US Space agency NASA continues to work on the payload computer on the Hubble Space Telescope, which halted probably due to a degrading memory module. 
 
Hubble, which has been watching the universe over the past 30 years, faced trouble with its payload computer on June 13. An attempt to restart the computer failed on June 14, NASA said. 
 
"NASA continues to work on resolving an issue with the payload computer on the Hubble Space Telescope. The operations team will be running tests and collecting more information on the system to further isolate the problem. The science instruments will remain in a safe mode state until the issue is resolved. The telescope itself and science instruments remain in good health," the space agency said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-reports-trouble-with-hubble-space-telescope-392571">NASA reports trouble with Hubble Space Telescope</a> 
 
The agency's initial findings pointed to a degrading computer memory module as the source of the computer halt. When the operations team attempted to switch to a backup memory module, however, the command to initiate the backup module failed to complete. 
 
Another attempt was conducted on both modules to obtain more diagnostic information while again trying to bring those memory modules online. However, those attempts were not successful, NASA said. 
 
The payload computer is a NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer-1 (NSSC-1) system built in the 1980s that is located on the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling unit. The computer's purpose is to control and coordinate the science instruments and monitor them for health and safety purposes. 
 
It is fully redundant in that a second computer, along with its associated hardware, exists in orbit that can be switched over to in the event of a problem. Both computers can access and use any of four independent memory modules, which each contain 64K of Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) memory. The payload computer uses only one memory module operationally at a time, with the other three serving as backups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/nasas-giant-webb-telescope-succeeds-in-key-pre-launch-test-384613">NASA's giant Webb telescope succeeds in key pre-launch test</a>&nbsp; 
 
The purpose of the payload computer is to control and coordinate the science instruments onboard the spacecraft. After the halt occurred on Sunday, the main computer stopped receiving a "keep-alive" signal, which is a standard handshake between the payload and main spacecraft computers to indicate all is well. 
 
The main computer then automatically placed all science instruments in a safe mode configuration. Control centre personnel at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland restarted the payload computer on Monday, June 14, but it soon experienced the same problem, the space agency said.

US Space agency NASA continues to work on the payload computer on the Hubble Space Telescope, which halted probably due to a degrading memory module. Hubble, which has been watching the universe over the past 30 years, faced trouble with its payload computer on June 13.

US Space agency NASA continues to work on the payload computer on the Hubble Space Telescope, which halted probably due to a degrading memory module. Hubble, which has been watching the universe over the past 30 years, faced trouble with its payload computer on June 13. An attempt to restart the computer failed on June 14, NASA said. "NASA continues to work on resolving an issue with the payload computer on the Hubble Space Telescope. The operations team will be running tests and collecting more information on the system to further isolate the problem. The science instruments will remain in a safe mode state until the issue is resolved. The telescope itself and science instruments remain in good health," the space agency said in a statement. Also read | NASA reports trouble with Hubble Space Telescope The agency's initial findings pointed to a degrading computer memory module as the source of the computer halt. When the operations team attempted to switch to a backup memory module, however, the command to initiate the backup module failed to complete. Another attempt was conducted on both modules to obtain more diagnostic information while again trying to bring those memory modules online. However, those attempts were not successful, NASA said. The payload computer is a NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer-1 (NSSC-1) system built in the 1980s that is located on the Science Instrument Command and Data Handling unit. The computer's purpose is to control and coordinate the science instruments and monitor them for health and safety purposes. It is fully redundant in that a second computer, along with its associated hardware, exists in orbit that can be switched over to in the event of a problem. Both computers can access and use any of four independent memory modules, which each contain 64K of Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) memory. The payload computer uses only one memory module operationally at a time, with the other three serving as backups. Also read | NASA's giant Webb telescope succeeds in key pre-launch test The purpose of the payload computer is to control and coordinate the science instruments onboard the spacecraft. After the halt occurred on Sunday, the main computer stopped receiving a "keep-alive" signal, which is a standard handshake between the payload and main spacecraft computers to indicate all is well. The main computer then automatically placed all science instruments in a safe mode configuration. Control centre personnel at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland restarted the payload computer on Monday, June 14, but it soon experienced the same problem, the space agency said.

Hubble telescope on halt after trouble with payload computer: NASA

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week.

The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger"

He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup.

