R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22. Samson has been leading the RR franchise since IPL 2021 and led them to the final in IPL 2022. In IPL 2023, the Royals ended fifth and narrowly missed out on entering the playoffs. Ashwin, who has been part of the Royals since 2022, feels Samson is a phenomenal leader and also dwelled on his on and off-field bond with the keeper-batter.

Speaking to Star Sports, Ashwin told, "On the field, I try and give him inputs as I see how the game is panning out. However, that relationship off the field doesn’t come on the field. It’s generally that younger brother, elder brother sort of a relationship off it. On the field, we are able to switch off."

He further opined, "I do what he wants and give my inputs and then he takes what he wants and gets on with it. I find Sanju as a young captain, he is able to differentiate, and demarcate both which is phenomenal."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-odi-world-cup-winning-captain-pat-cummins-named-sunrisers-hyderabad-skipper-696341">IPL 2024: ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins named Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper</a>

Ashwin added, "Sanju is extremely funny off the field. I am not sure a lot of people understand that or probably know that. It’s a problem of perfection a lot of people battle how you see someone on the ground and how they are off it, it’s completely different."&nbsp;

At present, Samson is gearing up for IPL 2024 whereas Ashwin is currently part of the Indian team who will take on England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. He will join the Samson-starrer RR franchise soon after the end of the India-England Test series.&nbsp;

RR squad for IPL 2024

Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.&nbsp;

R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22.

R Ashwin heaped praise on Sanju Samson and has labelled the young Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain as 'phenomenal' ahead of the Indian premier League (IPL) 2024 edition, which gets underway on March 22. Samson has been leading the RR franchise since IPL 2021 and led them to the final in IPL 2022. In IPL 2023, the Royals ended fifth and narrowly missed out on entering the playoffs. Ashwin, who has been part of the Royals since 2022, feels Samson is a phenomenal leader and also dwelled on his on and off-field bond with the keeper-batter. Speaking to Star Sports, Ashwin told, "On the field, I try and give him inputs as I see how the game is panning out. However, that relationship off the field doesn’t come on the field. It’s generally that younger brother, elder brother sort of a relationship off it. On the field, we are able to switch off." He further opined, "I do what he wants and give my inputs and then he takes what he wants and gets on with it. I find Sanju as a young captain, he is able to differentiate, and demarcate both which is phenomenal." Also read: IPL 2024: ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins named Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ashwin added, "Sanju is extremely funny off the field. I am not sure a lot of people understand that or probably know that. It’s a problem of perfection a lot of people battle how you see someone on the ground and how they are off it, it’s completely different." At present, Samson is gearing up for IPL 2024 whereas Ashwin is currently part of the Indian team who will take on England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting on March 7. He will join the Samson-starrer RR franchise soon after the end of the India-England Test series. RR squad for IPL 2024 Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.

On Zoom work call, US woman gets shot fatally by toddler: Police 

Mexico has filed a lawsuit against US gun-makers, accusing them of promoting arms trafficking. American guns are used by miscreants and cartels in Mexico. Will the US crackdown on its favourite industry? Or will the war romance persist? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Mexico sues American gun-makers

A survey by US census bureau has revealed that America's white population has shrunk for the first time in history. It went from 196 million in 2010 to 191million in 2020. Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report on the findings.

Gravitas: America's Race Census 2021

America & Britain have deployed additional troops to oversee the evacuation of their nationals from Afghanistan. Has the West given up on preventing a Taliban takeover? Are they now focused on abandoning the ship? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Afghans suffer for America's mistakes

The United States authorised an extra dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people with&nbsp;weakened&nbsp;immune&nbsp;systems&nbsp;overnight Thursday to Friday, as the country struggles to thwart the Delta variant.

Emergency use authorisation for a third injection of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines was granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulator.

"The country has entered yet another wave of the&nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease," said acting&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock in a statement.

The FDA said the additional dose was for solid organ transplant recipients or&nbsp;those&nbsp;with equivalent&nbsp;weakened&nbsp;immune&nbsp;systems.

US health authorities had been debating whether a third dose may be required, following a similar move by Israel.

Some media reports suggest that one million Americans may have had unauthorised third doses in an attempt to increase protection against the coronavirus.

"Individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine at this time," Woodcook said.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee voted in favour of the decision on Friday, with the agency subsequently publishing its recommendations for the administration of a third dose for use by healthcare professionals.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/admin/structure/entityqueue">Also read | Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers</a>

However, the committee said people who received the Johnson &amp; Johnson single-dose vaccine, a minority of the US population, were not included in the decision due to lack of available data.

&nbsp;Booster moratorium call

Earlier this month, the United States rejected an appeal from the World Health Organization for a moratorium on booster shots to help ease the drastic inequity in dose distribution between rich and poor nations.

More than 619,000 people have died in the United States from&nbsp;COVID-19, with case numbers increasing sharply in recent months due to the spread of the Delta variant.

The country's rapid vaccination program hit resistance in politically conservative regions in the South and Midwest, among&nbsp;those&nbsp;with lower incomes and racial minorities.

But officials this week hailed recent progress, with a half million people getting newly vaccinated every day, and improved take-up among teenagers and in virus hotspots such as Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

After the FDA ruling, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said it was "promising" that studies demonstrated a third dose could help immunocompromised people.

COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;are free and widely available in the United States, though only half of the total population is fully vaccinated.

"Right now at this moment, other than the&nbsp;immune&nbsp;compromised, we're not going to be giving&nbsp;boosters&nbsp;to people," top US&nbsp;COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci told NBC on Thursday.

"But we will be following them very carefully, and if they do need it, we'll be ready to give it to them... inevitably there will be a time when we will have to give boosts."

Scientists on the CDC committee will meet again at the end of August to review data on the potential of recommending a third dose for other population groups, including adults over 65 years of age, long-term nursing home residents and health care professionals.

These populations were among the first to receive a vaccine in the United States and health authorities want to study whether their level of protection against&nbsp;Covid-19 has eroded over time.

