British MP’s wife found working as a sex worker

LONDON – A British MP’s wife works as a prostitute charging 70 pounds “for oral sex without a condom followed by full sex with a condom”, said a media report here. The revelation left the MP stunned as he said: “That’s a horrible shock”.

Sunday Mirror reported that Tory MP Mike Weatherley’s Brazilian wife Carla, 39, … Original article on : British MP’s wife found working as a sex worker.

Rs.10,000-cr police modernisation plan on anvil

AGARTALA – The union home ministry will soon launch an ambitious Rs.10,000-crore scheme for modernisation and welfare of police forces across the country, a top police officer said here Monday.

“The union Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to push the Modernisation of Police Forces Scheme (MoPF scheme) next year with 10 times larger resources,” Tripura …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

No deal with Maoists to free policemen: Nitish Kumar (Second Lead)

PATNA – There was no deal with Maoists to secure the release of three policemen abducted over a week ago, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Monday, and asserted that the government has been “firm on unconditional talks” with the rebels.

“There was no deal. The government was firm on unconditional talks. We did everything possible. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No deal with Maoists to free policemen: Nitish Kumar (Second Lead).

New Zealand economy faces hit from major earthquake as it struggles out of recession

NZ economy facing hit from major earthquake impact

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – New Zealand’s prime minister warned Monday that the country’s economic recovery will be hurt by the weekend’s powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that smashed buildings and wrecked roads and rail lines in the city of Christchurch.
“There will be considerable disruption to the (regional) and national economy …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Zealand economy faces hit from major earthquake as it struggles out of recession.

Cops sent home, no deal with Maoists: Nitish Kumar

PATNA – There was no deal with Maoists to secure the release of three policemen who were abducted over a week ago, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Monday adding that the released cops had been sent home.

“There was no deal with the Maoists…I’m grateful to all political parties for making a joint appeal to … Original article on : Cops sent home, no deal with Maoists: Nitish Kumar.

Eid already in released cop Ehsan Khan’s village

RANCHI – Smiles returned to the faces of the wife and 80-year-old father of Ehsan Khan Monday and hundreds of people gathered near their home in Jharkhand when TV footage confirmed that the cop, who had been abducted by Maoists in Bihar over a week ago, had been released.

“Allah ki meharbani hai (It’s Allah’s wish). … Read more »»».

Philippines asks court to outlaw Abu Sayyaf, blacklist more than 200 militants

Philippines asks court to outlaw Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government has asked a court to outlaw the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group and blacklist more than 200 of its Islamic fighters blamed for two decades of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, officials said Monday.
The Justice Department recently lodged its petition against the al-Qaida-linked … Original source on Gaea Times at : Philippines asks court to outlaw Abu Sayyaf, blacklist more than 200 militants.

British tourist alleges molestation in Rajasthan

BUNDI – Another incident of a foreign tourist being harassed in Rajasthan has emerged with a British woman alleging that she was molested by a schoolteacher here. Police, however, arrested the man only for “disturbing peace”, an official said.

The alleged incident took place when the foreign tourist and her boyfriend were walking around the Nahar …. Original source  : British tourist alleges molestation in Rajasthan.

Aerobridge Takes Life Of AirAsia Officer

HYDERABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- In a shocking development a Kolkata based a 25 year old lady named Amrita Roy lost her life after her right hand was severed in a retracting aerobridge. The incident took place at the Hyderabad airport yesterday. The lady was standing at the aircraft door edge at that time when the incident … Read more »»».

Thieves who taunted cops on YouTube jailed

LONDON – A gang of thieves in Britain, who made rap videos taunting policemen and then posted these on YouTube, has been caught and jailed.

“Night Crawlers” gang led by Matthew Murtagh struck at 17 homes. They boasted they could never be apprehended, The Sun reported Monday.
They stole luxury cars, jewellery, TVs, and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thieves who taunted cops on YouTube jailed.

Austrian girl talks of 8 years in captor’s dungeon

LONDON – A girl in Austria, who was locked up in a dungeon where she suffered physical and sexual abuses for eight years, has revealed she was beaten black and blue and forced to share bed with her captor.

In her autobiography, “3096 Days”, Natascha Kampusch tells how she was kept in a “hermetically sealed” dungeon, … Read more >>>.

Tropical depression off Mexico coast strengthens; warnings from Tampico to mouth of Rio Grande

Tropical depression off Mexico coast strengthens

MIAMI – Forecasters say a tropical depression off the coast of Mexico has strengthened slightly.
The National Hurricane Center says the depression has sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and is about 205 miles (335 kilometers) east-southeast of Tampico, Mexico. It is expected to strengthen more before making land and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dozen Punjab villages flooded as Satluj breaches bank

CHANDIGARH – Nearly a dozen villages in Punjab’s Ropar district were flooded as the overflowing Satluj river breached its banks near Laudipur village, officials said Monday.

More water was released from the Bhakra Dam reservoir Sunday as its spillways were opened to maintain the water level in the reservoir, officials of the Bhakra Beas Management …. Original source  : Dozen Punjab villages flooded as Satluj breaches bank.

Police say suicide attack on police station in NW Pakistan kills 17 officers and civilians

Police say suicide attack in NW Pakistan kills 17

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A suicide bomber detonated a car in an alley behind a police station in a strategically vital town in northwest Pakistan on Monday, killing at least 17 police and civilians in an explosion that shattered the station and neighboring homes, police said.
About 40 people …. Read the original article  : here.

Three arrested with antique idol in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three men were arrested with an ‘ashtadhatu’ (eight-metal) idol worth Rs.5 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, police said Monday.

The trio, in their mid-30s, were nabbed late Sunday evening from the district’s Dhobha area, close to the Nepal order, in a joint operation carried out by police and the Special Operation Group (SOG). …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ex-Colombian spy seduced cop to implicate judges

Bogota, Sep 6 (IANS/EFE) A former Colombian detective, who received orders from her superiors to infiltrate the Supreme Court in 2007, had seduced a national police captain to be able to carry out her mission, media reports said.

Alba Luz Florez revealed in her confession to authorities, which was published Saturday, that her superiors in the … Read more »»».

Tropical depression forms off Mexico coast; storm warnings from Tampico to mouth of Rio Grande

Tropical depression forms off Mexico coast

MIAMI – Forecasters say a tropical depression has formed off the coast of Mexico and storm warnings have been issued.
The National Hurricane Center says the depression has sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kph) and is about 200 miles (325 kilometers) east-southeast of Tampico, Mexico. It is expected to strengthen …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New Zealand troops take over security as southern city begins clean-up after major earthquake

NZ troops provide security in earthquake-hit city

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Army troops took control of the center of the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Monday, two days after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake smashed buildings and homes, wrecked roads and rail lines – but caused no loss of life.
Mayor Bob Parker extended a state of … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand troops take over security as southern city begins clean-up after major earthquake.

42 dead in mudslides in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY – At least 42 people have died in mudslides that followed heavy rains in Guatemala, local media reported Sunday.

