Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia

Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all.

Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13).

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives.

Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said.

The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions."

The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts".

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory.

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all. Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13). Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives. Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said. "The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said. The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions." The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts". Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration'

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus.

Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23.

Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas.

The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures.

"We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed.

The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants.

The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist."

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard.

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus. Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23. Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas. The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures. "We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed. The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants. The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist." (With inputs from agencies)

Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity.

Many of these cosmic events have effect on us on Earth. From solar flares to cosmic rays, we are just one planet in the cosmos that goes through everything it throws at us.

But an 'alien' isotope found in Earth's crust has scientists interested. This isotope is radioactive Iron.

Building atoms is serious business. Making simple atoms like Helium and Hydrogen takes massive power of a star. But building radioactive atoms takes massive firepower of a literal explosion of a star, a Supernova.

Scientists at Australian National University have found such a radioactive isotope of Iron (Iron 60) 1500 metres below Pacific Ocean. This is a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' sort of an isotope which has a very short half-life on cosmic scale.

Presence of Iron-60 isotope indicates that Earth was subjected to energy released by supernovas in our immediate neighbourhood. The isotope has been formed due to an 'alien' cosmic activity.

The rock sample containing Iron-60 is being analysed more. The scientists have published their findings in the scientific journal Science

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity.

Universe is a wonderful place. It generates life, but also has a place for gigantic, unimaginable explosions that dwarf even our most dangerous nuclear weapons. The result is a constant flux of celestial activity. Many of these cosmic events have effect on us on Earth. From solar flares to cosmic rays, we are just one planet in the cosmos that goes through everything it throws at us. But an 'alien' isotope found in Earth's crust has scientists interested. This isotope is radioactive Iron. Building atoms is serious business. Making simple atoms like Helium and Hydrogen takes massive power of a star. But building radioactive atoms takes massive firepower of a literal explosion of a star, a Supernova. Scientists at Australian National University have found such a radioactive isotope of Iron (Iron 60) 1500 metres below Pacific Ocean. This is a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' sort of an isotope which has a very short half-life on cosmic scale. Presence of Iron-60 isotope indicates that Earth was subjected to energy released by supernovas in our immediate neighbourhood. The isotope has been formed due to an 'alien' cosmic activity. The rock sample containing Iron-60 is being analysed more. The scientists have published their findings in the scientific journal Science

'Alien' isotope found in Earth's crust

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began.&nbsp;

As per Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the operation involved 160 aircrafts.

Rocket barrages against southern Israel swiftly followed the 40-minute pre-dawn offensive on the fifth day of the most serious fighting between Israel and Gaza militants since 2014.

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A woman and her three children were killed in Gaza, health officials in the north of the enclave said, and their bodies were recovered from the rubble of their home. An elderly woman in Israel died while on her way to a shelter to shield from the rocket attacks.

Gaza's ruling Hamas group launched the rocket attacks at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Palestinian medical officials said that at least 119 people, including 31 children and 19 women, had been killed.

The death toll in Israel stood at eight: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, six Israeli civilians - including two children - and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said.

The head of the International Criminal Court warned that individuals involved in the bloodshed may be targeted by its investigation into alleged war crimes in earlier bouts of the conflict.

In northern and eastern parts of Gaza, the sound of artillery fire and explosions echoed early on Friday.

The UN&nbsp;Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said there were reports of more than 200 housing units destroyed or severely damaged and hundreds of people seeking shelter in schools in northern Gaza.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-is-moving-f-18-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia-as-israel-hamas-conflict-escalates-385028">Why US is moving F-18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates</a>

Israel says it makes every effort to preserve civilian life, including warning in advance of attacks.

"What we were targeting is an elaborate system of tunnels that spans underneath Gaza, mostly in the north but not limited to, and is a network that the operatives of Hamas use in order to move, in order to hide, for cover," Conricus told foreign reporters.

"We refer to (it) as the Metro," he said, adding that a final assessment on the outcome of the operation was pending.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the campaign "will take more time". Israeli officials said Hamas, Gaza's most powerful Islamist militant group, must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire.

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden called on Thursday for a de-escalation of the violence, saying he wanted to see a significant reduction in rocket attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began.

