--itant groups posing the posing danger to its citizens. more often it is pakistani citizens hit by extremists. just this morning in the western city of quetta, four unidentified men at a mosque offering nine others prayers. on thursday, 30 people mostly policemen were killed in the same city by a suicide bomber. with so many attacks happening around the country, the capital remains on a state of high alert. but britain is not advising its citizens to avoid pakistan as america is. it simply warns against traveling to certain places. charles haviland, bbc news. >> let's get the very latest from charles who joins us from there. base for several al qaeda-linked extremist groups. is an al qaeda and

taliban presence in many parts of pakistan. lahore has certainly reeled under militant attacks several times in the past few years, not so much recently, but they have reached -- they reached their zenith in 2010-2011. scores of people kled in different types of attacks, sometimes sectarian attacks, victimizing the shia population of pakistan, sometimes attacks sometimesfi tribes, in areas popular with forests -- tourists. yes, pakistan second-biggest city. the u.s. is clearly worried about what it calls a specific threat, but it is not explaining what that means. >> how long will the consulate be closed for, do we know? >> u.s. officials have been asked about this, and they are saying, we really do not know. as is interesting because pakistan was not included in the list of mainly muslim countries

in which the u.s. diplomatic missions were closed starting from last sunday. is notsion in islamabad open today because of eid, but it has not closed. at diplomats withdrawn from lahore will be taken to the mission here in the capital. there is no date set for the reopening of the lahore mission of the u.s. >> charles, thank you very much. is a senior research fellow with the royal united citizens institute. tank you for coming in. it is interesting because americans are saying this is not linked to the closures of embassies a few days ago. what do you make of that? >> it is difficult to know. we do not know the specifics of intelligence coming and that led to the embassy closures around the world. we do not know the specific intelligence linked to this incident and lahore or this

decision. what we do know is al qaeda core seem to be talking to al qaeda in the arabian peninsula, which is the root of the scare around the yemen embassy, and al qaeda core is based in pakistan. it has close links to the tpp. group that active has launched repeated attacks run the country. they are responsible for recent large-scale prison breaks. >> how much of it is linked to the prison breaks? hundreds of senior figures have managed to escape. >> i think the total number that fled was around 250, and some have been caught. it is difficult to know if there is a direct link between the two. it is worth pointing out that foreign representations in pakistan have been targeted in the past before. the u.s. consulate in karachi has been attacked a number of times. and lahore, there were tensions a few days -- in lahore, there were tensions a few years ago. attacks are not uncommon in this

country against foreign targets. >> it come against -- it comes with a troubled relationship between the united states and pakistan. we hading tensions that a between the u.s. and pakistan, the drone attacks, other issues as well. reason that it attracts so much attention is probably because it comes so soon after this large scare emanating out of yemen. >> what is the level of cooperation between america and the security services in pakistan? there has always been distrust of following the killing of osama bin laden,ut have things improved marginally in the past few months? >> it is difficult to know exactly. we can say with confidence that the two services work together quite regularly and interact regularly. if things have gotten better or worse, it is difficult to know. we have seen fewer drone strikes recently in pakistan. >> that was something john kerry was keen to stress when he visited. >> the point is that they are

saying, we are trying to take the pakistanis concerns. they are trying to use this tool in a more irregular fashion, if you will come and try to use other ways and open the line of communication. the americans realize this is an important relationship, both in terms with pakistan, and what happens with pakistan -- afghanistan and 2014. with aowards 2014 fraught relationship with pakistan is in nobody's interest. >> when you are looking at the intelligence gathering, this seems to ask him -- this seems to have come from some sort of chapter, it mexico fund -- difficult for any mission or foreign national living and working in pakistan. it hasa very long time, been considered a dangerous spot to operate out of. i'm not sure of the exact levels of threats at the british foreign office, however, we have seen repeated attacks, specifically undiplomatic

