Firing incident not an attack on Ravi Shankar: Police chief

BANGALORE – The Karnataka police is not treating the firing incident at Art of Living complex here late Sunday as a bid on its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s life, Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh said Monday.

“From the evidence we got, we are treating it as an incident and not as an attack … Original article on : Firing incident not an attack on Ravi Shankar: Police chief.

Mangalore air crash victims should get $145,000: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Victims of the Mangalore air tragedy should get at least $145,000 in compensation apart from the amount sanctioned by the state and central governments, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy said Monday. At least 158 people died in the tragedy May 22 of which 49 were Malayalis.

“According to the international aviation rules the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

High court defers hearing in Rathore’s case till Tuesday

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday deferred till Tuesday the hearing on the bail petition of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, who has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra in 1990.

After hearing the arguments, the vacation bench of Justice Ajay Tiwari deferred the case and directed … Read more >>.

Memorial Day has personal tone in Afghanistan as troops remember friends and colleages

US troops in Afghanistan mark Memorial Day

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan remembered friends and colleagues Monday in solemn Memorial Day ceremonies to commemorate all of their nation’s war dead.
The 9-year-old war raged on, meanwhile, with NATO forces launching airstrikes against Taliban militants who had forced government forces to abandon the …. Source  : Memorial Day has personal tone in Afghanistan as troops remember friends and colleages.

Eight killed in Orissa accidents

BHUBANESWAR – At least eight people were killed and 11 injured in three separate road accidents in Orissa Monday, police said.

Four people died and seven were injured, three critically, when the vehicle in which they were travelling hit a parked truck on the outskirts of Deogarh, about 290 km from here, police said.
Two people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Poppy husk racket busted

BHOPAL – Five people have been arrested in Madhya Pradesh with 450 kg of poppy straw hidden inside air conditioners being transported in a container truck, police said Monday.

The seizure took place on the Mandsaur-Ratlam highway, about 400 km from here. The truck was on its way to Ahmednagar in Maharashtra.
“Twenty bags of poppy …. Read the original article  : Poppy husk racket busted.

Beneath the surface: Today’s oil disaster in the Gulf feels so ‘yesterday’ for most of us

Oil disaster shows a divide from physical world
WASHINGTON – It’s all so last millennium, that filthy business in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico.
It reeks of yesterday’s fuel, yesterday’s sweaty labor – a hands-on way of life from another time. Today’s Americans don’t care to know how the gas comes to the … Read more >>.

Apex court notice to Haryana over Dalit arson attack

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Haryana government on the plight of 150 Dalit families who were driven out of their village in Hisar district after an arson attack on their homes last month.

A 70-year-old man and his 18-year-old physically challenged daughter were killed and at least 18 houses were …. Original article  : Apex court notice to Haryana over Dalit arson attack.

As oil washes through mysterious depths, scientists warn of unseen calamity

Deepwater mystery: Oil loose in the Gulf
NEW ORLEANS – Streaming video of oil pouring from the seafloor and images of dead, crude-soaked birds serve as visual bookends to the natural calamity unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico.

But independent scientists and government officials say another disaster is playing out in slow motion – and out of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : As oil washes through mysterious depths, scientists warn of unseen calamity.

Toll in storm Agatha rises to 100 (Third Lead)

GUATEMALA CITY/TEGUCIGALPA – Heavy rain caused by tropical storm Agatha has killed almost 100 people in Central America, where tens of thousands of people had to be evacuated over the weekend because of flooding.

In Guatemala, which has been worst affected by the rains, 82 people had died, President Alvaro Colom was quoted as saying Sunday …. Original article  : Toll in storm Agatha rises to 100 (Third Lead).

NATO bombs eastern Afghanistan region taken by Taliban; commander says militants train in Iran

NATO bombs Taliban in eastern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO launched airstrikes Monday against Taliban insurgents who had forced government forces to abandon a district in eastern Afghanistan. The NATO commander, meanwhile, said there is “clear evidence” that some Afghan militants have trained in Iran.

NATO reported its 50th death this month, according to a tally by [..] Read the original article: here.

Russian experts arrive in Seoul to review results of probe on warship sinking blamed on NKorea

Russians to study warship sinking probe
SEOUL, South Korea – Russian experts arrived in Seoul on Monday to review findings of an investigation that blamed North Korea for the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship, as the South sought to build support for U.N. punishment of the North.
If Russia endorses the multinational …. Read the original article  : here.

Road rage in Shimla: BJP leader’s son killed

SHIMLA – The 20-year-old son of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was stabbed to death by three men, one day after a road chase following an argument on overtaking, police here said Monday.

Two youths, Rohan Bhandari and Vikram, both in their early 20s, were arrested late Sunday while police is hunting for the third …. Original article  : Road rage in Shimla: BJP leader’s son killed.

Indian jailed in Australia for sexually abusing children

MELBOURNE – An Indian salesman in Australia was sentenced to jail Monday after being convicted of sexually assaulting children and possessing child pornography.

Mujahed Ur-Rahman, 29, pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a child aged under 16 and two other charges relating to separate incidences on another victim, committing an indecent act on a child aged under …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian jailed in Australia for sexually abusing children.

Four arrested with antique Buddha idol

LUCKNOW – Four men involved in a Nepal-based smuggling racket have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district with an antique Buddha idol worth $21 million in the international market, police said Monday.

The four, residents of different Uttar Pradesh districts bordering Nepal, were arrested Sunday evening from Mehdewa area, some 300 km from here.
“The … Read more : Four arrested with antique Buddha idol.

Travel agency dupes 90 youths of Rs.2.5 crore, two held

AMBALA – Two people have been arrested for allegedly duping 90 youths of nearly Rs.2.5 crore on the pretext of sending them abroad on work permits, police said here Monday.

Rupesh Kumar and Manmohan Singh, who were running a travel agency called Capital Emigration and Education Services in this Haryana town, some 35 km from Chandigarh, …. Source  : Travel agency dupes 90 youths of Rs.2.5 crore, two held.

Ravishankar unafraid, says he forgives attacker

BANGALORE – Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar, who was fired at but escaped unhurt, said Monday that there were people who wanted to attack him but he was not afraid and would continue to spread the message of anti-terrorism and peace.

An unidentified gunman opened fire at Ravishankar’s convoy here late Sunday. An Indian [..] Read the original article: here.

Goa minister under cloud after alleged partner dies

PANAJI – Goa’s Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, who faces charges of bigamy, has been dragged into controversy again after a 28-year-old woman, allegedly his third partner, died at a Chennai hospital.

Women activists and the opposition have demanded a thorough probe into the death of Nadia Torreado in Chennai Sunday, 15 days after she … Original article on : Goa minister under cloud after alleged partner dies.

