Iran has reopened its major Shia Muslim shrines, two months after they were closed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Worshippers will be allowed to access courtyards, but not covered areas. They must also wear face masks and abide by social distancing rules.

People were sprayed with disinfectant and had their temperatures checked at Tehran's Abdol Azim shrine on Monday.

Iran's Shia shrines are visited every year by tens of millions of pilgrims, who spend many hours praying near the tombs they house. Many also kiss or touch the tombs.

Iran has suffered the Middle East's worst Covid-19 outbreak, with 137,000 cases and 7,450 deaths reported.

On 16 March, as the official death toll approached 1,000, the government ordered the closure of major religious sites, schools and universities to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

&nbsp;

Iran has reopened its major Shia Muslim shrines, two months after they were closed to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Worshippers will be allowed to access courtyards, but not covered areas.

Iran has reopened its major Shia Muslim shrines, two months after they were closed to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Worshippers will be allowed to access courtyards, but not covered areas. They must also wear face masks and abide by social distancing rules. People were sprayed with disinfectant and had their temperatures checked at Tehran's Abdol Azim shrine on Monday. Iran's Shia shrines are visited every year by tens of millions of pilgrims, who spend many hours praying near the tombs they house. Many also kiss or touch the tombs. Iran has suffered the Middle East's worst Covid-19 outbreak, with 137,000 cases and 7,450 deaths reported. On 16 March, as the official death toll approached 1,000, the government ordered the closure of major religious sites, schools and universities to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Iran reopens religious shrines after two-month closure

Dust and thunder storms are likely in several parts of north India on May 29-30, bringing the much-needed relief from the intense heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD had on Sunday issued a red colour-coded alert for north India for May 25-26 when the prevailing heatwave conditions are expected to peak.

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Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh have been experiencing blistering heat for days with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees Celsius in some places.

The highest day temperature in Rajasthan on Monday was recorded in Churu at 47.5 degrees Celsius, while Allahabad was the hottest place in Uttar Pradesh at 46.3 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature was 44 degrees Celsius in the national capital.

Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the Regional Meteorological Department of the IMD, said on Monday that due to a western disturbance and easterly winds, dust storm and thunderstorm activity is likely over Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on May 29-30.

The wind speed is also likely to be around 50-60 kilometres per hour during this period, Srivastava said, adding that this will bring relief from the intense heat.

A western disturbance is a cyclonic storm that originates in the Mediterranean Sea and travels across Central Asia. When it comes in contact with the Himalayas, it brings rains to the hills and the plains.

Heat wave conditions over some parts and severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets are very likely over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha during May 25-27, the IMD said in its daily bulletin.

Heat wave conditions are also likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada, interior Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar and Jharkhand during next 2-3 days.

Due to prevailing dry north-westerly winds over plains of northwest India, central India and adjoining interior parts of eastern India, present heatwave conditions very likely to continue to prevail over these areas till May 28 with peak intensity on May 25 and 26, the IMD said in its daily bulletin.

For the plains, a heatwave is declared when the actual maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius and severe heatwave when it is 47 degrees Celsius or above.

The IMD issues colour-coded warnings depending on the intensity of any weather system in ascending order - green, yellow, orange and red. 
The red warning has been issued to caution people not to step out from 1 PM to 5 PM, when the intensity of the heat is the most, according to an IMD official.&nbsp;