Any such decision, however, would "need to focus on the prevention of severe disease, hospitalisation and death," said Sara Oliver, a physician with the CDC.

President Joe Biden announced in July that all federal employees must attest to being vaccinated&nbsp;or face tough restrictions, such as regular testing, amid a surge in hospitalisations.

Propelled by the highly contagious Delta variant, coronavirus infections have soared to a daily average of more than 100,000, a level not seen since the winter surge.

The United States authorised an extra dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems overnight Thursday to Friday, as the country struggles to thwart the Delta variant.

The United States authorised an extra dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems overnight Thursday to Friday, as the country struggles to thwart the Delta variant. Emergency use authorisation for a third injection of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines was granted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulator. "The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease," said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock in a statement. The FDA said the additional dose was for solid organ transplant recipients or those with equivalent weakened immune systems. US health authorities had been debating whether a third dose may be required, following a similar move by Israel. Some media reports suggest that one million Americans may have had unauthorised third doses in an attempt to increase protection against the coronavirus. "Individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time," Woodcook said. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee voted in favour of the decision on Friday, with the agency subsequently publishing its recommendations for the administration of a third dose for use by healthcare professionals. Also read | Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers However, the committee said people who received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, a minority of the US population, were not included in the decision due to lack of available data. Booster moratorium call Earlier this month, the United States rejected an appeal from the World Health Organization for a moratorium on booster shots to help ease the drastic inequity in dose distribution between rich and poor nations. More than 619,000 people have died in the United States from COVID-19, with case numbers increasing sharply in recent months due to the spread of the Delta variant. The country's rapid vaccination program hit resistance in politically conservative regions in the South and Midwest, among those with lower incomes and racial minorities. But officials this week hailed recent progress, with a half million people getting newly vaccinated every day, and improved take-up among teenagers and in virus hotspots such as Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. After the FDA ruling, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said it was "promising" that studies demonstrated a third dose could help immunocompromised people. COVID-19 vaccines are free and widely available in the United States, though only half of the total population is fully vaccinated. "Right now at this moment, other than the immune compromised, we're not going to be giving boosters to people," top US COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci told NBC on Thursday. "But we will be following them very carefully, and if they do need it, we'll be ready to give it to them... inevitably there will be a time when we will have to give boosts." Scientists on the CDC committee will meet again at the end of August to review data on the potential of recommending a third dose for other population groups, including adults over 65 years of age, long-term nursing home residents and health care professionals. These populations were among the first to receive a vaccine in the United States and health authorities want to study whether their level of protection against Covid-19 has eroded over time. Any such decision, however, would "need to focus on the prevention of severe disease, hospitalisation and death," said Sara Oliver, a physician with the CDC. President Joe Biden announced in July that all federal employees must attest to being vaccinated or face tough restrictions, such as regular testing, amid a surge in hospitalisations. Propelled by the highly contagious Delta variant, coronavirus infections have soared to a daily average of more than 100,000, a level not seen since the winter surge.

US authorises COVID-19 boosters for those with weakened immune systems

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a&nbsp;new&nbsp;terrorism&nbsp;threat&nbsp;advisory on Friday&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of the&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the September&nbsp;11&nbsp;terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The National&nbsp;Terrorism&nbsp;Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened&nbsp;threat&nbsp;environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences."

It cited increased use of "online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity."

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;advisory updated a January alert following the attack on the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, when DHS said the country faced "increasingly complex and volatile" threats from anti-government and racially motivated extremists, often stirred up by online influence from abroad.

The bulletin had already been amended in May, with DHS&nbsp;warning&nbsp;violent extremists could exploit the easing of Covid-19 restrictions to conduct attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/businesses-in-portland-oregon-close-early-amid-scorching-heat-405201">Also read |&nbsp;Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat</a>

"Extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of Covid-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks," the DHS advisory said, adding that "pandemic-related stressors... may contribute to more violence this year."

Despite a rapid vaccination program, coronavirus case numbers have increased sharply in recent months in the United States due to the spread of the Delta variant, prompting&nbsp;new&nbsp;health measures.

The advisory, which expires on November&nbsp;11, also noted that in the lead-up to the 20th&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;of the September&nbsp;11&nbsp;attacks, the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), had put out an English-language version of its propaganda "Inspire" magazine for the first time in over four years.&nbsp;

This "demonstrates that foreign terrorist organisations continue efforts to inspire US-based individuals susceptible to violent extremist influences," DHS said.

The United States, which considers AQAP the terror group's most dangerous branch, has carried out a campaign of drone strikes against its fighters in Yemen since soon after the&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;attacks.&nbsp;

DHS was established after&nbsp;9/11&nbsp;and regularly&nbsp;issues&nbsp;terrorism&nbsp;threat&nbsp;advisories.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a new terrorism threat advisory on Friday ahead of the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued a new terrorism threat advisory on Friday ahead of the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks and amid a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin said the United States faces a "heightened threat environment" from both domestic terrorists "and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences." It cited increased use of "online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity." The new advisory updated a January alert following the attack on the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, when DHS said the country faced "increasingly complex and volatile" threats from anti-government and racially motivated extremists, often stirred up by online influence from abroad. The bulletin had already been amended in May, with DHS warning violent extremists could exploit the easing of Covid-19 restrictions to conduct attacks. Also read | Businesses in Portland, Oregon, close early amid scorching heat "Extremists may seek to exploit the emergence of Covid-19 variants by viewing the potential re-establishment of public health restrictions across the United States as a rationale to conduct attacks," the DHS advisory said, adding that "pandemic-related stressors... may contribute to more violence this year." Despite a rapid vaccination program, coronavirus case numbers have increased sharply in recent months in the United States due to the spread of the Delta variant, prompting new health measures. The advisory, which expires on November 11, also noted that in the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), had put out an English-language version of its propaganda "Inspire" magazine for the first time in over four years. This "demonstrates that foreign terrorist organisations continue efforts to inspire US-based individuals susceptible to violent extremist influences," DHS said. The United States, which considers AQAP the terror group's most dangerous branch, has carried out a campaign of drone strikes against its fighters in Yemen since soon after the 9/11 attacks. DHS was established after 9/11 and regularly issues terrorism threat advisories.