Israel on Friday carried out extensive airstrikes and fired artillery against a tunnel network under Gaza used by Palestinian militants. This is largest Israeli operation till date against a specific target since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine began. As per Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the operation involved 160 aircrafts. Rocket barrages against southern Israel swiftly followed the 40-minute pre-dawn offensive on the fifth day of the most serious fighting between Israel and Gaza militants since 2014. × A woman and her three children were killed in Gaza, health officials in the north of the enclave said, and their bodies were recovered from the rubble of their home. An elderly woman in Israel died while on her way to a shelter to shield from the rocket attacks. Gaza's ruling Hamas group launched the rocket attacks at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Palestinian medical officials said that at least 119 people, including 31 children and 19 women, had been killed. The death toll in Israel stood at eight: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, six Israeli civilians - including two children - and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said. The head of the International Criminal Court warned that individuals involved in the bloodshed may be targeted by its investigation into alleged war crimes in earlier bouts of the conflict. In northern and eastern parts of Gaza, the sound of artillery fire and explosions echoed early on Friday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said there were reports of more than 200 housing units destroyed or severely damaged and hundreds of people seeking shelter in schools in northern Gaza. Check out | Why US is moving F-18 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates Israel says it makes every effort to preserve civilian life, including warning in advance of attacks. "What we were targeting is an elaborate system of tunnels that spans underneath Gaza, mostly in the north but not limited to, and is a network that the operatives of Hamas use in order to move, in order to hide, for cover," Conricus told foreign reporters. "We refer to (it) as the Metro," he said, adding that a final assessment on the outcome of the operation was pending. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday the campaign "will take more time". Israeli officials said Hamas, Gaza's most powerful Islamist militant group, must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire. US President Joe Biden called on Thursday for a de-escalation of the violence, saying he wanted to see a significant reduction in rocket attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel carries out airstrikes against tunnel network used by Palestinian militants

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least&nbsp;12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

"During Friday congregation, an explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul (province)," said Ferdaws Framurz, the spokesman for Kabul police.&nbsp;

The blast is the first major incident since a temporary truce between the Taliban and government troops came into force on Thursday.

The warring sides agreed on the truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, only the fourth such halt in fighting in the nearly two-decades-old conflict.

The timing of the blast also assumes importance as it took place days after&nbsp;US troops left a major base in Kandahar, once a Taliban stronghold.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

The Kandahar Airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11.

"They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar.&nbsp;

This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began on May 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least 12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

A blast at a mosque during Friday prayer rocked the city of Kabul, killing at least 12 people. The explosion took place in the mosque located on the outskirts of the Afghan capital amid an Eid ceasefire declared by the Taliban and the Afghan government. "During Friday congregation, an explosion happened inside a mosque in Shakar Darah district of Kabul (province)," said Ferdaws Framurz, the spokesman for Kabul police. The blast is the first major incident since a temporary truce between the Taliban and government troops came into force on Thursday. The warring sides agreed on the truce to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, only the fourth such halt in fighting in the nearly two-decades-old conflict. The timing of the blast also assumes importance as it took place days after US troops left a major base in Kandahar, once a Taliban stronghold. Also Read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire The Kandahar Airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11. "They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar. This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began on May 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Blast in Kabul mosque kills 12 worshippers, shattering Eid ceasefire calm

Afghans celebrate Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said.

In the first case, Dheeraj Kumar Jangid (22) was arrested from his native place in Rajasthan fo duping people on the pretext of providing them oxygen cylinders.

To make easy money, he took advantage of the scarcity of oxygen cylinders in Delhi and planned to cheat those in need, they said.

With his arrest, two mobile phones were seized from his possession, police said.

The probe was initiated after a woman approached the police with her complaint on March 28 at Govindpuri police station and said that her mother was suffering from COVID-19. As her condition deteriorated, there was a need for oxygen cylinders.

According to the complainant, she came across an advertisement on social media for sale and delivery of oxygen cylinders. When she contacted the given number, she was asked by the accused to transfer Rs 13,000 in advance for two oxygen cylinders. After she made the payment, the delivery was not made in time, and when she called him repeatedly, she was blocked and her money was not refunded.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said that based on electronic surveillance and analysis of Call Detail Records of the suspected persons, the police team obtained details of the account where the money was being transferred.

