Powerful winds from Cyclone Rene damage buildings, phone links in Tonga

Cyclone Rene batters Tonga, cutting phone links

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Cyclone Rene battered Tonga with powerful winds Monday, cutting phone links, ripping off roofs and downing power lines in the South Pacific island nation.
All telephone links with the outside world went down as the storm pounded the capital, Nuku’alofa, on the main island of Tongatapu in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Powerful winds from Cyclone Rene damage buildings, phone links in Tonga.

Police: Somali defense official survives suicide car bomb attack in Mogadishu

Somali defense official survives car bomb attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A policeman says a top Somali defense official has survived an attack by a suicide bomber driving a vehicle laden with explosives in the capital of Mogadishu.
The attack against State Defense Minister Yusuf Mohamed Siyad comes as the besieged U.N.-backed government is preparing to launch an …. Source article  : Police: Somali defense official survives suicide car bomb attack in Mogadishu.

20 killed in Belgium as trains collide: reports

BRUSSELS – Twenty people died Monday morning and an unknown number were injured as two passenger trains collided head-on in the Belgian town of Halle, media reported.

Flemish broadcaster VRT and the Belga news service quoted the mayor of Halle as the source of the figures. The mayor’s office could not confirm the report.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : 20 killed in Belgium as trains collide: reports.

Police scan security footage in investigation of bombing at Indian bakery that killed 9

Police study video for attackers of Indian bakery

PUNE, India – Indian investigators examined security camera footage Monday as they tried to identify who planted a deadly bomb in a bakery popular with foreigners.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack Saturday night that killed nine people in the city of Pune, 125 miles (200 kilometers) … Original article on : Police scan security footage in investigation of bombing at Indian bakery that killed 9.

Mayor says 20 dead in head-on crash of 2 Belgian commuter trains outside Brussels

Mayor says 20 dead in Belgian commuter train crash

BRUSSELS – Two commuter trains collided head-on at rush hour in a Brussels suburb Monday, killing 20 people, Belgian officials said.
The trains collided in snowy conditions just outside of the station at Buizingen around 8:30 a.m. (0730GMT).
“The most recent information we have is that 20 people died,” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mayor says 20 dead in head-on crash of 2 Belgian commuter trains outside Brussels.

Rape is fault of the victims, say half of women: survey

LONDON – Half of women think that rape victims are to blame for the attack, a media report said Monday quoting a British study.

The poll of 1,000 adults found that 54 percent of women believe rape victims should be held accountable for their attack and women were more likely than men to blame victims, … Original article on : Rape is fault of the victims, say half of women: survey.

Several reported injured in rush-hour train crash outside Brussels

Passenger trains collide head-on in Belgium

BRUSSELS – Two rush-hour passenger trains have collided head-on in a suburban Brussels train station.
There was no immediate word on the cause of Monday’s crash at the station of Buizingen, a town southwest of the Belgian capital.
Belgian media said several people were injured in the collision in snowy conditions.
Railway authorities … Read more : Several reported injured in rush-hour train crash outside Brussels.

Cash-for-judge scam: bar association not allowed to argue

CHANDIGARH – Amid opposition from the counsel of the accused in the cash-for-judge scam, the Punjab and Haryana High Court bar association was Monday not allowed to argue a protest plea filed by it against the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI’s) closure report in the matter.

The CBI special court judge, Darshan Singh, did not allow … Read more »».

Passengers injured as trains collide in Belgium

BRUSSELS – Two passenger trains collided Monday in the Belgian town of Halle, south of Brussels, leaving several people seriously injured and more trapped in the coaches, police reported.

The two trains ran into one another head-on approximately one kilometre from Halle station, police in the town told DPA. Several people were “heavily injured”, but there …. Source article  : Passengers injured as trains collide in Belgium.

Yemen military helicopter crashes in near rebel held areas killing 13 soldiers

Report: 13 killed in Yemen’s chopper crash

SAN’A, Yemen – The official Yemeni news agency reports that 13 soldiers were killed and another wounded in a helicopter crash in the northern war-torn province of Saada.
The agency quoted an unnamed official saying Sunday’s crash at Saada airport was due to a technical fault.
It said the plane crashed … Read more >>.

Fresh off icy mess, parts of South facing second rare snow storm in less than a week

South gets 2nd dose of snow in days
ATLANTA – A second snow storm in less is than a week is hitting parts of the South unaccustomed to dealing with the frosty precipitation.

Snow was falling in parts of Alabama early Monday and could crawl into Atlanta just before dawn. The National Weather Service says northern Alabama … Read : Fresh off icy mess, parts of South facing second rare snow storm in less than a week.

Tonga riding out Cyclone Rene; buildings, crops damaged but no deaths, injuries reported

Tonga riding out Cyclone Rene; no injury reported

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Cyclone Rene showed no signs of easing its onslaught on Tonga late Monday, its powerful winds ripping off roofs, tearing down trees and downing power lines in the South Pacific island nation.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or severe damage, but Ha’apai island group, …. Read the original article  : Tonga riding out Cyclone Rene; buildings, crops damaged but no deaths, injuries reported.

Over 7 million tax documents stolen in Latvia

RIGA – In Latvia’s largest ever leak of confidential information, about 7.4 million tax documents were stolen from the server of the country’s state revenue service, the country’s media said Monday.

The LTV1 channel said in its De Facto programme Sunday evening that unidentified people received access to documents on incomes of the country’s top officials, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CBI opposes Sajjan Kumar’s bail plea in 1984 riot cases

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Monday opposed the anticipatory bail plea of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, accused in two anti-Sikh riot cases, and said he may influence witnesses if granted bail.

Arguing on behalf of Sajjan Kumar, senior advocate I.U. Khan said the case had been dragging on for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CBI opposes Sajjan Kumar’s bail plea in 1984 riot cases.

Make our workplaces safer, say Indians in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – The fatal stabbing of taxi driver Hiren Mohini in New Zealand’s Auckland city has prompted the Indian community here to demand that their workplaces be made safer.

Auckland taxi driver Hiren Mohini, 39, was repeatedly stabbed by a passenger Jan 31 following which his taxi collided with a tree in Mount Eden.
New Zealand … Read more »»».

US, Afghan forces push deeper into Taliban town; rockets kill 12 Afghan civilians in offensive

US, Afghan forces push deeper into Marjah
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Insurgent sniper teams battled U.S. Marines and Afghan troops across the Taliban haven of Marjah, as several major gunbattles erupted across the town Monday on the third day of a major offensive to reclaim the extremist southern heartland.

Multiple firefights in different locations were taxing the ability …. Read the original article  : US, Afghan forces push deeper into Taliban town; rockets kill 12 Afghan civilians in offensive.

Rathore’s bail plea hearing adjourned to April 5

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday adjourned till April 5 the hearing in the anticipatory bail plea of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore in fresh cases filed against him by the CBI. He has been convicted of molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra.

The interim bail extended to Rathore by the high court in … Read more : Rathore’s bail plea hearing adjourned to April 5.

Jharkhand mulls Maoist demands for official’s release

RANCHI – The Jharkhand government is considering the demands of Maoist guerrillas to ensure the safe release of a government official, who was abducted Saturday, highly placed sources said Monday.

The state government is considering the demands made by Maoists for the safe release of Prasant Layak, a block development officer (BDO). Layak was abducted by … Read more : Jharkhand mulls Maoist demands for official’s release.

Violence breaks out on Osmania University campus again

HYDERABAD – Violence again broke out on Osmania University campus Monday, the second time since Sunday evening, with pro-Telangana students taking to the streets.