US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary

July has been termed as the 'world’s hottest month ever recorded, as confirmed by US government scientists.

This provides a further indication of the unfolding climate crisis that is affecting almost every part of the planet.

The global land and ocean surface temperature last month was one degree Celsius, 0.9C (1.6F), hotter than the 20th-century average of 15.8C (60.4F), making it the hottest month since modern record-keeping began 142 years ago.

Asia had its hottest July on record, besting the previous record set in 2010. Europe had its second-hottest July on record-tying with July 2010 and trailing behind July 2018, and North America, South America, Africa and Oceania all had a top-10 warmest July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-new-terrorism-threat-warning-ahead-of-911-anniversary-405276">Also read |&nbsp;US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary</a>

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D, in a statement said, "Scientists from across the globe delivered the most up-to-date assessment of the ways in which the climate is changing".

"Spinrad said in a statement. "It is a sobering IPCC report that finds that human influence is, unequivocally, causing climate change, and it confirms the impacts are widespread and rapidly intensifying."

The Noaa climate report has also found that Arctic sea ice extent was more than 18 per cent below an average set between 1981 to 2010, the fourth smallest extent since satellite records began in 1979.

It is now “very likely” that 2021 will rank among the 10 hottest years ever recorded, Noaa stated.

July has been termed as the 'world’s hottest month ever recorded, as confirmed by US government scientists. This provides a further indication of the unfolding climate crisis that is affecting almost every part of the planet.

July has been termed as the 'world’s hottest month ever recorded, as confirmed by US government scientists. This provides a further indication of the unfolding climate crisis that is affecting almost every part of the planet. The global land and ocean surface temperature last month was one degree Celsius, 0.9C (1.6F), hotter than the 20th-century average of 15.8C (60.4F), making it the hottest month since modern record-keeping began 142 years ago. Asia had its hottest July on record, besting the previous record set in 2010. Europe had its second-hottest July on record-tying with July 2010 and trailing behind July 2018, and North America, South America, Africa and Oceania all had a top-10 warmest July. Also read | US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D, in a statement said, "Scientists from across the globe delivered the most up-to-date assessment of the ways in which the climate is changing". "Spinrad said in a statement. "It is a sobering IPCC report that finds that human influence is, unequivocally, causing climate change, and it confirms the impacts are widespread and rapidly intensifying." The Noaa climate report has also found that Arctic sea ice extent was more than 18 per cent below an average set between 1981 to 2010, the fourth smallest extent since satellite records began in 1979. It is now “very likely” that 2021 will rank among the 10 hottest years ever recorded, Noaa stated.

July was world’s hottest month ever recorded: US scientists

In a letter to US President Joe Biden,&nbsp;Congressman Mike Waltz&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the administration to take immediate steps to provide assistance to the&nbsp;Afghan people in fight against the Taliban. He said it is time to&nbsp;make significant changes to the regional strategy.&nbsp;

Waltz asked&nbsp;Biden to&nbsp;provide military resources to assist the Afghan National Security Forces,&nbsp;including air support to&nbsp;check&nbsp;the Taliban offensive. The&nbsp;congressman also asked to&nbsp;immediately cut off aid to Pakistan and consider sanctions, and ask for Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad’s resignation “due to his catastrophic diplomatic strategy.”&nbsp;

Waltz&nbsp;wrote,&nbsp;“The Afghan Government and its people desperately need our help and I urge you to reverse course and provide military resources to assist the Afghan National Security Forces.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;an Afghan lawmaker says the Taliban have captured Logar province, just south of the capital, Kabul.&nbsp;Homa Ahmadi, a lawmaker form Logar, says that Taliban control the entire province, including its capital, and reached a district in the neighbouring Kabul province on Saturday.&nbsp;

That puts the insurgents less than 80 kilometers south of the nation's capital. The Taliban have also captured much of northern, western and southern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Taliban launched a multi-pronged assault early on Saturday on Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city in northern Afghanistan defended by powerful former warlords.&nbsp;

Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor in northern Balkh province, said the Taliban attacked the city from several directions setting off heavy fighting on its outskirts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a letter to US President Joe Biden, Congressman Mike Waltz on Friday urged the administration to take immediate steps to provide assistance to the Afghan people in fight against the Taliban.

In a letter to US President Joe Biden, Congressman Mike Waltz on Friday urged the administration to take immediate steps to provide assistance to the Afghan people in fight against the Taliban. He said it is time to make significant changes to the regional strategy. Waltz asked Biden to provide military resources to assist the Afghan National Security Forces, including air support to check the Taliban offensive. The congressman also asked to immediately cut off aid to Pakistan and consider sanctions, and ask for Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad’s resignation “due to his catastrophic diplomatic strategy.” Waltz wrote, “The Afghan Government and its people desperately need our help and I urge you to reverse course and provide military resources to assist the Afghan National Security Forces.” Meanwhile, an Afghan lawmaker says the Taliban have captured Logar province, just south of the capital, Kabul. Homa Ahmadi, a lawmaker form Logar, says that Taliban control the entire province, including its capital, and reached a district in the neighbouring Kabul province on Saturday. That puts the insurgents less than 80 kilometers south of the nation's capital. The Taliban have also captured much of northern, western and southern Afghanistan. The Taliban launched a multi-pronged assault early on Saturday on Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city in northern Afghanistan defended by powerful former warlords. Munir Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor in northern Balkh province, said the Taliban attacked the city from several directions setting off heavy fighting on its outskirts. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmaker asks Biden to change course as Taliban reach near Kabul 

The security situation in Afghanistan is worsening. As the Taliban continues to make territorial gains, the US is deploying 3000 US troops to Kabul airport help to evacuate the American embassy in Afghanistan.

Taliban continues to make territorial gains in Afghanistan

A toddler found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside an apartment and fatally shot her mother who was on a work-related video call, said police in central Florida.

