In the race of next Pakistan's Army chief, six Pakistani Generals are in the running. Their names have been sent to the PM office. Watch this report for all the details.

Who will be Pakistan's next Army chief? Six Pakistan Generals in the running

Who will be Pakistan's next Army chief? Five Pakistan generals in the running. The process for the appointment has also begun.

Who will be Pakistan's next Army chief? The process for the appointment begins

The record of the Pak Army Chief's assets has been leaked. According to Pak media, Bajwa's assets have increased manifold. A Pakistan Minister has now ordered a probe into the data leak.

Record of Pak Army Chief's assets leaked: Pakistan Minister orders probe into the data leak

A complete humanitarian crisis has gripped the war-battered region of Tigray in Ethiopia after a fight between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government broke out in November 2020. Now, the World Health Organization Chief cited racism as the reason that the world is not paying attention to the crisis in Tigray.

W.H.O Chief cites racism for lack of concern, Tigray crisis worse than Ukraine

The Indian defense ministry today issued new guidelines broadening the scope of eligible officers for the post of the chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces. The notification aims to amend the regulation of three defense forces that is army air force and navy related to the appointment of the next CDS.

Who will be India's next Chief of Defence Staff?

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor.

It was the extremist group's first formal statement on its commander, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, since American officials reported he blew himself up along with members of his family during a raid on his hideout in the northern Syrian town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border, on February 3.&nbsp;

IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajer confirmed the leader's death, as well as that of the group's former spokesman, Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, in an audio recording broadcast Thursday.

IS has picked a successor to the former leader, according to Al-Muhajer, who identified him as Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi and said the late IS head chose him to be the future caliph.

There was no immediate information about the new commander, and it was unclear whether he, like his two predecessors, was an Iraqi. Both were murdered in rebel-held areas of Syria.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list

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The US strike last month was the second time in three years that the US has killed a prominent IS leader.

There is no evidence that any of the al-Qurayshis are related.

Al-Qurayshi is not their genuine name, but it is derived from Quraish, the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

IS claims to have leaders from this tribe, and "al-Qurayshi" is part of an IS leader's surname.

"He has embraced the leadership," al-Muhajer stated of the new IS commander, who remained anonymous.&nbsp;

In the US raid, about 50 U.S. special operations forces landed in helicopters and attacked a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen. In all, 13 people were killed, including six children and four women. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced from Syria’s civil war.

At the height of its power, after declaring an Islamic caliphate in 2014, IS controlled a third of both Syria and Iraq and ruled over 8 million people.

Since their defeat in 2019, the militants have struggled to mount a resurgence, staging deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq. In January, IS launched a complex assault on a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees and setting off 10 days of clashes with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish-led fighters. The battles killed more than 120 Syrian Kurdish fighters and prison workers, along with 374 militants.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor.

On Thursday, the Islamic State organisation revealed for the first time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in a US strike in northern Syria last month and designated his successor. It was the extremist group's first formal statement on its commander, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, since American officials reported he blew himself up along with members of his family during a raid on his hideout in the northern Syrian town of Atmeh, near the Turkish border, on February 3. IS spokesman Abu Omar al-Muhajer confirmed the leader's death, as well as that of the group's former spokesman, Abu Hamza al-Qurayshi, in an audio recording broadcast Thursday. IS has picked a successor to the former leader, according to Al-Muhajer, who identified him as Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi and said the late IS head chose him to be the future caliph. There was no immediate information about the new commander, and it was unclear whether he, like his two predecessors, was an Iraqi. Both were murdered in rebel-held areas of Syria. Watch | Gravitas: The Islamic State has China on its hit list The US strike last month was the second time in three years that the US has killed a prominent IS leader. There is no evidence that any of the al-Qurayshis are related. Al-Qurayshi is not their genuine name, but it is derived from Quraish, the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad. IS claims to have leaders from this tribe, and "al-Qurayshi" is part of an IS leader's surname. "He has embraced the leadership," al-Muhajer stated of the new IS commander, who remained anonymous. In the US raid, about 50 U.S. special operations forces landed in helicopters and attacked a house in a rebel-held corner of Syria, clashing for two hours with gunmen. In all, 13 people were killed, including six children and four women. Residents described continuous gunfire and explosions that jolted Atmeh near the Turkish border, an area dotted with camps for internally displaced from Syria’s civil war. At the height of its power, after declaring an Islamic caliphate in 2014, IS controlled a third of both Syria and Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Since their defeat in 2019, the militants have struggled to mount a resurgence, staging deadly attacks in both Syria and Iraq. In January, IS launched a complex assault on a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees and setting off 10 days of clashes with U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish-led fighters. The battles killed more than 120 Syrian Kurdish fighters and prison workers, along with 374 militants. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State confirms its leader was killed in Syria, names new chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China. The visit will also include a stop in the Xinjiang region.

As per the readout of their talks, the UN chief “expressed his expectation that the contacts between the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chinese authorities will allow for a credible visit of the High Commissioner to China, including Xinjiang.”&nbsp;

So far, China has denied Bachelet an independent visit to Xinjiang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/host-nation-china-wins-its-first-gold-at-the-beijing-winter-olympics-2022-450882">Also read |&nbsp;Host nation China wins its first gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022</a>

China has been called out for violating human rights in its Xinjiang region. The country has been accused of unlawfully imprisoning up to 1.8 million Uyghurs, and several other Muslim minorities in mass detention camps in Xinjiang.&nbsp; 
China, however, has denied all of these accusations.

As per campaigners, at least one million, mostly Muslim minorities, have been imprisoned in re-education camps in Xinjiang.

A statement by the UN says that during the meeting with Xi, Guterres “expressed the wish for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China in all the pillars of the Organisation’s work – peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights.”

(With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022. During the meeting, he expressed his expectation that the UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will be allowed to make a “credible” visit to China. The visit will also include a stop in the Xinjiang region. As per the readout of their talks, the UN chief “expressed his expectation that the contacts between the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Chinese authorities will allow for a credible visit of the High Commissioner to China, including Xinjiang.” So far, China has denied Bachelet an independent visit to Xinjiang. Also read | Host nation China wins its first gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 China has been called out for violating human rights in its Xinjiang region. The country has been accused of unlawfully imprisoning up to 1.8 million Uyghurs, and several other Muslim minorities in mass detention camps in Xinjiang. China, however, has denied all of these accusations. As per campaigners, at least one million, mostly Muslim minorities, have been imprisoned in re-education camps in Xinjiang. A statement by the UN says that during the meeting with Xi, Guterres “expressed the wish for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China in all the pillars of the Organisation’s work – peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights.” (With inputs from agencies)

UN chief Guterres meets Xi, says he expects China to allow 'credible' visit to Xinjiang

The chairman of&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;has resigned less than a year into the job after&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;Covid quarantine&nbsp;rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank.

Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately,&nbsp;Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board.

Axel Lehmann, who chairs the board's risk committee, was appointed as his replacement.

The resignation adds to the woes of the Swiss banking giant, which was rocked by its links to the multi-billion-dollar meltdowns at financial firms Greensill and Archegos last year.

"I regret that a number of my personal actions have led to difficulties for the bank and compromised my ability to represent the bank internally and externally," Horta-Osorio said in the statement.

"I therefore believe that my resignation is in the interest of the bank and its stakeholders at this crucial time."

In March last year,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;was hit by the collapse of the British finance firm Greensill, in which some $10 billion had been committed via four funds, swiftly followed by the implosion of the US hedge fund Archegos, which cost the bank more than $5 billion.

Crowned with a solid reputation after having successfully turned around the British bank Lloyds, Horta-Osorio was elected chairman in April, pledging to put better risk management at the heart of the bank's culture.

But in December, his image was tarnished by revelations in the Swiss newspaper Blick.

'Credibility problem'

Following the tabloid's report,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;confirmed last month that Horta-Osorio had violated quarantine&nbsp;rules.