Pope Francis on Sunday made an appeal to Myanmar's military junta to allow air to reach hungry, displace people who have fled the fighting since February 1 coup. He also made an appeal to respect religious sites as places of sanctuary. He was speaking at his Sunday blessing in St Peter's Square. Pope Francis said that he wanted to "add" his "voice" to appeal made by Myanmar's Catholic bishops last week. The Pope spoke of "heartbreaking experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and are dying of hunger" He backed Myanmar Bishops' appeal for a humanitarian corridor in order to get aid to displaced people and to respect churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals, as neutral places of refuge. The United Nations General Assembly on Friday called for a stop to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect November election results and release political detainees, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope backs Myanmar bishops' appeal for humanitarian corridor

Israel's new government approved on Sunday an official inquiry into a stampede in April in which killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site long deemed dangerously crowded by authorities.

Though it was the country's worst civilian disaster, a full-scale investigation into the Mount Meron deaths and dozens of injuries had lagged under the previous government amid feuding between its ultra-Orthodox Jewish and opposition politicians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-state-watchdog-to-investigate-religious-festival-stampede-382570">Israeli state watchdog to investigate religious festival stampede</a>

Establishing the state commission of inquiry a week after he was sworn in, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in televised remarks that while it "cannot bring back those who are gone, the government can do everything to prevent future needless loss".

A cabinet statement said the inquiry's findings would help safeguard other mass-attendance events in&nbsp;Israel, which has sites sacred to Islam and Christianity as well as to Judaism.

Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews thronged to the Galilee hillside tomb of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shim Bar Yochai on April 30 for the annual Lag B'Omer festival that includes all-night prayer, mystical songs and dance.

The numbers were lower than in previous years but still beyond those permitted by COVID-19 curbs. Some&nbsp;Israelis questioned if the former government under Benjamin Netanyahu and police were reluctant to further limit the crowd size because of pressure from influential ultra-Orthodox leaders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-killed-in-stampede-at-israeli-religious-bonfire-festival-381531">Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering</a>

During the ceremony, part of the crowd surged into a narrow tunnel and the 45 men and boys were asphyxiated or trampled.

Police are already carrying out a probe and&nbsp;Israel's government watchdog, which years ago deemed the Mount Meron site hazardous, has announced its own investigation, though it cannot bring criminal charges.

Netanyahu had promised a thorough investigation, but his cabinet, which included ultra-Orthodox Jewish ministers, never took formal action and major hostilities between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out less than two weeks later.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Bennett is himself religiously observant but his broad coalition does not include any ultra-Orthodox parties. In his cabinet remarks, he said Meron draws Jews "from all sectors", an allusion to denominations other than the ultra-Orthodox.

Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who pushed for the inquiry, said its findings would carry "heavy weight" and could not be ignored.

Israel's new government approved on Sunday an official inquiry into a stampede in April in which killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site long deemed dangerously crowded by authorities.

Israel's new government approved on Sunday an official inquiry into a stampede in April in which killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site long deemed dangerously crowded by authorities. Though it was the country's worst civilian disaster, a full-scale investigation into the Mount Meron deaths and dozens of injuries had lagged under the previous government amid feuding between its ultra-Orthodox Jewish and opposition politicians. Also read | Israeli state watchdog to investigate religious festival stampede Establishing the state commission of inquiry a week after he was sworn in, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in televised remarks that while it "cannot bring back those who are gone, the government can do everything to prevent future needless loss". A cabinet statement said the inquiry's findings would help safeguard other mass-attendance events in Israel, which has sites sacred to Islam and Christianity as well as to Judaism. Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews thronged to the Galilee hillside tomb of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shim Bar Yochai on April 30 for the annual Lag B'Omer festival that includes all-night prayer, mystical songs and dance. The numbers were lower than in previous years but still beyond those permitted by COVID-19 curbs. Some Israelis questioned if the former government under Benjamin Netanyahu and police were reluctant to further limit the crowd size because of pressure from influential ultra-Orthodox leaders. Also read | Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering During the ceremony, part of the crowd surged into a narrow tunnel and the 45 men and boys were asphyxiated or trampled. Police are already carrying out a probe and Israel's government watchdog, which years ago deemed the Mount Meron site hazardous, has announced its own investigation, though it cannot bring criminal charges. Netanyahu had promised a thorough investigation, but his cabinet, which included ultra-Orthodox Jewish ministers, never took formal action and major hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out less than two weeks later. Also read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Bennett is himself religiously observant but his broad coalition does not include any ultra-Orthodox parties. In his cabinet remarks, he said Meron draws Jews "from all sectors", an allusion to denominations other than the ultra-Orthodox. Defence Minister Benny Gantz, who pushed for the inquiry, said its findings would carry "heavy weight" and could not be ignored.

