Taliban confirms detention of 2 US nationals
Kabul, April 1: Afghan caretaker government’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has confirmed the detention of two US nationals in Afghanistan, local media said. “A number of foreign nationals, including two US nationals, have been held in Afghanistan and the reason for their imprisonment is a violation of Afghanistan’s laws,” Afghanistan National Radio and Television quoted Mujahid on Sunday as saying. Without providing more details, the official noted that anyone who obtains an Afghan visa and enters the country is obliged to respect the law of the land, Xinhua news agency reported. Mujahid also said that in other countries, if Afghan nationals violate the law, they will definitely be arrested. (IANS)
‘Japan’s Moon lander goes dormant again’
New Delhi, April 1: After surviving two recent lunar nights, Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) has now gone dormant, the country’s space agency JAXA said on Monday. SLIM, also known as “Moon Sniper” in Japanese, touched down on the lunar surface on January 20. While SLIM achieved a pinpoint landing within 100 metres of the target, as planned, it, however, landed upside-down. With its solar panels not facing the sun, the lander cannot generate power. Mission officials were worried about the lander freezing, and not able to withstand the harsh lunar nights, where temperatures fall as low as -130 degrees Celsius. (IANS)
Israeli PM undergoes hernia surgery
Jerusalem, April 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had undergone a hernia surgery on Sunday night, his office said in a statement. Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, will temporarily fill the premier role when Netanyahu, who has been overseeing Israel’s 177-day war in Gaza, had undergone the operation, according to the office. The office did not specify when Netanyahu will return to his official responsibilities, Xinhua news agency reported. The hernia was discovered on Saturday night, during “a routine checkup,” the PM’s office said. (IANS)
Sri Lanka gives $ 1 mn to Gaza Children fund
Colombo, April 1: The Sri Lankan government has contributed USD 1 million to the Gaza Children’s Fund set up by the country to help children in war-torn Gaza who are affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Ranil Wickeremesinghe’s office said on Monday. Additionally, over 20 million Sri Lankan rupees will be formally transferred to the Palestine government soon in response to the president’s call to support the Gaza children, the statement added. “The government of Sri Lanka donated USD 1 million to assist children impacted by the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The donation was formally transferred to the government of Palestine through the United Nations’ official channel,” a statement said. (PTI)