At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations.

Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents in the southern state where dams in many districts are nearing its full capacity and small towns and villages in the hilly areas are totally cut off from the outside world.

Many hilly areas of Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta are experiencing almost similar to that of the situation the state faced during the time of devastating floods of 2018 and 2019 but authorities said everything was under control and there was no need for any panic.

However, the rescue teams of the state police and fire force could not reach the affected areas due to floods and adverse weather conditions prevailing there.

"The situation is serious", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. He, however, said the latest weather forecast indicates that the situation is not going to get worse.

Officials said personnel of the Army, Airforce and the Navy were on the way to Koottickal and Peruvanthanam--the two hilly villages falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively--where an overflowing river swept through houses, displacing and isolating many.

State Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, who reached the neighbourhood of these landslide-hit villages, said bodies of two women and a child who died, were recovered while search was on to recover the body of a man who also lost his life in the incident.

He said at least 12 people are missing from these villages.

In a separate rain related incident, a man and a woman--both 30-years-old-- died as their car was swept away in the flood waters in Kanjar in Idukki district, police said. Their bodies have been recovered, they said.

According to a defence spokesperson, Mi-17 and Sarang Helicopters are already in standby mode to meet the requirements but they could not start operations as the weather at Kottayam is still bad. Air Force assets are still at Sulur in a standby mode, she said.

"All the bases under Southern Air Command have been put on high alert in view of the prevalent weather situation at Kerala," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"The Indian Army has already deployed army personnel to the flood affected areas. One column consisting of One Officer, 2 JCOs and 30 other ranks of army personnel already moved to Kanjirappally, Kottayam District from Pangode Military Station...," she said.

The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy said it is fully ready for assisting local administration in rescue operations.

"Diving&amp;Rescue teams are ready to be deployed at short notice.Helicopters stand-by to be launched once weather is conducive for Air Ops,", it said in a tweet.

Earlier, Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and some people feared missing.

"At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in the Koottickal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes," the Minister told PTI.

According to the latest update of the India Meteorological Department, 'Red Alert' was sounded for six districts--Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts.

Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night.

Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in floodwater and locals rescuing passengers from it.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in the evening to review the rain situation and decided to strengthen rescue operations in all affected areas.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said all government agencies have been directed to take necessary steps to rescue people from the affected regions and evacuate those living in areas prone to landslides and floods. Vijayan also directed the district collectors to open relief camps to relocate the affected people.

He said the camps should function strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol.

In the wake of warning that the rains would continue till October 19, the meeting also decided not to allow pilgrims to trek to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, situated in a dense forest in Pathanamthitta district, till October 18. The temple was opened at 5pm today for 'Thula masam' poojas.

Higher educational institutions, which were scheduled to open on October 18, will start on October 20, the statement said.

Appealing to the people of the state to keep extra vigil in the next 24 hours, the CM said in a Facebook post that the rains have already hit the south and central districts and it would intensify in the northern districts also by the evening as per the weather forecast.

The water level in some rivers is expected to rise and shutters of certain dams are likely to be opened, he said, adding that those living in its catchment areas should be ready to follow the instructions of authorities.

The CM also said a Red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki.

Meanwhile, two children had a miraculous escape after a portion of the wall of their house collapsed in incessant rains on Friday night at Chempakamangalam in the capital district where rains have been battering the city and rural areas alike since last night.

The wall collapsed on the bed, where the children were asleep, but they escaped with minor injuries, family sources said.

Government authorities have advised people against visiting tourist places and going near rivers and other water bodies in view of heavy rains in Thiruvananthapuram.

Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the 'rice bowl' of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

The Thrissur district administration urged people living in low-lying and other disaster prone areas and on the banks of rivers to move to safer places.

Fishing boats have been prohibited from venturing into the sea, they added. 
A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department.

Revenue Minister K Rajan said necessary precautions have been taken."We have asked the district collectors to issue warnings to people residing along the river banks," Rajan said.&nbsp;

At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations.

At least six people died and a dozen were missing on Saturday as heavy rains pounded south and central Kerala causing flash floods and landslides in many parts, prompting the state government to seek the assistance of the defence forces for rescue operations. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents in the southern state where dams in many districts are nearing its full capacity and small towns and villages in the hilly areas are totally cut off from the outside world. Many hilly areas of Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta are experiencing almost similar to that of the situation the state faced during the time of devastating floods of 2018 and 2019 but authorities said everything was under control and there was no need for any panic. However, the rescue teams of the state police and fire force could not reach the affected areas due to floods and adverse weather conditions prevailing there. "The situation is serious", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. He, however, said the latest weather forecast indicates that the situation is not going to get worse. Officials said personnel of the Army, Airforce and the Navy were on the way to Koottickal and Peruvanthanam--the two hilly villages falling under Kottayam and Idukki districts respectively--where an overflowing river swept through houses, displacing and isolating many. State Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, who reached the neighbourhood of these landslide-hit villages, said bodies of two women and a child who died, were recovered while search was on to recover the body of a man who also lost his life in the incident. He said at least 12 people are missing from these villages. In a separate rain related incident, a man and a woman--both 30-years-old-- died as their car was swept away in the flood waters in Kanjar in Idukki district, police said. Their bodies have been recovered, they said. According to a defence spokesperson, Mi-17 and Sarang Helicopters are already in standby mode to meet the requirements but they could not start operations as the weather at Kottayam is still bad. Air Force assets are still at Sulur in a standby mode, she said. "All the bases under Southern Air Command have been put on high alert in view of the prevalent weather situation at Kerala," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The Indian Army has already deployed army personnel to the flood affected areas. One column consisting of One Officer, 2 JCOs and 30 other ranks of army personnel already moved to Kanjirappally, Kottayam District from Pangode Military Station...," she said. The Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy said it is fully ready for assisting local administration in rescue operations. "Diving&Rescue teams are ready to be deployed at short notice.Helicopters stand-by to be launched once weather is conducive for Air Ops,", it said in a tweet. Earlier, Minister for Cooperation and Registration V N Vasavan said at least three houses have been washed away in Kottayam district and some people feared missing. "At least four landslips have been reported from various parts of Kottayam district. We have sought the assistance of the Airforce to rescue people who are stranded in the Koottickal area. We have received information about some people missing and over 60 waiting to be rescued as water entered their homes," the Minister told PTI. According to the latest update of the India Meteorological Department, 'Red Alert' was sounded for six districts--Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. Kottayam and Pathanamthitta are the most affected districts as of now due to heavy rains since Friday night. Visuals have emerged on social media from various parts of Kottayam district, including a KSRTC bus stuck in floodwater and locals rescuing passengers from it. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in the evening to review the rain situation and decided to strengthen rescue operations in all affected areas. In a statement, the Chief Minister said all government agencies have been directed to take necessary steps to rescue people from the affected regions and evacuate those living in areas prone to landslides and floods. Vijayan also directed the district collectors to open relief camps to relocate the affected people. He said the camps should function strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol. In the wake of warning that the rains would continue till October 19, the meeting also decided not to allow pilgrims to trek to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, situated in a dense forest in Pathanamthitta district, till October 18. The temple was opened at 5pm today for 'Thula masam' poojas. Higher educational institutions, which were scheduled to open on October 18, will start on October 20, the statement said. Appealing to the people of the state to keep extra vigil in the next 24 hours, the CM said in a Facebook post that the rains have already hit the south and central districts and it would intensify in the northern districts also by the evening as per the weather forecast. The water level in some rivers is expected to rise and shutters of certain dams are likely to be opened, he said, adding that those living in its catchment areas should be ready to follow the instructions of authorities. The CM also said a Red alert has been sounded for the dams under KSEB, including Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, Sholayar in Thrissur, Kundala and Kallarkutti in Idukki. Meanwhile, two children had a miraculous escape after a portion of the wall of their house collapsed in incessant rains on Friday night at Chempakamangalam in the capital district where rains have been battering the city and rural areas alike since last night. The wall collapsed on the bed, where the children were asleep, but they escaped with minor injuries, family sources said. Government authorities have advised people against visiting tourist places and going near rivers and other water bodies in view of heavy rains in Thiruvananthapuram. Destruction of roads was reported in many places including in Kollam and Kottayam districts while severe waterlogging made life miserable in Kuttanad region, popularly known as the 'rice bowl' of the state spread in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The Thrissur district administration urged people living in low-lying and other disaster prone areas and on the banks of rivers to move to safer places. Fishing boats have been prohibited from venturing into the sea, they added. A red alert has also been issued for Chulliyar dam in Palakkad and Peechi dam in Thrissur, which are under the irrigation department. Revenue Minister K Rajan said necessary precautions have been taken."We have asked the district collectors to issue warnings to people residing along the river banks," Rajan said.

Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving.

"He has been diagnosed with dengue but his platelet count is now increasing and his condition is improving," an AIIMS official said Saturday.

Manmohan Singh (89) was admitted to AIIMS hospital on Wednesday (October 13) after he complained of weakness following a fever

Singh has been admitted to a private ward in the cardio-neuro centre of the hospital and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Singh on Thursday and enquired about his health.

A row erupted after Mandaviya's visit as he allegedly took a photographer with him while visiting the former prime minister.

Manmohan Singh's daughter, Daman Singh, had hit out at Mandaviya for getting a photographer against the wishes of the family.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving.

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving. "He has been diagnosed with dengue but his platelet count is now increasing and his condition is improving," an AIIMS official said Saturday. Manmohan Singh (89) was admitted to AIIMS hospital on Wednesday (October 13) after he complained of weakness following a fever Singh has been admitted to a private ward in the cardio-neuro centre of the hospital and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Singh on Thursday and enquired about his health. A row erupted after Mandaviya's visit as he allegedly took a photographer with him while visiting the former prime minister. Manmohan Singh's daughter, Daman Singh, had hit out at Mandaviya for getting a photographer against the wishes of the family. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh diagnosed with dengue, health improving

Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday. Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hundreds of diggers were seen digging row after row of graves in the city.

The latest massacre came just a week after another IS-claimed attack on Shiite worshippers at a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz that killed more than 60 people.

IS-K said in a statement on its Telegram channels that two of its suicide bombers carried out different attacks on different parts of the mosque in Kandahar.

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The group, bitter rivals of fellow Sunni Islamist movement the Taliban, who swept back to power in Afghanistan in August as the United States and its allies withdrew, regards Shiite Muslims as heretics.

UK-based conflict analysis firm ExTrac said Friday's assault was the first by IS-K in Kandahar, and the fourth mass casualty massacre since the Taliban took Kabul.

Researcher Abdul Sayed told AFP the attack "challenged the Taliban claims of holding control on the country. If the Taliban can't protect Kandahar from an IS-K attack, how could it protect the rest of the country?"

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The killings triggered international condemnation. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the "despicable attack" and demanded those using violence to restrict Afghans' religious freedom be brought to justice.

At the gravesides, mourner Gul Ahmad told AFP of his grief over his brother's slaying: "He had two little children. He had a home to live in. He had everything. The pain of the loss cannot be described with words."

The all-male crowd brought body after body, shrouded in white sheets, as a dust storm was whipped up by the constant digging.

"The world will remember this. The Islamic world will remember this barbarism, specifically the dignified people of Afghanistan," warned another mourner, Muhammad Agha.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday.

Mass burials took place in Kandahar a day after deadly suicide bomb attack that killed dozens of people in a Shiite mosque on Friday. The death toll reached 60 on Saturday. Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hundreds of diggers were seen digging row after row of graves in the city. The latest massacre came just a week after another IS-claimed attack on Shiite worshippers at a mosque in the northern city of Kunduz that killed more than 60 people. IS-K said in a statement on its Telegram channels that two of its suicide bombers carried out different attacks on different parts of the mosque in Kandahar. Also Read | Taliban pledge to step up security at Shi'ite mosques after Friday's attack The group, bitter rivals of fellow Sunni Islamist movement the Taliban, who swept back to power in Afghanistan in August as the United States and its allies withdrew, regards Shiite Muslims as heretics. UK-based conflict analysis firm ExTrac said Friday's assault was the first by IS-K in Kandahar, and the fourth mass casualty massacre since the Taliban took Kabul. Researcher Abdul Sayed told AFP the attack "challenged the Taliban claims of holding control on the country. If the Taliban can't protect Kandahar from an IS-K attack, how could it protect the rest of the country?" Also Read | Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan The killings triggered international condemnation. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the "despicable attack" and demanded those using violence to restrict Afghans' religious freedom be brought to justice. At the gravesides, mourner Gul Ahmad told AFP of his grief over his brother's slaying: "He had two little children. He had a home to live in. He had everything. The pain of the loss cannot be described with words." The all-male crowd brought body after body, shrouded in white sheets, as a dust storm was whipped up by the constant digging. "The world will remember this. The Islamic world will remember this barbarism, specifically the dignified people of Afghanistan," warned another mourner, Muhammad Agha. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass funerals take place in Kandahar a day after blast at Shiite mosque

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that a "non-political representative" from Myanmar would be invited for the ASEAN Summit that will take place between October 26 and 28. This decision has effectively excluded Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. This is a rare rebuke that has come amid concerns over military governemnt's commitment to defusing the crisis in Myanmar.

