Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus.

Mr Nostradamus is a go-to person for everyone from people seeking a little amusement to serious 'what if' conspiracy theorists. There are those who believe that Nostradamus predicted future events in his book Les Propheties. The book was written in 1555.

Whenever there is any major global event, Monsieur Nostradamus makes his presence felt. US Presidential Election&nbsp;2020 is&nbsp;no exception.

Joe Biden may be leading in poll numbers. He may be crisscrossing US states to meet voters. But&nbsp;some people think that it is futile, because Donald Trump is slated&nbsp;win the elections.

The reason for their hunch? A prediction by Nostradamus.

Some of his lines are being cited to drive home the point. A reference to a 'trumpet' is being taken to be Nostadamus' seal of approval for Trump to win the election.

The lines read:

"The false trumpet concealing madness,

"Will cause Byzantium to change its laws.

"From Egypt there will go forth a man who wants

"The edict withdrawn, changing money and standards."

As it is with other lines of Nostradamus taken to be predictions, these do not unequivocally say anything. But it is indeed being taken to be a prediction.

Critics of this thought process often say that Nostradamus' 'predictions' are nothing but cryptic poetry that is interpreted in a certain way to validate global events.

Donald Trump did clinch an unexpected victory during 2016 elections. It'll be interesting to see whether he can repeat the feat this time.

It'll then be all the more interesting to hear people who swear by Nostradamus.

Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus.

Each art has its artists. At least in popular perception, there is always one figure in every field who people like to admire/ fear/ follow and so on. Science has its Einstein, painting has Picasso and those trying to peer into past and future have Nostradamus. Mr Nostradamus is a go-to person for everyone from people seeking a little amusement to serious 'what if' conspiracy theorists. There are those who believe that Nostradamus predicted future events in his book Les Propheties. The book was written in 1555. Whenever there is any major global event, Monsieur Nostradamus makes his presence felt. US Presidential Election 2020 is no exception. Joe Biden may be leading in poll numbers. He may be crisscrossing US states to meet voters. But some people think that it is futile, because Donald Trump is slated win the elections. The reason for their hunch? A prediction by Nostradamus. Some of his lines are being cited to drive home the point. A reference to a 'trumpet' is being taken to be Nostadamus' seal of approval for Trump to win the election. The lines read: "The false trumpet concealing madness, "Will cause Byzantium to change its laws. "From Egypt there will go forth a man who wants "The edict withdrawn, changing money and standards." As it is with other lines of Nostradamus taken to be predictions, these do not unequivocally say anything. But it is indeed being taken to be a prediction. Critics of this thought process often say that Nostradamus' 'predictions' are nothing but cryptic poetry that is interpreted in a certain way to validate global events. Donald Trump did clinch an unexpected victory during 2016 elections. It'll be interesting to see whether he can repeat the feat this time. It'll then be all the more interesting to hear people who swear by Nostradamus.

Nostradamus on US Election 2020: Has he predicted a Donald Trump victory?

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist. Pakistan is already in the grey list. Inclusion in black list will invite great economic sanctions on its already battered economy.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage "nuisance value" to ensure that the country fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed, Global Watch Analysis reported.

Early this month, the FATF`s Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering has kept Pakistan on "Enhanced Follow-up List" for its slow progress on the technical recommendations of the FATF to fight terror financing.&nbsp;

Pakistan`s progress has remained unchanged -- non-compliant on four counts.According to a report by Roland Jacquard, Chairman of Roland Jacquard Global Security Consulting (RJGSC), published in Global Watch Analysis, the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move one of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant.

"The APG has a stringent set of monitoring processes while evaluating a country`s compliance with AML/CFT measures. It has a scale of 40 parameters based on which it prepares its evaluation report on any country. These parameters range from the presence of effective laws and supervision to prevent terror financing or money laundering to identifying non-profit organisations that act as fronts for terror groups," he said.&nbsp;

"In Pakistan`s case, the APG, in its Mutual Evaluation Report in October 2019 had found the country compliant on 1, non-compliant on 4, partially compliant on 26 and largely compliant on 9 of these 40 parameters. In the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move 1 of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant," he added.

Jacquard said that the APG is a non-political body and its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF, adding that the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more "lenient stance" on Pakistan.Pakistan is in the FATF`s grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February to complete the remaining action points by June 2020.&nbsp;

Another review meeting will be held later this month.The FATF extended the June deadline to September due to the spread of coronavirus that disrupted the FATF plenary meetings.The country is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list.&nbsp;

As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.In recent weeks, Pakistan has been trying to paint a picture that it has started the reforms, including the passing of some Bills in order to prevent blacklisting by the FATF.

In late July, Pakistan Financial Monitoring Unit Director-general Lubna Farooq told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that the country is yet to comply with 13 conditions out of the 27-point Action Plan of the FATF, including curbing terror financing, enforcement of the laws against the proscribed organisations and improving the legal systems.&nbsp;

Jacquard said the reason for the FATF leniency is Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit.

