Pak’s debut lunar orbiter lifts off from China
Islamabad, May 3: Pakistan’s debut lunar satellite mission was launched Friday on board China’s first lunar probe mission to collect samples from the far side of the Moon. The 53-day-long Chang’e-6 mission will collect samples for the first time from the far side of the moon and bring them for scientific studies. This is the first time that China has included an orbiter from its all-weather ally Pakistan in its moon mission. According to the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q satellite has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency Suparco. (PTI)
Quake hits Philippines
Manila, May 3: A 6.0 magnitude offshore earthquake rocked Leyte province in the central Philippines on Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. The institute said the quake, which occurred at 6:16 p.m. local time (1016 GMT), hit at a depth of 8 km, about 32 km southeast of Dulag, a coastal town, Xinhua news agency reported. The institute said the tectonic quake will trigger aftershocks and cause damage. The tremor was also felt in some parts of the province. (IANS)
Over 400 hospitalised in Vietnam due to food poisoning
Hanoi, May 3: As many as 487 people were admitted to hospital in Vietnam’s southern province of Dong Nai over the past few days after having eaten the bread sold by a local eatery, Vietnam News Agency reported on Friday. Among the cases, 19 have recovered and returned home. Two cases remain in critical condition while others are recovering with less severe symptoms of suspected food poisoning. Vietnam’s food safety department under the health ministry on Friday ordered an investigation into the case. (IANS)
Over 50 die of heatstroke in Myanmar in April
Yangon, May 3: In the scorching month of April, over 50 fatalities were recorded due to heatstroke in Mandalay, central Myanmar, an official from the Mani Sala Rescue Organization told Xinhua on Friday. Among the victims, about 30 had pre-existing chronic diseases, with the majority falling within the age range of 50 to 90, he said. The incidence of heatstroke spiked dramatically amid the heatwave in April this year in Myanmar. In March, the number of hospitalised heat-related cases was only eight, but surged to over 50 by April, he added. (IANS)
Japanese foreign minister to visit Nepal
Kathmandu, May 3: Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will be here for a day-long trip on May 5, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. “Yoko will meet and hold bilateral talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha. During her visit, she will also pay courtesy calls on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. (PTI)