Latest News
Japan calls on G7 countries to engage directly with IEA
Addressing top diplomats of G-7 nations on Monday, Japan’s foreign minister called for direct engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi “emphasized the need to engage persistently and directly with the Taliban,” a statement issued by Tokyo said.
Japan’s top diplomat was discussing Afghanistan and Central Asia for around an hour with his colleagues from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the US, plus the EU.
Hayashi called for continuing assistance to the people of Afghanistan in cooperation with the international community.
Expressing “serious concern” over the “worsening” human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, Hayashi also condemned the recent decision by the IEA that “suppress human rights, including increased restrictions on women’s rights.”
Tokyo’s comments came after the UN said it was being forced to make an “appalling choice” about its presence in Afghanistan as the IEA administration banned women from working for the organization.
The IEA officials meanwhile have said the ban on women working in Afghanistan was an “internal issue” of the country.
Japan is the current chair of G-7, and a bullet train took an hour to bring the foreign ministers of the world’s seven advanced nations to the resort town of Karuizawa in central Japan on Sunday, for a three-day summit until Tuesday.
International Sports
IPL 2026: RR slip to fifth as Shane Bond calls for bowling changes
Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond says his side’s bowlers must start “doing something different” after another disappointing defeat in IPL 2026 left the team slipping down the points table.
RR suffered a heavy loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday after conceding more than 200 runs for the fourth straight match. The defeat pushed them down to fifth place with only three league games remaining.
The problems started early when fast bowler Jofra Archer struggled badly in the opening over, needing 11 balls to complete it after bowling a no-ball and several wides. The over cost RR 18 runs and set the tone for another difficult evening.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan said Archer appeared rusty after the team’s eight-day break and suggested Jaipur’s pitches are not helping RR’s pace attack.
Bond admitted RR’s bowling has not adapted well enough to the aggressive batting seen throughout this year’s IPL.
“You’ve got to be doing something different,” Bond said after the match. “Batsmen are developing new shots and putting bowlers under pressure, so bowlers also need to develop new skills and new plans.”
He added that bowlers must improve both their decision-making and execution, while using analysts more effectively to study opposition batting patterns.
Despite their recent slump, RR remain in contention for the playoffs, although their form has become a growing concern after a strong start to the season.
Meanwhile, IPL action continues on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings taking on Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon match, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Mumbai Indians in a high-profile evening clash.
Chennai Super Kings will look to revive their inconsistent campaign against a Lucknow side still fighting for a playoff place, while Bengaluru and Mumbai meet in what could prove crucial in the race for the top four.
Both matches will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.
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