The Portuguese banker apologised but revelations of other quarantine violations followed and the board launched an investigation.

Switzerland&nbsp;imposed a 10-day quarantine rule on November 26 for people flying in from countries where the Covid-19 variant Omicron had been detected -- a measure that chiefly affected Britain.

Blick reported that Horta-Osorio had travelled back to&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;from Britain aboard a private jet, then asked if he could be released from quarantine.

Despite a no from the authorities, Horta-Osorio took a plane to the Iberian peninsula before heading on to New York for a board meeting, said the tabloid.

Michael Foeth, an analyst at Vontobel bank, said&nbsp;breaking&nbsp;quarantine&nbsp;rules&nbsp;had created a "credibility problem" for a chairman who had put the culture of personal accountability at the heart of the bank's transformation.

"We respect Antonio's decision (to resign) and owe him considerable thanks for his leadership in defining the new strategy, which we will continue to implement over the coming months and years," said Severin Schwan, vice chair of&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse's board.

'Without distraction'

Lehmann joined the bank in October and headed the risk committee. The board will propose that he takes over permanently as chairman at the annual general meeting on April 29, the bank said.

A former executive with rival bank UBS, the Swiss banker, who is in his early 60s, also spent nearly 20 years with the Swiss insurer Zurich Insurance.

"We have set the right course with the new strategy and will continue to embed a stronger risk culture across the firm," Lehmann said.

"By executing our strategic plan in a timely and disciplined manner, without distraction, I am convinced that&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;will demonstrate the renewed strength and business focus needed to generate sustainable value for all of our stakeholders," he said.

The Ethos foundation, which represents pension funds, told AFP it hoped Lehmann would strengthen risk control to avoid any scandal - "financial or otherwise" -&nbsp;that could tarnish the bank's image, which "unfortunately has happened too many times in recent years".

The bank had previously been rocked by a massive scandal over espionage against staff and former employees, which pushed&nbsp;chief&nbsp;executive Tidjane Thiam to resign in February 2020.

At 1400 GMT,&nbsp;Credit&nbsp;Suisse&nbsp;shares were down more than two percent to 9.35 Swiss francs, against the trend of the SMI -- the benchmark index of the Swiss Stock Exchange -- which was up 0.73 percent.

The chairman of Credit Suisse has resigned less than a year into the job after breaking Covid quarantine rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank. Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately, Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board.

The chairman of Credit Suisse has resigned less than a year into the job after breaking Covid quarantine rules, in a new blow for the scandal-hit bank. Antonio Horta-Osorio's resignation was effective immediately, Switzerland's second-biggest bank said in a statement Monday, following an investigation commissioned by the board. Axel Lehmann, who chairs the board's risk committee, was appointed as his replacement. The resignation adds to the woes of the Swiss banking giant, which was rocked by its links to the multi-billion-dollar meltdowns at financial firms Greensill and Archegos last year. "I regret that a number of my personal actions have led to difficulties for the bank and compromised my ability to represent the bank internally and externally," Horta-Osorio said in the statement. "I therefore believe that my resignation is in the interest of the bank and its stakeholders at this crucial time." In March last year, Credit Suisse was hit by the collapse of the British finance firm Greensill, in which some $10 billion had been committed via four funds, swiftly followed by the implosion of the US hedge fund Archegos, which cost the bank more than $5 billion. Crowned with a solid reputation after having successfully turned around the British bank Lloyds, Horta-Osorio was elected chairman in April, pledging to put better risk management at the heart of the bank's culture. But in December, his image was tarnished by revelations in the Swiss newspaper Blick. 'Credibility problem' Following the tabloid's report, Credit Suisse confirmed last month that Horta-Osorio had violated quarantine rules. The Portuguese banker apologised but revelations of other quarantine violations followed and the board launched an investigation. Switzerland imposed a 10-day quarantine rule on November 26 for people flying in from countries where the Covid-19 variant Omicron had been detected -- a measure that chiefly affected Britain. Blick reported that Horta-Osorio had travelled back to Switzerland from Britain aboard a private jet, then asked if he could be released from quarantine. Despite a no from the authorities, Horta-Osorio took a plane to the Iberian peninsula before heading on to New York for a board meeting, said the tabloid. Michael Foeth, an analyst at Vontobel bank, said breaking quarantine rules had created a "credibility problem" for a chairman who had put the culture of personal accountability at the heart of the bank's transformation. "We respect Antonio's decision (to resign) and owe him considerable thanks for his leadership in defining the new strategy, which we will continue to implement over the coming months and years," said Severin Schwan, vice chair of Credit Suisse's board. 'Without distraction' Lehmann joined the bank in October and headed the risk committee. The board will propose that he takes over permanently as chairman at the annual general meeting on April 29, the bank said. A former executive with rival bank UBS, the Swiss banker, who is in his early 60s, also spent nearly 20 years with the Swiss insurer Zurich Insurance. "We have set the right course with the new strategy and will continue to embed a stronger risk culture across the firm," Lehmann said. "By executing our strategic plan in a timely and disciplined manner, without distraction, I am convinced that Credit Suisse will demonstrate the renewed strength and business focus needed to generate sustainable value for all of our stakeholders," he said. The Ethos foundation, which represents pension funds, told AFP it hoped Lehmann would strengthen risk control to avoid any scandal - "financial or otherwise" - that could tarnish the bank's image, which "unfortunately has happened too many times in recent years". The bank had previously been rocked by a massive scandal over espionage against staff and former employees, which pushed chief executive Tidjane Thiam to resign in February 2020. At 1400 GMT, Credit Suisse shares were down more than two percent to 9.35 Swiss francs, against the trend of the SMI -- the benchmark index of the Swiss Stock Exchange -- which was up 0.73 percent.

Credit Suisse chief, Antonio Horta-Osorio, quits over Covid rules breach

Ethiopia has hit out at the World Health Organization Chief for his statement supporting the Tigrayan rebel forces. The Ethiopian government said it will not support his re-election.

Ethiopia has hit out at the WHO Chief for his statement supporting the Tigrayan rebel forces

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch.

Towards the final leg of the countdown, an issue was detected in the rocket and the highly anticipated launch was put on hold. Setting it right was the most dangerous task that anyone could undertake, as the rocket was loaded with nearly 200 tonnes of hazardous fuels and chemical cocktails.

Following the typical procedures would have meant de-arming the rocket and draining off its fuel, thus delaying the launch. However, within minutes, the problem was resolved and the rocket performed exceedingly well—it was a textbook launch and the first-ever successful flight of the PSLV, which is regarded as India’s workhorse rocket).

That young scientist who undertook that unenviable task is the newly-appointed Chairman of the ISRO and the secretary of the Department of Space —Dr S Somanath. &nbsp;

Hailing from Alappuzha (Alleppey) in India’s southern Kerala state, Somanath had been a science enthusiast right from the time he pursued his schooling, in Malayalam medium.

Despite being a Hindi teacher, Somanath’s father encouraged his son’s passion and aptitude for science by feeding him with science books in both English and Malayalam medium languages.

Even though engineering is considered a tough subject, Somanath pursued&nbsp;B Tech in Mechanical Engineering, during which he developed a deep&nbsp;interest in space.

As a college student, Somanath had specially requested his professor to teach him a course on propulsion —a specific subject in rocketry that is not taught as part of engineering. Interestingly, the faculty, too, readily agreed to teach him.

The TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, Kerala—which had hitherto never taught the course— readily took up the challenge and started teaching propulsion to 10 students who had shown interest at that time.&nbsp;

It was during his final years in college that Somanath applied for a job at the ISRO, when it was recruiting young engineers to join the fledgling PSLV programme.

Thanks to his high scores in the previous semesters, Somanath was recruited. Thus began a journey of realising his childhood dream of aiming to study the planets.&nbsp;

He joined ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as the lead facility for developing rockets in 1985 and was a team leader for the integration of the PSLV rocket during its early phases.