Israeli cabinet orders inquiry on deadly festival stampede

Twice delayed, hobbled by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>, violent insecurity, and planning chaos,&nbsp;Ethiopia's electoral&nbsp;board&nbsp;says it is ready for Monday's crucial&nbsp;vote&nbsp;and assures it will be credible.

"We're actually very&nbsp;confident&nbsp;about it," the National&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Board&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;(NEBE) spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles told AFP.

It is not optimism shared by all, with serious doubts remaining&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised would be the most competitive yet in Africa's second-most populous nation.

Voting&nbsp;will not proceed on June 21 in about one-fifth of the country's 547 constituencies due to unrest and logistical problems.

Those constituencies will mostly&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in September, but no ballot is scheduled in Tigray, a war-torn region of six million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopias-tigray-at-serious-risk-of-famine-90-need-emergency-food-aid-388760">Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid</a>

In some areas where&nbsp;voting&nbsp;will proceed, opposition boycotts have further undermined claims of inclusivity and competition.

The majority of national parliamentary seats up for grabs in Abiy's native Oromia,&nbsp;the country's most populous region are being contested by a single candidate,&nbsp;election&nbsp;data shows.

Solyana said just three of&nbsp;Ethiopia's 49 registered parties were not contesting the poll, and about 9,500 candidates were running at a national and regional level&nbsp;more than any previous ballot.

"We hope this is going to be a better one, a participatory one, and a credible one," she said.

Setbacks

NEBE was overhauled when Abiy rose to power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, vowing to open up political space after years of iron-fisted rule.

The appointment of Birtukan Mideska, a high-profile former judge and exiled opposition leader, to head a revived, independent&nbsp;board&nbsp;was seen as evidence of Abiy's committment to democratic reform.

Nationwide&nbsp;elections&nbsp;were delayed almost year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and rescheduled for June 5.&nbsp;

But organising a smooth&nbsp;election&nbsp;is a tall order at the best of times in&nbsp;Ethiopia, a vast and rugged country of 110 million hamstrung by poor infrastructure.

NEBE lacked resources and needed tens of thousands of staff. The timetable fell behind and a new date was scheduled for June 21.

But problems still linger just days before the&nbsp;vote, observers say.

On Friday, Birtukan wrote to Abiy saying federal assistance with transport and other logistics would be needed to ensure the&nbsp;election&nbsp;went off without a hitch.

"NEBE is working 24 hours in full capacity," she wrote.

One diplomat in Addis Ababa, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "NEBE is committed and willing, but it is challenging. Whether this translates into being ready for sound&nbsp;elections&nbsp;is another matter."

Doubts&nbsp;

Analysts say the logistical problems that have dogged preparations could prove troubling when it comes to counting the ballot.

"The NEBE leadership is trying really hard to do what they can but they're working in a difficult environment and have huge delivery challenges", said an&nbsp;election&nbsp;expert in Addis Ababa who asked to remain anonymous.

The&nbsp;vote&nbsp;will be monitored by five foreign observer missions and thousands of civil society workers. The EU will not send a team after a disagreement with the government&nbsp;over&nbsp;the terms.

And the Ethiopian Humans Rights Commission, a government-affiliated but independent body that has investigated state excesses, was barred from observing the&nbsp;vote.

"Our mandate enables us to deploy and monitor the human rights aspect of the&nbsp;elections," the commission's director of communications Aaron Maasho told AFP, adding talks with NEBE were ongoing.

Endalkachew Girma, a 35-year-old voter in Addis Ababa, recognised NEBE had tried to make this&nbsp;vote&nbsp;fairer.

"But like past ballots, I do not think this&nbsp;election&nbsp;will be historic or credible" he told AFP.

Twice delayed, hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic, violent insecurity, and planning chaos, Ethiopia's electoral board says it is ready for Monday's crucial vote and assures it will be credible.