Dust and thunder storms are likely in several parts of north India on May 29-30, bringing the much-needed relief from the intense heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Dust and thunder storms are likely in several parts of north India on May 29-30, bringing the much-needed relief from the intense heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD had on Sunday issued a red colour-coded alert for north India for May 25-26 when the prevailing heatwave conditions are expected to peak. Weather Update pic.twitter.com/aMmnzeiE7y — RWFC New Delhi (@RWFC_ND) May 24, 2020 × Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh have been experiencing blistering heat for days with temperatures soaring over 45 degrees Celsius in some places. The highest day temperature in Rajasthan on Monday was recorded in Churu at 47.5 degrees Celsius, while Allahabad was the hottest place in Uttar Pradesh at 46.3 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature was 44 degrees Celsius in the national capital. Kuldeep Srivastava, head of the Regional Meteorological Department of the IMD, said on Monday that due to a western disturbance and easterly winds, dust storm and thunderstorm activity is likely over Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on May 29-30. The wind speed is also likely to be around 50-60 kilometres per hour during this period, Srivastava said, adding that this will bring relief from the intense heat. A western disturbance is a cyclonic storm that originates in the Mediterranean Sea and travels across Central Asia. When it comes in contact with the Himalayas, it brings rains to the hills and the plains. Heat wave conditions over some parts and severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets are very likely over Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha during May 25-27, the IMD said in its daily bulletin. Heat wave conditions are also likely in isolated pockets over Punjab, Chhattisgarh, interior Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathawada, interior Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar and Jharkhand during next 2-3 days. Due to prevailing dry north-westerly winds over plains of northwest India, central India and adjoining interior parts of eastern India, present heatwave conditions very likely to continue to prevail over these areas till May 28 with peak intensity on May 25 and 26, the IMD said in its daily bulletin. For the plains, a heatwave is declared when the actual maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius and severe heatwave when it is 47 degrees Celsius or above. The IMD issues colour-coded warnings depending on the intensity of any weather system in ascending order - green, yellow, orange and red. The red warning has been issued to caution people not to step out from 1 PM to 5 PM, when the intensity of the heat is the most, according to an IMD official.

Heatwave likely to abate only after May 28; no reprieve till then: IMD

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival.

The pause in fighting, only the second of its kind in Afghanistan's nearly 19-year-old war, was for the most part holding across the country on day two after the government welcomed the truce by announcing plans to release up to 2,000 Taliban inmates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-pledges-to-release-up-to-2000-taliban-prisoners-300968" hreflang="en">Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners</a>

President Ashraf Ghani said his administration was also ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban, seen as key to ending the war in the impoverished country.

"The government of Afghanistan has today released 100 Taliban prisoners from Bagram prison," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said.

He said the prisoner release was to "help the peace process" and will continue until 2,000 prisoners are freed.

Faisal said the authorities plan to release insurgent prisoners in batches of 100 daily.

"We hope this will eventually lead to a lasting peace that the people of Afghanistan so much desire and deserve," he said.

The current ceasefire is the first initiated by the Taliban. The only other comparable pause came over Eid in 2018, and was first offered by Ghani.

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Afghan authorities released 100 Taliban prisoners Monday as part of the government's response to a surprise, three-day ceasefire the insurgents called to mark the Eid al-Fitr festival. The pause in fighting, only the second of its kind in Afghanistan's nearly 19-year-old war, was for the most part holding across the country on day two after the government welcomed the truce by announcing plans to release up to 2,000 Taliban inmates. Also read: Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners President Ashraf Ghani said his administration was also ready to hold peace talks with the Taliban, seen as key to ending the war in the impoverished country. "The government of Afghanistan has today released 100 Taliban prisoners from Bagram prison," National Security Council spokesman Javid Faisal said. He said the prisoner release was to "help the peace process" and will continue until 2,000 prisoners are freed. Faisal said the authorities plan to release insurgent prisoners in batches of 100 daily. "We hope this will eventually lead to a lasting peace that the people of Afghanistan so much desire and deserve," he said. The current ceasefire is the first initiated by the Taliban. The only other comparable pause came over Eid in 2018, and was first offered by Ghani.

Afghan government frees 2,000 Taliban prisoners during ceasefire

Some 15,000 Rohingya refugees are now under coronavirus quarantine in Bangladesh's vast camps, officials said Monday, as the number of confirmed infections rose to 29.

Health experts have long warned that the virus could race through the cramped settlements, housing almost a million Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar, and officials had restricted movement to the area in April.

Despite this, the first cases in the camps were detected in mid-May.

"None of the infections are critical. Most hardly show any symptoms. Still we have brought them in isolation centres and quarantined their families," Toha Bhuiyan, a senior health official in the surrounding Cox's Bazar area told AFP.

