Swirling floods inundated more districts and towns across Pakistan, killing another 34 people over the past 24 hours, officials and local media reported on Friday.

Swollen rivers, streams and dams burst their banks and swept through hundreds of houses, buildings and dozens of bridges, and roads in southwestern, northwestern and southern Pakistan, disconnecting several major cities, including a provincial capital, from the rest of the country.
The majority of the deaths were reported from southern Sindh, where 16 people lost their lives followed by southwestern Balochistan, where another 13 people died in the rain-related mishaps, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a state-run agency that coordinates between different relief and rescue organizations, said on Friday.
The remaining fatalities were reported in northeastern Punjab and the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, which borders China.
The latest casualties bring the total number of casualties since June 14 to 937, with nearly 1,400 injured across Pakistan, mostly in Sindh and Balochistan.
Authorities fear an increase in the death toll as hundreds of people are still missing, mainly in the mountainous regions of Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab.
Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman told reporters in Islamabad that a staggering 30 million people out of the country's 220 million people are without shelter, with thousands of them displaced and without food.
The rescue workers, however, put the number at "tens of thousands."

At least 15 bridges and hundreds of houses have been washed away over the past 24 hours in the two provinces, according to the reports.

Fresh rains and floods have halted rail and road travel between dozens of districts in the two provinces, including the capital of Balochistan, Quetta, and the rest of the country.
The telecommunication system has also been badly affected in scores of districts and towns, with cellular and landline telephone services remaining out of order.
Balochistan Senator Samina Mumtaz told reporters that several districts in the floods-battered province are reeling from serious food shortages.
In Sindh, fresh floods caused by the latest torrential downpours inundated several major highways, including the main Indus Highway, hampering the relief efforts.
In several farther parts, army and air force planes are the only source of delivering food, water bottles, and medicines to the marooned people.
The northern and southern districts of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, were added to the list after massive downpours along with flash floods swollen rivers, swept through houses, buildings and roads, and triggered landslides.
The scenic Swat valley and adjoining Dir, and Buner districts are the hardest hit as well as the southern district of Dera Ismail Khan.

Several footages aired on local broadcasters showed grim scenes, depicting the actual magnitude of the catastrophe, which is seen as bigger than the 2010 floods that inundated a fifth of Pakistan and killed over 2,000 people.

Gushing floods flowing with bullet speed swept through houses, restaurants, and buildings perched on the river banks in Swat, as stunned pedestrians looked on from a distance.
Muddy rainwaters gushed through the streets of Quetta, washing away motorbikes, TV sets, refrigerators, and other household items, while citizens standing on rooftops watched helplessly.
In Balochistan, floodwaters washed away a 140-year-old historic railway bridge.
Hundreds of stranded people in Dadu, Badin, Sanghar, Ghotki, and other districts of Sindh were seen wading through waist-deep waters to safety. Many of the men were carrying belongings on their shoulders and heads, while women were cuddling their minor children and struggling to maintain their balance.
Rainwaters lapped against the roofs of houses in many low-lying areas, transforming the ground, streets, and even major highways into rivers.
Pakistan has already declared a national emergency and called in the army to assist the civil administration in relief and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, following the prime minister's appeal for assistance, international organizations and financial institutions have announced an immediate aid package of more than $500 million for flood victims.
The World Bank has announced $350 million, World Food Program $110 million, Asian Development Bank $20 million, and UK Aid over $40 million for flood victims, according to the premier's office.

Some 30 million people are without shelter with thousands displaced by heavy rains, floods

The majority of the deaths were reported from southern Sindh

Raging floods kill another 34 across Pakistan

The trial of three journalists from Finland’s largest newspaper accused of publishing classified defense intelligence will start next month, with proceedings kicking off in the capital Helsinki on Thursday.