The Myanmar junta slammed the decision on Saturday evening, accusing ASEAN of breaching the bloc's policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of its member states.

"We can also see the interference from the other (non-ASEAN) countries," junta spokesman brigadier general Zaw Min Tun told the BBC Burmese section.

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He seized on talks between the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and ASEAN special envoy, Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, ahead of the meeting and also singled out EU pressure.

The bloc, widely criticised as a toothless organisation, took a strong stand after the junta rebuffed requests that a special envoy meet with "with all stakeholders" in Myanmar -- a phrase seen to include ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The statement noted "insufficient progress" in the implementation of a five-point plan agreed by ASEAN leaders in April to end turmoil following a coup in February.

It also said that the situation in Myanmar "was having an impact on regional security as well as the unity, credibility and centrality of ASEAN".

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Richard Horsey, Myanmar adviser to Crisis Group, predicted the "non-political" representative would be someone below the level of minister or deputy minister.

Singapore's foreign ministry described the move as a "difficult but necessary decision to uphold ASEAN's credibility".

Mustafa Izzuddin, global affairs analyst at consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore, called the exclusion "a political stopgap measure for ASEAN to assuage international criticism".

It sent a "political signal" to the junta "that ASEAN is not one to be pushed around", Izzuddin added.

And independent Myanmar analyst David Mathieson said that "in ASEAN terms this is a real slap in the face".

(With inputs from agencies)

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that a "non-political representative" from Myanmar would be invited for the ASEAN Summit that will take place between October 26 and 28.

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) decided that a "non-political representative" from Myanmar would be invited for the ASEAN Summit that will take place between October 26 and 28. This decision has effectively excluded Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from attending the summit. This is a rare rebuke that has come amid concerns over military governemnt's commitment to defusing the crisis in Myanmar. The Myanmar junta slammed the decision on Saturday evening, accusing ASEAN of breaching the bloc's policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of its member states. "We can also see the interference from the other (non-ASEAN) countries," junta spokesman brigadier general Zaw Min Tun told the BBC Burmese section. Also Read | Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyer says he has been issued a gag order He seized on talks between the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and ASEAN special envoy, Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, ahead of the meeting and also singled out EU pressure. The bloc, widely criticised as a toothless organisation, took a strong stand after the junta rebuffed requests that a special envoy meet with "with all stakeholders" in Myanmar -- a phrase seen to include ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The statement noted "insufficient progress" in the implementation of a five-point plan agreed by ASEAN leaders in April to end turmoil following a coup in February. It also said that the situation in Myanmar "was having an impact on regional security as well as the unity, credibility and centrality of ASEAN". Also Read | Myanmar did not make a request to speak, UNGA president Abdulla Shahid clarifies to WION Richard Horsey, Myanmar adviser to Crisis Group, predicted the "non-political" representative would be someone below the level of minister or deputy minister. Singapore's foreign ministry described the move as a "difficult but necessary decision to uphold ASEAN's credibility". Mustafa Izzuddin, global affairs analyst at consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore, called the exclusion "a political stopgap measure for ASEAN to assuage international criticism". It sent a "political signal" to the junta "that ASEAN is not one to be pushed around", Izzuddin added. And independent Myanmar analyst David Mathieson said that "in ASEAN terms this is a real slap in the face". (With inputs from agencies)

ASEAN excludes Myanmar junta chief from attendance at summit

UK PM Boris Johnson on Saturday visited the church on Saturday where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death on Friday. Johnson laid flowers to condole the death. He was accompanied by Interior Minister Priti Patel and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer who also paid tribute to the departed member of the British Parliament.

Amess belonged to Johnson's Conservative Party and the fatal attack came five years after the murder of Jo Cox, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party, and has prompted a review of the security of elected politicians.

Amess, 69, was knifed repeatedly in the attack at about midday on Friday in Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, during a meeting with constituents.

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Police arrested a 25-year-old British man at the scene on suspicion of murder, adding it is believed he acted alone.

In a statement early on Saturday, police said the early investigation had revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism.

"To the memory of Sir David Amess MP, a fine parliamentarian and a much-loved colleague and friend," Johnson said in a hand-written note placed in the flowers, adding in a Twitter post that his thoughts were with Amess' family and friends.

<img alt="David Amess" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36c02391-b245-44ce-a801-334254acba41" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-10-16T105145Z_1_LYNXMPEH9F043_RTROPTP_4_BRITAIN-CRIME-LAWMAKER_0.JPG" />

Johnson and Starmer stood side by side in a moment of silence before leaving. Other politicians, police representatives and members of the public came to lay flowers and pay respects.

Cannot be cowed

As tributes poured in for Amess, politicians described the attack as an assault on democracy, and Patel said security for lawmakers, known as MPs, was being reviewed and strengthened.

"All measures are being put in place for the security of MPs so that they can carry on with their duties as elected democratic members," Patel said in a broadcast clip following the visit.

"We live in an open society, a democracy. We cannot be cowed by any individual."

In Westminster, where lawmakers do much of their work in parliament, armed police are on patrol. But in their electoral districts, known as constituencies, more often than not there is no security.

Amess was stabbed while holding a surgery - one-to-one meetings with voters, open to whoever turns up.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson on Saturday visited the church on Saturday where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death on Friday. Johnson laid flowers to condole the death.

UK PM Boris Johnson on Saturday visited the church on Saturday where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death on Friday. Johnson laid flowers to condole the death. He was accompanied by Interior Minister Priti Patel and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer who also paid tribute to the departed member of the British Parliament. Amess belonged to Johnson's Conservative Party and the fatal attack came five years after the murder of Jo Cox, a lawmaker from the opposition Labour Party, and has prompted a review of the security of elected politicians. Amess, 69, was knifed repeatedly in the attack at about midday on Friday in Leigh-on-Sea, east of London, during a meeting with constituents. Also Read | Police declare fatal stabbing of UK Conservative MP as 'terrorist incident' Police arrested a 25-year-old British man at the scene on suspicion of murder, adding it is believed he acted alone. In a statement early on Saturday, police said the early investigation had revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism. "To the memory of Sir David Amess MP, a fine parliamentarian and a much-loved colleague and friend," Johnson said in a hand-written note placed in the flowers, adding in a Twitter post that his thoughts were with Amess' family and friends. Johnson and Starmer stood side by side in a moment of silence before leaving. Other politicians, police representatives and members of the public came to lay flowers and pay respects. Cannot be cowed As tributes poured in for Amess, politicians described the attack as an assault on democracy, and Patel said security for lawmakers, known as MPs, was being reviewed and strengthened. "All measures are being put in place for the security of MPs so that they can carry on with their duties as elected democratic members," Patel said in a broadcast clip following the visit. "We live in an open society, a democracy. We cannot be cowed by any individual." In Westminster, where lawmakers do much of their work in parliament, armed police are on patrol. But in their electoral districts, known as constituencies, more often than not there is no security. Amess was stabbed while holding a surgery - one-to-one meetings with voters, open to whoever turns up. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson visits church where British lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death 

NASA launched a first-of-its kind mission on Saturday to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of primordial material that formed the solar system's outer planets.