Rising up the ranks, he joined GSLV MkIII Project in 2003 and was the deputy project director responsible for the overall design and integration of India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket.

He was the project director of GSLV Mk-III from June 2010 to 2014. An expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles, he made immense contribution in the development of PSLV and GSLV MkIII programmes in their overall architecture, propulsion stages design, structural and structural dynamics designs, separation systems, vehicle integration etc.

Later, he also led the team of LPSC (ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) to complete the development and qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage, which was successfully flown in GSLV MkIII-D1 flight.

He also played a key role in three successful missions of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stages and eleven successful missions of PSLV with the liquid stages realised by LPSC.

Under his watch, 15 successful satellite missions were accomplished with the propulsion systems supplied from LPSC.

He is also credited with driving the developmental activities of the high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine, throttleable engines for Chandrayaan-2 moon lander, the successful flight of electric propulsion system in GSAT-9, among others.

Dr Somanath secured Gold Medal in Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

He will serve as Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space for a tenure of three years.&nbsp;

Rocket science is among the most challenging and unforgiving fields of work. But what keeps this man going? This is what he tells his juniors, “We work on rockets, not just because they put satellites up there… Rockets are the only means by which humans can travel from the shores of earth to another planet… There is just no other way!”

An ardent fan of cinema, Somanath was once a member of the Film Society and similar groups in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital. However, owing to his rigorous schedule, cinema was something that had to be put on the backburner. A dynamic public speaker, he’s been an active Keynote speaker at various national and International events and has also delivered TEDx talks.

Dr Somanath is married to Valsala, who works with the Goods and Services Tax department. The couple has two children, both of whom have completed their&nbsp;​Master's in Engineering.&nbsp;

Note: The anecdote of Dr S Somanath having joined his seniors in setting right a live PSLV rocket is excerpted from ‘Ready to Fire’ the Autobiography of ISRO Veteran Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan. As the then Cryogenic Project Director and Project Director for 2nd and 4th stages of PSLV, Nambi Narayanan had selected and led engineers S Somanath and S Ramakrishnan to join him to perform the daredevilry of working to set right a live rocket, on October 15th 1994. Eventually, Ramakrishnan rose up to the post of Director, LPSC, while Dr Somanath rose up to Director, VSSC and now Chairman, ISRO.&nbsp;

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch.

In 1994, a young engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) joined two of his seniors to fix a problem with a live Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket that stood ready for launch. Towards the final leg of the countdown, an issue was detected in the rocket and the highly anticipated launch was put on hold. Setting it right was the most dangerous task that anyone could undertake, as the rocket was loaded with nearly 200 tonnes of hazardous fuels and chemical cocktails. Following the typical procedures would have meant de-arming the rocket and draining off its fuel, thus delaying the launch. However, within minutes, the problem was resolved and the rocket performed exceedingly well—it was a textbook launch and the first-ever successful flight of the PSLV, which is regarded as India’s workhorse rocket). That young scientist who undertook that unenviable task is the newly-appointed Chairman of the ISRO and the secretary of the Department of Space —Dr S Somanath. Hailing from Alappuzha (Alleppey) in India’s southern Kerala state, Somanath had been a science enthusiast right from the time he pursued his schooling, in Malayalam medium. Despite being a Hindi teacher, Somanath’s father encouraged his son’s passion and aptitude for science by feeding him with science books in both English and Malayalam medium languages. Even though engineering is considered a tough subject, Somanath pursued B Tech in Mechanical Engineering, during which he developed a deep interest in space. As a college student, Somanath had specially requested his professor to teach him a course on propulsion —a specific subject in rocketry that is not taught as part of engineering. Interestingly, the faculty, too, readily agreed to teach him. The TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, Kerala—which had hitherto never taught the course— readily took up the challenge and started teaching propulsion to 10 students who had shown interest at that time. It was during his final years in college that Somanath applied for a job at the ISRO, when it was recruiting young engineers to join the fledgling PSLV programme. Thanks to his high scores in the previous semesters, Somanath was recruited. Thus began a journey of realising his childhood dream of aiming to study the planets. He joined ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as the lead facility for developing rockets in 1985 and was a team leader for the integration of the PSLV rocket during its early phases. Rising up the ranks, he joined GSLV MkIII Project in 2003 and was the deputy project director responsible for the overall design and integration of India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket. He was the project director of GSLV Mk-III from June 2010 to 2014. An expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles, he made immense contribution in the development of PSLV and GSLV MkIII programmes in their overall architecture, propulsion stages design, structural and structural dynamics designs, separation systems, vehicle integration etc. Later, he also led the team of LPSC (ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) to complete the development and qualification of the CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage, which was successfully flown in GSLV MkIII-D1 flight. He also played a key role in three successful missions of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic stages and eleven successful missions of PSLV with the liquid stages realised by LPSC. Under his watch, 15 successful satellite missions were accomplished with the propulsion systems supplied from LPSC. He is also credited with driving the developmental activities of the high-thrust semi-cryogenic engine, throttleable engines for Chandrayaan-2 moon lander, the successful flight of electric propulsion system in GSAT-9, among others. Dr Somanath secured Gold Medal in Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He will serve as Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space for a tenure of three years. Rocket science is among the most challenging and unforgiving fields of work. But what keeps this man going? This is what he tells his juniors, “We work on rockets, not just because they put satellites up there… Rockets are the only means by which humans can travel from the shores of earth to another planet… There is just no other way!” An ardent fan of cinema, Somanath was once a member of the Film Society and similar groups in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital. However, owing to his rigorous schedule, cinema was something that had to be put on the backburner. A dynamic public speaker, he’s been an active Keynote speaker at various national and International events and has also delivered TEDx talks. Dr Somanath is married to Valsala, who works with the Goods and Services Tax department. The couple has two children, both of whom have completed their Master's in Engineering. Note: The anecdote of Dr S Somanath having joined his seniors in setting right a live PSLV rocket is excerpted from ‘Ready to Fire’ the Autobiography of ISRO Veteran Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan. As the then Cryogenic Project Director and Project Director for 2nd and 4th stages of PSLV, Nambi Narayanan had selected and led engineers S Somanath and S Ramakrishnan to join him to perform the daredevilry of working to set right a live rocket, on October 15th 1994. Eventually, Ramakrishnan rose up to the post of Director, LPSC, while Dr Somanath rose up to Director, VSSC and now Chairman, ISRO.

Who is S Somanath? Here’s all you need to know about newly appointed ISRO Chairman 

As several countries around the world are looking to give booster shots to people of different age groups,&nbsp;ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that there is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for such a dose against COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The completion of the second dose for India's adult population seems to be the topmost priority of the government as of now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-reports-29-fresh-cases-no-death-for-sixth-consecutive-day-431028" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">COVID-19: Delhi reports 29 fresh cases, no death for sixth consecutive day</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the sources, the issue of the booster dose is likely to be discussed in the next meeting of the National Technical Advisory Group on&nbsp;Immunisation&nbsp;in India (NTAGI). &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Administering the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to all adult population and ensuring that not only India but the entire world gets vaccinated is the priority of the government for now.&nbsp;More so, there is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against COVID-19," Bhargava told PTI. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-break-from-protocol-indias-defence-minister-visits-bangladesh-high-commission-431292" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">In a break from protocol, India’s defence minister visits Bangladesh High Commission</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the&nbsp;possibility&nbsp;of administering a booster shot, Union Health Minister Mansukh&nbsp;Mandaviya&nbsp;had&nbsp;recently said that adequate stocks are available and the aim is to complete the vaccination of the target population with two doses. Afterwards, a decision on booster dose would be taken based on expert recommendation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As several countries around the world are looking to give booster shots to people of different age groups, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that there is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for such a dose against COVID-19.

