Morning digest | Only Sharia law in Afghanistan, says the Taliban; Collegium recommends nine judges for Supreme Court, and more

A select list of stories to read before you start your day.

President Joe Biden speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Aug 18, 2021

Biden says troops will stay in Afghanistan till all Americans are evacuated

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he is committed to keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan until every American is evacuated, even if that means maintaining a military presence there beyond his Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal.

Collegium recommends nine judges for Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana has recommended to the government nine names for appointment as apex court judges, and in the process scripted history by naming Karnataka High Court judge B.V. Nagarathna, who may become India’s first woman CJI.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani releases video on Facebook, first since fleeing Kabul

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday defended his decision to flee Kabul in the face of the Taliban advance, describing it as the only way to prevent bloodshed.

No democracy, only sharia law in Afghanistan: Taliban

Afghanistan may be governed by a council now that the Taliban have taken over, while Islamist group’s supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada would likely remain in overall charge, a senior member of the group said.

WHO warns against booster shots in high-income countries ahead of first doses in poorer countries

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization is warning of “even more dire situations” worldwide in the coronavirus pandemic if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines.

Amid Afghan crisis, Jaishankar to cut short U.S. visit

In view of developments in Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is cutting short his visit to the Americas this week, and will return from the United Nations after chairing over two meetings at the UN Security Council.

Jaishankar announces rollout of tech to help protect U.N. peacekeepers

Presiding over a United Nations Security Council open debate on technology and peacekeeping, his first as External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar announced the rollout of a technological platform in partnership with the U.N., ‘ UNITE Aware’, to help enhance the safety of U.N. peacekeepers.

India can do more, hints climate official

Alok Sharma, president-designate, United Nations Conference of Parties (COP), said he hoped India would consider more ambitious emissions targets. Mr. Sharma is visiting India as part of a larger international tour building consensus among nations for concrete outcomes ahead of the 26th round of climate talks.

Historic mixed relay bronze for India in World athletics under-20 championships

Despite being the country’s fastest quartermiler, Priya H. Mohan had been left out of the Indian 4x400m mixed relay team for the Tokyo Olympics as she was not a national camper.

Princepal Singh becomes first Indian to be part of NBA championship roster

Young cager Princepal Singh became the first Indian to be part of an NBA title winning team when his side Sacramento Kings clinched the 2021 NBA Summer League crown. The 6-foot-9 forward made history by being the first Indian to be part of a championship roster at any level of the NBA.