After a few days of rainfall and relief, the sweltering heat is back for North Indians. The country's Met Department has predicted a heat wave in the Northwest, Central and East India that will last for two to three days

No respite for India's Northern belt as temperatures rise

A recent report published by the World Weather Attribution group says that the extreme summer in South Asia is just a trailer for what is yet to come. Heat waves can get more frequent in India

South Asia is among most affected by Heat Stress | Scientists warn of frequent heat waves

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg.

Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-denies-detaining-russian-plane-after-moscow-lodges-diplomatic-protest-485097">Also Read |&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;PM proposes more cabinet accountability amid economic crisis</a>

"I have been given a mandate for five years. I will not contest again," Rajapaksa said on Monday in an interview at his official residence in Colombo.

Anti-government protestors blame Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of everything from fuel to medicine, stoking inflation of 40 per cent&nbsp;and forcing a historic debt default.

Watch |&nbsp;World At War: Will Gotabaya Rajapaksa resort to oppression to stay in power?

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Thousands of demonstrators have camped outside the president’s seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence about a Kilometre&nbsp;away.

The economic tailspin spiralled into political turmoil with the resignation of the president’s older brother -- Mahinda Rajapaksa -- as the nation’s prime minister after clashes between government supporters and the protesters turned bloody in May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-economic-crisis-mahinda-rajapaksas-residence-set-on-fire-nationwide-curfew-imposed-477738">Also Read |&nbsp;Sri Lanka economic crisis: Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence set on fire, nationwide curfew imposed</a>

Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are now seeking about four billion dollars in aid this year from the International Monetary Fund and countries including&nbsp;India&nbsp;and China.

Sri Lanka’s rupee has lost about 82&nbsp;per cent over the past year and the central bank on Monday flagged the possibility of a further correction. The nation’s debt is trading in the deeply-distressed territory.

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Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will finish the remaining two years of his term despite months-long street protests calling for his ouster but won’t stand for re-election, he told Bloomberg. Sri Lanka is suffering its worst economic crisis in decades. Also Read | Sri Lanka PM proposes more cabinet accountability amid economic crisis "I have been given a mandate for five years. I will not contest again," Rajapaksa said on Monday in an interview at his official residence in Colombo. Anti-government protestors blame Rajapaksa and his family for decisions that led to severe shortages of everything from fuel to medicine, stoking inflation of 40 per cent and forcing a historic debt default. Watch | World At War: Will Gotabaya Rajapaksa resort to oppression to stay in power? Thousands of demonstrators have camped outside the president’s seaside office since mid-March, forcing him to retreat to his barricaded official residence about a Kilometre away. The economic tailspin spiralled into political turmoil with the resignation of the president’s older brother -- Mahinda Rajapaksa -- as the nation’s prime minister after clashes between government supporters and the protesters turned bloody in May. Also Read | Sri Lanka economic crisis: Mahinda Rajapaksa's residence set on fire, nationwide curfew imposed Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are now seeking about four billion dollars in aid this year from the International Monetary Fund and countries including India and China. Sri Lanka’s rupee has lost about 82 per cent over the past year and the central bank on Monday flagged the possibility of a further correction. The nation’s debt is trading in the deeply-distressed territory. 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.

Sri Lanka's president vows to finish term, but won't run for re-election

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has claimed that a troika of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and her friend Farah Gogi made "billions" under the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.

"It started in 2019, when Imran Khan gave a relief worth Pakistani rupees 320 million to Ahsan Jamil Gujjar - Farah`s husband - under an amnesty scheme," PML-N leader Atta Ullah Tarar said during a press conference.

The Express Tribune quoting Tarar reported that the former Prime Minister gave the relief due to his personal relations and friendship between Bushra and Farah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-warns-of-strong-backlash-if-imran-khan-arrested-after-transit-bail-expires-485561">PTI warns of ‘strong backlash’ if Imran Khan arrested after transit bail expires</a>

Regarding this, he also played an audio tape -- purportedly a conversation between a business tycoon and his daughter, revealing how Farah 'demanded a gift'&nbsp;for the ex-first lady.

During the conversation, the woman said to her father that Farah Gogi allegedly demanded a precious diamond as a gift for the ex-first lady in return for "removing locks" on a project site and withdrawing a report against her father, The Express Tribune reported.

It was revealed during that discussion that Farah Gogi earlier had rejected a three-carat diamond sent by the daughter of a business tycoon as unworthy and unsuitable for the first lady, who she allegedly said routinely wore such things, and asked for a five-carat diamond.

Watch |&nbsp;Imran Khan vs Army: Pakistan's Military in muddled waters?

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The lady could be heard telling her father how Farah taunted her for sending "only a five-carat diamond ring". She also promised that the former premier would overturn measures against the projects of the business tycoon if a "more valuable gift was offered".

While property tycoon Malik Riaz on Sunday termed an audio clip attributed to him on social media as "fake". He also threatened to take legal action against those behind the 'conspiracy'.

"With latest technologies as Deep Fake, fabricating an audio conversation shouldn't be a surprise," Riaz said in his statement cited by The Express Tribune.

He said that the audio tape associated to him on social media is a product of Deep Fake. "I don't wish to [be] involve[d] in political campaigns of any party, but the most appalling fact is that my voice and reference is being misused to settle personal and political scores," he added.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tightens-security-in-capital-islamabad-amid-rumours-to-assassinate-ex-pm-imran-khan-485287">Pakistan tightens security in capital Islamabad amid rumours to assassinate ex-PM Imran Khan</a>

He said that Farah Gogi left Pakistan as soon as she realised that she was about to get into trouble and Imran Khan helped her in fleeing the country.

Uzma Bukhari, another PML-N leader, said that her party knew about the misconduct of the PTI government, adding that now 'proofs'&nbsp;are being surfaced for everyone to see.

"The audio reveals just one case [of bribery] but it is not the entire story... it is only a trailer of a film," she added.