Later, the account holder was identified as Dheeraj Jangid, a resident of Sikar, Rajasthan. The team raided his native place and subsequently arrested him, he said.

The bank account of the accused was frozen, he added.

In the second case, a man identified as Manish Seth (52), a resident of Rohini, who works at a medicare company in Gurgaon was arrested by a team of Dwarka South police station after one of his victims approached the police with a complaint on May 8.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said that on the basis of technical surveillance of the accused, a raid was conducted at sector-9, Rohini and he was arrested.

The used SIM and mobile number containing the chats and payments proof were seized, he said.&nbsp;

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said.

Two men were arrested in separate incidents for allegedly duping people on the pretext of supplying oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients in the national capital, police said. In the first case, Dheeraj Kumar Jangid (22) was arrested from his native place in Rajasthan fo duping people on the pretext of providing them oxygen cylinders. To make easy money, he took advantage of the scarcity of oxygen cylinders in Delhi and planned to cheat those in need, they said. With his arrest, two mobile phones were seized from his possession, police said. The probe was initiated after a woman approached the police with her complaint on March 28 at Govindpuri police station and said that her mother was suffering from COVID-19. As her condition deteriorated, there was a need for oxygen cylinders. According to the complainant, she came across an advertisement on social media for sale and delivery of oxygen cylinders. When she contacted the given number, she was asked by the accused to transfer Rs 13,000 in advance for two oxygen cylinders. After she made the payment, the delivery was not made in time, and when she called him repeatedly, she was blocked and her money was not refunded. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Meena said that based on electronic surveillance and analysis of Call Detail Records of the suspected persons, the police team obtained details of the account where the money was being transferred. Later, the account holder was identified as Dheeraj Jangid, a resident of Sikar, Rajasthan. The team raided his native place and subsequently arrested him, he said. The bank account of the accused was frozen, he added. In the second case, a man identified as Manish Seth (52), a resident of Rohini, who works at a medicare company in Gurgaon was arrested by a team of Dwarka South police station after one of his victims approached the police with a complaint on May 8. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Santosh Kumar Meena said that on the basis of technical surveillance of the accused, a raid was conducted at sector-9, Rohini and he was arrested. The used SIM and mobile number containing the chats and payments proof were seized, he said.

India: Two held in separate cases for duping people on pretext of supplying Oxygen cylinders

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

"In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call.

The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places.

Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims.

Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country.

In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down.

The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict. "In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call. The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places. Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims. Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country. In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down. The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine: UN chief Antonio Guterres, Vladimir Putin appeal for calm

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family. The truce was proposed by the Taliban and matched by the Afghan government.

If the ceasefire holds, it will be only the fourth pause in fighting in nearly 20 years of conflict.

Early on Thursday, Afghan men, women and children around the country flocked to mosques or gathered in open grounds to offer morning prayers at the start of Eid festivities that would last until Saturday.

Security personnel were deployed to prominent mosques. Worshippers were frisked as they arrived for morning prayers.

Crowds of Kabul residents later packed the capital's main zoo and parks as they celebrated the festival with families, with only a few wearing masks to protect from the coronavirus.

"I feel so relaxed and peaceful today because it is Eid and there is no fighting," said Mirajuddin, who like many Afghans goes by one name, who was visiting Kabul zoo with his five children, all dressed in new clothes. 
Kabul resident Mohammad Sadeq said there was no more justification in fighting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bombings-kill-11-afghans-on-first-day-of-ceasefire-384816">Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire</a>

"This is no more jihad as the Americans are leaving. Now it is brothers killing brothers because both the Taliban and security forces are Afghans," he said.

'War is not a solution'

Amir Jan Sulaimankhil, a resident of the restive Nangarhar province that has seen several deadly attacks, said the Taliban and government should agree on a permanent ceasefire.

"That will make us happier, as many more lives will be saved," he said.

President Ghani used his annual Eid address to urge the Taliban to agree to a lasting truce now that international troops were leaving.

"We don't want you to surrender, but we want you to accept a political solution. War is not a solution," he said.

Tens of thousands of Afghans have been killed and millions have been displaced by the nearly two-decade-old conflict, which has seen a resurgent Taliban take hold of large swathes of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family.

