Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say.

China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine.&nbsp;

The nasal shot aims to build mucous membrane immunity and will also prevent people from getting infected. It will also help infected people to avoid spreading it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-oxford-nasal-spray-vaccine-fails-its-first-clinical-test-say-researchers-524416">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Oxford nasal spray vaccine fails its first clinical test, say researchers&nbsp;</a>

Experts believe that once tests are successful, the nasal vaccine will give a boost to vaccine campaigns in comparison to traditional jabs as it has less capability of stopping the transmission of the virus.

Last week, researchers at Oxford tested the nasal vaccine in a phase 1 trial. The trial was deemed a failure as the nasal vaccine promoted antibodies in very few participants and the immune responses were weak in comparison to traditional jabs, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The researchers claimed that the results were different from the data received from China. The latter claimed to have significant results if the vaccine can be delivered directly to the lungs with a bit complex nebuliser.&nbsp;

It is important for the researchers to find out why the vaccine fell short, in order to build a more effective and strong nasal vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-new-drug-can-be-a-game-changer-for-people-with-chronic-cough-523012">Also read |&nbsp;New drug can be a 'game changer' for people with chronic cough, proves trial</a>

Additionally, Connor Bamford, a virologist, said that neither similar nasal vaccines developed for polio and influenza are all live vaccines and have performed well, pointing hope for researchers.

According to an analysis by Airfinity and Nature, nearly 100 nasal vaccines have been developed amongst which only 20 have been tested on humans.&nbsp;

With falling inoculation rates globally prompting countries to destroy thousands of vaccines, the demand for new vaccines remains uncertain.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say. China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine.

Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say. China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine. The nasal shot aims to build mucous membrane immunity and will also prevent people from getting infected. It will also help infected people to avoid spreading it. Also read | COVID-19: Oxford nasal spray vaccine fails its first clinical test, say researchers Experts believe that once tests are successful, the nasal vaccine will give a boost to vaccine campaigns in comparison to traditional jabs as it has less capability of stopping the transmission of the virus. Last week, researchers at Oxford tested the nasal vaccine in a phase 1 trial. The trial was deemed a failure as the nasal vaccine promoted antibodies in very few participants and the immune responses were weak in comparison to traditional jabs, AFP reported. The researchers claimed that the results were different from the data received from China. The latter claimed to have significant results if the vaccine can be delivered directly to the lungs with a bit complex nebuliser. It is important for the researchers to find out why the vaccine fell short, in order to build a more effective and strong nasal vaccine. Also read | New drug can be a 'game changer' for people with chronic cough, proves trial Additionally, Connor Bamford, a virologist, said that neither similar nasal vaccines developed for polio and influenza are all live vaccines and have performed well, pointing hope for researchers. According to an analysis by Airfinity and Nature, nearly 100 nasal vaccines have been developed amongst which only 20 have been tested on humans. With falling inoculation rates globally prompting countries to destroy thousands of vaccines, the demand for new vaccines remains uncertain. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid: Despite disappointing results, researchers still hope for AstraZeneca nasal vaccine

US President Joe Biden's much-touted student loan forgiveness is now live. On Monday, he lauded the official launch of the process, as the White House noted that more than eight million Americans have already enrolled in the&nbsp; programme during its soft launch.

"The new student loan application is now open. If you have federal student debt, please visit StudentAid.gov. It’s easy, simple and fast and it’s a new day for millions of Americans all across our nation," said Biden.

Watch |&nbsp;Joe Biden's student loan deductions to affect already skyrocketing inflation?

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He added that the "game-changing" portal's launch marks a "big step" that his administration has taken to "make a ticket to the middle class that folks can actually afford."

The website had its soft launch on Friday (14 October) and as per Biden it handled the initial applications without a glitch or any difficulty. The Friday launch allows application submissions but they were not processed till the official launch on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/student-debt-cancellation-biden-waives-10000-in-student-loans-for-millions-509971">Student debt: Biden waives off $10,000 in loans for millions</a>

Unveiled in August, the programme will provide a $10,000 relief for borrowers with salaries less than $125,000. For recipients of Pell Grants, the relief doubles to $20,000.