5 passengers suffer minor injuries when Amtrak train derails in southern Illinois

5 passengers injured when trail derails in Ill.

GRANITE CITY, Ill. – Amtrak says five people suffered minor injuries when a passenger train derailed in suburban St. Louis.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the last two coaches on the train left the tracks Sunday evening in Granite City, Ill. The train was headed from St. Louis to … Read more »»».

Tropical Storm Agatha’s torrential rains, landslides kill 99 in 3 Central American countries

Tropical storm kills 99 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – The death toll in Central America from landslides and flooding triggered by the year’s first tropical storm surged to 99 on Sunday, as authorities struggled to clear roads of debris and reach cut-off communities.
Rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Agatha have pounded an area stretching …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

Obama to meet Gulf oil spill panel chairmen
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to hold his first meeting with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama was to meet Tuesday with Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and U.S. senator, and William K. Reilly, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

Obama to meet Tuesday with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

Obama to meet oil spill panel chairmen Tuesday
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to hold his first meeting with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama was to meet Tuesday with Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and U.S. senator, and William K. Reilly, …. Original source  : Obama to meet Tuesday with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

BP establishes floating hotels for workers in preparation for massive cleanup on Gulf Coast

‘Flotels’ await oil spill cleanup workers on Gulf
PORT FOURCHON, La. – The 40-foot-long corrugated steel boxes, resembling oversized white shipping containers, are stacked two high and three wide atop a barge at Port Fourchon, the oil industry’s hub on the Gulf of Mexico. The words “Martin Quarters” painted in black offer … Read more : BP establishes floating hotels for workers in preparation for massive cleanup on Gulf Coast.

Guatemala Sinkhole Engulfs Building, Kills One

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA (GaeaTimes.com)- On Monday, May 31, a giant Sinkhole was suddenly formed at a street intersection in Guatemala City. The 60-meter deep and 30-meeter wide crater was formed after the heavy Agatha storm and rain that hit the Central America. The Guatemala sinkhole was formed all of a sudden and reportedly went …. Source  : Guatemala Sinkhole Engulfs Building, Kills One.

Canada Fire Grows Out Of Control

CANADA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Quebec wildfire that has gained strength over the last few days is causing headache to the authorities in Canada and the USA. The cities in both the USA and Canada which are adjacent to Quebec have been alerted and in a number of cities the billowing smoke has reached making the … Read more >>>.

Fresh autopsy of Goa minister’s ‘partner’ ordered

PANAJI – A sub-divisional magistrate Tuesday ordered a fresh autopsy of Goa Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco’s alleged paramour who died after consuming rat poison.

The police are asking why 28-year-old Nadia Torreado took poison. She died in Chennai Sunday, 15 days after consuming the poison.
In response to an application filed by women’s activist Tara … Read more »»».

Suspected Maoists demand Rs.2 mn extortion

PATNA – Suspected Maoists have demanded Rs.2 million from a government doctor in Bihar to buy arms and ammunition, police said Tuesday.

The demand was made to Rajendra Singh, who heads the government referral hospital at Sherghati in Gaya district, about 100 km from here.
“Maoists have called twice on Singh’s cell phone in the last …. Original article  : Suspected Maoists demand Rs.2 mn extortion.

Man drinks spiked tea, tears out friend’s beating heart

WASHINGTON – A man in the US ripped out a friend’s heart while he was still alive as he “needed to stop the devil”. Jarrod Wyatt, 26, also cut out Taylor Powell’s tongue and tore most of his face in the vicious assault.

Powell bled to death after his heart was taken out, The Telegraph …. Original source  : Man drinks spiked tea, tears out friend’s beating heart.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 150 people and made thousands homeless in Central America, officials said.
Dozens of people were missing and emergency crews struggled to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and collapsed bridges caused …. Original source  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

15 die as bus runs over marriage procession

LUCKNOW – At least 15 people were killed and 11 injured when a bus ran over a marriage procession in an Uttar Pradesh village, police said Tuesday.

The accident took place late Monday when the driver lost control of the state-owned bus in Gomadeh village of Azamgarh district, about 300 km from Lucknow.
“The injured have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 15 die as bus runs over marriage procession.

Two Punjab cops suspended for harassing people

ZIRAKPUR – Two traffic police constables have been suspended in this Punjab town on charges of harassing people and extorting money from drivers of outstation vehicles, officials said here Tuesday.

Kulbir Singh and Gurvinder Singh were suspended Monday night.
The traffic in-charge of this town in Mohali district, Manjit Singh, has also been transferred to police …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two Punjab cops suspended for harassing people.

US flies Afghan troops to recapture mountain district from Taliban

US flies Afghan troops to recapture district

KABUL, Afghanistan – The U.S. command says American helicopters have flown Afghan troops into a remote mountain area north of Kabul in an operation to recapture a district overrun last week by the Taliban.
Government forces pulled out of Barg-e-Matal (Barge-eh-mah-TAL) district of Nuristan province last weekend after hundreds of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US flies Afghan troops to recapture mountain district from Taliban.

Guatemala Sinkhole: Guatemala Crater Draws Attention

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Guatemala Government has released a picture of a Sinkhole or Crater that appeared at the Guatemala City after it was hit by tropical storm Agatha. From the picture it looks like a very huge hole with no end. A sinkhole is also known as a sink, swallow hole, shake hole, …. Read the original article  : Guatemala Sinkhole: Guatemala Crater Draws Attention.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 145 people and made thousands homeless in Central America, officials said Monday.
Dozens of people were missing and emergency crews struggled to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and collapsed bridges …. Original source  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 144 people and left thousands homeless in Central America, officials said Monday.
Dozens of people are still missing and emergency crews are struggling to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

AP source: Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

AP source: Obama to meet oil spill panel chairmen
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. – President Barack Obama planned to meet Tuesday with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating BP’s catastrophic spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
A senior administration official said Obama will meet at the White House with Bob Graham, who is …. Original article  : AP source: Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

Robot submarines swarm blown-out Gulf well, preparing for next bid to contain oil

BP engineers prepare for next bid to stop oil flow

COVINGTON, La. – Robot submarines carried equipment and cut small pipes at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday to prepare to place a new containment valve over the blown-out well this week, while BP crews began working on yet another containment plan that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Robot submarines swarm blown-out Gulf well, preparing for next bid to contain oil.

Holder to meet with state attorneys general, US attorneys on Gulf Coast

Holder to meet with state AGs on Gulf Coast

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder plans to visit the Gulf Coast to see areas affected by the oil spill and meet with state attorneys general and U.S. prosecutors.
The Justice Department says Holder will visit the region Tuesday. He is scheduled to receive a Coast Guard tour, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Holder to meet with state attorneys general, US attorneys on Gulf Coast.

Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010

Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010

A summary of events on Monday, May 31, Day 40 of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began with the April 20 explosion and fire on the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased by BP PLC, which is in charge of cleanup …. Read the original article  : Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010.

Best chance to stop Gulf oil leak 2 months away with relief well

Relief for Gulf is 2 months away with another well
NEW ORLEANS – The best hope for stopping the flow of oil from the blown-out well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico has been compared to hitting a target the size of a dinner plate with a drill more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Best chance to stop Gulf oil leak 2 months away with relief well.

Indian Navy chopper crashes, crew safe

NEW DELHI – An Indian Navy helicopter with three crew members on board crashed near an Andhra Pradesh town Wednesday but there were no casualties, an officer said here.

“A Chetak that was deployed at INS Dega at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh crashed. There were three crew members in the helicopter and all are safe,” navy …. Read the original article  : here.

Insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts

Militants attack as Afghan peace conference starts

KABUL, Afghanistan – Security forces battled insurgents including at least one suicide bomber outside a national peace conference just as President Hamid Karzai opened the three-day meeting Wednesday in the Afghan capital.
A NATO spokesman said several insurgents were shot near the venue, and Afghan police said a suicide bomber …. Original article  : Insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts.

Risky business: Effort to contain gusher gets riskier with ‘cut and cap’; oil nears Fla.

Oil closes in on Fla. as BP tries risky cap move
PORT FOURCHON, La. – As submersible robots made another risky attempt to control the underwater Gulf oil gusher, the crude on the surface spread, closing in on Florida. BP’s stock plummeted and took much of the market down with it, and the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Risky business: Effort to contain gusher gets riskier with ‘cut and cap’; oil nears Fla..

40 bodies found in Mexico mass grave

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) At least 40 bodies, including that of a prison warden, were found in a mass grave in Mexico’s Guerrero state, the state attorney general’s office said.

The body of Daniel Bravo Mota, 53, warden of Iguala prison, was identified after forensic tests, spokesman Albertico Guinto said Tuesday, adding that the mass … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 40 bodies found in Mexico mass grave.

Four-story apartment building collapses in Bangladesh’s capital, 14 bodies found

Building collapses in Bangladesh, 14 bodies found

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A four-story apartment building collapsed in Bangladesh’s capital and its debris buried some nearby shanties, killing at least 14 people and leaving several others trapped, authorities said Wednesday.
Fire official Abdus Salam said some of those trapped were feared dead.
Rescuers recovered four bodies after 10 bodies were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four-story apartment building collapses in Bangladesh’s capital, 14 bodies found.

Indian cops nabbed with hashish in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Two Indian policemen have been caught with hashish in a border district in Nepal, the official media said.

Indra Bhanu Rai and Umesh Yadav, two policemen employed in the Badauni police station in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, were arrested in Nepal’s border district Kapilavastu after they were found to be carrying 700 gm of …. Read the original article  : Indian cops nabbed with hashish in Nepal.

Corporal punishment: School initiates probe against teacher

MOHALI – After sacking a teacher for allegedly thrashing a Class 8 boy during a school trip, following which the mother of the student died of shock, the Yadavindra Public School (YPS) here has initiated a probe against another teacher who faces similar allegations.

“We have started an inquiry into similar allegations made against another teacher … Original article on : Corporal punishment: School initiates probe against teacher.

Police say suicide bomber blows himself up near Afghan peace conference

Police: Suicide bomber near Afghan conference

KABUL, Afghanistan – Police say that a suicide bomber detonated explosives a few hundred yards (meters) from a national peace conference in the Afghan capital.
Police officer Kamaluddin said there were no immediate reports of any other casualties in the blast, other than the bomber.
… Original article on : Police say suicide bomber blows himself up near Afghan peace conference.

Report: Bus collides with truck hauling mango in Bangladesh; 16 killed and 50 others injured

Report: 16 killed in Bangladesh road accident

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Local media report a passenger bus has collided with a truck loaded with mango in southwestern Bangladesh, killing at least 16 people and injuring 50 others.
The United News of Bangladesh agency says the accident occurred early Wednesday in Bagerhat district, 85 miles (136 kilometers) south of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Bus collides with truck hauling mango in Bangladesh; 16 killed and 50 others injured.

Ruchika’s lawyer evading arrest in land scam case, say cops

CHANDIGARH – The lawyer who played an instrumental role in the conviction of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case has been absconding and evading arrest in connection with a multi-crore land scam, police here said Wednesday.

Pankaj Bhardwaj escaped from his home here before a special team of Amritsar police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ruchika’s lawyer evading arrest in land scam case, say cops.

22 people rescued from Ecuadorian shipwreck

Quito (Equador), June 2 (IANS/EFE) The Ecuadorian navy rescued at least 22 people from a shipwrecked vessel, 29 km from the nation’s coast, television reports said.

The boat sank when some of the planks making up the deck got detached from the vessel, near the Ecuadorian coastal city of Esmeraldas, the Ecuavisa television said Tuesday.
Thirteen …. Original source  : 22 people rescued from Ecuadorian shipwreck.

Afghan president opens conference to map road to peace, ignoring Taliban threats

Afghan peace conference starts
KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai has opened a national conference to discuss his plans for bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan.

Some 1,600 Afghan delegates ignored Taliban death threats to attend the start of the three-day conference on Wednesday.
Karzai is expected to seek endorsement of his plan to offer economic incentives to Taliban … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan president opens conference to map road to peace, ignoring Taliban threats.

iPhones, BlackBerrys to help check corruption

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) Curbing corruption may be easier with a new application that enables users of iPhones and BlackBerrys to catch police taking bribe and also check traffic instructions.

The new application created for iPhone and the iPod will soon be available to BlackBerry users. It has a traffic-fine calculator, a map showing directions …. Original article  : iPhones, BlackBerrys to help check corruption.

Six human heads found in Mexico

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) Six human heads were found in two Mexican cities, while at least 13 people were gunned down in two separate incidents in the country, police said.

The six human heads were found in Lerdo and Gomez Palacio cities, in Durango state. Two heads belonged to municipal police officers, who were reported …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Six human heads found in Mexico.

15 people killed in Philippines road accident

MANILA – Fifteen people were killed when a passenger minibus plunged into a 70-metre-deep ravine in the northern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

Fifteen more were also hurt in the accident Tuesday in Besao town in Mountain province, 285 km north of Manila, Senior Superintendent Fortunato Albas said.
Albas, the provincial police chief, said heavy rains made … Read more : 15 people killed in Philippines road accident.