Protesting the police firing and the baton charge on them Sunday night, the students took out a rally and threw stones at policemen and paramilitary personnel deployed on the campus.
The police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman murders mother over boyfriend

Lima, Feb 15 (IANS/EFE) A 22-year-old woman planned and carried out the murder of her mother with the help of her boyfriend and another acquaintance because the victim, a well-known lawyer, was opposed to the daughter’s romantic relationship, Peruvian police said.

The head of the Criminal Division of the National Police, Gen. Cesar Guardia, said at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman murders mother over boyfriend.

Gangster shot dead in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A gangster wanted in 37 criminal cases including murder was gunned down early Monday by the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, an official said.

Ali Mohammad was involved in murder, loot, abduction and other heinous crimes. He was killed in Ramnagar locality after a 45-minute gun battle, Deputy Superintendent of Police A.P. Mishra … Original article on : Gangster shot dead in Uttar Pradesh.

Politicians sheltering mafia in Nepal: ex-police official

KATHMANDU – Nine days after the daylight murder of controversial Nepali media tycoon Jamim Shah, a former police official said the “mafia” had entered the country and was operating with impunity due to protection by politicians.

Bharat GC, former acting police commissioner of Kathmandu Valley Metropolitan Police, also said concerns by India that Nepal’s soil was …. Read the original article  : Politicians sheltering mafia in Nepal: ex-police official.

Tigress kills teenage girl in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A tigress killed a teenage girl and injured two of her friends when they were collecting wood near the Katarniaghat forest reserve in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, forest officials said Monday.

The tigress attacked 16-year-old Gudiya and two of her friends Sunday while they were collecting wood on the outskirts of Vishunpur village in … Read more »».

Sleepy adolescents prone to accidents

LONDON – Sleepiness while driving significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents in adolescents, a new study has confirmed.

The study suggests adolescent drivers were twice as likely to crash if they experienced sleepiness while driving or reported having bad sleep.
Eighty of the 339 students surveyed for the study had already crashed at …. Read the original article  : here.

Peruvian woman murders mother as she forbade her to see boyfriend

Lima, Feb 15 (IANS/EFE) A 22-year-old woman planned and carried out the murder of her mother with the help of her boyfriend and another acquaintance because the victim, a well-known lawyer, was opposed to her romantic relationship, Peruvian police said.

The head of the Criminal Division of the National Police, Gen. Cesar Guardia, said at a …. Original source  : Peruvian woman murders mother as she forbade her to see boyfriend.

Mexican priest in child pornography case released

Veracruz (Mexico), Feb 15 (IANS/EFE) A Catholic priest arrested last year for his alleged participation in a child-pornography ring operating via the Internet has been released due to lack of evidence in the case, a church spokesman said.

Rafael Muiz Lopez, who was assigned to St. Peter Apostle Church in Xalapa, the capital of the Gulf …. Source article  : Mexican priest in child pornography case released.

Coroner as celebrity: After 50 years of death, Dr. Cyril Wecht looks back on life

Death be proud: Cyril Wecht, the man in the morgue

PITTSBURGH – A door slams, and a snowy-haired man sweeps into the room at the back of a university garage, a sterile place of stainless steel sinks, a swaying hose and a metal table where a woman’s body lies, blood dripping from the back of her … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Coroner as celebrity: After 50 years of death, Dr. Cyril Wecht looks back on life.

Eight members of family burnt to death in Maharashtra

SOLAPUR – Eight members of a family, including six children, were burnt to death in their sleep when their hut caught fire early Monday, police said.

The hut belonged to farmer Suresh Chhatan Pawar, and the victims were his relatives, police inspector Harishchandra More said.
“According to Pawar, the fire was deliberate and had been set … Read more >>.

US shooting suspect slapped with more charges

WASHINGTON – Three new charges of attempted murder have been added against a woman professor already under arrest for capital murder in the shooting of three colleagues including Indian American Gopi K. Podila.

Dr. Amy Bishop, 45, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, is charged with killing three colleagues during a faculty meeting at the University of Alabama Huntsville’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US shooting suspect slapped with more charges.

Couple gunned down by assailants in Haryana

ROHTAK – A couple was gunned down by unidentified miscreants, who forcibly entered their house in this Haryana town, police said Monday.

The criminals entered the house Sunday night.
According to the police, the deceased were identified as Krishan Kumar and his wife Indravati.
On hearing the gun shots, neighbours reached the spot and found the … Read : Couple gunned down by assailants in Haryana.

High court refuses early hearing to Sajjan Kumar

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday refused an early hearing to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar who had challenged a trial court order rejecting his anticipatory bail plea in connection with cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Apprehending arrest, the former union minister had approached the Delhi High Court against the trial court order. …. Read the original article  : High court refuses early hearing to Sajjan Kumar.

Police seek public help in fashion designer’s murder case

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Tuesday sought the help of the public in solving the 2007 murder of fashion designer Mona Suri and offered a reward for information about two suspects in the case.

The Delhi Police crime branch Tuesday published sketches of the two suspects in a national daily and announced a reward of Rs.25,000 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Police seek public help in fashion designer’s murder case.

Belgian railways says train driver survived crash but is badly injured

Driver of Belgian train survives crash
BRUSSELS – Belgian railway officials say one of the drivers of two trains that collided outside Brussels with the loss at least 18 lives has survived the crash with serious injuries.

Rescuers are resuming the search for more victims in the wreckage of the two commuters trains that collided on Monday …. Read the original article  : here.

Quick trials for cases involving foreigners soon

PANAJI – The Goa government is taking special steps to ensure that cases involving foreigners are tried quickly and efficiently, state chief secretary Sanjiv Srivastava said Tuesday.

Srivastava told reporters Goa was making efforts to try cases in which foreigners were involved through fast track courts.
“We will move the Panaji bench … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Quick trials for cases involving foreigners soon.

AP Top News at 3:42 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:42 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind … Read more »».

AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:29 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:29 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:29 a.m. EST.

Russian booked for murder in Goa

PANAJI – A 41-year-old Russian national was booked for murder in Goa Tuesday, after a local he had assaulted last week succumbed to injuries.

Speaking to IANS, Superintendent of Police (North District) Bosco George said Constantine Alexander Borowski was in police custody for an assault last Thursday (Feb 11), and he would now be booked … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Russian booked for murder in Goa.

AP Top News at 3:21 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:21 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind …. Source  : AP Top News at 3:21 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:19 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:19 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 3:12 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:12 a.m. EST
Taliban’s top military commander captured
ISLAMABAD – The Taliban’s top military commander has been arrested in a joint CIA-Pakistani operation in Pakistan in a major victory against the insurgents as U.S. troops push into their heartland in southern Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the No. 2 behind … Read more : AP Top News at 3:12 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:05 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:05 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 3:00 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:00 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:00 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:55 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:55 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Read more : AP Top News at 2:55 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:56 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:56 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 2:56 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:46 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:46 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 2:46 a.m. EST.

Public interest petition filed in multi-crore excise scam

PATNA – A public interest litigation (PIL) petition has been filed in the Patna High Court seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged multi-crore excise scam in Bihar.

Petitioner Arvind Kumar, an advocate, said Tuesday that he filed a PIL seeking a probe by the CBI into the alleged multi-crore …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Public interest petition filed in multi-crore excise scam.

AP Top News at 2:45 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:45 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Read more : AP Top News at 2:45 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:28 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:28 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents – … Read more >>.