A three-day ceasefire between Taliban and Afghanistan government came in force as the country celebrated Eid al Fitr on Thuesday. The ceasefire is a respite for Afghans as they celebrate the Muslim festival with friends and family. The truce was proposed by the Taliban and matched by the Afghan government. If the ceasefire holds, it will be only the fourth pause in fighting in nearly 20 years of conflict. Early on Thursday, Afghan men, women and children around the country flocked to mosques or gathered in open grounds to offer morning prayers at the start of Eid festivities that would last until Saturday. Security personnel were deployed to prominent mosques. Worshippers were frisked as they arrived for morning prayers. Crowds of Kabul residents later packed the capital's main zoo and parks as they celebrated the festival with families, with only a few wearing masks to protect from the coronavirus. "I feel so relaxed and peaceful today because it is Eid and there is no fighting," said Mirajuddin, who like many Afghans goes by one name, who was visiting Kabul zoo with his five children, all dressed in new clothes. Kabul resident Mohammad Sadeq said there was no more justification in fighting. Also Read | Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire "This is no more jihad as the Americans are leaving. Now it is brothers killing brothers because both the Taliban and security forces are Afghans," he said. 'War is not a solution' Amir Jan Sulaimankhil, a resident of the restive Nangarhar province that has seen several deadly attacks, said the Taliban and government should agree on a permanent ceasefire. "That will make us happier, as many more lives will be saved," he said. President Ghani used his annual Eid address to urge the Taliban to agree to a lasting truce now that international troops were leaving. "We don't want you to surrender, but we want you to accept a political solution. War is not a solution," he said. Tens of thousands of Afghans have been killed and millions have been displaced by the nearly two-decade-old conflict, which has seen a resurgent Taliban take hold of large swathes of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Although there were no reports of direct fighting between Taliban insurgents and government forces as they observe the temporary ceasefire, roadside bombs continued to inflict casualties on civilians.

In Panjwai district, a roadside bomb struck a car killing five civilians including a woman and children said Jamal Naser Barekzai a spokesman for the provincial police.

Two children were killed and three adults were wounded in another incident in Maiwand district where a roadside bomb exploded beneath a taxi

In northern Kunduz province, a sticky bomb attached to a civilian car exploded, killing two civilians and wounding 10 more, said Enhamuddin Rahmani, a spokesman for the province`s police chief.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-celebrates-eid-amid-ceasefire-between-taliban-and-government-384764">Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government</a>

Two civilians were also killed by a roadside bomb in central Ghazni province, officials said.

The three-day ceasefire announced by the Taliban and heeded by the government comes at a time when violence has sharply escalated across Afghanistan following Washington`s announcement last month of plans to pull out all U.S. troops by Sept. 11.

Afghan security forces had mounted an operation to retake a Taliban-held district outside the capital Kabul in neighbouring Wardak province on Wednesday but it was halted to observe the ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr.

Four separate bombings on the first day of Taliban-Afghan government ceasefire killed at least 11 civilians and wounded 13 others. The Taliban and the Afghanistan government have entered into a 3-day ceasefire to mark Eid al-Fitr. Although there were no reports of direct fighting between Taliban insurgents and government forces as they observe the temporary ceasefire, roadside bombs continued to inflict casualties on civilians. In Panjwai district, a roadside bomb struck a car killing five civilians including a woman and children said Jamal Naser Barekzai a spokesman for the provincial police. Two children were killed and three adults were wounded in another incident in Maiwand district where a roadside bomb exploded beneath a taxi In northern Kunduz province, a sticky bomb attached to a civilian car exploded, killing two civilians and wounding 10 more, said Enhamuddin Rahmani, a spokesman for the province`s police chief. Also Read | Afghanistan celebrates Eid amid ceasefire between Taliban and government Two civilians were also killed by a roadside bomb in central Ghazni province, officials said. The three-day ceasefire announced by the Taliban and heeded by the government comes at a time when violence has sharply escalated across Afghanistan following Washington`s announcement last month of plans to pull out all U.S. troops by Sept. 11. Afghan security forces had mounted an operation to retake a Taliban-held district outside the capital Kabul in neighbouring Wardak province on Wednesday but it was halted to observe the ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