As per AFP news agency, the plan is going to cost the government an estimated $400 billion. Republicans claim that this is a waste of government funds which could be put to better use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-probe-reveals-trump-aides-blocked-correct-information-on-covid-526275" hreflang="en">US probe reveals Trump aides blocked correct information on Covid</a>

The Hill reports that many conservative groups and Republican state officials have even filed lawsuits seeking to end the loan forgiveness programme.&nbsp;

However, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden</a> claims that contrary to Republican claims of the programme being too costly, it will be paid for because his efforts will help bring down the deficit.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden's much-touted student loan forgiveness is now live. On Monday, he lauded the official launch of the process, as the White House noted that more than eight million Americans have already enrolled in the programme during its soft launch.

US President Joe Biden's much-touted student loan forgiveness is now live. On Monday, he lauded the official launch of the process, as the White House noted that more than eight million Americans have already enrolled in the programme during its soft launch. "The new student loan application is now open. If you have federal student debt, please visit StudentAid.gov. It’s easy, simple and fast and it’s a new day for millions of Americans all across our nation," said Biden. Watch | Joe Biden's student loan deductions to affect already skyrocketing inflation? He added that the "game-changing" portal's launch marks a "big step" that his administration has taken to "make a ticket to the middle class that folks can actually afford." The website had its soft launch on Friday (14 October) and as per Biden it handled the initial applications without a glitch or any difficulty. The Friday launch allows application submissions but they were not processed till the official launch on Monday. Also read | Student debt: Biden waives off $10,000 in loans for millions Unveiled in August, the programme will provide a $10,000 relief for borrowers with salaries less than $125,000. For recipients of Pell Grants, the relief doubles to $20,000. As per AFP news agency, the plan is going to cost the government an estimated $400 billion. Republicans claim that this is a waste of government funds which could be put to better use. Also read | US probe reveals Trump aides blocked correct information on Covid The Hill reports that many conservative groups and Republican state officials have even filed lawsuits seeking to end the loan forgiveness programme. However, Biden claims that contrary to Republican claims of the programme being too costly, it will be paid for because his efforts will help bring down the deficit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden's 'game-changing' student loan forgiveness progamme launched; 8 million applications in already

Beaten and raped by police officers as a child, Mira was among the many victims of sexual violence during Nepal’s civil war and is now one of the few to recount her ordeal.