Uzma said that Imran Khan had kept two "front women" to hide his corruption. "There is a saying that there is a woman behind the success of every man but in Imran Khan's case there were two women," she added.&nbsp;

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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has claimed that a troika of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and her friend Farah Gogi made "billions" under the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has claimed that a troika of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and her friend Farah Gogi made "billions" under the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. "It started in 2019, when Imran Khan gave a relief worth Pakistani rupees 320 million to Ahsan Jamil Gujjar - Farah`s husband - under an amnesty scheme," PML-N leader Atta Ullah Tarar said during a press conference. The Express Tribune quoting Tarar reported that the former Prime Minister gave the relief due to his personal relations and friendship between Bushra and Farah. Also read | PTI warns of ‘strong backlash’ if Imran Khan arrested after transit bail expires Regarding this, he also played an audio tape -- purportedly a conversation between a business tycoon and his daughter, revealing how Farah 'demanded a gift' for the ex-first lady. During the conversation, the woman said to her father that Farah Gogi allegedly demanded a precious diamond as a gift for the ex-first lady in return for "removing locks" on a project site and withdrawing a report against her father, The Express Tribune reported. It was revealed during that discussion that Farah Gogi earlier had rejected a three-carat diamond sent by the daughter of a business tycoon as unworthy and unsuitable for the first lady, who she allegedly said routinely wore such things, and asked for a five-carat diamond. Watch | Imran Khan vs Army: Pakistan's Military in muddled waters? The lady could be heard telling her father how Farah taunted her for sending "only a five-carat diamond ring". She also promised that the former premier would overturn measures against the projects of the business tycoon if a "more valuable gift was offered". While property tycoon Malik Riaz on Sunday termed an audio clip attributed to him on social media as "fake". He also threatened to take legal action against those behind the 'conspiracy'. "With latest technologies as Deep Fake, fabricating an audio conversation shouldn't be a surprise," Riaz said in his statement cited by The Express Tribune. He said that the audio tape associated to him on social media is a product of Deep Fake. "I don't wish to [be] involve[d] in political campaigns of any party, but the most appalling fact is that my voice and reference is being misused to settle personal and political scores," he added. Also read | Pakistan tightens security in capital Islamabad amid rumours to assassinate ex-PM Imran Khan He said that Farah Gogi left Pakistan as soon as she realised that she was about to get into trouble and Imran Khan helped her in fleeing the country. Uzma Bukhari, another PML-N leader, said that her party knew about the misconduct of the PTI government, adding that now 'proofs' are being surfaced for everyone to see. "The audio reveals just one case [of bribery] but it is not the entire story... it is only a trailer of a film," she added. Uzma said that Imran Khan had kept two "front women" to hide his corruption. "There is a saying that there is a woman behind the success of every man but in Imran Khan's case there were two women," she added. 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.

Shehbaz govt accuses Imran Khan, wife Bushra, her friend of making billions during PTI tenure

The United States President Joe Biden on Monday will suspend tariffs for two years on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, but not China, as the US seeks to boost domestic clean energy manufacturing, the White House said.

The Biden administration will invoke the Defence Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production, and use the federal government's purchasing power to increase the demand.

"Today's clean energy technologies are a critical part of the arsenal we must harness to lower energy costs for families, reduce risks to our power grid, and tackle the urgent crisis of a changing climate," a White House spokesperson said.

China is excluded as the Commerce Department investigates whether certain Chinese companies are circumventing US customs duties by assembling parts in the four countries. China is a dominant player in solar panel production with about 80% of the world’s solar manufacturing supply chain running through China.

As compared to when Biden took office, the US was on track to triple domestic solar manufacturing capacity by 2024, from 7.5 gigawatts to 22.5 gigawatts, enough to enable 3.3 million homes to switch to solar each year. 
Monday's actions include invoking the DPA to force the manufacture of clean energy in key areas including solar parts like photovoltaic modules and module components.

Former President Donald Trump previously used the same powers during the Covid pandemic to increase the production of medicines and equipment, and it was also invoked during World War II.

The two-year tariff suspension window meanwhile is intended as a bridge to ensure the United States has access to a sufficient supply of parts to meet electricity generation needs while domestic capacity scales up.

[With inputs from agencies]

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The United States President Joe Biden on Monday will suspend tariffs for two years on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, but not China, as the US seeks to boost domestic clean energy manufacturing, the White House said.

The United States President Joe Biden on Monday will suspend tariffs for two years on solar panel imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, but not China, as the US seeks to boost domestic clean energy manufacturing, the White House said. The Biden administration will invoke the Defence Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production, and use the federal government's purchasing power to increase the demand. "Today's clean energy technologies are a critical part of the arsenal we must harness to lower energy costs for families, reduce risks to our power grid, and tackle the urgent crisis of a changing climate," a White House spokesperson said. China is excluded as the Commerce Department investigates whether certain Chinese companies are circumventing US customs duties by assembling parts in the four countries. China is a dominant player in solar panel production with about 80% of the world’s solar manufacturing supply chain running through China. As compared to when Biden took office, the US was on track to triple domestic solar manufacturing capacity by 2024, from 7.5 gigawatts to 22.5 gigawatts, enough to enable 3.3 million homes to switch to solar each year. Monday's actions include invoking the DPA to force the manufacture of clean energy in key areas including solar parts like photovoltaic modules and module components. Former President Donald Trump previously used the same powers during the Covid pandemic to increase the production of medicines and equipment, and it was also invoked during World War II. The two-year tariff suspension window meanwhile is intended as a bridge to ensure the United States has access to a sufficient supply of parts to meet electricity generation needs while domestic capacity scales up. [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.

Biden to not suspend tariff on solar panels for China, exempts four other South Asian countries

Summers in South Asia are often synonymous with the king of fruits 'the mango' but heat wave conditions in India and Pakistan are impacting the mango yields.

No sweet news: Mango yields very low, extreme heat damages mangoes

The impact of climate change is being felt around the world. In South Asia, record-breaking temperatures are being reported in most areas. Now, an alarming report on South Asia Heatwave warns that heatwave will be more frequent in the future.

Alarming report on South Asia Heatwave: 'Extreme weather due to climate change'

As the heat wave continues to grip South Asia, rising mercury is troubling the animals as. A zoo in Pakistan's Rawalpindi has declared a heat wave emergency

Heat wave in South Asia: Icy treat at Pakistan Zoo helps animals to stay cool

The impact of climate change is being felt around the world. In South Asia, record-breaking temperatures are being reported in most areas. Watch this report to know more.

Severe heatwave grips South Asia: People struggle under scorching sun

Heatwave continues to plague South Asia as the region reels under soaring temperatures

Various parts of India and Pakistan recorded their highest average temperatures in the month of April and the heat is expected to stretch into the month of May. For more analysis, we're joined by Imran Khalid, Director Governance with WWF Pakistan and Shruti Sinha, a Manager, Policy and Outreach for Chintan (Environmental Research and Action Group).

