As California deals with a dangerous heatwave, Santa Barbara’s zoo keepers are going beyond to keep their animals cool. From lions to kangaroos, all are given homemade ice treats, and some even receive additional showers to help them remain cool while they sit in the heat all day. &nbsp;

For lions, handlers are setting out pieces of meat encased in an effort to keep them cool, they are also being fed meat-flavoured ice blocks. However, they might last a long time due to the high temperatures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/californians-told-to-not-charge-evs-as-ageing-electricity-grid-struggles-in-heatwave-511900">Also read |&nbsp;Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave</a>

In conversation with Reuters, the zoo’s nutritionist said, "They got some ice blocks which are made out of beef bone broth, as well as some diluted goat's milk on it. And by providing that little bit of extra flavor to it, the animals, they might lick it, get a little bit of that extra hydration and cooling that they might not even realize. So we're kind of tricking them into helping them stay cool."

The nutritionist further gave an instance about Banjo, the emu, who was taking an advantage of the shower from the handler. She said, Banjo enjoys every last drop of water as he likes the pouring motion his body produces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-crude-oil-leaking-pipeline-operators-to-pay-13m-pollution-charges-510522">Also read |&nbsp;California crude oil leaking pipeline operators to pay $13m pollution charges</a>

Most people agree on taking extreme care of the animals during this crucial time by keeping them hydrated. The animal kitchen, due to this instance, has swapped the plates for huge meat bowls, and sacks of seeds.

In a state that has been devastated by extremely harsh weather and an ongoing drought, the heat wave continues to follow a period of extended high temperatures.

As per the National Weather Service, the heat in California will gradually increase over the week, initially searing the southern portions.

(With inpust from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

As California deals with a dangerous heatwave, Santa Barbara’s zoo keepers are going beyond to keep their animals cool. From lions to kangaroos, all are given homemade ice treats, and some even receive additional showers to help them remain cool while they sit in the heat all day.

As California deals with a dangerous heatwave, Santa Barbara’s zoo keepers are going beyond to keep their animals cool. From lions to kangaroos, all are given homemade ice treats, and some even receive additional showers to help them remain cool while they sit in the heat all day. For lions, handlers are setting out pieces of meat encased in an effort to keep them cool, they are also being fed meat-flavoured ice blocks. However, they might last a long time due to the high temperatures. Also read | Californians told to not charge EVs as ageing electricity grid struggles in heatwave In conversation with Reuters, the zoo’s nutritionist said, "They got some ice blocks which are made out of beef bone broth, as well as some diluted goat's milk on it. And by providing that little bit of extra flavor to it, the animals, they might lick it, get a little bit of that extra hydration and cooling that they might not even realize. So we're kind of tricking them into helping them stay cool." The nutritionist further gave an instance about Banjo, the emu, who was taking an advantage of the shower from the handler. She said, Banjo enjoys every last drop of water as he likes the pouring motion his body produces. Also read | California crude oil leaking pipeline operators to pay $13m pollution charges Most people agree on taking extreme care of the animals during this crucial time by keeping them hydrated. The animal kitchen, due to this instance, has swapped the plates for huge meat bowls, and sacks of seeds. In a state that has been devastated by extremely harsh weather and an ongoing drought, the heat wave continues to follow a period of extended high temperatures. As per the National Weather Service, the heat in California will gradually increase over the week, initially searing the southern portions. (With inpust from agencies)

Amid heatwave, zoo keepers use ice cubes and cold showers to keep animals cool

In signs of growing tensions over global semiconductor war, chip designer Nvidia said that US officials ordered it to seize exporting two of its top computing chips for Artificial Intelligence work to China.

US orders Nvidia to stop chip sales in China

US Senator Bernie Sanders joins striking British workers at a trade union valley in London. He says work is need to stand together to fight back what he calls 'corporate greed' and billionaires amassing wealth.

US: Bernie Sanders joins striking UK rail workers, calls out 'corporate greed'

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has lost her bid to occupy the States vacancy in the US House of Representatives to Democrat member Mary Peltola. With this, Peltola is set to become the first Alaskan native to serve in the house, and also the first woman to hold the seat.