He said narrow roads to three districts of the camps -- where the majority of the infections were detected -- have been blocked off by authorities.

The 15,000 Rohingya inside these so-called blocks faced further restrictions on their movement, he said.

It comes as charity workers expressed fears over being infected in the camps as they worked without adequate protection.

Two of the areas under isolation are in Kutupalong camp, home to roughly 600,000 Rohingya.

"We are trying to scale up testing as fast as possible to make sure that we can trace out all the infected people and their contacts," Bhuiyan said.

Seven isolation centres with the capacity to treat more than 700 COVID-19 patients have been prepared, he said.

Officials hope to have just under 2,000 ready by the end of May, he added.

Some 15,000 Rohingya refugees are now under coronavirus quarantine in Bangladesh's vast camps, officials said Monday, as the number of confirmed infections rose to 29.

Some 15,000 Rohingya refugees are now under coronavirus quarantine in Bangladesh's vast camps, officials said Monday, as the number of confirmed infections rose to 29. Health experts have long warned that the virus could race through the cramped settlements, housing almost a million Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar, and officials had restricted movement to the area in April. Despite this, the first cases in the camps were detected in mid-May. "None of the infections are critical. Most hardly show any symptoms. Still we have brought them in isolation centres and quarantined their families," Toha Bhuiyan, a senior health official in the surrounding Cox's Bazar area told AFP. He said narrow roads to three districts of the camps -- where the majority of the infections were detected -- have been blocked off by authorities. The 15,000 Rohingya inside these so-called blocks faced further restrictions on their movement, he said. It comes as charity workers expressed fears over being infected in the camps as they worked without adequate protection. Two of the areas under isolation are in Kutupalong camp, home to roughly 600,000 Rohingya. "We are trying to scale up testing as fast as possible to make sure that we can trace out all the infected people and their contacts," Bhuiyan said. Seven isolation centres with the capacity to treat more than 700 COVID-19 patients have been prepared, he said. Officials hope to have just under 2,000 ready by the end of May, he added.

15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29

British&nbsp;Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings&nbsp;defied calls to resign on&nbsp;Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

"I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally."

This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by&nbsp;travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives&nbsp;when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts</a>

He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson&nbsp;on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”.

''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.''

Cummings said&nbsp;he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned.

''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.''

When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time.

According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules.

British Prime Minister's chief adviser Dominic Cummings defied calls to resign on Monday he acted "reasonably and legally" and does not regret his actions, despite mounting pressure on him to resign for allegedly breaking coronavirus lockdown rules. "I don't think there is one rule for me and one rule for all people," Cummings told reporters in his first official press conference on the job. "In all circumstances, I believe I behaved reasonably and legally." This statement follows allegations that he broke lockdown rules by travelling 260 miles with his family to be near relatives when his wife developed coronavirus symptoms. Also read:Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts He clarifies that he did not consult the Johnson on this decision, as he was ill himself and “I thought I would speak to him when the situation clarified over the coming days”. ''Arguably this was a mistake, and I understand that some will say I should have spoken to the Prime Minister before deciding what to do.'' Cummings said he does not regret was he did, and the way he dealt with the situation in a way that created the least risk to the people concerned. ''I don’t regret what I did and as I said, I think reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in those circumstances but I think what I did was actually reasonable.'' When challenged over his decision not to speak to the prime minister before driving to Durham, he said he wanted to protect Boris Johnson’s time. According to mdeia reports, the charges against Cummings will be officially investigated by the Durham police.