Climate change: Extreme heatwave grips South Asia, temperature soars in India & Pakistan

An extreme heatwave has gripped India and Pakistan, with no relief in sight south Asia is dealing with furnace-like temperatures. As per reports, 5 Indian states will witness their 'hottest summer ever'.

Heatwave in South Asia: 5 Indian states to witness their 'hottest summer ever'

India is the world's second-largest wheat producer and now extreme heatwave in India has impacted India's wheat harvest. This is raising questions about how will India go ahead with wheat exports.

India: Severe heatwave impacts India's wheat harvest, snags export plans

A study of 135 countries by S&P says 4% of the global GDP could be lost by 2050 due to climate change. 10-18% of South Asia's GDP is at risk and low-income nations will see 3.6 times greater GDP loss.

Study: Low-income nations to see 3.6 times greater GDP loss

A new study conducted on 135 countries has estimated that climate change is putting 4 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at risk.

In comparison to Europe, South Asia is ten times more exposed to water stress, physical events, and heatwaves that are triggered by climate change.

The study, conducted by rating firm S&amp;P Global, assigns credit scores to the countries on the basis of the health of their economies.

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Trucost, a company that estimates the hidden costs of unsustainable use of natural resources, helped S&amp;P Global in conducting the study.

They used data from the World Bank of lower and lower-middle-income countries and found they that are likely to see 3.6 times greater gross domestic product losses on average than richer ones.

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A credit analyst at the company, Roberto Sifon-Arevalo told Reuters news agency, "To different degrees, this is an issue for the world."

Highlighting the standing point of the study, he says "One thing that really jumps out is the need for international support for many of these (poorer) parts of the world".

'RCP 4.5', which are major new climate change policies that governments largely shy away from, were considered as the baseline scenario by scientists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-climate-change-will-impact-the-worlds-regions-differently-457772">Also see |&nbsp;How climate change will impact the world's regions differently</a>

They found out East Asia and Pacific countries face similar levels of exposure to natural calamities as Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions.

According to Sifon-Arevalo, ''We strive to tell what is relevant and where but we don't rate to a worst-case scenario, we rate to a base-case scenario.''

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On average a weather, climate, or water-related disaster has occurred somewhere in the world every day for the last 50 years as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

They have caused daily losses worth over $202 million other than 115 casualties on a regular basis.

More than 60 countries could see their ratings cut because of global warming by 2030 according to another study conducted by the researchers from Cambridge University, the University of East Anglia and London.

A new study conducted on 135 countries has estimated that climate change is putting 4 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at risk. In comparison to Europe, South Asia is ten times more exposed to water stress, physical events, and heatwaves that are triggered by climate change.

A new study conducted on 135 countries has estimated that climate change is putting 4 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at risk. In comparison to Europe, South Asia is ten times more exposed to water stress, physical events, and heatwaves that are triggered by climate change. The study, conducted by rating firm S&P Global, assigns credit scores to the countries on the basis of the health of their economies. Trucost, a company that estimates the hidden costs of unsustainable use of natural resources, helped S&P Global in conducting the study. They used data from the World Bank of lower and lower-middle-income countries and found they that are likely to see 3.6 times greater gross domestic product losses on average than richer ones. A credit analyst at the company, Roberto Sifon-Arevalo told Reuters news agency, "To different degrees, this is an issue for the world." Highlighting the standing point of the study, he says "One thing that really jumps out is the need for international support for many of these (poorer) parts of the world". 'RCP 4.5', which are major new climate change policies that governments largely shy away from, were considered as the baseline scenario by scientists. Also see | How climate change will impact the world's regions differently They found out East Asia and Pacific countries face similar levels of exposure to natural calamities as Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa regions. According to Sifon-Arevalo, ''We strive to tell what is relevant and where but we don't rate to a worst-case scenario, we rate to a base-case scenario.'' Watch WION's live TV here: On average a weather, climate, or water-related disaster has occurred somewhere in the world every day for the last 50 years as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). They have caused daily losses worth over $202 million other than 115 casualties on a regular basis. More than 60 countries could see their ratings cut because of global warming by 2030 according to another study conducted by the researchers from Cambridge University, the University of East Anglia and London.

Study says climate change can reduce global annual economic output 4%  by 2050

A disgraced former president in the Maldives is leading a campaign against India. Mariam Wardak decodes the controversial 'India Out' campaign and the man behind it.

South Asia Diary | 'India Out' campaign in the Maldives

Experts say South Asian bodies are suffering because of the British Raj. The repeated famines have reportedly made Indians, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis more susceptible to diabetes. Palki Sharma tells you how our body is still paying the price for the Raj's discriminatory policies.

Gravitas: Colonialism is still taking a toll on your body

The arms race in Asia is intensifying. Here is a list of defence systems several Asian countries are looking to acquire.

Why is the arms race intensifying in Asia?

South Asia's economic crisis worsens amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Indian Rupee plunges against US Dollar, whereas Sri Lanka's foreign reserve is depleting rapidly.

South Asia's economic crisis: India & Sri Lanka facing financial woes amid the COVID pandemic

There has been a surge in attacks on Pakistan's security personnel since Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire agreement with the government.

Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces

Days after TTP ended the ceasefire agreement with the Pakistan government, there has been a steady rise in attacks on security force personnel.

Pakistan: Gunmen kill a policeman

In yet another controversial appointment, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appoints former Navy chief Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda as next Governor of North-Western province.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fumes controversy | Appoints former Navy chief as Governor

Pakistan's terrorist group 'Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan' ends a month-long ceasefire agreement with the government. It accuses them of not upholding their end of the agreement in freeing the prisoners.

Terrorist group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan ends a month-long ceasefire agreement with the government

The Taliban have seized Afghanistan, and this school could not be prouder.

Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa, one of Pakistan’s largest and oldest seminaries, has educated more Taliban leaders than any school in the world. Now its alumni hold key positions in Afghanistan.

The school’s critics call it a university of jihad and blame it for helping to sow violence across the region for decades. And they worry that extremist madrassas and the Islamist parties linked to them could be emboldened by the Taliban’s victory, potentially fueling further radicalism in Pakistan despite that country’s efforts to bring more than 30,000 seminaries under greater government control.

The school says it has changed and has argued that the Taliban should be given the chance to show they have moved beyond their bloody ways since they first ruled Afghanistan two decades ago.