Two journalists and a former editor at the daily Helsingin Sanomat are facing possible prison terms in the case related to a December 2017 investigative report about a defense intelligence unit, which prosecutors said disclosed sensitive information.
The report was part of "a series of articles … on plans – which required a constitutional amendment – to give Finland’s security services greater powers to carry out surveillance and covert operations domestically and abroad," according to the International Press Institute.
As preliminary proceedings commenced at a court in Helsinki, the hearing has been scheduled to begin on Sept. 29, according to Finland’s public broadcaster Yle.
Laura Halminen and Tuomo Pietilainen, who penned the report, and Kalle Silfverberg, former head of the paper’s political news department, were officially charged with disclosing and attempting to disclose state secrets in October 2021.
All three have denied any wrongdoing, with defense lawyers arguing that the published information was already accessible in public sources, according to the Yle report.
Prosecutors contend the journalists were aware of possible criminal liability before publishing the story, and are seeking a "conditional prison sentence" of at least 18 months for each of the defendants, the report said.
The trio could be jailed for between four months and four years, according to Yle.
Helsingin Sanomat’s Editor-in-Chief Kaius Niemi and Managing Editor Esa Makinen were also initially accused in the case, but charges against them were later dropped.

Trial set to commence on Sept. 29, journalists deny charges related to December 2017 report about defense intelligence unit

Two journalists and a former editor at the daily Helsingin Sanomat are facing possible prison terms

3 journalists face trial for publishing classified defense intel in Finland

Ukraine on Tuesday banned public events celebrating the country's 31st Independence Day fearing renewed Russian attacks. 

Large gatherings are prohibited in Kyiv from Aug. 22-25, the city administration said.
- We are actively preparing for the new week, which is very important for all of us, for our country - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a speech last Saturday.
- Our Flag Day, our Independence Day is ahead… We should be aware that this week Russia may try to do something particularly nasty, something particularly cruel. Such is our enemy. But in any other week during these six months, Russia did the same thing all the time, disgusting and cruel - he said.
Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications (StratCom) said on Telegram:- The threat of massive shelling on the territory of Ukraine with S-300 missiles is obvious. Considering the arrival of several trains [from Russia] before Aug. 20, it is clear that the Russians are preparing to attack Ukraine on Aug. 24.Russia launched its war in Ukraine on Feb. 24 resulting in large-scale civilian casualties.
At least 5,587 civilians have been killed so far and 7,890 others injured, according to the UN, which said the actual figures could be higher.

Ban on large gatherings in Kyiv from Aug. 22-25

Large gatherings are prohibited in Kyiv from Aug. 22-25

Ukraine bans Independence Day celebrations fearing Russian attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas with an official ceremony at the presidential complex in the capital Ankara on Tuesday. 

The leaders will hold one-on-one talks, followed by a joint news conference.
Erdogan and Abbas will exchange views on Türkiye-Palestine relations and latest developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict, as well as other regional and international issues, according to the Turkish Presidency.
They will also discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Abbas’ three-day visit comes as Türkiye and Israel take steps to normalize ties, including last week’s decision to restore full diplomatic relations and reappoint ambassadors and consuls general after a four-year hiatus.
Ankara, however, has repeatedly emphasized that there will be no change in its stance on the Palestine issue as it continues to support the two-state solution to end the decades-long conflict.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes Mahmoud Abbas with official ceremony in Turkish capital

Turkish, Palestinian presidents meet for talks in Ankara

India on Tuesday successfully test-fired a short-range surface-to-air missile, said an official statement.

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian navy successfully flight-tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur off the coast of eastern Indian state Odisha on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
- The flight test was carried out from an Indian Naval Ship against a high-speed unmanned aerial target for demonstration of vertical launch capability. The missiles, equipped with indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, intercepted the target with high accuracy. The VL-SRSAM system has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO - according to the statement.
The launch was monitored by senior scientists from various DRDO labs involved in the design and development of the system.
Complimenting DRDO, Indian navy and associated teams on the successful flight trial, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the missile will prove to be a force multiplier for the Indian navy.

Missile will prove to be force multiplier for Indian Navy, says defense chief

The launch was monitored by senior scientists

India successfully test-fires surface-to-air missile

Iran on Monday cited "good progress" in talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement with the West.