As per the news outlet, the woman was shot in the head on Wednesday.&nbsp;

After the incident, someone on the video call dialled 911 after seeing the toddler in the background and hearing a noise.

The woman, identified as 21-year-old Shamaya Lynn, fell backwards and never returned to the video call, the person reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-locks-citizens-behind-iron-bars-as-delta-variant-surge-405157">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge</a>

The police stated, "Officers and paramedics did their best in rendering aid to Mrs. Lynn, but she was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head".

Investigators are working with the Seminole County State Attorney's Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

A toddler found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside an apartment and fatally shot her mother who was on a work-related video call, said police in central Florida.

A toddler found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside an apartment and fatally shot her mother who was on a work-related video call, said police in central Florida. As per the news outlet, the woman was shot in the head on Wednesday. After the incident, someone on the video call dialled 911 after seeing the toddler in the background and hearing a noise. The woman, identified as 21-year-old Shamaya Lynn, fell backwards and never returned to the video call, the person reported. Also read | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge The police stated, "Officers and paramedics did their best in rendering aid to Mrs. Lynn, but she was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head". Investigators are working with the Seminole County State Attorney's Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

US toddler fatally shoots 21-year-old mom who was on video work call

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal&nbsp;from&nbsp;Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday announced that some 600 troops would help evacuate British nationals&nbsp;from&nbsp;the country, as the Islamists seize more control.

But he told Sky News television the US decision to withdraw troops "leaves a very big problem on the ground", handing momentum to the Taliban.

He predicted it would benefit Al-Qaeda, who were given safe haven by the Taliban before the September 11, 2001 attacks that prompted the West's 20-year involvement in&nbsp;Afghanistan.

"I'm absolutely worried that failed states are breeding grounds for those type of people," he added.

"Of course Al-Qaeda will probably come back," he said, warning that would lead to "a security threat to us and our interests."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-protesters-clash-with-pak-forces-after-man-dies-waiting-to-enter-spin-boldak-405191">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak</a>

"I felt that that was a&nbsp;mistake&nbsp;to have done it that way, that we'll all as an international community probably pay the consequences of that," Wallace said of the Doha agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban.

The agreement, signed under former US president Donald Trump last year, left Britain with no choice but to withdraw its troops, he said.

The 600 British troops being sent to&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;to help with repatriation is close to the 750 Britain had in the country before the withdrawal.

They will help up to 3,000 British nationals leave, Wallace said.

The minister's critical comments about the withdrawal were among several&nbsp;from&nbsp;senior politicians and military top brass.

'Total betrayal'

The chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in parliament, Tom Tugendhat, told the BBC: "We've just pulled the rug&nbsp;from&nbsp;under them," referring to the Afghan people.

The Conservative MP added that Britain's need to send in more troops to facilitate its withdrawal was "a sure sign of failure".

Former international development minister Rory Stewart called the troop withdrawal "a total betrayal by the US and by the&nbsp;UK" that risked triggering a civil war between rival warlords currently defending against the Taliban.

Johnny Mercer, a Conservative MP and former veterans minister who served in&nbsp;Afghanistan, called the withdrawal "a disgrace".

"I think it's humiliating for the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;military, for the families who lost individuals over there but above all it's a huge tragedy for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan, who've been through so much over so many years," he told Times Radio.

"We've chosen this defeat and it's shameful."

The leader of Northern Ireland's Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie, served three tours in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;with the British Army, said ordinary Afghans would pay the price.

"We raised the expectations of the Afghan people that we would create something better for them," he told Irish state broadcaster RTE.

"And we're going to dash it by our inactivity... We have made strategic failures, and the latest one is to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;as quickly as we have and without a political settlement."

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world.

Britain on Friday slammed the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, warning the Taliban's resurgence would create a breeding ground for extremists that threatened the world. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday announced that some 600 troops would help evacuate British nationals from the country, as the Islamists seize more control. But he told Sky News television the US decision to withdraw troops "leaves a very big problem on the ground", handing momentum to the Taliban. He predicted it would benefit Al-Qaeda, who were given safe haven by the Taliban before the September 11, 2001 attacks that prompted the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan. "I'm absolutely worried that failed states are breeding grounds for those type of people," he added. "Of course Al-Qaeda will probably come back," he said, warning that would lead to "a security threat to us and our interests." Also read | Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak "I felt that that was a mistake to have done it that way, that we'll all as an international community probably pay the consequences of that," Wallace said of the Doha agreement signed between the United States and the Taliban. The agreement, signed under former US president Donald Trump last year, left Britain with no choice but to withdraw its troops, he said. The 600 British troops being sent to Afghanistan to help with repatriation is close to the 750 Britain had in the country before the withdrawal. They will help up to 3,000 British nationals leave, Wallace said. The minister's critical comments about the withdrawal were among several from senior politicians and military top brass. 'Total betrayal' The chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in parliament, Tom Tugendhat, told the BBC: "We've just pulled the rug from under them," referring to the Afghan people. The Conservative MP added that Britain's need to send in more troops to facilitate its withdrawal was "a sure sign of failure". Former international development minister Rory Stewart called the troop withdrawal "a total betrayal by the US and by the UK" that risked triggering a civil war between rival warlords currently defending against the Taliban. Johnny Mercer, a Conservative MP and former veterans minister who served in Afghanistan, called the withdrawal "a disgrace". "I think it's humiliating for the UK military, for the families who lost individuals over there but above all it's a huge tragedy for the people of Afghanistan, who've been through so much over so many years," he told Times Radio. "We've chosen this defeat and it's shameful." The leader of Northern Ireland's Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie, served three tours in Afghanistan with the British Army, said ordinary Afghans would pay the price. "We raised the expectations of the Afghan people that we would create something better for them," he told Irish state broadcaster RTE. "And we're going to dash it by our inactivity... We have made strategic failures, and the latest one is to leave Afghanistan as quickly as we have and without a political settlement."