Twice delayed, hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic, violent insecurity, and planning chaos, Ethiopia's electoral board says it is ready for Monday's crucial vote and assures it will be credible. "We're actually very confident about it," the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) spokeswoman Solyana Shimeles told AFP. It is not optimism shared by all, with serious doubts remaining over the vote Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised would be the most competitive yet in Africa's second-most populous nation. Voting will not proceed on June 21 in about one-fifth of the country's 547 constituencies due to unrest and logistical problems. Those constituencies will mostly vote in September, but no ballot is scheduled in Tigray, a war-torn region of six million. Also read | Ethiopia’s Tigray at ‘serious risk of famine, 90% need emergency food aid In some areas where voting will proceed, opposition boycotts have further undermined claims of inclusivity and competition. The majority of national parliamentary seats up for grabs in Abiy's native Oromia, the country's most populous region are being contested by a single candidate, election data shows. Solyana said just three of Ethiopia's 49 registered parties were not contesting the poll, and about 9,500 candidates were running at a national and regional level more than any previous ballot. "We hope this is going to be a better one, a participatory one, and a credible one," she said. Setbacks NEBE was overhauled when Abiy rose to power in 2018 on the back of anti-government protests, vowing to open up political space after years of iron-fisted rule. The appointment of Birtukan Mideska, a high-profile former judge and exiled opposition leader, to head a revived, independent board was seen as evidence of Abiy's committment to democratic reform. Nationwide elections were delayed almost year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and rescheduled for June 5. But organising a smooth election is a tall order at the best of times in Ethiopia, a vast and rugged country of 110 million hamstrung by poor infrastructure. NEBE lacked resources and needed tens of thousands of staff. The timetable fell behind and a new date was scheduled for June 21. But problems still linger just days before the vote, observers say. On Friday, Birtukan wrote to Abiy saying federal assistance with transport and other logistics would be needed to ensure the election went off without a hitch. "NEBE is working 24 hours in full capacity," she wrote. One diplomat in Addis Ababa, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "NEBE is committed and willing, but it is challenging. Whether this translates into being ready for sound elections is another matter." Doubts Analysts say the logistical problems that have dogged preparations could prove troubling when it comes to counting the ballot. "The NEBE leadership is trying really hard to do what they can but they're working in a difficult environment and have huge delivery challenges", said an election expert in Addis Ababa who asked to remain anonymous. The vote will be monitored by five foreign observer missions and thousands of civil society workers. The EU will not send a team after a disagreement with the government over the terms. And the Ethiopian Humans Rights Commission, a government-affiliated but independent body that has investigated state excesses, was barred from observing the vote. "Our mandate enables us to deploy and monitor the human rights aspect of the elections," the commission's director of communications Aaron Maasho told AFP, adding talks with NEBE were ongoing. Endalkachew Girma, a 35-year-old voter in Addis Ababa, recognised NEBE had tried to make this vote fairer. "But like past ballots, I do not think this election will be historic or credible" he told AFP.

Ethiopia's election board 'confident' despite worry over vote

The owners of a giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March have made a new offer in a compensation dispute with the canal authority, a lawyer for the authority said on Sunday, as a court ruling on the case was postponed for two weeks.

The Ever Given container ship has been anchored in a lake between two stretches of the canal since it was dislodged on March 29. It had been grounded across the canal for six days, blocking hundreds of ships and disrupting global trade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ships-of-woes-when-ship-disasters-hit-global-headlines-389497">Ships of woes: When ship disasters hit global headlines</a>

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue, before publicly lowering the request to $550 million.

Ever Given's Japanese owners Shoei Kisen and its insurers have disputed the claim and the ship's detention under an Egyptian court order.

Negotiations had been continuing until Saturday, SCA lawyer Khaled Abu Bakr told a court hearing in Ismailia over the ship's detention. The ship's owners had put in a new offer, he said, without giving details.

The SCA's chairman previously said Shoei Kisen had offered to pay $150 million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-allows-suez-canal-to-keep-holding-cargo-ship-ever-given-lawyers-387057">Court allows Suez Canal to keep holding cargo ship Ever Given: Lawyers&nbsp;</a>

A court ruling was due on Sunday after several delays, but Shoei Kisen's legal team asked to allow more time for negotiations, one of their lawyers said.

Judicial sources said the case was postponed until July 4 to allow for "friendly settlement" between the parties.

This week UK Club, one of the ship's insurers, said it was engaged in "serious and constructive negotiations" with the SCA, and was "hopeful of a positive resolution to these negotiations in the near future".