Fifteen people were killed in one mudslide alone on the Pan-American Highway near Guatemala City. According to eyewitness reports Sunday, numerous other people had been buried.
Rescuers searching for survivors reportedly were caught and submerged …. Original source  : 42 dead in mudslides in Guatemala.

6 minor earthquakes recorded in central Oklahoma, same area had several temblors this week

6 small earthquakes shake parts of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – For the second time in less than a week, six small earthquakes have been recorded in a single day in central Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Geological Survey said the six earthquakes on Saturday ranged from preliminary magnitudes of 1.5 to 3.3.
On Wednesday in the same area about 30 … Read more »»».

Indonesian volcano spits new burst of ash high into air, 15 miles away in strongest blast yet

Indonesian volcano erupts again; strongest yet

TANAH KARO, Indonesia – An Indonesian volcano shot a towering cloud of black ash high into the air Tuesday, dusting villages 15 miles (25 kilometers) away in its most powerful eruption since awakening last week from four centuries of dormancy.
Some witnesses at the foot of Mount Sinabung reported seeing an … Read more >>>.

1,000 homes evacuated, dozens of houses destroyed by fast-moving Colorado wildfire

Colorado wildfire destroys dozens of homes

DENVER – A wind-whipped wildfire sent flames roaring through a rugged canyon in the Colorado foothills, forcing hundreds of people to flee and destroying dozens of homes – some that belonged to the firefighters themselves, authorities said early Tuesday.
Firefighters were waiting until sunrise to count the exact number of houses … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 1,000 homes evacuated, dozens of houses destroyed by fast-moving Colorado wildfire.

Bangladesh Army officer caught with banned drug

DHAKA – A Bangladesh Army officer, returning from India after medical treatment, has been caught with bottles of a banned medicinal drug.

Major Shabbir Ahmed Bipu, posted at Chittagong Cantonment, was nabbed by police Sunday in Faridpur district in central Bangladesh with three bottles of a cough syrup commonly known as Phensidyl. He was handed … Read more : Bangladesh Army officer caught with banned drug.

Trauma of watching friends die keeps children from school

RAIPUR – The students cannot get over the horror of watching three of their friends being struck by lightning and dying in front of their eyes. A day after the three boys, all under 10, were hit by a thunder bolt and died in a government school in Chhattisgarh, most students are keeping away from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man held after wife’s remains found encased in concrete

LONDON – A businessman was arrested after the burnt remains of his wife were found covered in concrete in their mansion in France, it was reported here Tuesday.

Joanna Hall may have died last week during a drunken argument with her husband Robert, 55.
Daily Express reported that one of their three children could have reported … Read more >>>.

Chhattisgarh may sack cops dodging Maoist area postings

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh, one of the states worst hit by Maoist insurgency, is thinking of suspending or dismissing from service 31 policemen who are declining new postings, mostly in Maoist hotbeds, an official said here Tuesday.

“The police headquarters has taken a stern view over deliberate delay by 31 policemen … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chhattisgarh may sack cops dodging Maoist area postings.

Train kills three teenagers

BHUBANESWAR – Three teenagers were killed on the spot when they came under a train Tuesday in Orissa’s Dhenkanal district, police said.

The accident took place near Kuanripal village when the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Gariba Rath express hit them, Superintendent of Police S.K. Gajbhiye told IANS.
“We are investigating why they were on the track,” he said. The … Read more : Train kills three teenagers.

1,000 homes evacuated, unknown number destroyed by fast-moving Colorado wildfire

Hundreds flee fast-moving Colorado wildfire

DENVER – A wind-whipped wildfire sent flames roaring through a rugged canyon in the Colorado foothills, forcing hundreds of people to flee and destroying an unknown number of homes – some that belonged to the firefighters themselves.
The blaze broke out Monday morning in Four Mile Canyon northwest of Boulder and rapidly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 1,000 homes evacuated, unknown number destroyed by fast-moving Colorado wildfire.

Student dies as ceiling falls

LUCKNOW – A student was killed and 13 others were injured Tuesday when the ceiling of their classroom collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district, police said.

The accident took place at the government-aided Salempur Junior High School in Maharjpur area. The 13-year-old Shricharan died on the spot.
“All the injured are being treated in hospital. The …. Original article  : Student dies as ceiling falls.

SKorea: NKorea requests for shipment of rice, cement and heavy equipment for flood recovery

SKorea: NKorea asks for flood aid despite tension

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea requested a shipment of rice, cement and heavy equipment days after rival South Korea offered relief aid to its communist neighbor to help it recover from recent flooding, the South’s Unification Ministry said Tuesday.
Word of the communication between the two Koreas on … Read more : SKorea: NKorea requests for shipment of rice, cement and heavy equipment for flood recovery.

Indian TV helps solve Nepali woman\’s murder

KATHMANDU – A woman gangraped for nearly three days before being strangled to death in a hotel in an Indian city has been identified as a 35-year-old Nepali housewife and her killers as a trio from a border town of Nepal, thanks to a programme aired by an Indian television channel.

Nepal police solved the disappearance …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian TV helps solve Nepali woman\’s murder.

Engineering student attempts suicide after ragging

LUCKNOW – A first year engineering student at a private college in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district attempted suicide after being ragged by some seniors, police said Tuesday.

Vishal Yadav, 18, a B.Tech student of the Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (PSIT), consumed a mosquito repellant late Monday in his hostel room on the campus. Singh … Read more : Engineering student attempts suicide after ragging.

Suspended jail warden commits suicide

LUDHIANA – A warden of Ludhiana’s central jail, suspended last week after a prisoner escaped from his custody, Tuesday committed suicide at his house here.

The police found a suicide note from the room of Kashmiri Lal in which he is said to have accused senior prison officers of harassing him.
Lal and two other officials …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Suspended jail warden commits suicide.

Two injured in West Bengal as clashes mar strike

KOLKATA – Two people were injured in a clash between political activists in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district Tuesday amid disruption of normal life across the state following a one-day nationwide strike. Air services were also affected.

The workers of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) prevented the activists of the Trinamool Congress from opening shops …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two injured in West Bengal as clashes mar strike.

Tropical Storm Hermine crosses into Texas hours after coming ashore in Mexico

Tropical Storm Hermine crosses into Texas
McALLEN, Texas – Tropical Storm Hermine rolled into south Texas early Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to an area battered by Hurricane Alex earlier this summer.

Hermine made landfall in northeastern Mexico late Monday and crossed into Texas within hours, bringing with it winds of up to 65 mph … Read more : Tropical Storm Hermine crosses into Texas hours after coming ashore in Mexico.

Man killed by internet girlfriend’s real live-in lover

LONDON – A Scot, who travelled to the Philippines to propose to a woman he met online, was stabbed to death by his internet girlfriend’s live-in lover, it was reported here.

Twentyseven-year-old John McDonald met Nanqueen Romero, 31, at an internet chat room and they talked online for weeks, before Romero invited him to visit her …. Read the original article  : Man killed by internet girlfriend’s real live-in lover.