The space probe, dubbed Lucy and packed inside a special cargo capsule, lifted off on schedule from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 5:34 a.m. EDT (0934 GMT), NASA said. It was carried aloft by an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (UAL), a joint venture of Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp.

Lucy's mission is a 12-year expedition to study a record number of asteroids. It will be the first to explore the Trojans, thousands of rocky objects orbiting the sun in two swarms - one ahead of the path of giant gas planet Jupiter and one behind it.

The largest known Trojan asteroids, named for the warriors of Greek mythology, are believed to measure as much as 225 kilometers (140 miles) in diameter.

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Scientists hope Lucy's close-up fly-by of seven Trojans will yield new clues to how the solar system's planets came to be formed some 4.5 billion years ago and what shaped their present configuration.

Believed to be rich in carbon compounds, the asteroids may even provide new insights into the origin of organic materials and life on Earth, NASA said.

"The Trojan asteroids are leftovers from the early days of our solar system, effectively the fossils of planet formation," principal mission investigator Harold Levison of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, was quoted by NASA as saying.

No other single science mission has been designed to visit as many different objects independently orbiting the sun in the history of space exploration, NASA said.\

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As well as the Trojans, Lucy will do a fly-by of an asteroid in the solar system's main asteroid belt, called DonaldJohanson in honor of the lead discoverer of the fossilized human ancestor known as Lucy, from which the NASA mission takes its name. The Lucy fossil, unearthed in Ethiopia in 1974, was in turn named for the Beatles hit "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."

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Lucy the asteroid probe will make spaceflight history in another way. Following a route that circles back to Earth three times for gravitational assists, it will be the first spacecraft ever to return to Earth's vicinity from the outer solar system, according to NASA.

The probe will use rocket thrusters to maneuver in space and two rounded solar arrays, each the width of a school bus, to recharge batteries that will power the instruments contained in the much smaller central body of the spacecraft.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA launched a first-of-its kind mission on Saturday to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of primordial material that formed the solar system's outer planets.

NASA launched a first-of-its kind mission on Saturday to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, two large clusters of space rocks that scientists believe are remnants of primordial material that formed the solar system's outer planets. The space probe, dubbed Lucy and packed inside a special cargo capsule, lifted off on schedule from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 5:34 a.m. EDT (0934 GMT), NASA said. It was carried aloft by an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (UAL), a joint venture of Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp. Lucy's mission is a 12-year expedition to study a record number of asteroids. It will be the first to explore the Trojans, thousands of rocky objects orbiting the sun in two swarms - one ahead of the path of giant gas planet Jupiter and one behind it. The largest known Trojan asteroids, named for the warriors of Greek mythology, are believed to measure as much as 225 kilometers (140 miles) in diameter. Also Read | This star spins around itself once every 25 seconds Scientists hope Lucy's close-up fly-by of seven Trojans will yield new clues to how the solar system's planets came to be formed some 4.5 billion years ago and what shaped their present configuration. Believed to be rich in carbon compounds, the asteroids may even provide new insights into the origin of organic materials and life on Earth, NASA said. "The Trojan asteroids are leftovers from the early days of our solar system, effectively the fossils of planet formation," principal mission investigator Harold Levison of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, was quoted by NASA as saying. No other single science mission has been designed to visit as many different objects independently orbiting the sun in the history of space exploration, NASA said.\ Also Read | First exoplanet to survive death of its star provides hint of solar system's future As well as the Trojans, Lucy will do a fly-by of an asteroid in the solar system's main asteroid belt, called DonaldJohanson in honor of the lead discoverer of the fossilized human ancestor known as Lucy, from which the NASA mission takes its name. The Lucy fossil, unearthed in Ethiopia in 1974, was in turn named for the Beatles hit "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Also Read | Astronaut's photo from space reveals a strange blue glow on Earth Lucy the asteroid probe will make spaceflight history in another way. Following a route that circles back to Earth three times for gravitational assists, it will be the first spacecraft ever to return to Earth's vicinity from the outer solar system, according to NASA. The probe will use rocket thrusters to maneuver in space and two rounded solar arrays, each the width of a school bus, to recharge batteries that will power the instruments contained in the much smaller central body of the spacecraft. (With inputs from agencies)

'Lucy in the sky': NASA space mission lifts off, will study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids

The Biden administration will ask the Supreme Court to block a Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy while a challenge to it moves forward, a spokesperson for the Justice Department said Friday.

A ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday kept in place its own previous order last week that had temporarily allowed the law to be enforced again, overturning a federal district judge in Austin, Texas, who had temporarily blocked its enforcement.

“The Justice Department intends to ask the Supreme Court to vacate the 5th Circuit’s stay of the preliminary injunction against Texas Senate Bill 8,” the spokesperson, Anthony Coley, said in a statement.

The 2-1 decision by a three-judge appeals panel dealt the Biden administration a significant setback, as it seeks to undo a law that has virtually ended abortions in Texas.

The Texas law, one of the strictest in the country, bans abortions when cardiac activity is detected, which happens at around six weeks of pregnancy, a time when women may not yet know they are pregnant. It also makes no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

The law immediately stopped most abortions in Texas when it went into effect at the start of September, after the Supreme Court declined to intervene. Demand at clinics in nearby states such as Oklahoma has surged as women in Texas seeking abortions after six weeks of pregnancy have been forced to travel out of state.

The Justice Department is suing Texas over the law’s unique enforcement mechanism, which it claims violates the Constitution by using private parties to enforce the law, rather then the state. This lets Texas technically comply with court decisions that say states may not prohibit abortion.

The law encourages private parties to bring lawsuits against anyone accused of performing or aiding in an abortion that violates the statute by granting $10,000 to plaintiffs that successfully sue.

Attorney General Merrick Garland called the enforcement mechanism an “unprecedented” effort to bar women from their constitutionally protected right to have an abortion.

The department argued in its lawsuit that the Texas law is invalid under the supremacy clause of the Constitution, which gives federal law precedence over state law, and under the equal protection guarantees of the 14th Amendment.

A federal district judge last week granted the department’s request to halt enforcement of the law while the legal challenge makes its way through the court system, delivering a short-lived win to the Biden administration. But two days later, the appeals panel intervened.

