The US and the Taliban are to meet in Qatar for fresh talks Monday seeking an end to 17 years of grinding conflict in Afghanistan, with the stakes ratcheting higher as the spring fighting season approaches.
Marathon talks held in Doha last month have stoked hopes of a breakthrough after the two sides walked away with a "draft framework" that included a Taliban commitment to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for international terror groups.
It was the most substantial engagement by Washington with the militants since US forces ousted them from power in 2001.
But there is still no accord on a timetable for a US withdrawal or a ceasefire -- both major issues on which previous efforts have foundered.
This time Washington's special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has spearheaded the months-long effort, is expected to face an expanded Taliban negotiating team headed by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban's former deputy minister of foreign affairs.
Neither side has stated how long they expect the meetings to last or the details of what will be discussed.
Analysts say this round will likely see the Taliban push for the removal of its leaders from a UN travel blacklist, matched with pressure from the US for the militants to open a dialogue with the Afghan government.
"Both sides are going into this process with open minds and a sense of urgency as the weather gets warmer and fighting season draws closer," Graeme Smith, a consultant based with International Crisis Group, told AFP.
The Taliban have steadfastly refused to negotiate with Kabul, whom they dismiss as "puppets". They have also stated that, without a withdrawal timetable, further progress is "impossible".
US President Donald Trump's apparent eagerness to end America's longest war, the Afghan government's fear of being sidelined, and the coming of spring all weigh on the process.
"Eyes are on the Taliban to see if they are capable of compromising," said analyst Michael Semple.
"Can they come up with a sufficient compromise to agree to a formula for an intra-Afghan dialogue that absolutely involves the current Afghan government?"
Khalilzad, he added, "has stirred up the peace process in a way that nobody over the previous two decades had".
- Pakistan's influence waning? -
The gathering momentum has spurred fresh peace demonstrations and cautious hope in Afghanistan.
But there is also growing unease, with fears the government is being pushed aside and that progress which many Afghans have paid for with their lives could yet be undone if the US rushes for the exits.
According to fresh UN figures released Sunday, more civilians were killed in the Afghan war in 2018 than during any other year on record -- with 3,804 people killed and another 7,189 wounded.
Women's groups and civil society organisations have warned that a speedy withdrawal or lenient deal with the Taliban could pave the way for a return of their repressive rule, or an even bloodier civil war.
Many watched in astonishment earlier this month as Taliban militants shared meals and prayers with Afghan political leaders, including presidential contender Mohammad Atta Noor and former president Hamid Karzai, in Moscow.
But not one representative from the current administration of President Ashraf Ghani was present at the informal talks, deepening the sense of anxiety.
Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also playing a role in negotiations, as Russia and China watch closely, and many observers fear regional disputes could yet derail the process.
Pakistan, which has long wielded influence over the militants and been seen as key to any peace push, has already suggested that soaring tensions with its nuclear arch-rival India could disrupt the talks.
But Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai said this time around Pakistan's stance may be more chest-thumping bravado than an actual threat.
He said that with the US and the Taliban talking to each other directly, "I think Pakistan's role will not be that important now."
- 'Challenging' climate -
The talks have been buttressed by heavy snowfall across Afghanistan, sharply reducing fighting and providing much-needed space for negotiations.
But Yusufzai warned that another bloody fighting season will likely kick off once the snow melts, as the Taliban seeks to maintain its momentum on the battlefield to maximise pressure at the negotiating table.
"I think they have to keep up the momentum until a ceasefire," he said.
Others warned that more bloodshed might undercut the fragile gains the talks have achieved so far.
"It will be more challenging to pursue peace in the months that come if the Taliban... resort to a large-scale spring offensive," said Semple.
Mark Read, the chief executive of WPP, has announced he will step down later this year, as the advertising agency faces growing pressure from artificial intelligence and declining share prices. Once the largest advertising group globally, WPP is struggling to keep up with the fast-moving AI technologies that are reshaping the industry.
Read, who has been at WPP for more than 30 years and held the top job since 2018, will remain in the role until the end of 2025 while the company searches for his successor.