UK says US pullout from Afghanistan a 'mistake'

An "unprecedented"&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;were intercepted illegally crossing the US-Mexico&nbsp;border&nbsp;in July, the head of America's Homeland Security department has said.

Border&nbsp;guards recorded more than 200,000 instances of people attempting to enter the United States during the month, according to US&nbsp;Customs&nbsp;and&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Protection.

"We are encountering an&nbsp;unprecedented&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;in between the ports of entry at our southern&nbsp;border," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told a press conference in Texas Thursday.

"The situation at the&nbsp;border&nbsp;is one of the toughest challenges we face. It is complicated, changing and involves vulnerable people at a time of a global pandemic."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-covid-19-china-locks-citizens-behind-iron-bars-as-delta-variant-surge-405157">Also read |&nbsp;Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge</a>

Migrant arrivals to the United States declined markedly during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic but began to pick up later in 2020, before surging since President Joe Biden took office.

The latest figures demonstrate a deviation from seasonal trends. Punishingly hot summer weather usually sees the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;attempting to&nbsp;cross&nbsp;decrease.

Border&nbsp;authorities also said the&nbsp;number&nbsp;of unaccompanied children increased 24 percent in July, to just under 19,000, from the previous month.

A significant&nbsp;number&nbsp;of expulsions during the pandemic has also contributed to "a larger-than-usual&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;making multiple&nbsp;border&nbsp;crossing attempts."

An "unprecedented" number of migrants were intercepted illegally crossing the US-Mexico border in July, the head of America's Homeland Security department has said.

An "unprecedented" number of migrants were intercepted illegally crossing the US-Mexico border in July, the head of America's Homeland Security department has said. Border guards recorded more than 200,000 instances of people attempting to enter the United States during the month, according to US Customs and Border Protection. "We are encountering an unprecedented number of migrants in between the ports of entry at our southern border," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told a press conference in Texas Thursday. "The situation at the border is one of the toughest challenges we face. It is complicated, changing and involves vulnerable people at a time of a global pandemic." Also read | Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge Migrant arrivals to the United States declined markedly during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic but began to pick up later in 2020, before surging since President Joe Biden took office. The latest figures demonstrate a deviation from seasonal trends. Punishingly hot summer weather usually sees the number of migrants attempting to cross decrease. Border authorities also said the number of unaccompanied children increased 24 percent in July, to just under 19,000, from the previous month. A significant number of expulsions during the pandemic has also contributed to "a larger-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts."

'Unprecedented' number of migrants cross Mexico border: US govt

US has become the latest country to approve a COVID booster shot to vulnerable people under new rules. US health authorities are in talks with Moderna and Pfizer. Those eligible include cancer, HIV patients, and organ recipients.

US becomes latest country to approve COVID booster shot to vulnerable people

Poland is looking at a more difficult relationship with two allies, the United States and Israel after lawmakers approved separate bills on foreign ownership of media and affecting the property rights of Holocaust survivors’ families.

Media, Holocaust bills test Poland’s ties with US, Israel

Iran's new Foreign Minister is a hardliner. He has close ties with the Revolutionary Armed Guards. He also enjoyed the patronage of former commander Qasem Soleimani. Palki Sharma introduces you to Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Gravitas: Hossein Amir-Abdollahian appointed as Iran's Foreign Minister

Florida's health care system is crippling. COVID cases in Florida have surged in the past 6 months. Florida has the worst inoculation rate in the US.

Health care system cripples in Florida as COVID cases surge

To celebrate the 75th Independence day, an organisation representing the Indian diaspora in the US has said it will be hoisting the biggest tricolour at Times Square in New York on August 15.

The magnificent flag will be unfurled by the consul general of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, according to the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

This ceremony will be a part of the day-long celebrations organised by FIA on August 15.

Also, the first India Day billboard at Times Square will be displayed for 24 hours, and, the Empire State Building will be lit in the colours of the Indian tricolour.

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The day will end with a gala cruise on the Hudson River to be attended by top government officials, special guests and members of the Indian American community.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isros-eos-3-satellite-launch-on-gslv-mk2-rocket-fails-350-seconds-after-launch-404761">Also read |&nbsp;ISRO’s EOS-3 satellite launch on GSLV Mk2 rocket fails 350 seconds after launch</a>

An Independence Day message will also be displayed on the largest Jumbotron at Times Square for 24 hours.

Anil Bansal, FIA president, revealed that the organisation will also hoist the tricolour at the State Capital in Rhode Island.

As per the reports by PTI, &nbsp;Indian American sporting icons Abhimanyu Mishra, who at 12 is the youngest Grandmaster in chess history, and 17-year-old Samir Banerjee, who made history by winning the Wimbledon boys’ singles final last month, will be honoured at the event.&nbsp;

Mishra and Banerjee, who are from New Jersey, are expected to be present at the event Sunday.

To celebrate the 75th Independence day, an organisation representing the Indian diaspora in the US has said it will be hoisting the biggest tricolour at Times Square in New York on August 15.

To celebrate the 75th Independence day, an organisation representing the Indian diaspora in the US has said it will be hoisting the biggest tricolour at Times Square in New York on August 15. The magnificent flag will be unfurled by the consul general of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, according to the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). This ceremony will be a part of the day-long celebrations organised by FIA on August 15. Also, the first India Day billboard at Times Square will be displayed for 24 hours, and, the Empire State Building will be lit in the colours of the Indian tricolour. Watch: Indian Flag hoisted at New York's times square https://t.co/rIv4TyG9Um pic.twitter.com/nUCwGdmogJ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 15, 2020 × The day will end with a gala cruise on the Hudson River to be attended by top government officials, special guests and members of the Indian American community. Also read | ISRO’s EOS-3 satellite launch on GSLV Mk2 rocket fails 350 seconds after launch An Independence Day message will also be displayed on the largest Jumbotron at Times Square for 24 hours. Anil Bansal, FIA president, revealed that the organisation will also hoist the tricolour at the State Capital in Rhode Island. As per the reports by PTI, Indian American sporting icons Abhimanyu Mishra, who at 12 is the youngest Grandmaster in chess history, and 17-year-old Samir Banerjee, who made history by winning the Wimbledon boys’ singles final last month, will be honoured at the event. Mishra and Banerjee, who are from New Jersey, are expected to be present at the event Sunday.