- So far, we had good progress - Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani told reporters in Tehran.

- But negotiations are a totality and there should be agreement on all issues. As long as there is no (overall) agreement, we cannot say we have reached a deal…although remaining issues in terms of percentage (of all issues) are small, but they are important - he added.

The spokesman said the Americans have not replied to Iran’s latest response to the latest European Union proposal for a nuclear agreement.
- We can speak about whether the negotiations were fruitful once the European Union announces it has received a response from the Americans. So far, this has not happened - Kanaani added.

The Iranian spokesman insisted that the Europeans and Americans need to reach a nuclear deal more than Tehran.

Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure campaign" on Tehran.
Iran retaliated by stepping back from its nuclear-related commitments under the deal. Tehran has since exceeded thresholds on the enrichment of uranium, as well as the amount it is allowed to possess under the pact.

Iran says US didn’t respond to its response to EU proposal for nuclear deal

The Iranian spokesman insisted that the Europeans and Americans need to reach a nuclear deal

Iran cites "good progress" in nuclear talks

A violent explosion took place on Wednesday in a mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul, local police said.

Halid Zadran, the spokesperson of the Kabul Police Department, reported that an explosion occurred at the Abu Bakr al Sadiq Mosque during evening prayers.&nbsp;Noting that there were dead and injured due to the explosion, Zadran did not make an official statement on the casualties.&nbsp;He said a large number of security and first aid teams were dispatched to the area.Emergency Hospital, one of the largest healthcare centers in Kabul, announced on Twitter that 27 patients, including five children, were treated there, while the Al Jazeera network has claimed that about 20 people lost their lives.
There have yet been no claims of responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for Afghanistan's interim administration, condemned the explosion but did not providing information on casualties.Mujahid said the perpetrators would be found as soon as possible.

Local police fear possible deaths, injuries due to explosion during evening prayers

There have yet been no claims of responsibility for the attack

Blast in Afghan capital Kabul mosque, casualties feared

<a href="https://avaz.ba/tag/109290/us-en">The only way to achieve a mutual return to the 2015 nuclear deal</a> is for Iran to drop further unacceptable demands, said the US State Department. 

- We have long called these demands extraneous. They have no place in Vienna. They have no place in the discussions regarding a potential return to compliance with the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or 2015 deal) - spokesperson Ned Price told a briefing Monday.

<h2>Indirect talks between Iran and the US</h2>

- If Iran wants these sanctions lifted, they will need to alter their underlying conduct; they will need to change the dangerous activities that gave rise to these sanctions in the first place - he added.

Iran has submitted its response to the European Union's draft text aimed at salvaging the accord, which the bloc is currently examining.
Indirect talks between Iran and the US, mediated by the EU, concluded in the Austrian capital earlier this month with a final draft of the agreement on the table. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that the US “verbally agreed” to two of their demands, but not the third that is related to guarantees.

<h2>How EU will respond to the EU's final text</h2>

Asked how the US will respond to the EU's final text, Price said: "We will share our views on the text proposed by the High Representative directly with him. We will do that privately."

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 by Iran, the US, China, Russia, France, the UK, Germany, and the EU, but Washington under the administration of former President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018.
Tehran committed itself to limiting its nuclear activity to civilian purposes and in return, world powers agreed to drop their economic sanctions against Iran. But the US' withdrawal from the landmark deal and re-imposition of sanctions prompted Iran to stop complying with the nuclear deal.

Talks in Vienna ended earlier this month, with EU circulating draft text to finalize deal

Price:  They have no place in the discussions regarding a potential return to compliance with the JCPOA

US says Iran must drop "extraneous" demands on nuclear deal

<a href="https://avaz.ba/tag/108130/vladimir-putin-en">Russian President Vladimir Putin said on</a> Tuesday that the West is trying to contain the formation of a multipolar world by activating old conflicts to preserve its hegemony.
Speaking at the 2022 Moscow Conference on International Security, Putin said the Western countries are striving to hold the countries and peoples in chains of the neocolonial order.

