Georgian athletes mourn fallen teammate, adding somber note to Vancouver opening ceremony

Somber teammates honor fallen luger as games open

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – They marched in more like an honor guard than an Olympic delegation, standing out for their stoicism – black armbands and black scarves marking their grief, their faces still and almost determined.
There were only seven of them, nothing like the American and Canadian throngs …. Source  : Georgian athletes mourn fallen teammate, adding somber note to Vancouver opening ceremony.

Far right marks 65th anniversary of Dresden bombing; counter demonstrations expected

Protests on Dresden bombing anniversary
DRESDEN, Germany – Thousands of far-right supporters and counter-demonstrators are expected to converge on Dresden on the 65th anniversary of deadly Allied bombing at the end of World War II.

Police expect several thousand neo-Nazis from Germany and elsewhere at a march Saturday.
A heavy police presence is being put in place to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Far right marks 65th anniversary of Dresden bombing; counter demonstrations expected.

Thousands of US, Afghan forces storm Taliban stronghold; biggest offensive since 2001

Major attack on Taliban stronghold launched
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers stormed the Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Saturday, pushing into the biggest town under militant control in a major offensive to break the extremists’ grip over a wide area of their southern heartland.
Punching their way through a line …. Read the original article  : Thousands of US, Afghan forces storm Taliban stronghold; biggest offensive since 2001.

Say it ain’t snow? Flakes fall on the South, virtually shutting down the region

Snowballs did have a chance in the South
ATLANTA – It doesn’t take much snow to shut down the Deep South.

Even before the first flake fell, flights were canceled Friday at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta. A Starbucks on the Gulf Coast closed for the day, citing a steady drizzle and temperatures in the mid-30s …. Source  : Say it ain’t snow? Flakes fall on the South, virtually shutting down the region.

Five killed in Punjab jeep-truck collision

TARN TARAN – At least five people, including three women, were killed and six injured when their jeep collided with a truck near Hari-ke-Pattan town in the border district of Tarn Taran in Punjab Saturday.

A police officer said the victims were heading for a wedding ceremony when the accident took place. Tarn Taran is 290 …. Source article  : Five killed in Punjab jeep-truck collision.

60-year-old woman bitten by shark off Australia in serious condition from blood loss

Woman, 60, in serious condition after shark bite

BRISBANE, Australia – A 60-year-old woman is in serious condition after being bitten by a shark off northeastern Australia and losing several pints (liters) of blood.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Community Services says the woman has severe lacerations to her buttocks from the Saturday afternoon attack.
She was …. Source article  : 60-year-old woman bitten by shark off Australia in serious condition from blood loss.

Rio’s Carnival kicks off with street parties, blasphemous costumes and foreigners fleeing snow

Carnival erupts in Rio amid scorching heat wave

RIO DE JANEIRO – Carnival’s raucous street parties flooded Rio with drum-beating local revelers and sweaty foreigners escaping snowbound cities.
Thousands danced to a samba beat on the cobbled streets of the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, donning skimpy costumes bordering on blasphemous.
At the “Carmelitas” party – named after a … Read more : Rio’s Carnival kicks off with street parties, blasphemous costumes and foreigners fleeing snow.

Nepal dailies receive threats after media baron’s murder

KATHMANDU – Nearly a week after controversial Nepali media tycoon Jamim Shah’s murder in a VVIP area of the capital, journalists in two of Nepal’s biggest media groups have received death threats, police said.

The Kantipur Group, Nepal’s biggest private media organisation, Saturday went public, saying its managing director and the editors of its two dailies, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal dailies receive threats after media baron’s murder.

Nationwide arrest of Islamist activists, students in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Authorities in Bangladesh have arrested over 200 activists of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, following Monday’s campus violence in Rajshahi University in which a student was killed.

In Monday’s violence, over 100 students were injured in pitched battles between Shibir activists and those of the Bangladesh …. Original article  : Nationwide arrest of Islamist activists, students in Bangladesh.

Indian professor among 3 killed in Alabama university shooting (Second Lead)

WASHINGTON – An Indian professor was among three faculty members killed in a shooting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville by a fellow professor apparently miffed at being denied tenure.

Three other school employees were wounded in the incident Friday. School spokesman Ray Garner identified the dead as Gopi Podila, chairman of the biological sciences …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian professor among 3 killed in Alabama university shooting (Second Lead).

Shops closed in Shimla to protest cow slaughter

SHIMLA – Normal life was hit in this Himachal Pradesh capital Saturday as private business establishments adhered to the shutdown call by various Hindu organisations and remained closed to protest the slaughter of a cow near here.

Eyewitnesses said activists of the Bajrang Dal and other organisations staged a demonstration in the city and forced the …. Original article  : Shops closed in Shimla to protest cow slaughter.

Indian professor among 3 killed in Alabama varsity shootout

WASHINGTON – An Indian professor was among three faculty members killed in a shooting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Friday. Three other employees were wounded in the incident.

A female suspect was in custody for the shooting incident Friday and a second person was detained, “not arrested”, CNN said citing school spokesman Ray Garner. … Read more : Indian professor among 3 killed in Alabama varsity shootout.

Indian to face charges of killing fellow countrymen in Australia

PERTH – An Indian student, accused of killing two of his fellow countrymen in Australia following a fight over money, will be presented before a court here Saturday.