AI upends traditional ad models
During Read’s tenure, WPP’s share value has halved, reflecting wider disruption in the advertising industry. AI-powered tools are increasingly automating advert creation, challenging traditional agencies that rely on human-driven processes. This shift has placed legacy firms like WPP under heavy competitive pressure as companies turn to faster and cheaper AI alternatives.
Leadership under scrutiny
WPP chair Philip Jansen, formerly of BT, credited Read with transforming the agency into a leader in marketing services. However, his arrival earlier this year led to speculation about a leadership shake-up. A former WPP board member said Jansen was seen as a “change agent” brought in with the expectation that Read’s departure was only a matter of time.
Since joining, Jansen has engaged with staff across the company to assess its structure and operations. One executive described him as a “cold-eyed analyser” focused on addressing administrative inefficiencies and streamlining processes.
Falling behind global rivals
WPP’s challenges extend beyond internal leadership. In 2023, the firm lost its title as the world’s largest advertising agency by revenue to French competitor Publicis. Meanwhile, Omnicom and Interpublic agreed to merge in a $13.3 billion (£10 billion) deal. In contrast, WPP’s market value is around £5.9 billion.
Traditional roots struggling to adapt to the fast-changing, AI-driven landscapeiStock
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, warned that the leadership vacuum could set WPP back further. “The fact the company hasn’t got a replacement lined up suggests chaos behind closed doors,” he said. He added that while WPP waits for new leadership, more tech-savvy rivals could continue pulling ahead.
From Sorrell to Read
Mark Read succeeded Sir Martin Sorrell in 2018, who had built WPP into a global powerhouse after buying a small basket-making company in 1985. Sorrell stepped down following allegations of personal misconduct, which he has consistently denied.
Read has overseen major restructuring efforts during his time at the helm, including merging agencies and selling non-core assets. These actions helped reduce WPP’s debt, but the agency’s share price still fell more than 25% in the past year alone.
Tech giants dominate ad space
One of WPP’s biggest challenges is the rise of tech giants like Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Amazon, which now dominate digital advertising. These companies are leveraging advanced AI to offer advertisers tools that automatically generate and target campaigns, making traditional agency services less necessary.
Earlier this month, Meta announced that it would help businesses create ads using AI-generated images, videos, and text. The move highlights the growing capabilities of AI in advertising and its impact on agencies like WPP.
Takeover speculation and uncertain future
Following the news of Read’s planned departure, WPP’s shares dipped by 1.5%, sparking fresh speculation that the agency could become a takeover target or attract activist investors seeking to restructure the business.
Mould said WPP’s traditional roots have left it struggling to adapt to the fast-changing, AI-driven landscape. “The world has gone digital, leaving the company scrabbling to play catch-up,” he said. “WPP needs a complete overhaul, and that won’t come easily or quickly.”
AI threatens agency jobs and structures
AI’s growing role in the advertising world is not just about efficiency, it’s also transforming employment structures. Automated content generation and data-driven targeting are reducing the need for large creative teams and manual campaign management, core functions traditionally carried out by agencies like WPP.
As these tools become more powerful, many routine roles within advertising risk being replaced. This technological shift is reshaping how agencies operate, forcing them to rethink their value in a market increasingly dominated by algorithms and automation.
Adapting to survive
Mark Read’s departure marks a critical turning point for WPP as it navigates these sweeping changes. The agency’s future depends on how quickly it can adapt to a landscape led by AI. For WPP and the wider advertising world, staying relevant will mean embracing technology while finding new ways to offer value that machines alone cannot deliver.
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Rooh: Within Her – A Dance Tribute Honouring the Soul of Womanhood
In a world that often measures heroism through dramatic acts and monumental moments, Rooh: Within Her presents a strikingly different narrative — one that celebrates quiet resilience, enduring strength, and the understated courage found in the everyday lives of women. Set to take place on Friday, 20 June at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, this solo dance performance by acclaimed Kathak artist and choreographer Urja Desai Thakore promises an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of womanhood across time. Rooted in the classical Indian dance tradition yet deeply contemporary in its vision, the show captures the spirit of women who have shaped history in ways both visible and invisible.
