A total of 127 people landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu on Tuesday morning. These people, who include 118 Nepalis and nine Indians, were evacuated to Kuwait from Afghanistan on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Brigadier General Santosh Ballave Poudyal, spokesperson, Nepali Army told WION that all evacuees have been taken to an isolation centre in Kathmandu and COVID protocols will be followed. &nbsp;

“The Nepali Government has given the responsibility to take these evacuees from airport to Radha Soami Satsang Beas COVID-19 Isolation Centre, Samakhusi. So, PCR and Antigen Tests will be carried out and accordingly, people will be sent to home isolation,” Poudyal told WION. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet, Nepal Foreign Ministry confirmed, “Arrival of Nepali nationals from Afghanistan has started. 118 of them have arrived at Kathmandu airport by a chartered aircraft via Kuwait this morning.” &nbsp;

Earlier, Nepal Government had requested the international community to keep Nepali nationals living in Kabul, Afghanistan in a safe place and help their repatriation home. &nbsp;

“It is an honour for us to be able to welcome the first flight to Kathmandu safely, among are Nepalese, who have worked in US Embassy in Kabul. We are extremely grateful for their services,” US Embassy in Nepal said in a tweet.&nbsp;

The Manpower Association in Kathmandu claims that there are about 15,000 Nepalis in Afghanistan, while the government has record of only 1,500. &nbsp;

A special US Air force flight took 385 Nepalis working at the US embassy to Doha on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While, 87 Nepalis working at the British embassy were flown out of Kabul by the British government on Sunday. As many as 470 Nepalis working as security guard in UN Office, UNHCR, IOM and other UN related agencies are waiting for a flight at a hotel in Kabul. &nbsp;

More than 120 Nepalis working at the Canadian and German embassies are being rescued by a US Air Force plane.&nbsp;

In addition to above, preparations are on to rescue 62 Nepalis working at the Japanese embassy in Kabul and they will be brought to Kathmandu within 72 hours. &nbsp;

This comes as Taliban took control of the presidential palace, soon after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

A total of 127 people landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu on Tuesday morning. These people, who include 118 Nepalis and nine Indians, were evacuated to Kuwait from Afghanistan on Monday.

A total of 127 people landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu on Tuesday morning. These people, who include 118 Nepalis and nine Indians, were evacuated to Kuwait from Afghanistan on Monday. Brigadier General Santosh Ballave Poudyal, spokesperson, Nepali Army told WION that all evacuees have been taken to an isolation centre in Kathmandu and COVID protocols will be followed. “The Nepali Government has given the responsibility to take these evacuees from airport to Radha Soami Satsang Beas COVID-19 Isolation Centre, Samakhusi. So, PCR and Antigen Tests will be carried out and accordingly, people will be sent to home isolation,” Poudyal told WION. In a tweet, Nepal Foreign Ministry confirmed, “Arrival of Nepali nationals from Afghanistan has started. 118 of them have arrived at Kathmandu airport by a chartered aircraft via Kuwait this morning.” Earlier, Nepal Government had requested the international community to keep Nepali nationals living in Kabul, Afghanistan in a safe place and help their repatriation home. “It is an honour for us to be able to welcome the first flight to Kathmandu safely, among are Nepalese, who have worked in US Embassy in Kabul. We are extremely grateful for their services,” US Embassy in Nepal said in a tweet. The Manpower Association in Kathmandu claims that there are about 15,000 Nepalis in Afghanistan, while the government has record of only 1,500. A special US Air force flight took 385 Nepalis working at the US embassy to Doha on Sunday. While, 87 Nepalis working at the British embassy were flown out of Kabul by the British government on Sunday. As many as 470 Nepalis working as security guard in UN Office, UNHCR, IOM and other UN related agencies are waiting for a flight at a hotel in Kabul. More than 120 Nepalis working at the Canadian and German embassies are being rescued by a US Air Force plane. In addition to above, preparations are on to rescue 62 Nepalis working at the Japanese embassy in Kabul and they will be brought to Kathmandu within 72 hours. This comes as Taliban took control of the presidential palace, soon after president Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

127 people including 118 Nepalis return to Kathmandu from Afghanistan

The United States has laid out conditions for recognising a Taliban government. The US state department has said that the Taliban government will be recognised if it respects human rights, including women’s rights.

US lays out conditions for recognising a new government in Afghanistan

Comparisons were drawn between the US' evacuation of its staff from Kabul to the US'exodus of its staff from Vietnam's Saigon in 1975 which remains America's biggest military defeat.