Two die in police custody, nine cops booked

LUCKNOW – Nine Uttar Pradesh policemen were Tuesday booked for allegedly beating to death two men picked up for “conspiracy” to loot a beer shop in Allahabad.

Sanjay Nishad, 22, and Ashok Nishad, 29, died Monday, reportedly after being beaten inside Allahabad’s Ghoorpur police station.
According to Raj Kumar Nishad, a close kin of the victims: … Read more : Two die in police custody, nine cops booked.

Car bomb explodes outside crime lab in northern Iraq, kills 2, police say

Police: Bomb in northern Iraq kills 2
BAGHDAD – A car bomb exploded Tuesday outside a police crime lab in northern Iraq, killing at least two people, Iraqi authorities said.

The bomb targeting the lab was the latest in a string of attacks against security forces in Mosul, an area where insurgents retain a foothold despite a … Read more »».

AP Top News at 2:07 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:07 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll climbs in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians have been killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP INTERVIEW: Haiti’s president predicts 3 years needed to clean rubble from capital

Haiti president: 3 years needed to move rubble

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – It will take three long years to clear the rubble left by Haiti’s devastating earthquake, said President Rene Preval who admitted even he’s still afraid to sleep under concrete in case another quake strikes.
In a rare exclusive sit-down interview, Preval told Associated Press Television News … Original article on : AP INTERVIEW: Haiti’s president predicts 3 years needed to clean rubble from capital.

Sajjan Kumar approaches high court for anticipatory bail

NEW DELHI – Congress leader Sajjan Kumar Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a trial court order rejecting his anticipatory bail plea in connection with cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The former union minister, accused in two cases, filed his petition in the high court through his counsel Anil Kumar Sharma.
“We …. Original source  : Sajjan Kumar approaches high court for anticipatory bail.

Koda scam: Soren’s personal secretary, other officials raided

RANCHI – The income tax department Tuesday raided the properties of several senior officials, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren’s personal secretary M.L. Pal, in connection with the Rs.2,500 crore money laundering scam involving former chief minister Madhu Koda.

“Raids were being conducted at 70 places in several states,” Ujjawal Chaudhary, income tax director (investigation), told …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 1:24 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 1:24 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll climbs in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians have been killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents …. Source  : AP Top News at 1:24 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 12:28 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 12:28 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll climbs in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians have been killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 12:28 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 12:14 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 12:14 a.m. EST
Civilian death toll climbs in Afghan offensive
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians have been killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer. The deaths – in three separate incidents …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 12:14 a.m. EST.

NATO confirms 3 more civilian deaths in assault aimed at ‘protecting the local population’

Civilian death toll rises in Afghan offensive

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Three more Afghan civilians were killed in the assault on a southern Taliban stronghold, NATO forces said Tuesday, highlighting the toll on the population from an offensive aimed at making them safer.
The deaths – in three separate incidents – come after two errant U.S. missiles struck … Read more >>>.

India, with a billion mouths to feed, shies away from genetically modified crops

A hungry India balks at genetically modified crops

MUMBAI, India – It began quietly in America a decade ago, with a tomato.
Since the introduction of the Flavr Savr tomato, engineered for long shelf life, genetically modified food has become a fact of American life.
Not so in India. The debate over GM food, long settled in America, … Read : India, with a billion mouths to feed, shies away from genetically modified crops.

Maoist strike hits five Bihar districts

PATNA – Normal life was partially hit in five districts of Bihar Wednesday following a strike called by Maoists to denounce the alleged killing of over half a dozen guerrillas.

There was mixed response to the strike in Banka, Bhagalpur, Jamui, Munger and Lakhisarai districts, officials said. Additional Director General of Police U.S. Dutt said the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoist strike hits five Bihar districts.

Koda scam: Raids continue, valuable documents seized

RANCHI – For the second day in a row, income tax officials Wednesday raided the properties of several senior officials, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren’s personal secretary, in connection with the Rs.2,500 crore money laundering scam involving former chief minister Madhu Koda.

“Raids are going on at a few places while at some places they …. Read the original article  : here.

Two engineering students held with heroin worth Rs.10 mn

LUCKNOW – Two engineering students have been arrested with heroin worth Rs.10 million (Rs.1 crore) in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police said Wednesday.

Deepak Rawat and Danish, both in their third year of Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) in a private engineering college, were nabbed Tuesday night from Panchwati colony of Bulandshahr, some 400 km from … Read : Two engineering students held with heroin worth Rs.10 mn.

Four hymn singers killed as car rams into truck

CHANDIGARH – Four ‘raagis’ (Sikh hymn singers) were killed Wednesday morning when their car rammed into a stationary truck near Punjab’s industrial town of Mandi Gobindgarh, 60 km from here.

Police officials said the victims died on the spot as their Indica car rammed into the truck which was parked outside a dhaba (eatery) along National …. Source  : Four hymn singers killed as car rams into truck.

Afghan military official says Taliban increasingly using civilians as human shields in Marjah

Afghan official: Taliban using human shields

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Taliban fighters are increasingly using civilians as human shields in the assault on the southern town of Marjah, an Afghan official said Wednesday as military squads resumed painstaking house-to-house searches in the Taliban stronghold.
About 15,000 NATO and Afghan troops are taking part in the offensive around Marjah, …. Source  : Afghan military official says Taliban increasingly using civilians as human shields in Marjah.

French leader brings reconstruction plan to Haiti, but bitter memories of ex-colonizer remain

French leader brings reconstruction plan to Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – President Nicolas Sarkozy is bringing a French plan to rebuild Haiti with him on Wednesday’s visit to the Caribbean country, a trip officials hope will usher in a new era between France and its former colony.
Some Haitians are welcoming France’s new interest in their earthquake-shattered nation … Read more >>>.

Teenage rape victim turns suicidal, abusive

PANAJI – A girl who was allegedly raped by a Goa cabinet minister’s son in 2008 when she was 14 has since slashed her wrists, attacked her mother with a knife and has needed constant psychiatric care and counselling, the mother has told a court here.

The statement to the Goa children’s court by …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Teenage rape victim turns suicidal, abusive.

Afghan police: 4 policemen killed in roadside bomb in Kandahar province

Afghan police: 4 policemen killed by roadside bomb

KABUL – Afghan officials say four policemen have been killed and four others wounded when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.
The Afghan Interior Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that the four were killed Tuesday in the Reg district of Kandahar province.
Kandahar province is next … Read more >>>.

US military has edge in technology against Afghan insurgents relying on primitive methods

Taliban armory: Rocks, potshots and drawings

BADULA QULP, Afghanistan – The bullet made a zipping, or fizzing sound. American soldiers, relaxing beside their vehicles and backpacks without body armor or helmets, looked around, bewildered. A moment passed. Then another zip, fizz. And another.
“They’re shooting at us,” a soldier said incredulously. Laughing, giddy almost, they moved behind …. Read the original article  : here.

Ricky Martin turns spotlight on human trafficking

San Juan, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) Singer Ricky Martin has presented a study on human trafficking in Puerto Rico in which he said that people were trying to sell minors on the Internet and trade them for cases of beer.

“It’s a reality that is very difficult for me to accept and which I don’t want to …. Original article  : Ricky Martin turns spotlight on human trafficking.

22 killed as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – At least 22 people on their way to a wedding were killed and 30 injured when the bus they were travelling in fell into a river in Uttar Pradeshs Jalaun district, an official said Wednesday.

The mishap took place after midnight at Jalauns Maharajpura village that shares a border with Madhya Pradesh. The bus …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 22 killed as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh.