"However, since the APG is a non-political body, its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF. As a result, despite APG`s recent evaluation, the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more lenient stance on Pakistan," he writes.

"As per this group`s assessment, Pakistan has fully complied with 21 of the 27 action points and more or less complied with the remaining 6, thereby indicating that it was more or less on the path of being de-listed. The reasons for this tempered position on Pakistan can only be speculated. The most obvious reason is the Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit," he adds.

Jacquard said that the important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations.

"Whatever may be the case, important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations, especially when the ground situation in Pakistan tells an alarming story," he noted.

A closer look at the Pakistan-based social media accounts conveys a different tale of UN proscribed Pakistani terrorist groups like the Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and their leaders being allowed freedom of movement and activity in the country, Jacquard highlighted.

While these groups openly collect fund in the name of jihad, the Pakistan government tries to convince the FATF that its recently passed Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism laws were evidence of its commitment to act against terror groups, he said.&nbsp;

"The FATF, therefore, needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage its nuisance value, in the larger interest of preserving its credibility as a global financial watchdog and ensure that Islamabad fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed In this connection, one is reminded of the case of Iceland that was `greylisted` for lesser infractions and took more than a year to get delisted," he concludes.

(With ANI inputs)

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist.

Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering is holding its plenary session from October 21. During the session, FATF will take a decision about putting Pakistan in blacklist. Pakistan is already in the grey list. Inclusion in black list will invite great economic sanctions on its already battered economy. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage "nuisance value" to ensure that the country fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed, Global Watch Analysis reported. Early this month, the FATF`s Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering has kept Pakistan on "Enhanced Follow-up List" for its slow progress on the technical recommendations of the FATF to fight terror financing. Pakistan`s progress has remained unchanged -- non-compliant on four counts.According to a report by Roland Jacquard, Chairman of Roland Jacquard Global Security Consulting (RJGSC), published in Global Watch Analysis, the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move one of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant. "The APG has a stringent set of monitoring processes while evaluating a country`s compliance with AML/CFT measures. It has a scale of 40 parameters based on which it prepares its evaluation report on any country. These parameters range from the presence of effective laws and supervision to prevent terror financing or money laundering to identifying non-profit organisations that act as fronts for terror groups," he said. "In Pakistan`s case, the APG, in its Mutual Evaluation Report in October 2019 had found the country compliant on 1, non-compliant on 4, partially compliant on 26 and largely compliant on 9 of these 40 parameters. In the APG`s latest report of September 2020, based on the evaluation conducted after a year, Pakistan`s report card remained more or less unchanged with the country being able to move 1 of its partially compliant parameters to fully compliant," he added. Jacquard said that the APG is a non-political body and its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF, adding that the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more "lenient stance" on Pakistan.Pakistan is in the FATF`s grey list since June 2018 and the government was given a final warning in February to complete the remaining action points by June 2020. Another review meeting will be held later this month.The FATF extended the June deadline to September due to the spread of coronavirus that disrupted the FATF plenary meetings.The country is facing the difficult task of clearing its name from the FATF grey list. As things stand, Islamabad is finding it difficult to shield terror perpetrators and implement the FATF action plan at the same time.In recent weeks, Pakistan has been trying to paint a picture that it has started the reforms, including the passing of some Bills in order to prevent blacklisting by the FATF. In late July, Pakistan Financial Monitoring Unit Director-general Lubna Farooq told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that the country is yet to comply with 13 conditions out of the 27-point Action Plan of the FATF, including curbing terror financing, enforcement of the laws against the proscribed organisations and improving the legal systems. Jacquard said the reason for the FATF leniency is Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit. "However, since the APG is a non-political body, its opinion is not binding on the final decision of the FATF. As a result, despite APG`s recent evaluation, the FATF`s Joint Group Progress Report of October 2020 has taken a more lenient stance on Pakistan," he writes. "As per this group`s assessment, Pakistan has fully complied with 21 of the 27 action points and more or less complied with the remaining 6, thereby indicating that it was more or less on the path of being de-listed. The reasons for this tempered position on Pakistan can only be speculated. The most obvious reason is the Trump administration`s hurry to leave Afghanistan and therefore its dependence on Pakistan to convince the Taliban for an honourable exit," he adds. Jacquard said that the important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations. "Whatever may be the case, important institutions like the FATF should not be allowed to be pressured into taking a decision based on political considerations, especially when the ground situation in Pakistan tells an alarming story," he noted. A closer look at the Pakistan-based social media accounts conveys a different tale of UN proscribed Pakistani terrorist groups like the Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and their leaders being allowed freedom of movement and activity in the country, Jacquard highlighted. While these groups openly collect fund in the name of jihad, the Pakistan government tries to convince the FATF that its recently passed Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism laws were evidence of its commitment to act against terror groups, he said. "The FATF, therefore, needs to take a hard and objective look at Pakistan`s attempts to leverage its nuisance value, in the larger interest of preserving its credibility as a global financial watchdog and ensure that Islamabad fully complies with terror financing and money laundering obligations before it can be de-listed In this connection, one is reminded of the case of Iceland that was `greylisted` for lesser infractions and took more than a year to get delisted," he concludes. (With ANI inputs)

Pakistan in crosshairs as FATF begins plenary today

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday. They will meet Pompeo separately.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov arrived in Moscow for "consultations with the Russian side," the ministry said in a statement.

His Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was set to meet with Lavrov in Moscow "to discuss the situation in Karabakh and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement," ministry spokeswoman Anna Nagdalyan said.

It was not immediately clear if the two diplomats would meet Lavrov jointly or separately.

World powers including Russia and the United States have expressed dismay that there has been no let-up in more than three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

A truce was agreed in Moscow earlier this month after 11 hours of talks, but the accord had next to no impact on the ground.

A second ceasefire agreed Saturday fell apart almost immediately.

Yerevan says 772 Armenian soldiers and 36 civilians have been killed in the flare-up of fighting.

Baku has reported 63 civilian casualties but has yet to disclose military losses.

Azerbaijan and the Armenian separatists who control its Karabakh region have been locked in a bitter impasse over the fate of the mountainous province since a war in the 1990s that left 30,000 people dead.

Their long-simmering conflict erupted again on September 27 in fierce clashes that raised the alarm over the failure of decades-long international mediation.

Along with France and Russia, the United States co-chairs the so-called Minsk Group of international mediators to the Karabakh peace talks since the 1994 ceasefire.

Baku says its forces have captured ground within Karabakh and that it also now controls Azerbaijani territory that had been held by Armenian forces.

(With AFP inputs)

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday. They will meet Pompeo separately. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov arrived in Moscow for "consultations with the Russian side," the ministry said in a statement. His Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was set to meet with Lavrov in Moscow "to discuss the situation in Karabakh and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement," ministry spokeswoman Anna Nagdalyan said. It was not immediately clear if the two diplomats would meet Lavrov jointly or separately. World powers including Russia and the United States have expressed dismay that there has been no let-up in more than three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. A truce was agreed in Moscow earlier this month after 11 hours of talks, but the accord had next to no impact on the ground. A second ceasefire agreed Saturday fell apart almost immediately. Yerevan says 772 Armenian soldiers and 36 civilians have been killed in the flare-up of fighting. Baku has reported 63 civilian casualties but has yet to disclose military losses. Azerbaijan and the Armenian separatists who control its Karabakh region have been locked in a bitter impasse over the fate of the mountainous province since a war in the 1990s that left 30,000 people dead. Their long-simmering conflict erupted again on September 27 in fierce clashes that raised the alarm over the failure of decades-long international mediation. Along with France and Russia, the United States co-chairs the so-called Minsk Group of international mediators to the Karabakh peace talks since the 1994 ceasefire. Baku says its forces have captured ground within Karabakh and that it also now controls Azerbaijani territory that had been held by Armenian forces. (With AFP inputs)

Armenia-Azerbaijan hold truce talks again in Moscow

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Although Taliban was believed to be behind the attack, it did not accept responsibility in the immediate aftermath.

"Fighting is still continuing and the Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties," Jawad Hejri, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar province was quoted by AFP as saying.

Takhar provincial health director Abdul Qayoum confirmed the incident but said 34 security personnel had been killed -- including the deputy police chief of the province.

"These security forces were on their way for an operation in the district when they were attacked by the Taliban," said Hejri.

"The Taliban had taken positions in the houses around the area. They ambushed our forces who were there for an operation against the enemy."

The Taliban have so far not commented on the attack.

It comes as spiraling violence across Afghanistan imperils ongoing peace talks between the hardline group and the government in Qatar.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Although Taliban was believed to be behind the attack, it did not accept responsibility in the immediate aftermath. "Fighting is still continuing and the Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties," Jawad Hejri, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar province was quoted by AFP as saying. Takhar provincial health director Abdul Qayoum confirmed the incident but said 34 security personnel had been killed -- including the deputy police chief of the province. "These security forces were on their way for an operation in the district when they were attacked by the Taliban," said Hejri. "The Taliban had taken positions in the houses around the area. They ambushed our forces who were there for an operation against the enemy." The Taliban have so far not commented on the attack. It comes as spiraling violence across Afghanistan imperils ongoing peace talks between the hardline group and the government in Qatar. (With AFP inputs)

Taliban ambush kills 25 Afghan security persons

Amazon.com Inc extended the timeline for its workers to resume work from office on Tuesday. Now, Amazon employees whose work can be done from home will be able to work from home till June 2020. The step has been taken in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Employees who work in a role that can effectively be done from home are welcome to do so until June 30, 2021," Amazon spokeswoman was quoted as saying by Reuters. The extension is applicable globally.

