World Bank freezes funding for Afghanistan

The World Bank has halted funding for projects in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country.

Striking pictures from around the world this week

A selection of powerful news photographs was taken around the world this week.

India approves world's first DNA Covid vaccine

India's drug regulator has approved the world's first DNA vaccine against Covid-19 for emergency use. The three-dose ZyCoV-D vaccine prevented symptomatic disease in 66 per cent of those vaccinated, according to an interim study quoted by the vaccine maker Cadila Healthcare.

Nadal ends season because of injury

Rafael Nadal will miss the US Open after the Spaniard ended his 2021 season because of a foot injury.

Taliban 'carrying out door-to-door manhunt'

The Taliban have stepped up their search for people who worked for Nato forces or the previous Afghan government, a UN document has warned.

Exiled Afghanistan president lands in UAE

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has taken refuge in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf nation says.

'We await peaceful transfer of power' - Taliban spokesman

"We are the servants of the people and of this country. Our leadership have instructed our forces to remain at the gate of Kabul - not to enter the city. We are awaiting a peaceful transfer of power."

Afghan conflict: Taliban control all key cities except Kabul

The Taliban have moved closer to retaking full control of Afghanistan, with the capital Kabul now the only major city left in government hands. On Sunday the militants took control of Jalalabad, a key eastern city, without a fight. It followed the seizure of the government's northern bastion of Mazar-i-Sharif just a day earlier.

Diplomats hasten exit as Taliban near Kabul

The first US troops are arriving in Afghanistan to help diplomatic staff and others leave, as many countries scramble to evacuate workers and citizens amid a rapid Taliban advance.

UN urges Afghanistan's neighbours to keep borders open to refugees

The UN has urged Afghanistan's neighbours to keep their borders open as the number of civilians fleeing the Taliban onslaught swells.