The Biden administration will ask the Supreme Court to block a Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy while a challenge to it moves forward, a spokesperson for the Justice Department said Friday.

The Biden administration will ask the Supreme Court to block a Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy while a challenge to it moves forward, a spokesperson for the Justice Department said Friday. A ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday kept in place its own previous order last week that had temporarily allowed the law to be enforced again, overturning a federal district judge in Austin, Texas, who had temporarily blocked its enforcement. “The Justice Department intends to ask the Supreme Court to vacate the 5th Circuit’s stay of the preliminary injunction against Texas Senate Bill 8,” the spokesperson, Anthony Coley, said in a statement. The 2-1 decision by a three-judge appeals panel dealt the Biden administration a significant setback, as it seeks to undo a law that has virtually ended abortions in Texas. The Texas law, one of the strictest in the country, bans abortions when cardiac activity is detected, which happens at around six weeks of pregnancy, a time when women may not yet know they are pregnant. It also makes no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. The law immediately stopped most abortions in Texas when it went into effect at the start of September, after the Supreme Court declined to intervene. Demand at clinics in nearby states such as Oklahoma has surged as women in Texas seeking abortions after six weeks of pregnancy have been forced to travel out of state. The Justice Department is suing Texas over the law’s unique enforcement mechanism, which it claims violates the Constitution by using private parties to enforce the law, rather then the state. This lets Texas technically comply with court decisions that say states may not prohibit abortion. The law encourages private parties to bring lawsuits against anyone accused of performing or aiding in an abortion that violates the statute by granting $10,000 to plaintiffs that successfully sue. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the enforcement mechanism an “unprecedented” effort to bar women from their constitutionally protected right to have an abortion. The department argued in its lawsuit that the Texas law is invalid under the supremacy clause of the Constitution, which gives federal law precedence over state law, and under the equal protection guarantees of the 14th Amendment. A federal district judge last week granted the department’s request to halt enforcement of the law while the legal challenge makes its way through the court system, delivering a short-lived win to the Biden administration. But two days later, the appeals panel intervened.

Justice dept to ask Supreme Court to block Texas’ near-total abortion ban

An unprecedented election pledge by Japan's ruling party to double defence spending underscores the nation's haste to acquire missiles, stealth fighters, drones and other weapons to deter China's military in the disputed East China Sea.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) included a goal of spending 2% of GDP - about $100 billion - or more on the military for the first time in its policy platform ahead of a national election this month.

Experts don't expect new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to double spending anytime soon, given Japan's debt-saddled public finances and a pandemic-stricken economy. But it is a sign that the pacifist nation could over time abandon a commitment to keep military budgets within 1% of GDP - a number that for decades has eased concern at home and abroad about any revival of the militarism that led Japan into World War Two.

"LDP conservative leaders want the party to give it up," said Yoichiro Sato, an international relations professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, referring to the de facto spending cap, which he called "sacrosanct for Japanese liberals."

"They are setting the direction, that is what conservatives want to do," he added.

The United States has been pushing key allies to spend more on defence; an increase to 2% of GDP would put Japan in line with pledges by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members.

The hawkish notes from the LDP come as Japanese public sentiment shifts away from concerns about rearming to growing alarm over China's military assertiveness in Asia, particularly toward Taiwan.

In a survey of 1,696 people conducted by the Nikkei business daily at the end of last year, 86% of respondents said China posed a threat to Japan, more than the 82% who expressed concern about nuclear-armed North Korea.

"Putting this in the manifesto is a recognition of the need to garner public support for required defence policy changes," said Robert Ward, a London-based researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "The direction of travel is now set."

SOUTHWEST THEATRE

Japan's military strategy is focused on defending territory along the edge of the East China Sea, where Tokyo is locked in a dispute with Beijing over a group of uninhabited islands.

The Okinawan chain, Taiwan, and islands stretching down through the Philippines form what military planners dub the First Island Chain, a natural barrier to Chinese operations in the Western Pacific.

With an additional $50 billion a year, Japan could buy more American equipment, including F-35 stealth fighters, Osprey tilt-rotor utility aircraft and surveillance drones, as well as domestically made equipment such as amphibious landing craft, compact warships, aircraft carriers, submarines, satellites and communications gear to fight a protracted war.

"The Self Defence Force is well trained and well equipped, but its sustainability and resilience is one of the most serious problems," former Maritime Self Defense Force admiral and fleet commander Yoji Koda told Reuters.

Japan's defence ministry also wants money for an indigenous stealth fighter, and missiles that can strike enemy ships and land bases more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away. The country is also building up cyber, space and electromagnetic warfare capabilities.

"Japan wants to acquire very sophisticated capabilities in a variety of areas," Thomas Reich, the country manager for BAE Systems PLC, said during a briefing on Tuesday. "What's in the budget and where it's going are the things that really attract us."

Britain's biggest defence company is part of the consortium led by Lockheed Martin Corp that builds the F-35 fighter.

CARRYING ABE'S TORCH

The speed at which once-dovish Kishida has fallen in line with the national security agenda of conservatives has surprised some observers. But he is carrying on policies pursued by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and supported by conservative lawmakers who helped him https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-shadow-shogun-abe-assured-clout-over-next-pm-kishida-2021-09-30 win the party leadership election last month.

By pursuing a policy of similar small steps, Abe enacted security laws to allow Japanese troops to fight on foreign soil, ended a ban on military exports and reinterpreted the country's war-renouncing constitution to allow missile strikes on enemy territory.

For now, however, the LDP defence spending pledge does not say how any extra money would be spent or indicate when the 2% goal would be reached.

"The real question is whether Japan can absorb another $50 billion in a way that measurably improves Japan's defence," said Chuck Jones, a former defence industry executive familiar with Japan's military policy. "The concern is that large sums will be wasted on programs and projects doomed to failure or irrelevance."

The lack of detail gives the ruling group room to alter course, analysts say.

"There is opposition even inside the LDP," said Tetsuo Kotani, a senior research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. "We are going to have an election and we will see if the general public supports the LDP's proposal."

An unprecedented election pledge by Japan's ruling party to double defence spending underscores the nation's haste to acquire missiles, stealth fighters, drones and other weapons to deter China's military in the disputed East China Sea.