The 22-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder and will face the East Perth Magistrate’s Court in the morning, a police spokesman said.
The accused … Read : Indian to face charges of killing fellow countrymen in Australia.

Strong 6.3 quake hits near Tonga; no injuries or damage reported

Strong quake near Tonga; no injuries reported

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit near the South Pacific kingdom of Tonga on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported, but no tsunami alert was issued and there were no immediate reports of injury or damage.
The quake, centered 60 miles (95 kilometers) southwest of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Strong 6.3 quake hits near Tonga; no injuries or damage reported.

Haitians mourn one month after earthquake

Port-au-Prince, Feb 13 (IANS/EFE) Thousands of Haitians gathered at churches and other places to pray for over 200,000 victims killed in the last month earthquake which also left nearly a million homeless.

Daily activities came to a halt as the government announced Friday the day of mourning to mark one month of the magnitude-7.0 quake that … Read : Haitians mourn one month after earthquake.

Himachal villages calm after protests over cow slaughter

SHIMLA – Normalcy returned to the villages of Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district Saturday after violent protests over the slaughter of a cow, police said.

“The situation is under control today (Saturday) in almost all the villages where violent protests erupted over the cow slaughter. Additional forces have been deployed there to monitor the situation,” Superintendent … Read more : Himachal villages calm after protests over cow slaughter.

Soft snow conditions forces postponement of women’s Olympic super-combined Alpine race

First Olympic delay: Women’s super-combined

WHISTLER, British Columbia – Snow conditions forced the first event delay at the Vancouver Olympics on Friday, postponing the women’s super-combined Alpine ski race that had been scheduled for Sunday.
A new date was not immediately announced.
A heavy overnight rain made the course soft and unsafe, leading organizers to cancel training runs … Read more : Soft snow conditions forces postponement of women’s Olympic super-combined Alpine race.

Three dead in University of Alabama shooting

WASHINGTON – Three people have been killed and three wounded in a shooting at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama, a television report said.

The suspect was a female member of the University of Alabama-Huntsville faculty, Huntsville police told the local NBC affiliate WAFF Friday. She had reportedly been denied tenure in her job.
The … Original article on : Three dead in University of Alabama shooting.

Tropical Cyclone Rene hits American Samoa, where residents are still recovering from tsunami

Tropical Cyclone Rene hits American Samoa
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – A storm packing hurricane-force winds slammed into American Samoa Friday even as residents recovered from last year’s deadly tsunami.

Tropical Cyclone Rene hit the sparsely populated Manu’a islands with sustained winds of 75 mph Friday afternoon.
“They’re getting clobbered from the back side. People reported strong winds,” …. Source article  : Tropical Cyclone Rene hits American Samoa, where residents are still recovering from tsunami.

Maple Leafs, US Olympic GM Brian Burke talks about son’s death

Burke talks about son’s death
ST. LOUIS – Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke made his first public comments Friday about son Brendan’s death last week in a car accident.

Brendan, a senior at Miami University and advocate for gay rights, was killed Feb. 5 in Indiana after his car slid sideways into the path of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maple Leafs, US Olympic GM Brian Burke talks about son’s death.

Indira Gandhi’s killers honoured in New Zealand Sikh temple

WELLINGTON – The decision by New Zealand’s largest Sikh temple to hail as martyrs the three men who assassinated Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi has upset some members of the Indian community in Auckland.

The temple in Manukau has hung on its walls portraits of Gandhi’s bodyguards Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, who were killed in … Read more : Indira Gandhi’s killers honoured in New Zealand Sikh temple.

Nurse testifies she had affair with Ohio doctor accused of poisoning wife with cyanide in 2005

Nurse: Ohio doctor had affair before wife’s death

CLEVELAND – A nurse testified Friday that she was the mistress of a doctor accused of killing his wife with cyanide and said he asked her if she would stay “if something bad were to happen.”
Nurse Michelle Stephens told a Cuyahoga County jury in Cleveland that emergency room …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nurse testifies she had affair with Ohio doctor accused of poisoning wife with cyanide in 2005.

Red-hot Rio’s Carnival kicks off with street parties, welcomes foreigners fleeing snow

Carnival blasts off in Rio amid heat wave
RIO DE JANEIRO – Carnival erupted Friday in Rio with raucous street parties that brought together cheering, drum-beating locals with sweaty foreigners escaping snowbound cities.

Thousands of Carnival revelers flooded the cobbled streets of the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood in skimpy costumes bordering on blasphemous.
At the “Carmelitas” party – … Read more : Red-hot Rio’s Carnival kicks off with street parties, welcomes foreigners fleeing snow.

Authorities say plane that may have been taken by ‘barefoot burglar’ skirted Olympic air space

Feds say stolen plane skirted Olympic air space

SEATTLE – An airplane that may have been stolen by an elusive teen bandit drew plenty of attention from federal officials as it skirted a flight zone set up for the Vancouver Olympics.
But it never entered the restricted airspace during its erratic flight Wednesday night – and that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Authorities say plane that may have been taken by ‘barefoot burglar’ skirted Olympic air space.

Deaths casts Vancouver Olympics in shock and grief before the flame can be lit

Shock, grief for an already troubled Winter Games

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A luger hurtling at nearly 90 mph down a track that athletes had warned was dangerously fast was killed when he lost control of his sled on a training run Friday, casting a shadow of grief over what was already a troubled Olympics even … Read : Deaths casts Vancouver Olympics in shock and grief before the flame can be lit.