UK PM's aide says he behaved 'reasonably'; defies calls to resign

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-lifts-coronavirus-emergency-as-cases-decline-300925" hreflang="en">Japan lifts coronavirus emergency as cases decline</a>

Japan PM Shinzo Abe today lifted the state of emergency in the country which was imposed to combat the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;after decline in the number of cases. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-lifts-coronavirus-emergency-as-cases-decline-300925">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-insists-on-hurting-us-will-have-to-take-necessary-measures-china-300946" hreflang="en">If US insists on hurting us, will have to take necessary measures: China</a>

China's foreign ministry said that "if the&nbsp;US&nbsp;insists on hurting China's interests, China will have to take every necessary measure to counter and oppose this." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-insists-on-hurting-us-will-have-to-take-necessary-measures-china-300946">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-second-highest-covid-19-cases-as-bolsonaro-downplays-it-as-little-flu-300970" hreflang="en">Brazil records second highest COVID-19 cases as Bolsonaro downplays it</a>

Brazil now has the second-most reported cases of coronavirus in the world, surpassing Russia. With 363,211 cases, Brazil has become the latest epicentre of the virus. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-second-highest-covid-19-cases-as-bolsonaro-downplays-it-as-little-flu-300970">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bars-travel-from-brazil-a-new-pandemic-hotspot-white-house-300817" hreflang="en">Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot: White House</a>

President Donald Trump on Sunday suspended travel from Brazil, which has emerged as a major new hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bars-travel-from-brazil-a-new-pandemic-hotspot-white-house-300817">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-cases-surge-past-54-million-death-toll-over-34-lakh-300843" hreflang="en">Global covid-19 cases surge past 5.4 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh</a>

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 5.4 million mark, while the deaths increased to 345,064. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-cases-surge-past-54-million-death-toll-over-34-lakh-300843">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-reports-4000-coronavirus-deaths-amid-reports-of-soft-approach-300977">Sweden reports 4,000 coronavirus deaths amid reports of 'soft approach'</a>

Sweden reported over 4,000 deaths due to&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;amid&nbsp;reports of "soft approach"&nbsp;towards the pandemic with several European countries imposing stringent lockdowns. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-reports-4000-coronavirus-deaths-amid-reports-of-soft-approach-300977">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-event-bizarre-weather-leaves-50000-australian-homes-without-electricity-300905" hreflang="en">'Rare event': Bizarre weather leaves 50,000 Australian homes without electricity</a>

Over 50,000 homes in Western Australia have no electricity owing to the wild weather battering the country for a second day in a row. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-event-bizarre-weather-leaves-50000-australian-homes-without-electricity-300905">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-will-provide-necessary-assistance-to-protesters-in-hong-kong-300913" hreflang="en">Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong</a>

As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-will-provide-necessary-assistance-to-protesters-in-hong-kong-300913">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-second-highest-covid-19-cases-as-bolsonaro-downplays-it-as-little-flu-300970" hreflang="en">s 'little flu'</a>

British Prime Minister's adviser&nbsp;Dominic Cummings will face a&nbsp;police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure to sack him. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-top-aide-cummings-to-face-police-investigation-as-pressure-mounts-300948">Read more</a>

Japan lifts coronavirus emergency as cases decline Japan PM Shinzo Abe today lifted the state of emergency in the country which was imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic after decline in the number of cases.

Japan lifts coronavirus emergency as cases decline Japan PM Shinzo Abe today lifted the state of emergency in the country which was imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic after decline in the number of cases. Read more If US insists on hurting us, will have to take necessary measures: China China's foreign ministry said that "if the US insists on hurting China's interests, China will have to take every necessary measure to counter and oppose this." Read more Brazil records second highest COVID-19 cases as Bolsonaro downplays it Brazil now has the second-most reported cases of coronavirus in the world, surpassing Russia. With 363,211 cases, Brazil has become the latest epicentre of the virus. Read more Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot: White House President Donald Trump on Sunday suspended travel from Brazil, which has emerged as a major new hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said. Read more Global covid-19 cases surge past 5.4 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 5.4 million mark, while the deaths increased to 345,064. Read more Sweden reports 4,000 coronavirus deaths amid reports of 'soft approach' Sweden reported over 4,000 deaths due to coronavirus amid reports of "soft approach" towards the pandemic with several European countries imposing stringent lockdowns. Read more 'Rare event': Bizarre weather leaves 50,000 Australian homes without electricity Over 50,000 homes in Western Australia have no electricity owing to the wild weather battering the country for a second day in a row. Read more Taiwan will provide 'necessary assistance' to protesters in Hong Kong As Hong Kong erupts into protest mode again to counter China’s national security law for the city, Taiwan has pledged support to the people of Hong Kong. Read more Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mountss 'little flu' British Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings will face a police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure to sack him. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Japan lifts emergency, China warns US and more

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections.