Boulder Wildfire Continues To Spread

DENVER (GaeaTimes.com)- A wind-driven wildfire that started in Four Mile Canyon northwest of Boulder, Colorado, spread across several square miles on Monday engulfing several buildings and leading to widespread evacuations of homes. No injury report as of yet has been received by the authorities who could not confirm the exact reason behind the …. Original article  : Boulder Wildfire Continues To Spread.

A car thief who is just seven years old

LONDON – Britain’s youngest car thief is a seven-year-old boy who needs cushions to sit on so that he can see over the steering wheel when he takes stolen vehicles for a joyride.

Police officials, who are on the look-out for the mystery thief who has eluded them, said they had “intelligence” he is just seven … Read : A car thief who is just seven years old.

Flood-hit North Korea seeks help from South Korea

SEOUL – North Korea has asked South Korea to send rice and necessary construction equipment to help it recover from floods, the government here said Tuesday.

The request was made in a reply to an offer last week by South Korea’s Red Cross to give North Korea emergency relief aid worth $8.4 million, Xinhua reported. …. Read the original article  : Flood-hit North Korea seeks help from South Korea.

Haryana police seize 500 cartons of smuggled liquor

PANCHKULA – At least 500 cartons of smuggled Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs.375,000 have been seized from here and two people arrested here, police said Tuesday.

According to the police officials, following a tip-off, they intercepted a truck carrying smuggled liquor here. Police said the seized liquor is worth Rs.375,000.
“The accused were taking …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Haryana police seize 500 cartons of smuggled liquor.

Colorado wildfire evacuees wait, wonder if homes among toll of destroyed buildings

Colo. wildfire’s toll of destroyed homes rises

BOULDER, Colo. – Will Esposito describes an otherworldly scene after a wildfire tore through a canyon in the Colorado foothills: Some houses in his neighborhood burning while others stood intact, a propane tank shooting flames into the sky, and an eerie quiet interrupted only by firefighting helicopters and airplanes.
“There … Read more »»».

Britain’s youngest female double murderer jailed for life

LONDON – A school girl, who became Britain’s youngest female double murderer after killing her father and a woman when she was just 15, was Wednesday awarded life sentence for the crime.

She was convicted of taking part with 41-year-old Paul Clarke in the murders of Desmond Thorpe and Rosalyn Hunt, the Daily Mail reported.
Hunt, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Britain’s youngest female double murderer jailed for life.

AI team reaches Chandigarh to repair grounded plane

CHANDIGARH – A day after an Air India plane was grounded at Chandigarh airport after being hit by a bird, a special team from Mumbai Wednesday arrived here to repair the aircraft.

The plane was grounded after a bird hit its front undercarriage while it was moving towards the terminal building. The plane had 153 … Read more >>>.

Corruption cases on the rise in China

BEIJING – There has been an increase in the number of bribery cases involving government officials in China, a senior official has said.

Song Hansong, deputy-director of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) anti-dereliction and infringement department, told China Daily Tuesday that the number of bribery cases involving government officials has increased by 13 percent since 2003. … Read more »».

Six women Maoists held for Chhattisgarh ambush

RAIPUR – Seven Maoist guerrillas, including six women, were arrested with arms and ammunition in Chhattisgarh Wednesday for killing five security personnel in an ambush last month, police said.

The seven, amongst the dozens of Maoists wanted for the Aug 29 killing of five security personnel in Kanker, were arrested from a forest in the district …. Read the original article  : here.

13 children injured in China wall collapse

BEIJING – Thirteen children and a teacher were injured when a wall at a privately-run kindergarten in northwest China’s Shaanxi province collapsed, an official said Wednesday.

The accident happened Tuesday in a village in Jingyang county, when the wall of a house adjacent to the kindergarten toppled and crashed into the kindergarten’s wall, Xinhua quoted a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 13 children injured in China wall collapse.

18 Maoists named in Bihar cops’ abduction case

PATNA – A case has been registered against 18 named Maoists and 150 unknown people for killing eight policemen and abducting four in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, police said Wednesday.

“The case was registered on the basis of the statement of station house officer of Kajra police station Indradev Paswan,” Lakhisarai Superintendent of Police Ranjeet Kumar …. Read the original article  : 18 Maoists named in Bihar cops’ abduction case.

Indonesian maid jailed for mixing urine in baby’s milk

HONG KONG – An Indonesian maid who mixed her own urine with the formula milk she fed to a Hong Kong infant she was looking after has been jailed, a report said Wednesday.

The maid, 24-year-old Purwanti, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, added her own urine to the formula milk because of a … Read : Indonesian maid jailed for mixing urine in baby’s milk.

Hermine’s remnants head north after storm drenched parts of south Texas and weakened

Hermine’s remnants head north after storm weakens

RAYMONDVILLE, Texas – It’s power spent, what was left of Tropical Storm Hermine was making its way north Wednesday, having drenched parts of northeastern Mexico and south Texas before weakening.
Remnants of the storm that was downgraded to a tropical depression Tuesday night could spread as far north as Oklahoma …. Source  : Hermine’s remnants head north after storm drenched parts of south Texas and weakened.

Two missing after typhoon hit Chinese oil rig

BEIJING – Two people are missing after falling into the sea when strong wind brought by a typhoon hit an oil drilling platform in China, officials said Wednesday.

The valve on the oil rig has been closed and there is no risk of an oil spill, the platform’s operator, Shengli Oilfield, a subsidiary of Sinopec, said … Read more >>.

BP to release report on internal probe on Gulf of Mexico disaster before key evidence analyzed

All eyes on BP report on Gulf oil spill disaster

NEW ORLEANS – Oil giant BP PLC on Wednesday planned to release the conclusions of its internal investigation into the rig explosion that killed 11 workers and led to the massive Gulf of Mexico spill.
BP was striking first with a detailed report about what it believes [..] Read the original article: here.

Bail denied to six who chopped off Kerala teacher’s palm

KOCHI – The Kerala High Court Wednesday denied bail to six people, who are accused of chopping the right palm of college teacher T.J. Joseph, saying that their “action created scare in the minds of the people”.

Justice V. Ramkumar came down heavily on the six and said their case was similar to a terror-related one. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bail denied to six who chopped off Kerala teacher’s palm.

6 killed, 35 wounded in 2 bomb attacks in eastern, southern Baghdad

6 killed in 2 separate bomb attacks in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police and health officials say at least six people have been killed and 35 wounded in two separate attacks in Baghdad.
A police officer says three policemen and one civilian have been killed when a parked car bomb exploded Wednesday near a bus station in … Original article on : 6 killed, 35 wounded in 2 bomb attacks in eastern, southern Baghdad.

Goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Rail traffic was disrupted on the busy Pilibhit-Bareilly route after a goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district Wednesday, an official said. No casualty was reported in the accident.

The goods train derailed near the Lalaulikhera station, subsequently damaging the single-line rail tracks.
“Though, mainly a wagon of the goods train derailed, rail-tracks …. Read the original article  : Goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh.

