this is bbc world news. i'm lukwesa burak. our top stories. the olympic host nation, japan, has picked up its first medals — winning gold and silver injudo. that was after ecuador�*s richard carapaz won the gold in the men's cycling road race, making it the country's second ever top medal at a summer olympics. a night time curfew has come into force across most of afghanistan, in an attempt to stop the taliban infiltrating its cities. we hear from an afghan politician. it's to help keep the citizens of afghanistan safe, and if you haven't noticed, there's going to be a huge exodus of refugees because of the fear that the taliban bring to us. the uk government changes its policy on covid isolation for more key workers as tens of thousands of daily infections

disrupt essential services. wildfires continue to blaze in northern california, forcing thousands of residents into evacuation centres. hello and welcome to bbc world news. saturday saw the first full day of action in the tokyo olympics. 11 gold medals have been up for grabs on day one — including in cycling, weightlifting and fencing. but it was in thejudo competition, where the host nation, japan, won its first medals. earlier, japanese spectators defied coronavirus advice to watch the men's cycling road race, one of the few events where they could see the competitors in action. it was won by richard carapaz,

who timed to perfection — a tactical final descent after a tough 234 kilometre course — to give ecuador only its second ever gold medal in an olympics. some of the leading tennis players are calling on the organisers to delay the start times of the matches, after a number of competitors struggled in the tokyo heat and humidity on the opening day of the tournament. world number one, novak djokovic, eased through his first round in straight sets, but said the playing conditions were particularly demanding. our sports presenter chethan pathak has been watching all the action on the opening day. we start with the boost that japan got today. yeah, it was a big boost, wasn't it, lukwesa, for them. we know what the polling seems to have indicated injapan — many people opposed to having the games there, tokyo, in a state of emergency amidst the pandemic. and yet they did get their hands on their first

gold medal, and that in thejudo, and that for a player, a competitor who has talked about his passion and his love forjudo many, many times. but this was always going to be a challenge, and he delivered when he needed to. naohisa takato winning in the under 60 kilograms weight class, making up for his disappointing bronze medalfinish at the rio games in 2016. a three—time world champion, beating taiwan's yang yung—wei. and all the more impressive when you consider in the women's judo, we saw funa tonaki winning silver. we know the passion and love there is injapan forjudo, for tae kwon do, which will get under way on sunday, and this a big boost for the hosts to get their hands on a gold medal. so often, we see host countries over perform at the olympics, and this a really good start forjapan. and for the youngest participant of the olympics, it was short, but i'm sure sweet. yes, this a 12—year—old from syria

in the table tennis. there's heart—warming stories that the olympics often brings us. she was beaten in the end in the opening round. consider what she's had to go through — coming from syria, dealing with life in a war zone — but she says that you have to follow your dreams. this is hend zaza, who's talked about the many different experiences that she has faced getting to and olympics, the challenges that she and her family have had to go through to make it to these games. what i liked was, speaking afterwards, the confidence that she still had. bear in mind that she was the female flag bearer at the olympics opening ceremony, and she says that she will be back next time, which will be paris in three years�* time, and in that time, she is determined to get past the opening round — wouldn't put it past her. and of course, the la games still to come and the brisbane games.

she is targeting a long and hopefully medal—ridden future at the olympics. well, day two is already in place in japan. what can we look forward to? lots look forward to. we'll see more swimming and diving and cycling, also one of the biggest superstars in sports, someone who's transcended her sport, and that's simone biles. looking for yet more gold medals. she has four in the olympics. she is across all competitions and disciplines in gymnastics, america's most decorated gymnasts of all times. she wants to make sure she's the most decorated olympian female gymnast as well. she had a few more gold before she can claim that 2a years old now. we will see her in the team event, and also naomi osaka. we saw her make history