Beaten and raped by police officers as a child, Mira was among the many victims of sexual violence during Nepal’s civil war and is now one of the few to recount her ordeal. Guerrilla attacks and forced disappearances were daily facts of life on both sides of the Himalayan republic’s decade-long Maoist insurgency. The conflict ended in 2006 with a peace deal that brought the rebels into government and promised justice for those who had suffered in the fighting. But 16 years after the war ended, civilian courts have handed down just two convictions for civil war-era crimes, while rape survivors are frustrated that their traumas have been met with official indifference. After years of waiting for redress, they are now sharing their experiences in a demand for recognition. “They have failed to even mention our cases,” Mira, who asked to use a pseudonym, told AFP. “The least they could do is recognise that these incidents happened.” Mira was just 12 years old in 1999 when she was arrested for participating in a cultural outreach programme run by the Maoist rebels. She spent months in custody, during which she said she suffered repeated rapes at the hands of officers who also beat her mercilessly. “I was beyond recognition. My face was swollen, my body was swollen,” she said. “My womb keeps hurting, my body keeps hurting, I still have to take medicines.” More than 17,000 people were killed and many thousands more were forced to flee their homes before the 2006 peace deal. The settlement included the promise of impartial investigations of wartime atrocities. But it did not include provisions for survivors of sexual violence, who were less willing to report their experiences, and who were also left out of an interim compensation scheme for conflict victims. “Incidents of rape had taken place during the 10-year war. The government must admit this, and address this,” Devi Khadka, coordinator of the National Organisation of Conflict Rape Victims, told AFP. The civil war had just begun in 1997 when Khadka, then a teenager, was herself raped by security forces in custody, she said. She joined the Maoist insurgency, rising steadily through the ranks, and has served in parliament, but battled depression for years. “I stayed silent for a long time, for many reasons. But no one else spoke up. I felt I had to raise my voice for all of us,” she said. 'How will we punish them?' Nepali society traditionally ties chastity to the honour of women and their households, and the stigma of rape often compels victims to keep silent. Already suffering from physical and mental trauma, those that do come forward are often ostracised by their families and struggle to support themselves. “What we need is support for our livelihood, for our health and for our children’s future,” said Reenu, who was raped by Maoist soldiers during the conflict. She added that the immediate needs of victims were a bigger priority than bringing perpetrators to justice. “Many women don’t even know who wronged them, so how will we punish them?” she asked. Nepal’s two transitional justice commissions began operations in 2015 but have failed to resolve a single case, despite receiving over 60,000 complaints of murders, torture and unexplained disappearances. More than 300 cases of rape and sexual violence have been registered by the commission, but activists say the formal reports are a small fraction of the true total. Survivors are reluctant to come forward because the government has failed to “create a secure environment” for them to do so, said Mandira Sharma, a senior legal adviser for the International Commission of Jurists. “But these are serious crimes,” she told AFP. “The state is obligated to take action against the perpetrator.” 'Scared to give us justice' Critics say Nepal’s truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and plagued by chronic funding shortfalls. It also lacks political support to proceed, with former Maoist rebels and political leaders among those blamed for presiding over wartime atrocities now in government ranks. The finance minister in June announced a financial support programme for wartime survivors of sexual violence, the first compensation of its kind. But months after the announcement, not a single victim has received any money. “The older this conflict gets, the more problems for women like me,” a 33-year-old woman who said she was raped by security forces as a teenager told AFP. “The government is aware that women and children suffered sexual violence in the war,” she said. “But it is scared to give us justice. What if their own people need to be punished?” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Raped during Nepal civil war, survivors demand justice and recognition

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss took responsibility and apologised for the mistakes made in the last one month that is after she took over as the prime minister of the country.

UK: PM Liz Truss says 'sorry for mistakes', battles to stay in power

Some economic projections predict a recession in the United States is effectively certain in the next 12 months and this comes as a blow to President Joe Biden's economic messaging ahead of the mid-November midterms.

Fitch: Inflation and fed hikes to drive US economy into recession

China has recruited more than 30 former British military pilots including those who have flown sophisticated fighter jets. UK's Defense Ministry says they're being recruited to train pilots of the Chinese Army.

Pilots hired to help China understand how western planes operate

There was an expected response from Islamabad and now what is interesting is that the US State Department seems to be back pedaling and course correcting.

WION Dispatch: US course corrects after Biden's Pakistan remark

The world is already struggling to deal with global warming. According to reports that has now surfaced suggests that we are currently definitely releasing more amount of harmful gases than the estimated average.

WION Climate Tracker: Flaring of natural gas increasing the risks of cancer

A day after South Korea began its annual military drills, North Korea has fired artillery shells near its border with South Korea. According to South Korea's joint Chief of Staff, North Korea fired around a hundred shells off its West Coast and 150 rounds off the East Coast.

North Korea retaliates to South Korea defence drills

In what comes as another incident of racism from the USA, the Milwaukee police have reportedly opened an investigation into a viral social media clip where a white man can be seen grabbing the throat of a Black man.

