Briefly

UNITED STATES

NASA calls off test for Artemis I mission

NASA's final major test for its mega moon rocket and Orion spacecraft was called off due to a tech issue on Monday, said the United States' space agency on Tuesday. During the two-day test, the launch team ran through operations to load propellant into the mega rocket's tanks, conduct a full launch countdown and demonstrate the ability to recycle the countdown clock. Through the Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a steppingstone on the way to Mars.

AFGHANISTAN

6 wounded in Kabul mosque grenade blast

At least six people were wounded in a hand grenade explosion inside a big mosque in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on Wednesday, sources said. The wounded were shifted to hospitals and a suspect has been arrested, according to the ministry. The official report spelled no further details. "The blast occurred shortly after people offered praying at midday. The Taliban security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures," eyewitness Najib Ullah told Xinhua. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

SYRIA

Explosive leftovers kill nearly 30 in March

A total of 29 civilians, including 12 children, were killed in March by explosives left in former battle zones across Syria, a war monitor reported on Wednesday. The killing leftovers of war include explosive devices, land mines, and other unexploded substances, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The deadly accidents occurred across the country in areas controlled by different factions, the London-based watchdog said. Also on Wednesday, two Syrians were wounded when an explosive device ripped through their vehicle in the capital Damascus, state news agency SANA reported.

INDONESIA

ASEAN travelers allowed in visa-free

The Indonesian government has reinstated a visa-free visit policy for citizens of fellow ASEAN member countries, said the Ministry of Law and Human Rights on Tuesday. People from countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are only required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative polymerase chain reaction test taken 48 hours before arrival, and use a test and tracking app on their mobile phone. They are no longer required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival as long as they pass a temperature check.

BALKANS

Bosnian trade fair returns after hiatus

The 23rd International Economy Fair in Mostar opened on Tuesday, after a two-year break due to COVID-19. Some 750 exhibitors from more than 20 countries are presenting their products and services in the 30,000-square meter exhibition area. Since it was first launched in 1997, the fair has grown into Bosnia's biggest exhibition. This year's exhibition is due to close on April 9.

Agencies - Xinhua