The row erupted after Bodo Ramelow, premier of the eastern state of Thuringia, said on Saturday he would scrap rules on mask-wearing and distancing, relying instead on local measures. The states set most rules affecting day-to-day life in Germany.

Though his proposal echoes federal government policy, which envisages gradually reopening the economy while responding fast to outbreaks with local lockdowns and contact-tracing, officials fear muddying the message could undermine public discipline.

"Under no circumstances should the impression be given that the pandemic is over," Health Minister Jens Spahn told Bild newspaper, saying a clear message on social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing would make it harder for the virus to spread.

Numbers of new virus infections have fallen sharply over the past month. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches have reopened, though many Germans continue to work from home and public transport is still less busy than usual.

Germany has also seen protests calling for a more rapid lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

State-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn said on Monday it would start increasing long-distance travel again, alerting passengers when their train was more than half full and letting them rebook onto a lower occupancy service.

A draft document by Helge Braun, head of Merkel's office, recommends that from June 6 private gatherings of up to 20 people could be held, wherever possible in the open air. Gatherings are currently limited to two households.

But authorities know they have to tread a fine line between reopening society and keeping Germans safe. In the central state of Hesse, a single church service on May 10 caused at least 107 new cases, they said.

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections.

Germany's central and regional governments were at odds on Monday over when and how far to ease contact distancing rules, with allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that scrapping them risks unleashing a new wave of coronavirus infections. The row erupted after Bodo Ramelow, premier of the eastern state of Thuringia, said on Saturday he would scrap rules on mask-wearing and distancing, relying instead on local measures. The states set most rules affecting day-to-day life in Germany. Though his proposal echoes federal government policy, which envisages gradually reopening the economy while responding fast to outbreaks with local lockdowns and contact-tracing, officials fear muddying the message could undermine public discipline. "Under no circumstances should the impression be given that the pandemic is over," Health Minister Jens Spahn told Bild newspaper, saying a clear message on social distancing, hygiene and mask-wearing would make it harder for the virus to spread. Numbers of new virus infections have fallen sharply over the past month. Shops, bars, restaurants, museums and churches have reopened, though many Germans continue to work from home and public transport is still less busy than usual. Germany has also seen protests calling for a more rapid lifting of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. State-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn said on Monday it would start increasing long-distance travel again, alerting passengers when their train was more than half full and letting them rebook onto a lower occupancy service. A draft document by Helge Braun, head of Merkel's office, recommends that from June 6 private gatherings of up to 20 people could be held, wherever possible in the open air. Gatherings are currently limited to two households. But authorities know they have to tread a fine line between reopening society and keeping Germans safe. In the central state of Hesse, a single church service on May 10 caused at least 107 new cases, they said.

Germany: Central and regional governments tussle over lifting lockdown

NASA is inviting applications for a programme where it'll pay volunteers for spending eight months in isolation.

A six-member crew will be kept in an environment designed to mimic the conditions of potential future Moon and Mars missions, in Russia's capital Moscow.

<img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fddff6c-644b-45e0-ac21-8f7d599d9b2d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/200521153053-02-nasa-isolation-mission-exlarge-169.jpg" /> 
The mission facility in Moscow

NASA is looking for healthy individuals between the ages of 30 and 55 who are fluent in both English and Russian.

They must also have a M.S., PhD., M.D. or have completed military officer training. NASA will consider other participants with a bachelor's degree and other qualifications such as military or professional experience.

Participants will be compensated, and there are varying levels of pay depending on whether you're associated with NASA.

It aims to learn about the physiological and psychological effects of isolation and confinement on humans during long-duration missions.

This study builds on a four-month study&nbsp;conducted in 2019.

The SIRIUS-19 analog mission had six participants, two Americans and four Russians, isolated in a metal habitat that acted as their spacecraft, lunar lander and home.