targets in this country. it is not surprising that this specific incident would be focused around the consulate. >> thank you very much indeed. have been1500 people forced from their homes from wildfires in the mountains of southern california. 10 homes have been destroyed. at least five people have been injured in what authorities say is one of the most dangerous fires they have seen in half a century. as the wildfire spreads, the disruption in its path is growing as well. one of the homes already destroyed. more than 500 others are threatened, and more than 1500 people have been forced to flee their homes, some making a narrow escape. >> we do not think it was coming this way, and then instantly the whole mountain caught on fire. i cannot even get my briefcase. >> the fire fueled by strong winds and racing through tender and dry brush started on wednesday. it is one of the most rapidly spreading and dangerous fires they have seen in many years.

they are fighting it from the air as well as on the ground and have more than 1400 personnel engaged in the battle. spotsave been cutting out in their efforts to prevent further flareups. toning the brush themselves create larger containment barriers. >> it widens that line out. it removes the fuel that is available to burn. fighting the fire with fire. >> authorities have still not determined what sparked the fire in the first place. evacuation orders have colored five towns in this region east of los angeles. there have already been injuries amongst residents and firefighters. the flames glowing on the mountain ridges, conditions at the fronts, authorities say, remain particularly dangerous. mike woodridge, bbc news. >> in other news, spain has announced a review of rail safety following a crash which killed 79 people.

it's minister of public works told a hearing that the review will cover every aspect from speed limits to safety procedures. the train was traveling at twice the speed limit when it came off the rails. a top economic official in china has been expelled from the communist party. according to china's state run news agency, liu tienan accepted huge bribes. the case is being seen as a rare victory for public efforts to expose official corruption. american actress karen black featured in cult films like "national" has died at the age of 74. she was suffering from cancer. in football, the london team arsenal has been drawn against a turkish club in the champions league playoffs. stay with us on bbc world news. coming up, offering food.

zoo's panda pregnant? if so, who is the daddy? >> a team of scientists from the netherlands is preparing to race in specially adapted cars thousands of kilometers across the a sterling outback powered only by the sun. -- the australian outback powered only by the sun. >> is this the future of sustainable travel? cars powered by the sun. these science students are preparing for the world so rich -- solar challenge. it is designed to chance -- to test their endurance and the car's potential. is really cool. the race of electric cars today. we want to show the world our new design that is ready to race. card,is a solar positive which means it produces more energy than it uses. on a sunny day, they can drive for more than 400 miles field --

miles. that is double the capacity of its nearest electric rival. what is it made of? >> less than one millimeter of carbon. materials or composite materials are light and safe. that is how the solar car was built. >> there is still some tinkering to do with the body to ensure it can withstand the 3000 kilometer journey through the outback. the dutch drivers are optimistic. >> i think we are going to win. the car feels great. we have a great team. i think that combination will lead to winning the world solar challenge could >> for anyone -- challenge. >> for anybody interested in buying, this is a handmade prototype. the solar panels alone cost more than $4000. but with a bit of scaled up production and a few minor adjustments, the students say these energy-efficient cars

auld soon be wheeling up on garage near you. for -- a decade at the at -- after the u.s. invasion of iraq, there are renewed fears that the country maybe sliding towards a civil war. 4000 people have been killed this year. the violence seems to be intensifying. our correspondent has been to baghdad to find out what life is like for ordinary iraqis. >> they are no strangers to violence, but a recent wave of attacks have created uncertainty in this country. more than 1000 people were killed in july. the worst month in years. most attacks are carried out by al qaeda, and sunni extremist organizations. their main targets are shiite neighborhoods like this one in baghdad. this is all al qaeda's work.

they are trying to create divisions between people. we have to manage our reactions. we should not give them what they want. it could also be the politicians. they might be linked to these acts of violence for their own interest. >> the deterioration in security has brought back bitter memories of the past. in 2006 and 2007, many sunni no go zones for she is and vice versa. the situation has improved. 20 of neighborhoods like this one are mixed again. when you talk to people here, you have a sense they want to live together, but fear is looming. the last withdrawal of u.s. troops in 2011, prime malakir mullarkey -- cracked down on sunni politicians, accusing them of tourism. -- terrorism.