Earlier, the option for work from home was available to employees until January 2020.

Recently, Amazon said that more than 19,000 of its frontline workers in the US had contracted coronavirus. Amazon faced flak from staff and unions that alleged it exposed employees to danger by keeping its warehouses open during the pandemic.

Twitter became first major tech company in May to allow employees to work remotely indefinitely. Microsoft said earlier this month that the company will allow employees to work up to half of their work hours remotely.

Facebook had said it would allow its employees to work from home till July next year, while Google had extended the remote working period for employees who do not need to be in the office till June.

(With Reuters inputs)

Amazon.com Inc extended the timeline for its workers to resume work from office on Tuesday. Now, Amazon employees whose work can be done from home will be able to work from home till June 2020.

Amazon.com Inc extended the timeline for its workers to resume work from office on Tuesday. Now, Amazon employees whose work can be done from home will be able to work from home till June 2020. The step has been taken in light of the coronavirus pandemic. "Employees who work in a role that can effectively be done from home are welcome to do so until June 30, 2021," Amazon spokeswoman was quoted as saying by Reuters. The extension is applicable globally. Earlier, the option for work from home was available to employees until January 2020. Recently, Amazon said that more than 19,000 of its frontline workers in the US had contracted coronavirus. Amazon faced flak from staff and unions that alleged it exposed employees to danger by keeping its warehouses open during the pandemic. Twitter became first major tech company in May to allow employees to work remotely indefinitely. Microsoft said earlier this month that the company will allow employees to work up to half of their work hours remotely. Facebook had said it would allow its employees to work from home till July next year, while Google had extended the remote working period for employees who do not need to be in the office till June. (With Reuters inputs)

Amazon to allow employees to work from home till June 2021

October 18 in history: USA takes Alaska from Russia, and more!

A study carried out in Japan has revealed that COVID-19 virus survives on human skin for 9 hours. This is much longer than flu virus that can survive on human skin on only 1.8 hours. The discovery has underlined the need for good hygiene and frequent washing of hands.

The study carried out by the researchers has been published in Clinical Infectious Diseases journal. The study was carried out in Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan.

They evaluated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and IAV, mixed with culture medium or upper respiratory mucus, on human skin surfaces. The researchers also evaluated the disinfection effectiveness on skin of 80 per cent ethanol against SARS-CoV-2 and IAV.

“The nine hour survival of SARS-CoV-2 on human skin may increase the risk of contact transmission in comparison with IAV, thus accelerating the pandemic,” the researchers wrote in the journal.

“We generated a model that allows the safe reproduction of clinical studies on the application of pathogens to human skin and elucidated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on the human skin,” the researchers added.

Although this is a finding worth taking note of, there is no need to panic. The researchers said that frequent use of hand sanitiser made the virus inactive.

“Proper hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections,” said the researchers.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

A study carried out in Japan has revealed that COVID-19 virus survives on human skin for 9 hours. This is much longer than flu virus that can survive on human skin on only 1.

A study carried out in Japan has revealed that COVID-19 virus survives on human skin for 9 hours. This is much longer than flu virus that can survive on human skin on only 1.8 hours. The discovery has underlined the need for good hygiene and frequent washing of hands. The study carried out by the researchers has been published in Clinical Infectious Diseases journal. The study was carried out in Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan. They evaluated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and IAV, mixed with culture medium or upper respiratory mucus, on human skin surfaces. The researchers also evaluated the disinfection effectiveness on skin of 80 per cent ethanol against SARS-CoV-2 and IAV. “The nine hour survival of SARS-CoV-2 on human skin may increase the risk of contact transmission in comparison with IAV, thus accelerating the pandemic,” the researchers wrote in the journal. “We generated a model that allows the safe reproduction of clinical studies on the application of pathogens to human skin and elucidated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on the human skin,” the researchers added. Although this is a finding worth taking note of, there is no need to panic. The researchers said that frequent use of hand sanitiser made the virus inactive. “Proper hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections,” said the researchers. (With PTI inputs)

Coronavirus can survive on skin for 9 hours, longer than flu virus: Study

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect. The curfew is being enforced to stem a second wave of coronavirus infection that has been causing a record daily number of new cases.

"On Saturday night we used to go out all the time. We organised many things and now that's over. At 9 p.m. we must go home. That's the time when we used to go out," 22-year old Jeanne Baudin, said while sitting on a terrace with friends.

French President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered nightly curfews in cities where the coronavirus was the most active, saying it was spreading at parties and private gatherings and action was needed or else hospitals risked being overwhelmed. Under the new curfew rules citizens in the cities will not be allowed to come outdoors between 9 pm and 6 am each night.

Surveys have revealed that people largely support the new restrictions. But restaurant managers have cautioned about possible losses to the sector that has already taken a hit owing to previous lockdowns.

