All about Russia's new space weapon, meteor shower, India's space mission

Thousands of star-gazers gathered overnight at one of the darkest spots in Israel hoping to be dazzled by the annual Perseid meteor shower, only to be left somewhat disappointed by the show.

Thousands gather in Israeli desert for the meteor shower

Thousands of star-gazers gathered overnight at one of the darkest spots in Israel hoping to be dazzled by the annual Perseid meteor shower, only to be left somewhat disappointed by the show. Locals had the rare task of directing traffic on a moonless Monday night in Mitzpe Ramon in the heart of the Negev Desert, a spot surrounded by terrain described as similar to a lunar or Martian landscape.

Want to see some “shooting stars?" 💫 The #Perseids meteor shower peaks tonight with an average of 60 meteors per hour across the night and early morning sky. Watch the dazzling display here: https://t.co/oJKHgKpQjH pic.twitter.com/yzCyijYh5H

— NASA (@NASA) August 13, 2018

The U.S. warns on Russia's new space weapons

The United States voiced deep suspicion on Tuesday over Russia's pursuit of new space weapons, including a mobile laser system to destroy satellites in space, and the launch of a new inspector satellite which was acting in an "abnormal" way. Russia's pursuit of counter space capabilities was "disturbing", Yleem D.S. Poblete, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance, told the U.N.'s Conference on Disarmament which is discussing a new treaty to prevent an arms race in outer space.

India's Modi announces space mission, health scheme as the election nears

India will launch its first manned space mission by 2022 and roll out a health insurance scheme from September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his last Independence Day speech ahead of next year's general election. Modi, a powerful speaker who will seek re-election in the world's biggest democracy early next year, used the speech to broadcast his government's achievements, amid concerns about lack of jobs and rising violence against the Muslim minority.

Addressing the people of India from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Watch. https://t.co/thwrgd8nb5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018

(With inputs from Reuters)