Indian diaspora organisation to hoist biggest tricolour at Times Square on Independence Day

Chinese embassy spokesperson has said that the US should stop "meddling" in China's internal affairs on the pretext of the Tibetan issue. Mr Keshap said that the US supports the religious freedom and the preservation of cultural and linguistic identities of the Tibetan people and it respects the Dalai Lama's vision for equal rights of all people.

US should stop "meddling" in China's internal affairs, says spox of Chinese embassy

The fall of Andrew Cuomo is more than a New York story. It is a story about abuse of power- both at political offices and in newsrooms. The scandal exposed the nexus between American networks like CNN and powerful men like Cuomo. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: The fall of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement.

He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions".

"Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said.

He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country.

Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year.

Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August.

On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus.

Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics.

Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May.

But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement. He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions". "Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said. He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country. Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year. Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August. On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus. Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics. Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May. But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus tells US to cut diplomatic presence after sanctions

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

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

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

US, China trade barbs at UN over South China Sea

South Korean and US will go ahead with joint military drills this week. Despite a warning from North Korea that the drills will set back progress in improving inter-Korean relations. Commenting on the drills, Kim Yo Jong sister of North Korean politician Kim Jong Un had said, "The drills are an unwelcome, self-destructive action" that threaten the North Korean people and raise tensions on the Korean peninsula.

South Korea, US go ahead with joint military drills despite warning from North Korea

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> spreads coast-to-coast.

As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases. Bloomberg reports that new cases in the US topped 761,216 in the week ended Sunday, the highest number since early February.

Efforts to mitigate the disease are falling short, the number of unvaccinated patients in intensive care is similar to the winter wave.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-citizens-against-travel-to-france-over-covid-concerns-404436">US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns</a>

In the US, Delta began its march in Ozarks and the south, in regions and states with low vaccination rates. However, the surge shows that even the best-vaccinated areas do not have sufficient immunity to prevent the easy-to-spread variant.

Delta wave experts say there won't be the same death toll as last year as vaccinated individuals are much less likely to die than those who are unvaccinated.&nbsp;

Vaccinated areas have generally seen a relatively slow increase in hospitalisations. However, the waves for these infections are just beginning, and sometimes it can take weeks to send people to the ICU.

As a result, there's little doubt the pandemic isn't over with America, and even less so in places where people have refused vaccinations or ignored mask mandates and other safety measures.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recorded-highest-new-covid-19-cases-worldwide-in-past-week-who-401286">US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO</a>

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, hospital utilisation nationwide is expected to rise in the coming weeks, and there are already too few people to take care of patients.

Although vaccination rates have risen as a result of concerns about the Delta variant, millions of people remain sceptical about the vaccine, especially in conservative-leaning areas.

According to Ajay Sethi, an associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin, halting transmission would require 90 per cent vaccination, which is impossible since children under 12 are not eligible for shots.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covid patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the Delta variant spreads coast-to-coast. As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases.

Covid patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the Delta variant spreads coast-to-coast. As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases. Bloomberg reports that new cases in the US topped 761,216 in the week ended Sunday, the highest number since early February. Efforts to mitigate the disease are falling short, the number of unvaccinated patients in intensive care is similar to the winter wave. Also read | US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns In the US, Delta began its march in Ozarks and the south, in regions and states with low vaccination rates. However, the surge shows that even the best-vaccinated areas do not have sufficient immunity to prevent the easy-to-spread variant. Delta wave experts say there won't be the same death toll as last year as vaccinated individuals are much less likely to die than those who are unvaccinated. Vaccinated areas have generally seen a relatively slow increase in hospitalisations. However, the waves for these infections are just beginning, and sometimes it can take weeks to send people to the ICU. As a result, there's little doubt the pandemic isn't over with America, and even less so in places where people have refused vaccinations or ignored mask mandates and other safety measures. Also read | US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, hospital utilisation nationwide is expected to rise in the coming weeks, and there are already too few people to take care of patients. Although vaccination rates have risen as a result of concerns about the Delta variant, millions of people remain sceptical about the vaccine, especially in conservative-leaning areas. According to Ajay Sethi, an associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin, halting transmission would require 90 per cent vaccination, which is impossible since children under 12 are not eligible for shots. (With inputs from agencies)

US hospitals overwhelmed as cases of Delta variant caused covid reported

The latest covid outbreak continues to make alarming inroads across the US. Experts say children are now more likely to get infected with COVID-19. The latest surge has been fuelled by a highly contagious delta variant.

COVID surge continues to make alarming inroads across US

The US State Department has advised Americans to avoid all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to&nbsp;France&nbsp;over&nbsp;rising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases</a> in the country.

France&nbsp;is battling a fourth wave of the virus even though&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> hospitalisations are still way off previous highs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-imposes-new-covid-restrictions-to-curb-rising-cases-402767">France imposes new Covid restrictions to curb rising cases</a>

The State Department issued a "Level 4: Do Not&nbsp;Travel" advisory for&nbsp;France&nbsp;on Monday, based on a parallel warning from the US Centers for Disease Control, the country's top medical body.

"If you must&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to&nbsp;France, make sure you are fully vaccinated before&nbsp;travel," the CDC said.

France&nbsp;has recorded more than 6 million cases and 111,000 deaths in total, and daily cases have crept back up to around 20,000 a day while deaths remain low compared to the height of the pandemic.

A total of 74 million vaccine doses have been administered in&nbsp;France, according to the World Health Organization, and&nbsp;over&nbsp;55 per cent of the eligible population have received both vaccine doses.

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It has also enforced a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;pass for routine aspects of life.

Anger at President Emmanuel Macron's controversial plan to squeeze infections and encourage vaccinations has seen large protests recently, though polls have shown that a clear majority of French back the&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;pass, even including the extension this week to cafes and restaurants.

