As wealthy countries across the globe begin their vaccine booster campaigns there is glaring vaccine inequity that needs to be addressed. Only around 2 per cent of the people in low income countries have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Glaring vaccine inequity hits low income countries

Pak PM Imran Khan is advocating for global recognition for Taliban govt. Speaking to a Turkish news channel, he said that the US is in a state of 'shock and confusion' after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and said that sooner or later they will have to recognise the Taliban.

Pak PM Imran Khan advocates for global recognition for Taliban

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday.

Mohammed Khalifa, who was born in Saudi Arabia, was captured during a firefight in January 2019 by Kurdish-dominated Syrian forces allied with the United States.

The 38-year-old was handed over "recently" to US authorities and charged in Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to IS resulting in death, says a Justice Department statement.

Khalifa left Canada in 2013 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, and by the next year had become a key member of its propaganda team because of his fluent English and Arabic, according to the statement.

He allegedly served as a lead translator in Islamic State propaganda production and as the English-speaking narrator on two violent recruitment videos.

The cell was behind videos showing the beheadings of foreigners including the US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who died in 2014.

He faces a possible life sentence in the United States. Canada additionally hopes to charge him, according to media there.

The Canadian government said it was in contact with local authorities on the matter and that its federal police were aware "that he will be facing charges" in the United States.

In an exchange of emails cited in the charge sheet, Khalifa defended the IS killings he was associated with.

"Mohammed Khalifa not only fought for ISIS on the battlefield in Syria, but he was also the voice behind the violence," said Acting US attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia, using another acronym for the Islamic State group.

According to the indictment, Khalifa's "primary focus" was "enticing ISIS supporters to travel to ISIS-controlled areas to join ISIS or to conduct attacks in the West, including in the United States."

The jihadist group, classified as a terrorist organization by US authorities, is responsible for a wave of deadly attacks in Western countries.

Its emergence prompted intervention by a US-led international military coalition, which succeeded in defeating the self-proclaimed "caliphate" even though IS is still present in many additional countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, and continues to pose a threat according to US and European intelligence services.

- 'Glorified' murders, cruelty -

In a 2019 interview with Canada's CBC from his Syrian prison, Khalifa showed no regret for his actions. He said he wanted to return to Canada with his wife and their three children, but on the condition that he would not be tried there.

"Through his alleged leading role in translating, narrating, and advancing ISIS's online propaganda, Khalifa promoted the terrorist group, furthered its worldwide recruitment efforts, and expanded the reach of videos that glorified the horrific murders and indiscriminate cruelty of ISIS," Parekh said.

This is the first known indictment of a foreign IS fighter in America since President Joe Biden took power in January.

Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the "Beatles," Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, are currently in the hands of US authorities after being transferred to the United States from Iraq nearly a year ago.

The pair are accused of involvement in the murders of Foley and Sotloff, as well as those of relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

Kotey, a former British national who was stripped of his citizenship, pleaded guilty in early September to charges of conspiring to murder the four American hostages.

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday.

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday. Mohammed Khalifa, who was born in Saudi Arabia, was captured during a firefight in January 2019 by Kurdish-dominated Syrian forces allied with the United States. The 38-year-old was handed over "recently" to US authorities and charged in Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to IS resulting in death, says a Justice Department statement. Khalifa left Canada in 2013 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, and by the next year had become a key member of its propaganda team because of his fluent English and Arabic, according to the statement. He allegedly served as a lead translator in Islamic State propaganda production and as the English-speaking narrator on two violent recruitment videos. The cell was behind videos showing the beheadings of foreigners including the US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who died in 2014. He faces a possible life sentence in the United States. Canada additionally hopes to charge him, according to media there. The Canadian government said it was in contact with local authorities on the matter and that its federal police were aware "that he will be facing charges" in the United States. In an exchange of emails cited in the charge sheet, Khalifa defended the IS killings he was associated with. "Mohammed Khalifa not only fought for ISIS on the battlefield in Syria, but he was also the voice behind the violence," said Acting US attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia, using another acronym for the Islamic State group. According to the indictment, Khalifa's "primary focus" was "enticing ISIS supporters to travel to ISIS-controlled areas to join ISIS or to conduct attacks in the West, including in the United States." The jihadist group, classified as a terrorist organization by US authorities, is responsible for a wave of deadly attacks in Western countries. Its emergence prompted intervention by a US-led international military coalition, which succeeded in defeating the self-proclaimed "caliphate" even though IS is still present in many additional countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, and continues to pose a threat according to US and European intelligence services. - 'Glorified' murders, cruelty - In a 2019 interview with Canada's CBC from his Syrian prison, Khalifa showed no regret for his actions. He said he wanted to return to Canada with his wife and their three children, but on the condition that he would not be tried there. "Through his alleged leading role in translating, narrating, and advancing ISIS's online propaganda, Khalifa promoted the terrorist group, furthered its worldwide recruitment efforts, and expanded the reach of videos that glorified the horrific murders and indiscriminate cruelty of ISIS," Parekh said. This is the first known indictment of a foreign IS fighter in America since President Joe Biden took power in January. Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the "Beatles," Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, are currently in the hands of US authorities after being transferred to the United States from Iraq nearly a year ago. The pair are accused of involvement in the murders of Foley and Sotloff, as well as those of relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Kotey, a former British national who was stripped of his citizenship, pleaded guilty in early September to charges of conspiring to murder the four American hostages.