Five found decapitated next to Mexican school

Mexico City, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) Five men were found decapitated next to a primary school in the western Mexican state of Sinaloa, authorities said.

The victims, whose severed heads were left nearby, bore signs of torture, the state Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday, adding that the remains were discovered shortly after dawn in the town of …. Read the original article  : Five found decapitated next to Mexican school.

Colombia nabs militiaman charged with 2,500 killings

Bogota, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) A fugitive Colombian militia commander accused of involvement in some 2,500 murders has been arrested, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Arnolfo Santamaria Galindo, who formerly led a paramilitary unit in the southern province of Putumayo, was arrested in the Bogota suburb of Soacha, prosecutor Luis Gonzalez told the media.
Roughly 32,000 members … Original article on : Colombia nabs militiaman charged with 2,500 killings.

‘Haiti reconstruction will cost $14 bn’

Washington, Feb 16 (IANS/EFE) The earthquake that devastated Haiti Jan 12 caused damages of between $8 billion and $14 billion, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has said in a study. It estimates that the cost of rebuilding could reach close to $14 billion.

The study released Tuesday makes a preliminary analysis of the damages that the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Haiti reconstruction will cost $14 bn’.

Inmates’ relatives occupy two Venezuelan prisons

Caracas, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) Relatives of inmates in two Venezuelan prisons decided to remain inside the facilities to protest the alleged “mistreatment” of their loved ones by the guards and procedural delays in bringing their cases to court, the media reported.

At the La Planta detention centre in west Caracas, about 150 women decided to remain …. Source  : Inmates’ relatives occupy two Venezuelan prisons.

Man who held ex-wife hostage for three days surrenders

Rio de Janeiro, Feb 17 (IANS/EFE) A security guard who held his ex-wife hostage for three days in the southern Brazilian city of Canoas set her free and surrendered to the police, authorities said.

Rodrigo Luciano Luz, 32, chose to give himself up after holding the woman hostage for 70 hours and after intense negotiations with … Read more >>>.

Security beefed up in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Security has been strengthened around vital installations in Orissa after 24 policemen were killed in a Maoist attack Monday in neighbouring West Bengal and ten people were killed in a blast triggered by terrorists Saturday in Maharashtra’s Pune city.

“Security has been beefed up around all the places in the state which are vulnerable … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Security beefed up in Orissa.

At least 6 seriously hurt when car plows into crowd at north Georgia auto auction

Ga. car auction crash seriously hurts at least 6

ELLIJAY, Ga. – A car being shown at a north Georgia auto auction plowed into the crowd and sent a dozen people to the hospital, including at least six with serious injuries.
Georgia State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright says the accelerator apparently stuck as the car was being …. Original article  : At least 6 seriously hurt when car plows into crowd at north Georgia auto auction.

Body of man who fell into volcano recovered

SAN FRANCISCO – Rescuers have recovered the body of a 52-year-old man who died after falling 500 meters into the Mount Saint Helens volcano in the US state of Washington, authorities said.

Hope had been fading for the avid climber after helicopter crews reported that they had not observed any signs of movement.
“The pilot did … Original source on Gaea Times at : Body of man who fell into volcano recovered.

2 workers died after being trapped in trench collapse near Oklahoma tribal casino

2 workers killed when trench collapses in Oklahoma

McLOUD, Okla. – Authorities say two construction workers have died after becoming trapped in a collapsed trench east of Oklahoma City.
Jacktown Fire Chief Greg Ford says the accident happened about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 62 and Oklahoma 102 near the Kickapoo Casino.
Ford says …. Source  : 2 workers died after being trapped in trench collapse near Oklahoma tribal casino.

NH hotel reopens day after boiler room toxic-gas leak sickened 2 workers, 9 guests by the pool

NH hotel reopens day after gas leak sickened 11

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – A New Hampshire hotel has reopened after a faulty boiler room vent leaked enough toxic gas to sicken 11 people and prompt an evacuation.
The Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Portsmouth was closed Monday morning after two workers and nine guests hanging out near the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NH hotel reopens day after boiler room toxic-gas leak sickened 2 workers, 9 guests by the pool.

Southwest pilot takes evasive action to avoid collision in SoCal, 2 flight attendants injured

Pilot takes evasive action to avoid collision

BURBANK, Calif. – The Federal Aviation Administration says two flight attendants were injured when a Southwest Airlines pilot took sudden evasive action to avoid a collision with a private plane near Burbank over the weekend.
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said Tuesday the pilot of Southwest Flight 2534 from Las Vegas …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Southwest pilot takes evasive action to avoid collision in SoCal, 2 flight attendants injured.

Sheriff: Body of climber who fell into Mount St. Helens crater recovered

Climber’s body recovered in St. Helens crater

SEATTLE – The body of a veteran climber who fell 1,500 feet into the crater atop Mount St. Helens was recovered Tuesday after he spent more than a day in the snow, authorities said.
Clouds and wind had hampered efforts to reach Joseph Bohlig, 52, who was posing for a … Read : Sheriff: Body of climber who fell into Mount St. Helens crater recovered.

Bad weather, a fenced-off flame: It’s one problem after another at a limping Olympics

A glitch for every gold at the Vancouver Games

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – From fire to ice, nothing seems to be going right at the Olympics.
The torch malfunctioned. Warm weather turned the slopes and the event schedule to slop. A Zamboni had to ride to the rescue from Calgary following a meltdown at the speedskating rink.
By … Read : Bad weather, a fenced-off flame: It’s one problem after another at a limping Olympics.

Jacobellis flubs in the snowboardcross course again, this time in semis; US hockey wins opener

Another Olympic flub by Jacobellis; US hockey wins

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Lindsey Jacobellis had to do it. Flying through the air toward the finish line, she reached down and grabbed her snowboard, a stunt similar to the showoff move that cost her a gold medal four years ago.
This time, it was all she could do … Read : Jacobellis flubs in the snowboardcross course again, this time in semis; US hockey wins opener.

ND officials scramble to save statewide social services hot line ahead of flood season

ND scrambles to save hot line ahead of floods

BISMARCK, N.D. – When the Red River burst its banks last spring, flooding dozens of surrounding towns and cities, thousands of worried or displaced residents called a statewide 211 hot line to help find shelter or a meal.
But the nonprofit group that operates the service, which provides … Read more : ND officials scramble to save statewide social services hot line ahead of flood season.

Police: Ga. Mother drowned daughter, tried to kill son, then fatally shot herself

Police: Ga. mother drowned daughter, killed self

BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Authorities say a Georgia woman drowned her daughter, tried to drown her son and then fatally shot herself in the chest.
Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering says Julia Murray called 911 Tuesday morning to say she had drowned her two children and asked for an ambulance. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police: Ga. Mother drowned daughter, tried to kill son, then fatally shot herself.

Helicopter bucks bad weather in search for climber who fell into Mount St. Helens crater

Helicopter bucks bad weather in search for climber

SEATTLE – A Navy helicopter made two passes Tuesday at Mount St. Helens trying to rescue a veteran climber whose chances of survival were dimming after he fell 1,500 feet into the dormant crater and spent more than a day in the snow.
Clouds and wind hampered efforts to … Read more »»».