The long and short of British law

LONDON – They are the long and short of the law. British police official Natasha Timothy is dwarfed by her crime-fighting partner, Anthony Wallyn who is two feet taller than her.

The police officials were on duty outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London Monday, Daily Express reported Tuesday.
While Timothy is 5 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : The long and short of British law.

Lover kills woman for taking another man’s name during sex

LONDON – A woman in Britain was stabbed and then throttled to death by her lover after she cried out another man’s name while they were having sex.

Gary Higgs, who was the live-in lover of Joanne Kitchen, stabbed her to death.
Higgs was enraged after Kitchen suddenly cried out: “Chris!” when they were having sex, … Read more >>.

Quake-damaged New Zealand city faces huge repair bill as fresh shakes hit

Big quake aftershocks plague New Zealand city

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – A powerful new 5.1-magnitude aftershock rattled terrified residents of New Zealand’s earthquake-stricken city of Christchurch on Wednesday, as officials doubled their estimate for repairing the damage from nearly 300 aftershocks in five days.
The latest quake, just four miles (6.4 kilometers) below the earth’s surface and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Quake-damaged New Zealand city faces huge repair bill as fresh shakes hit.

Weeks of torrential rains force tens of thousands to flee their homes in southern Mexico

Weeks of rains leave thousands homeless in Mexico

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico – Tens of thousands of people have abandoned their homes across southern Mexico to escape flooding from weeks of torrential rains, and forecasts are predicting even more rainfall.
The situation worsened for some areas Tuesday when authorities began releasing 2,000 cubic meters (71,000 cubic feet) of water …. Original article  : Weeks of torrential rains force tens of thousands to flee their homes in southern Mexico.

Burglar sent penis pictures from stolen phones

MELBOURNE – A serial burglar in Australia photographed his penis with mobile phones he stole and sent the images to some of the owners’ friends, including teenage girls, police said.

Shane Anthony Willis sent the photos via MMS to innocent and horrified victims, The Age reported Wednesday.
Willis, 33, pleaded guilty to more than 60 … Read : Burglar sent penis pictures from stolen phones.

Devgn was smoking in prohibited area, Goa officials insist

PANAJI – Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn was puffing cigarettes in close vicinity of regulation-size “No Smoking” sign boards, officials in Goa said Wednesday.

Manoj Srivastava, the chief executive officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), which conducts the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), has countered Devgn’s claim to the media Tuesday that smoking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Devgn was smoking in prohibited area, Goa officials insist.

AP Exclusive: Soldier’s father says he warned Army of plot by troops to kill Afghan civilians

Soldier’s father: Army was warned of murder plot

SEATTLE – The father of a U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan says he tried nearly a half dozen times to pass an urgent message from his son to the Army: Troops in his unit had murdered an Afghan civilian, planned more killings and threatened him to keep quiet …. Source  : AP Exclusive: Soldier’s father says he warned Army of plot by troops to kill Afghan civilians.

Tropical Storm Igor barely moving off coast of Africa in Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands

Tropical Storm Igor barely moving in the Atlantic

MIAMI – Tropical Storm Igor is barely moving in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa near the Cape Verde Islands.
Maximum sustained winds for the storm early Thursday are near 40 mph (65 kph). The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm should begin strengthening some on …. Read the original article  : here.

Car explosion near market kills 5 in Russia’s volatile Caucasus

Car explodes near Russian market; 5 dead
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia – A car exploded Thursday near the central market of a major city in Russia’s restive North Caucasus region, killing at least five people and wounding 20, officials said.

There was no immediate information on whether the car that exploded in Vladikavkaz had been rigged with explosives or … Read more : Car explosion near market kills 5 in Russia’s volatile Caucasus.

Report: Bus filled with Hindu pilgrims crashes into river in central India, killing 21

Report: Bus crashes into Indian river, killing 21

NEW DELHI – A bus crowded with Hindu pilgrims veered off the road and crashed into a river in central India, killing at least 21 people, media reported Thursday.
Rescuers worked through the night to scour the Bagdi River in Madhya Pradesh state for survivors and bodies in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Teenage British girl on the run with her baby

LONDON – A British girl, who left school to give birth to a baby girl at the age of 13, is on the run with her ten-month-old child.

Tinishya Marshall, now 14, was last spotted Friday with her boyfriend Howard Norman, 16, who is also missing, police said. He is believed to be the infant’s father, … Read more >>>.

Crews contain 10 percent of Colorado wildfire; at least 135 homes reported lost

Crews contain 10 percent of Colorado wildfire

BOULDER, Colo. – As thousands of people waited to learn if their homes survived a raging Colorado wildfire, Dan Hackett hiked a second time behind roadblocks to make sure his house near boulder was still standing.
Hackett, who lives in the mountain community of Gold Hill, said he watched his … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Crews contain 10 percent of Colorado wildfire; at least 135 homes reported lost.

No mention of regret, apology, pollution in internal report by BP over massive Gulf spill

Regret, apology not part of BP’s oil spill report

NEW ORLEANS – BP’s long-awaited internal report on what it believes went wrong when a rig exploded and started the massive Gulf oil spill never mentions the words blame, regret, apology, mistake or pollution. The word fault shows up 20 times, but only once in the same … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No mention of regret, apology, pollution in internal report by BP over massive Gulf spill.

Remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine threaten Ark., Okla., Kan., Mo., after killing 2 in Texas

Storm that killed 2 in Texas continues north

OKLAHOMA CITY – The remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine trekked northward after forcing more than 100 high-water rescues in Texas, swamping streets, producing several tornadoes and killing at least two people.
As the front edge of the storm moved into Oklahoma on Wednesday, a tornado toppled power lines, damaged … Read : Remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine threaten Ark., Okla., Kan., Mo., after killing 2 in Texas.

Suspected US missile hits NW Pakistan, killing 5 alleged militants in 4th attack in 24 hours

4th US missile in 24 hrs in Pakistan kills 5

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – A suspected American missile strike killed five alleged militants in northwestern Pakistan early Thursday, an intelligence official said, the fourth such attack in 24 hours.
The barrage of suspected U.S. missiles against houses and a vehicle in the mountains close to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Suspected US missile hits NW Pakistan, killing 5 alleged militants in 4th attack in 24 hours.

Eight held for stealing vehicles in Punjab

RAJPURA – An inter-state gang of vehicle thieves was busted Thursday with the arrest of eight people in this Punjab town, police said.

The police recovered six Bolero jeeps and three motor-cycles from their possession.
“They used to steal new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) by using specially designed keys. They used to change its engine and … Read : Eight held for stealing vehicles in Punjab.

Weary Detroit gets rare assist from suburbs to battle blazes that tore through neighborhoods

Detroit gets rare assist from suburbs for fires

DETROIT – As exhausted Detroit firefighters battled wind-fed blazes burning wild in some neighborhoods and threatening to char much of the city, a half-dozen departments from surrounding communities brought in sorely needed – and gladly accepted – help.
The assistance was rare, according to city fire officials, who said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Weary Detroit gets rare assist from suburbs to battle blazes that tore through neighborhoods.