"There will surely be employees who will lose their jobs, several restaurants will go bankrupt," said Stefano Anselmo, 44, manager of Italian restaurant Bianco in Paris. "It's a disaster." He was quoted by Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-accused-in-france-beheading-no-longer-had-links-with-russia-embassy-says-336080">Chechen accused in France beheading no longer had links with Russia, embassy says</a>

However, public opinion seems to be for restrictions.

"For restaurateurs I understand that it is difficult but there is a moment when it is necessary to make a balance between public health and economic health," Bastien Delaunay, a 22-year-old law student told Reuters.

The curfews will last four weeks.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect.

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect. The curfew is being enforced to stem a second wave of coronavirus infection that has been causing a record daily number of new cases. "On Saturday night we used to go out all the time. We organised many things and now that's over. At 9 p.m. we must go home. That's the time when we used to go out," 22-year old Jeanne Baudin, said while sitting on a terrace with friends. French President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered nightly curfews in cities where the coronavirus was the most active, saying it was spreading at parties and private gatherings and action was needed or else hospitals risked being overwhelmed. Under the new curfew rules citizens in the cities will not be allowed to come outdoors between 9 pm and 6 am each night. Surveys have revealed that people largely support the new restrictions. But restaurant managers have cautioned about possible losses to the sector that has already taken a hit owing to previous lockdowns. "There will surely be employees who will lose their jobs, several restaurants will go bankrupt," said Stefano Anselmo, 44, manager of Italian restaurant Bianco in Paris. "It's a disaster." He was quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Chechen accused in France beheading no longer had links with Russia, embassy says However, public opinion seems to be for restrictions. "For restaurateurs I understand that it is difficult but there is a moment when it is necessary to make a balance between public health and economic health," Bastien Delaunay, a 22-year-old law student told Reuters. The curfews will last four weeks. (With Reuters inputs)

No party: Paris streets deserted on Saturday night as curfew kicks in

Iranian foreign ministry said on Sunday that a longstanding United Nations embargo on arm sales to and frop from Iran had expired in line with the landlmark nuclear deal reached in 2015. The ministry said that "all restrictions" were "automatically terminated".

"As of today, all restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran ... are all automatically terminated," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry further said that procurement of new arms and equipment with now take place "solely base on" Iran's "defensive needs".

"As of today, the Islamic Republic may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions, and solely based on its defensive needs," the ministry added in the statement sent out on Twitter.

It insisted that under the terms of the deal, struck with the United States, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union, "the lifting of arms restrictions and the travel ban were designed to be automatic with no other action required."

The landmark nuclear deal was reached during the presidency of former US President Barack Obama. It was hailed as a landmark step that would have seen considerable decrease in animosity between the USA and Iran.

However, curent US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally begun reimposing sanctions on Iran.

But Washington suffered a setback in August when it failed to win support from the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely extend the arms embargo.

It was "a momentous day for the international community," the Iranian ministry said on Sunday, adding the world had stood with Tehran "in defiance of the US regime's efforts".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-iran-protesters-torch-kurd-party-offices-in-baghdad-336093">Pro-Iran protesters torch Kurd party offices in Baghdad</a> 
 
But it stressed that "unconventional arms, weapons of mass destruction and a buying spree of conventional arms have no place in Iran's defense doctrine".

Despite pulling out of the deal, the Trump administration insists it is still a "participant" and can therefore go ahead with reimposing sanctions.&nbsp;

Washington has said it has decided to unilaterally reinstate virtually all of the UN sanctions on Iran lifted under the accord.&nbsp;

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But the US legal argument has been rejected by almost the entire UN Security Council, with European allies of the United States saying the priority is to salvage a peaceful solution to &nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme.

Moscow said in September that it was ready to boost its military cooperation with Tehran, while Beijing has also spoken of its willingness to sell arms to Iran after October 18.

Washington maintained it will seek to prevent Iran from purchasing Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said in a tweet that the international community had "protected" the nuclear deal and Sunday marked the "normalization of Iran's cooperation with the world".

(With AFP inputs)

Iranian foreign ministry said on Sunday that a longstanding United Nations embargo on arm sales to and frop from Iran had expired in line with the landlmark nuclear deal reached in 2015.

