Kabul

"We heard a huge blast in Kart-e-Parwan neighborhood at around 6 a.m. It was followed by another explosion which occurred about half an hour. The whole place has now been sealed off," a witness told Xinhua news agency. The security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures, he said. The blast sent a column of thick smoke into the sky and triggered panic.

A cycling competition with the participation of more than 100 students took place in Kabul to forge unity and togetherness among Afghans. "Aimed at forging unity and togetherness among Afghans, we contribute to the development of our society by organising sport, scientific and cultural programs," public relations officer of the private Rana University Milad Bawar told Xinhua

In a statement released by the US State Department on Friday, the new general license says that financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, and private sector companies can engage in wide-ranging transactions and activities in Afghanistan while complying with US sanctions, TOLOnews reported.

It will be rare when India transports goods using Pakistan's land route to Afghanistan as Islamabad would otherwise never permit two-way trade between New Delhi and Kabul, said The Express Tribune report.

In a tweet on Friday, Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the decision to open the Embassy came after "consecutive meetings and reaching an understanding with EU representatives". "Apart from 220 million euros humanitarian aid, the EU announced 268 million euros additional assistance and set aside a portion for teachers' salaries, which we welcome," he added.

According to a report on Khaama Press, the terror group released a statement on Saturday saying that it had carried out the December 23 attack. According to Kabul's security officials, a suicide attacker tried to enter the passport office on December 23 where hundreds of Taliban affiliates had gathered.

Abu Dojana, commander of the 201 Khalid Bin Walid Corps, said that despite the Taliban seeking good ties with the neighbouring nations, its forces also have the military equipment to defend Afghanistan in case of any provocation, reports TOLO News.

The spokesman of Kabul municipality, Nematullah Barakzai, said the government has ordered the municipality's officials to remove all photos of women from signboards at shops and business centres in Kabul. "Based on the decision of the government, the photos that are against Islamic regulations will be collected or removed from billboards," said Barakzai, the report said.

US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin approved recommendations from US Central Command Head, General Kenneth McKenzie and US Special Operations Command leader, General Richard Clarke to not take any administrative action against those involved in the August 29 strike, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told the media on Monday.

The blast, according to the Interior Ministry, took place at 09:40 a.m. local time on Tuesday when an improvised explosive device placed in a vase put on the Darul Aman road went off, causing no casualties. "There was a blast on Tuesday morning but left no casualties," Interior Ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti said.