“The world has seen their capabilities to run the country through their victories on both the diplomatic front and on the battlefield,” said Rashidul Haq Sami, the seminary’s vice chancellor.

A Taliban softening is far from assured, given a surge of violence earlier this year, reports of reprisal killings inside the country, limits on girls going to school and clampdowns on free expression. But Sami argued that the Taliban takeover could have been even bloodier, signaling that they “would not repeat the mistakes of the 1990s.”

Darul Uloom Haqqania, about 60 miles from the Afghan border, has had an outsize effect there. The seminary’s alumni founded the Taliban movement and ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s. Pakistan’s powerful military often uses its leaders to influence the Taliban, experts say.

Its late chancellor, Samiul Haq, who was murdered at his residence in Islamabad in 2018 and was Sami’s father, was known as the “father of the Taliban.”

“Being the alma mater of scores of Taliban leaders, Haqqania certainly commands their respect,” said Azmat Abbas, author of “Madrassa Mirage: A Contemporary History of Islamic Schools in Pakistan.”

Sirajuddin Haqqani, 41, who led much of the Taliban’s military efforts and carries a $5 million bounty from the U.S. government on his head, is the new acting interior minister of Afghanistan and an alumnus. So is Amir Khan Muttaqi, the new foreign minister, and Abdul Baqi Haqqani, the higher education minister.

The justice minister, the chief of the Afghan water and power ministry, and a variety of governors, military commanders and judges also passed through the Haqqania seminary, school administrators say.

“We feel proud that our students in Afghanistan had first broken the Soviet Union and now sent the U.S. packing,” Sami said. “It is an honor for the madrassa that its graduates are now ministers and hold high positions in the Taliban government.”

Many of the alumni adopt the name Haqqani as a symbol of pride. The Haqqani network — the Taliban’s military wing, responsible for hostage-taking of Americans, complex suicide attacks and targeted assassinations — is named after the madrassa and retains connections there.

More than 4,000 students, mostly from poor families, attend the sprawling seminary, a collection of multistory concrete buildings in a small riverside town just east of the city of Peshawar. Courses range from the memorization of the Quran to Arabic literature.

On a recent visit, a scholar delivered a lecture on Islamic jurisprudence to a packed hall of 1,500 final-year students. They burst into giggles at one instructor’s jokes. Other students lined up outside for lunch and played volleyball or cricket.

Among them, the Taliban victory is a source of great pride.

“The Taliban have finally defeated the U.S. after struggling for almost 20 years, and the entire world accepts this fact,” said Abdul Wali, a 21-year-old student. “It also shows the farsightedness and commitment of our teachers and former alumni about Afghanistan.”

Wali praised Haqqania as a premier place to memorize the Quran, which some Muslims believe will get them and their families into heaven. “Haqqania is one of the few prestigious madrassas in the country where students consider studying an honor because of its history, the prominent scholars teaching there and its quality Islamic education,” he said.

Pakistan has long had an uneasy relationship with madrassas like Haqqania. Leaders who once saw the seminaries as a way to influence events in Afghanistan now see them as a source of conflict within Pakistan. The country has its own Taliban movement, the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, which has been responsible for a slew of violent attacks in recent years. The two sides reached a cease-fire this month.

Renewed signs of radicalism in madrassas have appeared, especially since the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan. Students have held pro-Taliban rallies. At the Red Mosque in Islamabad, the site of a deadly raid by security personnel 14 years ago, Taliban flags were raised above a girls’ madrassa next door.

Meanwhile, the usefulness of the madrassas has declined, as Pakistani officials have more recently taken a more direct role in Afghanistan’s affairs, said Muhammad Israr Madani, an Islamabad-based researcher focusing on religious affairs.

Amid those pressures, Pakistan’s government has tried a mix of financial support and behind-the-scenes prodding to dial down radicalism within the seminaries.

The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan gave the Haqqania seminary $1.6 million in 2018 and $1.7 million in 2017 for “mainstreaming” it. The funds helped the madrassa construct a new building, a badminton court and a computer lab, among other projects.

Haqqania has broadened its curriculum to include English, math and computer science. It demands full documentation from foreign students, including those from Afghanistan, and administrators said it adopted a zero-tolerance policy for anti-state activities.

Experts on education in Pakistan say that the effort has had some success and that Haqqania does not advocate militancy like it once did.

Still, they said, such madrassas teach a narrow interpretation of Islam. Lessons focus on how to argue with opposing faiths rather than critical thinking, and stress enforcement of practices like punishing theft with amputation and sex outside marriage with stoning. That makes some of their students vulnerable to recruitment from militant groups.

“In an environment of widespread support for the Taliban, both with the government and society, it would be naive to hope that madrassas and other mainstream educational institutions would adopt a teaching approach other than a pro-Taliban one,” said Abbas, the author.

The school’s syllabus may be less influential than individual instructors.

“Whenever a madrassa student is found engaged in an act of violence, the wider approach is to hold the madrassa system and its syllabus responsible for the ill, and no attention is paid to the teacher or teachers who influenced the student,” Abbas said.

Graduates who had studied at Haqqania in the 1980s and 1990s said they did not receive any military training. Some, however, said teachers often discussed jihad openly and encouraged students to join Afghanistan’s insurgency. One, named Ali, said students could easily slip into Afghanistan to fight during seminary vacations. He requested that only his last name be used, citing security concerns.

Sami, the vice chancellor, said students were neither trained for combat nor obliged to fight in Afghanistan.

School administrators point to recent statements by some groups in Afghanistan as reflective moderate teachings. After the Taliban captured Kabul, the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Sami party, founded by Sami’s father, urged them to ensure the safety of Afghans and foreigners, particularly diplomats; protect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities; and allow women access to higher education.

In any case, Sami said, the world has little choice but to trust the Taliban’s ability to govern.

“I advise the international community to give a chance to the Taliban to run the country,” he said. “If they are not allowed to work, there will be a new civil war in Afghanistan, and it will affect the entire region.”

The Taliban have seized Afghanistan, and this school could not be prouder. Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa, one of Pakistan’s largest and oldest seminaries, has educated more Taliban leaders than any school in the world.