Taliban scorn Afghan national peace conference in Kabul, threatening death to delegates

Taliban dismiss Afghan peace meet before it starts

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Taliban dismissed a national peace conference in Afghanistan even before its Wednesday opening, threatening death to the 1,600 delegates in cassette messages distributed by the insurgent leadership.
The three-day meeting in a giant tent at Kabul Polytechnic University was to discuss how to reconcile with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Taliban scorn Afghan national peace conference in Kabul, threatening death to delegates.

Three killed as World War II bomb explodes

GOETTINGEN – Three members of a bomb disposal team were killed and six people wounded in the central German city of Goettingen when a World War II bomb exploded during attempts to disarm the weapon.

Among the wounded Tuesday night, two people had serious injuries but were expected to survive.
Uncovered at a depth of seven … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three killed as World War II bomb explodes.

Death toll from Tropical Storm Agatha climbs to 180 as Central America struggles to recover

Agatha deaths rise to 180 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Villagers used hoes and pick axes on Tuesday to hunt for victims of landslides that have killed at least 180 people in Central America while officials in Guatemala’s capital tried to cope with a vast sinkhole that swallowed a clothing factory.
Thousands remained homeless and dozens [..] Read the original article: here.

1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes into building near downtown Anchorage, Alaska

1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A small airplane crashed in a busy business district near downtown during rush hour Tuesday, killing a small child and injuring the four other people onboard, authorities said.
Bystanders rushed to help those onboard the Cessna 206 after it clipped the roof of a … Original article on : 1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes into building near downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

Bill Clinton returns to Haiti on new assignment to speed recovery from devastating earthquake

Bill Clinton returns to Haiti on recovery mission
LEOGANE, Haiti – Bill Clinton returned to Haiti on a new mission Tuesday to invigorate recovery from January’s devastating earthquake and help millions end lives of poverty and danger.
On his first visit since becoming co-chairman of the committee overseeing more than $5.3 billion in international reconstruction … Read more >>>.

Two held with explosives

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested with a huge cache of explosives in Uttar Pradesh’s Lalitpur district, police said Thursday.

The duo was arrested late Wednesday at Jakhaura, about 300 km from here, with around 1,500 detonators, fuse wires and gelatin rods.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of their involvement in supplying the explosives …. Original source  : Two held with explosives.

Verdict in murder case involving Soren June 15

RANCHI – The verdict in a 36-year-old double murder case involving former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who appeared in a fast track court Thursday, will be pronounced June 15.

The fast track court of Mohammad Qasim heard the arguments of the public prosecutor and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief’s lawyer.
The court …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Verdict in murder case involving Soren June 15.

Man kept girlfriend’s corpse on sofa for 10 months

LONDON – A Briton sprayed room fresheners to hide the stench of his girlfriend’s rotting body that lay on a sofa for 10 months.

Gabriel Brown, who hid the stench of 37-year-old Lynn Warman’s body from neighbours, told the police that he was too grief stricken to report her death at their home in Worthing, West …. Source  : Man kept girlfriend’s corpse on sofa for 10 months.

Youth killed in Bangladesh violence

DHAKA – A tribal youth was killed Thursday in a gun attack blamed on Muslim activists of a party that opposes the government’s peace deal with the minority Buddhists in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Ananda Tangchangya, 22, was leader of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad, a student body of Buddhists from the hills. …. Source  : Youth killed in Bangladesh violence.

BP’s latest underwater experiment in Gulf spill hits a snag, just like the other attempts

Once again, BP experiment in Gulf spill hits snag

PENSACOLA, Fla. – BP fumbled its latest underwater experiment with the wild Gulf gusher – just like every other endeavor the company has tried to fix the nation’s worst oil spill and BP’s chief executive said the company wasn’t fully prepared for the disaster.
First, a 100-ton, four-story … Read : BP’s latest underwater experiment in Gulf spill hits a snag, just like the other attempts.

Without evidence of oil spill coverup, experts say US faces hurdles in charging company execs

Oil spill criminal case difficult against execs

MIAMI – It’s virtually certain that BP and other companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill will face criminal charges and civil penalties that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in fines. But for any company executives or workers to be indicted individually, legal experts …. Read the original article  : Without evidence of oil spill coverup, experts say US faces hurdles in charging company execs.

AP Exclusive: US spill panel includes climate experts, may tackle broader energy questions

AP Exclusive: Spill panel may look at energy needs
WASHINGTON – The new presidential commission investigating the Gulf oil spill will include two experts who have been active on the subject of global warming, including one who wrote just last month that the country should redouble efforts to lessen its dependence on oil, The …. Original article  : AP Exclusive: US spill panel includes climate experts, may tackle broader energy questions.

With 2 experts active in climate issues, spill panel may take big picture look at US and oil

Spill panel may also take bigger look at US, oil

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press has learned the president will appoint two global warming experts to the commission investigating the Gulf oil spill.
One of them last month wrote about how the country should redouble its efforts to lessen its dependence on oil following the oil spill.
The …. Read the original article  : With 2 experts active in climate issues, spill panel may take big picture look at US and oil.

8 Afghan civilians killed in crossfire, roadside bombing in restive southern province

8 Afghan civilians killed in fighting, bombing

KABUL, Afghanistan – A clash between Afghan forces and Taliban militants left four civilians dead in a southern district where a major NATO operation early this year was meant to reassert government control, a provincial official said Thursday.
Also, a roadside bombing in the same province killed four other civilians.
The … Read : 8 Afghan civilians killed in crossfire, roadside bombing in restive southern province.

Yasin Malik on hunger strike in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik Thursday went on a daylong hunger strike, along with 30 party activists, in north Kashmir’s Nadihal village to protest the murders of three villagers in a staged shootout April 30.

“Acts like these are committed to suppress the ongoing freedom movement. The international community must … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yasin Malik on hunger strike in Kashmir.

Study: South Pacific coral islands hold size or grow despite sea-level rise over past 60 years

Study: Coral atolls hold on despite sea-level rise

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Some South Pacific coral atolls have held their own or even grown in size over the past 60 years despite rising sea levels, newly published research showed Thursday.
Some scientists have worried for years that many of the tiny, low-lying islands throughout the South Pacific …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Study: South Pacific coral islands hold size or grow despite sea-level rise over past 60 years.

I won’t see you again, British gunman said before rampage

LONDON – The taxi driver, who killed 12 people in a shooting rampage in Britain before turning the gun on himself, had given a chilling warning of his intention to a friend, saying: “I won’t see you again.”

Peter Ledder, a friend of Derrick Bird who killed 12 and injured 25, told The Times: “I came … Read : I won’t see you again, British gunman said before rampage.

