China and the Netherlands early Monday successfully launched a lunar satellite which will listen for evidence of the Big Bang, the chain event that triggered the origins of the universe.

Xinhua news agency reported the satellite named Queqiao launched aboard a Long March-4C rocket that blasted off at 5:28 a.m. (21.28 GMT) from Chinas Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the countrys south-western province of Sichuan, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

The launch is a key step for China to realise its goal of being the first country to send a probe to soft-land on and rove the far side of the Moon, Xinhua quoted Zhang Lihua, manager of the relay satellite project, as saying.

About 25 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered an Earth-Moon transfer orbit, Xinhua reported.

Queqiao is carrying the Netherlands-China Low-Frequency Explorer, which will listen for low frequency radio signals that carry clues to the time a few hundred million years after the bang, when clouds of hydrogen were spawning the universes first stars, according to science news website space.com

Such frequencies are blocked by the earths atmosphere, according to the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, which built the Explorer.

Queqiao will be positioned 64,000 km from the farthest side of the Moon and will alsobe used in further lunar exploration by the China National Space Administration.

Besides the Explorer,Queqiaowill also launch two additional satellites Longjiang-I and Longjiang-II for Chinese experiments, according to space.com.

T(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

Police on Monday said 13 people died after consuming toxic alcohol in Indias northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Senior Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar said five people died on Saturday and eight on Sunday after consuming the locally-brewed alcohol in Kanpur district.

Kumar said 10 others are being treated at various hospitals and the death toll could rise.

So far 11 people suspected of being involved in the manufacture and sale of the alcohol have been arrested.

Sale of the spirit with brand name Madhuri-442 has been banned.

We are carrying out raids to confiscate stores of the alcohol, Kumar said.

An average of 1,000 people, mostly from the poorer sections of society, die in India each year after consuming locally brewed alcohol, according to National Crime Records Bureau.

Trade in locally brewed alcohol thrives in India, because it is much cheaper than commercially produced alcohol.

The liquor is usually made with poor-quality ingredients, and sometimes mixed with industrial alcohol and toxic substances and incidences of deaths from consuming such alcohol hit the headlines regularly.

In some of the worst cases of such poisoning, 200 people died in 1992 in Orissa state, 180 in West Bengal in 2011 and 100 in Mumbai in 2015. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN

Mr. Olisa Metuh,former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has collapsedat the Federal High Court in Abuja as he was making his way to the dock for his resumed trial .

Metuh is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the N400m he allegedly received fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014.

He fell down shortly after the case was called on Monday.

Details later

Source: NAN

Notable politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have paid solidarity visit to former Plateau Governor Jonah Jane, being remanded in Jos prison over allegation of money laundry and misappropriation.

Mr Luka Ayedoo, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Plateau Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS), confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

Justice Daniel Longji of the Plateau High Court, Jos, had on May 16 ordered that the Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly be remanded in prison after refusing him bail.

Ayedoo listed others that also visited Jang at the weekend to include Prof. Jerry Gana, a PDP chieftain, some senators from the South-South region and Chief Chris Giwa, another PDP chieftain in Plateau.

Ayedoo said: at the weekend, we received Prof. Jerry Gana, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, senators and other notable Nigerians who came on solidarity visit to Sen. Jonah Jang.

Even though Jang is in prison custody, he still reserves the right to be visited and so we wont deny him that right, he said.

The PRO, however, said restrictions were placed on the caliber of people to visit the former governor so as not to turn the prison yard into a political arena.

Those we give express permission to see him are few political allies, family members, his doctor and his lawyer, he said. (NAN).

Source: NAN

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi on Monday said the party would overcome its present challenges and become more stronger.

Olusi, a member of the APC Elders Forum in the state, made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said the holding of parallel congresses in some states on Saturday, though an issue did not mean differences among members were not reconcilable.

According to him, the development is not unusual as such differences are normal in a growing democracy like Nigerias.

Olusi said the issue should not be seen as an end to the partys ongoing reconciliation process being led by a former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He said the parallel congresses would rather help the process to succeed as it had exposed all the places where the committee needed to do serious work.

The chieftain charged the Tinubu committee to rise to the occasion, expressing the optimism that the party would be more cohesive and stronger at the end of the process.

You see disagreements are normal in politics, and we have seen that in the last congresses of our party; but that is not to say there is big crisis or that the reconciliation process is dead.

I believe a reconciliation effort led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is still on course.

The truth is, the issue of congresses came in the midst of reconciliation and the various parties to be reconciled had to go for congresses, that is why things happened that way.

The good thing is that the results of the congresses had shown the enormity of reconciliation the party has to do.

I believe the party is in control; all grievances will be addressed as some held parallel congresses just to prove a point.

I think the party will overcome all of these problems to become better at the end of the day, he said.

Olusi, however, said he believed that only one congress was held in Lagos, saying any other one could not stand.

He said any other congress aside that of the party Secretariat was a nullity, but expressed the optimism that all issues in the state chapter would also be resolved.

There was no parallel Congress in Lagos; you cannot build a house on nothing. There must be a foundation.