The owners of a giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March have made a new offer in a compensation dispute with the canal authority, a lawyer for the authority said on Sunday, as a court ruling on the case was postponed for two weeks.

The owners of a giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal in March have made a new offer in a compensation dispute with the canal authority, a lawyer for the authority said on Sunday, as a court ruling on the case was postponed for two weeks. The Ever Given container ship has been anchored in a lake between two stretches of the canal since it was dislodged on March 29. It had been grounded across the canal for six days, blocking hundreds of ships and disrupting global trade. Also read | Ships of woes: When ship disasters hit global headlines The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) demanded $916 million in compensation to cover salvage efforts, reputational damage and lost revenue, before publicly lowering the request to $550 million. Ever Given's Japanese owners Shoei Kisen and its insurers have disputed the claim and the ship's detention under an Egyptian court order. Negotiations had been continuing until Saturday, SCA lawyer Khaled Abu Bakr told a court hearing in Ismailia over the ship's detention. The ship's owners had put in a new offer, he said, without giving details. The SCA's chairman previously said Shoei Kisen had offered to pay $150 million. Also read | Court allows Suez Canal to keep holding cargo ship Ever Given: Lawyers A court ruling was due on Sunday after several delays, but Shoei Kisen's legal team asked to allow more time for negotiations, one of their lawyers said. Judicial sources said the case was postponed until July 4 to allow for "friendly settlement" between the parties. This week UK Club, one of the ship's insurers, said it was engaged in "serious and constructive negotiations" with the SCA, and was "hopeful of a positive resolution to these negotiations in the near future".

New compensation offer made over Suez Canal blockage: Lawyer

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region.

The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq.

Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support.

Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran. The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region. The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq. Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support. Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Rocket fired at Iraqi base hosting US troops: Report

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen". Ebrahim Raisi, who is under US sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory in Iran presidential election on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, convening his first televised cabinet session since taking office last week, described Raisi's ascent as enabled by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rather than by a free and popular vote.

"Raisi's election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," said Bennett in a statement he read out first in Hebrew and then in English.

"A regime of brutal hangmen must never be allowed to have weapons of mass-destruction," he said. "Israel's position will not change on this."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-irans-raisi-extreme-committed-to-nuclear-programme-392707">Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme</a>

Raisi has been alleged by the US and rights groups of having a hand in extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.

Bennett, a nationalist atop of a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax.

The former U.S. administration of Donald Trump agreed with Israel and quit the deal. Current President Joe Biden wants a U.S. return to the deal. Iran denies seeking nuclear weaponry.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen".

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen". Ebrahim Raisi, who is under US sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory in Iran presidential election on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, convening his first televised cabinet session since taking office last week, described Raisi's ascent as enabled by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rather than by a free and popular vote. "Raisi's election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," said Bennett in a statement he read out first in Hebrew and then in English. "A regime of brutal hangmen must never be allowed to have weapons of mass-destruction," he said. "Israel's position will not change on this." Also Read | Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme Raisi has been alleged by the US and rights groups of having a hand in extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Bennett, a nationalist atop of a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. The former U.S. administration of Donald Trump agreed with Israel and quit the deal. Current President Joe Biden wants a U.S. return to the deal. Iran denies seeking nuclear weaponry. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Bennett weighs against nuclear talks with Iran's 'hangmen regime'

The Taliban said on Sunday that they remained committed to peace talks but also insisted that a 'genuine Islamic system' in Afghanistan was the only way to end war and ensure rights including those of women.&nbsp;

There is a surge of violence across Afghanistan since May when US military began its final withdrawal. The talks between militants and Afghan government have been deadlocked for months. There are also fears that if Taliban returns to power they will reimpose their harsh rule based on extreme interpretation of Islam. Under this, girls were banned from school and women accused of crimes like adultery were stoned to death in stadiums.

Taliban has been claiming that it is committed to peace even when violence is on the rise in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-replaces-defence-minister-as-taliban-gains-ground-392617">Afghan president replaces defence minister as Taliban gains ground</a>

"Our very participation in the negotiations... indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through (mutual) understanding," said Taliban co-founder and deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Sunday&nbsp;

He said that only way to end conflict in Afghanistan was the establishment of Islamic system after departure of all foreign forces.

"A genuine Islamic system is the best mean for solution of all issues of the Afghans," Baradar said.

