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1. US President Joe Biden breaks days of silence on the chaotic American pullout from Afghanistan, doubling down on his decision as he fires scorching criticism at the country's former Western-backed leadership for failing to resist the Taliban. 'I stand squarely behind my decision. After 20 years, I've learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw US forces,' he says in a televised address from the White House. 2. The Kabul airport reopened early Tuesday morning Afghanistan time after being closed for hours by US forces following a breakdown in security on the tarmac that interrupted evacuation operations, a US general says. 3. India says Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan will be given priority once commercial flight service begins from Kabul. The Ministry of External Affairs has set up an 'Afghanistan Cell' to coordinate repatriation and related matters in the backdrop of the Taliban seizing control of the country. 4. India's cumulative Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 54.58 crores, says the Central government. As per the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 54,58,57,108 vaccine doses have been administered through 61,54,235 sessions. 5. The BJP has begun a massive rally to introduce the new Central ministers to the people. Top sources in the party say 39 ministers inducted in the cabinet last month are part of the Jan Aashirwad Yatra, which will cover 19,567 km and pass through 22 states. The rally will cover 265 districts under 212 Lok Sabha seats. Sources say 1,663 major programmes will be held along the route.