lighting the cauldron at the olympics, the first tennis player to be given that honour. she hasn't played since she were withdrew from the french open to focus on her mental health. lots of medal hopes resting on her shoulders.— resting on her shoulders. there's been a lot _ resting on her shoulders. there's been a lot said _ resting on her shoulders. there's been a lot said about _ resting on her shoulders. there's been a lot said about the - resting on her shoulders. there'sl been a lot said about the diversity of japan's athletes, been a lot said about the diversity ofjapan�*s athletes, but been a lot said about the diversity of japan's athletes, but i want to go back to one aspect of these olympics that is causing a problem for a lot of the athletes, and that is the heat. for a lot of the athletes, and that is the heat-— for a lot of the athletes, and that is the heat. specifically the tennis -la ers is the heat. specifically the tennis players have _ is the heat. specifically the tennis players have been _ is the heat. specifically the tennis players have been talking - is the heat. specifically the tennis players have been talking about i players have been talking about this. it'll be interesting to hear what naomi osaka has to say on sunday because i'm sure she'll be asked to. novak djokovic didn't hold back on his criticism of having to play for these conditions. daniil medvedev, the world number two as well. they want the schedule change because of the sweltering conditions. players playing in the toughest conditions that djokovic has experience. he was going to the

golden slammed. and olympic gold. this matters to him and he says he can understand why the schedule starts at the time it does. he wants to put spectator in the day. daniel medvedev calling the conditions a joke. it was to the mid—30s celsius, making it feel worse. these not the only athletes that have mentoring these —— mentioned these conditions. whether we see things and judge later on remains to be seen, but novak djokovic and daniil medvedev ultimately winning their respective matches in straight sets. we're talking about 80% humidity in tokyo today. a curfew has been imposed across nearly all of afghanistan in an attempt to prevent taliban infiltration into the country's cities. fighting has escalated over the past two months, with the insurgents capturing around

half of all territory, as international troops are withdrawn. secunder kermani has more from kabul. this curfew is coming into place across_ this curfew is coming into place across the — this curfew is coming into place across the country except for kabul and two _ across the country except for kabul and two other provinces. everywhere else, _ and two other provinces. everywhere else, there'll be no movement allowed — else, there'll be no movement allowed between 10pm and four a:m.. the idea _ allowed between 10pm and four a:m.. the idea is— allowed between 10pm and four a:m.. the idea is to — allowed between 10pm and four a:m.. the idea is to try and get a grip on the deteriorating security situation, and particularly to prevent— situation, and particularly to prevent the infiltration of taliban operatives. the militants have circled — operatives. the militants have circled a — operatives. the militants have circled a number of cities and are already— circled a number of cities and are already in— circled a number of cities and are already in the outskirts of some, but whilst — already in the outskirts of some, but whilst they have managed to capture — but whilst they have managed to capture around half of all territory, they've not been able to take hold — territory, they've not been able to take hold of any major urban centre. the last— take hold of any major urban centre. the last few — take hold of any major urban centre. the last few days over the muslim feslival— the last few days over the muslim festival had seen a little in the fighting, — festival had seen a little in the fighting, but now the festival is over. _ fighting, but now the festival is over. the — fighting, but now the festival is over, the pace of fighting unfortunately seems to be picking up again. _ unfortunately seems to be picking up again. and _ unfortunately seems to be picking up again, and it seems the next few months — again, and it seems the next few months until we get to the colder

winter. _ months until we get to the colder winter, fighting is going to keep increasing. there's also increasing concern _ increasing. there's also increasing concern about what's been going on inside _ concern about what's been going on inside those territories that the taliban— inside those territories that the taliban have taken hold up. human rights— taliban have taken hold up. human rights watch raised concern along the border with pakistan, around 100 civilians _ the border with pakistan, around 100 civilians being killed, executed by the taliban for alleged links with pro—government forces. the taliban have denied — pro—government forces. the taliban have denied those allegations of. earlier, i spoke to mariam solaimankhil, a member of parliament in afghanistan, representing the kuchis or nomads. she told me more about why the government was implementing a curfew. the main purpose of having the curfew — the main purpose of having the curfew implemented _ the main purpose of having the curfew implemented is- the main purpose of having the curfew implemented is to - the main purpose of having the i curfew implemented is to basically stop the _ curfew implemented is to basically stop the mobilisation _ curfew implemented is to basically stop the mobilisation of— curfew implemented is to basically stop the mobilisation of taliban i curfew implemented is to basicallyl stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, — stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, and _ stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, and to _ stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, and to help _ stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, and to help the - stop the mobilisation of taliban and the attacks, and to help the afghan| the attacks, and to help the afghan forces _ the attacks, and to help the afghan forces mobilised _ the attacks, and to help the afghan forces mobilised that _ the attacks, and to help the afghan forces mobilised that night, - the attacks, and to help the afghan forces mobilised that night, and - the attacks, and to help the afghan forces mobilised that night, and toi forces mobilised that night, and to help keep — forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the _ forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the sit _ forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the sit in _ forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the sit in the _

forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the sit in the sense - forces mobilised that night, and to help keep the sit in the sense of. help keep the sit in the sense of afghanistan _ help keep the sit in the sense of afghanistan stay. _ help keep the sit in the sense of afghanistan stay. there's - help keep the sit in the sense of afghanistan stay. there's goingi help keep the sit in the sense of. afghanistan stay. there's going to be a afghanistan stay. there's going to he a huge — afghanistan stay. there's going to be a huge exodus— afghanistan stay. there's going to be a huge exodus because - afghanistan stay. there's going to be a huge exodus because of- afghanistan stay. there's going to be a huge exodus because of the. be a huge exodus because of the taliban — be a huge exodus because of the taliban. , ~ ., , ., be a huge exodus because of the taliban. , ~ ., ., taliban. does afghanistan have enou:h taliban. does afghanistan have enough troops? _ taliban. does afghanistan have enough troops? we _ taliban. does afghanistan have enough troops? we have - taliban. does afghanistan have enough troops? we have more| taliban. does afghanistan have - enough troops? we have more than enou~h, enough troops? we have more than enough. over— enough troops? we have more than enough, over 300,000, _ enough troops? we have more than enough, over 300,000, but - enough troops? we have more than enough, over 300,000, but we - enough troops? we have more than| enough, over 300,000, but we still need _ enough, over 300,000, but we still need the _ enough, over 300,000, but we still need the international— enough, over 300,000, but we still need the international community . enough, over 300,000, but we still| need the international community to support— need the international community to sopport our— need the international community to support our national— need the international community to support our national defence - need the international community to support our national defence forcesl support our national defence forces and especially— support our national defence forces and especially with _ support our national defence forces and especially with air _ support our national defence forces and especially with air support, - support our national defence forces and especially with air support, we| and especially with air support, we need _ and especially with air support, we need rl_ and especially with air support, we need rl sports _ and especially with air support, we need rl sports —— _ and especially with air support, we need rl sports —— air— and especially with air support, we need rl sports —— air force - and especially with air support, we need rl sports —— air force built. need rl sports —— air force built back— need rl sports —— air force built back up— need rl sports —— air force built back up we're _ need rl sports —— air force built back up we're not _ need rl sports —— air force built back up we're not just _ back up we're not just fighting terrorism. _ back up we're not just fighting terrorism, it's— back up we're not just fighting terrorism, it's for— back up we're not just fighting terrorism, it's for the - back up we're not just fighting terrorism, it's for the entire . terrorism, it's for the entire world — terrorism, it's for the entire world. ~ . ., , ., world. which territories are officials like _ world. which territories are officials like yourselves - world. which territories are i officials like yourselves most concerned about? because i presume the most significant will be the taliban taking kabul. . it’s the most significant will be the taliban taking kabul. . it's become kind of a propaganda _ taliban taking kabul. . it's become kind of a propaganda war. - taliban taking kabul. . it's become kind of a propaganda war. they're | kind of a propaganda war. they're basically — kind of a propaganda war. they're basically claiming _ kind of a propaganda war. they're basically claiming to _ kind of a propaganda war. they're basically claiming to have - kind of a propaganda war. they're basically claiming to have certainl basically claiming to have certain percentage — basically claiming to have certain percentage of— basically claiming to have certain percentage of the _ basically claiming to have certain percentage of the country, - basically claiming to have certain percentage of the country, but . basically claiming to have certain - percentage of the country, but these are the _ percentage of the country, but these are the least — percentage of the country, but these are the least populated _ percentage of the country, but these are the least populated areas, - percentage of the country, but these are the least populated areas, and l are the least populated areas, and when _ are the least populated areas, and when you — are the least populated areas, and when you actually— are the least populated areas, and when you actually see _ are the least populated areas, and when you actually see the - are the least populated areas, and i when you actually see the population amount, _ when you actually see the population amount, it's— when you actually see the population amount, it's around _ when you actually see the population amount, it's around i— when you actually see the population amount, it's around i think— when you actually see the population amount, it's around i think less - amount, it's around i think less than _