- Their (Western) hegemony means stagnation for the whole world, for the whole civilization, (it means) obscurantism, the abolition of culture, and neoliberal totalitarianism - he said.

In an attempt to preserve their domination, the US and its allies rudely interfere in the internal affairs of the countries, organize coups, civil wars, provocations, use blackmail, and pressure to subdue states to its will, Putin added.
- In these conditions, we have decided to conduct a special military operation in Ukraine in full compliance with the UN Charter. The objectives of this operation are clearly defined – ensuring the security of Russia and our citizens, protecting the residents of Donbass from genocide - he said.
The situation in Ukraine shows that the US is working on the protraction of the conflict, he added.
Meanwhile, Washington has also attempted a provocation in the Asia-Pacific region, Putin said, calling US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan "a part of the US purposeful strategy" on destabilization of the region and "insolent demonstration" of disrespect to the sovereignty of other countries.

<h2>Over 700 military officials in the work of the forum</h2>

The establishment of the military alliances in the Asia-Pacific is another part of the plan, he said.

- It is obvious that with the help of such actions, Western globalist elites are also trying to divert the attention of their own citizens from acute socio-economic problems – falling living standards, unemployment, poverty, deindustrialization – to shift their own failures to other countries – to Russia, to China - he noted.
- It is a multipolar world built on international law, on fairer relations, that opens up new opportunities to combat common threats. Among them are regional conflicts and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and cybercrime.
All these challenges are global in nature, and they cannot be overcome without combining the efforts and potentials of all states -&nbsp; Putin said, adding that the Moscow Conference on International Security is organized to actively contribute to peace and stability, to the development of the constructive dialogue and partnership.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, over 700 military officials from more than 37 countries will take part in the work of the forum.

He criticizes West for interfering in internal affairs of sovereign states, explaining it by desire to preserve global hegemony

Putin: Western countries are striving to hold the countries and peoples in chains of the neocolonial order

Putin says West tries to contain formation of multipolar world

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder that the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline could be activated if necessary, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov confirmed Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in the Russian capital Moscow, Peskov said the comment was made during Schroeder’s meeting with Putin in Moscow.
According to Peskov, Schroeder, like many experts, expressed his concern over the energy crisis and demanded during his meeting with Putin that Russia issue a statement on its approach to energy developments.
In response to Schroeder’s question on activating the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the event of a crisis, Putin replied that it is technically possible, although he said the project needs a lot of work for immediate use.
Nonetheless, Peskov confirmed that it would not be possible for the Nord Stream 2 to operate at full capacity until the end of the year, even if it is commissioned today.
- Only at half capacity, 27.5 billion cubic meters can be shipped, because the other half of the capacity is used for domestic consumption - he said.Speaking on the Taiwan visit of US Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, Peskov described the visit as "a provocation in its purest form", having nothing to do with supporting freedom or democracy.
- The tension that has increased due to the provocation created by this visit should not be underestimated - he said.

Putin's comment comes at meeting with former German chancellor in Moscow

Putin relays to Schroeder feasibility of activating Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday concluded her controversial trip to Taiwan. 

Pelosi reached Taipei Songshan Airport at around 5.15 p.m. (0915GMT) and spent some 14 minutes bidding goodbye and taking photos with Taiwanese, accompanying American lawmakers and officials, besides the airport ground staff.
Pelosi was seen moving around the tarmac, near the US Air Force jet, waiting for its next destination to South Korea. The 82-year-old American lawmaker was also seen handing over something, probably gifts, to Taiwanese officials at the airport.

<h2>Pelosi will visit Seoul and Japan</h2>

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu saw Pelosi and her delegation off, and the plane finally took off at 6.01 p.m. (1001GMT).

The trip drew interest around the world as people closely followed China's response to Pelosi's trip. Beijing had strongly urged the US House speaker to abandon the trip, warning of consequences if it took place.
Pelosi is on a four-nation trip to Asia and flew to Taiwan on Tuesday night from Malaysia, a first trip to the self-ruled island by a sitting US House speaker in the 25 years.
Over the next few days she will visit Seoul and then Japan.
The US House speaker met with the Taiwanese president, lawmakers, and activists, including one who fled Hong Kong and has now settled in Taiwan.

