WORLD
US detects 2,000 cases of Covid Mu variant
Early this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated Mu or "B.1.621" as a variant of interest (VOI) for its vaccine resistance. First identified from Colombia in January this year, infections from Mu have since been recorded in South America as well as in Europe, South Korea, Japan, Canada and the US.
Taliban using US weaponry in Panjshir Valley
Fighters led by the country's former vice-president were last night mounting a final defence against the new regime's forces in Panjshir Valley, the only province that the Islamist group has not captured. But the rebels appeared outgunned by Taliban fighters using US armoured vehicles, mortar missiles and high-powered artillery.
BBC under fire after shutting down scholar for saying Pak supports Taliban
"Really disappointing. @BBCWorld shutting down @CChristineFair as she tries to advance a cogent critique of Pakistan's role in Afghanistan. This is poor journalism; not what you expect from the Beeb," said Theo Farrell on Twitter. "Shame on @bbcworldservice for not letting Georgetown University Prof. @CChristineFair finish answering the question. This is an example how if BBC censors Afghanistan analysis.
IS attack in Iraq kills 13 security members
The attack took place late Saturday night when IS militants attacked a federal police outpost in a village near the town of al-Rashad in the south of the namesake provincial capital Kirkuk, about 250 km north of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua news agency. Thirteen policemen were killed and six others wounded in the attack at the outpost as well as from roadside bombs leading to the village, he added.
Afghan flag carrier resumes domestic flights
"The Ariana Afghan Airlines resumed its flights from Kabul to Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar cities," Xinhua news agency quoted TOLO News as saying in a report. Another local private airline, the Kam Air, has reportedly shifted its planes from the Kabul airport to Mashhad city of Iran, fearing a chaotic situation arising out of Kabul after the Taliban's takeover of the Afghan capital on August 15.
Nuke talks should end US sanctions: Iran Prez
"We do not hesitate to negotiate... But what we are looking for is the lifting of sanctions... Negotiation must be outcome-oriented," he said in a televised speech on Saturday night. Raisi noted that Iran will not accept "negotiation for negotiation's sake", reports Xinhua news agency. After six rounds of talks, the parties have said serious differences remain between Iran and the US for the revitalization of the deal.
FBI reports highest level of hate crime in US in 12 yrs
The report said there were 7,759 identified hate crimes in 2020, which was a 6 per cent increase on 2019 and the highest number since 2008, reports Xinhua news agency. The data, submitted to the FBI by more than 15,000 state and local police agencies, showed that in 2020 anti-Black assaults increased from 1,930 to 2,755, a 40 per cent increase on 2019, while anti-Asian assaults rose from 158 to 274, up 70 per cent.
EU recommends member states restrict travel from US
Some member states, such as Italy and Bulgaria have followed the EU instructions, reports Xinhua news agency. Even before the recommendation, Germany had tightened restrictions, blocking the arrival of unvaccinated travellers who had recently spent time in the US from entering unless they could prove an "important reason" for entering the country.
Caldor Fire in California 37% contained
The blaze has become the 15th largest wildfire in California history and while there were no reported deaths, seven firefighters and two civilians have been injured, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a report on Saturday. Fire behaviour in west zone continued to decrease on Friday night thanks to a slight rise in humidity levels and decrease in temperatures across the entire area, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as syaing.
3 people dead, 20 injured in Quetta suicide blast
In a statement, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting erupted in 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW at around 7.30 p.m. on Saturday night, reports Xinhua news agency. A total of six people were shot and rushed to local hospitals, with three pronounced dead. Three others were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Don't Miss
Advertisement