Maoists blow up panchayat office in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrills Thursday triggered a landmine blast in Orissa’s Malkangiri district, blowing up a panchayat office, the second blast in the region this week, police said. No one was injured in the explosion.

“Around 30-40 rebels trigerred the explosion at the panchayat office at Materu village under Kalimela police station area, some 40 km … Read : Maoists blow up panchayat office in Orissa.

PROMISES, PROMISES: Despite vows of swift action, pilot fatigue rules are slow in coming

PROMISES, PROMISES: FAA fatigue rules finally near

WASHINGTON – After a regional airliner crashed in western New York a year and a half ago, killing 50 people, the Obama administration promised swift action to prevent similar tragedies. High on the list: new rules governing the number of hours pilots may work, to prevent tired flight crews [..] Read the original article: here.

Laura Bush to speak at fundraiser for Flight 93 memorial in Pa., attend Sept. 11 service

Laura Bush to speak at 9/11 memorial fundraiser

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. – Former first lady Laura Bush will speak at a National Park Service fundraiser in Pittsburgh on Friday, a day before joining Michelle Obama in rural Pennsylvania to remember the victims of Flight 93, which crashed there in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bush’s appearance is part of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Burglar drops his name and contact details

LONDON – A burglar left behind a bag containing his name and complete contact details written inside it after breaking into a house in Britain. Not surprisingly, he was an easy catch for the police.

David Hanlon left behind a police property bag that was given to him by the police after he was caught earlier … Read more »»».

Senior Punjab government official arrested for graft

CHANDIGARH – A senior Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officer was arrested by the state vigilance bureau late Wednesday for accepting a bribe of Rs.50,000 for favouring a complainant.

According to the vigilance officials, 1995-batch PCS officer T.K. Goel, joint secretary in the department of welfare board (Scheduled Castes and backward class people), was caught while taking …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Senior Punjab government official arrested for graft.

Engineering student hospitalised after ragging in hostel

KOTA – A Gujarat youth studying at a private engineering college here has been hospitalised for depression after he was harassed and not allowed to sleep for two nights by seniors at a hostel, says his father who has complained to police of ragging.

A case has been registered against three students of the college, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Engineering student hospitalised after ragging in hostel.

12 killed in Pakistan bus accident

ISLAMABAD – At least 12 people were killed and many others injured Thursday morning when a passenger bus overturned in Quetta city of Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

The injured have been shifted to hospitals and rescue efforts are on, Geo News reported.
…. Read the original article  : 12 killed in Pakistan bus accident.

Road accidents claim about 130 lives in Indonesian

JAKARTA – At least 128 people have been killed in road accidents this week as millions of Indonesians home to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr, local media reports said Thursday.

“The number of traffic accidents between Sep 3 and 7 reached 643 cases, with 128 people killed, 165 people seriously injured and 325 slightly …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Road accidents claim about 130 lives in Indonesian.

Yamuna waters flood 30 Haryana villages

CHANDIGARH – Two major highways were under water and over 30 villages in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district inundated as the Yamuna river overflowed its banks, officials said Thursday.

Traffic had to be diverted from the Ambala-Saharanpur National Highway Number 73 and Chharauli-Paonta Sahib National Highway Number 73-A because of the floodwaters.
Agricultural land was inundated … Read more >>>.

China summons Japanese ambassador for 3rd time to demand release of detained boat captain

China demands Japan release detained boat captain

BEIJING – China’s foreign minister demanded Friday that Japan immediately release the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that collided with two Japanese patrol vessels near disputed islands.
Yang Jiechi made the demand to Ambassador Uichrio Niwa after the Japanese envoy was summoned for the third time over the incident.
China … Read more : China summons Japanese ambassador for 3rd time to demand release of detained boat captain.

Indian driver held in US for record cocaine haul

TORONTO – Ravinder Kumar Arora, a 29-year-old Indian-origin truck driver with permanent resident status in Canada, has been arrested for trying to smuggle a massive consignment of 109 kg of cocaine from the US into Canada. It is one the largest contraband consignment ever seized by the US authorities.

“This is the largest cocaine seizure to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian driver held in US for record cocaine haul.

In Boulder and backcountry, Colorado wildfire crews vigilant as mountain winds swirl

Close watch on Colorado wildfire as winds kick up

BOULDER, Colo. – Weary firefighters hoped the worst was over from a wildfire that destroyed nearly 170 homes in the Rocky Mountains foothills, but crews monitored were monitoring hot spots early Friday amid concerns that erratic winds could fan the flames and send them into Boulder.
Fearing further … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In Boulder and backcountry, Colorado wildfire crews vigilant as mountain winds swirl.

San Bruno Plane Crash Suspected for Explosion, Later Dismissed

SAN BRUNO, CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A massive fire blaze ignited the neighborhood of San Bruno at around 6 pm on Thursday as a result of successive explosions.
The initial cause of the fire was suspected to be a plane crash in the nearby San Francisco Airport. Later on investigation clarified that the huge explosion was caused … Original article on : San Bruno Plane Crash Suspected for Explosion, Later Dismissed.

KGO TV Updates on the San Bruno Gas Line Explosion

SAN BRUNO (GaeaTimes.com) — KGO TV has published their latest updates on the recent gas explosion in San Bruno, California. The explosion caused the death of one person while injuring more than 53 others.
According to reports, a 15 feet deep crater has been found near the intersection of Earl Lane and Glenview Drive. It …. Original source  : KGO TV Updates on the San Bruno Gas Line Explosion.

8,500 bottles of smuggled liquor seized, two held

PANCHKULA – Two people have been arrested and more than 8,500 bottles of smuggled liquor worth Rs.550,000 seized from this Haryana town, police said here Friday.

As many as 191 cases of beer were also seized from a truck, which was intercepted near the Panchkula-Yamunanagar national highway.
“We laid a trap and stopped the truck. …. Original article  : 8,500 bottles of smuggled liquor seized, two held.

San Bruno Fire Rages On

SAN BRUNO (GaeaTimes.com)- In a recent development that left more than 30 people injured in San Bruno, a raging fire engulfed homes and gutted buildings last night. The fire has apparently been caused by a gas pipe blast but the root cause is yet to be traced. The sound of explosion was very loud … Read this article on Gaea Times at : San Bruno Fire Rages On.

One killed, thousands displaced in Assam floods

GUWAHATI – At least one person was killed and 30,000 displaced in flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. A vast stretch of the internationally-famed Kaziranga National Park has been inundated, officials said Friday.

A government spokesperson said floodwaters of Drupang and Sessa rivers, both tributaries of the Brahmaputra river, entered … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : One killed, thousands displaced in Assam floods.

Himachal police zero in on rare wood smuggler

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh police have zeroed on a man recently released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail as the mastermind behind the smuggling of banned red sanders wood to China from here.