The Taliban have seized Afghanistan, and this school could not be prouder. Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa, one of Pakistan’s largest and oldest seminaries, has educated more Taliban leaders than any school in the world. Now its alumni hold key positions in Afghanistan. The school’s critics call it a university of jihad and blame it for helping to sow violence across the region for decades. And they worry that extremist madrassas and the Islamist parties linked to them could be emboldened by the Taliban’s victory, potentially fueling further radicalism in Pakistan despite that country’s efforts to bring more than 30,000 seminaries under greater government control. The school says it has changed and has argued that the Taliban should be given the chance to show they have moved beyond their bloody ways since they first ruled Afghanistan two decades ago. “The world has seen their capabilities to run the country through their victories on both the diplomatic front and on the battlefield,” said Rashidul Haq Sami, the seminary’s vice chancellor. A Taliban softening is far from assured, given a surge of violence earlier this year, reports of reprisal killings inside the country, limits on girls going to school and clampdowns on free expression. But Sami argued that the Taliban takeover could have been even bloodier, signaling that they “would not repeat the mistakes of the 1990s.” Darul Uloom Haqqania, about 60 miles from the Afghan border, has had an outsize effect there. The seminary’s alumni founded the Taliban movement and ruled Afghanistan in the 1990s. Pakistan’s powerful military often uses its leaders to influence the Taliban, experts say. Its late chancellor, Samiul Haq, who was murdered at his residence in Islamabad in 2018 and was Sami’s father, was known as the “father of the Taliban.” “Being the alma mater of scores of Taliban leaders, Haqqania certainly commands their respect,” said Azmat Abbas, author of “Madrassa Mirage: A Contemporary History of Islamic Schools in Pakistan.” Sirajuddin Haqqani, 41, who led much of the Taliban’s military efforts and carries a $5 million bounty from the U.S. government on his head, is the new acting interior minister of Afghanistan and an alumnus. So is Amir Khan Muttaqi, the new foreign minister, and Abdul Baqi Haqqani, the higher education minister. The justice minister, the chief of the Afghan water and power ministry, and a variety of governors, military commanders and judges also passed through the Haqqania seminary, school administrators say. “We feel proud that our students in Afghanistan had first broken the Soviet Union and now sent the U.S. packing,” Sami said. “It is an honor for the madrassa that its graduates are now ministers and hold high positions in the Taliban government.” Many of the alumni adopt the name Haqqani as a symbol of pride. The Haqqani network — the Taliban’s military wing, responsible for hostage-taking of Americans, complex suicide attacks and targeted assassinations — is named after the madrassa and retains connections there. More than 4,000 students, mostly from poor families, attend the sprawling seminary, a collection of multistory concrete buildings in a small riverside town just east of the city of Peshawar. Courses range from the memorization of the Quran to Arabic literature. On a recent visit, a scholar delivered a lecture on Islamic jurisprudence to a packed hall of 1,500 final-year students. They burst into giggles at one instructor’s jokes. Other students lined up outside for lunch and played volleyball or cricket. Among them, the Taliban victory is a source of great pride. “The Taliban have finally defeated the U.S. after struggling for almost 20 years, and the entire world accepts this fact,” said Abdul Wali, a 21-year-old student. “It also shows the farsightedness and commitment of our teachers and former alumni about Afghanistan.” Wali praised Haqqania as a premier place to memorize the Quran, which some Muslims believe will get them and their families into heaven. “Haqqania is one of the few prestigious madrassas in the country where students consider studying an honor because of its history, the prominent scholars teaching there and its quality Islamic education,” he said. Pakistan has long had an uneasy relationship with madrassas like Haqqania. Leaders who once saw the seminaries as a way to influence events in Afghanistan now see them as a source of conflict within Pakistan. The country has its own Taliban movement, the Pakistani Taliban, or TTP, which has been responsible for a slew of violent attacks in recent years. The two sides reached a cease-fire this month. Renewed signs of radicalism in madrassas have appeared, especially since the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan. Students have held pro-Taliban rallies. At the Red Mosque in Islamabad, the site of a deadly raid by security personnel 14 years ago, Taliban flags were raised above a girls’ madrassa next door. Meanwhile, the usefulness of the madrassas has declined, as Pakistani officials have more recently taken a more direct role in Afghanistan’s affairs, said Muhammad Israr Madani, an Islamabad-based researcher focusing on religious affairs. Amid those pressures, Pakistan’s government has tried a mix of financial support and behind-the-scenes prodding to dial down radicalism within the seminaries. The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan gave the Haqqania seminary $1.6 million in 2018 and $1.7 million in 2017 for “mainstreaming” it. The funds helped the madrassa construct a new building, a badminton court and a computer lab, among other projects. Haqqania has broadened its curriculum to include English, math and computer science. It demands full documentation from foreign students, including those from Afghanistan, and administrators said it adopted a zero-tolerance policy for anti-state activities. Experts on education in Pakistan say that the effort has had some success and that Haqqania does not advocate militancy like it once did. Still, they said, such madrassas teach a narrow interpretation of Islam. Lessons focus on how to argue with opposing faiths rather than critical thinking, and stress enforcement of practices like punishing theft with amputation and sex outside marriage with stoning. That makes some of their students vulnerable to recruitment from militant groups. “In an environment of widespread support for the Taliban, both with the government and society, it would be naive to hope that madrassas and other mainstream educational institutions would adopt a teaching approach other than a pro-Taliban one,” said Abbas, the author. The school’s syllabus may be less influential than individual instructors. “Whenever a madrassa student is found engaged in an act of violence, the wider approach is to hold the madrassa system and its syllabus responsible for the ill, and no attention is paid to the teacher or teachers who influenced the student,” Abbas said. Graduates who had studied at Haqqania in the 1980s and 1990s said they did not receive any military training. Some, however, said teachers often discussed jihad openly and encouraged students to join Afghanistan’s insurgency. One, named Ali, said students could easily slip into Afghanistan to fight during seminary vacations. He requested that only his last name be used, citing security concerns. Sami, the vice chancellor, said students were neither trained for combat nor obliged to fight in Afghanistan. School administrators point to recent statements by some groups in Afghanistan as reflective moderate teachings. After the Taliban captured Kabul, the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Sami party, founded by Sami’s father, urged them to ensure the safety of Afghans and foreigners, particularly diplomats; protect the rights of religious and ethnic minorities; and allow women access to higher education. In any case, Sami said, the world has little choice but to trust the Taliban’s ability to govern. “I advise the international community to give a chance to the Taliban to run the country,” he said. “If they are not allowed to work, there will be a new civil war in Afghanistan, and it will affect the entire region.”