APNewsBreak: 1st federally sanctioned prison cell phone jamming test takes place in Maryland

APNewsBreak: Feds allow prison phone jamming test

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Equipment that jams cell phones will get its first federally sanctioned test inside a prison in Maryland this week, as state officials try to show Congress how the technology can prevent inmates from using the contraband devices to commit crimes, a governor’s spokesman said Tuesday.
The state …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials: Preliminary reviews fail to show what might have caused deadly Conn. blast

Officials: No info yet on cause of Conn. blast

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Preliminary reviews by several state agencies have failed to reveal any problems that could have caused a Connecticut power plant to explode earlier this month, killing five people and wounding a dozen others.
The head of the state’s public utility regulator said Tuesday that … Read more : Officials: Preliminary reviews fail to show what might have caused deadly Conn. blast.

Income tax raids on hotel chain in Chandigarh, Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Income tax (IT) officials Thursday conducted raids on hotels, offices and other properties of a leading Chandigarh and Punjab-based hotel chain following a tip-off about tax evasion.

The IT officials raided properties of the K.C. Group, which has interests in hotels, restaurants and other businesses in Chandigarh, Panchkula (Haryana), Mohali and Nawanshahr (both in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Income tax raids on hotel chain in Chandigarh, Punjab.

Drunken lasses cause more car crashes

WASHINGTON – Alcohol plays the villain in the rising toll of fatal car crashes involving young women drivers in the US, says a new research.

In 2007 alone, alcohol-related fatal car crashes accounted for almost a third of the total in the US.
The research team analysed data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety … Original article on : Drunken lasses cause more car crashes.

Avalanche kills 18 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 18 people were killed after a large avalanche hit an alpine hamlet in Pakistan’s northwestern district of Kohistan, police said Thursday.

Kohistan police chief Mohammad Ilyas said a cluster of houses in Bagrodara village of Kohistan’s Kundia area were buried by the avalanche which struck Wednesday.
“Local people and a police team … Original source on Gaea Times at : Avalanche kills 18 in Pakistan.

Investigators seek answers in fiery plane crash that kills 3 passengers in Silicon Valley

Investigators seek answers in deadly plane crash

EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. – Investigators are trying to determine if foggy weather was a key factor when a twin-engine plane plunged into a Silicon Valley neighborhood, killing all three people aboard as fiery wreckage damaged homes but “miraculously” sparing people on the ground.
The aircraft was carrying three employees …. Source  : Investigators seek answers in fiery plane crash that kills 3 passengers in Silicon Valley.

Water enters Punjab town after canal breach

TALWANDI SABO – Water entered several parts of this Sikh religious town Thursday following a breach in an irrigation canal, affecting normal life and forcing the authorities to initiate relief measures.

The town, located 30 km from Bathinda in south Punjab, is known for the Takht Damdama Sahib, one of the five high seats of Sikh …. Original article  : Water enters Punjab town after canal breach.

Officials: Bomb blast kills at least 11 people in northwest Pakistani tribal area

Officials: Bomb blast kills 11 in NW Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A bomb blast killed at least 11 people and wounded another 50 Wednesday in a northwest Pakistani tribal region where many Taliban militants are believed to have gathered after fleeing an army offensive, officials said.
The explosion at a cattle market in Orakzai tribal region came …. Original article  : Officials: Bomb blast kills at least 11 people in northwest Pakistani tribal area.

Explosion outside government offices in Ramadi kill 9, Iraqi official says

Iraqi official: 9 killed in Ramadi blast
BAGHDAD – An Iraqi hospital official says 9 people have been killed and 15 injured in a morning explosion outside government offices in western Iraq.

A government official from the Anbar province, where the blast took place, blamed the attack on a suicide bomber.
The explosion Thursday happened at the gate … Read more »»».

Boy’s beheaded body found, sacrifice suspected

BHUBANESWAR – The discovery of a seven-year-old boy’s beheaded body in Orissa’s Jajpur district triggered tension Thursday, with villagers suspecting it to be an act of human sacrifice by a tantrik, police said.

The boy, Srikanta Bagi, a resident of Kubal village, had been missing since Feb 11. While his body was found in a field …. Read the original article  : here.

Government official says bomb blast kills at least 4 people in northwest Pakistani tribal area

Official: Bomb blast kills 4 in NW Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A government official says a bomb blast has killed at least four people in a northwest Pakistani tribal region.
Khaista Noor says the Wednesday explosion occurred at a cattle market in the Darmela area of the Orakzai tribal area.
Orakzai is believed to be a gathering place … Original source on Gaea Times at : Government official says bomb blast kills at least 4 people in northwest Pakistani tribal area.

Spurious liquor kills four, one murdered in Tripura

AGARTALA – At least four men died and another took ill after drinking spurious liquor in a Tripura village, police said Thursday. In a separate incident, a tribal youth was murdered at a shop selling moonshine.

The four tribal men aged between 25 and 30 died at Chawmanu in northern Tripura, 135 km north of here, …. Original article  : Spurious liquor kills four, one murdered in Tripura.

Shanty towns show Haiti’s earthquake survivors aren’t waiting for gov’t plan on housing

Haiti’s quake survivors don’t wait for gov’t plan

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti’s government and aid groups have been wrangling for five weeks over a plan for housing earthquake survivors, but the people haven’t waited.
Rows of makeshift tents sprouted in open fields around the wrecked capital, and Haitians soon began strengthening the shelters. The camps have grown … Original article on : Shanty towns show Haiti’s earthquake survivors aren’t waiting for gov’t plan on housing.

Maoists kill 11 in Bihar village (Second Lead)

PATNA – At least 11 people including two women and a child were killed in a Maoist attack in Bihar’s Jamui district, police said Thursday.

According to a police official, more than 150 armed Maoists attacked Phulwaria village in Jamui, about 150 km from here, late Wednesday, and killed 11 villagers.
“Bodies of 11 villagers have … Read more >>>.

Canadian employer fined $25,000 for racial abuse

TORONTO – A Canadian employer has been fined $25,000 for calling his Pakistani-origin woman employee a ‘Paki’ and ‘nigger.’

Taunting the woman’s two young sons as “half-nigger,” he reportedly told her, “That’s what you get for sleeping with a nigger.” She was later sacked by him.
Accepting Cheryl Khan’s complaint of racist abuse against her [..] Read the original article: here.

Magnitude 6.5 earthquake jolts China, Russia border

BEIJING – A magnitude 6.5 earthquake jolted the border region between China and Russia Thursday morning, according to China Earthquake Networks Centre (CNEC).

The CNEC said that the quake struck at 9.13 a.m at a depth of 540 km.
“I hardly felt any tremors when the earthquake struck,” said Jin Jianghu, a resident in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Magnitude 6.5 earthquake jolts China, Russia border.

8 American missionaries arrested in Haiti land in Miami hours after judge frees them

Missionaries freed by Haitian judge land in US

MIAMI – Eight American missionaries charged with child kidnapping in Haiti returned to the U.S. aboard a military cargo plane early Thursday after nearly three weeks in a Haitian jail. But two others remained detained in an ordeal sparked by the group’s attempt to take 33 children out …. Source article  : 8 American missionaries arrested in Haiti land in Miami hours after judge frees them.

Toll in Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy rises to 13

LUCKNOW – At least eight more people have died after drinking moonshine in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, taking the toll to 13, an official said Thursday.

“The toll till Thursday morning was 13. At least 20 people who had consumed the liquor are being treated in different hospitals,” District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar told reporters.
“The condition … Read : Toll in Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy rises to 13.

Mexico seeks Russian weapons to combat crime

Mexico City, Feb 18 (IANS/EFE) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said here that Mexico is interested in buying equipment and weapons from his country to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.

At a joint press conference with Mexican counterpart Patricia Espinosa, Lavrov said that his country is expanding its weapons sales abroad and has increased …. Source article  : Mexico seeks Russian weapons to combat crime.