Death toll reaches 38 in China landslides

BEIJING – The death toll in rain-triggered landslides in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region climbed to 38 Thursday even as search operations continued for missing villagers, authorities said.

In Rongxian County, the death toll reached 23 after eight more bodies were recovered Wednesday night, the county’s emergency rescue office said Thursday. It said rescuers were … Read : Death toll reaches 38 in China landslides.

Dolphin found dead in Patna

PATNA – A Ganges river dolphin, an endangered species, was killed by suspected poachers on the banks of Ganga river here, forest officials said Thursday.

The dolphin’s body was found floating near Deedarganj Ghat here Wednesday evening.
“The dolphin is suspected to have been killed by poachers. We have begun an investigation to identify the …. Source article  : Dolphin found dead in Patna.

Investigation under way following explosion at bullet-manufacturing plant in Bend, Ore.

Authorities investigate blast at Ore. bullet plant

BEND, Ore. – Authorities are investigating the cause of an explosion that leveled part of a bullet-manufacturing plant in Bend, Ore., shaking the ground and rattling windows several blocks away.
The blast happened Wednesday at the Nosler Inc. plant, which makes hunting ammunition.
Authorities say the plant’s employees evacuated minutes before …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fire at power substation in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A major fire broke out at a power substation Thursday in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district, police said. No one was injured in the incident.

At least eight fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the fire at the Sahupuri power sub-station.
“The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire at power substation in Uttar Pradesh.

Toll in storm Agatha climbs to 184

Guatemala City, June 3 (IANS/EFE) The death toll from tropical storm Agatha’s passage over Central America has reached 184, with all but 28 of the deaths registered in Guatemala.

In its latest bulletin, issued Wednesday, Guatemala’s Conred emergency management office said casualties stood at 156 dead, 87 injured and 90 missing.
The official report also notes … Read more >>>.

2 Vancouver, Wash., men overdue on Mount St. Helens’ climb are safely down

2 climbers overdue on Mount St. Helens are safe

COUGAR, Wash. – Two men reported overdue on a climb up southwest Washington’s Mount St. Helens made their way down safely Wednesday after spending a cold, wet night on the mountain.
Mark Lapinskas, 32, and Kevin Dean, 34, of Vancouver, Wash., were reported overdue Tuesday night by Dean’s …. Original article  : 2 Vancouver, Wash., men overdue on Mount St. Helens’ climb are safely down.

Crews in Okla. working to repair sinkhole that has forced closure of Interstate 44 in Tulsa

Sinkhole closes down Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Okla.

TULSA, Okla. – A sinkhole has shut down a section of Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Okla.
Police are diverting traffic from I-44 to other roads in south Tulsa. Authorities say the hole opened up about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, and steadily expanded.
Officials say it could be Thursday afternoon before the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Crews in Okla. working to repair sinkhole that has forced closure of Interstate 44 in Tulsa.

I keep fit for health, not for glamour: Sonali Bendre (Interview)

MUMBAI – Actress Sonali Bendre is looking trimmer than ever and says she works out regularly — not to look glamorous but to keep herself fit.

“I have been working out regularly for the last two months and that is why you see a change in me. But it is purely for health reasons that … Read more »».

BSP leader, supporters booked for assaulting woman

LUCKNOW – A leader of Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and five of his supporters have been booked for allegedly tying up a woman and beating her till she fell unconscious in a village in Aligarh district.

Moolchand Baghel, president of the BSP’s Aligarh unit, and his five supporters roughed up a 45-year-old woman [..] Read the original article: here.

Low-cost airline easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors on planes

easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors

LONDON – European low-cost airline easyJet PLC unveiled plans on Friday to fit its planes with radar to detect volcanic ash.
easyJet said the devices – designed to be placed on the tail fin and detect ash within 100 kilometers (60 miles) – are the first of its kind and … Read : Low-cost airline easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors on planes.

Indian telecom JV survives fire scare in Nepal

KATHMANDU – United Telecom Ltd (UTL), a joint venture between three Indian companies and a Nepali firm, survived a fire scare Friday when a blaze in a building housing its main office here was doused before it could reach the outfit’s premises.

Police said a fire broke out at the Triveni complex in the city’s busy … Read : Indian telecom JV survives fire scare in Nepal.

Fire races through apartment buildings in Bangladesh capital, killing at least 110

Bangladesh fire kills 110, injures over 100

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Survivors wept Friday for lost loved ones, including 15 members of a wedding party, as the death toll from the Bangladeshi capital’s worst fire in recent history rose to 110. More than 100 others were injured, many with severe burns.
The blaze started Thursday night when an …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official linked to 220 bank accounts reinstated

RAIPUR – An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Chhattisgarh who allegedly had at least 220 bank accounts in various names and assets worth millions of rupees has been reinstated, official sources said Friday.

B.L. Agrawal, a 1988 batch officer, was suspended Feb 11 after the income tax department told the government that raids at his … Read more >>>.

‘Furious’ Obama returning to Gulf for oil spill update; postpones trip to Australia, Indonesia

‘Furious’ Obama heading to Gulf for spill update
WASHINGTON – Determined to project both command and compassion, President Barack Obama is returning to the Louisiana coast for a fresh reality check on work to stanch the oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico and the spiraling effects of the nation’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Furious’ Obama returning to Gulf for oil spill update; postpones trip to Australia, Indonesia.

BP seats cap on blown-out Gulf well as oil still spews; Obama to make 3rd trip to La. coast

Cap placed atop Gulf well; oil still spewing
GRAND ISLE, La. – A cap was seated atop a blown-out Gulf well but the volcano of oil obscured it from view early Friday making it impossible to tell if BP’s latest attempt to curtail the nation’s worst spill was having any success.
Robots a mile beneath … Original source on Gaea Times at : BP seats cap on blown-out Gulf well as oil still spews; Obama to make 3rd trip to La. coast.

Despite cold snap, Florida tomato growers end season with unexpected surplus, falling prices

Fla. tomato farmers have surplus despite cold snap

MIAMI – Tomato prices skyrocketed just three months ago, but they’re falling now with an unexpected glut in Florida.
The Sunshine State is the only place in the U.S. where tomatoes are grown on a large scale during winter. But even there, cold weather in January and February killed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CRPF trooper kills man over land dispute

LUCKNOW – A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper shot dead his neighbour over a land row in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district, police said Friday.

Hari Shankar Shukla, 30, killed 50-year-old Ram Samujh Thursday with a licensed rifle of his father in Shukulpur village, some 150 km from here.
“Investigations reveal Shukla killed Ram Samujh in … Read : CRPF trooper kills man over land dispute.