Bombings kill 11 Afghans on first day of ceasefire

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador. The NGO, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust sent first tranche of relief material that included Wheat, Sugar, oil and other food materials. This will be helpful to 4000 Afghan refuge families in the city amid the Covid pandemic.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Mamundzay said that he was "grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.".&nbsp;

The envoy even posted a tweet in this regard

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Afghan refugees living in New Delhi are among one of the worst affected groups in India due to recent covid surge. Life was already a struggle for many of the 20,000 Afghans &amp; pandemic has made their survival even more precarious. We have taken a number of initiatives aiming 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/j0wGL9Wdmp">pic.twitter.com/j0wGL9Wdmp</a>
— Farid Mamundzay फरीद मामुन्दजई فرید ماموندزی (@FMamundzay) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMamundzay/status/1389119774303522823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The envoy also paid homage to India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra.

Kalra passed away due to Covid.&nbsp;

Afghan ambassador said CG Kalra was a "patriot, a very noble diplomat" who represented "India with great passion."

Here is the interaction between Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and WION's Sidhant Sibbal

WION: Your reaction to the outreach by Indian Sikh NGO for the Afghan refugees by providing them relief amid the Covid crisis?

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: Afghan Refugees have received support from Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust in Amritsar. It came at a time when this community was suffering from the crisis as a result of the pandemic. They required food, medical and relief assistance. Dr Oberoi (Managing Trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), came forward fulfilling our request. He said he would help us with the required food supply, required medical and humanitarian assistance. The relief provided to the refugees on a day before Eid brought joy to them. They will receive the support will be there for 3 months. We are grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.&nbsp;

WION: What is the situation in Afghanistan when it comes to Covid?

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We are seeing a surge in covid cases across the country in major cities like Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif but it is by no comparison what we have in India, thankfully. We hope that we would learn from the first surge in Afghanistan and we would be able to manage the crisis to the limit possible. So far there have been many cases that have recovered in recent days. [There have been] a number of deaths across the country and we are looking at all possible options to see if we can minimize the infection rate and deal with this deadly variant.&nbsp;

WION: India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away due to Covid. The Afghan foreign ministry issued a statement paying tributes to him.

Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: CG Kalra was a patriot, a very noble diplomat who served with great dignity in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the province of Balkh. He represented India with great passion. He helped deepen the ties between our countries. He would be dearly missed, we lost a great friend but since Covid knows no border, no caste, no religion. This has a negative impact on everybody and sadly we lost a beautiful soul.

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador.

Afghanistan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay expressed his gratitude for Sikh Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which provided food material to Afghan refugees in New Delhi after a call from the ambassador. The NGO, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust sent first tranche of relief material that included Wheat, Sugar, oil and other food materials. This will be helpful to 4000 Afghan refuge families in the city amid the Covid pandemic. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Mamundzay said that he was "grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere.". The envoy even posted a tweet in this regard Afghan refugees living in New Delhi are among one of the worst affected groups in India due to recent covid surge. Life was already a struggle for many of the 20,000 Afghans & pandemic has made their survival even more precarious. We have taken a number of initiatives aiming 1/2 pic.twitter.com/j0wGL9Wdmp — Farid Mamundzay फरीद मामुन्दजई فرید ماموندزی (@FMamundzay) May 3, 2021 × The envoy also paid homage to India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra. Kalra passed away due to Covid. Afghan ambassador said CG Kalra was a "patriot, a very noble diplomat" who represented "India with great passion." Here is the interaction between Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and WION's Sidhant Sibbal WION: Your reaction to the outreach by Indian Sikh NGO for the Afghan refugees by providing them relief amid the Covid crisis? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: Afghan Refugees have received support from Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust in Amritsar. It came at a time when this community was suffering from the crisis as a result of the pandemic. They required food, medical and relief assistance. Dr Oberoi (Managing Trustee of Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust), came forward fulfilling our request. He said he would help us with the required food supply, required medical and humanitarian assistance. The relief provided to the refugees on a day before Eid brought joy to them. They will receive the support will be there for 3 months. We are grateful for the support provided by the host community, the Indian community, both in New Delhi and elsewhere. WION: What is the situation in Afghanistan when it comes to Covid? Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: We are seeing a surge in covid cases across the country in major cities like Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif but it is by no comparison what we have in India, thankfully. We hope that we would learn from the first surge in Afghanistan and we would be able to manage the crisis to the limit possible. So far there have been many cases that have recovered in recent days. [There have been] a number of deaths across the country and we are looking at all possible options to see if we can minimize the infection rate and deal with this deadly variant. WION: India's Consul General in Afghan city Mazar-e-Sharif Vinesh Kalra passed away due to Covid. The Afghan foreign ministry issued a statement paying tributes to him. Ambassador Farid Mamundzay: CG Kalra was a patriot, a very noble diplomat who served with great dignity in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the province of Balkh. He represented India with great passion. He helped deepen the ties between our countries. He would be dearly missed, we lost a great friend but since Covid knows no border, no caste, no religion. This has a negative impact on everybody and sadly we lost a beautiful soul.