we do not rise against the shiites. we rose against the government that is denying our rights. the government must stop violating our human rights print our men are in prison and our area supper. we will not accept that. we either live in dignity or die in dignity. this bridge linking shia and sunni communities was eight years ago a scene of devastation. more than 1000 shiite pilgrims were killed in a stampede. it remained closed for years, and tensions instant. it and it reopened, so did -- tensions eashed. -- tensions eased. did -- reopened, so the future for the city and

country may be more stable. bbcews, the baghdad -- news, baghdad. the 60thhas marked anniversary of the atomic bombing of not a sake with silent prayers. the ninth, august 1949 was the second atomic bomb dropped by the united states and brought a swift end to the second world war. --s year's a silent tribute marks the exact moment in 1945 that changed japan forever. amongst the thousands gathered, survivors and relatives of those lost in an instant of devastation. >> exactly three days after hero fora, a b-29 set out

nagasaki. the bomb was exploded above the city, and in the towering mushroom, japan could read it's doing. was themerican bomng last major act of world war ii. within days, the japanese surrendered. the costs were immense. the first atomic bomb on hiroshi ma killed 70,000 people. many later died from radiation sickness and cancer. the aftereffects continue to this day. the many survivors opposed both military and civilian use of military power. -- of nuclear power. the fallout of the fukushima disaster continues concerns. anti-nuclear sentiment is still running high.

while prime minister shinzo abe spoke of the need of a world free of nuclear weapons, the country's dependency on nuclear energy is still a controversial subject. ♪ placean debates what nuclear technology has in its society, any decisions could resonate for generations to come. growing a harrington, bbc news. >> you're watching gmt. there was huge excitement when they first arrived two years ago, and now experts at edinburgh zoo think there is a strong possibility that britain's only female giant panda could be panned -- could be pregnant. it was hoped that she would've made. that failed to happen. she was artificially inseminated in april. james cook reports. >> is this panda pregnant? there is no simple test. she is not giving much away. but the signs are very promising. tien!

she has become moody. not so keen on her daily trip. she is also offered food. that is not all. >> she's becoming more restless as well. a little bit less tolerant at night. she is our panda. but she is very particular. she can be quite difficult. we haven't been able to do any sort of testing. >> at this laboratory in germany, they are looking for more signs that she is expecting. she is being analyzed in berlin, and it shows a spike in the hormone, another promising sign. >> the concentrations have increased. that tells me she is pregnant or soon to be pregnant. >> back at the bamboo store, the keepers are more excited. a phantom pregnancy is possible. another test of her protein suggest she really is with cub.

what would that do for interest in edinburgh? >> i think there is going to be a big buzz within the staff that work here, within the visitors. it is such an exciting thing. pandas, including this one, were he seems pretty relaxt the whole affair. father panda may be the of a cub. we will have to wait and see for sure. even if he is, he will have no role at all in the reeling of that baby. >> he has proved his prowess in the past. he is already a father. she has also reared her own cuppa before. visit was hopeful that in the month, she will have the first ever british foreign panda. we have the latest from laura

becker at edinburgh zoo. it seems extraordinary that they do not know that she is pregnant. she could be having a cub in a matter of weeks. >> a note of caution at edinburgh zoo. there are three main signs. the first are the signs from the panda herself. she is shown building a nest. she has been a bit moody. her behavior is a little bit different. the second is the hormonal test. a hormone has been found quite high in her levels. the third test is a protein analysis test. that shows that she may be with cub. the problem is, pandas have phantom pregnancies. that may be the case. that is one of the reasons for the note of caution at edinburgh zoo. over, ishe came remember their arrival, right excitement, allowing the two to get together when the time was