As several countries around the world are looking to give booster shots to people of different age groups, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said on Monday that there is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for such a dose against COVID-19. The completion of the second dose for India's adult population seems to be the topmost priority of the government as of now. Also Read | COVID-19: Delhi reports 29 fresh cases, no death for sixth consecutive day As per the sources, the issue of the booster dose is likely to be discussed in the next meeting of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI). "Administering the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to all adult population and ensuring that not only India but the entire world gets vaccinated is the priority of the government for now. More so, there is no scientific evidence so far to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against COVID-19," Bhargava told PTI. Also Read: In a break from protocol, India’s defence minister visits Bangladesh High Commission Over the possibility of administering a booster shot, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had recently said that adequate stocks are available and the aim is to complete the vaccination of the target population with two doses. Afterwards, a decision on booster dose would be taken based on expert recommendation. (With inputs from agencies)

No scientific evidence to support need for booster shot to fight Covid, says Indian medical body chief

The top UN human rights official on Friday called on Sudan's military leaders to step back following a coup, also denouncing the arrest and detention of politicians, journalists and protesters.

High Commissioner of Human Rights Michelle Bachelet described the October&nbsp;25 military takeover as "deeply disturbing" and called for an end to the deadly use of force by the armed forces as well as military police and intelligence elements which she said had so far killed at least 13 civilians.

"I urge Sudan's military leaders, and their backers, to step back in order to allow the country to return to the path of progress towards institutional and legal reforms," she said, in remarks delivered at an emergency Geneva session of the human rights council on the situation there.

Bachelet said the release of politicians, journalists and protesters was "essential for an inclusive dialogue and a swift return to civilian rule".

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The United Nations is seeking an end to the political crisis following the coup via talks between Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was placed under house arrest, and coup leaders.

The 47-member UN Council is holding the urgent session following a request from Britain and several ambassadors present called for justice for those responsible for killings in the coup's aftermath.

"I urge our fellow members of the Council to join us and to send a strong and clear message today that democracy must, and will, prevail," said Britain's ambassador Simon Manley. US envoy Robert Riley vowed to continue "full throttle efforts" to support democratic aspirations in Sudan.

Members will later decide on a resolution, prepared by Britain, Germany, Norway and the United States, that would create a human rights expert to monitor events since the coup and prepare a written report in 2022.

Germany's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Katharina Stasch called that "an important step to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed."

The top UN human rights official on Friday called on Sudan's military leaders to step back following a coup, also denouncing the arrest and detention of politicians, journalists and protesters.

The top UN human rights official on Friday called on Sudan's military leaders to step back following a coup, also denouncing the arrest and detention of politicians, journalists and protesters. High Commissioner of Human Rights Michelle Bachelet described the October 25 military takeover as "deeply disturbing" and called for an end to the deadly use of force by the armed forces as well as military police and intelligence elements which she said had so far killed at least 13 civilians. "I urge Sudan's military leaders, and their backers, to step back in order to allow the country to return to the path of progress towards institutional and legal reforms," she said, in remarks delivered at an emergency Geneva session of the human rights council on the situation there. Bachelet said the release of politicians, journalists and protesters was "essential for an inclusive dialogue and a swift return to civilian rule". Also read | French bishops say church bore 'institutional responsibility' for child abuse The United Nations is seeking an end to the political crisis following the coup via talks between Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was placed under house arrest, and coup leaders. The 47-member UN Council is holding the urgent session following a request from Britain and several ambassadors present called for justice for those responsible for killings in the coup's aftermath. "I urge our fellow members of the Council to join us and to send a strong and clear message today that democracy must, and will, prevail," said Britain's ambassador Simon Manley. US envoy Robert Riley vowed to continue "full throttle efforts" to support democratic aspirations in Sudan. Members will later decide on a resolution, prepared by Britain, Germany, Norway and the United States, that would create a human rights expert to monitor events since the coup and prepare a written report in 2022. Germany's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Katharina Stasch called that "an important step to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed."

UN rights chief calls for Sudan military to step back

A Mexican judge on Wednesday ordered a former oil executive and key figure in a&nbsp;corruption&nbsp;scandal linked to Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht to be&nbsp;held&nbsp;in preventive detention in&nbsp;prison.

Emilio Lozoya, who ran state oil giant Pemex from 2012-2016 and was once an advisor to former president Enrique Pena Nieto, was extradited by Spain in July 2020.

He had avoided going to&nbsp;prison&nbsp;while on trial after agreeing with prosecutors to cooperate as a witness in the Odebrecht&nbsp;case.

According to prosecutors, Lozoya has alleged that multimillion-dollar bribes from the Brazilian firm were channeled into the presidential campaign that brought Pena Nieto to power in 2012.

Lozoya's explosive claims shook&nbsp;Mexico's political elite and led President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to call for his predecessor to testify about the allegations.

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In a statement to prosecutors leaked to the media in August 2020, Lozoya said he was ordered by Pena Nieto and his campaign coordinator Luis Videgaray, a former finance minister, to handle the bribes.

The attorney general's office argued during Wednesday's hearing that Lozoya had not met the criteria of a cooperating witness and represented a flight risk.

He will be detained in a&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in&nbsp;Mexico City, defense lawyer Manuel Ontiveros told the media.

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Lozoya, 46, could face up to 30 years in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;if convicted of charges including&nbsp;bribery, criminal association and the use of resources of illicit origin.

So far he is the highest-ranking Mexican official charged in the Odebrecht scandal, which has extended to several Latin American countries.

A Mexican judge on Wednesday ordered a former oil executive and key figure in a corruption scandal linked to Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht to be held in preventive detention in prison.

A Mexican judge on Wednesday ordered a former oil executive and key figure in a corruption scandal linked to Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht to be held in preventive detention in prison. Emilio Lozoya, who ran state oil giant Pemex from 2012-2016 and was once an advisor to former president Enrique Pena Nieto, was extradited by Spain in July 2020. He had avoided going to prison while on trial after agreeing with prosecutors to cooperate as a witness in the Odebrecht case. According to prosecutors, Lozoya has alleged that multimillion-dollar bribes from the Brazilian firm were channeled into the presidential campaign that brought Pena Nieto to power in 2012. Lozoya's explosive claims shook Mexico's political elite and led President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to call for his predecessor to testify about the allegations. Also read | US: People at risk of developing harmful diseases due to contaminated tap water In a statement to prosecutors leaked to the media in August 2020, Lozoya said he was ordered by Pena Nieto and his campaign coordinator Luis Videgaray, a former finance minister, to handle the bribes. The attorney general's office argued during Wednesday's hearing that Lozoya had not met the criteria of a cooperating witness and represented a flight risk. He will be detained in a prison in Mexico City, defense lawyer Manuel Ontiveros told the media. Also read | Former NATO chief says Putin wanted Russia to be a part of the transatlantic alliance Lozoya, 46, could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of charges including bribery, criminal association and the use of resources of illicit origin. So far he is the highest-ranking Mexican official charged in the Odebrecht scandal, which has extended to several Latin American countries.

Mexico ex-oil chief held in prison in bribery case

NATO welcomed the announcement on Wednesday&nbsp;that the European Parliament's annual human rights prize was to be awarded to Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

"I think that's an important recognition of the important role he has played for many years in supporting democratic values and being a strong voice in Russia," Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference, calling for his release.

Navalny, 45, who was poisoned in August 2020 by what Western nations said was a nerve agent, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. The EU has imposed sanctions on Russian officials over Navalny's poisoning and imprisonment.

Moscow denies any wrongdoing and accuses the EU of interfering in its domestic affairs. It has also denied Western accusations that Navalny was jailed for his political activities and said he was punished for breaking the law.

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Stoltenberg also reacted to Russia's decision to close its mission to NATO saying the move did not foster cooperation.

"We regret this decision which does not promote dialogue and mutual understanding but NATO's policy remains consistent and we remain open to dialogue," he said.