US charges Canadian who narrated Islamic State videos

After the publication of a report raising questions about involvement of UK in US attacks, campaigners have called on ministers to explain whether the secretive Menwith Hill intelligence base in Yorkshire is involved in recent drone strike assassinations. The research concludes it “was probable” that Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was killed in January last year using information obtained from the British site.

Report says Iranian general Qassem Suleimani killed using information obtained from British site

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad.

The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died.

US Central Command acknowledged killing an al Qaeda official at the time, but did not name him.

In a statement on Friday, Centcom spokesman John Rigsbee said Salim Abu-Ahmad "was responsible for planning, funding, and approving trans-regional Al-Qaeda attacks."

"There are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike," the statement added.

The Idlib region is dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present.

Jihadist factions have been the target of Syrian, Russian, US and international coalition strikes in the past. 
&nbsp;

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad. The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died.

The US military on Friday named the senior al Qaeda commander killed in an airstrike in the Idlib region of northwest Syria on September 20 as Salim Abu-Ahmad. The drone strike targeted a vehicle on the road from Idlib city to Binnish, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said two jihadist commanders died. US Central Command acknowledged killing an al Qaeda official at the time, but did not name him. In a statement on Friday, Centcom spokesman John Rigsbee said Salim Abu-Ahmad "was responsible for planning, funding, and approving trans-regional Al-Qaeda attacks." "There are no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike," the statement added. The Idlib region is dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, but rebels and other jihadists are also present. Jihadist factions have been the target of Syrian, Russian, US and international coalition strikes in the past.

US names al Qaeda commander killed in Syria

The United States continues with its war on terror, the country's military had conducted an airstrike near the Idlib province targeting a senior leader of al Qaeda.

Senior Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad killed in US strike in Syria

The United States will have to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan "sooner or later", said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. &nbsp;

In an interview with TRT World, the Pakistan PM said, "They [US] are trying to find scapegoats and one of them is Pakistan." He emphasised that this was not a rational mindset for a way forward. &nbsp;

The prime minister has slammed US claims of Pakistan being responsible for the Afghan fallout. "Whenever this anger goes and some rationality appears in the US, they will realise how could Pakistan be responsible for this," he added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cyclone-shaheen-heavy-rains-to-lash-coastal-areas-in-pakistans-balochistan-417714" hreflang="en">Cyclone Shaheen: Heavy rains to lash coastal areas in Pakistan’s Balochistan</a>

If you analyse, the PM said, the conclusion will be anything except [blame for] Pakistan. &nbsp;

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings clearly implied that Americans were "completely surprised" by the Taliban coming back to power, the PM added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the leader says the US President Joe Biden is being "unfairly targeted". Khan questioned how it could be anyone's fault when the Afghan army collapsed itself. &nbsp;

“The American public had no idea what was going on in Afghanistan. Gen Kayani in 2010 told President Obama that there was no military solution in Afghanistan,” added Khan. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shura-mujahideen-tehreek-e-taliban-pakistan-declare-20-day-truce-in-pakistans-north-south-waziristan-417642" hreflang="en">Shura Mujahideen, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan declare 20-day truce in Pakistan</a>

The Pakistani leader insisted that if the US kept Afghan reserves frozen and the government collapsed in its aftermath, “the biggest loser will be the people of the country.” &nbsp;

Seeking a reconciliation, the leader also said the Pakistani government is in talks with some groups of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). &nbsp;

"There are different groups, which form the TTP and some of them want to talk to our government for peace. So, we are in talks with them. It’s a reconciliation process," PM added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States will have to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan "sooner or later", said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. In an interview with TRT World, the Pakistan PM said, "They [US] are trying to find scapegoats and one of them is Pakistan.