Brutal race killing, body dragged for 16 km

WASHINGTON – A white man has been arrested after an African American was shot dead and his body was dragged behind a pickup truck for nearly 10 miles (16 km) in South Carolina.

The police have charged Gregory Collins, 19, with the murder of Anthony Hill, CBS News affiliate WLTX reported.
Hill and Collins worked in …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspended officer with 220 bank accounts reinstated

RAIPUR – An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer here who allegedly had at least 220 bank accounts in various names and had assets worth millions has been reinstated, official sources said Friday.

B.L. Agrawal, a 1988 batch officer, was suspended Feb 11 after the income tax department informed the government that raids at his residence and … Read more >>>.

BP establishes $360M escrow account to pay for Louisiana sand berms to protect against oil

BP establishes escrow fund for La. sand berms

GRAND ISLE, La. – BP is establishing a $360 million escrow account to fund a project to build six sand berms that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal hopes will protect the state’s wetlands from the growing Gulf of Mexico slick.
The company said late Thursday it approved the accounts. The … Original article on : BP establishes $360M escrow account to pay for Louisiana sand berms to protect against oil.

Mumbai flight about to land as another waits to go

MUMBAI – A potential disaster was averted at the airport here early Friday when a flight was cleared for landing while another plane was waiting to take off on the same runway, airport sources said.

A Chennai-bound Spicejet flight with 201 passengers was cleared for take-off just after 1.30 a.m. But the pilot detected a snag …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mumbai flight about to land as another waits to go.

Andaman; Tsunami Warning

PORT BLAIR, INDIA(GaeaTimes.com)- Andaman Islands witnessed an earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on Tuesday which have led the seismologists apprehend an impending Tsunami. Reportedly, the Andaman earthquake dropped in sharp at a depth of 80 miles (127 kilometres). The USGS (US Geological Survey) told the media that the Andaman earthquake had an epicenter of 120 kilometers … Original article on : Andaman; Tsunami Warning.

Rathore’s bail plea adjourned till June 29

CHANDIGARH – Former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, convicted for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra in 1990, will continue to be in jail till at least June 29, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday adjourning his bail plea and revision petition.

The vacation bench of the high court said the case would now be taken …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pilot does belly landing after seeing it once on YouTube

LONDON – A private pilot who landed his plane on its belly in Corsica after the landing gear locked said it was “a dangerous thing” to to but he had “seen it done on YouTube”.

Klaus Gerecht, from Germany, safely brought down his Cessna light aircraft at Figari airport in Corsica, the Daily Mail reported Friday. … Read more »»».

Court hints at political patronage in police-drug nexus

PANAJI – The Goa government is unwilling to hand over the police-drug mafia probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as “more skeletons may tumble out from the cupboard of the police-drug dealers nexus”, the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court has observed.

In what could be construed as an indictment of a … Read more >>>.

Near miss at Mumbai: Flight about to land as another waits to go

MUMBAI – A potential disaster was averted early Friday when a flight was cleared for landing while another plane was waiting for take-off on the same runway at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here, airport sources said.

A Chennai-bound Spicejet flight (SG-206) with 201 passengers was cleared for take-off shortly after 1.30 a.m. but the flight …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Girl stalked, father dies fearing media spotlight

DHAKA – The father of a girl who was stalked by a youth in Bangladesh died of a heart attack as he feared media attention.

Saiful Islam Munna, a resident of Bogra town, died outside the police station moments after pleading with journalists not to click photographs and run the story of his daughter being stalked. … Read more : Girl stalked, father dies fearing media spotlight.

Fire at apartment buildings kills up to 108, injures over 100 in Bangladeshi capital

Bangladesh fire kills up to 108, injures over 100
DHAKA, Bangladesh – A huge fire raced through several apartment buildings and devastated a rooftop wedding party in the Bangladeshi capital, killing at least 108 people and injuring more than 100 others, officials and local media said Friday.
The blaze started when an electric transformer exploded …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fire at apartment buildings kills up to 108, injures over 100 in Bangladeshi capital.

Bomb outside governor’s office in southern Afghan city of Kandahar wounds 6

Bomb outside Afghan governor’s office wounds 6
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Police say a bomb has exploded outside the provincial governor’s office in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, wounding at least six people.
City police Chief Sardar Mohammad Zazai says the explosives were strapped to a bicycle on the street. The bomb detonated around midday …. Original article  : Bomb outside governor’s office in southern Afghan city of Kandahar wounds 6.

Farm owner’s stray bullet injured Sri Sri devotee: Police

BANGALORE – A farm owner was detained Saturday after it was found that he had fired two rounds to scare away stray dogs but one of them had strayed into Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ashram complex and injured a devotee, a top police officer said.

“The farm is adjacent to the ashram. … Read : Farm owner’s stray bullet injured Sri Sri devotee: Police.

Oil pours from cap over gusher in Gulf; BP says tens of thousands of gallons being collected

Oil pours from cap over Gulf gusher, some captured
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. – Oil poured out of a cap that robots adjusted over the gusher in the Gulf, though some was being collected, as the slow-motion catastrophe spread deeper into the marshes and beaches of four states along the coast.
The spreading slick arrived with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil pours from cap over gusher in Gulf; BP says tens of thousands of gallons being collected.

Punjab man in Canada jailed for life for honour killing

TORONTO – A 48-year-old Indian Canadian man has been jailed for life by a city court for killing his daughter-in-law for allegedly having an affair with another man.

Kamikar Singh Dhillon, who pleaded guilty to stabbing Amandeep Kaur, 22, to death Jan 1, 2009, said he feared his daughter-in-law would leave his son for another man … Read : Punjab man in Canada jailed for life for honour killing.

Pictures of wide-eyed pelicans, seagulls frozen in oil become Gulf spill’s symbol of death

Birds frozen in oil: image of a desperate summer

They are the ghastly images of a summer fouled before it started. Squawking seagulls and majestic brown pelicans coated in oil. Click. Gunk dripping from their beaks. Click. Big eyes wide open. Click. Even the professionals want to turn away. They can’t.
“They get me. It’s just inherently … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pictures of wide-eyed pelicans, seagulls frozen in oil become Gulf spill’s symbol of death.

Criminal wanted for murder shot dead

LUCKNOW – A criminal who carried a reward of Rs.1.5 lakh was gunned down along with an associate by police in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, police said Saturday.

Santosh Gupta alias Kittu (30) and his accomplice were shot dead in Jagatganj area, some 300 km from Lucknow, by the Special Operation Group.
Police officer Girja Shankar … Read more »»».