NATO said on October 6 it had expelled eight members of Russia's mission to the alliance who it said were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers".

Moscow said at the time that the expulsions undermined hopes that relations with the U.S.-led alliance could normalise.

NATO welcomed the announcement on Wednesday that the European Parliament's annual human rights prize was to be awarded to Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "I think that's an important recognition of the important role he has played for many years in supporting democratic values and being a strong voice in Russia," Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference, calling for his release.

NATO welcomed the announcement on Wednesday that the European Parliament's annual human rights prize was to be awarded to Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. "I think that's an important recognition of the important role he has played for many years in supporting democratic values and being a strong voice in Russia," Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference, calling for his release. Navalny, 45, who was poisoned in August 2020 by what Western nations said was a nerve agent, is serving a 2-1/2-year sentence for parole violations he calls trumped up. The EU has imposed sanctions on Russian officials over Navalny's poisoning and imprisonment. Moscow denies any wrongdoing and accuses the EU of interfering in its domestic affairs. It has also denied Western accusations that Navalny was jailed for his political activities and said he was punished for breaking the law. Also read | Spain’s former king Juan Carlos ‘injected with female hormones’ to control his sex drive: Ex-cop Stoltenberg also reacted to Russia's decision to close its mission to NATO saying the move did not foster cooperation. "We regret this decision which does not promote dialogue and mutual understanding but NATO's policy remains consistent and we remain open to dialogue," he said. NATO said on October 6 it had expelled eight members of Russia's mission to the alliance who it said were "undeclared Russian intelligence officers". Moscow said at the time that the expulsions undermined hopes that relations with the U.S.-led alliance could normalise.

NATO chief welcomes Navalny's award of top EU rights prize

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday.

In an address to the air warriors on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate its territory.

"As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time," he said at the event held at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi.

"We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster," he said.

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Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the year gone by was "quite challenging yet extremely rewarding".

"The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's combat readiness. Our efforts in completing all Covid-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts," he said.

The Chief of Air Staff said the security environment in the region and beyond has been "impacted by a complex interplay of geopolitical forces".

"Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired results "swiftly and decisively".

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"I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down," he said.

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday.

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday. In an address to the air warriors on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate its territory. "As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time," he said at the event held at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi. "We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster," he said. Also read | Air force day 2021: Parade to commemorate 1971 war victory Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the year gone by was "quite challenging yet extremely rewarding". "The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's combat readiness. Our efforts in completing all Covid-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts," he said. The Chief of Air Staff said the security environment in the region and beyond has been "impacted by a complex interplay of geopolitical forces". "Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted," he said. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired results "swiftly and decisively". Also read | Indian Air Force to take part in exercises in Israel, Egypt "I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down," he said.

Won't allow external forces to violate our territory, says Air Chief Marshal

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27).

Sources said, the visit was postponed due to "intensity of war and Taliban’s increased assault and offensive"

During India visit he was to hold talks with Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, &amp; meet Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.

India and Afghanistan have defence engagements, which include New Delhi giving Mi-24 helicopters to Kabul to boost the capability of the Afghan Air Force (AAF).&nbsp;

His visit is part of India's engagement with Afghan leadership. India's external affairs minister in last 15 days has met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

Afghanistan will be the top focus also during the visit of US Secretary of state Blinken's Delhi visit. Both sides will assess the current situation in the background of US withdrawing its troops. According to US Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent of the withdrawal process. Of the 426 districts of Afghanistan, 212 have fallen under Taliban control, 111 are under government control while rest are contested. 
&nbsp;

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27).

Afghan Army chief General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai's India visit has been postponed as Taliban assault has gained strength in the country. General Wali was to begin his India visit from Tuesday (July 27). Sources said, the visit was postponed due to "intensity of war and Taliban’s increased assault and offensive" During India visit he was to hold talks with Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, & meet Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat. India and Afghanistan have defence engagements, which include New Delhi giving Mi-24 helicopters to Kabul to boost the capability of the Afghan Air Force (AAF). His visit is part of India's engagement with Afghan leadership. India's external affairs minister in last 15 days has met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, foreign minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah. Afghanistan will be the top focus also during the visit of US Secretary of state Blinken's Delhi visit. Both sides will assess the current situation in the background of US withdrawing its troops. According to US Central Command, it has completed more than 95 per cent of the withdrawal process. Of the 426 districts of Afghanistan, 212 have fallen under Taliban control, 111 are under government control while rest are contested.

Afghan Army chief postpones India visit as Taliban assault intensifies

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. 
 
Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. 
 
"They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. 
 
"In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US&nbsp;military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August&nbsp;31, on orders from President Joe Biden. 
 
Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." 
 
The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. 
 
Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. 
 
The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. 
 
The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. 
 
Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. 
 
Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. 
 
For years, the US&nbsp;military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. "They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. "In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. For years, the US military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

First task for Afghan forces is to slow Taliban's momentum: Lloyd Austin

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources.

The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said.

"Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday.

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. 
At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict.

Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year.

The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office.&nbsp;

Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report. The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources. The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said. "Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict. Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year. The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office. Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.

Pak NSA, ISI chief likely to visit US next week for talks on Afghanistan: Report 

Indian Navy chief Admiral&nbsp;Karambir&nbsp;Singh will be visiting Russia&nbsp;next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the&nbsp;third high-level Indian official to visit Russia&nbsp;this year&nbsp;after Foreign Secretary Harsh&nbsp;Shringla&nbsp;and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Indian Navy chief has travelled to Myanmar, Bangladesh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Australia in the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia will hold the main&nbsp;celebration&nbsp;of the navy day in St Petersburg on July 25. It is a national holiday in Russia and is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tabar will be taking&nbsp;part&nbsp;in the celebrations of the Navy Day of Russia. The ship had sailed from India last month and reached&nbsp;Russia, after exercising with&nbsp;navies of countries,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Greece, France and Egypt.&nbsp;

Navy chiefs of other countries,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Hossein&nbsp;Khanzadi,&nbsp;will also be present in the country for the celebrations.&nbsp;

The visit by the Indian Navy chief to the country happens at a time when both countries are all set to host the maiden foreign and defence&nbsp;ministers dialogue and annual India-Russia summit-level talks.&nbsp;

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh will be visiting Russia next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the third high-level Indian official to visit Russia this year after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh will be visiting Russia next week to witness the Russian Navy Day celebrations. He is the third high-level Indian official to visit Russia this year after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Indian Navy chief has travelled to Myanmar, Bangladesh and Australia in the past. Russia will hold the main celebration of the navy day in St Petersburg on July 25. It is a national holiday in Russia and is celebrated on the last Sunday of July. Indian Navy Ship (INS) Tabar will be taking part in the celebrations of the Navy Day of Russia. The ship had sailed from India last month and reached Russia, after exercising with navies of countries, such as Greece, France and Egypt. Navy chiefs of other countries, such as Iran's Navy Commander Admiral Hossein Khanzadi, will also be present in the country for the celebrations. The visit by the Indian Navy chief to the country happens at a time when both countries are all set to host the maiden foreign and defence ministers dialogue and annual India-Russia summit-level talks.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh to visit Russia next week 

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. 
 
Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021. 
 
The vast majority of those incidents involved individuals criminally charged for "legitimate forms of civic engagement," Bachelet said. 
 
The arrest of three members of NGO FundaRedes was a 'worrying example'&nbsp;of this kind of criminalisation, she said. 
 
Javier Tarazona, the director of NGO FundaRedes, which has been the most active entity denouncing abuses and illicit activities by irregular Colombian armed groups in Venezuela, and two others were charged with instigation of hatred, treason and terrorism on Saturday. 
 
The report also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, due process, and access to basic services, and called for vaccines to be available to all. 
 
"I call for all detained persons to be guaranteed access to adequate food, water, sanitation and sanitary care," said Bachelet. 
 
In response, Venezuela's foreign ministry released a statement on Twitter, saying "from a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations, they made unverified accusations." 
 