US choppers evacuate staff from Kabul the way it did in Saigon in 1975

As Taliban took control over Afghanistan, millions of Afghans evacuated from the country. Hundreds of US embassy personnel also relocated to airport facility.

Kabul airport overwhelmed amid evacuations of Afghans after Taliban's siege in country

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday&nbsp;in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. &nbsp;

The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the group, said the Taliban did not want to live in isolation and the type of rule and the form of regime would be clear soon. &nbsp;

Naeem added, the group has respected women's and minorities' rights and freedom of expression within Sharia law. The group is also ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them necessary protection. &nbsp;

After Taliban insurgents entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan. The planned withdrawal of US forces has now become a mission to ensure a safe evacuation. &nbsp;

The Afghan government's rapid collapse and the ensuing chaos raised several questions. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

Several netizens also said the images of US helicopters circling the Kabul embassy evoked the humiliating departure of its personnel from Vietnam many years ago. &nbsp;

A US State Department official also said the country’s flag is no longer flying at embassy amid evacuations from the capital. Nearly all embassy personnel have been relocated to the city's international airport. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community.

The war was over in Afghanistan, said a spokesman for the Taliban's political office on Sunday in an interview with Al Jazeera TV. The spokesman also called for peaceful relations with the international community. Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the group, said the Taliban did not want to live in isolation and the type of rule and the form of regime would be clear soon. Naeem added, the group has respected women's and minorities' rights and freedom of expression within Sharia law. The group is also ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them necessary protection. After Taliban insurgents entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and other top officials were left stunned by the pace of the Taliban's nearly complete takeover of Afghanistan. The planned withdrawal of US forces has now become a mission to ensure a safe evacuation. The Afghan government's rapid collapse and the ensuing chaos raised several questions. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." Several netizens also said the images of US helicopters circling the Kabul embassy evoked the humiliating departure of its personnel from Vietnam many years ago. A US State Department official also said the country’s flag is no longer flying at embassy amid evacuations from the capital. Nearly all embassy personnel have been relocated to the city's international airport. (With inputs from agencies)

'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse

WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen highlights the concerns of US withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 long years and its implications. Watch the report to know what lies ahead after the withdrawal of the strongest military force from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Collapse: Did US intelligence get it wrong?

The remnants of Storm&nbsp;Fred&nbsp;were moving across the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday&nbsp;and were expected to strengthen into a tropical storm overnight, potentially dropping several inches of rain on the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama early next week.

The storm was about 510 miles&nbsp;south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama on Saturday and moving west-northwest at 35 miles&nbsp;per hour, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

It was expected to turn northwest overnight and had a 90 per cent chance of re-strengthening into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, the NHC said in a Saturday evening advisory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

"Fred&nbsp;is forecast to regenerate as a tropical cyclone over the Gulf of Mexico tonight or on Sunday, and bring a risk of tropical storm conditions to portions of the northern Gulf coast, especially from coastal Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle beginning on Monday," the forecaster said in a statement.

The storm was expected to drop 3 to 7 inches&nbsp;of rain with maximum isolated totals of 10 inches on the Florida Big Bend and Panhandle by Tuesday.

Fred&nbsp;pummeled the Dominican Republic and grazed the north coast of Cuba on Thursday before moving over the Gulf, leaving thousands in the Dominican Republic without power or running water.

The remnants of Storm Fred were moving across the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and were expected to strengthen into a tropical storm overnight, potentially dropping several inches of rain on the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama early next week.

The remnants of Storm Fred were moving across the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and were expected to strengthen into a tropical storm overnight, potentially dropping several inches of rain on the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama early next week. The storm was about 510 miles south-southeast of Mobile, Alabama on Saturday and moving west-northwest at 35 miles per hour, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. It was expected to turn northwest overnight and had a 90 per cent chance of re-strengthening into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, the NHC said in a Saturday evening advisory. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday "Fred is forecast to regenerate as a tropical cyclone over the Gulf of Mexico tonight or on Sunday, and bring a risk of tropical storm conditions to portions of the northern Gulf coast, especially from coastal Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle beginning on Monday," the forecaster said in a statement. The storm was expected to drop 3 to 7 inches of rain with maximum isolated totals of 10 inches on the Florida Big Bend and Panhandle by Tuesday. Fred pummeled the Dominican Republic and grazed the north coast of Cuba on Thursday before moving over the Gulf, leaving thousands in the Dominican Republic without power or running water.