In what comes as another incident of racism from the USA, the Milwaukee police have reportedly opened an investigation into a viral social media clip where a white man can be seen grabbing the throat of a Black man. According to the official police version, the incident took place at the 2100 block of South 25th Street, in the Layton Park neighbourhood. The man, who the police refused to name, is 62 years old while the Black man is 24 years old. The less-than-10-minute video posted on October 10 and shared across social media platforms, garnering thousands of views in the process, shows a white man grabbing a Black man's throat with a hand. The white man can be heard calling 911 and reporting about a bicycle that he alleged was stolen by the Black man. Read More: Why has US failed to fight racism? Full video of original incident. Luckily this black man was there to intervene, these situations have historically ended badly for black people in Milwaukee and Wisconsin in general. 1st says HE stole it, then says his friend stole it. His name is Robert Walczykowski. CHARGE HIM! pic.twitter.com/DmgXP6MpY0 — VaunMayesMKE (@VaunMayesMKE) October 12, 2022 × "I'm recording. Let go of his neck. He's not going anywhere," the man who recorded the video can be heard saying, to which the white man says “Go ahead, record,” before releasing the hand and promptly giving the middle finger to the camera. Over the call, the man remarks, “This kid over here...one of his friends stole a bike right out of a friend of mine’s yard.” Such incidents of racial profiling and vigilantism have unfortunately become far too common in the US in recent times. As reported by WION, in July, a black family based in Baltimore filed a $25 million class action lawsuit for racial discrimination after multiple costumed characters purportedly refused to shake hands with a five-year-old black girl. WATCH: A US theme park character ignores two black kids; family files a $25 million class lawsuit (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White man grabs black man's throat in a viral video from Milwaukee, police launch an investigation

Hundreds of Sri Lankan students clashed with the police in the suburbs of capital city Colombo. The protesters were marching from the University of Kelaniya to Central Colombo but the police blocked the path.

Sri Lanka: Students from University of Kelaniya clash with police over arrest of union leaders

In the latest from the Credit Suisse saga. The scandal-hit Swiss bank has approached at least one Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund for a capital injection.

WION Business News | Credit Suisse looks to Mideast for capital boost

Renault and Stellantis unveiled new French-made electric vehicles (EVs) at the Paris Motor Show on Monday, as President Emmanuel Macron announced bigger subsidies for poorer families to buy EVs and pushed for more local production.

WION Business News: As carmakers unveil new EVs, France announces bigger subsidies for poorer buyers

In a show of solidarity with the Iranian women protesting for their rights, on Monday, Kim de l'Horizon, the first non-binary author to win the German book prize, shaved their head onstage as they received the prestigious award.

As per AFP, at the award ceremony in Frankfurt, l'Horizon said "This award is not just for me" adding that they think that the jury the text "to send a signal against hatred, for love and for the fight of all those people who are being suppressed because of their bodies."

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Kim de l'Horizon, first non-binary author to win the German book prize, sang, gave a moving speech on a prize as a sign for love and against hatred, shaved their hair on stage and honored the inspiring women in Iran. I am so moved!!! <a href="https://t.co/oW75Xg8r2K">https://t.co/oW75Xg8r2K</a>
— Dr. Maha El Hissy د. مها الحصي (@mahaelhissy) <a href="https://twitter.com/mahaelhissy/status/1582058763410104320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The author reportedly gave "a moving speech on a prize as a sign for love and against hatred", sang a song and then shaved their head in solidarity with the Iranian women protesting following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Watch it here:

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„Dieser Preis ist offensichtlich auch für die Frauen im <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a>“, sagt Kim de l'Horizon, Gewinner des deutschen Buchpreises gestern. "Das ist ein Zeichen gegen Hass, für die Liebe", und für den Kampf aller Menschen, die wegen ihres Körpers unterdrückt werden." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranProtests2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranProtests2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/YAwKdGhbtr">pic.twitter.com/YAwKdGhbtr</a>
— Natalie Amiri (@NatalieAmiri) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatalieAmiri/status/1582237369109184513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"With tremendous creative energy, the non-binary narrator of Kim de l'Horizon's novel... searches for a language of their own," said the jury adding that the "inspired" them.

Kim de l'Horizon won the German book prize for their debut novel titled "Blutbuch" (Blood book).&nbsp;

The German Book Prize honours the best German-language novel of the year and honours them with a 24,600 dollars or 25,000 euro prize.&nbsp;

Netizens too appreciated l'Horizon's act of solidarity:

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YES! What an amazing acceptance that was. German Book Prize 2022 goes to Kim de l'Horizon! So, so happy for this talented debut author 👏👏👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/dumontverlag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dumontverlag</a>
— JamieLeeSearle (@JamieLeeSearle) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamieLeeSearle/status/1582054767236636672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Wow. Preisträger*in Kim de l'Horizon rasiert sich bei der Preisverleihung des <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dbp22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dbp22</a> die Haare ab und erklärt sich solidarisch mit den Frauen der <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranRevolution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranRevolution</a>. <a href="https://t.co/FBuParewWG">pic.twitter.com/FBuParewWG</a>
— Johannes Ehsan Fischer (@jofijaan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jofijaan/status/1582053894750101505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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JUST IN: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNNGermany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNNGermany</a> Reports. 
 