WION Dispatch | Mary Peltola wins Alaska's special election, first woman to hold position

The United States President Joe Biden is heading to Philadelphia to deliver a rare prime time speech on what he calls 'the battle for the soul of the nation'. His speech will take place near the building where the declaration of independence and the US constitution were adopted.

Pennsylvania: Key to crucial midterms elections, Biden to give speech

The Department of Justice says top secret documents were likely concealed and removed from a storage room at former President Donald Trump Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida.

Trump team: FBI raid unnecessary, unjustified; more than 300 documents recovered from estate

Solomon Islands has suspended all visits from foreign navies. This move comes after ships from the US and the UK were denied entry. Palki Sharma tells you how US and allies are losing ground to China in the Solomons.

Gravitas | Solomon Islands: US and allies lose ground to China

Due to the possibility of engine fires, the U.S. Army has temporarily grounded its fleet of 400 Chinook helicopters. Boeing makes the heavy-lift Chinook helicopters that support disaster relief operations and medical evacuation.

Boeing-made Chinook helicopter fleet grounded by the US Army

A lawsuit against the makers of Zantac was dropped ahead of the trial which was scheduled to start on the 22nd of August in a US court. This comes after a series of court settlements when some of the drug makers were involved.

Zantac contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical, lawsuit dropped ahead of trial

The Ukraine conflict has had a significant impact on many nations, but a recent report claims that the United States has been particularly affected given its high military spending.

Has US military aid to Ukraine left its ammunition stockpiles uncomfortably low?

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told the visiting governor of the US state of Arizona, Doug Ducey, on Thursday that Taiwan is looking forward to developing "democracy chips" with the US. Despite a lack of official diplomatic ties, Taiwan has been eager to prove that it is a trustworthy ally.

Ducey is the most recent American official who visited Taiwan, despite efforts from China to prevent such visits.

A $12 billion facility is being built in Arizona by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TMSC), the largest contract chipmaker in the world and a significant supplier to Apple.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-china-arizona-governor-doug-ducey-arrives-in-taipei-511632">Also read |&nbsp;Amid tensions with China, Arizona governor Doug Ducey arrives in Taipei</a>

Tsai, during the presidential meeting, said, "In the face of authoritarian expansionism and the challenges of the post-pandemic era, Taiwan seeks to bolster cooperation with the United States in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries," Reuters reported.

The president further stated that by doing this, supply networks might become more dependable and secure.

The American official stated that the partnership with Taiwan was the greatest in the semiconductor sector. Ducey said Arizona and Taiwan now have greater possibilities for cooperation due to TMSC’s investments. The official stated that Arizona supports Taiwan and looks forward to capitalising on the numerous opportunities in the coming years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-counter-attack-taiwan-warns-china-if-it-breaches-airspace-territorial-waters-511724">Also read |&nbsp;'Will counter-attack': Taiwan warns China if it breaches airspace, territorial waters</a>

Tsai said, "Taiwan and the United States will continue to build on our important alliance to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo Pacific," Reuters reported. &nbsp;

On the other hand, China has been opposing this objective since the beginning and asserts Taiwan as its territory. Ever since the US Speaker of the House visited Taiwan, China has been conducting military exercises close to the border as Taiwan receives support from the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told the visiting governor of the US state of Arizona, Doug Ducey, on Thursday that Taiwan is looking forward to developing "democracy chips" with the US.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told the visiting governor of the US state of Arizona, Doug Ducey, on Thursday that Taiwan is looking forward to developing "democracy chips" with the US. Despite a lack of official diplomatic ties, Taiwan has been eager to prove that it is a trustworthy ally. Ducey is the most recent American official who visited Taiwan, despite efforts from China to prevent such visits. A $12 billion facility is being built in Arizona by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TMSC), the largest contract chipmaker in the world and a significant supplier to Apple. Also read | Amid tensions with China, Arizona governor Doug Ducey arrives in Taipei Tsai, during the presidential meeting, said, "In the face of authoritarian expansionism and the challenges of the post-pandemic era, Taiwan seeks to bolster cooperation with the United States in the semiconductor and other high-tech industries," Reuters reported. The president further stated that by doing this, supply networks might become more dependable and secure. The American official stated that the partnership with Taiwan was the greatest in the semiconductor sector. Ducey said Arizona and Taiwan now have greater possibilities for cooperation due to TMSC’s investments. The official stated that Arizona supports Taiwan and looks forward to capitalising on the numerous opportunities in the coming years. Also read | 'Will counter-attack': Taiwan warns China if it breaches airspace, territorial waters Tsai said, "Taiwan and the United States will continue to build on our important alliance to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo Pacific," Reuters reported. On the other hand, China has been opposing this objective since the beginning and asserts Taiwan as its territory. Ever since the US Speaker of the House visited Taiwan, China has been conducting military exercises close to the border as Taiwan receives support from the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan is looking forward to develop democracy chips with US, says president