Storm Fred expected to strengthen as it aims for Florida Panhandle

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into&nbsp;Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday.

The incidents dating back to 2018 included one fatal crash and seven that resulted in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tesla's directions to drivers &nbsp;requires "active driver supervision" behind the wheel, but critics, including in Congress, have said Autopilot can be easily fooled and have called for NHTSA to take action.

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday.

US safety officials opened a preliminary investigation into Tesla's Autopilot after identifying 11 crashes involving the driver assistance system, officials said Monday. The incidents dating back to 2018 included one fatal crash and seven that resulted in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tesla's directions to drivers requires "active driver supervision" behind the wheel, but critics, including in Congress, have said Autopilot can be easily fooled and have called for NHTSA to take action.

US opens probe of Tesla Autopilot after 11 crashes: Agency

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864" hreflang="en">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse</a>

After Taliban militants&nbsp;entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country."

"And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me."

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Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: <a href="https://t.co/vkcW5UCE4h">pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h</a>
— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatashaBertrand/status/1426639588253126657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was&nbsp;stunned at&nbsp;the&nbsp;pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need."

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If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. 
 
Τoday ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/LaStampa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaStampa</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i">https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i</a>
— Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargSchinas/status/1426830971656146945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has decided not to shut its&nbsp;embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions.&nbsp;

"The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867" hreflang="en">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan.

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We must not&nbsp;abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse After Taliban militants entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country." "And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me." Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) August 14, 2021 × After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was stunned at the pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need." If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. Τoday ⁦@LaStampa⁩ https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i — Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) August 15, 2021 × India has decided not to shut its embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions. "The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI. IN PICS| 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan. "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We must not abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Shock and awe: World expresses concern as Taliban enter Kabul

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.

The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, almost everything that Tesla has sold in the US since the start of the 2014 model year. Of the crashes identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the investigation, 17 people were injured and one was killed.

NHTSA says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles at scenes where first responders have used flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. The agency announced the action Monday in a posting on its website.

The investigation covers Tesla’s entire current model lineup, the Models Y, X, S and 3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which also has investigated some of the Tesla crashes, has recommended that NHTSA and Tesla limit Autopilot’s use to areas where it can safely operate. The NTSB also recommended that NHTSA require Tesla to have a better system to make sure drivers are paying attention. NHTSA has not taken action on any of the recommendations. The NTSB has no enforcement powers and can only make recommendations to other federal agencies such as NHTSA.

Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway.

The agency has sent investigative teams to 31 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems since June of 2016. Such systems can keep a vehicle centred in its lane and a safe distance from vehicles in front of it. Of those crashes, 25 involved Tesla Autopilot of which 10 deaths were reported, according to data released by the agency.

Tesla and other manufacturers warn that drivers using the systems must be ready to intervene at all times. Teslas using the system have crashed into semis crossing in front of them, stopped emergency vehicles and a roadway barrier.

A message was left early Monday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations office.

The crashes into emergency vehicles cited by NHTSA began on Jan. 22, 2018, in Culver City, California, near Los Angeles when a Tesla using Autopilot struck a parked firetruck that was parked partially in the travel lanes with its lights flashing. Crews were handling another crash at the time.

Since then, the agency said there were crashes in Laguna Beach, California; Norwalk, Connecticut; Cloverdale, Indiana; West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Cochise County, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina, Montgomery County, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; and Miami, Florida.

“The investigation will assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist and enforce the driver’s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation,” NHTSA said in its investigation documents.

In addition, the probe will cover object and event detection by the system, as well as where it is allowed to operate. NHTSA says it will examine “contributing circumstances” to the crashes, as well as similar crashes.

An investigation could lead to a recall or other enforcement action by NHTSA.

“NHTSA reminds the public that no commercially available motor vehicles today are capable of driving themselves,” the agency said in a statement. “Every available vehicle requires a human driver to be in control at all times, and all state laws hold human drivers responsible for the operation of their vehicles.”

The agency said it has “robust enforcement tools” to protect the public and investigate potential safety issues, and it will act when it finds evidence “of noncompliance or an unreasonable safety risk.”

In June NHTSA ordered all automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver-assist systems.

The measures show the agency has started to take a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. It has been reluctant to issue any regulations of the new technology for fear of hampering the adoption of the potentially life-saving systems.

Shares of Tesla Inc., based in Palo Alto, California, fell nearly 2% before the opening bell.

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles.