amount, it's around i think less than 20%— amount, it's around i think less than 20% of— amount, it's around i think less than 20% of the _ amount, it's around i think less than 20% of the population - amount, it's around i think less i than 20% of the population living amount, it's around i think less - than 20% of the population living in the areas _ than 20% of the population living in the areas of— than 20% of the population living in the areas of the _ than 20% of the population living in the areas of the taliban _ than 20% of the population living in the areas of the taliban claim - than 20% of the population living in the areas of the taliban claim to . the areas of the taliban claim to have _ the areas of the taliban claim to have.~ the areas of the taliban claim to have. ~ ~' ., the areas of the taliban claim to have. ~ ~ ., ,, ., ., ., have. we know the us withdrawal of troo -s have. we know the us withdrawal of tr00ps isn't — have. we know the us withdrawal of tr00ps isn't yes _ have. we know the us withdrawal of troops isn't yes 100% _ have. we know the us withdrawal of troops isn't yes 100% complete, - have. we know the us withdrawal ofj troops isn't yes 10096 complete, and troops isn't yes 100% complete, and you represent the nomads, a minority and the taliban are renown to mistreat minorities. how are you feeling about what is going on at the moment? it’s feeling about what is going on at the moment?— the moment? it's absolutely terrifying- — the moment? it's absolutely terrifying. it's _ the moment? it's absolutely terrifying. it's watching - the moment? it's absolutely terrifying. it's watching the i terrifying. it's watching the legitimisation_ terrifying. it's watching the legitimisation of— terrifying. it's watching the legitimisation of a - terrifying. it's watching the legitimisation of a terroristj terrifying. it's watching the - legitimisation of a terrorist group by the _ legitimisation of a terrorist group by the international— legitimisation of a terrorist group by the international community, i legitimisation of a terrorist groupi by the international community, a group _ by the international community, a group that— by the international community, a group that had _ by the international community, a group that had women _ by the international community, a group that had women killed - by the international community, a group that had women killed in i group that had women killed in football— group that had women killed in football fields, _ group that had women killed in football fields, oppressed- football fields, oppressed minorities— football fields, oppressed minorities who _ football fields, oppressed minorities who are - football fields, oppressed minorities who are to - football fields, oppressed minorities who are to thisj football fields, oppressed- minorities who are to this day, we have _ minorities who are to this day, we have reports — minorities who are to this day, we have reports of— minorities who are to this day, we have reports of taliban _ minorities who are to this day, we have reports of taliban taking - have reports of taliban taking women — have reports of taliban taking women their— have reports of taliban taking women, their wives _ have reports of taliban taking women, their wives and - have reports of taliban taking i women, their wives and sisters have reports of taliban taking - women, their wives and sisters and daughters — women, their wives and sisters and daughters of — women, their wives and sisters and daughters of men _ women, their wives and sisters and daughters of men. it's— women, their wives and sisters and daughters of men. it's absolutely. daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying — daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying as _ daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying as a _ daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying as a woman, _ daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying as a woman, as - daughters of men. it's absolutely terrifying as a woman, as a - daughters of men. it's absolutely. terrifying as a woman, as a minority because _ terrifying as a woman, as a minority because we — terrifying as a woman, as a minority

because we don't— terrifying as a woman, as a minority because we don't know— terrifying as a woman, as a minority because we don't know what - terrifying as a woman, as a minority because we don't know what they. because we don't know what they actually _ because we don't know what they actually want _ because we don't know what they actually want. we _ because we don't know what they actually want. we know - because we don't know what they actually want. we know they - because we don't know what they| actually want. we know they want full control — actually want. we know they want full control of _ actually want. we know they want full control of afghanistan - actually want. we know they want full control of afghanistan and - full control of afghanistan and we've — full control of afghanistan and we've worked _ full control of afghanistan and we've worked 20 _ full control of afghanistan and we've worked 20 years - full control of afghanistan and we've worked 20 years very. full control of afghanistan and . we've worked 20 years very hard. thousands of people in the western united states are spending the weekend in evacuation centres as dozens of wildfires continue to burn across the region. our correspondent peter bowes is in los angeles. there really is no sign of an end to these huge fires. the largest here in california in the north of the state of sacramento, it is burning where firefighters are truly trying day and night to extinguish it, but the signs are it will go on for several weeks. the signs are it will go on for severalweeks. it the signs are it will go on for several weeks. it has recently been designated as a magnifier because it's spread to more than 100,000 acres, and it typical of those huge fires that create their own weather, hot air rises. it causes a cloud to gather over the area. that's capable