US: Sarah Palin loses comeback bid, Peltola wins 51.47% votes for Alaska house seat

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-wants-permanent-presence-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-avoid-nuclear-accident-511905">Also read |&nbsp;IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident'</a>

However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia.

But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Also read |&nbsp;Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a>

On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions.

Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others. The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported. Also read | IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident' However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia. But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia. Also read | Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions. Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite US opposition, Russia holds Vostok-2022 war games with China, India, other nations

DOJ response raises doubts on Trump's 'special master' request

Xi Jinping's government halted US-China climate talks after Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit. This was a huge blow for climate scientists and they're worried over stalled talks as China & US together produce 40% of global emissions.

WION Climate Tracker: Talks between US & China crucial; experts show worry over stalled talks

According to a recent survey by YouGov and The Economist, 43% believe a civil war in the US is somewhat likely in the coming decade.

Why do Two-fifths of Americans believe the US civil war is likely within a decade?

The first monkeypox-related fatality in the US was verified on Tuesday by Texas authorities, who added that they are still trying to determine what role the disease played in the death of the "severely immunocompromised" patient.&nbsp;

Few cases of monkeypox patient deaths have been reported globally but none were reported thus far in the United States during the current outbreak.&nbsp;

The death was being investigated to see what part monkeypox may have played, according to a statement from Texas health officials.&nbsp;

They stated that the patient was an adult with a significantly compromised immune system.

There have been 18,100 cases of monkeypox reported in the US thus far. Health authorities' data suggests that there has recently been a minor slowdown in the number of new illnesses.&nbsp;

The majority of infections occur during sexual activity, and the epidemic mostly affects gay and bisexual men.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-soviet-president-mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-511620">Last Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended cold war, dies aged 91</a>

A CDC survey from last week found that since learning about the outbreak, about half of men who engage in heterosexual sex had cut back on their number of partners, one-night stands, or usage of dating apps.

The distribution of vaccines has been the main emphasis of the United States' response to the outbreak. The government has declared that doses will be made accessible exclusively during significant LGBTQ events, including this weekend's Southern Decadence celebration in New Orleans, two events in Oakland, California, and Atlanta's "Black Pride".&nbsp;

In an effort to better serve minorities, US health authorities have also started focusing on smaller gatherings. For instance, "The house [music] and ballroom community," which draws "a lot of young people and people of colour," is one such venue, according to Dr Demetre Daskalakis, deputy epidemic response coordinator for the White House.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

The first monkeypox-related fatality in the US was verified on Tuesday by Texas authorities, who added that they are still trying to determine what role the disease played in the death of the "severely immunocompromised" patient.

The first monkeypox-related fatality in the US was verified on Tuesday by Texas authorities, who added that they are still trying to determine what role the disease played in the death of the "severely immunocompromised" patient. Few cases of monkeypox patient deaths have been reported globally but none were reported thus far in the United States during the current outbreak. The death was being investigated to see what part monkeypox may have played, according to a statement from Texas health officials. They stated that the patient was an adult with a significantly compromised immune system. There have been 18,100 cases of monkeypox reported in the US thus far. Health authorities' data suggests that there has recently been a minor slowdown in the number of new illnesses. The majority of infections occur during sexual activity, and the epidemic mostly affects gay and bisexual men. Also Read: Last Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended cold war, dies aged 91 A CDC survey from last week found that since learning about the outbreak, about half of men who engage in heterosexual sex had cut back on their number of partners, one-night stands, or usage of dating apps. The distribution of vaccines has been the main emphasis of the United States' response to the outbreak. The government has declared that doses will be made accessible exclusively during significant LGBTQ events, including this weekend's Southern Decadence celebration in New Orleans, two events in Oakland, California, and Atlanta's "Black Pride". In an effort to better serve minorities, US health authorities have also started focusing on smaller gatherings. For instance, "The house [music] and ballroom community," which draws "a lot of young people and people of colour," is one such venue, according to Dr Demetre Daskalakis, deputy epidemic response coordinator for the White House. (with inputs from agencies)

First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century.

Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-boosters-set-to-launch-before-human-testing-is-complete-511085">Also read |&nbsp;New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete</a>

The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021.

The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid.

According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tragic-milestone-one-million-people-died-of-covid-19-in-2022-who-510466">Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022</a>

Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide.

Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017.

The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996.

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century. Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years. Also read | New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021. The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid. According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022 Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide. Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017. The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Life expectancy in US down for second consecutive year due to Covid-19, lowest since 1996: CDC

Tuesday night, the first anniversary of the American pullout from Afghanistan, which the Taliban are observing as "Freedom Day," saw celebratory fireworks light up the Kabul sky.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kabul is celebrating a year after the end of US occupation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#آزادۍ</a> <a href="https://t.co/zLhR7H2xjF">pic.twitter.com/zLhR7H2xjF</a>
— Sangar | سنګر پیکار (@paykhar) <a href="https://twitter.com/paykhar/status/1564683745730469891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Taliban, who had conducted a 20-year insurgency against American-led forces that invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks in New York, took control of the war-torn nation as the departure was completed a minute past midnight local time on August 30.&nbsp;

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had earlier on Tuesday stated that "fireworks with various and beautiful colours are going to be held to mark Freedom Day."&nbsp;

In many parts of Kabul, there was ferocious aerial shooting in celebration in addition to the fireworks.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unesco-supports-ukraines-bid-to-put-threatened-port-of-odesa-on-world-heritage-list-511607">UNESCO supports Ukraine's bid to put threatened port of Odesa on World Heritage list</a>

According to the labour ministry, the de facto Taliban government also designated Wednesday a public holiday to honour the occasion.&nbsp;

Back then, the commander of US Central Command had acknowledged that the withdrawal had caused "a lot of sadness." Washington and its NATO allies were obliged to leave soon because they had no idea the Taliban would win so rapidly.&nbsp;

After a massive but chaotic airlift that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service personnel and left behind thousands of Afghans and hundreds of Americans still looking for freedom from Taliban rule, the United States finished its military departure from Afghanistan.

Many more are still in Afghanistan, where the Taliban are attempting to set up a fully operational government that is accepted by the international community, though some have since been permitted to depart.&nbsp;

The Taliban are currently contending with their own insurgency, which is being led by the militant organization's Afghanistan branch.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Tuesday night, the first anniversary of the American pullout from Afghanistan, which the Taliban are observing as "Freedom Day," saw celebratory fireworks light up the Kabul sky.

Tuesday night, the first anniversary of the American pullout from Afghanistan, which the Taliban are observing as "Freedom Day," saw celebratory fireworks light up the Kabul sky. Kabul is celebrating a year after the end of US occupation. #آزادۍ pic.twitter.com/zLhR7H2xjF — Sangar | سنګر پیکار (@paykhar) August 30, 2022 × The Taliban, who had conducted a 20-year insurgency against American-led forces that invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 in response to the September 11 attacks in New York, took control of the war-torn nation as the departure was completed a minute past midnight local time on August 30. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had earlier on Tuesday stated that "fireworks with various and beautiful colours are going to be held to mark Freedom Day." In many parts of Kabul, there was ferocious aerial shooting in celebration in addition to the fireworks. Also Read: UNESCO supports Ukraine's bid to put threatened port of Odesa on World Heritage list According to the labour ministry, the de facto Taliban government also designated Wednesday a public holiday to honour the occasion. Back then, the commander of US Central Command had acknowledged that the withdrawal had caused "a lot of sadness." Washington and its NATO allies were obliged to leave soon because they had no idea the Taliban would win so rapidly. After a massive but chaotic airlift that resulted in the deaths of 13 American service personnel and left behind thousands of Afghans and hundreds of Americans still looking for freedom from Taliban rule, the United States finished its military departure from Afghanistan. Many more are still in Afghanistan, where the Taliban are attempting to set up a fully operational government that is accepted by the international community, though some have since been permitted to depart. The Taliban are currently contending with their own insurgency, which is being led by the militant organization's Afghanistan branch. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Fireworks in Kabul to celebrate first anniversary of US withdrawal from Afghanistan