The US government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system after a series of collisions with parked emergency vehicles. The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, almost everything that Tesla has sold in the US since the start of the 2014 model year. Of the crashes identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the investigation, 17 people were injured and one was killed. NHTSA says it has identified 11 crashes since 2018 in which Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control have hit vehicles at scenes where first responders have used flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards. The agency announced the action Monday in a posting on its website. The investigation covers Tesla’s entire current model lineup, the Models Y, X, S and 3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years. The National Transportation Safety Board, which also has investigated some of the Tesla crashes, has recommended that NHTSA and Tesla limit Autopilot’s use to areas where it can safely operate. The NTSB also recommended that NHTSA require Tesla to have a better system to make sure drivers are paying attention. NHTSA has not taken action on any of the recommendations. The NTSB has no enforcement powers and can only make recommendations to other federal agencies such as NHTSA. Autopilot has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, who have been caught driving drunk or even riding in the back seat while a car rolled down a California highway. The agency has sent investigative teams to 31 crashes involving partially automated driver-assist systems since June of 2016. Such systems can keep a vehicle centred in its lane and a safe distance from vehicles in front of it. Of those crashes, 25 involved Tesla Autopilot of which 10 deaths were reported, according to data released by the agency. Tesla and other manufacturers warn that drivers using the systems must be ready to intervene at all times. Teslas using the system have crashed into semis crossing in front of them, stopped emergency vehicles and a roadway barrier. A message was left early Monday seeking comment from Tesla, which has disbanded its media relations office. The crashes into emergency vehicles cited by NHTSA began on Jan. 22, 2018, in Culver City, California, near Los Angeles when a Tesla using Autopilot struck a parked firetruck that was parked partially in the travel lanes with its lights flashing. Crews were handling another crash at the time. Since then, the agency said there were crashes in Laguna Beach, California; Norwalk, Connecticut; Cloverdale, Indiana; West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Cochise County, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina, Montgomery County, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; and Miami, Florida. “The investigation will assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist and enforce the driver’s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation,” NHTSA said in its investigation documents. In addition, the probe will cover object and event detection by the system, as well as where it is allowed to operate. NHTSA says it will examine “contributing circumstances” to the crashes, as well as similar crashes. An investigation could lead to a recall or other enforcement action by NHTSA. “NHTSA reminds the public that no commercially available motor vehicles today are capable of driving themselves,” the agency said in a statement. “Every available vehicle requires a human driver to be in control at all times, and all state laws hold human drivers responsible for the operation of their vehicles.” The agency said it has “robust enforcement tools” to protect the public and investigate potential safety issues, and it will act when it finds evidence “of noncompliance or an unreasonable safety risk.” In June NHTSA ordered all automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver-assist systems. The measures show the agency has started to take a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. It has been reluctant to issue any regulations of the new technology for fear of hampering the adoption of the potentially life-saving systems. Shares of Tesla Inc., based in Palo Alto, California, fell nearly 2% before the opening bell.

US opens formal probe into Tesla Autopilot system

Former US President Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign over the swift takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban militants, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.

Trump blames Biden for Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, seeks his resignation

The US military has secured the perimeter of Kabul airport as its diplomats were being evacuated from war-torn Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover. Commercial flights have mostly been suspended, stranding hundreds of Afghans and other foreign nationals.

US secures Kabul airport to evacuate staff from country

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. &nbsp;

On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.”&nbsp;

He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” &nbsp;

When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.”&nbsp;

Blinken was also reminded by the&nbsp;interviewer&nbsp;that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”&nbsp;

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday.

The United States will only recognise a future government in Afghanistan if it upholds basic rights of its people and keeps terrorists out of the country, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. On being asked to comment over media reports that China was ready to recognise the Taliban as a legitimate government, the top US diplomat said, “A government that doesn’t uphold the basic rights of its people, including women and girls; that harbours terrorist groups that have designs on the United States or allies and partners — certainly, that’s not going to happen.” He appearing on US television channels on Sunday to comment over the developments in Afghanistan. The secretary of state warned that international assistance to a Taliban-led government in Kabul “will not be forthcoming, sanctions will not be lifted and their ability to travel won’t happen.” When the interviewer implied that his statement sounds like a no to recognition, the diplomat said, “It’s incumbent on the international community, including the United States, to do everything we can using every tool that we have — economic, diplomatic, political — to ensure (those) rights are sustained.” Blinken was also reminded by the interviewer that in a recent statement, US President Joe Biden insisted that the Kabul government would not fall, and asked him how he could “get this so wrong.”