The performance is an immersive journey through stories that span over two millennia, drawing inspiration from mythology, oral traditions, personal histories, and lived experiences. Rather than focusing on famous names or well-known figures, Thakore deliberately turns her attention to unsung heroines — women whose courage lies in persistence, nurturing, survival, and the ability to carry on in the face of adversity. From ancient civilisations to modern-day realities, Rooh: Within Her presents a dance tapestry woven with emotion, grace, and narrative depth.
Urja Desai Thakore, a highly respected figure in the British South Asian arts scene, is known for her ability to reinterpret the classical dance form of Kathak in innovative ways that speak to contemporary themes. As the artistic director of Pagrav Dance Company, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional performance to reflect new dialogues around identity, gender, and society. In Rooh, her mastery of rhythmic footwork, expressive abhinaya (facial expression), and storytelling reaches new heights, offering an experience that is both poetic and powerful.
The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), located in the heart of Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park, provides the perfect setting for this introspective and emotive performance. Known for championing diverse artistic voices and community-driven programming, MAC continues to be a hub where meaningful cultural conversations unfold through theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. The setting adds an additional layer of resonance to the themes of the production, making it not just a performance but a shared moment of reflection for the audience.
Beyond the stage, Rooh: Within Her invites important questions about how society values women’s contributions and the kinds of stories that are told — and retold — through art. It challenges viewers to recognise and honour the subtle, often unnoticed acts of bravery that define generations of women, especially within diasporic and multicultural contexts.
Whether you are a long-time follower of Kathak, a supporter of contemporary dance, or someone seeking an emotionally rich and culturally significant evening, Rooh: Within Her offers a unique and memorable experience. It is a tribute to the soul of womanhood — layered, resilient, and ever-present.
Make sure to book your tickets early at www.macbirmingham.co.uk to witness this beautiful exploration of identity, heritage, and strength through the expressive power of dance.
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Imran Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. (Photo: Getty Images)
FORMER prime minister Imran Khan, 72, is expected to seek bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hears petitions on 11 June to suspend the sentences handed to him and his wife Bushra Bibi.
Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. PTI chief Gohar Ali Khan told ARY News that “June 11 is going to be an important day for both Khan and his wife,” but he gave no further reason. The IHC had earlier adjourned the matter after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked for more time to prepare its arguments.
Gohar said the PTI will work with opposition parties to launch a movement led by the party’s founder from jail. He urged those parties to join “for the sake of the country's survival and security” and added that “The party will address a press conference on June 9 regarding it,” outlining plans for the forthcoming budget.
Last month Khan said he would direct the party’s protest campaign against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition from prison. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has warned of a full-scale movement for Khan’s release after Eid Al-Adha.
Khan, convicted in a few cases, continues to claim the 8 February 2023 general election saw the ‘Mother of All Rigging.’ He brands the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party “mandate thieves.”
Special assistant to the prime minister on political affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday urged PTI to accept prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of talks and sit with the government to amend election laws.
Gohar said Bushra Bibi is being held without charges to pressure Khan and insisted no deals would be made for his release. He also dismissed reports of internal rifts within PTI.
The Al-Qadir Trust case centres on a 190 million Pound settlement reached by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) with the family of property tycoon Malik Riaz. In August 2019 the NCA said it had frozen eight bank accounts containing 100 million pounds “suspected to have derived from bribery and corruption in an overseas nation.”
The agency informed the government then led by Khan’s PTI. It is alleged Khan asked his aide on accountability, Shehzad Akbar, to resolve the matter and that the frozen funds belonging to the national treasury were “settled” against Bahria Town’s liability.
Bahria Town Ltd, Riaz’s real-estate firm, was later found to have illegally acquired large tracts of land on Karachi’s outskirts. It donated hundreds of acres to the Al-Qadir Trust, whose only trustees are Khan and Bushra Bibi.
Parmarth Niketan will mark the 25th sanyas anniversary of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji on 11 June, honouring her quarter-century of spiritual service and dedication since she took monastic vows in 2000.