Girl rescued from kidnappers after three years

San Salvador, Feb 18 (IANS/EFE) A six-year-old Honduran girl, who had been held by kidnappers in El Salvador since April 2007, was rescued near the municipality of San Matias and five captors were apprehended, the police said.

The girl was found after her relatives came to the country from Honduras and filed a complaint.
One of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Colombian navy destroys submarine meant for carrying drugs

Bogota, Feb 18 (IANS/EFE) The Colombian navy found and destroyed a semi-submersible vessel with the capacity to carry between eight and 10 tons of cocaine in the province of Nario, but no arrests were made, a senior official said.

The vessel was found in the town of Mosquera, near the Pacific, hidden in dense vegetation, Pacific … Read more >>>.

Warehouse fire kills two in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A fire in a warehouse early Thursday killed two people in Delhi’s Shastri Nagar area.

A fire department official said: “The incident occurred at 5.15 a.m. A godown with cardboard boxes caught fire and two men were killed.”
According to the official, 11 fire tenders had to be sent to douse the flames …. Original article  : Warehouse fire kills two in Delhi.

Texas man with IRS grudge flies plane into office in suicide attack; wife plans to speak out

Texas man angry with IRS crashes plane into office
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer who crashed his plane into a Texas office building containing nearly 200 Internal Revenue Service employees, killing himself and at least one worker, apparently left behind an irate anti-government manifesto but offered little other hint of his intentions before …. Source  : Texas man with IRS grudge flies plane into office in suicide attack; wife plans to speak out.

AP Top News at 4:35 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:35 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released …. Source  : AP Top News at 4:35 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 4:21 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:21 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released …. Source  : AP Top News at 4:21 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 4:19 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:19 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released …. Original article  : AP Top News at 4:19 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 4:11 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:11 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released … Read : AP Top News at 4:11 a.m. EST.

Residents of 2 SoCal foothill communities told to get ready to move out ahead of storm

Residents prepare to evacuate SoCal burn areas

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says residents of more than 170 homes in two mudslide-prone foothill communities are being told to prepare to evacuate in anticipation of a storm system that’s headed for Southern California.
Sheriff’s spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said calls went out Thursday night to …. Original article  : Residents of 2 SoCal foothill communities told to get ready to move out ahead of storm.

AP Top News at 4:01 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:01 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released … Read more : AP Top News at 4:01 a.m. EST.

Gogoi ‘will resign if any minister involved in scam’

GUWAHATI – Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Friday said he would resign if any of his ministers was found involved in a multi-million rupees scam involving government funds, even as the opposition burnt his effigies and sought his resignation.

There is a political storm in Assam after the local media picked up a story carried by … Read more : Gogoi ‘will resign if any minister involved in scam’.

AP Top News at 3:59 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:59 a.m. EST
Premiums jump 14 percent on Medicare private plans
WASHINGTON – Millions of seniors who signed up for popular private health plans through Medicare are facing sharp premium increases this year – another sign that spiraling costs are a problem even for those with solid insurance. A study to be released …. Source article  : AP Top News at 3:59 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:51 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:51 a.m. EST
Man angry at IRS crashes plane into building
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers … Read more : AP Top News at 3:51 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:45 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:45 a.m. EST
Man angry at IRS crashes plane into building
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 3:45 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:44 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:44 a.m. EST
Man angry at IRS crashes plane into building
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers … Read more >>.

Indian facing $44mn corruption trial in British tax haven

LONDON/NEW DELHI – A non-resident Indian is fighting multi-million dollar money-laundering charges in Britain’s semi-autonomous island of Jersey in a complex case spanning three continents over the allegedly ill-gotten wealth of a late Nigerian military dictator.

Raj Arjandas Bhojwani, an Indian citizen, could be sent to prison for up to 14 years if found guilty at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian facing $44mn corruption trial in British tax haven.

AP Top News at 3:28 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:28 a.m. EST
Man angry at IRS crashes plane into building
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers … Read : AP Top News at 3:28 a.m. EST.

Life imprisonment for Surat rapists

GANDHINAGAR – Three men charged with raping a 16-year-old girl in Gujarat’s Surat city were sentenced to life imprisonment Friday, with the judge saying the punishment should be “proportionate to the crime”.

The three were held guilty on various counts by the principal district sessions judge R.P. Dolaria. They were also fined Rs.1 lakh each. …. Source article  : Life imprisonment for Surat rapists.

AP Top News at 3:22 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:22 a.m. EST
Man angry at IRS crashes plane into building
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service launched a suicide attack on the agency Thursday by crashing his small plane into an office building containing nearly 200 IRS employees, setting off a raging fire that sent workers …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 3:22 a.m. EST.

Case against over 3,000 flood victims after violent protest

PATNA – A case was Friday lodged against more than 3,000 flood victims at Birpur in Supaul district of Bihar for violent protests, a day after at least 12 protestors were injured when police opened fire and charged them with batons.

More than three million people were rendered homeless in Bihar when the Kosi river breached …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 3:16 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:16 a.m. EST
8 missionaries freed in Haiti, return to US
BOISE, Idaho – American missionaries accused of child trafficking in the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake returned home Thursday and urged the safe release of the two women left behind in a Port-au-Prince jail. Three of the eight reached Boise early Friday. Nearly … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:16 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 3:14 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:14 a.m. EST
8 missionaries freed in Haiti, return to US
BOISE, Idaho – American missionaries accused of child trafficking in the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake returned home Thursday and urged the safe release of the two women left behind in a Port-au-Prince jail. Three of the eight reached Boise early Friday. Nearly … Read more : AP Top News at 3:14 a.m. EST.

Haiti prime minister calls for unity, says post-quake divisions could bring down government

Haiti PM denounces post-quake political conflict
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive worries his government could face collapse as political opponents capitalize on its inability to respond strongly to the Jan. 12 earthquake.
The battered nation’s second-in-command told The Associated Press during a 40-minute interview that he has two immediate fears – how …. Source  : Haiti prime minister calls for unity, says post-quake divisions could bring down government.

About 20 people injured by turbulence on United Airlines flight to Japan

20 hurt by turbulence on United flight to Japan

TOKYO – Police say about 20 people have been injured by turbulence aboard a United Airlines plane flying from the United States to Japan.
Tetsuya Shinozuka, a police official at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, says many of the injuries were bruises, but at least one person may have … Read more »».

Student attempts self-immolation over Telangana

HYDERABAD – The students’ protest over the Telangana issue here Saturday took a tragic turn with a one of them attempting self-immolation.

S. Yadaiah, a student of intermediate second year, set himself ablaze at the main entrance of Osmania University as police had prevented students from marching towards the state assembly to lay a siege demanding …. Source article  : Student attempts self-immolation over Telangana.

Afghan president says NATO’s effort to prevent civilian deaths still not enough

Karzai: NATO still causes too many civilian deaths

KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Saturday that NATO’s efforts to prevent civilian deaths during its operations are not enough because innocent people keep dying, as the military alliance continued its offensive in a key Taliban stronghold.
In a speech at the opening session of the Afghan parliament, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan president says NATO’s effort to prevent civilian deaths still not enough.

Authorities: 2 dead after small plane crashes near home on approach to Calif. airport

2 dead in plane crash near rural Calif. airport

GROVELAND, Calif. – A small plane crashed in flames in the backyard of a home in rural northern California Friday night, killing the two people aboard but causing no injuries on the ground, authorities said.
The single-engine Piper Saratoga went down near Pine Mountain Lake Airport in Groveland …. Source article  : Authorities: 2 dead after small plane crashes near home on approach to Calif. airport.