Aid, fear draw Voodoo followers to other religions in weeks after devastating earthquake

Tension among Haiti’s religions grows after quake

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Christian and Voodoo leaders put aside their differences for a moment Friday, joining hands under a canopy of tropical trees as some earthquake survivors on crutches and in wheelchairs mourned the more than 200,000 Haitians killed by an earthquake one month ago.
The catastrophe has driven a …. Source  : Aid, fear draw Voodoo followers to other religions in weeks after devastating earthquake.

Snow? Rain? Slurries? All 3? Freestylers, snowboarders ready for anything at Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain wet, wild and ready
WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Turns out, the snow – or lack thereof – is the least of the problems at Cypress Mountain.

The home of the Olympic snowboarding and freestyle events has plenty of white stuff on the ground after organizers trucked in snow from other parts of the mountain … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Snow? Rain? Slurries? All 3? Freestylers, snowboarders ready for anything at Cypress Mountain.

Landlord cited for building code violations in NYC fire that killed 5 people last month

Landlord cited in NYC fire that killed 5
NEW YORK – Officials say a Brooklyn apartment house where five people died in a fire last month had been chopped up into more units than allowed by law, eliminating access to a fire escape for some tenants.

Authorities say as many as 20 Guatemalan immigrants were crowded into …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Product recalls this week include pull toys, umbrella strollers, dog and cat food

Recalls this week: pull toys, umbrella strollers

The best recalls are those made before defective products cause injuries or illness. That’s the case with some announced this week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
More than 2,000 pull toys with wooden parts that can break or come loose and pose a choking hazard were among this … Read : Product recalls this week include pull toys, umbrella strollers, dog and cat food.

Bill Clinton goes home from hospital after heart procedure; advisers say he should slow down

Will Bill Clinton slow down after heart procedure?
CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. – Right until he was wheeled into an operating room for a heart procedure, Bill Clinton was on the phone, talking about Haiti earthquake relief. An aide finally took the phone away from him.
On Friday, the 63-year-old former president seemed to have …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bill Clinton goes home from hospital after heart procedure; advisers say he should slow down.

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.

Rescue crews search for 4 missing in Madeira after Portugese island’s fatal floods

4 missing after Madeira flash floods killed 42

FUNCHAL, Madeira Islands – Emergency crews used bulldozers and other heavy equipment Monday to search for at least four people still missing in Madeira after flash floods and rockslides killed 42 people on the Portuguese island.
Rescue teams in more than 400 vehicles worked all night Sunday to clear … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Rescue crews search for 4 missing in Madeira after Portugese island’s fatal floods.

DNA, hot line lead authorities to charge 2 suspects in Texas church arson attack

DNA, hot line lead to arrests in Texas church fire

TYLER, Texas – Federal authorities say DNA evidence collected at the site of one of several Texas churches destroyed by arson links one of two suspects to the blaze.
A spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says 19-year-old Jason Robert Bourque and 21-year-old … Read this article on Gaea Times at : DNA, hot line lead authorities to charge 2 suspects in Texas church arson attack.

Afghan Cabinet: Civilian death toll in NATO airstrike rises to at least 33

Afghan Cabinet: Airstrike kills at least 33
KABUL – The Afghan Cabinet says at least 33 civilians are dead as the result of NATO airstrike in southern Afghanistan – an incident that is inflaming already heightened sensitivities over noncombatant casualties in the war.
In a statement released on Monday, the Afghanistan …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Exotic birds seized in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – Chirping sound from a parcel at Ahmedabad railway station led to the recovery of 200 exotic birds from it, Gujarat police said Monday

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police G.D. Trivedi, the parcel arrived from Kolkata by train Sunday and included exotic parrots, lovebirds, doves and pigeons, all species protected under the Wildlife Protection …. Original article  : Exotic birds seized in Gujarat.

Violence in Indore, six injured

INDORE – Six persons, including two policemen, were injured in a clash between two groups here, police said Monday.

The incident occurred in Kadawghat locality late sunday night, when a cyclist ran into two persons belonging to a different community. The accident led to arguments and a scuffle after which the cyclist left the spot, the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Violence in Indore, six injured.

Main accused in Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy held

LUCKNOW – The main accused in a hooch tragedy that claimed at least 13 lives in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district has been arrested along with a policeman, a police official said Monday.

“Bhonu, the main accused was nabbed along with a police constable Sunday evening from Nasedar locality,” Superintendent of Police (City) Vijay Bhushan told … Read more >>>.

Suicide note on thigh lands husband in jail (Lead, superseding earlier story)

CHANDIGARH – It was assumed that depression drove 35-year-old Aruna Srivastava to suicide here four days ago. But now her husband has been arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide after a note was found written on her thigh.

Aruna’s husband Subhash Chander was arrested late Sunday and has been booked, along with his alleged girlfriend …. Original source  : Suicide note on thigh lands husband in jail (Lead, superseding earlier story).

Centre to Assam: Let CBI probe scam in North Cachar Hills

GUWAHATI – New Delhi has asked the Assam government to let the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe the multimillion rupee scam involving the swindling of central funds by a politicians-militants-bureaucrats-contractors nexus, union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said Monday.

“The home ministry has advised the Assam government to get the whole thing investigated by the … Read more : Centre to Assam: Let CBI probe scam in North Cachar Hills.