His statement acknowledged the fears in Afghanistan and abroad about the kind of system that would emerge -- and its impact on women -- saying that fell "within the ambit of the intra-Afghan negotiations".

Baradar also assured that the rights of all Afghans including women would be accommodated in that system, according to "the glorious religion of Islam" and Afghan traditions.

However, there are strong fears that Taliban's interpretation of rights will be antagonistic to changes that have taken place since 2001.

In May, a US intelligence report said the gains made over the past two decades on women's rights would be rolled back if the militants returned to power.

As the US military presses ahead to meet the September 11 deadline to complete the troop withdrawal, the Taliban have fought daily battles with government forces and claim to have captured 40 districts.

The growing fear and uncertainty about the future have forced many Afghans to try and leave, including thousands of men and women who fear reprisals because they worked with foreign forces.

Baradar called on Afghan youths to not leave the country, and also stressed that the Taliban would ensure that minorities, humanitarian organisations and diplomats had nothing to fear.

The recent losses faced by government troops have forced President Ashraf Ghani to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-replaces-defence-minister-as-taliban-gains-ground-392617">change his defence and interior ministers</a>.

On Saturday, he announced the changes and called on the Taliban to make a choice between peace and enmity with the government.

"If they choose enmity then the people will respond to them decisively," he said late on Saturday in a statement issued by the palace.

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

The Taliban said on Sunday that they remained committed to peace talks but also insisted that a 'genuine Islamic system' in Afghanistan was the only way to end war and ensure rights including those of women.

The Taliban said on Sunday that they remained committed to peace talks but also insisted that a 'genuine Islamic system' in Afghanistan was the only way to end war and ensure rights including those of women. There is a surge of violence across Afghanistan since May when US military began its final withdrawal. The talks between militants and Afghan government have been deadlocked for months. There are also fears that if Taliban returns to power they will reimpose their harsh rule based on extreme interpretation of Islam. Under this, girls were banned from school and women accused of crimes like adultery were stoned to death in stadiums. Taliban has been claiming that it is committed to peace even when violence is on the rise in the country. Also Read | Afghan president replaces defence minister as Taliban gains ground "Our very participation in the negotiations... indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through (mutual) understanding," said Taliban co-founder and deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Sunday He said that only way to end conflict in Afghanistan was the establishment of Islamic system after departure of all foreign forces. "A genuine Islamic system is the best mean for solution of all issues of the Afghans," Baradar said. His statement acknowledged the fears in Afghanistan and abroad about the kind of system that would emerge -- and its impact on women -- saying that fell "within the ambit of the intra-Afghan negotiations". Baradar also assured that the rights of all Afghans including women would be accommodated in that system, according to "the glorious religion of Islam" and Afghan traditions. However, there are strong fears that Taliban's interpretation of rights will be antagonistic to changes that have taken place since 2001. In May, a US intelligence report said the gains made over the past two decades on women's rights would be rolled back if the militants returned to power. As the US military presses ahead to meet the September 11 deadline to complete the troop withdrawal, the Taliban have fought daily battles with government forces and claim to have captured 40 districts. The growing fear and uncertainty about the future have forced many Afghans to try and leave, including thousands of men and women who fear reprisals because they worked with foreign forces. Baradar called on Afghan youths to not leave the country, and also stressed that the Taliban would ensure that minorities, humanitarian organisations and diplomats had nothing to fear. The recent losses faced by government troops have forced President Ashraf Ghani to change his defence and interior ministers. On Saturday, he announced the changes and called on the Taliban to make a choice between peace and enmity with the government. "If they choose enmity then the people will respond to them decisively," he said late on Saturday in a statement issued by the palace. (With inputs from agencies)

'Islamic system' only way to Afghan peace: Taliban

India has slammed UN special rapporteurs who have criticised the new IT rules announced in February.&nbsp;In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Indian mission in Geneva highlighted that "India's democratic credentials are well recognised" and "right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution".

In the letter, the mission pointed out that the Indian Ministry of Information Technology and Information &amp; Broadcasting had in fact took consultations in 2018 to prepare for draft rules. Along with the diplomatic note from the mission, brief note on the new IT rules on how they are "designed to empower ordinary users of social media" and "victims of abuse at social media platforms shall have a forum for redressal of their grievances."