64 students, crew rescued from sunken Canadian sailing vessel head to Rio on Brazilian ships

Students rescued off Brazil coast expected in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO – After clinging to life rafts in high seas for up to 16 hours, more than five dozen students and crew from a Canadian sailing ship that sank in the Atlantic headed to port Saturday aboard Brazilian naval vessels.
The three-masted SV Concordia was on a …. Original source  : 64 students, crew rescued from sunken Canadian sailing vessel head to Rio on Brazilian ships.

Man held in Uttar Pradesh for raping daughters

LUCKNOW – A 50-year-old man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district for allegedly raping his two teenaged daughters for nearly two years, police said Saturday.

Siyaram Rawat, a farmer and resident of Sarai Saif village in Barabanki, some 35 km from Lucknow, allegedly raped his daughters, aged 17 and 14, at a secluded place …. Read the original article  : Man held in Uttar Pradesh for raping daughters.

Sean Penn charged with battery, vandalism

LOS ANGELES – Oscar winning actor Sean Penn has been charged with battery and vandalism for indulging in a scuffle with a paparazzo four months ago.

Penn is being charged on two counts, one for battery, and one for vandalism, said Frank Mateljan, spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office.
If convicted, Penn faces …. Read the original article  : Sean Penn charged with battery, vandalism.

Assam scam chargesheet doesn’t name ministers

GUWAHATI – The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has revealed a politician-militant-bureaucrat-contractor nexus in Assam relating to a multi-million rupees scam involving government funds but has not named any minister in its final chargesheet.

There is a political storm in Assam with the opposition baying for the resignation of the Congress-led government after The Week magazine published … Original source on Gaea Times at : Assam scam chargesheet doesn’t name ministers.

Punjab police bust gang of robbers, arrest 13

PATIALA – At least 13 people, who were accused in over 25 cases of robbery in the last few months, have been arrested in this Punjab town, police said Saturday.

Nine country-made pistols, live cartridges and a car have been recovered from their possession.
“Based on a tip-off, we laid a trap Feb 12. At that …. Source  : Punjab police bust gang of robbers, arrest 13.

Texas plane crash exposes gap in US security – but can and should anything be done about it?

Texas plane crash exposes gap in US air security

GEORGETOWN, Texas – After 9/11, cockpit doors were sealed, air marshals were added and airport searches became more aggressive, all to make sure an airliner could never again be used as a weapon. Yet little has been done to guard against attacks with smaller planes.
That point was [..] Read the original article: here.

Denied leave, Orissa trooper commits suicide

BHUBANESWAR – A trooper of the Orissa State Armed Police committed suicide by stabbing his bayonet into his belly after he was denied leave, police said Saturday.

Prakash Chandra Barik killed himself Friday evening in Gajapati district of Orissa. He hailed from Kendrapara district. He was posted in 3rd Battalion of Orissa State Armed Police in … Original article on : Denied leave, Orissa trooper commits suicide.

3 weeks and more than 70 witnesses later, pretrial hearing for Drew Peterson comes to close

Hearsay hearing for Drew Peterson comes to an end

JOLIET, Ill. – A hearing for Drew Peterson ended Friday night with the same question it began with a month ago: Is there enough evidence to convince a judge that the former police officer may have killed his third and fourth wives to keep them from testifying … Read more : 3 weeks and more than 70 witnesses later, pretrial hearing for Drew Peterson comes to close.

Singapore man gets jail, caning for raping sister

SINGAPORE – A Singapore court has sentenced a man who raped his younger sister to 13 years in jail, a media report said Saturday.

The now 21-year-old brother, who was not named to protect the victim’s identity, started to rape his sister, now 16, when both shared a bedroom in 2005 or 2006, the Straits Times … Original source on Gaea Times at : Singapore man gets jail, caning for raping sister.

Dominican agent details orphanage plans of leader of US missionaries detained in Haiti

DR agent shares orphanage plans of US missionary

SOSUA, Dominican Republic – Six months before Haiti’s earthquake, the leader of a group of U.S. missionaries accused of kidnapping 33 children flew to the Dominican Republic to open an orphanage, a real estate agent said Friday.
During that visit, Laura Silsby inquired about property in the northwestern village …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dominican agent details orphanage plans of leader of US missionaries detained in Haiti.

At least 36 killed in mosque collapse in Morocco

RABAT – A minaret on a Moroccan mosque collapsed Friday, killing at least 36 worshippers and injuring 70 in the city of Meknes, the official MAP news agency reported.

Authorities had not determined the cause of the accident, which occurred during Friday prayers at the Bab Berdieyinne Mosque in the historic district of Meknes, about 130 …. Original article  : At least 36 killed in mosque collapse in Morocco.

Christina Kim shaken up by bus crash on way to LPGA Tour event in Thailand

Golfer Kim shaken by Thai traffic accident

PATTAYA, Thailand – Christina Kim was shaken but unhurt when the bus she was riding in crashed leaving the course hosting the LPGA Tour’s season-opening event.
The accident Friday involved the bus, a truck and a police car.
Kim, returning to her hotal after shooting a 72 in the second round …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Christina Kim shaken up by bus crash on way to LPGA Tour event in Thailand.

Environmental groups ask Justice Dept. to launch criminal probe of Vermont Yankee officials

Green groups call for federal probe of Vt. Yankee

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Two environmental groups on Friday asked the U.S. Justice Department to launch a criminal probe of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant officials, saying they had provided false information under oath and operated the plant with “careless disregard” of the potential for leaking radioactive substances.
Conservation Law …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Environmental groups ask Justice Dept. to launch criminal probe of Vermont Yankee officials.

Austin plane crash exposes gap in US security _ but can and should anything be done about it?

Austin plane crash exposes gap in US air security

GEORGETOWN, Texas – After 9/11, cockpit doors were sealed, air marshals were added and airport searches became more aggressive, all to make sure an airliner could never again be used as a weapon. Yet little has been done to guard against attacks with smaller planes.
That point was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bode Miller gets silver, fellow American Weibrecht bronze in super-G; US medal count hits 20

Bode Miller leads US to silver, bronze in super-G

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Two races, two medals. Bode Miller is putting together one heck of a Vancouver Olympics.
Miller picked up a silver in the super-G Friday to go with the bronze he won in the downhill.
Andrew Weibrecht, who’d never finished higher than 10th in a World … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bode Miller gets silver, fellow American Weibrecht bronze in super-G; US medal count hits 20.

Lawmakers seek gas code changes following deadly explosion at NC Slim Jim plant

Lawmakers seek gas code changes after NC explosion

RALEIGH, N.C. – Lawmakers on Capitol Hill asked Friday for immediate changes to national safety codes after last year’s deadly explosion at a Slim Jim factory in North Carolina led federal investigators to issue industrywide warnings on gas-line purging.
A committee of the National Fire Protection Association will begin … Original article on : Lawmakers seek gas code changes following deadly explosion at NC Slim Jim plant.

Case against IAS officer having Rs.93 crore property

RAIPUR – The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) here has registered a case against a senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer after the Income Tax department said he owned properties worth Rs.93 crore.

The IT sleuths raided the residence and business establishments of IAS officer B.L. Agrawal Feb 4. He was suspended by the Chhattisgarh government Feb [..] Read the original article: here.