Couple held for kidnapping boy in Gurgaon

GURGAON – A couple has been arrested for kidnapping their landlord’s child here, police said Monday. The 10-year-old boy was rescued by the police from a train.

The couple, identified as Bali and Rahul, was held Sunday night, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gurgaon) Anil Dhawan.
According to police, the duo abducted the boy from outside …. Source article  : Couple held for kidnapping boy in Gurgaon.

Indian held for trying to rape 3-year-old in Nepal

KATHMANDU – A 14-year-old boy from India’s eastern Bihar state has been arrested in Nepal for allegedly trying to rape a three-year-old girl, police said Monday.

The adoloscent was arrested in Aapgachhi village in eastern Nepal’s Morang district Sunday after neighbours told police they found him trying to rape the child and rescued her, police said. … Original article on : Indian held for trying to rape 3-year-old in Nepal.

Sukna land scam: Army officer gets relief

NEW DELHI – The Armed Forces Tribunal Monday gave two months to Lt Gen Avdesh Prakash to cross question witnesses in the Sukna land scam case.

Prakash, the military secretary, facing charges of being involved in a land scam in Sukna, West Bengal, had approached the tribunal to complain that he had not been given an … Read more »».

Madeira rescue crews search for 4 missing after Portugese island’s fatal floods

4 still missing after Madeira flooding killed 42

FUNCHAL, Madeira Islands – Emergency crews in Madeira continued their search Monday for at least four people still missing after mud and rockslides killed 42 people on the Portuguese island.
More than 400 vehicles, including bulldozers and trucks, worked all night Sunday in an effort to clear debris, authorities … Original article on : Madeira rescue crews search for 4 missing after Portugese island’s fatal floods.

Curfew partially relaxed in Punjab town after Christ row

BATALA – Curfew was partially relaxed in this Punjab town Monday after violence broke out Saturday over the publication of a poster depicting Jesus Christ in an objectionable manner, police said.

“Curfew has been relaxed till noon so that people can come out and do some necessary shopping or other work. However, we are keeping a [..] Read the original article: here.

Gentleman NRI shopkeeper killed for cigarettes, sweets

LONDON – British police have launched a murder hunt after a gang of teenagers in northern England killed an Indian-origin shopkeeper described by locals as a gentleman, who would do anything for anyone.

Gurmail Singh, a 63-year-old father of two, suffered head injuries in the robbery by four teenagers at his shop in Huddersfield Saturday and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan government: at least 21 civilians killed in NATO airstrike in south

Afghan government: Airstrike kills 21 civilians
KABUL – A NATO airstrike in southern Afganistan killed at least 21 civilians, the Afghan Interior Ministry said Monday, in an incident that could inflame already heightened sensitivities over noncombatant casualties.
NATO forces confirmed in a statement that its planes fired Sunday on what it believed was a group …. Source article  : Afghan government: at least 21 civilians killed in NATO airstrike in south.

Dhaka to reconstruct prayer houses damaged in violence

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has said it will reconstruct four prayer houses set ablaze during two days of violence against Buddhist tribals in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Dipankar Talukdar, the minister in charge of the region that is home to the indigenous people, said this would be done “as soon as possible”.
He … Read more : Dhaka to reconstruct prayer houses damaged in violence.

Abhay Chautala gets interim bail in graft case

NEW DELHI – Haryana legislator Abhay Chautala was granted interim bail by a city court Monday after he failed to appear before it in a graft case.

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge P.S. Teji granted interim bail to Chautala, an Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislator, and fixed the matter for further hearing March … Read : Abhay Chautala gets interim bail in graft case.

Suicide note on thigh lands husband in jail

CHANDIGARH – It was considered a case of suicide due to depression when 35-year-old Aruna Srivastava was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her house here four days back. But now her husband has been arrested after a suicide note was found written on her thigh.

Aruna’s husband Subhash Chander was arrested late [..] Read the original article: here.

Afghan officials say at least 19 civilians killed in NATO airstrike in south

Afghan officials: airstrike kills 19 civilians

KABUL – Afghan officials say at least 19 civilians have been killed by a NATO airstrike on a convoy of vehicles in southern Afghanistan.
NATO confirms that it fired Sunday on a group of vehicles that it believed contained insurgents, only to discover later that women and children were in the …. Original article  : Afghan officials say at least 19 civilians killed in NATO airstrike in south.

Bird box shaped like speed camera foxes motorists

LONDON – A bird box shaped like a speed camera has forced motorists to slow down in a British village and the villagers are delighted with the result.

Retired detective Bill Angus set up the plywood contraption, complete with metallic strips and what appear to be lenses on the side, on a pole at the edge … Read : Bird box shaped like speed camera foxes motorists.

Man attempts self immolation near parliament

NEW DELHI – An unemployed man tried to set himself on fire Tuesday near parliament house here, police said.

Vijay Singh from Maharashtra attempted self immolation around 1 p.m. at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, a police officer said.
He was saved by security personnel and bystanders, the officer said, adding that he …. Read the original article  : here.

Plane-spotting Britons get bail

NEW DELHI – A city court Tuesday granted bail to two British nationals who were charged by police for plane spotting near the Delhi airport.

A metropolitan magistrate granted bail to the duo after furnishing a personal and surety bond of Rs.10,000 each.
The two, Stephen Hampston, 46, and Steve Martin, 55, were … Read more : Plane-spotting Britons get bail.