On 11th June, special rapporteurs on right to freedom of opinion, peaceful assembly, and privacy - Irene Khan, Clement Voule, and Joseph Cannataci in a letter said that the rules "do not conform with international human rights norms".&nbsp;

The letter pointed that "India as global leader in technology innovation" can develop "legislation that can place it at the forefront of efforts to protect digital rights" United Nations special rapporteurs are individuals for specific issues or countries who usually advise or report on a specific issue. The French word literally means someone who reports to a body.

In the letter by the Indian mission, salient features of the new IT rules were also highlighted. These included grievance redressal mechanism, ensuring online safety and dignity of users, especially for woman users, removal of unlawful information

The new IT rules came into effect a few weeks ago but some social media platforms like Twitter haven't complied with them. Other social media platforms like WhatsApp have gone to the high court on the issue of traceability of messages as envisaged under the new IT rules. Traceability means finding the first message and who created it, something WhatsApp says violated its privacy policy.&nbsp;

India has slammed UN special rapporteurs who have criticised the new IT rules announced in February. In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Indian mission in Geneva highlighted that "India's democratic credentials are well recognised" and "right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution".

India has slammed UN special rapporteurs who have criticised the new IT rules announced in February. In a strongly worded rebuttal, the Indian mission in Geneva highlighted that "India's democratic credentials are well recognised" and "right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution". In the letter, the mission pointed out that the Indian Ministry of Information Technology and Information & Broadcasting had in fact took consultations in 2018 to prepare for draft rules. Along with the diplomatic note from the mission, brief note on the new IT rules on how they are "designed to empower ordinary users of social media" and "victims of abuse at social media platforms shall have a forum for redressal of their grievances." On 11th June, special rapporteurs on right to freedom of opinion, peaceful assembly, and privacy - Irene Khan, Clement Voule, and Joseph Cannataci in a letter said that the rules "do not conform with international human rights norms". The letter pointed that "India as global leader in technology innovation" can develop "legislation that can place it at the forefront of efforts to protect digital rights" United Nations special rapporteurs are individuals for specific issues or countries who usually advise or report on a specific issue. The French word literally means someone who reports to a body. In the letter by the Indian mission, salient features of the new IT rules were also highlighted. These included grievance redressal mechanism, ensuring online safety and dignity of users, especially for woman users, removal of unlawful information The new IT rules came into effect a few weeks ago but some social media platforms like Twitter haven't complied with them. Other social media platforms like WhatsApp have gone to the high court on the issue of traceability of messages as envisaged under the new IT rules. Traceability means finding the first message and who created it, something WhatsApp says violated its privacy policy.

India slams UN rapporteurs who criticised new IT rules

New museum gingerly explores German wartime suffering

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights'&nbsp;QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles.

The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-billboards-ordering-citizens-to-behave-during-centenary-celebrations-of-communist-party-392296">China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party</a>

The United States, Japan, India, and Australia&nbsp;are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said.

"We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added.

Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nanning-how-chinas-new-warship-with-anti-stealth-radar-is-set-to-change-balance-in-south-china-sea-392163">Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea</a>

"We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added.

He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said.

He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable.

"In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable.

"He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-china-takes-taiwan-its-all-over-haley-urges-us-to-act-strongly-392335/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest.

"If that image bolsters'&nbsp;China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said.

The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.&nbsp;

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China.