of producing lightning and starting more fires. a similar situation further to the north in oregon, where firefighters are facing another problem, and that is a number of people have tested positive for covid—19. they are now being isolated in an area away from the base camp. it poses another publication for those firefighters who face an enormous ordeal for many days to come in that area. emergency workers in western india have been frantically trying to rescue around 50 people feared trapped in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in the state of maharashtra. officials said the downpours over the past few days have triggered severe flooding in many parts of the state, causing widespread devastation. here's our south asia regional editor, anbarasan ethirajan. the rains have subsided briefly in the state — the rains have subsided briefly in the state of maharashtra, giving the officials _ the state of maharashtra, giving the officials an _ the state of maharashtra, giving the officials an opportunity to deploy more _ officials an opportunity to deploy more emergency teams to look for

survivors— more emergency teams to look for survivors in — more emergency teams to look for survivors in this devastating flood, which _ survivors in this devastating flood, which triggered landslides and many records _ which triggered landslides and many records rivers across the state. dozens — records rivers across the state. dozens of— records rivers across the state. dozens of people have been killed. in dozens of people have been killed. in one _ dozens of people have been killed. in one particular village, there are also dominant —— at their whole sediment — also dominant —— at their whole sediment is _ also dominant —— at their whole sediment is buried in the debris. people _ sediment is buried in the debris. people there described within a matter— people there described within a matter of minutes, the whole settlement went under the mud. dozens— settlement went under the mud. dozens of— settlement went under the mud. dozens of people are feared and still trapped under the debris. the government has sent teams which they are now— government has sent teams which they are now desperately trying to rescue the survivors there. but the number of debris— the survivors there. but the number of debris is— the survivors there. but the number of debris is continuously going up in this— of debris is continuously going up in this particular state, and also the rivers — in this particular state, and also the rivers are flooding because the torrential — the rivers are flooding because the torrential downpour has increased water _ torrential downpour has increased water levels and dams, so the authorities are forced to release water— authorities are forced to release water in — authorities are forced to release water in the rivers. that has flooded _ water in the rivers. that has flooded many towns and visitors. photographs and videos to show how people _

photographs and videos to show how people have gone to the rooftops because — people have gone to the rooftops because of the flooding. the enormous damage that is staggering at a time _ enormous damage that is staggering at a time we have been going through this pandemic, people are not having enough income. now this has added to the misery— enough income. now this has added to the misery of people in maharashtra and in _ the misery of people in maharashtra and in neighbouring states. again, where _ and in neighbouring states. again, where the — and in neighbouring states. again, where the officials describe the worst _ where the officials describe the worst flooding in the last four decades— worst flooding in the last four decades of. worst flooding in the last four decades of-— worst flooding in the last four decades of. ., ., , ~ ., decades of. that was anbarasan ethirajan-- _ the headlines on bbc news. the olympics host nationjapan picks up its first medals — a gold and a silver in thejudo competition. a night time curfew has come into force across almost all of afghanistan, in an attempt to stop the taliban infiltrating its cities. here in the uk, key services are struggling to cope because of staff shortages caused by tens of thousands of new covid cases and record numbers of their contacts being told to self—isolate. the government is attempting to tackle the disruption, by expanding a scheme that allows

key workers to avoid isolation by committing to daily testing. our business correspondent simon browning reports. as the days pass, the list grows of key workers who qualify for exemption from covid isolation in england. police, fire, border force, transport and freight staff will now be able to join some food workers who can return to work if they test negative after being told to isolate — whether they are vaccinated or not. industry leaders are frustrated by rising staff shortages. it's inadequate and it's late. what we need is the government to realise that we have major problems occurring across all industrial sectors. hundreds of rail services have been cancelled because of staff absences. some rail workers will now qualify for the new testing scheme. heathrow welcomed the new testing programme, but newquay airport is worried. we're now seeing a real change in the number of staff all over the airport that we've been losing for several days at a time

to track and trace. and the exemption — will they qualify for that? the guidance we've been given is we should expect very small numbers indeed being eligible for exemption. we've been told to expect one or two and be realistic about not expecting large numbers of staff to receive those exemptions. the home secretary said daily testing will keep our front line teams safe while they continue to serve the public. but public health leaders say there is a balance between self—isolation and economic damage. clearly, having over 600,000 people in england pinged in the last - week is very disruptive, with the covid—19 app. i so, the business concerns are absolutely real, - and i think there needs to be - a solution, and if you look around the world at other countries that are doing well in their vaccine i programmes — singapore, - for example — they are also moving to a system of not requiring -