“We have established beyond doubt that Narinder Bodh of Kaza (a village close to China border in Lahaul and Spiti district) was the kingpin in … Original article on : Himachal police zero in on rare wood smuggler.

Wyoming meets No. 5 Texas while still mourning death of freshman LB Narcisse in crash

Wyoming, mourning death of player, faces Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – The Wyoming football teams says they will play this weekend in honor of a fallen teammate.
The Cowboys play at No. 5 Texas on Saturday night. Before the game, Ruben Narcisse’s photo will grace the giant stadium scoreboard screen and 98,000 fans will honor him with a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wyoming meets No. 5 Texas while still mourning death of freshman LB Narcisse in crash.

Woman, three children die in wall collapse

LUCKNOW – A 34-year-old woman in Uttar Pradesh and her three children were killed as a wall in their house collapsed on them Friday, police said. A fourth child received critical injuries.

The incident took place in Karaundi village of Barabanki district, some 35 km from Lucknow.
“The woman was sleeping with her four children, two …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Woman, three children die in wall collapse.

Patriots QB Brady’s day starts with car crash, ends with 4-year extension worth about $72M

Brady’s day starts with crash, ends with contract

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A loud crash. A crumpled front end. A brief stay in an ambulance.
It was a very bad start to Tom Brady’s day.
A new contract. The highest average salary in the NFL. A deal that ties him to the New England Patriots through 2014.
It was a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Patriots QB Brady’s day starts with car crash, ends with 4-year extension worth about $72M.

NATO says 3 insurgents planning bomb attacks in Afghan capital killed in a precision airstrike

3 Afghan insurgents killed in NATO airstrike

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan insurgent commander who was allegedly planning bombings in Kabul on the eve of the Sept. 18 parliamentary elections and two of his associates have been killed in an airstrike, NATO said Friday.
The military alliance said in a statement that intelligence sources tracked Nur Mohammed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NATO says 3 insurgents planning bomb attacks in Afghan capital killed in a precision airstrike.

Bay Area News: 53 Houses Engulfed by Explosion in Gas-Line

SAN BRUNO (GaeaTimes.com) — At least 53 homes destroyed and 23 people were injured as a massive explosion sparked out in San Bruno last night. The explosion that supposedly formed in a gas-line forced people to run their lives leaving their residents. Those, who couldn’t manage to escape from the devastating inferno suffer minor … Read : Bay Area News: 53 Houses Engulfed by Explosion in Gas-Line.

Lawyer refuses to help so daughter learns from mistake

LONDON – A lawyer in Britain, known for defending high-profile celebrities accused of traffic offences, has refused to help his own daughter to fight a speeding ticket as he wants her to “understand the consequences of breaking the law”.

Nick Freeman, who is also called Mr Loophole, said that he wants his daughter Sophie, 19, to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

4 dead, 3 still missing after Hermine flooding in Texas, Okla.; search to resume Friday

4 dead, 3 still missing after Hermine flooding

SAN ANTONIO – At least three people were still missing early Friday after flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine swept vehicles from Texas roads and overpowered swimmers in the Guadalupe River.
With at least four people killed in the flooding, officials planned to resume their search [..] Read the original article: here.

2 killed, 1 hurt as Metrolink commuter train hits trio on tracks in Southern California

Commuter train kills 2, injures 1 in Calif.

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – A Metrolink commuter train struck and killed two people who may have been sleeping on the tracks and injured a third in Orange County on Thursday, authorities said.
Metrolink train 603 heading from Oceanside to Los Angeles struck the trio on tracks under the Alicia …. Source  : 2 killed, 1 hurt as Metrolink commuter train hits trio on tracks in Southern California.

Russian republic observes day of mourning after suicide bomber kills 17

Day of mourning for Russian car bomb victims

VLADIKAVKAZ, Russia – Flags are at half-staff in the Russian Caucasus city of Vladikavkaz and stunned residents are laying flowers in a rubble-strewn square where a suicide car bombing killed 17 people and wounded more than 140.
Thursday’s bombing on the edge of the central market of the capital … Read more »»».

China calls in Japanese ambassador for 3rd time to complain about detention of boat captain

China calls in Japan envoy for 3rd time over boat

BEIJING – China summoned Japan’s ambassador for a third time Friday to protest the detention of the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that collided with Japanese patrol vessels near disputed islands, demanding he and his ship be released unconditionally.
China has said the incident could damage … Read : China calls in Japanese ambassador for 3rd time to complain about detention of boat captain.

1 dead, 53 homes destroyed after fire engulfs neighborhood near San Francisco after explosion

1 dead, 53 homes destroyed in California fire

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – A massive explosion on Thursday sent flames roaring through a neighborhood in the hills south of San Francisco, destroying more than 50 homes and leaving at least one person dead.
The utility company that serves the San Francisco Bay area said one of its gas … Original article on : 1 dead, 53 homes destroyed after fire engulfs neighborhood near San Francisco after explosion.

Crews make progress on Colorado wildfire; thousands return to evacuated areas

Crews make progress on Colorado wildfire
BOULDER, Colo. – Calmer winds on the fire lines and the all-clear for thousands of people to return to their homes had both firefighters and anxious residents feeling more optimistic about containment of a wildland blaze that has swept over ridges and through canyons in the foothills of the Rockies.

“Really, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Crews make progress on Colorado wildfire; thousands return to evacuated areas.

Moderate quake hits Tripura, Bangladesh

AGARTALA – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Tripura and adjoining Bangladesh late Friday night, but no casualties were reported, officials said Saturday.

According to meteorological department director Dilip Saha, the tremor was felt twice at around 11 p.m. Friday in most parts of Tripura and Bangladesh with its epicentre at Madaripur-Gopalganj, 71 km southeast of Dhaka. …. Original article  : Moderate quake hits Tripura, Bangladesh.

Millions of Pakistani flood victims celebrate Eid in tents and makeshift shelters

Pakistani flood victims celebrate Eid in tents
MUZAFFARGARH, Pakistan – Millions of Pakistani flood victims celebrated Islam’s most joyous festival in donated tents and makeshift shelters on Saturday as the country’s leaders – criticized for an inadequate response to the disaster – pledged more aid.
The water has receded in many places, but remains head-high … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Millions of Pakistani flood victims celebrate Eid in tents and makeshift shelters.

Railways cancel, divert 53 trains due to Delhi floods

NEW DELHI – Indian Railways Saturday cancelled or diverted 53 trains, including several short-distance services, as several low-lying areas in and around the national capital were inundated as the Yamuna kept swelling.

According to the Northern Railway, among the long-distance trains cancelled or diverted were Kalka Mail, Lal Quila Express, Satyagraha Express, Farakka Express, Howrah Janata … Read more »».

Canadian court hears tape of Punjab man killing stepsons

VANCOUVER – A chilling tape that a Punjab man made of himself murdering his two stepsons and nearly beheading his wife on Father’s Day in June last year was heard by a court here Friday.