Her trip was met with angry responses from China, which launched military drills and planned four days of exercises surrounding the island.

Beijing considers Taiwan its “breakaway province” and has strongly urged other nations to avoid direct relations with Taipei – which enjoys independent diplomatic ties with at least 14 nations.
The US does not recognize Taiwan as a separate nation but has economic and defense relations with the self-ruled island.
Republican Newt Gingrich was the last US House speaker to travel to Taiwan, in 1997.

Nancy Pelosi is 1st sitting US House speaker to visit Taiwan in past 25 years

Pelosi on Wednesday concluded her controversial trip to Taiwan

US House Speaker Pelosi ends flashpoint visit to Taiwan

Russia announced on Monday that 39 more prominent Brits have been added to its list of people banned from entering the country, including opposition Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron. 

Ian Blackford, the Scottish National Party’s leader in Westminster, as well as Piers Morgan, a TV presenter and journalist, were also banned from Russia.
Russia said its actions were in response to UK sanctions against Russians, which it condemned.
It also banned other senior figures in Britain’s political and media establishments, saying that they “contribute to London’s hostile course aimed at the demonisation of our country and its international isolation.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the “pernicious actions of the UK in planting Russophobia, spreading false information about our country and supporting the Kyiv neo-Nazi regime will receive an adequate and decisive response from the Russian side.”
- The choice in favor of confrontation is a conscious decision of the British political establishment, which bears all responsibility for the consequences - it added.
Britain has led the way in tough sanctions against Russia since it launched war on Ukraine in February, and has also been one of Kiev’s staunchest supporters.​​​​​​​

Moscow adds 39 more prominent Brits to its no-entry list

Russia said its actions were in response to UK sanctions against Russians, which it condemned

Russia bans senior UK politicians, journalists from entry

Russia is using a nuclear reactor in Ukraine as cover to allow it to launch strikes on Ukrainian forces without fear of reprisal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.

Addressing reporters at the UN's New York headquarters, Blinken said Russian forces have been using the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which they seized from Ukraine in March, as a "nuclear shield," describing the tactic as "the height of irresponsibility."
Russian forces are "firing on Ukrainians from around the plant, and of course the Ukrainians cannot and will not fire back less there be a terrible accident involving a nuclear plant," he said.
- It's vitally important that the IAEA get access to understand what's happening in these facilities and to make sure that they continue to be used in ways that uphold all of the necessary commitments on safety, and security of the plants - Blinken added, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The New York Times first reported on Russia's alleged use of the Zaporizhzhia plant, which is Europe's largest, as "cover." Blinken said the report is "credible."
Russian shelling from the facility is "complicating" Ukrainian plans to mount a counteroffensive in the southern areas of the country occupied by Russian forces, the Times reported.

Russian forces "firing on Ukrainians from around" Zaporizhzhia nuclear station, says secretary of state

Russian shelling from the facility is "complicating" Ukrainian plans to mount a counteroffensive in the southern areas of the country

US says Russia using Ukraine reactor as "nuclear shield"

Ukrainian refugees in Spain will receive €400 ($410) per month in aid from the government.

The money will be provided to Ukrainians who have obtained temporary protection in Spain and do not have sufficient financial means.
The government approved a royal decree on Monday, according to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.&nbsp;An additional €100 ($102) will be offered for every dependent minor.The government said last month that more than 130,000 people from Ukraine have received temporary protection in Spain since the start of the war with Russia.
According to latest data from the UN Refugee Agency, nearly 10 million Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries since the war began on Feb. 24.

Additional $102 will be offered for every dependent minor, says Spanish government

The government approved a royal decree on Monday

Spain to give Ukrainian refugees monthly aid of $410

Seven civilians, including five children, were killed and 13 others injured when Russian airstrikes hit Christian-majority villages in the west of Syria’s Idlib province.