The United States will have to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan "sooner or later", said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. In an interview with TRT World, the Pakistan PM said, "They [US] are trying to find scapegoats and one of them is Pakistan." He emphasised that this was not a rational mindset for a way forward. The prime minister has slammed US claims of Pakistan being responsible for the Afghan fallout. "Whenever this anger goes and some rationality appears in the US, they will realise how could Pakistan be responsible for this," he added. Also Read: Cyclone Shaheen: Heavy rains to lash coastal areas in Pakistan’s Balochistan If you analyse, the PM said, the conclusion will be anything except [blame for] Pakistan. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings clearly implied that Americans were "completely surprised" by the Taliban coming back to power, the PM added. Over the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the leader says the US President Joe Biden is being "unfairly targeted". Khan questioned how it could be anyone's fault when the Afghan army collapsed itself. “The American public had no idea what was going on in Afghanistan. Gen Kayani in 2010 told President Obama that there was no military solution in Afghanistan,” added Khan. Also Read: Shura Mujahideen, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan declare 20-day truce in Pakistan The Pakistani leader insisted that if the US kept Afghan reserves frozen and the government collapsed in its aftermath, “the biggest loser will be the people of the country.” Seeking a reconciliation, the leader also said the Pakistani government is in talks with some groups of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). "There are different groups, which form the TTP and some of them want to talk to our government for peace. So, we are in talks with them. It’s a reconciliation process," PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

US will have to recognise Taliban regime sooner or later, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

USA is reaching out to France as relations between the two takes a hit after AUKUS deal. US Secretary Antony Blinken will travel to Paris to meet top French officials.

US Secretary Antony Blinken to visit France amid AUKUS row

US President Joe Biden vowed to get his domestic agenda over the line as he visited the US Congress to energize Democrats negotiating over twin make-or-break spending bills.

Joe Biden visits US Congress, vows to reach an agreement on twin make-or-break spending bills

US President Joe Biden's administration urged a federal judge to swiftly block a new law that bans most abortions in Texas, raising concerns about women's curtailed access to care.

Deputy assistant attorney general Brian Netter, in one of the court arguments in Austin, said that the controversial statute represents "an open threat to the rule of law." The government further went on describing the ban as "a truly extraordinary law designed to outflank the federal government and to violate the constitution."

Netter said that adding a "judicial intervention" was necessary to make the law unenforceable until the case is decided.

Attorney William Thompson of the Texas Attorney General's office accused Netter of "inflammatory rhetoric" and insisted the law respects Supreme Court precedent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-say-texas-anti-abortion-law-shows-terrifying-fragility-of-womens-rights-414113">Also read |&nbsp;Activists say Texas anti-abortion law shows ‘terrifying’ fragility of women’s rights</a>

However, the judge Robert Pitman said, "If the state's so confident in the constitutionality of the limitations on a woman's access to abortion, then why did it go to such great lengths to create this very unusual private cause of action?"

Earlier, Biden had openly condemned the US supreme court for rejecting to ban the abortion law. Biden said the supreme court judges, all appointed by former President Donald Trump, delivered an assault on a woman’s rights.

"The Supreme Court's ruling overnight is an unprecedented assault on a woman's constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for almost fifty years," Biden said in a statement. "This (Texas) law is so extreme it does not even allow for exceptions in the case of rape or incest."

Texas abortion law is one of the toughest and most restrictive abortion bans in the US in the past couple of decades.

As per the law, any member of the public from Texas can file a legal complaint against the doctors, health care providers and family members who support a woman in aborting a child after six weeks of the start of her pregnancy.

US President Joe Biden's administration urged a federal judge to swiftly block a new law that bans most abortions in Texas, raising concerns about women's curtailed access to care.