Police probe death of student’s mother

MOHALI – Police have initiated a probe into the death of a woman who suffered cardiac arrest after learning that her son was thrashed by two of his school teachers, an officer said Saturday.

“We have a complaint from the deceased’s husband. Police are looking into the circumstances that led to Gurpreet Kaur’s death,” Deputy Superintendent …. Original article  : Police probe death of student’s mother.

Relatives of 49 children killed in Mexico day care fire demand justice a year later

Parents of 49 kids killed in fire demand justice

MEXICO CITY – Relatives of 49 children killed in a day care fire a year ago held an overnight vigil Friday in their memories and to demand punishment for officials who they say failed to ensure the center’s safety.
Parents lit candles and placed photos of their children …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Relatives of 49 children killed in Mexico day care fire demand justice a year later.

La. health, environmental secretaries ask OSHA to investigate oil spill cleanup conditions

La. to OSHA: Investigate oil spill cleanup safety

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana health and environmental officials are asking federal safety officials to make sure workers cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are being protected.
Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine and Environmental Quality Secretary Peggy Hatch say that daily reports of injuries and illness …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : La. health, environmental secretaries ask OSHA to investigate oil spill cleanup conditions.

France seizes 1.4 tonnes of cocaine

PARIS – French customs officials have seized 1.39 tonnes of cocaine worth $99 million, the biggest haul of its kind in the country, near Martinique, an island in the Caribbean under France’s rule, authorities said.

The drug was found in a ship, around 74 km from the island, Xinhua reported citing an official statement.
The seized …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : France seizes 1.4 tonnes of cocaine.

Oregon families to settle lawsuits over firefighting helicopter crash in California

Ore. helicopter crash families to settle lawsuits

PORTLAND, Ore. – The families of seven firefighters killed and three injured in the crash of a firefighting helicopter in Northern California in 2008 have reached a tentative settlement in various lawsuits.
The Oregonian newspaper reported Friday the proposed settlements in the August 5, 2008, crash of the Sikorsky S-61 …. Read the original article  : here.

Hezbollah chief describes Israel as ’state of terror’

BEIRUT – Hezbollah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has described Israel as a “state of terror”, referring to the attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in which nine activists died.

Six aid ships with more than 700 international activists were forcefully intercepted by Israel Monday. Nine Turkish activists were shot dead and dozens of other participants were …. Source  : Hezbollah chief describes Israel as ’state of terror’.

Army says soldier charged with murder in 3 Afghan civilian deaths

Army: Soldier charged in 3 Afghan civilian deaths

FORT LEWIS, Wash. – The Army said Friday a soldier has been charged with the murders of three Afghan civilians.
A statement from the Army said Spc. Jeremy Morlock had been charged with three counts of premeditated murder and one count of assault.
Morlock, 22, of Wasilla, Alaska, is an …. Read the original article  : here.

Storms, landslides kill 13 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Storms lashed many areas in Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing at least 13 people and causing disruption of power supply, media reports said.

At least 10 people were killed Friday after two houses collapsed in Lahore, the provincial capital, while two people were killed and three injured in a wall collapse in Gujranwala. An old …. Original article  : Storms, landslides kill 13 in Pakistan.

Sharing locals’ frustration as oil crisis deepens, Obama makes third Gulf trek, lays into BP

Calm no more, Obama lashes out at BP on Gulf visit
GRAND ISLE, La. – Dogged for being too calm in crisis, President Barack Obama unleashed frustration for all to see Friday, warning BP it had better do right by the people whose lives it has wrecked.
The president’s third trek [..] Read the original article: here.

NOAA opens 16K square miles of fishing area in Gulf after no oil spotted

Part of federal fishing area in Gulf reopens

NEW ORLEANS – More than 16,000 square miles of fishing waters off the Florida coast are reopening after officials said Gulf oil did not move into the area.
The most significant reopening is a nearly 14,000-square mile area just west of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. The National …. Source  : NOAA opens 16K square miles of fishing area in Gulf after no oil spotted.

Natural gas, drilling fluids spew from blown-out Pa. well for 16 hours, but no one injured

Gas, fluids spew for hours from blown-out Pa. well
PENFIELD, Pa. – A blowout at a natural-gas well in a remote area shot explosive gas and polluted water as high as 75 feet into the air before crews were able to tame it more than half a day later, officials said Friday.
The gas never … Read more : Natural gas, drilling fluids spew from blown-out Pa. well for 16 hours, but no one injured.

Obama, touring Gulf oil spill, visits with locals at bait shop

Obama visits with locals at Louisiana bait shop
GRAND ISLE, La. – President Barack Obama has visited a bait shop on the Gulf coast to talk with fishing industry workers about how the disastrous oil spill is affecting their business.
Aiming to connect with everyday people who are hurting in the catastrophe, Obama rode south … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama, touring Gulf oil spill, visits with locals at bait shop.

Malaria cases shoot up in Venezuela, epidemic grips region where miners venture into jungle

Malaria epidemic hits southern Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela – Malaria cases have doubled in Venezuela so far this year as health officials confront an epidemic in a vast southern region where wildcat gold miners are often infected in remote jungle camps.

Health Ministry statistics published this week show there have been 21,601 malaria cases nationwide so far this … Original article on : Malaria cases shoot up in Venezuela, epidemic grips region where miners venture into jungle.

BP announces 2nd round of payments to Gulf fishermen, businesses with oil spill losses

BP plans more payments for oil-related losses
NEW ORLEANS – BP says it’s preparing to send a second round of payments to Gulf Coast residents and businesses facing a loss of income or profit because of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The announcement came as President Barack Obama visited Louisiana on Friday for the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two army officers suspended over staged Kashmir shootout

NEW DELHI – The Indian Army has suspended two officers — a colonel and a major — for the alleged murder of three Kashmiri men April 30 in a staged shootout after labelling them as infiltrators from Pakistan, army sources said Sunday.
… Original article on : Two army officers suspended over staged Kashmir shootout.

Afghan president orders review of all cases of Taliban suspects being held in Afghan jails

Karzai orders review of Taliban detentions

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s president has ordered a review of all Taliban suspects being held in Afghan prisons and says those detained on doubtful evidence must be released.
President Hamid Karzai’s decree Sunday is his first official response to a national conference last week on ways to end the country’s nearly … Read more >>>.

Did Shivraj Patil ask Dikshit to delay Afzal Guru’s hanging?

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Sunday stopped short of denying that former home minister Shivraj Patil had asked her government to delay a decision on parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s hanging.

“May be what you are thinking is true,” Dikshit told a news channel when asked if Patil had asked her to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Did Shivraj Patil ask Dikshit to delay Afzal Guru’s hanging?.