self—isolation for people who have had both doses of the vaccine. this evening, some of those who are now exempt wait to find out how it will work. as the smooth flow of business gets held up because of staff isolating, the government maintains the app is doing itsjob and is needed to stem the tide of coronavirus infections and protect the public. simon browning, bbc news. in france, opponents of covid restrictions have been staging another day of protests. in central paris, protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas. the demonstrations are against a draft bill introducing covid passes and mandatory vaccinations for health workers. the passes give access to a wide variety of services and amenities to those who have been fully vaccinated or have a negative test result. protesters say it restricts people's freedom. these were the scenes in trafalgar square,

where thousands of people gathered to campaign against vaccine passports, face masks and further lockdowns. crowds then marched towards government buildings. meanwhile, in brazil, protesters have again taken to the streets across the country, in support of vaccination and to demand the impeachment of presidentjair bolsonaro. the country is struggling with high numbers of covid deaths. local media reported demonstrations in 13 state capitals, including sao paulo and rio de janeiro. it comes as public prosecutors begin to investigate allegations that several government officials asked for bribes in connection with the purchase of two vaccines. around 17% of the brazilian population has been fully vaccinated so far. people gathered in hungary's capital budapest on saturday as the annual gay pride march took place. but this year, the country's government has approved a law that

bans the depiction of what it describes as promotion of homosexuality and transgender issues to anyone under the age of 18. pride organisers say they want to stand up for a diverse, open and inclusive society against what they call the government's stigmatising policies. here's nick thorpe in budapest. this was a day of celebration and defiance for the lgbt community in hungary and their supporters. organisers estimated the size of the march had 30,000, the largest ever. a few dozen counter protesters were kept at a distance by a strong police presence. all singing. the gathering took place in the wake of the so—called anti—pedophile law passed injune, and last week's announcement of a

referendum by prime minister to gain public support for the law. books with aa public support for the law. books with gay characters, _ public support for the law. books with gay characters, and - public support for the law. books with gay characters, and means i with gay characters, and means advertising, television programmes with any kind of portrayal and discussion of lgbt themes is technically against the law. the government — technically against the law. the government says _ technically against the law. the government says children need protection from what they describe as lgbt propaganda. which could change their sexual orientation. people are angry and they would like to... people are angry and they would like tom they— people are angry and they would like to... they wouldn't like to respect the new— to... they wouldn't like to respect the new propaganda law i would like to do something actively, but on the other— to do something actively, but on the other hand. — to do something actively, but on the other hand, there is fear. many lgbt people _ other hand, there is fear. many lgbt people are _ other hand, there is fear. many lgbt people are now planning to leave the country _ people are now planning to leave the country if _ people are now planning to leave the country if there is no change or no change _ country if there is no change or no change of— country if there is no change or no change of government next year, so this ism _ change of government next year, so this is... ,, . ~ , change of government next year, so thisis... , ., this is... speakers today said the law will harm _

this is... speakers today said the law will harm teenagers - this is... speakers today said the law will harm teenagers by - this is... speakers today said the l law will harm teenagers by denying them the support they need. nick thorpe, bbc news, buddha fast. five different types of cycling events are taking place at this year's tokyo olympics. while the sight of all those athletes on bikes might inspire some of us to hop on the saddle, not all of our local streets are suitable for cycling, let alone allowing our children to ride on — unlike the netherlands, where a huge portion ofjourneys are made by bike. so, what does it take to make a cycling nation? anna holligan has been collecting some tips from the dutch bike lanes. here in the netherlands, bikes rule. 40 years ago, the government created the dutch cycling embassy as there was so much interest in how cities transform themselves into this paradise for people on bikes. and here's their first tip. well, you need to make it really comfortable, and i think what we're doing right now is a perfect example of that. chris bruntlett travels the world,

teaching other countries how to make cycling a viable alternative to driving. we have to create these conditions where an eight—year—old is comfortable cycling and an 80—year—old is comfortable cycling. so, what does that require? tips two and three — infrastructure. bike parking is a huge piece of it, and i think an underestimated one. if we're going to build a safe space for cycling, we need to give people a safe space to store their bike. the segregated cycle lanes, thejunctions and the intersections — one thing the dutch do really well is provide physical protection all the way through the intersections so that you are notjust thrown out into no man's land and left to fend for yourself. and when the different types of road users do come into contact with each other, the bikes are always given priority. and that's something that's built into these streets. just watch... all the traffic pausing for them at this roundabout.