Noting that the world cannot be naive about Beijing`s current ambitions, Thomas Hart Armbruster, a former US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, said on Saturday that Quad is a powerful bloc that can send a powerful message by harmonising its common position on important issues like human rights in China. Speaking at the inaugural event of 'Global Policy Insights' QUAD Forum, Armbruster said if Quad is to be successful, there is a need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles. The event was held in virtual mode. "Today, we are in a time of competition with China. Military competition, competition for influence, and competition for the very way our own people are governed and live. Our major competition might not be ready to play by the established rules. Also read | China installs billboards ordering citizens to 'behave' during centenary celebrations of Communist party The United States, Japan, India, and Australia are formidable bloc. Bigger in population than China, well versed and rising to global challenges, and a common vision for the most part in the Biden era," Armbruster said. "We have established and lived by democratic norms that have been set up for decades, if not for centuries. However, if the Quad is to be successful, we need to redouble our commitments to democratic principles," he added. Armbruster noted that Quad has to more than just a security arrangement."If all our resources are devoted to military competition, we will certainly lose climate change and environmental challenge. Together we can work with China for a clear future and perhaps shift our competition to who can build the next generation of cleaner power. But we can`t hide our difference on humans rights issues in China, like the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Harmonizing our common position on these important issues sends a powerful message to Beijing," he said. Also read | Nanning: How China's new warship with anti-stealth radar is set to change balance in South China Sea "We can't be naive about Chinese current ambitions and we have our own current equities and discrimination to face," he added. He referred to China trying to expand its global footprint."For the Pacific island countries, it came down to China or Taiwan. The Marshall Islands is for example sticking with the United States. Another compact of free association country Palau went with China over Taiwan, as their diplomatic partner. And now they have thousands of Chinese tourists every year, for better and worse," he said. He said that anti-Asian hate crimes in the US were not acceptable. "In the US, we have seen anti-Asian hate crime spike, during the pandemic as people blame China and then by association anyone looking Asian. This is not acceptable. "He said the Quad countries should emerge as viable models for China and Russia. "Let`s hope China and Russia see countries like Japan, United States, India, and Australia as viable models for their futures, even if they don`t admit it. This won't be a fast process or an immediately successful one. "Answering a query about China trying to project a lovable panda image, he said in diplomacy, every country is acting in their own interest. "If that image bolsters' China's objective, then that is something that they will adopt. Even in these multilateral groupings, each of our countries is doing it because we see it as a benefit for our own country," he said. The QUAD Forum is an initiative of Global Policy Insights, a centrist policy institute, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the Quad grouping of nations comprising of the United States, India, Japan and Australia. The first Leaders` Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework was held virtually in March this year.

We cannot be naive about China's ambitions, Quad can send powerful message, says former US envoy Armbruster

A committee has been formed to address the issues related to the involvement of external agencies in the creation of new military theatre commands.

"The committee has been formed after the Defence Ministry pointed out the issues that may emerge due to the placement of some paramilitary forces under military theatre commands," government sources said on Saturday.

They added that the Committee comprising the three Vice Chiefs will be looking into only the issue of the involvement of external agencies such as the Ministries of Home and Finance.

"The committee would be looking only at the limited issue of discussing with external agencies about the structure and their respective roles in the formation of theatre commands," they said.

The committee formation comes after questions were raised by the Defence Ministry on the proposed structure of commands during a presentation on the draft cabinet note prepared for the theatre commands.

Sources said that the proposed theatre commands suggested bringing some of the paramilitary forces of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the theatre commands along with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The defence functionaries in the meeting felt and suggested that since organisations from outside the Ministry of Defence were involved, there was a need for setting up inter-ministerial committees to discuss the matter with them.

The command structure, sources said, also suggest giving service extension to the proposed theatre commanders who would be above the vice chiefs of the three services and below the chiefs. "Citing foreign models on theatre commands, points were raised as to why geography specific commands were being planned as the formations comprise the elements of all three services," they said.

A committee has been formed to address the issues related to the involvement of external agencies in the creation of new military theatre commands. "The committee has been formed after the Defence Ministry pointed out the issues that may emerge due to the placement of some paramilitary forces under military theatre commands," government sources said on Saturday.

A committee has been formed to address the issues related to the involvement of external agencies in the creation of new military theatre commands. "The committee has been formed after the Defence Ministry pointed out the issues that may emerge due to the placement of some paramilitary forces under military theatre commands," government sources said on Saturday. They added that the Committee comprising the three Vice Chiefs will be looking into only the issue of the involvement of external agencies such as the Ministries of Home and Finance. "The committee would be looking only at the limited issue of discussing with external agencies about the structure and their respective roles in the formation of theatre commands," they said. The committee formation comes after questions were raised by the Defence Ministry on the proposed structure of commands during a presentation on the draft cabinet note prepared for the theatre commands. Sources said that the proposed theatre commands suggested bringing some of the paramilitary forces of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the theatre commands along with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The defence functionaries in the meeting felt and suggested that since organisations from outside the Ministry of Defence were involved, there was a need for setting up inter-ministerial committees to discuss the matter with them. The command structure, sources said, also suggest giving service extension to the proposed theatre commanders who would be above the vice chiefs of the three services and below the chiefs. "Citing foreign models on theatre commands, points were raised as to why geography specific commands were being planned as the formations comprise the elements of all three services," they said.

Committee set up to discuss involvement of external agencies in Indian military theater commands

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