According to the opposition aircraft observatory, the Russian warplane took off from the Khmeimim air base in Latakia and hit Al-Yacoubiyah and Judayda villages at 0236GMT.
The White Helmets, or Syrian Civil Defense, officials said, according to initial reports, seven civilians, including five children, were killed and 13 others injured in the attack.
During the Astana meeting in 2017, Türkiye, Russia, and Iran agreed to create four "de-escalation zones" in the area that is not controlled by the Assad regime. However, the Syrian regime, Iran-backed terrorists, and Russia continued their attacks and took over three of the four regions and headed for Idlib.
Although Türkiye reached an additional agreement to strengthen the cease-fire with Russia in September 2018, the attacks intensified again in May 2019. The cease-fire, however, is largely preserved now after Türkiye and Russia reached a new agreement on March 5, 2020.
Approximately 2 million civilians fleeing the attacks during the 2017-2020 period had to migrate to regions close to the Turkish border.

Airstrikes hit Al-Yacoubiyah, Judayda villages in Idlib's west

Seven civilians, including five children, were killed and 13 others injured

Russian strikes on Christian-majority villages in Syria kill 7 civilians

Ukraine's central bank on Thursday devalued the national currency by 25% against the greenback in order to protect its foreign exchange reserves as the ongoing war continues to batter its economy. 

The move comes a day after it was reported that Ukraine had requested foreign debt payments from key creditors.
It altered the official exchange rate of the hryvnia to the US dollar by 25%, to UAH/USD 36.5686, according to a statement from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).&nbsp;The decision was motivated by a shift in the fundamental parameters of the economy, it said.- This step will improve the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers, converge exchange rate conditions for different groups of businesses and households, and support the resilience of the economy during the war - it added.
The adjustment of the official hryvnia exchange rate will have only a limited impact on the acceleration of price growth, the central bank asserted, adding that "instead, fixing the official rate at a new, more stable level will allow the NBU to keep price developments in Ukraine under control."
- Changing the exchange rate will raise inflows, and thus sales of foreign currency revenues by exporters, minimize the speculative behavior of market participants, and allow stabilizing exchange rate expectations - the bank said.

Hryvnia rate now set at 36.5686 per US dollar compared with 29.25, says official statement

Changing the exchange rate will raise inflows

Raging floods kill another 34 across Pakistan

3 journalists face trial for publishing classified defense intel in Finland

Ukraine bans Independence Day celebrations fearing Russian attacks

Turkish, Palestinian presidents meet for talks in Ankara

India successfully test-fires surface-to-air missile

Iran cites "good progress" in nuclear talks

Blast in Afghan capital Kabul mosque, casualties feared

US says Iran must drop "extraneous" demands on nuclear deal

Putin says West tries to contain formation of multipolar world

Putin relays to Schroeder feasibility of activating Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US House Speaker Pelosi ends flashpoint visit to Taiwan

Russia bans senior UK politicians, journalists from entry

US says Russia using Ukraine reactor as "nuclear shield"

Spain to give Ukrainian refugees monthly aid of $410

Russian strikes on Christian-majority villages in Syria kill 7 civilians

Ukraine devalues currency by 25% against greenback amid war

World

Raging floods kill another 34 across Pakistan

3 journalists face trial for publishing classified defense intel in Finland

Ukraine bans Independence Day celebrations fearing Russian attacks

Turkish, Palestinian presidents meet for talks in Ankara

India successfully test-fires surface-to-air missile

Iran cites "good progress" in nuclear talks

Blast in Afghan capital Kabul mosque, casualties feared

US says Iran must drop "extraneous" demands on nuclear deal

Putin says West tries to contain formation of multipolar world

Putin relays to Schroeder feasibility of activating Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US House Speaker Pelosi ends flashpoint visit to Taiwan

Russia bans senior UK politicians, journalists from entry

US says Russia using Ukraine reactor as "nuclear shield"

Spain to give Ukrainian refugees monthly aid of $410

Russian strikes on Christian-majority villages in Syria kill 7 civilians

Ukraine devalues currency by 25% against greenback amid war