Where Afghanistan's new Taliban leaders went to school

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21).&nbsp;

Thousands of worshippers were trying to reach the Kyeik Hne pagoda which lies on a rocky outcrop around three kilometres off the coast. near the town of Thanbyuzayat. The pagoda is located in southern Mon state

"We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP.

Local officials said some died when they tried to cross the poorly marked causeway, which is only around four metres wide, while the tide was too high.

"We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP.

More faithful were drowned as they got jostled by the crowd into the sea. &nbsp;

Ko Kyaw Thu, an emergency responder from Thanbyuzayat, told AFP that 15 bodies had been taken to hospital and three people were still missing.

Local resident Nai Wona told AFP the causeway was not marked out clearly enough, making it hard to navigate.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21).

At least 15 people were drowned in Myanmar while crossing a flooded causeway to reach a Buddhist temple (Pagoda). The tragedy took place on Sunday (November 21). Thousands of worshippers were trying to reach the Kyeik Hne pagoda which lies on a rocky outcrop around three kilometres off the coast. near the town of Thanbyuzayat. The pagoda is located in southern Mon state "We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP. Local officials said some died when they tried to cross the poorly marked causeway, which is only around four metres wide, while the tide was too high. "We normally allow the people to come at 6:30 am but they would not listen to us and started trying to walk across too early," local official Nai Sahai Eain told AFP. More faithful were drowned as they got jostled by the crowd into the sea. Ko Kyaw Thu, an emergency responder from Thanbyuzayat, told AFP that 15 bodies had been taken to hospital and three people were still missing. Local resident Nai Wona told AFP the causeway was not marked out clearly enough, making it hard to navigate. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 15 dead in Myanmar pagoda drowning

A research carried out by scientists from the University of Oxford has discovered a gene that doubles the risk of lung failure and death from the deadly coronavirus. Scientists have claimed that around 60 per cent of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15 per cent of people from European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene.

Professor James Davies, a geneticist at Oxford University’s Radcliffe Department of Medicine and a senior author of the paper said, "The genetic factor we have found explains why some people get very seriously ill after coronavirus infection … There’s a single gene that confers quite a significant risk to people of south Asian background."

The risky version of the gene is present in about 2 per cent&nbsp;of people from African-Caribbean backgrounds and 1.8 per cent&nbsp;of people of East Asian descent.

The study relies on previous works that identifies a large chunk of DNA that shows how COVID-19 can cause people to be severely ill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-experimental-covid-pill-reduces-hospitalisations-and-deaths-company-claims-426982">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer's experimental Covid pill reduces hospitalisations and deaths, company claims</a>

Meanwhile, Pfizer recently claimed that their experimental pill against the deadly coronavirus can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and deaths in high-risk patients.

The pharmaceutical company has revealed that the interim analysis before the end of the trial has shown that there is an 89 per cent decline in risk of hospitalisations and COID-19 deaths. However, the data has not been peer reviewed yet.

Pfizer has been testing this pill in high-risk adult Covid patients. In these trials, some of the volunteers have been given the pill combination while others have been given a placebo, within three to five days of the start of their symptoms.

A research carried out by scientists from the University of Oxford has discovered a gene that doubles the risk of lung failure and death from the deadly coronavirus.

A research carried out by scientists from the University of Oxford has discovered a gene that doubles the risk of lung failure and death from the deadly coronavirus. Scientists have claimed that around 60 per cent of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15 per cent of people from European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene. Professor James Davies, a geneticist at Oxford University’s Radcliffe Department of Medicine and a senior author of the paper said, "The genetic factor we have found explains why some people get very seriously ill after coronavirus infection … There’s a single gene that confers quite a significant risk to people of south Asian background." The risky version of the gene is present in about 2 per cent of people from African-Caribbean backgrounds and 1.8 per cent of people of East Asian descent. The study relies on previous works that identifies a large chunk of DNA that shows how COVID-19 can cause people to be severely ill. Also read | Pfizer's experimental Covid pill reduces hospitalisations and deaths, company claims Meanwhile, Pfizer recently claimed that their experimental pill against the deadly coronavirus can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and deaths in high-risk patients. The pharmaceutical company has revealed that the interim analysis before the end of the trial has shown that there is an 89 per cent decline in risk of hospitalisations and COID-19 deaths. However, the data has not been peer reviewed yet. Pfizer has been testing this pill in high-risk adult Covid patients. In these trials, some of the volunteers have been given the pill combination while others have been given a placebo, within three to five days of the start of their symptoms.

Common gene in South Asians can double the risk of death due to COVID-19

Backdrop

Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country. The myth of his statement was broken by another news of beheading of Mahjubin Hakimi, women volleyball player in Kabul, along with their interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani honouring and rewarding the suicide bombers who killed US and Afghan soldiers as ‘Martyrs’ and ‘Heroes of Islam’ in Kabul exposing reality at the same time. The people of Afghanistan especially women, children and minorities continue to suffer despite UN Resolution for their protection.

Realistic to consider Taliban 2.9 moderate?

With announcement of a caretaker government led by 18 UN designated terrorists, 30 Pashtuns out of 33 ministers, Taliban mocked the global community, UNSC, all world players and actors, who were propagating Taliban 2.0 to be moderate and reasonable, hoping for inclusive government. Even the expansion of the caretaker government to 50 ministers, saw no inclusion women and minimal inclusion of some minorities, the ministry of women affairs replaced by ministry of vice and virtue to discipline women. Ban on protests, women sports and scores of restrictions, public hanging, street justice through killings by fighters, are enough indicators of revival of barbaric laws of Taliban of 90s.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The desperate cries of Afghan women and attempts of people to throw babies out of Taliban-controlled land, shamed the world community, finding itself helpless due to varying interests, hiding behind “Wait and Watch” policy. All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations, stand junked as ‘Shariah Law’-like curbs are back in place, the most disgusting was listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years, to be married to Taliban fighters as reward, amputation on streets for wearing dress of choice, besides not allowing girl children to attend schools so far. Sportswomen have either sought asylum elsewhere or hiding to save their lives.&nbsp;

Some women did pick up courage to protest, but faced heavy crackdown. All women's activities in the sports, political and social spheres have almost ceased due to security concerns. Even if Taliban leaders pose moderate by falling back on 1964 Constitution, their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything less than Shariah Law. It is not possible for their leaders to survive against the wishes of their fighters, because they got into power due to them and the barrels can point them if they try anything else, in fragile Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Double-gaming the world community