Iranian foreign ministry said on Sunday that a longstanding United Nations embargo on arm sales to and frop from Iran had expired in line with the landlmark nuclear deal reached in 2015. The ministry said that "all restrictions" were "automatically terminated". "As of today, all restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran ... are all automatically terminated," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry further said that procurement of new arms and equipment with now take place "solely base on" Iran's "defensive needs". "As of today, the Islamic Republic may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions, and solely based on its defensive needs," the ministry added in the statement sent out on Twitter. It insisted that under the terms of the deal, struck with the United States, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union, "the lifting of arms restrictions and the travel ban were designed to be automatic with no other action required." The landmark nuclear deal was reached during the presidency of former US President Barack Obama. It was hailed as a landmark step that would have seen considerable decrease in animosity between the USA and Iran. However, curent US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and has unilaterally begun reimposing sanctions on Iran. But Washington suffered a setback in August when it failed to win support from the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely extend the arms embargo. It was "a momentous day for the international community," the Iranian ministry said on Sunday, adding the world had stood with Tehran "in defiance of the US regime's efforts". Also Read | Pro-Iran protesters torch Kurd party offices in Baghdad But it stressed that "unconventional arms, weapons of mass destruction and a buying spree of conventional arms have no place in Iran's defense doctrine". Despite pulling out of the deal, the Trump administration insists it is still a "participant" and can therefore go ahead with reimposing sanctions. Washington has said it has decided to unilaterally reinstate virtually all of the UN sanctions on Iran lifted under the accord. × But the US legal argument has been rejected by almost the entire UN Security Council, with European allies of the United States saying the priority is to salvage a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear programme. Moscow said in September that it was ready to boost its military cooperation with Tehran, while Beijing has also spoken of its willingness to sell arms to Iran after October 18. Washington maintained it will seek to prevent Iran from purchasing Chinese tanks and Russian air defence systems. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said in a tweet that the international community had "protected" the nuclear deal and Sunday marked the "normalization of Iran's cooperation with the world". (With AFP inputs)

UN arms embargo lifted, weapons purchase will now be based on defensive needs: Iran

A blast and a large fire injured at least five in Virginia (USA) on Saturday morning (local time). The blast took place in a shopping center in Harrisonburg in Virginia. Cause of the blast is yet unknown and an investigation is underway. Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia was quoted by media as saying that the fire was due to a gas explosion, Harrisonburg Fire Chief Matt Tobia told reporters that cause of the fire was still being ascertained.

Soon after the blast, locals posted videos on Twitter

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Harrisonburg VA fire and explosion appear to be contained now. Ugly scene, explosion heard and felt miles away <a href="https://t.co/vs3r6BxHaH">pic.twitter.com/vs3r6BxHaH</a>
— Josh Edmonds (@joshdedmonds) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshdedmonds/status/1317463342773116928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Harrisonburg is a city of around 50,000 that is home to James Madison University. The university said in its Facebook statement that three of its students were injured due to fire. It added that the injuries were minor. The students, said the university, were part of its US Army ROTC program and were taking part in the ten mile run at the time of the blast. One of the student was hospitalised but was expected to be discharged quickly.

Locals living nearby told TV station WHSV that the blast shook their homes.

A blast and a large fire injured at least five in Virginia (USA) on Saturday morning (local time). The blast took place in a shopping center in Harrisonburg in Virginia.

A blast and a large fire injured at least five in Virginia (USA) on Saturday morning (local time). The blast took place in a shopping center in Harrisonburg in Virginia. Cause of the blast is yet unknown and an investigation is underway. Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia was quoted by media as saying that the fire was due to a gas explosion, Harrisonburg Fire Chief Matt Tobia told reporters that cause of the fire was still being ascertained. Soon after the blast, locals posted videos on Twitter Harrisonburg VA fire and explosion appear to be contained now. Ugly scene, explosion heard and felt miles away pic.twitter.com/vs3r6BxHaH — Josh Edmonds (@joshdedmonds) October 17, 2020 × Harrisonburg is a city of around 50,000 that is home to James Madison University. The university said in its Facebook statement that three of its students were injured due to fire. It added that the injuries were minor. The students, said the university, were part of its US Army ROTC program and were taking part in the ten mile run at the time of the blast. One of the student was hospitalised but was expected to be discharged quickly. Locals living nearby told TV station WHSV that the blast shook their homes.

US: At least 5 injured in blast, fire at Virginia shopping mall

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday. However, within hours of it coming into effect, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating it.

'Once again violating the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy fired artillery shells in the northern direction from 00:04 to 02:45, and fired rockets in the southern direction from 02:20 to 02:45,' tweeted Shuhan Stepanyan, Spokeswoman of Armenian defense ministry.

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Once again violating the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy fired artillery shells in the northern direction from 00:04 to 02:45, and fired rockets in the southern direction from 02:20 to 02:45.
— Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShStepanyan/status/1317607962916098048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate reaction from Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan and Armenia said on Saturday that they had agreed to a new humanitarian ceasefire. The ceasefire came into effect from midnight (2000 GMT). The new ceasefire has been established in line with an agreements leading to ceasfire last weekend. However, the previous ceasefire did not hold and hostilities ensued soon. Both, Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of violating the previous ceasefire.

Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in a fight over the region of Nagorno-Karabach.

The fighting is the worst in the region since Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces went to war in the 1990s over Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

Both countries announced the ceasefire in identical statements.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had talked to his Armenian and Azeri counterparts by phone on Saturday and stressed that the truce that he mediated a week ago must be observed, Moscow said.

Russia, France and the United States belong to the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Nagorno-Karabakh's foreign ministry issued a statement saying it "reaffirms its readiness to maintain the terms of the humanitarian ceasefire on a reciprocal basis ... according to the Moscow statement of Oct. 10 and the agreements of Oct. 17".