The US State Department has advised Americans to avoid all travel to France over rising coronavirus cases in the country. France is battling a fourth wave of the virus even though COVID-19 hospitalisations are still way off previous highs.

The US State Department has advised Americans to avoid all travel to France over rising coronavirus cases in the country. France is battling a fourth wave of the virus even though COVID-19 hospitalisations are still way off previous highs. Also read | France imposes new Covid restrictions to curb rising cases The State Department issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for France on Monday, based on a parallel warning from the US Centers for Disease Control, the country's top medical body. "If you must travel to France, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel," the CDC said. France has recorded more than 6 million cases and 111,000 deaths in total, and daily cases have crept back up to around 20,000 a day while deaths remain low compared to the height of the pandemic. A total of 74 million vaccine doses have been administered in France, according to the World Health Organization, and over 55 per cent of the eligible population have received both vaccine doses. It has also enforced a Covid pass for routine aspects of life. Anger at President Emmanuel Macron's controversial plan to squeeze infections and encourage vaccinations has seen large protests recently, though polls have shown that a clear majority of French back the Covid pass, even including the extension this week to cafes and restaurants.

US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns

The US has said that the situation in Afghanistan is not going in the right direction and added that Afghan security forces had the capability to fight.

US says situation in Afghanistan is concerning, makes remarks on Afghan forces' capability to fight

The US is having conversations with the Pakistani leadership about the need to shut down the safe havens for Taliban militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border that are providing a source of more insecurity and instability inside Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said, as Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke over the phone with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Austin, in a phone call with Gen Bajwa on Monday, discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, regional security issues and the bilateral defence ties, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/grave-concern-taliban-advance-towards-mazar-i-sharif-after-weekend-blitz-404348">'Grave concern': Taliban advance towards Mazar-i-Sharif after weekend blitz</a>

During the phone call, Austin expressed his interest in continuing to improve the US-Pakistan relationship and build upon their multiple shared interests in the region, Kirby said on Monday in a readout of the conversation.

"Secretary Austin and General Bajwa discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, regional security and stability, and the bilateral defence relationship more broadly,"&nbsp;Kirby said.

Austin discussed the mutual goals of security and stability in the region, he said.

Responding to a question, Kirby said the US continues to have conversations with the Pakistani leadership about the safe havens that exist along that border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-why-us-strategy-in-afghanistan-failed-against-taliban-pakistan-nexus-403844">Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus?</a>

"We are mindful that those safe havens are only providing a source of more insecurity and more instability inside Afghanistan. We are not bashful about having that discussion with Pakistani leaders,"&nbsp;he said.

"We are also mindful that Pakistan and the Pakistani people also fall victim to terrorist activities that emanate from that region. So, we all have a shared sense of the importance of closing down those safe havens and not allowing them to be used by the Taliban or other terrorist networks to sow discord,"&nbsp;Kirby said.

"And again, we're having that conversation with the Pakistanis all the time,"&nbsp;he added. Taliban's surge in Afghanistan has intensified as US and NATO troops wrap up their withdrawal from the war-torn country.

With Taliban attacks increasing, Afghan security forces and government troops have retaliated with airstrikes aided by the United States.

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Afghanistan and the US have criticised Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan where they are provided safe havens and also receive medical treatment.

While Kabul claims that Islamabad is sending thousands of militants to fight in the war-ravaged country and providing safe haven for the Taliban, Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan harbours the anti-Pakistani group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban, and also the secessionist Balochistan Liberation Army.

Pakistan has said that it has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the US and the Afghan government to find a political solution to the crisis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month said that the US "really messed it up" in Afghanistan as he questioned the American motive for the 2001 invasion of the country in the first place and then their subsequent attempts of seeking a political solution with the Taliban from a position of weakness.&nbsp;

The US is having conversations with the Pakistani leadership about the need to shut down the safe havens for Taliban militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border that are providing a source of more insecurity and instability inside Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said, as Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke over the phone with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The US is having conversations with the Pakistani leadership about the need to shut down the safe havens for Taliban militants along the Afghan-Pakistan border that are providing a source of more insecurity and instability inside Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said, as Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke over the phone with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Austin, in a phone call with Gen Bajwa on Monday, discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, regional security issues and the bilateral defence ties, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said. Also read | 'Grave concern': Taliban advance towards Mazar-i-Sharif after weekend blitz During the phone call, Austin expressed his interest in continuing to improve the US-Pakistan relationship and build upon their multiple shared interests in the region, Kirby said on Monday in a readout of the conversation. "Secretary Austin and General Bajwa discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, regional security and stability, and the bilateral defence relationship more broadly," Kirby said. Austin discussed the mutual goals of security and stability in the region, he said. Responding to a question, Kirby said the US continues to have conversations with the Pakistani leadership about the safe havens that exist along that border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Also read | Opinion | Why US strategy in Afghanistan failed against Taliban-Pakistan nexus? "We are mindful that those safe havens are only providing a source of more insecurity and more instability inside Afghanistan. We are not bashful about having that discussion with Pakistani leaders," he said. "We are also mindful that Pakistan and the Pakistani people also fall victim to terrorist activities that emanate from that region. So, we all have a shared sense of the importance of closing down those safe havens and not allowing them to be used by the Taliban or other terrorist networks to sow discord," Kirby said. "And again, we're having that conversation with the Pakistanis all the time," he added. Taliban's surge in Afghanistan has intensified as US and NATO troops wrap up their withdrawal from the war-torn country. With Taliban attacks increasing, Afghan security forces and government troops have retaliated with airstrikes aided by the United States. Afghanistan and the US have criticised Pakistan in the past for allowing Taliban fighters to cross into Pakistan where they are provided safe havens and also receive medical treatment. While Kabul claims that Islamabad is sending thousands of militants to fight in the war-ravaged country and providing safe haven for the Taliban, Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan harbours the anti-Pakistani group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban, and also the secessionist Balochistan Liberation Army. Pakistan has said that it has used its influence over the Taliban to press the insurgents into talks with the US and the Afghan government to find a political solution to the crisis. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month said that the US "really messed it up" in Afghanistan as he questioned the American motive for the 2001 invasion of the country in the first place and then their subsequent attempts of seeking a political solution with the Taliban from a position of weakness.

