News in brief

10 dead from Nipah virus in Kerala
AP, New Delhi
Officials say a nurse caring for patients infected with a deadly virus has died from the disease amid an outbreak in south India.
Kerala state health minister K.K. Shylaja told reporters Tuesday that 10 people have died of Nipah virus and two more are in critical condition.
There is no vaccine for Nipah, which can cause raging fevers, convulsions and vomiting, and kills up to 75 percent of people who come down with it. The only treatment is supportive care to control complications and keep patients comfortable.

Spain to maintain control of Catalonia
AP, Madrid
Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy plans to maintain central government control over Catalonia after the regional leader nominated imprisoned and exiled politicians to join his cabinet, El Pais newspaper said on Sunday.
Catalonia’s new leader Quim Torra named his cabinet on Saturday, although the inclusion of politicians who are either in jail awaiting trial or in self-imposed exile for their part in its independence drive was denounced as provocation by the Madrid government.

Minibus bomb kills 6 in Afghan city
Reuters, Kandahar
A bomb in a minibus exploded near a security checkpoint in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Tuesday causing numerous casualties, officials said, as attacks continue during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The blast, near one of the city’s main markets, sent a huge cloud of dust and smoke into the air.
Nematullah Barak, head of Mirwais hospital in Kandahar, said six dead and more 30 wounded, including several children, had so far brought in but more casualties were arriving.

Ex-minister named new Guinea PM
AFP, Conakry
A former government minister and economist has been named the new prime minister of Guinea by President Alpha Conde, according to a decree read out on state media.
Ibrahima Kassory Fofana, 64, was previously responsible for investments and public-private partnerships in the outgoing government, which resigned last week.