right. but that did not materialize. significant, if there were a cub, this would be a big thing. it is very rare in britain for these pandas to breed in captivity. .> it would be a huge thing it would be the first giant panda born in the uk. a note about the father, though they did try to mate, they have used sperm from him, and also frozen sperm from another panda. us,s sadly no longer with but he was based at the berlin zoo. there could be to potential fathers. the other notable thing i can tell you is she could have twins. she has had twins in the past. both of those cubs could have actually -- could actually have different fathers. they will have to do paternity tests to see who was the daddy in both cases. >> that is a bill will during take on it. when it comes to what it means

for the zoo, laura, and they are already a big draw, but this presumably could turn into millions of dollars worth of extra business. >> hugely exciting for the zoo. obviously visitor numbers have shot up since the pandas arrived. having the first baby panda in the uk would be a massive boost. this panda does not belong to the uk. it is the property of china. after two years, she would have to be returned to china. the other thing i can tell you it wouldt would be -- not be sure until january the first. the public would not get to see the cub until january. >> that is some way off grid laura, thank you very much. moving on, golf's masters champion adam scott threatened to break the course record in the pga championship. world number one tiger woods is

six shots off the joint leaders. nick marshall maccormack has this. >> rain softened up the course for the golfers, and adam scott took full advantage. scott birdied five holes in a row, a dream start, he called it. he would've had the outright lead had he not drop the shot on the 16th. scott and jim furyk threatened the course record of 64, but the american and australian settled for a share of the lead at negative five. tiger woods is six shots back, but the world number one says, do not write him off yet. with shots like this, why would you? [cheering] shot of the day went to martin chimeric, an eagle on the par five 13. [cheering] mcilroyg champion rory

is right in there with the transcript the northern irishman says he just needs to get back his positive attitude. one under par will help him do that. lee westwood says his long game suits the country club layout. he is looking threatening grid tied for third with david hearn at four under par. nick marshall maccormack, bbc news. >> still to come, she is the queen of daytime tv. was she refused to hand back at a luxury boutique in switzerland? >> funding of this presentation is made possible by the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu, newman's own foundation, giving all profits to charity and pursuing the common good for over 30 years, your sisternk.>>

wanted nothing to do with you. all of a sudden, she is moving in. >> oh my gosh. >> jazmine is french. a very exotic name. >> she has taken you to parties and told me that i'm not good enough for you. >> i'm not going to make it. >>, "blue jazmine" rated pg-13. >> at union bank, our relationship managers work hard to understand the industry you operate in, working to nurture new ventures and help provide capital for key strategic decisions. we offer expertise and tailored solutions in a wide range of industries. what can we do for you? >> "bbc world news" was presented by kcet, los angeles.

i'm keikichi in tokyo.

here's some of the stories we are following this hour. thousands of people came together in nagasaki to mark the day 68 years ago when an atomic bomb devastated the japanese port city. government officials are taking the lead in efforts to decontaminate land around the crippled fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant. and two women put a twist on recipes. people in nagasaki are marking the day that never far from their minds them day an atomic bomb was dropped on their city. every year, on this date, they gather together to remember with words, songs and prayers. this year, many of those who spoke at the nagasaki peace ceremony had words of criticism

for the japanese go. nhk world's hiro morita reports from nagasaki. ♪ >> reporter: it's been 68 years since that day. ♪ this man still remembers the things he did, the things he saw, how he felt. people charred black. a mother holding her dead child. i have been lucky to live as long as i have. what i want most is the immediate removal of these genocidal weapons of mass destruction from the face of the earth. >> reporter: in the last days of the world war ii, a u.s. warplane dropped an atomic bomb

on nagasaki. the explosion killed almost everyone within one kilometer instantly. over 70,000 people died by the end of the year. people from nagasaki, across japan and around the world gathered together every year to remember. at 11:02, the time the bomb was dropped, they pause for a moment of silence. representatives of victims' families, survivors and the mayor presented a list of more than 3400 names. the names of survivors who died this year and others newly recognized as victims. through the years, more than 162,000