Afghanistan envoy to India thanks Sikh NGO for providing relief to Afghan refugees

Former Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday submitted application for his candidacy to succeed incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. Elections are due in Iran next month. The 64-year-old populist was applauded by several dozen supporters as he arrived at the interior ministry to submit his application.

"Millions of people across the country have invited me to stand for election, and even ordered me to come here to register, placing a heavy responsibility on my shoulders," Ahmadinejad said.

The build-up to June 18 polls comes as Iran and world powers wrangle over reviving a 2015 nuclear accord, from which the US withdrew unilaterally in 2018, reimposing crippling sanctions.&nbsp;

Hopefuls can register their names by Saturday (May 15). The names will be vetted by conservative-dominated Guardian Council. A list of approved candidates will be published by May 27.The campaign will begin after that.

As per Iranian media, Ahmadinejad's chances of being approved are close to zero.

Ahmadinejad has said that if his candidacy is not approved, he will "not participate" in the election, either by backing a candidate or voting.

Ahmadinejad claimed, as he has often done in recent years, that the Iranian people have lost confidence in the country's authorities.

He added that he considered the upcoming election "perhaps the last chance" to save the Islamic republic in the face of "very sensitive" challenges, both domestic and international.

Fiery rhetoric

Iran's president from 2005 to 2013, Ahmadinejad had to stand down at the end of two consecutive terms as per the constitution. His successor Rouhani will face the same obligation in June.

Ahmadinejad's presidency was marked by fiery rhetoric against Israel and deep tensions with the West, notably over Iran's nuclear programme which he enthusiastically championed.

Reinforced by UN Security Council sanctions, punitive measures cost Iran's economy billions in vital oil revenues and foreign investment, leaving the country struggling with raging inflation, high unemployment and a depreciated currency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday submitted application for his candidacy to succeed incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. Elections are due in Iran next month.

Former Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday submitted application for his candidacy to succeed incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. Elections are due in Iran next month. The 64-year-old populist was applauded by several dozen supporters as he arrived at the interior ministry to submit his application. "Millions of people across the country have invited me to stand for election, and even ordered me to come here to register, placing a heavy responsibility on my shoulders," Ahmadinejad said. The build-up to June 18 polls comes as Iran and world powers wrangle over reviving a 2015 nuclear accord, from which the US withdrew unilaterally in 2018, reimposing crippling sanctions. Hopefuls can register their names by Saturday (May 15). The names will be vetted by conservative-dominated Guardian Council. A list of approved candidates will be published by May 27.The campaign will begin after that. As per Iranian media, Ahmadinejad's chances of being approved are close to zero. Ahmadinejad has said that if his candidacy is not approved, he will "not participate" in the election, either by backing a candidate or voting. Ahmadinejad claimed, as he has often done in recent years, that the Iranian people have lost confidence in the country's authorities. He added that he considered the upcoming election "perhaps the last chance" to save the Islamic republic in the face of "very sensitive" challenges, both domestic and international. Fiery rhetoric Iran's president from 2005 to 2013, Ahmadinejad had to stand down at the end of two consecutive terms as per the constitution. His successor Rouhani will face the same obligation in June. Ahmadinejad's presidency was marked by fiery rhetoric against Israel and deep tensions with the West, notably over Iran's nuclear programme which he enthusiastically championed. Reinforced by UN Security Council sanctions, punitive measures cost Iran's economy billions in vital oil revenues and foreign investment, leaving the country struggling with raging inflation, high unemployment and a depreciated currency. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran: Ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad submits name for presidential poll

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