Forest officials, scribes under scanner for official’s suicide

NAGPUR – A day after an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer – believed to have been fighting the timber mafia in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra – committed suicide, police Tuesday were on the lookout for five of his colleagues and four local journalists whom he named in a note.

Gopal Kale, divisional forest officer, Pandharkawda, who …. Source article  : Forest officials, scribes under scanner for official’s suicide.

One dead, 19 hurt in Colombia prison fight

Bogota, Feb 23 (IANS/EFE) One inmate was killed and 19 wounded in clashes at a prison in the southwestern Colombian city of Cali, but authorities managed to regain control of the facility, officials said.

Groups of inmates in a cell block at the prison in Villahermosa fought as part of a larger struggle for control of …. Read the original article  : One dead, 19 hurt in Colombia prison fight.

Bangladesh border guards go on trial for mutiny

DHAKA – The trial of nearly 800 troopers of Bangladesh rifles (BDR), the country’s border guard, began Tuesday, nearly a year after a mutiny led to the killing of 74 people, including 54 army officers.

The venue of the trial was the Durbar Hall at Pilkhana, the BDR Headquarters, where Feb 25-26 last year, hundreds … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bangladesh border guards go on trial for mutiny.

160,000 illegal drug tablets seized in Guatemala

Guatemala City, Feb 23 (IANS/EFE) Guatemalan drug enforcement agents seized some 160,000 pseudoephedrine tablets in a warehouse at the capital’s La Aurora International Airport, but no arrests were made, the police said.

The tablets were found at a warehouse belonging to Conbex, a company that imports and exports a variety of products.
A manifest shows … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 160,000 illegal drug tablets seized in Guatemala.

Paediatrician charged with raping over 100 patients

WASHINGTON – US paediatrician Earl B. Bradley was indicted Monday on 103 counts of rape, allegedly committed on child patients under his medical care, according to press reports.

Bradley, 56, appeared before a county court in Sussex, Delaware, charged with 471 assaults on minors including the alleged rapes, Delaware Online reported.
He was charged in December … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Paediatrician charged with raping over 100 patients.

15 hurt as ethnic violence continues in Bangladesh

DHAKA – At least 15 people were injured Tuesday as Buddhist tribals clashed with Muslim settlers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in continuing ethnic violence in Bangladesh.

The southeastern region, home to indigenous tribals, witnessed a daylong blockade of road and waterways by tribals protesting last Saturday’s killings. While the government has confirmed two deaths, … Original source on Gaea Times at : 15 hurt as ethnic violence continues in Bangladesh.

Madeira looks for 32 people missing after deadly floods on Portuguese island

Madeira looks for 32 missing after island’s floods

FUNCHAL, Madeira Islands – Emergency crews in Madeira are looking for 32 people still missing four days after weekend landslides that claimed dozens of lives in the Portuguese island’s worst disaster in living memory.
Authorities have confirmed the flash foods killed at least 42 people.
Rescue teams with sniffer dogs, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Madeira looks for 32 people missing after deadly floods on Portuguese island.

Tax officer heading Madhu Koda probe to stay: Court

RANCHI – The Jharkhand High Court Tuesday stayed the transfer of Income Tax Director (investigation) Ujjwal Chaudhary, who is probing the money laundering scam of at least Rs.2,500 crore in which former chief minister Madhu Koda is a prime suspect.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra and Justice R.R. Prasad stayed the … Original article on : Tax officer heading Madhu Koda probe to stay: Court.

Student faints after ragging in Allahabad University

ALLAHABAD – Ill-treated and tortured physically, a first year student of Allahabad University who was allegedly ragged by his seniors fainted and was admitted to a hospital, police said Tuesday.

Amarjeet Kumar Yadav is still under medical treatment, but out of danger now, authorities said.
Police have registered a case of ragging against two senior students. … Read more : Student faints after ragging in Allahabad University.

Video cameras to keep eye on Canadian cops

TORONTO – Canadia’s federal police may carry video cameras pinned to their uniforms to record their dealings with the public and keep an eye out for high-handedness and corruption, says a parliamentary report released Monday.

If the report by a senate (upper house of the Canadian parliament) committee on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Video cameras to keep eye on Canadian cops.

Afghan police: 3 die in Lashkar Gah blast amid continuing offense against Taliban

Afghan police: 3 die in Lashkar Gah blast
KABUL – Afghan police say three civilians have died and at least 11 others were wounded in an explosion in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province where thousands of NATO and Afghan forces are in their 11th day of a major offensive against the Taliban.

Provincial police chief … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Afghan police: 3 die in Lashkar Gah blast amid continuing offense against Taliban.

Fresh warrant against Sajjan Kumar for 1984 riots

NEW DELHI – A city court Tuesday issued fresh non-bailable warrants against Sajjan Kumar and others as they did not appear at the court to answer charges of their alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar issued the warrants, asking Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others to appear in court … Original article on : Fresh warrant against Sajjan Kumar for 1984 riots.

Salem, Ore.-area man arrested after loud explosions heard in neighborhood

Ore. man arrested after tree blows up
SALEM, Ore. – Authorities in Oregon say a man has been arrested after explosions rocked his Salem-area neighborhood and partially blew up a tree on his property.

Sgt. Mark Garton of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says explosive material was put in a tree and detonated. One 911 caller reported …. Read the original article  : here.