Armenia speaks to Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh's behalf as Baku refuses to negotiate with the separatist authorities.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-where-does-india-stand-335253">Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Where does India stand?</a> 
 
Yerevan says its own forces are not involved in the conflict and have not attacked Azerbaijan. Many Armenian citizens, including the prime minister's son, serve as volunteers in Nagorno-Karabakh's army.

TURKEY AND RUSSIA

The latest fighting has taken on a new element with outspoken support for Baku from its ethnic cousin Turkey, which has boosted arms exports to Azerbaijan sixfold this year. Russia is close to both sides but has a defence pact with Armenia.

Armenia on Saturday denied an Azeri assertion that it had been illegally arming Nagorno-Karabakh, and accused Azerbaijan of acting to expand Turkey's influence in the region and of using Turkish soldiers - charges both Ankara and Baku deny.

Baku said on Saturday that around 20 apartment buildings in Ganja, the second-largest Azeri city, about 25 miles (40 km) from Nagorno-Karabakh, had been hit by missiles from the enclave.

A Reuters photographer saw rescuers working at the scene on Saturday morning, and an excavator clearing the debris of houses that had almost been levelled.

"We have been living in fear for days ... We are suffering a lot," one resident of the city, 58-year-old Emina Aliyeva, told reporters. "We would rather die. I wish we were dead but our children would survive."

Armenia denied that Azeri cities had been attacked, but said Azeri drones had bombed military installations and damaged civilian infrastructure in Armenia itself.

Nagorno-Karabakh officials said at least six civilians in Stepanakert, the region's biggest city, had been wounded by Azeri shelling.

A Reuters cameraman heard several explosions in the city on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday.

"We woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning due to an awful blow ... We are scared, but we got used to it," said Lika Zakaryan, a 26-year-old resident.

Baku said on Saturday that 60 Azeri civilians had been killed and 270 wounded since the fighting flared on Sept. 27. It has not disclosed its military casualties.

Nagorno-Karabakh says 633 of its military personnel have been killed, and 36 civilians.

(With Reuters inputs)

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday. However, within hours of it coming into effect, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating it. 'Once again violating the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy fired artillery shells in the northern direction from 00:04 to 02:45, and fired rockets in the southern direction from 02:20 to 02:45,' tweeted Shuhan Stepanyan, Spokeswoman of Armenian defense ministry.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday. However, within hours of it coming into effect, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating it. 'Once again violating the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy fired artillery shells in the northern direction from 00:04 to 02:45, and fired rockets in the southern direction from 02:20 to 02:45,' tweeted Shuhan Stepanyan, Spokeswoman of Armenian defense ministry. Once again violating the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy fired artillery shells in the northern direction from 00:04 to 02:45, and fired rockets in the southern direction from 02:20 to 02:45. — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 17, 2020 × There was no immediate reaction from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan and Armenia said on Saturday that they had agreed to a new humanitarian ceasefire. The ceasefire came into effect from midnight (2000 GMT). The new ceasefire has been established in line with an agreements leading to ceasfire last weekend. However, the previous ceasefire did not hold and hostilities ensued soon. Both, Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of violating the previous ceasefire. Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in a fight over the region of Nagorno-Karabach. The fighting is the worst in the region since Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces went to war in the 1990s over Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. Both countries announced the ceasefire in identical statements. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had talked to his Armenian and Azeri counterparts by phone on Saturday and stressed that the truce that he mediated a week ago must be observed, Moscow said. Russia, France and the United States belong to the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Nagorno-Karabakh's foreign ministry issued a statement saying it "reaffirms its readiness to maintain the terms of the humanitarian ceasefire on a reciprocal basis ... according to the Moscow statement of Oct. 10 and the agreements of Oct. 17". Armenia speaks to Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh's behalf as Baku refuses to negotiate with the separatist authorities. Also Read: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Where does India stand? Yerevan says its own forces are not involved in the conflict and have not attacked Azerbaijan. Many Armenian citizens, including the prime minister's son, serve as volunteers in Nagorno-Karabakh's army. TURKEY AND RUSSIA The latest fighting has taken on a new element with outspoken support for Baku from its ethnic cousin Turkey, which has boosted arms exports to Azerbaijan sixfold this year. Russia is close to both sides but has a defence pact with Armenia. Armenia on Saturday denied an Azeri assertion that it had been illegally arming Nagorno-Karabakh, and accused Azerbaijan of acting to expand Turkey's influence in the region and of using Turkish soldiers - charges both Ankara and Baku deny. Baku said on Saturday that around 20 apartment buildings in Ganja, the second-largest Azeri city, about 25 miles (40 km) from Nagorno-Karabakh, had been hit by missiles from the enclave. A Reuters photographer saw rescuers working at the scene on Saturday morning, and an excavator clearing the debris of houses that had almost been levelled. "We have been living in fear for days ... We are suffering a lot," one resident of the city, 58-year-old Emina Aliyeva, told reporters. "We would rather die. I wish we were dead but our children would survive." Armenia denied that Azeri cities had been attacked, but said Azeri drones had bombed military installations and damaged civilian infrastructure in Armenia itself. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said at least six civilians in Stepanakert, the region's biggest city, had been wounded by Azeri shelling. A Reuters cameraman heard several explosions in the city on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday. "We woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning due to an awful blow ... We are scared, but we got used to it," said Lika Zakaryan, a 26-year-old resident. Baku said on Saturday that 60 Azeri civilians had been killed and 270 wounded since the fighting flared on Sept. 27. It has not disclosed its military casualties. Nagorno-Karabakh says 633 of its military personnel have been killed, and 36 civilians. (With Reuters inputs)