US to recognise a future Afghan govt only if it upholds basic rights: Blinken 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blamed Afghan forces for the Taliban’s takeover. He forcefully defended the administration’s decision to withdraw the military from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Blinken says Afghan troops haven't been able to defend country

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US&nbsp;president&nbsp;Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes.&nbsp;

On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.”&nbsp;

Biden added,&nbsp;“In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow.”&nbsp;

The president also said, “In the&nbsp;past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia—through the Quad—to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our&nbsp;'last-mile'&nbsp;coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

US&nbsp;secretary of state Antony&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;said, “On behalf of the government and people of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of India on your 75th Independence Day.”&nbsp;

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I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. 
 
I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.<a href="https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp">https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZKoTDPdHsB">pic.twitter.com/ZKoTDPdHsB</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1426626438761881600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s&nbsp;neighbours, such as Bhutan, have also congratulated the country on the memorable day.&nbsp;Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, said, “I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times.&nbsp;I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.”&nbsp;

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US president Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes.

As India celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, reactions from different world leaders pour in. From US president Joe Biden to Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, several leaders from around the world have shared their wishes. On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US President Joe Biden said, “I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day.” Biden added, “In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow.” The president also said, “In the past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia—through the Quad—to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our 'last-mile' coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, “On behalf of the government and people of the United States of America, I extend warm wishes to the people of India on your 75th Independence Day.” I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.https://t.co/Tx2sJHk4rp pic.twitter.com/ZKoTDPdHsB — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) August 14, 2021 × India’s neighbours, such as Bhutan, have also congratulated the country on the memorable day. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, said, “I take this occasion to convey our appreciation to the government and people of India, particularly the Embassy of India team here, for the support during these difficult times. I offer my warmest wishes on this special occasion. Happy Independence Day.”

World leaders congratulate India on Independence Day 

As luck would have it, a man in&nbsp;South Carolina in the United States&nbsp;is claiming&nbsp;to have won&nbsp;second lottery prize in just as many weeks.&nbsp;

The winner&nbsp;from Grand Strand first claimed a&nbsp;$40,000 prize on July 16 and then&nbsp;the&nbsp;next one of&nbsp;$3 million on&nbsp;July 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the&nbsp;South Carolina Education Lottery said on Wednesday,&nbsp;“The man had&nbsp;purchased both Mega Millions Quick Pick tickets from a Murphy USA gas station in Myrtle Beach.”&nbsp;

The newly-turned&nbsp;millionaire used to&nbsp;shop at a nearby Walmart and&nbsp;also&nbsp;drop by Murphy USA afterwards&nbsp;to&nbsp;fill&nbsp;gas&nbsp;and play the lotto,&nbsp;the winner&nbsp;told lottery officials.&nbsp;

He said,&nbsp;"I couldn't believe it.&nbsp;My family was&nbsp;also&nbsp;shocked when I broke the news."&nbsp;

In both&nbsp;the&nbsp;cases,&nbsp;the man&nbsp;missed the jackpot by just&nbsp;a&nbsp;number. Still, he&nbsp;is quite a&nbsp;lucky guy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the South Carolina Education Lottery,&nbsp;"The odds of winning $40,000 playing Mega Millions are 1 in 931,001, and the odds of winning $3 million are about 1 in 13 million."&nbsp;

As luck would have it, a man in South Carolina in the United States is claiming to have won second lottery prize in just as many weeks. The winner from Grand Strand first claimed a $40,000 prize on July 16 and then the next one of $3 million on July 27.

As luck would have it, a man in South Carolina in the United States is claiming to have won second lottery prize in just as many weeks. The winner from Grand Strand first claimed a $40,000 prize on July 16 and then the next one of $3 million on July 27. In a statement, the South Carolina Education Lottery said on Wednesday, “The man had purchased both Mega Millions Quick Pick tickets from a Murphy USA gas station in Myrtle Beach.” The newly-turned millionaire used to shop at a nearby Walmart and also drop by Murphy USA afterwards to fill gas and play the lotto, the winner told lottery officials. He said, "I couldn't believe it. My family was also shocked when I broke the news." In both the cases, the man missed the jackpot by just a number. Still, he is quite a lucky guy. According to the South Carolina Education Lottery, "The odds of winning $40,000 playing Mega Millions are 1 in 931,001, and the odds of winning $3 million are about 1 in 13 million."

As good as it gets: Lucky US man wins two lotteries in a gap of 11 days  

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 

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