The tape, which starts recording the violent event about 46 minutes before the actual murders took place June 21, 2009, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Canadian court hears tape of Punjab man killing stepsons.

Playboy model causes mid-air scare in US

WASHINGTON – A busty Playboy model in the US attempted to open the aircraft’s door mid-air after she suffered from anxiety.

Tiffany Livingston, 21, was on board JetBlue Flight 522 from Orlando to Newark. She suddenly got up from her seat and tried to open the aircraft’s door, a law-enforcement official said.
“She said she’s … Read more »»».

Yamuna flowing at alarming level in Haryana, two killed

CHANDIGARH – The Yamuna river continued to flow close to the danger mark in Haryana, flooding over 120 villages of Panipat and Yamunanagar districts and killing two youngsters, an official said here Saturday.

Fifteen-year-old Rohit and Sunil, 20, were killed after they were swept away in the overflowing Yamuna in Sanauli village in Panipat district Friday, … Read more >>.

Yamuna floods parts of Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Yamuna continued to rise Saturday, flooding low-lying areas in the capital as a spell of heavy rain in the morning added to the concerns of people.

According to an official of the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, the water level in the Yamuna reached 206.66 metres Saturday morning, almost two metres …. Read the original article  : Yamuna floods parts of Delhi.

Man gets 4-year sentence for mutilating, killing girl’s rabbits at Mass. construction company

Mass. man gets 4-year sentence for killing rabbits

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to four years behind bars after admitting to mutilating and killing five pet rabbits during a break-in at a construction company.
The North Adams Transcript reports that Wayne Brackett Jr. accepted a plea agreement Friday that would allow him [..] Read the original article: here.

Six hurt in Pakistan firing

ISLAMABAD – At least six people were injured in a gun firing during Eid prayer in Faisalabad, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Xinhua reported Saturday.
…. Source article  : Six hurt in Pakistan firing.

Two die in Pakistan jail blast

ISLAMABAD – At least two prisoners were killed in an explosion in a jail in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, a media report said Saturday.

Sources said gun firing was reported after the blast hit the central jail in Mach town, Xinhua reported.
…. Original source  : Two die in Pakistan jail blast.

Tremors felt in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – A quake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale shook the Kashmir Valley Saturday morning as Muslims prepared to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

“The earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale occurred at 8.40 a.m.,” an official of the weather office said here.
“The epicentre of the slight intensity tremor was located 37.7 degrees north and … Read more >>.

85 prisoners escape from Mexico jail

Mexico City, Sep 11 (IANS/EFE) Eighty-five prisoners escaped from a jail in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state, authorities said.

The largest prison break in the state took place Friday in the city of Reynosa, bordering Texas in the US. The inmates fled from the prison using a ladder, apparently with the collusion of two guards, state secretary-general Hugo …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 85 prisoners escape from Mexico jail.

Officials say crews contain about half of wildfire that’s destroyed 169 homes in Colorado

Crews contain about half of Colorado wildfire

BOULDER, Colo. – A wildfire in Colorado that destroyed at least 169 homes and drove thousands of people from their homes near Boulder is roughly 50 percent contained.
Fire officials said late Friday the high winds that prompted Boulder authorities to warn residents in some parts of the city to … Read : Officials say crews contain about half of wildfire that’s destroyed 169 homes in Colorado.

10 police officers killed in Colombia

BOGOTA – At least 10 police officers died and five were injured in an attack by leftist rebels in Colombia, near the Ecuadorian border, the authorities said.

This takes the total number of police and military officers killed by leftist rebels over the past week to 40.
The latest attack by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of … Original article on : 10 police officers killed in Colombia.

Coast Guard boat driver haunted by holiday parade crash in Calif. that killed 8-year-old boy

Coast Guard driver haunted by fatal Calif. crash

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The driver of a Coast Guard boat that slammed into a smaller recreational boat during a holiday parade testified in military court Friday that he is haunted by the memory of an 8-year-old boy who died in the crash.
“Every day before I go to sleep, …. Source article  : Coast Guard boat driver haunted by holiday parade crash in Calif. that killed 8-year-old boy.

Gas line rupture sparks safety questions as Calif. crews search area where fireball killed 4

Crews search ash-covered homes after blast kills 4

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Crews searched still smoldering ruins of homes for more victims after a gas line blast fueled a raging inferno that devastated this suburban San Francisco neighborhood. City leaders called for a town hall meeting to start San Bruno’s healing process.
Officials were trying to determine …. Original source  : Gas line rupture sparks safety questions as Calif. crews search area where fireball killed 4.

EPA tells Enbridge it must plug leaking oil pipeline outside Chicago by noon on Monday

EPA orders Enbridge to stop Ill. pipeline spill

CHICAGO – The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday ordered Enbridge Energy Partners to stop the flow of oil from its leaking pipeline outside of Chicago by noon Monday.
EPA said that Enbridge crews have contained oil spilling from the pipeline and are trying to determine how the leak happened.
EPA … Read : EPA tells Enbridge it must plug leaking oil pipeline outside Chicago by noon on Monday.

APNewsBreak: Relative says woman, child feared dead in massive California explosion, fireball

Woman, child feared dead in massive Calif. blast

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – A 44-year-old woman and her young daughter are among those feared dead after a massive explosion ripped through a Northern California neighborhood.
Officials have confirmed that four people were killed Thursday night when a gas line ruptured in San Bruno and a fireball exploded through … Read more >>>.

Chile brings 3rd drill to rescue trapped miners; New US bit to fix smashed 2nd drill

3rd drill to the rescue for Chile’s trapped miners

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile – Chile is sparing no expense to rescue its 33 trapped miners, mounting three separate drilling efforts to carve escape tunnels through nearly a half-mile of solid rock and collapsed mine shafts. The latest – an oil-well drill so big it takes 40 …. Read the original article  : here.

Four killed as vehicles collide in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Four people were charred to death while four received serious burn injuries when two vehicles caught fire after colliding with each other in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district early Sunday, police said.

The accident took place in Barua Sagar area as a mini truck and a milk tanker collided head-on.
“Three men inside the mini …. Original article  : Four killed as vehicles collide in Uttar Pradesh.

South Korea to propose flood aid to NKorea, hold talks on family reunions amid easing tensions

South Korea to propose flood aid to North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea will send a list of proposed relief aid to flood-stricken North Korea and hold talks on reuniting families separated by war six decades ago, the government said, in signs of easing tension on the divided peninsula.
An overflowing river last month swamped …. Read the original article  : South Korea to propose flood aid to NKorea, hold talks on family reunions amid easing tensions.

Chinese man attacks train passengers, one killed

BEIJING – A knife-wielding man attacked eight people aboard a train in central China’s Henan province early Sunday, killing one and injuring seven.

The incident occurred on a train travelling from Lanzhou, capital of northwest China’s Gansu province, to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, Xinhua quoted an official as saying.
A preliminary investigation revealed … Read more »»».

50 women booked for assaulting cop in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – As many as 50 women have been booked for assaulting a cop with slippers inside a police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district, police said Sunday.

