Giant characters, figures, books, collectibles and panels: Comic-Con, the annual mega pop culture convention in San Diego celebrates the 70th anniversary of Godzilla, the most famous Japanese monster. Godzilla was born on November 3, 1954 with the launch of the first movie about it, directed by Ishiro Honda. The movie franchise includes nearly 40 films and has spawned hundreds of animated productions about the monster as well as TV series and graphic work.

mitv

Russia on Sunday began direct commercial flights to North Korea, in a further sign of closer ties with its Asian ally. The first Moscow-Pyongyang flight was operated by Russia's Nordwind Airlines, according to the Sheremetyevo airport's website. The route will only be serviced once a month, Russia's transport ministry said.

mitv

Norway's Joergen Frydnes, the chair of the committee which awarded last year's Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo has called on the young generations to pass down the experiences of atomic-bomb survivors. Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H- Bomb Sufferers Organizations, represents the survivors of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have jointly airdropped aid into the Gaza Strip after Israel temporarily halted military operations in parts of the enclave. Israel announced on Sunday a pause in military activity during specific hours in areas where many residents live as evacuees. Israel also said that designated secure routes will be in place to enable the United Nations and other aid organizations to deliver supplies safely.

mitv