Sex-for-immigration lands Canadian judge in dock

TORONTO – A former judge of the powerful Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board is in the dock for seeking sex from a South Korean woman refugee for granting her Canadian residence.

A court here Monday heard that Steve Ellis, now 50, told the then 25-year-old refugee claimant Ji-Hye Kim in September 2006 that he will reject …. Source article  : Sex-for-immigration lands Canadian judge in dock.

Orphanage director: Haitians holding 6 orphans cleared for adoption

Orphanage director: Haiti holds 6 US-bound kids

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Six U.S.-bound orphans seized by Haitian police despite having their papers in order remained in a government-run nursery more than two days later, the orphanage director said.
The seizure of the orphans and the brief detention of their escorts Saturday came amid fears that foreigners are exploiting …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Orphanage director: Haitians holding 6 orphans cleared for adoption.

NATO commander in Afghanistan apologizes for airstrike in video to Afghan people

NATO commander takes apology direct to Afghans

KABUL – The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan took his apology for a weekend airstrike that killed civilians directly to the Afghan people Tuesday, with a video in which he pledged to work to regain their trust as NATO continues a mass offensive against the Taliban …. Source article  : NATO commander in Afghanistan apologizes for airstrike in video to Afghan people.

Armed men loot passengers in Bihar

PATNA – At least six armed robbers looted cash and valuables from passengers of a train and stabbed one traveller in Bihar’s Buxar district, police said Tuesday.

The robbers looted the passengers travelling on the Punjab Mail Express between Ara and Buxar late Monday in Buxar district, about 125 km from here.
The injured passenger was …. Read the original article  : Armed men loot passengers in Bihar.

Radio: Iran arrests leader of militant Sunni group Jundallah

Radio: Iran arrests Sunni militant group leader

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s state radio says its security forces have arrested a leader of an armed Sunni opposition group waging a low-level insurgency in southeastern Iran.
The broadcast says Iranian security forces have arrested Abdulmalik Rigi, leader of the Jundallah terrorist group which has claimed responsibility for several bombing …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Radio: Iran arrests leader of militant Sunni group Jundallah.

Contraband cough syrup seized from Delhi plane

AGARTALA – Tripura Police Wednesday seized from an aircraft from New Delhi a huge amount of contraband cough syrup that was to be smuggled to Bangladesh.

“We have seized 20 big trunks containing 4,000 bottles of Phensidyl worth Rs.400,000 from a private passenger airliner. The passenger plane arrived in Agartala from New Delhi via Guwahati,” said … Read more >>>.

Clean chit to two IAS officers in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – Two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in Madhya Pradesh facing charges of misusing their official positions have been given clean chits.

“Madhya Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has given a clean chit to G.P. Singhal and T. Dharmarao Tuesday as complaints filed against them were found baseless,” an EOW official told IANS … Read more »».

Using math, science to help solve crimes

WASHINGTON – Sophisticated math and science can be used to understand urban crime patterns, research says. Anthropologist Jeffrey Brantingham works with the Los Angeles Police Department to analyse crime patterns by studying hunter-gatherers in Northern Tibet.

“Criminal offenders are essentially hunter-gatherers; they forage for opportunities to commit crimes,” said Brantingham, associate professor of anthropology at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Illegal Internet pharmacies thriving in India: UN

NEW DELHI – Illegal Internet pharmacies are thriving in India and they are increasingly becoming a source of pharmaceutical drug abuse across the globe, a report released by the United Nations office of Drugs and Crime said Wednesday.

India has emerged as one of the main sources of drugs sold through illegal Internet pharmacies, where orders … Original article on : Illegal Internet pharmacies thriving in India: UN.

Teenager may have seen Indian’s murder: Australian police

MELBOURNE – A teenager may be a key witness in the murder of Indian Nitin Garg here as he saw a number of men fighting in a park where Garg was fatally stabbed last month, the police said Wednesday.

Garg was viciously stabbed Jan 2 as he walked to work. He staggered to Hungry Jack’s, where …. Read the original article  : Teenager may have seen Indian’s murder: Australian police.

Alleged Saudi terrorism financier stands trial in Indonesia’s deadly twin hotel bombings

Saudi stands trial over Jakarta hotel bombings

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A retired Saudi Arabian school teacher went on trial Wednesday charged with financing suicide bombings at two Jakarta hotels that killed seven and wounded more than 50.
Al Khelaiw Ali Abdullah, 55, denied any involvement in the July 17, 2009, attacks on the downtown J.W. Marriott and …. Original article  : Alleged Saudi terrorism financier stands trial in Indonesia’s deadly twin hotel bombings.

Fire-hit Bangalore towers sealed; cases booked against owners

BANGALORE – The charred Carlton Towers in Bangalore were sealed a day after a major fire broke out Tuesday claiming nine lives and injuring about 50 people, a fire brigade official said Wednesday.

“We have sealed the entire premises to investigate the cause of the fire and ascertain whether the seven-storey building had fire safety systems [..] Read the original article: here.

Police say landslide at Indonesian tea plantation kills at least 15 workers, scores buried

Police: 15 dead, 57 buried by Indonesian landslide

CIWIDEY, Indonesia – Rescuers used heavy digging equipment Wednesday to clear a muddy landslide that killed at least 15 people and left 57 buried on Indonesia’s main island of Java, an official said.
Days of heavy rain prompted the landslide Tuesday afternoon at a mountainous tea plantation near the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Just like the movies _ in Afghanistan, US bomb disposal unit gets close to danger for a living

Afghan: US bomb squad on the frontlines
BADULA QULP, Afghanistan – Staff. Sgt. Joshua Rickert hasn’t just seen “The Hurt Locker,” the award-winning film about an American bomb disposal squad in Iraq. He’s living it – in Afghanistan.