NASA hopes to better understand how long spaceflight journeys and extended exposure to isolation and confinement will affect astronauts on upcoming Artemis missions and eventual trips to Mars.

Artemis is NASA's program to land humans back on the Moon by 2024 in preparation for an eventual trip to Mars.

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NASA is inviting applications for a programme where it'll pay volunteers for spending eight months in isolation. A six-member crew will be kept in an environment designed to mimic the conditions of potential future Moon and Mars missions, in Russia's capital Moscow.

NASA is inviting applications for a programme where it'll pay volunteers for spending eight months in isolation. A six-member crew will be kept in an environment designed to mimic the conditions of potential future Moon and Mars missions, in Russia's capital Moscow. The mission facility in Moscow NASA is looking for healthy individuals between the ages of 30 and 55 who are fluent in both English and Russian. They must also have a M.S., PhD., M.D. or have completed military officer training. NASA will consider other participants with a bachelor's degree and other qualifications such as military or professional experience. Participants will be compensated, and there are varying levels of pay depending on whether you're associated with NASA. It aims to learn about the physiological and psychological effects of isolation and confinement on humans during long-duration missions. This study builds on a four-month study conducted in 2019. The SIRIUS-19 analog mission had six participants, two Americans and four Russians, isolated in a metal habitat that acted as their spacecraft, lunar lander and home. NASA hopes to better understand how long spaceflight journeys and extended exposure to isolation and confinement will affect astronauts on upcoming Artemis missions and eventual trips to Mars. Artemis is NASA's program to land humans back on the Moon by 2024 in preparation for an eventual trip to Mars.

NASA seeking volunteers for paid isolation during 'fake' Mars mission

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name.

Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/name-of-elon-musks-newborn-baby-not-acceptable-in-california-297415">Name of Elon Musk's newborn baby not 'acceptable' in California</a>

However, speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California, where the couple live, as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language, according to the state constitution.

The slight variation in the name was revealed by&nbsp;Grimes on her Instagram page on Sunday when a user asked her if she had changed her baby’s name because of California laws and what the new name was.

"X Æ A-Xii" wrote the singer in response, without confirming the reason for the change.

The singer also responded to another comment, saying: "Roman numerals. Looks better tbh."

Musk, who already has five sons from his previous marriage to author Justine Wilson, said that it was girlfriend and Canadian singer Grimes who had come up with the name for their son.

She&nbsp;had explained the meaning of each character of her baby's name in a Tweet.

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•X, the unknown variable ⚔️ 
•Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &amp;/or Artificial intelligence) 
•A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent 🤍 
+ 
(A=Archangel, my favorite song) 
(⚔️🐁 metal rat)
— ꧁ ༒ Gℜiꪔ⃕es ༒꧂ 🍓🐉🎀 小仙女 (@Grimezsz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Grimezsz/status/1257836061520101377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name. Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his girlfriend singer and musician Grimes have changed their baby's name. Earlier this month, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk announced the birth of the baby boy in a post on Twitter, revealing his son was called "X Æ A-12 Musk." Also read: Name of Elon Musk's newborn baby not 'acceptable' in California However, speculation arose that the unusual moniker might fall foul of the law in California, where the couple live, as names can only use the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language, according to the state constitution. The slight variation in the name was revealed by Grimes on her Instagram page on Sunday when a user asked her if she had changed her baby’s name because of California laws and what the new name was. "X Æ A-Xii" wrote the singer in response, without confirming the reason for the change. The singer also responded to another comment, saying: "Roman numerals. Looks better tbh." Musk, who already has five sons from his previous marriage to author Justine Wilson, said that it was girlfriend and Canadian singer Grimes who had come up with the name for their son. She had explained the meaning of each character of her baby's name in a Tweet. •X, the unknown variable ⚔️ •Æ, my elven spelling of Ai (love &/or Artificial intelligence) •A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favorite aircraft). No weapons, no defenses, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent 🤍 + (A=Archangel, my favorite song) (⚔️🐁 metal rat) — ꧁ ༒ Gℜiꪔ⃕es ༒꧂ 🍓🐉🎀 小仙女 (@Grimezsz) May 6, 2020 ×

Elon Musk and Grimes change their newborn baby's name

British Prime Minister's adviser&nbsp;Dominic Cummings will face a&nbsp;police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him.