It said the report is part of a "lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilising the country's democratic institutions." 
 
The high commissioner did welcome some actions she saw as progress, including police and justice reforms, a downward trend in alleged deaths in protests and security operations, and some improvement in impunity, noting the conviction of a police officer who killed a protestor in 2017. 
 
She noted that Venezuela's top prosecutor had agreed to give her office access to case files of human rights violations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021.

Restrictions on civic space in Venezuela remain a cause for concern, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Monday. Bachelet's office said it documented 97 incidents of "stigmatisation, criminalisation and threats against dissenting voices, particularly towards civil society, media and members of the opposition" from June 2020 to May 2021. The vast majority of those incidents involved individuals criminally charged for "legitimate forms of civic engagement," Bachelet said. The arrest of three members of NGO FundaRedes was a 'worrying example' of this kind of criminalisation, she said. Javier Tarazona, the director of NGO FundaRedes, which has been the most active entity denouncing abuses and illicit activities by irregular Colombian armed groups in Venezuela, and two others were charged with instigation of hatred, treason and terrorism on Saturday. The report also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, due process, and access to basic services, and called for vaccines to be available to all. "I call for all detained persons to be guaranteed access to adequate food, water, sanitation and sanitary care," said Bachelet. In response, Venezuela's foreign ministry released a statement on Twitter, saying "from a handful of alleged complaints of human rights violations, they made unverified accusations." It said the report is part of a "lie constructed to artificially feed a case before the International Criminal Court, with the political objective of destabilising the country's democratic institutions." The high commissioner did welcome some actions she saw as progress, including police and justice reforms, a downward trend in alleged deaths in protests and security operations, and some improvement in impunity, noting the conviction of a police officer who killed a protestor in 2017. She noted that Venezuela's top prosecutor had agreed to give her office access to case files of human rights violations. (With inputs from agencies)

Restriction of civic space in Venezuela is worrying, says UN human rights chief

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. 
 
In a report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. 
 
The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. 
 
Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. 
 
Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. 
 
"I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. 
 
Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. 
 
Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to US President Joe Biden's administration to lift or waive all sanctions on Iran as agreed under a 2015 deal aimed at stopping Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. In a report to the UN Security Council, Guterres also urged the United States to 'extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects'. The 15-member council will on Tuesday discuss the secretary-general's biannual report on the implementation of a 2015 resolution that enshrines the nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China. Guterres' appeal to Washington comes amid talks to revive the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, under which Iran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for a lifting of many foreign sanctions against it. Former US President Donald Trump abandoned the pact in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions, prompting Tehran to start violating some of the nuclear limits in 2019. "I appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the plan," said Guterres, who also appealed to Iran to return to full implementation of the deal. Iran has refined uranium up to a purity of roughly 60%, far above the deal's limit of 3.67% and much closer to the 90% suitable for atom bomb cores, though it maintains that it seeks only civilian nuclear power and could quickly reverse its moves if Washington rescinded sanctions and returned to the 2015 deal. Guterres said: "I continue to believe that a full restoration of the Plan remains the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful."

UN chief urges US to remove Iran sanctions as agreed in 2015

Britain on Tuesday condemned the 'disgusting' harassment of the government's top medical adviser, Chris Whitty, after footage emerged on social media of two men grabbing him around the head as he walked down the street. 
 
Jeering loudly and grinning at the camera, the men are seen in the film, published on Twitter, manhandling Whitty, 55, who has become one of the nation's most prominent officials because of his regular appearances at coronavirus pandemic briefings. 
 
They hold onto him before he manages to break free and walk away across the road.

"This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant," Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, said on Twitter.

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This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant. <a href="https://t.co/hrdHbAoBgK">https://t.co/hrdHbAoBgK</a>
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) <a href="https://twitter.com/nadhimzahawi/status/1409631647402663936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it was 'appalling and totally unacceptable'.

"We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed," Javid said.

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I’ve seen the video of the CMO being harassed. It’s appalling and totally unacceptable. The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajidjavid/status/1409760381208252418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
Police said the matter was being investigated. It was not clear from the footage when the incident took place. 
 
"We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park," police said on Twitter. "Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken." 
 
It is not the first time that Whitty or other senior officials have faced harassment, having previously been targetted by those who are opposed to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout or lockdown restrictions. 
 
Last week, England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam was verbally abused as he walked into a government building by a protester. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Britain on Tuesday condemned the 'disgusting' harassment of the government's top medical adviser, Chris Whitty, after footage emerged on social media of two men grabbing him around the head as he walked down the street.

Britain on Tuesday condemned the 'disgusting' harassment of the government's top medical adviser, Chris Whitty, after footage emerged on social media of two men grabbing him around the head as he walked down the street. Jeering loudly and grinning at the camera, the men are seen in the film, published on Twitter, manhandling Whitty, 55, who has become one of the nation's most prominent officials because of his regular appearances at coronavirus pandemic briefings. They hold onto him before he manages to break free and walk away across the road. "This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant," Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, said on Twitter. This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant. https://t.co/hrdHbAoBgK — Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) June 28, 2021 × Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it was 'appalling and totally unacceptable'. "We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed," Javid said. I’ve seen the video of the CMO being harassed. It’s appalling and totally unacceptable. The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country. We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed. — Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) June 29, 2021 × Police said the matter was being investigated. It was not clear from the footage when the incident took place. "We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park," police said on Twitter. "Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken." It is not the first time that Whitty or other senior officials have faced harassment, having previously been targetted by those who are opposed to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout or lockdown restrictions. Last week, England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam was verbally abused as he walked into a government building by a protester. (With inputs from agencies)

'Disgusting': UK's chief medical adviser harassed

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN&nbsp;human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings. 
 
Michelle Bachelet, in a global report sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, said that police use of racial profiling and excessive force is entrenched in much of North America, Europe and Latin America. 
 
Structural racism creates barriers to minorities' access to jobs, healthcare, housing, education and justice, she said. 
 
“I am calling on all states to stop denying, and start dismantling, racism; to end impunity and build trust; to listen to the voices of people of African descent; and to confront past legacies and deliver redress," she said in the report to the Human Rights Council. 
 
Bachelet welcomed a 'promising initiative' by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden in signing an executive order in January to address racial inequity across the United States. 
 
Her report cited 190 deaths of Africans and people of African descent worldwide at the hands of law enforcement officials who are 'rarely held accountable'. 
 
It selected seven 'emblematic cases', including that of Floyd. A judge sentenced former police officer Derek Chauvin on Friday to 22-1/2 years for his murder, video of which galvanised the national Black Lives Matter protest movement. 
 
Other victims include an Afro-Brazilian boy, 14, shot dead in an anti-drug police operation in Sao Paulo in May 2020 and a Frenchman of Malian origin, 24, who died in police custody in July 2016. 
 
"Racism and racial discrimination against Africans and people of African descent are often rooted in policies and practices grounded in the debasement of the status of individuals in society," the report said. 
 
The scourge is most prevalent in countries with a legacy of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, or colonialism resulting in large communities of people of African descent, it added. 
 
"Systemic racism needs a systemic response," Bachelet said. "There is today a momentous opportunity to achieve a turning point for racial equality and justice."

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings.