Nagorno-Karabakh: Within hours of new ceasefire, Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of violation

Network is precious, network is everything. All of us yearn for that extra bar on our phones when we are watching movies or doing anything that is data-heavy. The buffering circle is the most annoying thing when all we want to do is unwind. We run around our homes for that perfect sweet spot of abundant network.

But what if we told you, you'll get 4G network on Moon too?

Yes, NASA seems to be doing such a thing. It has awarded USD 14.1 million to Nokia to deploy 4G cellular network on Moon.

Think about it, if you go to the Moon and in case you lose network, you can call it 'out of the world problem' instead of first/second world one. This seemingly sad tip may bring in a lot of social media cred!

But right now the set up of 4G cellular network on the Moon appears to be for scientific and research purposes.

"The system could support lunar surface communications at greater distances, increased speeds and provide more reliability than current standards," NASA noted in its contract award announcement.

The grant given to Nokia is part of USD 370 million worth of contracts signed under NASA`s "Tipping Point" selections, meant to advance research and development for space exploration.

According to United Press International, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a live broadcast said that the space agency must quickly develop new technologies for living and working on the moon if it wants to realise its goal to have astronauts working at a lunar base by 2028.

"We need power systems that can last a long time on the surface of the moon, and we need habitation capability on the surface," Bridenstine said.

Nokia`s research arm, Bell Labs, provided more details in a Twitter thread. The company intends for the network to support wireless operation of lunar rovers and navigation, as well as streaming video.

"Working with our partners at @Int_Machines, this groundbreaking network will be the critical communications fabric for data transmission applications, including the control of lunar rovers, real-time navigation over lunar geography and streaming of high definition video," Bell Labs said in a tweet.

This is not Nokia`s first attempt to launch an LTE network on the moon. It was planned to do this in 2018 in collaboration with PTScientists, a German space company, and Vodafone UK to launch an LTE network at the site of the Apollo 17 landing, but the mission never got off the ground.

(With IANS inputs)

Network is precious, network is everything. All of us yearn for that extra bar on our phones when we are watching movies or doing anything that is data-heavy. The buffering circle is the most annoying thing when all we want to do is unwind.

Network is precious, network is everything. All of us yearn for that extra bar on our phones when we are watching movies or doing anything that is data-heavy. The buffering circle is the most annoying thing when all we want to do is unwind. We run around our homes for that perfect sweet spot of abundant network. But what if we told you, you'll get 4G network on Moon too? Yes, NASA seems to be doing such a thing. It has awarded USD 14.1 million to Nokia to deploy 4G cellular network on Moon. Think about it, if you go to the Moon and in case you lose network, you can call it 'out of the world problem' instead of first/second world one. This seemingly sad tip may bring in a lot of social media cred! But right now the set up of 4G cellular network on the Moon appears to be for scientific and research purposes. "The system could support lunar surface communications at greater distances, increased speeds and provide more reliability than current standards," NASA noted in its contract award announcement. The grant given to Nokia is part of USD 370 million worth of contracts signed under NASA`s "Tipping Point" selections, meant to advance research and development for space exploration. According to United Press International, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in a live broadcast said that the space agency must quickly develop new technologies for living and working on the moon if it wants to realise its goal to have astronauts working at a lunar base by 2028. "We need power systems that can last a long time on the surface of the moon, and we need habitation capability on the surface," Bridenstine said. Nokia`s research arm, Bell Labs, provided more details in a Twitter thread. The company intends for the network to support wireless operation of lunar rovers and navigation, as well as streaming video. "Working with our partners at @Int_Machines, this groundbreaking network will be the critical communications fabric for data transmission applications, including the control of lunar rovers, real-time navigation over lunar geography and streaming of high definition video," Bell Labs said in a tweet. This is not Nokia`s first attempt to launch an LTE network on the moon. It was planned to do this in 2018 in collaboration with PTScientists, a German space company, and Vodafone UK to launch an LTE network at the site of the Apollo 17 landing, but the mission never got off the ground. (With IANS inputs)

Nokia will now set up 4G network on Moon, courtesy NASA

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