We had ward and council congresses and they were not challenged, since there were no parallel versions of the previous congresses, we cannot have a parallel state congress.

However, I understand that some people are aggrieved, we are all brothers and I am sure everything will be resolved, he said.

Source: NAN

Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday as Eden Hazard scored the winner with a first-half penalty.Here are three lessons from the Wembley showpiece:

In what could prove to be his final match as Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte enjoyed a sweet moment of vindication as he won his battle with old rival Jose Mourinho.

Conte had spent much of the season locked in a vitriolic feud with United boss Mourinho and although both claimed to have buried the hatchet this week, there was no doubting the Italians desire to beat his nemesis.

Conte played his part in Chelseas success, sending them out on the front foot in the first half and then ordering them to soak up Uniteds pressure after the interval.

It was a risky gambit but one that produced a handsome reward.

Yet Conte is aware his future at Chelsea is precarious after 12 months of tension behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Our job is very difficult. Sometimes you can win but the club decides to sack you anyway, he said recently.

Contes dismissal would not be without precedent two years ago, United sacked manager Louis van Gaal within hours of winning the FA Cup.

It remains to be seen whether the Italian suffers the same fate after leading Chelsea to their first FA Cup since 2012.

For Mourinho, it was a rare disappointment on the big stage as he was beaten for only the third time in his 15 appearances in cup finals with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and United.

Criticised for adopting a cautious approach in Uniteds biggest games this season, Mourinho once again paid the price for being too conservative in the first half.

Mourinho had instructed Ander Herrera to stick close to Hazard, but that man-marking role left United out-numbered in midfield and the Belgian made and scored the winner anyway.

United improved in the second half, but it was too late to stop Mourinho finishing the season empty-handed as Conte celebrated.

Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez cost United over 120 million in total transfer fees, with their combined weekly wages amounting to around 500,000-per-week.

But all that eye-watering investment bought United was the latest in a long list of underwhelming displays from their supposed superstars.

Former Arsenal forward Sanchez had scored eight goals in as many games at Wembley for club and country, but in keeping with his lacklustre start to life with United, he was largely anonymous against Chelsea.

It didnt help that Pogba once again played for long periods as though engaged in nothing more serious than a Sunday kickabout in the park.

The duos lack of cohesion was encapsulated in the second half when Pogba and Sanchez fell over one after the other as the France midfielders miscued pass to the Chilean was intercepted to stifle a United break.

Pogba was so out of sorts that he didnt even hit the target with a late header that could have forced extra-time.

Hazard was the lynchpin of Chelseas two Premier League title triumphs over the last four seasons, but, like many of his team-mates, this had been something of a lost year for the Belgium playmaker.

The 27-year-old had sparked talk of a move to Real Madrid this week when he flexed his muscles with Chelseas hierarchy, insisting he wanted to see who they sign in the close-season before deciding whether to sign a new contract.

But if that was concerning for Chelsea fans, they could at least take heart from Hazards whole-hearted commitment to tormenting Uniteds over-matched defence.

Phil Jones was brutally exposed when Hazard caught him out of position with a sublime touch in the 22nd minute, accelerating away from the United defender, who responded by conceding a penalty that the unruffled Chelsea star converted with nonchalant ease.

It was only Hazards second goal in his last 16 appearances.

But it was his crafty contributions that kept Chelsea in control as the Belgian, who departed to a standing ovation, won the FA Cup for the first time.

Source: NAN

Manuel Pellegrini, favourite to succeed David Moyes at West Ham, appeared closer to a return to the Premier League Saturday after his Chinese club released him.

The Chilean manager, who led Manchester City to the title in 2014, has been heavily linked with the Hammers job, as the London club tries to reassure supporters with a high-calibre appointment following a turbulent season.

Pellegrini joined Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune in 2016 after he was replaced at City by Pep Guardiola.

We feel thankful for Pellegrinis contribution to our club, and wish him good luck in the future, Hebei said in a statement posted on Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like social media platform.

West Ham finished 13th in the Premier League after a slump early in the season saw them drop into the relegation zone.

Slaven Bilic was sacked in November and replaced by Moyes, who helped them avoid the drop but still departed at the end of the campaign.

I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward, joint chairman David Sullivan had said in a statement on Thursday.

Despite top-flight survival, West Ham struggled with problems on and off the pitch throughout the 2017-18 season.

Discontent among supporters had been bubbling for months over the teams performance and teething problems at the London Stadium the clubs home since 2016.

Source: NAN

Eintracht Frankfurt claimed an upset 3-1 win in the German Cup final on Saturday, beating Bayern Munich.

The victory gave Frankfurt boss Niko Kovac his first trophy as a coach in his final match before leaving to take over from Heynckes at Bayern.

But the obverse was the case for Heynckes. Frankfurts Ante Rebic brace and substitute Mijat Gacinovic goal ruined Jupp Heynckes farewell as Bayern Munich coach.

After Rebics opening goal, Robert Lewandowski equalised for Munich early in the second half.

However, Rebic added his late second before Gacinovic tapped into an empty net just before the whistle to delight Frankfurt fans and break Bayerns hearts.