US President Joe Biden's administration urged a federal judge to swiftly block a new law that bans most abortions in Texas, raising concerns about women's curtailed access to care. Deputy assistant attorney general Brian Netter, in one of the court arguments in Austin, said that the controversial statute represents "an open threat to the rule of law." The government further went on describing the ban as "a truly extraordinary law designed to outflank the federal government and to violate the constitution." Netter said that adding a "judicial intervention" was necessary to make the law unenforceable until the case is decided. Attorney William Thompson of the Texas Attorney General's office accused Netter of "inflammatory rhetoric" and insisted the law respects Supreme Court precedent. Also read | Activists say Texas anti-abortion law shows ‘terrifying’ fragility of women’s rights However, the judge Robert Pitman said, "If the state's so confident in the constitutionality of the limitations on a woman's access to abortion, then why did it go to such great lengths to create this very unusual private cause of action?" Earlier, Biden had openly condemned the US supreme court for rejecting to ban the abortion law. Biden said the supreme court judges, all appointed by former President Donald Trump, delivered an assault on a woman’s rights. "The Supreme Court's ruling overnight is an unprecedented assault on a woman's constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for almost fifty years," Biden said in a statement. "This (Texas) law is so extreme it does not even allow for exceptions in the case of rape or incest." Texas abortion law is one of the toughest and most restrictive abortion bans in the US in the past couple of decades. As per the law, any member of the public from Texas can file a legal complaint against the doctors, health care providers and family members who support a woman in aborting a child after six weeks of the start of her pregnancy.

Joe Biden's administration urges judge to block Texas anti-abortion law

For the first time in the 84-year vigil,&nbsp;an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard at&nbsp;the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the United States, a tweet from the Army's Old Guard said on Friday. &nbsp;

The historic moment came on the 30,770th day of continuous guarding of the tomb. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On a recent Autumn morning at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in <a href="https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArlingtonNatl</a>, history was made. For the first time in the 84-year vigil, on the 30770th day of continuous guarding, an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tomb100?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tomb100</a> <a href="https://t.co/JndxF9VVuK">pic.twitter.com/JndxF9VVuK</a>
— The Old Guard (@USArmyOldGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmyOldGuard/status/1443944402607554584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Arlington National Cemetery website said, "The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.” &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6bf54b3-b83e-4cd4-9840-da876f52bb87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US%202.jpg" />

The 3rd US Infantry Regiment soldiers guard the Tomb of the Unknown round the clock in all weathers. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-tweet-again-donald-trump-requests-us-judge-to-force-twitter-into-restoring-account-417625" hreflang="en">Trump to tweet again? Donald Trump requests US judge to force Twitter into restoring account</a>

On Instagram, the Old Guard posted, "We commemorate the achievements of these trail-blazing Tomb Guards," adding this "historic event" was a first but not the last. &nbsp;

The post said, "With diversity in our ranks, race, gender, or any characteristics will never hinder, but only enhance the execution of our sacred mission." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/officers-who-pledge-loyalty-to-oath-keepers-should-be-fired-mayor-says-417604" hreflang="en">Officers who pledge loyalty to oath keepers should be fired, Mayor says</a>

"As we recognise this monumental day, we reflect on the Unknowns and their ultimate sacrifice. The world will never know their names. Their life's poetry was silenced in the defense of this great nation. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will never falter as our standard will remain perfection," it added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time in the 84-year vigil, an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the United States, a tweet from the Army's Old Guard said on Friday.

For the first time in the 84-year vigil, an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the United States, a tweet from the Army's Old Guard said on Friday. The historic moment came on the 30,770th day of continuous guarding of the tomb. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. On a recent Autumn morning at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in @ArlingtonNatl, history was made. For the first time in the 84-year vigil, on the 30770th day of continuous guarding, an all-female guard change occurred with the 38th Sergeant of the Guard.#Tomb100 pic.twitter.com/JndxF9VVuK — The Old Guard (@USArmyOldGuard) October 1, 2021 × Arlington National Cemetery website said, "The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony, which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.” The 3rd US Infantry Regiment soldiers guard the Tomb of the Unknown round the clock in all weathers. Also Read: Trump to tweet again? Donald Trump requests US judge to force Twitter into restoring account On Instagram, the Old Guard posted, "We commemorate the achievements of these trail-blazing Tomb Guards," adding this "historic event" was a first but not the last. The post said, "With diversity in our ranks, race, gender, or any characteristics will never hinder, but only enhance the execution of our sacred mission." Also Read: Officers who pledge loyalty to oath keepers should be fired, Mayor says "As we recognise this monumental day, we reflect on the Unknowns and their ultimate sacrifice. The world will never know their names. Their life's poetry was silenced in the defense of this great nation. We will never forget their sacrifice, and we will never falter as our standard will remain perfection," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, all-female guard change occurred at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in US

Former United States President Donald Trump asked a federal judge in Florida to force Twitter to reinstate his account. Watch this report for more details.

Former US Prez Donald Trump asks Florida Judge to force Twitter to restart his account

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday.