Racism against people of African descent remains systemic in many parts of the world, the UN human rights chief said on Monday, calling for states to dismantle discrimination and prosecute law enforcement officials for unlawful killings. Michelle Bachelet, in a global report sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, said that police use of racial profiling and excessive force is entrenched in much of North America, Europe and Latin America. Structural racism creates barriers to minorities' access to jobs, healthcare, housing, education and justice, she said. “I am calling on all states to stop denying, and start dismantling, racism; to end impunity and build trust; to listen to the voices of people of African descent; and to confront past legacies and deliver redress," she said in the report to the Human Rights Council. Bachelet welcomed a 'promising initiative' by US President Joe Biden in signing an executive order in January to address racial inequity across the United States. Her report cited 190 deaths of Africans and people of African descent worldwide at the hands of law enforcement officials who are 'rarely held accountable'. It selected seven 'emblematic cases', including that of Floyd. A judge sentenced former police officer Derek Chauvin on Friday to 22-1/2 years for his murder, video of which galvanised the national Black Lives Matter protest movement. Other victims include an Afro-Brazilian boy, 14, shot dead in an anti-drug police operation in Sao Paulo in May 2020 and a Frenchman of Malian origin, 24, who died in police custody in July 2016. "Racism and racial discrimination against Africans and people of African descent are often rooted in policies and practices grounded in the debasement of the status of individuals in society," the report said. The scourge is most prevalent in countries with a legacy of slavery, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, or colonialism resulting in large communities of people of African descent, it added. "Systemic racism needs a systemic response," Bachelet said. "There is today a momentous opportunity to achieve a turning point for racial equality and justice."

UN rights chief calls for 'systemic racism' to be dismantled

US&nbsp;Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. 
 
The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. 
 
"We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US&nbsp;asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." 
 
Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." 
 
He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways',&nbsp;listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US&nbsp;investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. 
 
"We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. 
 
Critics said the US&nbsp;government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. 
 
Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. 
 
Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. 
 
"It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. 
 
In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. 
 
The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. 
 
Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US&nbsp;senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. 
 
Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. 
 
Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border.

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. "We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways', listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. "We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. Critics said the US government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. "It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Homeland Security chief says US-Mexico border not open

Outgoing UN&nbsp;aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. 
 
"These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." 
 
The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. 
 
"They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. 
 
"What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. 
 
In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. 
 
"That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'.

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. "These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. "They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. "What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. "That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief slams G7 for failing on vaccine plan

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters. 
 
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the junta seized power on February&nbsp;1 and detained Suu Kyi and other senior members of her party, unleashing daily protests and fighting between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. 
 
Suu Kyi, 75, is due to face trial on Monday on charges of breaching coronavirus regulations while campaigning for the election she won last November and also for possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies. 
 
The first trial is expected to run until the end of July, her lawyer said. 
 
Nobel laureate Suu Kyi also faces other more serious charges including intent to incite, breaching the official secrets act and charges for accepting $600,000 and 11.4 kg worth of gold from Yangon's former chief minister. 
 
Her legal team have denied any wrong doing by Suu Kyi and her chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw called the most recent corruption charges 'absurd'. 
 
Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch, said in a statement the charges Suu Kyi faced 'are bogus, and politically motivated' and 'should be dropped, resulting in her immediate and unconditional release'.

Pro-democracy supporters took to the streets of the main city of Yangon on Monday, some chanting 'revolutionary war, we participate', according to social media posts. 
 
Some activists said they planned to stage a series of strikes and protests on Monday to coincide with the birthday of Che Guevara, a Latin American revolutionary, who became an international icon after his death.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Friday that violence was intensifying and condemned the army's 'outrageous' use of heavy weapons. 
 
Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. 
 
In a press release, Myanmar's junta-led ministry of foreign affairs rejected Bachelet's statement, questioning the accuracy and impartiality of the report. 
 
"The report neither mentioned nor condemned the acts of sabotage and terrorism committed by the unlawful associations and terrorist groups as well as the sufferings and deaths of the security forces," it said. 
 
The junta has branded a rival National Unity Government set up by supporters of Suu Kyi as a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings.

(With inputs from agencies)

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters.

The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the junta seized power on February 1 and detained Suu Kyi and other senior members of her party, unleashing daily protests and fighting between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. Suu Kyi, 75, is due to face trial on Monday on charges of breaching coronavirus regulations while campaigning for the election she won last November and also for possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies. The first trial is expected to run until the end of July, her lawyer said. Nobel laureate Suu Kyi also faces other more serious charges including intent to incite, breaching the official secrets act and charges for accepting $600,000 and 11.4 kg worth of gold from Yangon's former chief minister. Her legal team have denied any wrong doing by Suu Kyi and her chief lawyer Khin Maung Zaw called the most recent corruption charges 'absurd'. Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia Director, Human Rights Watch, said in a statement the charges Suu Kyi faced 'are bogus, and politically motivated' and 'should be dropped, resulting in her immediate and unconditional release'. Pro-democracy supporters took to the streets of the main city of Yangon on Monday, some chanting 'revolutionary war, we participate', according to social media posts. Some activists said they planned to stage a series of strikes and protests on Monday to coincide with the birthday of Che Guevara, a Latin American revolutionary, who became an international icon after his death. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said on Friday that violence was intensifying and condemned the army's 'outrageous' use of heavy weapons. Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start dialogue with its opponents. In a press release, Myanmar's junta-led ministry of foreign affairs rejected Bachelet's statement, questioning the accuracy and impartiality of the report. "The report neither mentioned nor condemned the acts of sabotage and terrorism committed by the unlawful associations and terrorist groups as well as the sufferings and deaths of the security forces," it said. The junta has branded a rival National Unity Government set up by supporters of Suu Kyi as a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings. (With inputs from agencies)

Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement

Spain's Podemos takes a new direction Sunday with Ione Belarra set to take over as leader following Pablo Iglesias' departure, putting two women at the helm of the radical left-wing party.

Spain's Podemos takes a new direction Sunday with Ione Belarra set to take over as leader following Pablo Iglesias' departure, putting two women at the helm of the radical left-wing party. Following a week-long vote, activists from Podemos, the junior partner in Spain's ruling coalition, will on Sunday afternoon announce the name of the party's new secretary-general at a party assembly in Alcorcon near Madrid. Iglesias has said he won't attend the gathering in a gesture to show he no longer exerts any influence over the party he founded in 2014. But Belarra has the full blessing of Iglesias who decided to withdraw from politics following a crushing defeat by the right in the May 4 regional elections in Madrid. Running against two unknown candidates, Belarra -- who replaced Iglesias as social affairs minister -- is the overwhelming favourite, with the 33-year-old campaigning on a pledge to "strengthen Podemos" which has seen declining support in recent years. But although she takes the helm, it will be Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, 50, who will head the list for Podemos and its allies in the next general elections, due by January 2024. A cultural shift Having two women leaders in charge "is not within the organisational culture of Podemos" which is more accustomed to the super-charged leadership of Iglesias, explained Paloma Roman, professor of Political Science at Madrid's Complutense University. A native of the northern city of Pamplona, Belarra has worked for the Red Cross and for the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR) and been a Podemos activist since the very beginning. A trusted member of Iglesias' inner circle, she was appointed a junior minister within the social affairs ministry that he headed when Podemos entered government in January 2020. When Iglesias stood down early last month, Belarra inherited his role as social affairs minister, while Diaz took up his position as a deputy prime minister. As secretary-general, Belarra will be surrounded by some of Iglesias' closest allies, including his partner, Equality Minister Irene Montero, with whom she studied psychology at university. Very different approaches From Sunday, the two ministers will share the party leadership. And although both are outspoken feminists and share a passion for addressing wage insecurity, they have very different approaches. Belarra takes a more confrontational style, and has not held back from highlighting the differences between Podemos and the Socialists in government, such as branding Defence Minister Margarita Robles the right's "favourite minister". Diaz, however, has shown herself to be more conciliatory. A former lawyer and Communist activist whose father was a well-known union leader, she has negotiated with employers and unions to set up a furlough scheme that has been critical for avoiding mass layoffs during the pandemic. In a recent speech to Podemos MPs, Diaz called for "calm and composure" in the face of the anxiety generated by "Twitter politics" where the party has traditionally been very belligerent. And she urged a return to its anti-austerity origins to manage a society that is "suffering a lot and is resentful". Having two at the top "is going to be quite complicated" in that Belarra will want to have "a very strong and well-controlled party, and not leave room for Yolanda Diaz to do things her way", said political scientist Jose Ignacio Torreblanca. "I don't know if Belarra will be able to get the upper hand over Yolanda Díaz" who has "her own image and ideas", he added. The main "fight" will be over who drafts the programme for the next general elections and the choice of candidates who will be on the party list.