Cummings, architect of the 2016 campaign to leave the EU, came under pressure when newspapers reported he had travelled from London to northern England in March when his wife was ill with COVID-19 symptoms during a nationwide lockdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-backs-cummings-despite-calls-to-quit-over-coronavirus-lockdown-travel-300808" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson backs Cummings despite calls to quit over coronavirus lockdown travel</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed his senior adviser&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Cummings&nbsp;on Sunday, despite calls from within his own Conservative Party for the aide to resign for driving 250 miles during the coronavirus lockdown.

Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees made a complaint to the police after reporting that he&nbsp;saw Cummings and his family on 12 April&nbsp;walking in the town of Barnard Castle before getting into a car.

Lees’ alleged sighting of Cummings in the town, 30 miles from Durham, where the aide had been self-isolating after developing Covid-19 symptoms – appeared to come while he was still ill, according to his own account.&nbsp;

As well as Lees’ complaint, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Durham County Council has demanded that the police open an investigation into whether Cummings broke the 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations.

Durham police are now expected to assess the complaints they have received and decide whether further action, such as an investigation, is needed.

British Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings will face a police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him.

British Prime Minister's adviser Dominic Cummings will face a police investigation under health laws over a claim that he breached self-isolation rules in north-east England, after a weekend of mounting pressure on the prime minister to sack him. Cummings, architect of the 2016 campaign to leave the EU, came under pressure when newspapers reported he had travelled from London to northern England in March when his wife was ill with COVID-19 symptoms during a nationwide lockdown. Also read: UK PM Johnson backs Cummings despite calls to quit over coronavirus lockdown travel Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed his senior adviser Dominic Cummings on Sunday, despite calls from within his own Conservative Party for the aide to resign for driving 250 miles during the coronavirus lockdown. Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees made a complaint to the police after reporting that he saw Cummings and his family on 12 April walking in the town of Barnard Castle before getting into a car. Lees’ alleged sighting of Cummings in the town, 30 miles from Durham, where the aide had been self-isolating after developing Covid-19 symptoms – appeared to come while he was still ill, according to his own account. As well as Lees’ complaint, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Durham County Council has demanded that the police open an investigation into whether Cummings broke the 2020 Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations. Durham police are now expected to assess the complaints they have received and decide whether further action, such as an investigation, is needed.

Boris Johnson's top aide Cummings to face police investigation as pressure mounts

Hong Kong's security and police chiefs said "terrorism" was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing's plans to introduce national security laws after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move.

The security legislation, which could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong and aims to tackle secession, subversion and terrorist activities, has sent shockwaves through the business and diplomatic communities.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-to-oppose-chinas-controversial-law-300786">Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law</a>

"Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as 'Hong Kong independence', become more rampant," secretary for security John Lee said in a statement.

"In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence," he said, adding national security laws were needed to safeguard the city's prosperity and stability.

Police said they arrested more than 180 people on sunday, when authorities fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse anti-government protesters as unrest returned to the chinese-ruled city after months of relative calm.

Police commissioner chris tang said there have been 14 cases involving explosives "commonly used in terrorist attacks overseas" and five seizures of firearms and ammunition since protests began in june last year.

The draft legislation "will help combat the force of 'Hong Kong independence' and restore social order. police fully support it," Tang said.

In a return of the unrest that roiled hong kong last year, crowds thronged the streets of the city on Sunday in defiance of curbs imposed to contain the coronavirus, with chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," echoing through the streets. 
calls for independence are anathema to Beijing, which considers Hong Kong an inalienable part of the country.

The proposed new national security framework stresses Beijing’s intent "to prevent, stop and punish" such acts.

Protests are expected to resume on Wednesday, when the city's legislature is expected to give a second reading of a bill that would criminalise abuse of china's national anthem.