Taliban 2.0 has been trained well by their Pakistani allies in the art of double-gaming the world community. Taliban kept promising its territory not to be used for terror activities against anyone, but it was prompt to release all ISIS cadres from jail the moment it entered Kabul, resulting series of attacks by IS(K) on foreigners, minorities, and innocents. The UN reports and inputs of most countries indicate largest conglomeration of terror groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region; hence, the appreciation of Taliban by some countries is politically motivated by their self-interest. Taliban Government itself has enough cadres of Haqqanis, al-Qaeda, ISIS, JeM, LeT and many other terror groups, who keep changing groups to improve their profile in terror industry. &nbsp;

The anxiety shown by Pakistan to make world recognise Taliban, and China urging to lift sanctions to meet financial needs of Taliban, may well prove to be a bad honeymoon. Taliban will not divorce TTP or ETIM, the impact of which are visible with increased attacks in Pakistan by TTP and will be felt by China, after they recognise the regime as Taliban is smart enough to wait on in exchange for a support from P5 nations.&nbsp;

Taliban doesn’t mind making false promise of discarding these groups and claim deniability for their action, replicating the model adopted by Pakistan of posing to help US, but helping Taliban simultaneously. Most countries including Russia are interacting with Taliban to prevent export of terrorists and refugees in their areas of interest/territory.

Taliban is threatening of humanitarian crisis if it is isolated or cash strapped, but the origin of this humanitarian crisis is Taliban-Pakistan nexus dislodging an elected government of Afghanistan by force and failing to put up a viable governance structure. The jubilation amongst Taliban and Pakistan of seemingly defeating the most powerful US and allied forces, ‘breaking shackles of slavery’ freedom to form a ‘Government, which is of the terrorists, by the terrorists, and for the terrorists’, has rejuvenated terrorism, fundamentalist ideology and self-belief in victory. The resultant hostage situation of people within, has muted the response of many, who otherwise could have been critical of blatant human right violations, leading to unprecedented human disaster. Notwithstanding this stark reality, the people in Afghanistan are suffering and they can’t be helped unless Taliban is spoken to. It has triggered comity of nations and UN to find out ways and means for delivering humanitarian assistance. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

How to Deliver Humanitarian Aid?

Taliban as per current behaviour doesn’t deserve recognition, legitimacy and a seat in United Nations. US should not open its treasury for Taliban after all the mocking and embarrassment. Last time when it was in power it was recognised only by three countries.&nbsp;

Humanitarian aid to it should be given in kind through UN agencies and not in cash, which is unlikely to reach the needy people. UN seems blackmailed to be pushing for financial aid to Taliban Government composed of many UN-designated terrorists, keeping humanitarian crisis in forefront or perhaps Chinese pressure? If cash has to be distributed, that too should be delivered through UN Agencies directly to people. Taliban needs to be given a hard choice either to accept these terms or manage the crisis and aftermath by itself and Pakistan offering 5 billion and China offering $31 million worth aid.&nbsp;

Taliban will have to accept these terms because the converse could be disastrous, as its not a popular regime and humanitarian crisis will soon turn into fresh wave of violence against Taliban and Pakistan. EU is offering one billion euros worth of aid, out of which 346 million euros worth has been sent. Countries offering aid including India (offering food grains and medicines) have to talk to Taliban, but talking does not mean recognition/legitimacy of the regime, which should be made amply clear.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country.

Backdrop Taliban’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Moscow Format meeting attended by 10 countries, held on October 20, 2021 assured that they have moved as quickly as possible on opening up their government, guaranteeing rights to women and Afghanistan will never allow its soil to be used as a base for anyone to threaten the security of another country. The myth of his statement was broken by another news of beheading of Mahjubin Hakimi, women volleyball player in Kabul, along with their interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani honouring and rewarding the suicide bombers who killed US and Afghan soldiers as ‘Martyrs’ and ‘Heroes of Islam’ in Kabul exposing reality at the same time. The people of Afghanistan especially women, children and minorities continue to suffer despite UN Resolution for their protection. Realistic to consider Taliban 2.9 moderate? With announcement of a caretaker government led by 18 UN designated terrorists, 30 Pashtuns out of 33 ministers, Taliban mocked the global community, UNSC, all world players and actors, who were propagating Taliban 2.0 to be moderate and reasonable, hoping for inclusive government. Even the expansion of the caretaker government to 50 ministers, saw no inclusion women and minimal inclusion of some minorities, the ministry of women affairs replaced by ministry of vice and virtue to discipline women. Ban on protests, women sports and scores of restrictions, public hanging, street justice through killings by fighters, are enough indicators of revival of barbaric laws of Taliban of 90s. The desperate cries of Afghan women and attempts of people to throw babies out of Taliban-controlled land, shamed the world community, finding itself helpless due to varying interests, hiding behind “Wait and Watch” policy. All promises of Taliban leaders that it is moderate Taliban 2021 capable of meeting people's aspirations, stand junked as ‘Shariah Law’-like curbs are back in place, the most disgusting was listing of single girls between 15 to 45 years, to be married to Taliban fighters as reward, amputation on streets for wearing dress of choice, besides not allowing girl children to attend schools so far. Sportswomen have either sought asylum elsewhere or hiding to save their lives. Some women did pick up courage to protest, but faced heavy crackdown. All women's activities in the sports, political and social spheres have almost ceased due to security concerns. Even if Taliban leaders pose moderate by falling back on 1964 Constitution, their fighters will not let the leaders settle down for anything less than Shariah Law. It is not possible for their leaders to survive against the wishes of their fighters, because they got into power due to them and the barrels can point them if they try anything else, in fragile Afghanistan. Double-gaming the world community Taliban 2.0 has been trained well by their Pakistani allies in the art of double-gaming the world community. Taliban kept promising its territory not to be used for terror activities against anyone, but it was prompt to release all ISIS cadres from jail the moment it entered Kabul, resulting series of attacks by IS(K) on foreigners, minorities, and innocents. The UN reports and inputs of most countries indicate largest conglomeration of terror groups in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region; hence, the appreciation of Taliban by some countries is politically motivated by their self-interest. Taliban Government itself has enough cadres of Haqqanis, al-Qaeda, ISIS, JeM, LeT and many other terror groups, who keep changing groups to improve their profile in terror industry. The anxiety shown by Pakistan to make world recognise Taliban, and China urging to lift sanctions to meet financial needs of Taliban, may well prove to be a bad honeymoon. Taliban will not divorce TTP or ETIM, the impact of which are visible with increased attacks in Pakistan by TTP and will be felt by China, after they recognise the regime as Taliban is smart enough to wait on in exchange for a support from P5 nations. Taliban doesn’t mind making false promise of discarding these groups and claim deniability for their action, replicating the model adopted by Pakistan of posing to help US, but helping Taliban simultaneously. Most countries including Russia are interacting with Taliban to prevent export of terrorists and refugees in their areas of interest/territory. Taliban is threatening of humanitarian crisis if it is isolated or cash strapped, but the origin of this humanitarian crisis is Taliban-Pakistan nexus dislodging an elected government of Afghanistan by force and failing to put up a viable governance structure. The jubilation amongst Taliban and Pakistan of seemingly defeating the most powerful US and allied forces, ‘breaking shackles of slavery’ freedom to form a ‘Government, which is of the terrorists, by the terrorists, and for the terrorists’, has rejuvenated terrorism, fundamentalist ideology and self-belief in victory. The resultant hostage situation of people within, has muted the response of many, who otherwise could have been critical of blatant human right violations, leading to unprecedented human disaster. Notwithstanding this stark reality, the people in Afghanistan are suffering and they can’t be helped unless Taliban is spoken to. It has triggered comity of nations and UN to find out ways and means for delivering humanitarian assistance. How to Deliver Humanitarian Aid? Taliban as per current behaviour doesn’t deserve recognition, legitimacy and a seat in United Nations. US should not open its treasury for Taliban after all the mocking and embarrassment. Last time when it was in power it was recognised only by three countries. Humanitarian aid to it should be given in kind through UN agencies and not in cash, which is unlikely to reach the needy people. UN seems blackmailed to be pushing for financial aid to Taliban Government composed of many UN-designated terrorists, keeping humanitarian crisis in forefront or perhaps Chinese pressure? If cash has to be distributed, that too should be delivered through UN Agencies directly to people. Taliban needs to be given a hard choice either to accept these terms or manage the crisis and aftermath by itself and Pakistan offering 5 billion and China offering $31 million worth aid. Taliban will have to accept these terms because the converse could be disastrous, as its not a popular regime and humanitarian crisis will soon turn into fresh wave of violence against Taliban and Pakistan. EU is offering one billion euros worth of aid, out of which 346 million euros worth has been sent. Countries offering aid including India (offering food grains and medicines) have to talk to Taliban, but talking does not mean recognition/legitimacy of the regime, which should be made amply clear. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Afghan Women hostage under Taliban rule despite promises