Swiss author Kim de l'Horizon shaved their head on stage after winning the prestigious German Book Prize on Monday with the novel ‘Blutbuch’ (Blood Book), in a show of solidarity with the women protesting in Iran. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BookPrize2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BookPrize2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/y508SdHKLP">pic.twitter.com/y508SdHKLP</a>
— Gurbaksh Singh Chahal (@gchahal) <a href="https://twitter.com/gchahal/status/1582173104478253056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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In a show of solidarity with the Iranian women protesting for their rights, on Monday, Kim de l'Horizon, the first non-binary author to win the German book prize, shaved their head onstage as they received the prestigious award.

In a show of solidarity with the Iranian women protesting for their rights, on Monday, Kim de l'Horizon, the first non-binary author to win the German book prize, shaved their head onstage as they received the prestigious award. As per AFP, at the award ceremony in Frankfurt, l'Horizon said "This award is not just for me" adding that they think that the jury the text "to send a signal against hatred, for love and for the fight of all those people who are being suppressed because of their bodies." Kim de l'Horizon, first non-binary author to win the German book prize, sang, gave a moving speech on a prize as a sign for love and against hatred, shaved their hair on stage and honored the inspiring women in Iran. I am so moved!!! https://t.co/oW75Xg8r2K — Dr. Maha El Hissy د. مها الحصي (@mahaelhissy) October 17, 2022 × The author reportedly gave "a moving speech on a prize as a sign for love and against hatred", sang a song and then shaved their head in solidarity with the Iranian women protesting following the death of Mahsa Amini. Watch it here: „Dieser Preis ist offensichtlich auch für die Frauen im #Iran“, sagt Kim de l'Horizon, Gewinner des deutschen Buchpreises gestern. "Das ist ein Zeichen gegen Hass, für die Liebe", und für den Kampf aller Menschen, die wegen ihres Körpers unterdrückt werden." #IranProtests2022 pic.twitter.com/YAwKdGhbtr — Natalie Amiri (@NatalieAmiri) October 18, 2022 × "With tremendous creative energy, the non-binary narrator of Kim de l'Horizon's novel... searches for a language of their own," said the jury adding that the "inspired" them. Kim de l'Horizon won the German book prize for their debut novel titled "Blutbuch" (Blood book). The German Book Prize honours the best German-language novel of the year and honours them with a 24,600 dollars or 25,000 euro prize. Netizens too appreciated l'Horizon's act of solidarity: YES! What an amazing acceptance that was. German Book Prize 2022 goes to Kim de l'Horizon! So, so happy for this talented debut author 👏👏👏 @dumontverlag — JamieLeeSearle (@JamieLeeSearle) October 17, 2022 × Wow. Preisträger*in Kim de l'Horizon rasiert sich bei der Preisverleihung des #dbp22 die Haare ab und erklärt sich solidarisch mit den Frauen der #IranRevolution. pic.twitter.com/FBuParewWG — Johannes Ehsan Fischer (@jofijaan) October 17, 2022 × JUST IN: #BNNGermany Reports. Swiss author Kim de l'Horizon shaved their head on stage after winning the prestigious German Book Prize on Monday with the novel ‘Blutbuch’ (Blood Book), in a show of solidarity with the women protesting in Iran. #Germany #BookPrize2022 pic.twitter.com/y508SdHKLP — Gurbaksh Singh Chahal (@gchahal) October 18, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: First non-binary recipient of German book prize shaves head in solidarity with protesting Iranian women

Dutch hotel reservation website Booking.com is under lens of regulators in Spain. The antitrust watchdog has launched an investigation into possible unfair competition practices which are affecting hotels and rival online travel agencies in the country.