Launched in 2013 by former cable news anchor Carlos Watson,&nbsp;the brand secured millions of dollars in investor funding and a number of high-profile partnerships, including the production of an Emmy Award-winning talk show hosted by the Oprah Winfrey Network.

But a New York Times investigation on Sunday claimed that company executives had intentionally inflated traffic figures and views on other sites including YouTube.

The report also said cofounder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive to praise his own platform while in a phone meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs, who were weighing a $40 million investment in Ozy.&nbsp;

Watson apologised to the bank after the ruse was quickly discovered and the video sharing platform launched a security probe, the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surpasses-700000-covid-deaths-as-california-schools-make-vaccines-compulsory-417519">Also read |&nbsp;US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory</a>

The investigation also found that Watson had falsely claimed a partnership with Amazon Prime for his eponymous talk show, launched last year, and that he had secured a broadcasting deal for the program with American cable channel A&amp;E.

Amazon Prime complained to Ozy about use of its branding in billboards promoting the show last week, prompting another apology from Watson, the report said.&nbsp;

The discrepancy between the platform's claimed audience size and its real-world profile prompted ridicule from some publications reporting on the controversy.

"Ozy Media shuts down just one week after most of us found out it exists," read a headline on the platform's closure by tech news outlet The Verge.

Ozy and Watson did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday.

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday. Launched in 2013 by former cable news anchor Carlos Watson, the brand secured millions of dollars in investor funding and a number of high-profile partnerships, including the production of an Emmy Award-winning talk show hosted by the Oprah Winfrey Network. But a New York Times investigation on Sunday claimed that company executives had intentionally inflated traffic figures and views on other sites including YouTube. The report also said cofounder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive to praise his own platform while in a phone meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs, who were weighing a $40 million investment in Ozy. Watson apologised to the bank after the ruse was quickly discovered and the video sharing platform launched a security probe, the report said. Also read | US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory The investigation also found that Watson had falsely claimed a partnership with Amazon Prime for his eponymous talk show, launched last year, and that he had secured a broadcasting deal for the program with American cable channel A&E. Amazon Prime complained to Ozy about use of its branding in billboards promoting the show last week, prompting another apology from Watson, the report said. The discrepancy between the platform's claimed audience size and its real-world profile prompted ridicule from some publications reporting on the controversy. "Ozy Media shuts down just one week after most of us found out it exists," read a headline on the platform's closure by tech news outlet The Verge. Ozy and Watson did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

US media platform Ozy to close after accusations of deceptive conduct

Supporting Taliban in Afghanistan has come at a very high price for Pakistan, as fears of US sanction are increasing which is affecting the fragility of Pakistan's economy.

Fears of US sanctions surging affects Pakistan's economic fragility

US President Joe Biden signed the government funding bill on Thursday, just hours after congressional lawmakers rushed to pass the measure before the shutdown deadline.

US President Joe Biden signed the government funding bill on Thursday, just hours after congressional lawmakers rushed to pass the measure before the shutdown deadline. Hours ahead of the midnight deadline, the House of Representatives voted to keep the lights on for another two months with a resolution that had already advanced comfortably from the Senate, with opposition Republicans supporting the ruling Democrats in both chambers. Biden signed the bill shortly after. "This is a good outcome, one I'm happy we are getting done," Chuck Schumer, the top Democratic senator, told colleagues on the chamber floor ahead of both votes, which were never in serious doubt. "With so many things to take care of here in Washington, the last thing the American people need is for the government to grind to a halt," he said. Also read | UK fuel industry denies government claims crisis is easing The House voted 254-175 to advance the measure. Just hours earlier, the Senate voted 65-35, in a display of bipartisanship in both chambers. The Senate-passed bipartisan infrastructure bill is due for a crucial vote in the House on Thursday that appears to have no chance of passing, with the Democrats' left-wing in open revolt. The progressives do not trust that centrists, who object to the size of the larger spending package, will honour an agreement to pass the legislation once the infrastructure is across the line. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin inflamed tensions with a statement arguing that trillions of dollars in extra spending was "fiscal insanity," solidifying opposition to the smaller infrastructure bill. He told reporters Thursday that he was unwilling to go above $1.5 trillion. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she planned to forge ahead, while White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, "We're working towards winning a vote tonight. We have several hours left in the day."

US government shutdown averted hours before deadline as Biden signs bill

A meeting between the US' and India's leaders was held recently. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan did little to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. Anita Powell reports from the White House on how Biden is working on the relations between the two South Asian nations.