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark.

Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China.

India's status as a worldwide vaccine and biologics production powerhouse has grown because the government has been conducting a massive vaccination campaign for its massive eligible population. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

India plans to vaccinate all eligible residents by the start of the year 2022, but experts believe the effort must step up speed to reach the objective. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mammoth-covid-19-vaccination-drive-the-body-is-an-ambassador-car-but-the-engine-is-a-ferrari-422325">Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari</a>

Here is a statistical comparison of India's vaccination campaign to those of its neighbours:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Country</td>
			<td>Total Doses</td>
			<td>Per 100 people</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>India</td>
			<td>1,00,11,36,000</td>
			<td>72</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>100,399,945</td>
			<td>44.58</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bangladesh</td>
			<td>58,338,364</td>
			<td>35.08</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

(Data sources:Covidvax.live/continent/asia) 
 
In Pakistan, amid all the myths and misinformation regarding the jabs, vaccine reluctance is a genuine problem.

Anti-vaxxers in the Islamic nation are also using forged vaccination certificates to avoid government regulations against unvaccinated people.

Countries and areas with the highest incomes vaccinate their citizens more than 20 times quicker than those with the lowest incomes.

Just 2.7% of people in low-income nations have gotten at least one dosage.

The most recent global vaccination rate is 26,193,513 doses per day on average.

It will take another 6 months to cover 75% of the population at the current rate.

Around the world, almost 6.66 billion doses have been delivered in 184 countries. 47.5% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The most recent pace was around 26.2 million doses per day.

There have already been enough doses delivered to fully vaccinate 43.4 percent of the world's population, but the distribution has been uneven.

(With inputs from agencies)

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark. Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China.

Today, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered in India surpassed the one billion mark. Already, India has administered more vaccine doses than any other country in the world apart from China. India's status as a worldwide vaccine and biologics production powerhouse has grown because the government has been conducting a massive vaccination campaign for its massive eligible population. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone India plans to vaccinate all eligible residents by the start of the year 2022, but experts believe the effort must step up speed to reach the objective. Also read | India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari Here is a statistical comparison of India's vaccination campaign to those of its neighbours: Country Total Doses Per 100 people India 1,00,11,36,000 72 Pakistan 100,399,945 44.58 Bangladesh 58,338,364 35.08 (Data sources:Covidvax.live/continent/asia) In Pakistan, amid all the myths and misinformation regarding the jabs, vaccine reluctance is a genuine problem. Anti-vaxxers in the Islamic nation are also using forged vaccination certificates to avoid government regulations against unvaccinated people. Countries and areas with the highest incomes vaccinate their citizens more than 20 times quicker than those with the lowest incomes. Just 2.7% of people in low-income nations have gotten at least one dosage. The most recent global vaccination rate is 26,193,513 doses per day on average. It will take another 6 months to cover 75% of the population at the current rate. Around the world, almost 6.66 billion doses have been delivered in 184 countries. 47.5% of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The most recent pace was around 26.2 million doses per day. There have already been enough doses delivered to fully vaccinate 43.4 percent of the world's population, but the distribution has been uneven. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?

A monastery in India's Shimla is teaching Buddhist principles to young Tibetan lamas. The 9-year-long course will also teach them Maths, Computer Science and English. Watch this report for more details.

South Asia Diary | Indian monastery recruits Tibetan youth

China & Pakistan are aligning their policies to make the Taliban sway to their tunes. What does this nexus mean for South Asia? How worried should India be? Palki Sharma discusses the security repercussions with a special panel of guests.

Gravitas US Edition: What does the China-Pak-Taliban nexus mean for South Asia?

America's botch-up in Afghanistan has derailed the fight against terrorism. How will South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan? Palki Sharma discusses with a special panel of guests.

Gravitas US Edition: How should South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan?

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