This was supposed to be Heynckes farewell party with Bayern sending their 73-year-old head coach into retirement with the German cup and league double having wrapped up a sixth straight Bundesliga title.

Instead Rebic and Frankfurt grabbed the glory at Berlins Olympic Stadium.

Bayern made a bright start in the capital when Lewandowski hit the underside of the Frankfurt bar with just eight minutes gone.

However, Frankfurt scored from their first clear chance.

When Bayern midfielder James Rodriguez was robbed of possession in midfield, Kevin-Prince Boateng threaded a pass through to Rebic.

The Croatia striker dodged the challenges of Bayern centre-backs Niklas Suele and Mats Hummels to plant his shot past Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich with 11 minutes gone.

The shock goal sent a ripple of panic through the Bayern ranks as it was the third straight game they have fallen behind.

Bayern went close with 25 minutes gone when Lewandowski fired wide of the empty goal after Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller had already opened up the Eintracht defence.

It should have been 2-0 to Eintracht eight minutes before half-time when Rebic squared for Jonathan De Guzman, who was unmarked, but the midfielder stumbled with the goal at his mercy.

Tempers started to fray as Frankfurt defender Jetro Willems was booked for body-checking Joshua Kimmich but it stayed 1-0 at the break.

Bayern drew level on 53 minutes when Suele combined with Kimmich, who picked out Lewandowski near the penalty spot to slot home the equaliser.

However, Frankfurt and Rebic were not to be denied.

The Croatia international burst in between Suele and Hummels and brilliantly lifted the ball over Ulreich.

The referee checked the replay on advice of the video assistant referee, but the goal stood to make it 2-1 on 82 minutes.

Bayern had calls for a penalty after a foul on Javi Martinez deep into added time turned down.

Source: NAN

Elina Svitolina underlined her status as a top favourite for the French Open by sweeping Simona Halep aside 6-0, 6-4 to successfully defend her Italian Open crown on Sunday.

In a repeat of last years final at the Foro Italico, Ukrainian Svitolina, seeded fourth, was up against Halep a day after the Romanian top seed had ousted Russian Maria Sharapova.

But Haleps hopes of overturning last years defeat to her 23-year-old opponent quickly evaporated in a completely one-sided encounter that saw the Romanian fail to produce a real challenge.

Svitolina, the world number four, has now successfully defended three career titles, in Baku, Dubai and also Rome; she also won in Brisbane and Dubai this season to take her 2018 title total to three.

The win also marked Svitolinas 12th career title on what was her eighth final in succession.

Its amazing that I could do this here a second time and defend, said Svitolina. This is something very, very special.

Congratulations to Simona, she had a great week of tennis.

The French Open at Roland Garros starts in just over a week, and Svitolina added: Roland Garros is still a week away, but this gives me confidence.

I cant make any predictions as its very tricky in Paris, but Im sure I will enjoy the next tournament.

Halep, who was broken four times and lost the opening set in 19 minutes, did not win a game until the start of the second, 24 minutes in.

The world number one saved match point before bowing out after 67 minutes.

Congrats to Elina, she played amazing, Halep said.

Its like this court is now her home. But I didnt do so badly, reaching the final again. I hope to be back next year.

Maybe third time is lucky for me.

Thanks to reaching the final in Rome Halep will take the top seeding for Roland Garros.

Source: NAN

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has returned its former Chairman in the Kano state congress conducted on Saturday.

Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas was declared re-elect, with 31 others emerging as new state leaders of the party.

The congress into 53 vacant positions of the party was conducted at the Indoor Hall of the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new party executives were sworn in by the Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Ibrahim Muktar shortly after the results were announced.

Prince Austin Nweke, the Chairman of the Kano Congress, while announcing the results said, Abdullahi Abbas scored 3,080 votes to emerge the chairman in accordance with the APC Congress Guidelines.

He added that the Deputy Chairman of the party, Shehu Maigari scored 2,952 votes while the secretary of the party, Zakari Sarina, scored 2,817.

Other key state officials elected unanimously include Bashir karaye, Publicity Secretary; Habiba Yardalla, Women leader.

NAN also reports that the event was witnessed by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje as well as some party leaders, including Sen. Kabiru Gaya and Sen Barau Jibril-Maliya from Kano North and Kano South senatorial districts.

Ganduje, who signed the swearing note alongside the newly elected chairman shortly after the leaders were sworn in, noted that the election was meant for 53 positions that needed to be filled.

We give glory to God for giving us the opportunity to conduct it peacefully without any problem, he said.

He said that the party would continue to remain united in Kano.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in fighting corruption and insurgency in the country.

Ganduje promised to give President Buhari five million votes in 2019.

The newly elected Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Abass, thanked the governor for his diligent and pragmatic zeal in developing the state.

While commending members of the party for the confidence reposed in him, Abass assured that the new executive, under his watch, would take the party to greater heights.

He also called on the newly elected executives of the party to give necessary support and cooperation to the governor to ensure the success of the administration.

NAN reports that delegates from the 44 local government areas of the state were at the congress.(NAN)

Source: NAN