WION VOA: A new era for India-US relations

US and India push for combined training exercises. The Indian chief of defense staff General Bipin Rawat met with his US counterpart, General Mark Milley.

US and India push for combined training exercises

In a hearing Wednesday on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Gen. Frank McKenzie, the Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), said the military knew civilians had been hit within four or five hours of the strike -- and they knew they had hit the wrong target within days.

US drone strike killed 10 Afghan civilians

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children.&nbsp; 
However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people. Its global head of safety, Antigone Davis, testified to the US Senate, about child protection.

This comes after a leak exposed how Instagram's research had found the platform could harm children’s well-being. Earlier, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said the app's effects on teenagers' mental health were "quite small".

The committee started by reiterating Facebook's own research which said that Instagram could have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem.

Teenagers "blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression", it said. 
Davis was quoted by The BBC as saying, "We conduct this research, to make our platform better, to minimise the bad and maximise the good and to proactively identify where we can improve."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/smart-glasses-made-google-look-dumb-now-facebook-is-giving-them-a-try-413629">Also read |&nbsp;Smart glasses made google look dumb. Now Facebook is giving them a try.</a>

"We want our platforms to be a place for meaningful interactions with friends and family and we cannot achieve that goal if people do not feel safe."

Richard Blumenthal chairs the Senate commerce, science, and transportation subcommittee on consumer protection, product safety, and data security, highlighted how Facebook had earlier denied it was aware of any research that showed a negative correlation.

He said, "We know it chooses the growth of its products over the well-being of our children".&nbsp;

He further added, "And we now know that it is indefensibly delinquent in acting to protect them." 
"It is failing to hold itself accountable and the question that haunts me is how can we or parents or anyone trust Facebook."

Davis repeatedly failed to answer the committee's questions and said she would have to check with the relevant Facebook teams.

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children. However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people.

US lawmakers grilled Facebook over the potential harm its services are causing and its impact on the mental health of children. However, Facebook has defended the impact of its products, saying Instagram has "affirmatively helped" young people. Its global head of safety, Antigone Davis, testified to the US Senate, about child protection. This comes after a leak exposed how Instagram's research had found the platform could harm children’s well-being. Earlier, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri said the app's effects on teenagers' mental health were "quite small". The committee started by reiterating Facebook's own research which said that Instagram could have a negative impact on body image and self-esteem. Teenagers "blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression", it said. Davis was quoted by The BBC as saying, "We conduct this research, to make our platform better, to minimise the bad and maximise the good and to proactively identify where we can improve." Also read | Smart glasses made google look dumb. Now Facebook is giving them a try. "We want our platforms to be a place for meaningful interactions with friends and family and we cannot achieve that goal if people do not feel safe." Richard Blumenthal chairs the Senate commerce, science, and transportation subcommittee on consumer protection, product safety, and data security, highlighted how Facebook had earlier denied it was aware of any research that showed a negative correlation. He said, "We know it chooses the growth of its products over the well-being of our children". He further added, "And we now know that it is indefensibly delinquent in acting to protect them." "It is failing to hold itself accountable and the question that haunts me is how can we or parents or anyone trust Facebook." Davis repeatedly failed to answer the committee's questions and said she would have to check with the relevant Facebook teams.

US lawmakers grill Facebook over teen mental health

Within 10 months into his presidency, Joe Biden already seems to be taking a massive hit in the approval ratings. Watch this report for more details.

Most Americans find Biden's COVID response satisfactory

Of all the events surrounding the America's operations in Afghanistan, the military pullout process remains one of the most scrutinized. America's top leaders today faced tough questions over USA pullout from Afghanistan. Biden administration, military generals, intel failure or Donald Trump's Doha agreement- who and what is to be blamed?

America's top military generals face questions over Afghan pullout- who is to be blamed?

Top Pentagon officials have stated publicly for the first time that they personally believed it would be a mistake to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan. Watch this report for more details.

America's top military generals face questions on pullout process

Tensions between United States and North Korea are simmering again. There are multiple reasons for it, majorly North Korea's aggressive military test in the recent weeks which has alarmed the world. Here are all the latest developments.

United States open to talks with North Korea, Kim Jong-Un slams dialogue offer

Flawed Doha Agreements, to release of Taliban prisoners, hasty troop withdrawal, disorganized evacuation & 'mistaken' drone strike. After the two-day senate hearing of military chiefs on Afghan pullout, 3 Presidents were held responsible. Molly Gambhir brings you more details.

Who's responsible for Afghanistan mess? | US military testifies before senate panel

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