October 4, Monday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1.Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is launching his Cabinet after being chosen to lead the country by the Diet. The leader is promising an era of Japanese politics focused on working together to take on national and global challenges.
2.The South Korean government has announced that its communication channels with North Korea have been restored. The cross-border hotlines were cut in August.
3.A deadly explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Afghan capital Kabul. Media outlets say that at least five civilians are confirmed dead.