The ceremony will be held on the sacred Shri Rama Katha stage at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and will feature blessings from several prominent spiritual leaders. Among those attending are Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Swami Ramdevji, mahamandaleshwars Rajendra Dasji, Ravindra Puriji and Harichetnanandji, as well as Pujya Sadhvi Ritambharaji, Pujya Acharya Balkrishanji, Dr Chinmaya Pandyaji and others.
Parmarth Niketan will mark the 25th sanyas anniversary of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati SaraswatijiParmarth Niketan
Sadhviji, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, came to India in 1996 and embraced the path of sanyas just four years later. She has since become a global advocate for interfaith dialogue, environmental protection and women’s empowerment.
Those unable to attend in person can join the celebration via livestream from 11.30 am IST on the official YouTube channels @ParmarthNiketan and @Sadhviji.
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Some states continue to report relatively low numbers
India’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has risen above 6,000, with health authorities reporting 358 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). While there were no Covid related deaths during this period, the increase in cases is prompting state-level monitoring and precautionary measures.
Current case load and recoveries
As of 8:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025, India has 6,491 active Covid-19 cases. The central health ministry confirmed that 358 fresh cases were detected in the last 24 hours, with no fatalities reported in the same timeframe.
According to the ministry’s data, 624 patients recovered or were discharged across the country since the previous update, contributing to the ongoing efforts to manage the spread of the virus through home care and hospital treatment where necessary.
Kerala, Gujarat and Delhi among most affected
Kerala continues to be the worst-affected state, reporting 1,957 active cases. The state added seven new cases in the past day. Gujarat follows with 980 active cases, after recording 158 fresh infections in the same period.
West Bengal stands third with 747 active cases, including 54 new cases reported since Sunday. Delhi is close behind, with 728 active cases, having reported 42 new infections in the last 24 hours. In contrast, Tamil Nadu recorded 25 new cases, bringing its active tally to 219.
Low case numbers in the Northeastern and Eastern states
Some states continue to report relatively low numbers. Assam, for instance, now has six active cases, with two new recoveries in the past 24 hours. Since January 2025, Assam has reported seven total recoveries. Similarly, Odisha reported just four new cases, bringing its total active cases to 34. The state's health department has advised the public, especially those showing flu-like symptoms, to avoid attending the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri on 27 June.
Situation in Karnataka and other states
Karnataka recorded 57 new Covid-19 cases, increasing its total active case count to 423. Meanwhile, Delhi discharged over 100 patients in the last 24 hours. This trend of simultaneous new infections and recoveries reflects a manageable situation, with healthcare systems largely coping under the current load.
New variants and government advisory
The recent uptick in cases is being attributed to new sub-variants of the Omicron strain, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants are believed to be more transmissible but are, so far, associated with milder symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies them as "Variants Under Monitoring"—meaning they do not currently pose significant concern but should be watched closely.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is now regarded as endemic, according to public health experts, and no longer represents the same emergency-level threat it once did. The virus is behaving more like seasonal influenza, with periodic surges expected.
West Bengal urges calm
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting on Monday to assess the state’s Covid-19 preparedness. Emphasising calm, she stated, “There is no need for panic or to get scared about Covid.” She clarified that although the virus still circulates, the government has made adequate preparations at all administrative levels.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testingiStock
Banerjee added that the WHO now considers Covid endemic, though she advised residents to verify this independently. West Bengal’s tally stood at 747 active cases, including the 54 new infections added on Monday.
Precautionary measures continue
Several states are maintaining or reintroducing basic precautionary measures, especially in public gatherings and institutions. For instance, Odisha plans to reopen schools on 20 June with Covid safety protocols in place, according to Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testing, while hospitals and clinics continue to monitor patients for signs of complications.
The impact
While the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in India has drawn attention, authorities emphasise that the situation remains under control. The absence of new deaths, widespread recoveries, and a growing understanding of the current variants are helping states manage the impact more effectively.
Officials continue to urge vigilance, not panic, as the country adapts to living with Covid-19 in its endemic form.