An unprecedented election pledge by Japan's ruling party to double defence spending underscores the nation's haste to acquire missiles, stealth fighters, drones and other weapons to deter China's military in the disputed East China Sea. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) included a goal of spending 2% of GDP - about $100 billion - or more on the military for the first time in its policy platform ahead of a national election this month. Experts don't expect new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to double spending anytime soon, given Japan's debt-saddled public finances and a pandemic-stricken economy. But it is a sign that the pacifist nation could over time abandon a commitment to keep military budgets within 1% of GDP - a number that for decades has eased concern at home and abroad about any revival of the militarism that led Japan into World War Two. "LDP conservative leaders want the party to give it up," said Yoichiro Sato, an international relations professor at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, referring to the de facto spending cap, which he called "sacrosanct for Japanese liberals." "They are setting the direction, that is what conservatives want to do," he added. The United States has been pushing key allies to spend more on defence; an increase to 2% of GDP would put Japan in line with pledges by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members. The hawkish notes from the LDP come as Japanese public sentiment shifts away from concerns about rearming to growing alarm over China's military assertiveness in Asia, particularly toward Taiwan. In a survey of 1,696 people conducted by the Nikkei business daily at the end of last year, 86% of respondents said China posed a threat to Japan, more than the 82% who expressed concern about nuclear-armed North Korea. "Putting this in the manifesto is a recognition of the need to garner public support for required defence policy changes," said Robert Ward, a London-based researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "The direction of travel is now set." SOUTHWEST THEATRE Japan's military strategy is focused on defending territory along the edge of the East China Sea, where Tokyo is locked in a dispute with Beijing over a group of uninhabited islands. The Okinawan chain, Taiwan, and islands stretching down through the Philippines form what military planners dub the First Island Chain, a natural barrier to Chinese operations in the Western Pacific. With an additional $50 billion a year, Japan could buy more American equipment, including F-35 stealth fighters, Osprey tilt-rotor utility aircraft and surveillance drones, as well as domestically made equipment such as amphibious landing craft, compact warships, aircraft carriers, submarines, satellites and communications gear to fight a protracted war. "The Self Defence Force is well trained and well equipped, but its sustainability and resilience is one of the most serious problems," former Maritime Self Defense Force admiral and fleet commander Yoji Koda told Reuters. Japan's defence ministry also wants money for an indigenous stealth fighter, and missiles that can strike enemy ships and land bases more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away. The country is also building up cyber, space and electromagnetic warfare capabilities. "Japan wants to acquire very sophisticated capabilities in a variety of areas," Thomas Reich, the country manager for BAE Systems PLC, said during a briefing on Tuesday. "What's in the budget and where it's going are the things that really attract us." Britain's biggest defence company is part of the consortium led by Lockheed Martin Corp that builds the F-35 fighter. CARRYING ABE'S TORCH The speed at which once-dovish Kishida has fallen in line with the national security agenda of conservatives has surprised some observers. But he is carrying on policies pursued by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and supported by conservative lawmakers who helped him https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-shadow-shogun-abe-assured-clout-over-next-pm-kishida-2021-09-30 win the party leadership election last month. By pursuing a policy of similar small steps, Abe enacted security laws to allow Japanese troops to fight on foreign soil, ended a ban on military exports and reinterpreted the country's war-renouncing constitution to allow missile strikes on enemy territory. For now, however, the LDP defence spending pledge does not say how any extra money would be spent or indicate when the 2% goal would be reached. "The real question is whether Japan can absorb another $50 billion in a way that measurably improves Japan's defence," said Chuck Jones, a former defence industry executive familiar with Japan's military policy. "The concern is that large sums will be wasted on programs and projects doomed to failure or irrelevance." The lack of detail gives the ruling group room to alter course, analysts say. "There is opposition even inside the LDP," said Tetsuo Kotani, a senior research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs. "We are going to have an election and we will see if the general public supports the LDP's proposal."

Analysis: With an eye on China, Japan's ruling party makes unprecedented defence spending pledge

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe. This is first such infrastructure in the Mediterranean.

The MoU was signed by Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Shaker. The ceremony was held in Athens.

"Such an infrastructure, the first of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean, will enhance regional market integration between Greece and Egypt, between Europe and North Africa, allowing all parties to expand the participation of renewables in their respective generation mix thereby effectively combating the effects of climate change," said Skrekas.

"The electrical connection which we are considering today has many benefits to meet the country electricity needs including securing and stabilizing the electrical system for both countries, reducing reserve margins to cope with emergencies, and diversification of electrical energy sources," said Shaker.

"In Egypt during the last five or six years...we were suffering from a shortage of power supply, now we have a surplus of power supply," he added.

The deal has come as Greece, Cyprus and Israel plan to build the Euro-Asia Interconnector, the world's longest and deepest underwater power cable crossing the Mediterranean. The estimated cost of this is about USD 900 million.

The Greek-Egyptian memorandum establishes a high-level working group of senior officials, representatives of the power grid operators and energy regulators.

The group will examine means and financing for the implementation of the project and facilitate the timely granting of permits and approvals, necessary the feasibility studies, Skrekas said.

As part of the project, Cyprus is due to sign a similar agreement with Egypt on Saturday.

The agreement further strengthens ties between Greece and Egypt, which last year signed an accord on their maritime boundaries, giving them rights over natural resources.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe.

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe. This is first such infrastructure in the Mediterranean. The MoU was signed by Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Shaker. The ceremony was held in Athens. "Such an infrastructure, the first of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean, will enhance regional market integration between Greece and Egypt, between Europe and North Africa, allowing all parties to expand the participation of renewables in their respective generation mix thereby effectively combating the effects of climate change," said Skrekas. "The electrical connection which we are considering today has many benefits to meet the country electricity needs including securing and stabilizing the electrical system for both countries, reducing reserve margins to cope with emergencies, and diversification of electrical energy sources," said Shaker. "In Egypt during the last five or six years...we were suffering from a shortage of power supply, now we have a surplus of power supply," he added. The deal has come as Greece, Cyprus and Israel plan to build the Euro-Asia Interconnector, the world's longest and deepest underwater power cable crossing the Mediterranean. The estimated cost of this is about USD 900 million. The Greek-Egyptian memorandum establishes a high-level working group of senior officials, representatives of the power grid operators and energy regulators. The group will examine means and financing for the implementation of the project and facilitate the timely granting of permits and approvals, necessary the feasibility studies, Skrekas said. As part of the project, Cyprus is due to sign a similar agreement with Egypt on Saturday. The agreement further strengthens ties between Greece and Egypt, which last year signed an accord on their maritime boundaries, giving them rights over natural resources. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece, Egypt agree to lay first subsea power link between Europe and Africa

Ever dream you had Spidey Sense so that it would tingle when danger is lurking just around the corner? Well it appears nature has already given you one and you take it for granted. It appears you can literally smell the danger.

No, we are not talking about the smell of the wasted food your partner so lovingly cooked for you. It's about real dangers.

A study has dwelled into the sense of smell and has found that the bundle of nerves connected internally to our nose takes just milliseconds to send message to our brain to do something if something smells fishy.