The US navy stopped an Iranian naval vessel from capturing a USC drone. The Iranian vessel tried to tore the drone away but was stopped after they were confronted by US forces.

US stops Iranian navy from capturing drone

Politics have heated up in the US ahead of midterm polls. US President Joe Biden is all set to visit Pennsylvania. POTUS will speak on reducing crime rates.

US President Joe Biden to visit Pennsylvania, POTUS will speak on reducing crime rates

Global markets tumbled after a hawkish assessment by US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. The richest Americans lost nearly $78 billion after the 8-minute speech. Palki Sharma tells you why central banks alone cannot solve this crisis.

Gravitas: Markets tumble as US Fed hints at more rate hikes

A&nbsp;penguin from the San Diego Zoo's African penguin colony has been given orthopaedic footwear to help it manage a degenerative foot ailment.

According to a news release from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, the 4-year-old penguin called Lucas has sores on his feet as a result of the chronic illness bumblefoot, which refers to a variety of avian foot issues.

Bumblefoot may cause sepsis and infection-related mortality if neglected.

Thera-Paw, a company that makes rehabilitative and assistive equipment for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-man-is-travelling-from-europe-to-china-on-horseback-says-the-animal-tries-to-elope-with-another-horse-511214">animals</a> with specific needs, was contacted by the zoo's wildlife care specialists.

<img alt="Lucas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fceb024e-642f-4fb1-876a-843b7485f967" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1000%20%284%29.jpeg" />

A&nbsp;penguin named Lucas does a test walk with custom orthopedic footwear at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credits: AP

To stop pressure sores from forming when Lucas stands and walks, Thera-Paw designed him a pair of neoprene and rubber shoes.

More over three years ago, the penguin's issues first surfaced.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared African penguins to be endangered due to a drastic drop in their population.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;WION takes you inside Tel Aviv's Freedom Farm | Safe haven for abused &amp; rescued animals

<div><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-takes-you-inside-tel-avivs-freedom-farm-safe-haven-for-abused-rescued-animals-510680/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A penguin from the San Diego Zoo's African penguin colony has been given orthopaedic footwear to help it manage a degenerative foot ailment. According to a news release from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, the 4-year-old penguin called Lucas has sores on his feet as a result of the chronic illness bumblefoot, which refers to a variety of avian foot issues.

A penguin from the San Diego Zoo's African penguin colony has been given orthopaedic footwear to help it manage a degenerative foot ailment. According to a news release from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, the 4-year-old penguin called Lucas has sores on his feet as a result of the chronic illness bumblefoot, which refers to a variety of avian foot issues. Bumblefoot may cause sepsis and infection-related mortality if neglected. Thera-Paw, a company that makes rehabilitative and assistive equipment for animals with specific needs, was contacted by the zoo's wildlife care specialists. A penguin named Lucas does a test walk with custom orthopedic footwear at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credits: AP To stop pressure sores from forming when Lucas stands and walks, Thera-Paw designed him a pair of neoprene and rubber shoes. More over three years ago, the penguin's issues first surfaced. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared African penguins to be endangered due to a drastic drop in their population. (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | WION takes you inside Tel Aviv's Freedom Farm | Safe haven for abused & rescued animals

San Diego zoo penguin gets orthopaedic shoes for foot condition

Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, Chancellor Zahawi to visit the US. The visit is aimed at solving cost of living crisis. Meanwhile, Pubs in UK fear closure over soaring energy costs.

UK Chancellor Zahawi to visit the US: Visit aimed at solving cost of living crisis

us-1

Us, News on Us, stories on Us, articles on Us, Us stories at Wion, Us news, Us latest news

us 1