Rickert and his team work for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD, unit of the U.S. Air Force. Soldiers …. Original article  : Just like the movies _ in Afghanistan, US bomb disposal unit gets close to danger for a living.

Turkish government lowers death toll in mine collapse to 13

Turkey lowers death toll in mine collapse to 13

ANKARA, Turkey – The government on Wednesday said 13 workers were killed in a coal mine collapse in northwestern Turkey, not 17 as previously reported.
Labor Minister Omer Dincer explained the revised death toll by saying four bodies had previously been counted twice after the methane gas explosion …. Read the original article  : here.

Teacher recruitment scam hits Chandigarh again

CHANDIGARH – Irregularities in teacher recruitment for government schools have rocked Chandigarh for the second time in five months. The latest controversy is about last-minute changes in criteria for selecting over 500 teachers.

Sources in the administration say education department officials, particularly the office of the Director of Public Instruction (DPI, Schools), had “goofed up” in … Read : Teacher recruitment scam hits Chandigarh again.

Colombian politician sentenced to 40 years for massacre

Bogota, Feb 24 (IANS/EFE) Colombia’s Supreme Court has imposed a 40-year prison term on former senator Alvaro Garcia Romero for his role in a massacre carried out by right-wing militias.

The sentence, imposed Tuesday, is the harshest handed down so far in what is known here as the “parapolitica” scandal.
Garcia was “instigator and accomplice” of … Read more >>>.

Charity official, engineer kidnapped in Haiti

Dajabon (Dominican Republic), Feb 24 (IANS/EFE) An official with the Catholic charity Caritas and a chemical engineer have been kidnapped in eastern Haiti, the organisation Solidaridad Fronteriza and a Jesuit group that aids migrants said here.

They said the incident occurred Saturday in Ouanaminthe, near the Dominican border, and the perpetrators are demanding a ransom of …. Original source  : Charity official, engineer kidnapped in Haiti.

Goa businessmen want life imprisonment for illegal mining

PANAJI – Worried over rising incidents of illegal mining in the state, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has demanded life imprisonment for those found guilty.

In its annual pre-budget suggestion to Goa Chief Minister and Finance Minister Digambar Kamat, GCCI president Cesar Menezes said: Illegal mining is creating huge and irreparable damage to [..] Read the original article: here.

Police say landslide at Indonesian tea plantation kills at least 6 workers, scores buried

Police: 6 dead, 66 buried by Indonesian landslide

CIWIDEY, Indonesia – Rescuers used heavy digging equipment Wednesday to clear a muddy landslide that killed at least six people and left 66 buried on Indonesia’ main island of Java, an official said.
Days of heavy rain prompted the landslide Tuesday afternoon at a mountainous tea plantation near the [..] Read the original article: here.

Widow of IRS worker killed in Texas plane attack sues pilot’s wife, seeks to determine assets

IRS worker’s widow sues Texas suicide pilot’s wife

AUSTIN, Texas – The widow of the Internal Revenue Service employee killed when a Texas man crashed his plane into the agency’s Austin office is suing the pilot’s widow.
Attorney Daniel Ross says the lawsuit against Sheryl Stack seeks to determine if the pilot left behind insurance policies or …. Original source  : Widow of IRS worker killed in Texas plane attack sues pilot’s wife, seeks to determine assets.

Back-to-back severe snowstorms with high, dangerous winds expected to slam Northeast

Back-to-back severe storms headed for Northeast

ALBANY, N.Y. – After being spared the brunt of early February snowstorms that buried the Atlantic coast, the Northeast is bracing for a double whammy of winter.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Tuesday evening for central New York through New England. It predicts heavy, wet snow with …. Original source  : Back-to-back severe snowstorms with high, dangerous winds expected to slam Northeast.

Police: NYC terror plotter Zazi planned with at least 2 bombers to kill rush-hour commuters

NYPD: Zazi planned to kill commuters at rush hour

NEW YORK – A man who admitted plotting to bomb the city’s subway system wanted to do so with the help of at least two other bombers during rush hour, when the most people could be killed, police said Tuesday.
“This was particularly disturbing,” police Commissioner Raymond Kelly … Read more >>>.

Fire at famed Philadelphia International Records is ruled an arson; producers vow to rebuild

Fire at famed Philly music company is ruled arson

PHILADELPHIA – A two-alarm fire that damaged the building where the “Sound of Philadelphia” was born has been ruled an arson.
Fire officials say the Sunday morning blaze on the third floor of the Philadelphia International Records building has been determined to be “incendiary.” One man has been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire at famed Philadelphia International Records is ruled an arson; producers vow to rebuild.

Tussles over foreign adoptions mirror quake-ravaged Haiti…s dire needs, deep-seated fears

Haiti adoption fights mirror desperation
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Foreigners detained, Haitians enraged, children caught in the middle: The scenario that played out this week echoed the case of 10 Americans caught trying to spirit youngsters out of this earthquake-ravaged nation.

This time it turned out differently. Six U.S.-bound orphans seized by Haitian police Saturday as they were … Read more »»».