The research was carried out by Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

The study was done by observing two groups of non-smoking people. The first group had 19 persons who were asked to smell perfume of linalool or fruity-smelling ethyl butyrate. They were also made to smell diethyl disulfide which has a garlicky smell.

The brainwaves of these people were observed. Two types of brain waves were observed.

One was gamma waves. These are fast processing waves which we rely on for attention and memory. The second type is beta waves. These waves are generated when we make decisions with deliberation.

The second group had 21 volunteers. They were made to smell pleasant and not-so-pleasant odours as well. Their physical reactions were timed.

It was found that gamma and beta waves were 'coupling' to co-ordinate a response.

If the smell was unpleasant, in other words, deemed to be a threat, a message was sent to motor cortex of our brain within 150 milliseconds to take an action. This may then involve reactions like jerking the head away from the smell, momentarily stopping to inhale and other reactions.

Ever dream you had Spidey Sense so that it would tingle when danger is lurking just around the corner? Well it appears nature has already given you one and you take it for granted.

Ever dream you had Spidey Sense so that it would tingle when danger is lurking just around the corner? Well it appears nature has already given you one and you take it for granted. It appears you can literally smell the danger. No, we are not talking about the smell of the wasted food your partner so lovingly cooked for you. It's about real dangers. A study has dwelled into the sense of smell and has found that the bundle of nerves connected internally to our nose takes just milliseconds to send message to our brain to do something if something smells fishy. The research was carried out by Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The study was done by observing two groups of non-smoking people. The first group had 19 persons who were asked to smell perfume of linalool or fruity-smelling ethyl butyrate. They were also made to smell diethyl disulfide which has a garlicky smell. The brainwaves of these people were observed. Two types of brain waves were observed. One was gamma waves. These are fast processing waves which we rely on for attention and memory. The second type is beta waves. These waves are generated when we make decisions with deliberation. The second group had 21 volunteers. They were made to smell pleasant and not-so-pleasant odours as well. Their physical reactions were timed. It was found that gamma and beta waves were 'coupling' to co-ordinate a response. If the smell was unpleasant, in other words, deemed to be a threat, a message was sent to motor cortex of our brain within 150 milliseconds to take an action. This may then involve reactions like jerking the head away from the smell, momentarily stopping to inhale and other reactions.

We can literally 'smell' danger coming our way, study finds

A blast has taken place in a Shiite mosque in southern Afghan city of Kandahar. It has taken place on the day of weekly Friday prayers. Cause of the blast at the Imam Bargah Fatemiya Mosque was not immediately clear but a&nbsp;Taliban official claimed that this was a suicide bombing.

As per heade of Public Health Department of Kandahar, 41&nbsp;people have been&nbsp;killed and 80&nbsp;have been injured. Number of casualties is feared to rise.

No group has taken responsibility for it so far.

Eywitnesses have been quoted saying&nbsp;that three explosions were heard, one at the main door of the mosque, another at a southern area, and a third where worshippers wash themselves. 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FirstVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FirstVisuals</a> | Explosion hits Shia mosque in Afghanistan’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kandahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kandahar</a>, at least 7 dead 
 
*Disturbing visuals, viewer discretion advised<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> 
 
For more updates, visit: <a href="https://t.co/OuoWRoxAz7">https://t.co/OuoWRoxAz7</a> <a href="https://t.co/g9AS0gTAMO">pic.twitter.com/g9AS0gTAMO</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1448946946102624256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti tweeted: "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shiite brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded.&nbsp;

"Special forces of the Islamic Emirate have arrived in the area to determine the nature of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice."

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په خواشینی سره مو خبر ترلاسه کړ چې د کندهار ښار په اوله حوزه کې د اهل تشیع وروڼو په یوه مسجد کې چاودنه شوې چې زموږ یو شمیر هيوادوال پکې شهیدان او ټپیان شوي. 
د اسلامي امارت ځانګړي ځواکونه سيمې ته رسيدلي ترڅو د پيښې نوعیت معلوم کړي او مجرمين د قانون منګولو ته وسپارل شي.
— Qari Saeed Khosty (@SaeedKhosty) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaeedKhosty/status/1448944147503648770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the blast

"The Islamic Emirate condemns the barbaric attack on civilians in a mosque in Kandahar, calls it a grave crime and directs the security forces to find the perpetrators of such incidents as soon as possible and bring them to justice..." he tweeted

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#واکنش</a>: 
امارت اسلامی انفجار برمردم ملکی دریک مسجد درقندهار رانکوهش میکند، آن راجنایت بزرگ میداند و به نیروهای امنیتی دستور میدهد، که عاملین همچو حوادث رابزودی دستگیر نمایند وبه پنجه شریعت بسپارند. 
همچنان امارت اسلامی باخانواده های قربانیان این حادثه تأثرات عمیق خودرا ابرازمیدارد.
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1448981605154951172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The mosque was full of people at the time of the explosions, and at least 15 ambulances went to the scene shortly after the blast.

The incident also drew condemnation from former Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

"Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Imam Bargah Fatemiya Mosque in Kandahar, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of many of our compatriots, as a crime against humanity. The former president called for peace, stability and unity in Afghanistan," he tweeted.

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د افغانستان پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د کندهار په امام بارگاه فاطمیه جامع جومات کې ځانمرگی برید چې له امله یې زموږ گڼ شمېر هېوادوالو ته مرگ ژوبله اوښتې بشري ضد جنایت بولي او په کلکو ټکو یې غندي. 
پخوانی جمهور رئیس دغه عمل د افغانستان د سولې، ثبات او اتحاد و اتفاق …
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) <a href="https://twitter.com/KarzaiH/status/1448982615734865926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

United Nations expressed its displeasure as well and&nbsp;stressed the need to bring those behind the blast to justice.

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Terrorism continues in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> with at least 30 killed, scores injured, in suicide attack at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kandahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kandahar</a>’s largest Shia mosque at time of Friday prayers. UN condemns latest atrocity targeting a religious institution &amp; worshippers. Those responsible need to be held to account. <a href="https://t.co/MMI66F50Gr">pic.twitter.com/MMI66F50Gr</a>
— UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNAMAnews/status/1448978153087676416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The blast is latest in series of blasts that have taken place in mosques across Afghanistan.

Just a week&nbsp;ago, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-55-killed-in-afghanistans-kunduz-mosque-blast-taliban-official-419134">suicide attack in a mosque in Kunduz</a> claimed about 60 lives and injured more than 100 people. Responsibility of the blast was taken by Islamic State.