Spain's Podemos elects new chief following Pablo Iglesias' departure

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Friday slammed the secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) ahead of mid-term elections this weekend, prompting a terse response from the head of the Washington-based association. 
 
During a news conference, Ebrard was asked to explain what role the OAS would play monitoring Sunday's elections, which will be the biggest in Mexico's history and will determine, who controls Congress for the rest of the administration. 
 
Ebrard responded that the OAS had clearance to send observers, but criticised Secretary-General Luis Almagro. 
 
"The performance of the current OAS secretary-general, Mr&nbsp;Almagro, has been one of the worst in history," Ebrard said. "He has acted, repeatedly, without consulting the member states... He acts as if he were autonomous." 
 
Ebrard repeated Mexico's criticism of the OAS's role in Bolivian elections in 2019, when then-president Evo Morales resigned under pressure from the armed forces after a presidential vote that the OAS said was rigged in his favour. 
 
Ebrard accused the OAS of 'practically fomenting a coup' in Bolivia and said his government would be watching that it and other election observers respected Mexican law. Mexico granted asylum to Morales after he fled Bolivia. 
 
Later on Friday, Almagro hit back in an interview with Colombian news channel NTN24, making reference to the collapse last month of a rail overpass in Mexico City on a metro line built when Ebrard was mayor of the capital from 2006 to 2012. 
 
"I'm a nice person, and I hope that no other structure that he built as mayor of Mexico City collapses," the Uruguayan said when asked about Ebrard's remarks. 
 
Almagro also expressed his solidarity with victims of the accident, which killed 26 people. 
 
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his foreign policy is guided by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. 
 
Critics say he has departed from that position when dealing with fellow Latin American leftists like Morales. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Friday slammed the secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) ahead of mid-term elections this weekend, prompting a terse response from the head of the Washington-based association.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard on Friday slammed the secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS) ahead of mid-term elections this weekend, prompting a terse response from the head of the Washington-based association. During a news conference, Ebrard was asked to explain what role the OAS would play monitoring Sunday's elections, which will be the biggest in Mexico's history and will determine, who controls Congress for the rest of the administration. Ebrard responded that the OAS had clearance to send observers, but criticised Secretary-General Luis Almagro. "The performance of the current OAS secretary-general, Mr Almagro, has been one of the worst in history," Ebrard said. "He has acted, repeatedly, without consulting the member states... He acts as if he were autonomous." Ebrard repeated Mexico's criticism of the OAS's role in Bolivian elections in 2019, when then-president Evo Morales resigned under pressure from the armed forces after a presidential vote that the OAS said was rigged in his favour. Ebrard accused the OAS of 'practically fomenting a coup' in Bolivia and said his government would be watching that it and other election observers respected Mexican law. Mexico granted asylum to Morales after he fled Bolivia. Later on Friday, Almagro hit back in an interview with Colombian news channel NTN24, making reference to the collapse last month of a rail overpass in Mexico City on a metro line built when Ebrard was mayor of the capital from 2006 to 2012. "I'm a nice person, and I hope that no other structure that he built as mayor of Mexico City collapses," the Uruguayan said when asked about Ebrard's remarks. Almagro also expressed his solidarity with victims of the accident, which killed 26 people. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his foreign policy is guided by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Critics say he has departed from that position when dealing with fellow Latin American leftists like Morales. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico's foreign minister blasts OAS chief ahead of election

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. 
 
Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies". 
 
"I told him that I had no problem with his decision," he said.

Meanwhile, two Iranian political heavyweights, ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raisi and moderate conservative Ali Larijani, seem to be the main contenders in next month's presidential election.

Hopefuls had been registering ahead of June 18 polls to select a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term.

First to throw down the gauntlet on Saturday was Larijani, a long-time parliament speaker and now advisor to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, submitting his name at the interior ministry early on the final day of registration.

Then it was the turn of judiciary chief and one-time presidential hopeful Raisi, who was Rouhani's leading rival in 2017 elections, to announce his own candidacy.

While several other hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, "the main clash will be between Mr&nbsp;Raisi and Mr&nbsp;Larijani," Masoud Bastani, a Tehran-based journalist said.

"The first represents the ultraconservative faction and part of traditional conservatives ... and the second the traditional conservatives and moderates, and by proxy, reformists," he added.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, who is running in the presidential election in June, the Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday. Hemmati in a Saturday night meeting on the Clubhouse social media app said Rouhani "Told me that if you stand in the election, you cannot remain the central bank chief because it affects monetary and exchange rate policies". "I told him that I had no problem with his decision," he said. Meanwhile, two Iranian political heavyweights, ultra-conservative Ebrahim Raisi and moderate conservative Ali Larijani, seem to be the main contenders in next month's presidential election. Hopefuls had been registering ahead of June 18 polls to select a successor to moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term. First to throw down the gauntlet on Saturday was Larijani, a long-time parliament speaker and now advisor to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, submitting his name at the interior ministry early on the final day of registration. Then it was the turn of judiciary chief and one-time presidential hopeful Raisi, who was Rouhani's leading rival in 2017 elections, to announce his own candidacy. While several other hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, "the main clash will be between Mr Raisi and Mr Larijani," Masoud Bastani, a Tehran-based journalist said. "The first represents the ultraconservative faction and part of traditional conservatives ... and the second the traditional conservatives and moderates, and by proxy, reformists," he added.

Iran's Rouhani dismisses central bank chief running in presidential election

Israel targets Hamas infrastructure, bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to a readout from her office, Tai explained the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines and explained that this fits the United States' comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world.&nbsp;

She also asked Ghebreyesus for his views on the immediate steps to collectively increase access to vaccines. Tai asked how the WHO declares the existence, and the end, of a pandemic, and the steps the global health body is taking to increase pandemic preparedness. She and Ghebreyesus also agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. &nbsp;

Earlier, the US Trade Representative also met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss on the same issues. As per the readout from her office, Tai conveyed her deep sympathy for the people of India as they battle a wave of COVID-19 cases and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to help India during its time of need.&nbsp;

She also explained her support for the TRIPS waiver and text-based negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world.&nbsp;

Tai recognised the WTO Members, who have expressed support for future negotiations and welcomed an update from Goyal about India's efforts to revise and resubmit their waiver proposal. She and the Union Minister agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead.&nbsp;

The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives. In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The WTO agreement on TRIPS is a comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property. US President Joe Biden's administration had on May 6 announced its support for a global waiver on patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines and said it will negotiate the terms at the WTO. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic.

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic. According to a readout from her office, Tai explained the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines and explained that this fits the United States' comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world. She also asked Ghebreyesus for his views on the immediate steps to collectively increase access to vaccines. Tai asked how the WHO declares the existence, and the end, of a pandemic, and the steps the global health body is taking to increase pandemic preparedness. She and Ghebreyesus also agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. Earlier, the US Trade Representative also met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss on the same issues. As per the readout from her office, Tai conveyed her deep sympathy for the people of India as they battle a wave of COVID-19 cases and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to help India during its time of need. She also explained her support for the TRIPS waiver and text-based negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world. Tai recognised the WTO Members, who have expressed support for future negotiations and welcomed an update from Goyal about India's efforts to revise and resubmit their waiver proposal. She and the Union Minister agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives. In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of COVID-19. The WTO agreement on TRIPS is a comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property. US President Joe Biden's administration had on May 6 announced its support for a global waiver on patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines and said it will negotiate the terms at the WTO. (With inputs from agencies)

US Trade Representative Tai meets WHO chief, discusses vaccine production, TRIPS waiver 

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