch the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">Build Back Better World" (B3W) project</a>,&nbsp;a plan that counter’s Chinese Belt and Road initiative, and is an attempt to build infrastructure in poorer nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-latest-us-warship-transit-of-taiwan-strait-393222">China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait</a>

Recently, Beijing also accused the United States of threatening peace and stability, after a US&nbsp;warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. This was the second such sailing, which according to the US was a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" done as per international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States and China are discussing a possible meeting of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks.

The United States and China are discussing a possible meeting of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a G20 meet in Italy next week, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday citing people briefed on the talks. The administration of US President Joe Biden has also informed counterparts in Beijing that it would like Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state, to visit China over the summer, the newspaper said. According to the British newspaper's report, the White House has also held preliminary internal discussions about sending Blinken or Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, to China later this year. A move that could set the stage for Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to hold a bilateral summit on the margins of the G20 leaders meeting in Rome in October. Relations between the two nations have recently been particularly turbulent with US President Joe Biden ordering an enquiry into the Coronavirus origins. Also read | G7 rally around the need to 'counter and compete' with China: White House US's decision to significantly step up engagement with China comes after months of talks between the country and its allies on Beijing, and how to better address various concerns these nations share over China. Many of these talks produced some tough joint statements. In the recently held G7 summit in the UK, The Group of Seven rich nations pledged to tackle China's growing influence, singling out China in their communique over human rights in Xinjiang and demanding freedoms and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. The nations also agreed to launch the Build Back Better World" (B3W) project, a plan that counter’s Chinese Belt and Road initiative, and is an attempt to build infrastructure in poorer nations. Also read | China condemns latest US warship transit of Taiwan Strait Recently, Beijing also accused the United States of threatening peace and stability, after a US warship again sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from China. This was the second such sailing, which according to the US was a "routine Taiwan Strait transit" done as per international law. (With inputs from agencies)

US, China discuss possible meeting of secretary of state, Chinese foreign minister: Report

Russia and China have begun to draw up ambitious plans for missions that would directly compete with those of the United States and its partners. In a joint collaboration, the Russian and Chinese space agencies plan to expedite much of their space missions together. They have teamed up for a robotic mission to an asteroid in 2024.

Russia, a former space superpower, turns to China for missions

The all-weather hi-tech tunnel connecting Qazigund and Banihal is likely to open for public in the next two weeks. Locals say it's like a dream coming true. With the opening of this tunnel, the common people will heave a sigh of relief.

J&K: 8.5 km all-weather tunnel linking Qazi Gund and Banihal to open soon

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) addresses mixing of Covid vaccine shots in order to successfully inoculate every citizen in Europe. EMA also asked EU to use all the vaccines options available to vaccinate people and avert any possible situation of further outbreak.

European Medicines Agency addresses mixing of COVID vaccine shots

On Wednesday, Brent settled at its highest price since April 2019 while WTI settled at its highest since October 2018.

Oil slips again on surging US dollar

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