Police report makeshift bomb hurled at Cairo synagogue failed to detonate causing no injuries

Makeshift bomb thrown at Cairo synagogue, no dead

CAIRO – A man hurled a suitcase containing a makeshift bomb made of gasoline canisters at Cairo’s main downtown synagogue in the early hours Sunday morning, but there were no injuries or damage, police said.
According to the police report, a man entered a hotel located on the fourth …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police report makeshift bomb hurled at Cairo synagogue failed to detonate causing no injuries.

AP determines all Haitian ‘orphans’ taken by detained US missionaries have parents still alive

AP finds all Baptist group’s ‘orphans’ had parents

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Although a U.S. Baptist group said it was trying to rescue 33 “orphans” by taking them out of earthquake-ravaged Haiti, all the children have close family still alive, The Associated Press has found.
A reporter’s visit Saturday to the rubble-strewn Citron slum, where 13 of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Portugal sends aid to island hit by landslides that have killed at least 32, injured dozens

Portugal sends aid to island hit by landslides

MADRID – Portuguese authorities say they are flying out emergency aid to the island of Madeira where at least 32 people have been killed and dozens injured after heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides.
The civil protection agency says a medical team backed up by divers and rescue experts …. Source  : Portugal sends aid to island hit by landslides that have killed at least 32, injured dozens.

Case against IAS officer having Rs.930 mn-worth property

RAIPUR – The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) here has registered a case against a senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer after the Income Tax department said he owned properties worth Rs.930 million (Rs.93 crore).

The IT sleuths raided the residence and business establishments of IAS officer B.L. Agrawal Feb 4. He was suspended by the Chhattisgarh …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Latin artists record song to help Haiti earthquake victims

Miami, Feb 21 (IANS/EFE) Andy Garcia, Chayanne and Ednita Nazario were among the many Latin artists who recorded a version in Spanish of the song “We Are the World”, produced by Emilio Estefan to benefit Haiti’s earthquake victims.

“I think it’s the most important production I have done in my career, because it brings together an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Latin artists record song to help Haiti earthquake victims.

18 tons of stolen explosives found in Mexico

Mexico City, Feb 21 (IANS/EFE) The police recovered 18 tons of explosives that had been stolen hours earlier in northern Mexico, authorities said.

The industrial-use explosives were stolen from a tractor-trailer on a highway near the border between the states of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, prompting federal police and army soldiers to launch an operation to … Read more : 18 tons of stolen explosives found in Mexico.

2 from 4: Germany’s Andre Lange halfway to 4th Olympic gold medal in bobsled

Germany’s Lange leads Olympic two-man
WHISTLER, British Columbia – This beastly track might be tamed yet.

If someone’s going to do it, Andre Lange is the man.
Germany’s ultimate driving machine, Lange was leading Saturday at the midway point of the men’s two-man bobsled competition, leaving him two trips down the treacherous Whistler Sliding Center track from winning …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 2 from 4: Germany’s Andre Lange halfway to 4th Olympic gold medal in bobsled.

Three killed in Italy’s avalanches

ROME – At least three people, including a Czech man, were killed in Italy Saturday in three separate incidents involving avalanches on the country’s Alps, news reports said.

The deaths brought to four the weekend’s toll and follow a spate of fatal accidents that have prompted the government to mull proposals to curb reckless behaviour such …. Read the original article  : here.

FBI looking into death of woman whose body was discovered aboard cruise ship

FBI investigating cruise ship death
GALVESTON, Texas – The FBI is investigating the death of a 32-year-old woman found in her room on a cruise ship.

FBI special agent Shauna Dunlap told The Associated Press on Saturday night that authorities are trying to determine whether the woman’s death aboard the Carnival Ecstasy was the result of foul … Read : FBI looking into death of woman whose body was discovered aboard cruise ship.

Parents in slum: All Haitian ‘orphans’ taken by detained US missionaries had parents

All Haitian ‘orphans’ with Baptists had parents

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – There is not one orphan among the 33 children that a U.S. Baptist group tried to take from Haiti in a do-it-yourself rescue mission following a devastating earthquake, The Associated Press has determined.
In the rubble-riddled Citron slum where 13 of the children lived, parents who gave … Original article on : Parents in slum: All Haitian ‘orphans’ taken by detained US missionaries had parents.

25 killed in storms on Portuguese island

FUNCHAL – At least 25 people were killed on the Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira following heavy storms, reporting the local government Saturday.

At least another 60 were injured due to the heavy rains. Some reports stated that the dead numbered 32.
The rains caused flooding and landslides across the island, a highly favoured tourist destination. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 25 killed in storms on Portuguese island.

Son: IRS worker killed when plane crashed into his office was an Army vet and loyal family man

IRS worker killed in crash was a loyal family man

AUSTIN, Texas – The family of a longtime Internal Revenue Service employee killed when a pilot harboring an anti-IRS grudge flew his plane into his office remembered the Vietnam veteran Saturday as devoted family man who likely would have tried to save his co-workers from the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Son: IRS worker killed when plane crashed into his office was an Army vet and loyal family man.

Terror or criminal act? Plane attack on Texas IRS office prompts debate on meaning of ‘terror’

Plane attack prompts debate over terrorism label

AUSTIN, Texas – When a man fueled by rage against the U.S. government and its tax code crashes his airplane into a building housing offices of the Internal Revenue Service, is it a criminal act or an act of terrorism?
For police in Austin, it’s a question tied to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Terror or criminal act? Plane attack on Texas IRS office prompts debate on meaning of ‘terror’.

Parents in slum: All Haitian ‘orphans’ taken by US missionaries had parents, other relatives

Parents: All Haitian ‘orphans’ had relatives

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – There is not one orphan among the 33 children that a U.S. Baptist group tried to take from Haiti in a do-it-yourself rescue mission following a devastating earthquake, The Associated Press has determined.
In a visit to the rubble-riddled Citron slum where 13 of the children lived, parents … Original article on : Parents in slum: All Haitian ‘orphans’ taken by US missionaries had parents, other relatives.

AP Top News at 5:35 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 5:35 p.m. EST
Fighting rages as Karzai urges restraint from NATO
MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers advanced through poppy fields of Marjah on Saturday under withering gunfire from Taliban fighters shooting from mudbrick homes and compounds where families huddled in terror. President Hamid Karzai urged NATO to do more to …. Original source  : AP Top News at 5:35 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 5:23 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 5:23 p.m. EST
Fighting rages as Karzai urges restraint from NATO
MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers advanced through poppy fields of Marjah on Saturday under withering gunfire from Taliban fighters shooting from mudbrick homes and compounds where families huddled in terror. President Hamid Karzai urged NATO to do more to … Read more >>.

AP Top News at 5:00 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 5:00 p.m. EST
Fighting rages as Karzai urges restraint from NATO
MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers advanced through poppy fields of Marjah on Saturday under withering gunfire from Taliban fighters shooting from mudbrick homes and compounds where families huddled in terror. President Hamid Karzai urged NATO to do more to …. Read the original article  : AP Top News at 5:00 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 4:57 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:57 p.m. EST
Fighting rages as Karzai urges restraint from NATO
MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers advanced through poppy fields of Marjah on Saturday under withering gunfire from Taliban fighters shooting from mudbrick homes and compounds where families huddled in terror. President Hamid Karzai urged NATO to do more to …. Original source  : AP Top News at 4:57 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 4:42 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 4:42 p.m. EST
Fighting rages as Karzai urges restraint from NATO
MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers advanced through poppy fields of Marjah on Saturday under withering gunfire from Taliban fighters shooting from mudbrick homes and compounds where families huddled in terror. President Hamid Karzai urged NATO to do more to …. Read the original article  : AP Top News at 4:42 p.m. EST.