WION Business News | Booking.Com under regulatory lens; Spanish competition watchdog launches probe

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world

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"The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP.

On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pakistan-china-grow-closer-study-recommends-us-should-mend-ties-with-islamabad-522590">As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad</a>

Quoting a White House transcript&nbsp;Reuters reports that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-game-changing-student-loan-forgiveness-progamme-launched-8-million-applications-in-already-526307">President Biden</a> said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion."

Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest.

Expressing his surprise at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Biden's</a> comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said,&nbsp;"as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-pak-one-of-the-most-dangerous-nations-then-explains-why-525600">Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark</a>

Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme.

However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal.

Days after President Joe Biden's remark questioning the safety of Pakistan's nuclear programme, the United States in a statement said it is confident in Islamabad's ability to control its nuclear arsenal. Talking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said that "The United States is confident of Pakistan's commitment and its ability to secure its nuclear assets." Watch | US President speaks on Pakistan, calls it one of the most dangerous nations in the world "The US has always viewed a secure and prosperous Pakistan as critical to US interests and, more broadly, the US values our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan," he said, as per AFP. On Thursday, during a private Democratic Party fundraiser in California, the President made offhand remarks on Pakistan. Also read | As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad Quoting a White House transcript Reuters reports that President Biden said Pakistan is "maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world" adding that it has "Nuclear weapons without any cohesion." Islamabad had protested the off-the-cuff comment and had summoned US ambassador Donald Blome to lodge a protest. Expressing his surprise at Biden's comments, at a press conference on Saturday the nation's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said, "as far as the question of the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear assets are concerned, we meet all – each and every – international standard in accordance with the IAEA." Also read | Pakistan summons US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark Bhutto-Zardari added that Pakistan officials can answer any specific concerns that Washington may have on his nation's nuclear programme. However, he said that he believes that the remarks or the decision to summon the US ambassador would not negatively affect US-Pakistan relations. Pakistan and US were once close allies, however, the ties turned sour over Washington's concerns over Islamabad's alleged support of the Taliban in Afghanistan. After years of frosty relations, the ties are now on a mend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Biden's 'dangerous' Pak remark, US says 'confident' of Islamabad's ability to control nuclear assets

For the first time since the Covid pandemic began, the variants that make up the mounting Omicron wave look different. World scientists are warning of a growing splinters of the Omicron offspring found in different parts of the world.

Covid-19 splinters into multiple variants; What is the XBB covid strain?

United States and Saudi Arabia relations have taken a sharp dip due to the raging war in Ukraine, the conflict has also given rise to an oil supply crisis.

Russia-Ukraine war leads to major oil supply crunch; US blames Saudi for siding with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. In other news,&nbsp;Australia on Tuesday (October 18) reversed recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's France forward Karim Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award for the best men's player in the world on Monday, while Barcelona's Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women's award for a second time. Finally,&nbsp;The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka has won the Booker prize for fiction.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-orders-troops-to-capture-more-russian-prisoners-to-facilitate-release-of-ukrainian-heroes-526294">Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/18/304445-new-wion-1.png" />

Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-reverses-decision-of-recognising-jerusalem-as-israel-capital-526278">Australia reverses decision of recognising Jerusalem as Israel capital</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/18/304428-penny-wong.jpg" />

"Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said during a media briefing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/benzema-putellas-win-ballon-dor-awards-for-best-players-in-the-world-526270">Benzema, Putellas win Ballon d'Or awards for best players in the world</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/18/304426-benzema-putellas.jpg" />

Benzema, who played a pivotal role in Real's run to the Champions League title last season, is the first French player to win the trophy since Zinedine Zidane in 1998 and the fifth after Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini and Jean-Pierre Papin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lankan-author-shehan-karunatilaka-wins-booker-prize-2022-for-supernatural-satire-526290">Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka wins Booker Prize 2022 for supernatural satire</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/18/304442-untitled-design-10.png" />

&nbsp;

The book is a supernatural satire set amid a murderous Sri Lankan civil war. Queen Consort Camilla presented the prize, while pop singer Dua Lipa was the star guest.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian warplane crashes in southern city near Ukraine border; six killed 25 injured