Agencies issuing statements in support of the legislation included the commissioner of correctional services, Hong Kong customs, the fire department and the government flying service. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong's security and police chiefs said "terrorism" was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing's plans to introduce national security laws after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move.

Hong Kong's security and police chiefs said "terrorism" was growing in the city, as government departments rallied on Monday behind Beijing's plans to introduce national security laws after thousands took to the streets to protest against the move. The security legislation, which could see Chinese intelligence agencies set up bases in Hong Kong and aims to tackle secession, subversion and terrorist activities, has sent shockwaves through the business and diplomatic communities. Also see: Thousands take to streets in Hong Kong to oppose China's controversial law "Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which harm national security, such as 'Hong Kong independence', become more rampant," secretary for security John Lee said in a statement. "In just a few months, Hong Kong has changed from one of the safest cities in the world to a city shrouded in the shadow of violence," he said, adding national security laws were needed to safeguard the city's prosperity and stability. Police said they arrested more than 180 people on sunday, when authorities fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse anti-government protesters as unrest returned to the chinese-ruled city after months of relative calm. Police commissioner chris tang said there have been 14 cases involving explosives "commonly used in terrorist attacks overseas" and five seizures of firearms and ammunition since protests began in june last year. The draft legislation "will help combat the force of 'Hong Kong independence' and restore social order. police fully support it," Tang said. In a return of the unrest that roiled hong kong last year, crowds thronged the streets of the city on Sunday in defiance of curbs imposed to contain the coronavirus, with chants of "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," echoing through the streets. calls for independence are anathema to Beijing, which considers Hong Kong an inalienable part of the country. The proposed new national security framework stresses Beijing’s intent "to prevent, stop and punish" such acts. Protests are expected to resume on Wednesday, when the city's legislature is expected to give a second reading of a bill that would criminalise abuse of china's national anthem. Agencies issuing statements in support of the legislation included the commissioner of correctional services, Hong Kong customs, the fire department and the government flying service.

Hong Kong security chief warn of growing 'terrorism' as national laws loom

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture".

The announcement came&nbsp;after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The decision to release the prisoners was taken "to ensure success of the peace process", Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter on Sunday.

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Pres. Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2000 Taliban prisoners as a good will gesture in response to the Taliban’s announcement of a ceasefire during Eid.The AFG Gov is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure success of the peace process. <a href="https://t.co/So0UEB5Bpi">pic.twitter.com/So0UEB5Bpi</a>
— Sediq Sediqqi (@SediqSediqqi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SediqSediqqi/status/1264549213372911617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the ceasefire appeared to hold as there were no reports of clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces by the end of the first day on Sunday.

Ghani said a government delegation was "ready to immediately start the peace talks" with the Taliban.

Government negotiators would be headed by Ghani's former rival Abdullah Abdullah after the two signed a power-sharing deal last week that ended a months-long political crisis.

Before Sunday's announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the Taliban had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture". The announcement came after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has started the process to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners as a "goodwill gesture". The announcement came after the government welcomed the armed group's surprise announcement of a three-day ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The decision to release the prisoners was taken "to ensure success of the peace process", Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on Twitter on Sunday. Pres. Ghani today initiated a process to release up to 2000 Taliban prisoners as a good will gesture in response to the Taliban’s announcement of a ceasefire during Eid.The AFG Gov is extending the offer of peace and is taking further steps to ensure success of the peace process. pic.twitter.com/So0UEB5Bpi — Sediq Sediqqi (@SediqSediqqi) May 24, 2020 × Meanwhile, the ceasefire appeared to hold as there were no reports of clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces by the end of the first day on Sunday. Ghani said a government delegation was "ready to immediately start the peace talks" with the Taliban. Government negotiators would be headed by Ghani's former rival Abdullah Abdullah after the two signed a power-sharing deal last week that ended a months-long political crisis. Before Sunday's announcement, Kabul had already released about 1,000 Taliban inmates while the Taliban had freed roughly 300 members of the Afghan security forces, according to reports.

Afghan president Ghani pledges to release up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners

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