Pentagon: US talking to Pakistan about closing Taliban safe havens along Afghan border

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, warned the South last week that holding the drills with US would impact efforts to reconstruct bilateral relations.

Kim's sister slams US, South Korea over joint drills

The latest COVID-19 outbreak continues to make alarming inroads across the United States. According to reports, new COVID-19 cases in the US have rebounded to more than 100,000 a day on average.

US COVID-19 cases reach 6-months high

The United States will&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday impose fresh&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;opponents, a&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;official&nbsp;told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a> will sign an executive order targeting Lukashenko over an ongoing "assault against the democratic aspirations and human rights of the Belarusian people, transnational repression... and corruption."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/biles-belarus-and-sports-drama-here-are-some-key-moments-of-tokyo-olympics-2020-404131">Biles, Belarus and sports drama: Here are some key moments of Tokyo Olympics 2020</a>

In power since 1994, Lukashenko has been cracking down&nbsp;on&nbsp;opponents since unprecedented protests erupted after last year's elections, deemed unfair by many observers.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to be imposed by the US Treasury&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday will mark the anniversary of the elections, which the US&nbsp;official&nbsp;described as "fraudulent."

At the now-completed Tokyo Olympics, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought protection to avoid being forced onto a plane home, saying she feared for her life if she returned to&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;after she criticized her coaches.

Tsimanouskaya was among the many Belarusian sports figures who in August 2020 publicly criticized violence against protesters at demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after the presidential vote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/happy-to-be-in-safety-says-belarus-olympic-athlete-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-403194">'Happy to be in safety,' says Belarus Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya</a>

In May, Lukashenko's government intercepted a Ryanair plane and arrested an opposition activist and his girlfriend&nbsp;on&nbsp;board.

Olympic threats&nbsp;

"Since then, the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;has only further expanded its repression, including by threatening the safety of an Olympic athlete outside its borders," the US&nbsp;official&nbsp;said.

"With today's actions, President Biden is abiding by his pledge to hold the Belarussian&nbsp;regime&nbsp;accountable for its abuses."

The latest&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;target key institutions and supporters of Lukashenko including the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, business leaders and companies such a private Belarusian bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-two-belarus-coaches-kicked-out-of-olympics-over-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-removal-403305">Tokyo 2020: Two Belarus coaches kicked out of Olympics over Krystsina Tsimanouskaya removal</a>

Also&nbsp;on&nbsp;the list is Belaruskali OAO, one of&nbsp;Belarus's largest state-owned enterprises and one of the world's largest producers of potash. It is alleged to be a source of illegal wealth for the&nbsp;regime.

The US accused the National Olympic Committee of facilitating money laundering,&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;evasion and circumventing visa bans.

Western nations have already imposed a slew of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Lukashenko and his&nbsp;regime, but they appear to have had limited effect as he maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia.

Tsimanouskaya, 24, arrived in Poland&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday after being granted a humanitarian visa, saying she was "happy to be in safety."

According to local rights group Viasna, there are currently 603 political prisoners in&nbsp;Belarus.

The US will call for an international investigation into the Ryanair flight diversion, the release of all political prisoners, and free and fair elections.

The United States will on Monday impose fresh sanctions on the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown on opponents, a White House official told AFP.

The United States will on Monday impose fresh sanctions on the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown on opponents, a White House official told AFP. President Joe Biden will sign an executive order targeting Lukashenko over an ongoing "assault against the democratic aspirations and human rights of the Belarusian people, transnational repression... and corruption." Also read | Biles, Belarus and sports drama: Here are some key moments of Tokyo Olympics 2020 In power since 1994, Lukashenko has been cracking down on opponents since unprecedented protests erupted after last year's elections, deemed unfair by many observers. The sanctions to be imposed by the US Treasury on Monday will mark the anniversary of the elections, which the US official described as "fraudulent." At the now-completed Tokyo Olympics, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought protection to avoid being forced onto a plane home, saying she feared for her life if she returned to Belarus after she criticized her coaches. Tsimanouskaya was among the many Belarusian sports figures who in August 2020 publicly criticized violence against protesters at demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after the presidential vote. Also read | 'Happy to be in safety,' says Belarus Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya In May, Lukashenko's government intercepted a Ryanair plane and arrested an opposition activist and his girlfriend on board. Olympic threats "Since then, the regime has only further expanded its repression, including by threatening the safety of an Olympic athlete outside its borders," the US official said. "With today's actions, President Biden is abiding by his pledge to hold the Belarussian regime accountable for its abuses." The latest sanctions target key institutions and supporters of Lukashenko including the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, business leaders and companies such a private Belarusian bank. Also read | Tokyo 2020: Two Belarus coaches kicked out of Olympics over Krystsina Tsimanouskaya removal Also on the list is Belaruskali OAO, one of Belarus's largest state-owned enterprises and one of the world's largest producers of potash. It is alleged to be a source of illegal wealth for the regime. The US accused the National Olympic Committee of facilitating money laundering, sanctions evasion and circumventing visa bans. Western nations have already imposed a slew of sanctions on Lukashenko and his regime, but they appear to have had limited effect as he maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia. Tsimanouskaya, 24, arrived in Poland on Wednesday after being granted a humanitarian visa, saying she was "happy to be in safety." According to local rights group Viasna, there are currently 603 political prisoners in Belarus. The US will call for an international investigation into the Ryanair flight diversion, the release of all political prisoners, and free and fair elections.

US to slap new sanctions on Belarus regime: White House official

After working in Afghanistan for 9 years with NATO and the USA, the Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi landed in the United States in 2018 escaping the Taliban's escalating threats to the family. WION brings you Zalmi's journey to the US.

Afghan cameraman Salim Zalmi's road to settling in US

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