Before Kunduz, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fifteen-civilians-killed-in-blast-at-eidgah-mosque-entrance-in-kabul-417942">blast at Eidgah mosque in Kabul</a> had claimed 15 civillian lives. The explosion was followed by gunfire, said witnesses at the spot.

(This is a developing story)

A blast has taken place in a Shiite mosque in southern Afghan city of Kandahar. It has taken place on the day of weekly Friday prayers. Cause of the blast at the Imam Bargah Fatemiya Mosque was not immediately clear but a Taliban official claimed that this was a suicide bombing.

A blast has taken place in a Shiite mosque in southern Afghan city of Kandahar. It has taken place on the day of weekly Friday prayers. Cause of the blast at the Imam Bargah Fatemiya Mosque was not immediately clear but a Taliban official claimed that this was a suicide bombing. As per heade of Public Health Department of Kandahar, 41 people have been killed and 80 have been injured. Number of casualties is feared to rise. No group has taken responsibility for it so far. Eywitnesses have been quoted saying that three explosions were heard, one at the main door of the mosque, another at a southern area, and a third where worshippers wash themselves. #FirstVisuals | Explosion hits Shia mosque in Afghanistan’s #Kandahar, at least 7 dead *Disturbing visuals, viewer discretion advised#Afghanistan For more updates, visit: https://t.co/OuoWRoxAz7 pic.twitter.com/g9AS0gTAMO — WION (@WIONews) October 15, 2021 × Interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti tweeted: "We are saddened to learn that an explosion took place in a mosque of the Shiite brotherhood in the first district of Kandahar city in which a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded. "Special forces of the Islamic Emirate have arrived in the area to determine the nature of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice." په خواشینی سره مو خبر ترلاسه کړ چې د کندهار ښار په اوله حوزه کې د اهل تشیع وروڼو په یوه مسجد کې چاودنه شوې چې زموږ یو شمیر هيوادوال پکې شهیدان او ټپیان شوي. د اسلامي امارت ځانګړي ځواکونه سيمې ته رسيدلي ترڅو د پيښې نوعیت معلوم کړي او مجرمين د قانون منګولو ته وسپارل شي. — Qari Saeed Khosty (@SaeedKhosty) October 15, 2021 × Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the blast "The Islamic Emirate condemns the barbaric attack on civilians in a mosque in Kandahar, calls it a grave crime and directs the security forces to find the perpetrators of such incidents as soon as possible and bring them to justice..." he tweeted #واکنش: امارت اسلامی انفجار برمردم ملکی دریک مسجد درقندهار رانکوهش میکند، آن راجنایت بزرگ میداند و به نیروهای امنیتی دستور میدهد، که عاملین همچو حوادث رابزودی دستگیر نمایند وبه پنجه شریعت بسپارند. همچنان امارت اسلامی باخانواده های قربانیان این حادثه تأثرات عمیق خودرا ابرازمیدارد. — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) October 15, 2021 × The mosque was full of people at the time of the explosions, and at least 15 ambulances went to the scene shortly after the blast. The incident also drew condemnation from former Afghan President Hamid Karzai. "Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the suicide attack on the Imam Bargah Fatemiya Mosque in Kandahar, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of many of our compatriots, as a crime against humanity. The former president called for peace, stability and unity in Afghanistan," he tweeted. د افغانستان پخوانی جمهور رئیس حامد کرزی د کندهار په امام بارگاه فاطمیه جامع جومات کې ځانمرگی برید چې له امله یې زموږ گڼ شمېر هېوادوالو ته مرگ ژوبله اوښتې بشري ضد جنایت بولي او په کلکو ټکو یې غندي. پخوانی جمهور رئیس دغه عمل د افغانستان د سولې، ثبات او اتحاد و اتفاق … — Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) October 15, 2021 × United Nations expressed its displeasure as well and stressed the need to bring those behind the blast to justice. Terrorism continues in #Afghanistan with at least 30 killed, scores injured, in suicide attack at #Kandahar’s largest Shia mosque at time of Friday prayers. UN condemns latest atrocity targeting a religious institution & worshippers. Those responsible need to be held to account. pic.twitter.com/MMI66F50Gr — UNAMA News (@UNAMAnews) October 15, 2021 × The blast is latest in series of blasts that have taken place in mosques across Afghanistan. Just a week ago, a suicide attack in a mosque in Kunduz claimed about 60 lives and injured more than 100 people. Responsibility of the blast was taken by Islamic State. Before Kunduz, the blast at Eidgah mosque in Kabul had claimed 15 civillian lives. The explosion was followed by gunfire, said witnesses at the spot. (This is a developing story)

Afghanistan: At least 41 dead in Kandahar mosque blast, Taliban allege suicide bombing

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away. There was no immediate comment from the US.

The Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire."

Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, &nbsp;meaning it was unable to change course and speed

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"Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said.

The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said.

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The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan.

It was the second time in four months Russia has said it chased a NATO-member warship from its waters. In June, Russia accused a British destroyer, the Defender, of breaching its territorial waters in the Black Sea, and said it had forced the ship away with warning shots and dropped bombs in its path.

Britain rejected Moscow's account of the incident, which took place off Crimea, part of Ukraine which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move not recognized internationally. London said at the time its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away.

Russia said on Friday that a US naval destroyer attempted to violate Russian territorial waters as Russian-Chinese naval drills took place in the Sea of Japan. Russia claimed that one of its military vessels chased the US destroyer away. There was no immediate comment from the US. The Russian defense ministry said the crew of a Russian anti-submarine vessel, the Admiral Tributs, had radioed a warning to the USS Chafee that it was "in an area closed to navigation due to exercises with artillery fire." Russian defence ministry said in its statement that the US destroyer failed to change course and instead raised a flag to indicate that it was preparing to launch helicopter from its deck, meaning it was unable to change course and speed Also Read | Russian hypersonic nukes capable of wiping out US cities 'on alert': Putin "Acting within the framework of the international rules of navigation, the Admiral Tributs set a course for ousting the intruder from Russian territorial waters," it said. The Chafee eventually changed course when the two vessels were less than 60 meters apart, it said. Also Read | New contracts needed to boost Europe gas supplies: Russia The ministry said that incident lasted for about 50 minutes and took place in Peter the Great Bay, which lies south of Vladivostok in the west of the Sea of Japan. It was the second time in four months Russia has said it chased a NATO-member warship from its waters. In June, Russia accused a British destroyer, the Defender, of breaching its territorial waters in the Black Sea, and said it had forced the ship away with warning shots and dropped bombs in its path. Britain rejected Moscow's account of the incident, which took place off Crimea, part of Ukraine which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move not recognized internationally. London said at the time its ship was operating lawfully in Ukrainian waters. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses US of trying to violate its territorial waters

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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