Six robbers held in Punjab

PATIALA – Punjab Police Sunday said they had arrested six men who robbed computers from government schools and water pumps from farms.

The arrests took place in Patiala town Saturday. Four other members of the gang are still at large. Eight computers, 10 CPUs, a printer, two pumps and 10 gas cylinders were recovered from their … Read : Six robbers held in Punjab.

Plane makes emergency landing in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – A chartered plane made an emergency landing at Chandigarh airport Sunday after a technical snag forced it to return from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, airport officials said.

According to the officials, the Saraya Aviation plane had taken off from Chandigarh airport and was scheduled to land at Shimla airport.
“The plane had reached Shimla …. Original source  : Plane makes emergency landing in Chandigarh.

Machil staged shootout raises doubts about previous operations: Omar

NEW DELHI – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says the killing of three civilians in an alleged staged shootout in Nadihal village April 30 has raised doubts over the genuineness of other gunfights between security forces and separatist guerrillas with many cases being re-investigated now.

Abdullah, while speaking on a television show late Saturday, … Read : Machil staged shootout raises doubts about previous operations: Omar.

Arms for US embassy seized in Pakistan: Report

ISLAMABAD – Suspicious luggage containing bulletproof jackets and weapons allegedly belonging to the US embassy was seized by police here, a media report said.

Islamabad police Saturday intercepted at the Zero Point picket here a suspicious vehicle which was found to be carrying cargo comprising M-16 rifles and magazines; 9 mm pistols and magazines, several pistol …. Original source  : Arms for US embassy seized in Pakistan: Report.

BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy

Apologetic BP ads get criticism, not sympathy
MIAMI – A new BP ad campaign that apologizes for causing the biggest oil spill in U.S. history is earning the company more criticism than sympathy.
The new radio, TV, online and print ads feature CEO Tony Hayward pledging to fix the damage caused by the spill unleashed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy.

UN aid official frustrated with slow progress in providing shelter in devastated Haiti

UN aid official frustrated with Haiti progress

SYDNEY – The U.N.’s humanitarian chief acknowledged frustration Sunday with the slow progress in providing shelter to the 1.5 million Haitians still homeless because of the Jan. 12 earthquake, and said a large amount of work needs to be done as the hurricane season bears down on the struggling … Read : UN aid official frustrated with slow progress in providing shelter in devastated Haiti.

Rathore taken to hospital for tests; discharged

CHANDIGARH – Jailed former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, convicted for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, was taken to a hospital here for medical tests in the wee hours of Sunday after he complained of acute chest pain and breathlessness, an official said. However, he was sent back to prison after an overall check-up and various …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rathore taken to hospital for tests; discharged.

Tornado Warning Issued To Counties

ILLINOIS (GaeaTimes.com)- On Saturday, tornado warnings were issued to a large part of Illinois. The National Weather Service declared a tornado warning at the northeastern Monroe and south Wayne counties. While the tornado warning for the Washtenaw County was issued until 11:45 pm, the warning for the Southern Wayne County continued until 12:15 …. Original article  : Tornado Warning Issued To Counties.

Containment cap on spewing Gulf oil well is closely watched, as spill’s toll on wildlife grows

Gulf containment cap closely watched in 2nd day

ON BARATARIA BAY, La. – A containment cap that sucked some of the oil from a blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico offered a small sign of progress for a region that has seen its wildlife coated in a lethal oil muck, its fishermen idled and its … Original article on : Containment cap on spewing Gulf oil well is closely watched, as spill’s toll on wildlife grows.

3 injured in Delhi as wall collapses due to rains

NEW DELHI – A woman and two children were critically injured when the wall of a house under construction collapsed in Delhi following thundershowers, police said Sunday.

The wall collapsed in Sangam Vihar area of south Delhi around 8.30 p.m. Saturday, a police officer said.
“The injured were rushed to the All India Institute … Read more »».

Police officer, 2 civilians killed in roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan

Bomb kills Afghan police officer, 2 civilians

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan killed a police officer and two civilians Sunday, an official said.
A police truck was driving down a main road in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district when the bomb exploded, said Shah Baran Noorzai, the district government chief.
A car carrying civilians … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police officer, 2 civilians killed in roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan.

Blasts kill 6 in Baghdad, including policemen targeted by suicide attacker in bomb-rigged car

Bombs kill 6 in Iraqi capital, including policemen

BAGHDAD – A car bomb exploded outside a Baghdad police station Sunday in the deadliest of a pair of attacks that killed six people in the Iraqi capital, security and hospital officials said.
A suicide attacker drove the bomb-rigged car up to a gate protecting the police post in …. Source  : Blasts kill 6 in Baghdad, including policemen targeted by suicide attacker in bomb-rigged car.

SKorean president urges peace with NKorea, tones down criticism in Memorial Day speech

South Korean leader urges peace with North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president toned down criticism of North Korea in a Memorial Day speech Sunday that stressed the need for peace with the nuclear-armed nation, which Seoul hopes will be punished at the United Nations for allegedly sinking a warship.
The annual address, broadcast live … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SKorean president urges peace with NKorea, tones down criticism in Memorial Day speech.

SKorean president tones down criticism against North after hauling it to UN for punishment

SKorean leader tones down criticism against NKorea
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s leader mixed calls for a strong defense with pledges to seek peace with North Korea in a Memorial Day speech Sunday, just days after his government asked the United Nations to punish the North for allegedly sinking a warship.
“We have an …. Original source  : SKorean president tones down criticism against North after hauling it to UN for punishment.

Alabama governor, Coast Guard Adm. Allen agree on oil protection plan for the state

Ala.’s Riley, Coast Guard agree on protection plan

MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and President Obama’s commander of the Gulf oil spill response have agreed on a new plan to significantly increase protection along the state’s coast.
But Riley says getting the blueprint off paper and into the water quickly is vital to ending complaints …. Read the original article  : here.

Bride & groom hurt in Ind. crash that killed wedding party member exchange vows at hospital

Couple hurt in crash married at Ind. hospital

INDIANAPOLIS – A bride and groom who were among 14 people injured in a shuttle bus crash that killed a member of their wedding party were married Saturday at an Indianapolis hospital just hours after the accident.
Lauren Magee and Tom Hanley were among seven people taken to Methodist …. Source article  : Bride & groom hurt in Ind. crash that killed wedding party member exchange vows at hospital.

Two foreigners killed in debt dispute in China

BEIJING – Two foreigners were killed and another injured in a debt dispute that turned violent Saturday night in China’s Fujian province, police said.

A woman from Venezuela was among the dead in the brawl that occurred in the coastal city of Xiamen, while the other victim’s nationality has not been known yet, Xinhua reported.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.