but these dynamics aren't built out of bricks and mortar alone. tipfour... teaching children how to cycle in schools, it's given them an education in traffic safety. and when you've been travelling by bike your whole life, it happens almost as naturally as walking. it also means most drivers have grown up on two wheels, which breeds a broader level of consciousness and conscientiousness. tip five — it's written into the insurance here. if there is an accident, the onus is on the driver to prove they weren't at fault. is it practical for every country to have a cycle network like the netherlands does? the good news is, yeah, it could be. it's not necessarily a copy—paste, it's just taking the inspiration from the dutch and the best practices that they've developed. the netherlands has changed from a car dominated country to a bicycle dominated country in a matter of decades,

and this is the message that we now take to cities around the world that change is possible, you just need that long—term commitment to making it so. so, for cities that think the dutch model can't be replicated, there is a guide for that. anna holligan, bbc news, the hague. and a great—great—grandmother has received the royal seal of approval for her incredible artwork — take a look at this. this is a knitted replica of the queen's sandringham estate in england. 92—year—old margaret seaman spent two years making it, knitting for up to 15 hours every day. it's now on display at sandringham and margaret was invited to the estate to meet the queen, who was apparently "very impressed" with the masterpiece. you know what they say — knitters

eight quitters. you're watching bbc news. good evening. the weather story is on the change, and we've seen signs of that today with some contrasting conditions out there. yes, there were early—morning thunderstorms across southern england, and then those eased to a legacy of cloud for much of the day. further north and west, we've had some beautiful sunshine, and yet again, some warmth — not the extreme warmth, but 25 degrees. that's 77 fahrenheit. it looks likely that we see that north—south divide through the night with clearer skies to the northwest. but low pressure really dominating the story over the next few days, and that could trigger off further thundery downpours overnight tonight for southern england and for south wales, and that'll continue into the early hours of sunday morning. so, at risk, then, of some showers here. there'll be quite a lot of cloud as well spilling in off north sea coasts, the clearer skies the further north and west. it's not going to be a cold night.

temperatures will hold up quite widely into double figures, perhaps quite a humid feel generally down to the south, with 16 degrees to start off sunday morning. so, sunday, once again, we could see some sharp, thundery downpours first thing in the morning, with this area of low pressure really not going very far, very fast at all. the best of the dry, brighter weather it is likely to be further north and west. the lion's share of the sunshine will be in scotland and northern ireland. early—morning cloud should thin and break across northeast england, the risk of those showers across east anglia and down to the southeast are likely to linger for much of the day. if you keep some sunshine, the highest values are likely to be once again into the mid—20s. now, this more unsettled theme is set to continue into monday with the low pressure just drifting its way further north and east up through the north sea. that means the further east is likely to see more in the way of showers. so, monday is a messy mix, really, of sunny spells and scattered showers.

the best of the sunshine is likely to be out to the west, and we could see temperatures once again into the mid—20s. but some of these showers could bring a lot of heavy rain in a short space of time, so the weather story is certainly on the change. last week, it was extreme heat and lots of sunshine. our week ahead keeps those showers and certainly, a notable difference to the feel of the weather, with temperatures just below where they should be for the time of year.

this is bbc news, the headlines... at the tokyo olympics, the defending champion team gb's adam peaty is through to the semifinal of the 100 metres breaststroke, while max whitlock advanced to the final of the pommel horse — the event in which he won gold four years ago. a daily testing scheme allowing key workers to avoid covid self—isolation in england has been expanded. essential services have been disrupted after hundreds of thousands of people have come into contact with infected people. a 11—year—old girl who sparked a nationwide search when she went missing in england has been found safe and well. fatuma kadir left her home in bolton, greater manchester, on thursday. a night—time curfew has come into force across almost all of afghanistan in an attempt to stop taliban infiltration into urban areas. the government said no—one is allowed to move around between ten at night and four in the morning.

army explosives experts have safely detonated