The women, who are residents of Pratap Nagar area, beat up Senior Sub-Inspector Jagdish Singh inside Jalalabad police station Friday for allegedly misbehaving with the locality’s young women …. Original article  : 50 women booked for assaulting cop in Uttar Pradesh.

10 killed, thousands displaced in northeast floods

GUWAHATI/ITANAGAR – Ten people were killed and about 300,000 displaced in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, officials said Sunday.

Heavy rains triggered mudslides and flooding in at least three districts of Arunachal Pradesh, washing away bridges, huts and school buildings, besides devastating agriculture crops, …. Source article  : 10 killed, thousands displaced in northeast floods.

Yamuna recedes in Delhi, but still above danger mark

NEW DELHI – The water level in the Yamuna started receding Sunday, a day after nearly 2,000 people were evacuated in Delhi as the river was flowing perilously above the danger mark, a flood department official said.

The water level in the Yamuna stood at 206.49 metres Sunday morning, 1.66 metres above the danger mark, …. Read the original article  : Yamuna recedes in Delhi, but still above danger mark.

Russia to reform police system

Moscow, Sep 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved a plan that seeks an overhaul of the country’s police system in order to curb corruption and usurpation of power, the United Russia party leader Boris Gryzlov has said.

In December, Medvedev ordered an extensive reform of the interior ministry in an effort to deal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Russia to reform police system.

Toll rises to seven in US gas pipeline blast

SAN FRANCISCO – Three more bodies were found in the rubble of a neighbourhood demolished by the explosion of a gas pipeline, raising the death toll to seven, authorities said late Saturday in San Bruno, California.

Dozens of people were injured and more than three dozen houses destroyed in Thursday’s massive explosion of natural gas. Dozens … Original article on : Toll rises to seven in US gas pipeline blast.

Fireworks blast kills six in China

BEIJING – Six people were killed and four injured in an explosion triggered by fireworks in north China’s Hebei province, authorities said Sunday.

The accident occurred Saturday in a village in Dongwang township of Dingzhou city, Xinhua quoted an official as saying.
Preliminary investigation shows that the explosion was caused by the fireworks being produced illegally … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fireworks blast kills six in China.

China summons Japanese ambassador again over detained boat and crew, urges ‘wise’ resolution

China summons Japanese ambassador again over boat

BEIJING – China’s top foreign policy official increased pressure on Japan on Sunday by summoning its ambassador to again demand the immediate release of Chinese fishermen and their boat detained near disputed islands.
State Councilor Dai Bingguo called in Ambassador Uichiro Niwa early Sunday, China’s Foreign Ministry said. It was …. Read the original article  : here.

Igor becomes fourth hurricane of the Atlantic season with maximum winds near 75 mph (120 kph)

Hurricane Igor forms in open Atlantic
MIAMI – Forecasters say Igor has become the fourth hurricane of the Atlantic season with maximum winds near 75 mph (120 kph).

The storm was far from land late Saturday. Forecasters say Igor could become a major hurricane by Monday.
The storm was located about 1,230 miles (1,975 kilometers) west of the … Read more >>>.

Police chief says 5 people still missing from gas pipeline blast that killed 4 in Calif.

Police: 5 people missing from gas pipeline blast

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The police chief in the San Francisco suburb where a gas pipeline ruptured and exploded, wiping out homes and killing four people, says 5 people are still missing.
San Bruno police chief Neil Telford made the comment Saturday at a public meeting.
A group of local, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Police chief says 5 people still missing from gas pipeline blast that killed 4 in Calif..

Fire breaks out at oil refinery pier in Venezuela, government says production unaffected

Fire breaks out at refinery pier in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela – A fire broke out at a Venezuelan oil refinery loading pier Saturday, forcing the evacuation of workers and ships from the area.
The blaze began in the morning while diesel was being loaded onto a ship for export, the state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fire breaks out at oil refinery pier in Venezuela, government says production unaffected.

Searchers find remains at Calif. blast site, officials unsure whether they belong to 2 missing

Searchers find remains at Calif. blast site

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – A city spokesman says authorities are now unsure whether remains found at the suburban San Francisco blast that destroyed nearly 40 homes belonged to the two people reported missing since the explosion and fire.
San Bruno spokesman Steve Firpo says the remains were found Saturday morning, … Original article on : Searchers find remains at Calif. blast site, officials unsure whether they belong to 2 missing.

Six dead in US shooting

WASHINGTON – A man shot dead five people Saturday in a park in the US state of Kentucky before turning the weapon on himself, Xinhua reported.

The attack took place around 11.35 a.m. in a trailer park in Mount Carmel community. The assailant was armed with a shotgun.
Police found the bodies of six people …. Read the original article  : here.

APNewsBreak: Calif., federal regulators say gas pipeline in deadly blast was ranked high risk

APNewsBreak: Calif. gas pipe ranked high risk

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The section of gas pipeline that ruptured and exploded in a suburban San Francisco neighborhood, killing four and injuring nearly 60 others, was ranked as high risk because it ran through a highly populated area, state and federal authorities said Saturday.
One of the victims killed … Original source on Gaea Times at : APNewsBreak: Calif., federal regulators say gas pipeline in deadly blast was ranked high risk.

Searchers find remains of 2 more killed in suburban San Francisco blast; death toll now at 6

Searchers find remains of 2 killed in Calif. blast

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Search teams have found the remains of 2 more people who were killed in the suburban San Francisco blast that destroyed nearly 40 homes, raising the death toll to six, authorities said Saturday.
San Bruno city spokesman Steve Firpo said the remains were found … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Searchers find remains of 2 more killed in suburban San Francisco blast; death toll now at 6.

Coast Guard: Failed blowout preventer from Gulf spill arrives at NASA facility for analysis

Oil well blowout preventer reaches NASA facility

NEW ORLEANS – A Coast Guard official says the 300-ton device that failed to stop the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill after a rig exploded has arrived at a NASA facility in Louisiana for analysis.
Lt. Suzanne Kerver told The Associated Press that the barge carrying the blowout preventer … Read more : Coast Guard: Failed blowout preventer from Gulf spill arrives at NASA facility for analysis.

EPA says flow of oil slowing from leaking pipeline outside Chicago, no estimate on spill size

EPA: Ill. oil pipeline leak slowing, size unclear

CHICAGO – The leak from an oil pipeline near Chicago appeared to be slowing Saturday, and officials were hopeful they would be able to excavate the site soon to determine the cause and exact location of the break, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency official said.
But how much oil … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : EPA says flow of oil slowing from leaking pipeline outside Chicago, no estimate on spill size.

Neighborhood sits empty as crews seek 2 missing, search for cause of deadly gas line explosion

Homes empty as crews seek missing after CA blast

SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The scorched shells of suburban San Francisco homes sat empty Saturday as hundreds of people waited for investigators to let them return to the scene of a deadly gas line explosion and fire.
Two people are unaccounted for, in addition to the four dead, … Read more >>.