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-warplane-crashes-in-southern-city-near-ukraine-border-six-killed-25-injured-526292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. In other news, Australia on Tuesday (October 18) reversed recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. In other news, Australia on Tuesday (October 18) reversed recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's France forward Karim Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award for the best men's player in the world on Monday, while Barcelona's Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the women's award for a second time. Finally, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka has won the Booker prize for fiction. Click on the headlines to read more: Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes' Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange. Australia reverses decision of recognising Jerusalem as Israel capital "Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said during a media briefing. Benzema, Putellas win Ballon d'Or awards for best players in the world Benzema, who played a pivotal role in Real's run to the Champions League title last season, is the first French player to win the trophy since Zinedine Zidane in 1998 and the fifth after Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini and Jean-Pierre Papin. Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka wins Booker Prize 2022 for supernatural satire The book is a supernatural satire set amid a murderous Sri Lankan civil war. Queen Consort Camilla presented the prize, while pop singer Dua Lipa was the star guest. Watch | Russian warplane crashes in southern city near Ukraine border; six killed 25 injured

Morning brief: Zelensky's order to capture Russian prisoners, Australia reverses Jerusalem decision, & more

Russian military plane has crashed into a residential area in the southwestern Russia near the border with Ukraine; at least six people have been killed and 25 others have been injured.

Russian warplane crashes in southern city near Ukraine border; six killed 25 injured

The Australian government has reversed the previous government's recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and said the issue should be resolved as part of peace talks between Israel and Palestine.

Australia removes reference to west Jerusalem as Israel capital

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv

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As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women.

Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-hold-russia-accountable-for-war-crimes-says-white-house-526273" hreflang="en">Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House</a>

As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions.

Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel.

In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-military-aircraft-crashes-into-residential-building-causing-massive-fire-526236" hreflang="en">Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands</a>

He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies."

Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged.&nbsp;

Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter.

"I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia. Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women. Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. Also read | Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions. Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel. In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this." Also read | Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies." Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged. Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter. "I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes'

Bangladeshis are at risk of dislocation as climate change-induced disasters wreak havoc across the country. Many people living near the low-lying coast were forced to leave their homes after massive floods last month.

South Asia Diary | Bangladesh's Climate Refugees

Many countries battling the cost of living crisis. But in India, people are spending big. The festive season is here, and analysts are predicting a big boom in online & offline sales.

South Asia Diary | Festive Spending Booms in India

Sri Lanka's import of non-essential items is impacting the country's beauty industry hard. Cosmetic items are among the banned imports, leading to a shortage of products across the country.

South Asia Diary |  Lankan Salons Running Out of Products

After months of warnings & emotive speeches, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is yet to announce a date for his long march. Will Khan be able to get over his dilemma and pull off the rally?

South Asia Diary | Can Imran get over his Long March dilemma?

Thousands took to the streets of Paris on Sunday, to protest the high cost of living. The demonstrations were called by the left-wing parties that oppose President Emmanuel Macron.

Gravitas: Protests in Paris over Cost-of-Living Crisis

What are Kamikaze drones? Ukraine claims Russia has used several of these drones to attack Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities this morning. At least 8 people have died in Ukraine. It is believed that these drones are just as deadly as missiles.

Gravitas : What are Kamikaze drones? Ukraine claims Russia is using these deadly weapons

Before Xi Jinping took the stage for his speech on Sunday, a clip - featuring the clashes at Galwan in 2020 was played at the Communist Party Congress. The PLA commander has been invited to the event as a delegate.

Gravitas: At Xi Jinping's coronation, a message to India

China screened a video of the 2020 Galwan clashes at the Communist Party Congress. What message is China trying to send to India? Priyanka Sharma discusses with Former Indian Diplomat Vishnu Prakash.

Gravitas | Communist Party Congress: Beijing's message for India

Washington has issued new visa curbs on the Taliban against their treatment of women and girls. But will these restrictions impact the group's senior leadership or will they add to the woes of common Afghans seeking relocation?

South Asia Diary | Decoding U.S' Visa Curbs on the Taliban

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