Indian monk charged with murder in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s police have formally charged an Indian monk belonging to the renowned Bharat Sevashram Sangh order with murder following the death of a six-year-old boy who was entrusted to the care of the home and school run by the organisation in Kathmandu.

Swami Atmashuddhananda, the 40-year-old monk from Assam who had made Nepal his …. Original article  : Indian monk charged with murder in Nepal.

Marines, Afghans move to clear out last insurgent pockets in Afghan town

NATO forces move to flush out final resistance

MARJAH, Afghanistan – U.S. Marines and Afghan troops slogged through bomb-laden fields Thursday to clear the last pockets of insurgents from the southern Taliban haven of Marjah, while vegetable markets resumed business in other parts of town.
The Marines’ progress was slowed by difficult terrain with no roads, few …. Original source  : Marines, Afghans move to clear out last insurgent pockets in Afghan town.

Woman dies after doctor removes kidney

PATNA – A 22-year-old woman died after a doctor allegedly removed her kidneys during surgery, her family said Thursday.

Sabila Khatoon, mother of a six-month-old baby, died at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) Wednesday night.
A resident of Tangaul Patti in Bihar’s Hajipur district, about 30 km from here, Sabila was admitted at the …. Read the original article  : here.

Goa police hand-in-glove with organised sex mafia: Official

PANAJI – A senior Goa police official Thursday admitted that the state is emerging as a den for the organized sex mafia in collusion with the local police.

Superintendent of Police (Criminal Investigation Department) Atmaram Deshpande wrote in his weekly column in a vernacular daily ‘Gomantak’ Thursday: “There is a disturbing increase in number of …. Original source  : Goa police hand-in-glove with organised sex mafia: Official.

Date rape drugs, prescription pill abuse rising, warns report

KATHMANDU – The use of “date rape drugs” as well as abuse of prescription drugs is rising with India emerging as one of the main sources of drugs sold through illegal Internet pharmacies, drugs watchdog International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has warned.

In its annual report, launched in Kathmandu Thursday by the UN Information Centre and … Read : Date rape drugs, prescription pill abuse rising, warns report.

2nd round of storms packing snow, high winds bears down on winter-weary Northeast

Snow, high winds headed to winter-weary Northeast

ALBANY, N.Y. – A day after a storm dumped more than a foot of snow, causing tens of thousands of people to lose power and stalling air and rail traffic, weather-weary Northeast residents braced for a repeat – a second storm packing potentially damaging wind gusts up to 50 … Read more >>.

Shamu Killer Whale Tillikum Kills Sea World Trainer Dawn Brancheau

ORLANDO, USA, (GaeaTimes.com) Sea World Park of Orland witnessed the greatest tragedy when one of its most experienced trainer was killed by a killer whale of the famous Shamu Show. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon after one of the Shamu show. The whale which dragged the trainer Dawn Brancheau to death was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Shamu Killer Whale Tillikum Kills Sea World Trainer Dawn Brancheau.

Philippine police arrest terror suspect wanted for kidnappings, bombings in latest crackdown

Philippine police arrest another terror suspect

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine police dealt a new blow to a notorious al-Qaida-linked group with the arrest of a suspected militant wanted in a string of kidnappings and killings, officials said Thursday.
Mujibar Alih Amon, an alleged logistics officer of the Abu Sayyaf group, took part in the 2000 abduction of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Philippine police arrest terror suspect wanted for kidnappings, bombings in latest crackdown.

Fed report on crash that killed 3 Tesla workers says plane went down after hitting power lines

Report confirms plane crashed after hitting lines

EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. – The plane carrying three Tesla Motors employees that crashed in a residential area last week had been flying about 50 feet above the ground when it struck power lines and a power line tower, a federal report confirmed late Wednesday.
But the National Transportation Safety …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fed report on crash that killed 3 Tesla workers says plane went down after hitting power lines.

Top Maharashtra-Goa official nabbed taking Rs.2 crore bribe

MUMBAI – Chief Post Master General of Maharashtra and Goa M.S. Bali has been caught while accepting a Rs.2 crore bribe, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said Thursday, describing it as the biggest such case involving a government official in 60 years.

Investigators who nabbed Bali while taking the bribe for giving a no-objection certificate … Read more »»».

Investigations show slain US soldiers not targeted in Pakistan bombing

Probes: US soldiers not target in Pakistan attack

ISLAMABAD – Three U.S. soldiers killed in a bombing in northwest Pakistan this month were not the intended targets of the attack, a top general said Thursday.
The militants who blew up a car bomb as a security convoy passed aimed for the “most prominent” vehicle in the apparent …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Investigations show slain US soldiers not targeted in Pakistan bombing.

Police kill alleged criminal in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man wanted in nearly 20 criminal cases was killed in a gunfight with police in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh, while two of his aides managed to escape, an official said Thursday.

Suresh Yadav, 30, who had charges of murder, abduction, loot and other heinous crimes against him, was killed late Wednesday in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police kill alleged criminal in Uttar Pradesh.

Teacher found dead after nude pictures on Facebook

LONDON – A British teacher, who was working in the Middle East, was found dead after her former boyfriend posted naked pictures of her on social networking site Facebook, a relative said Thursday.

Emma Jones, 24, feared for her safety in Abu Dhabi where she was working in an international school, Daily Express reported.
She drank [..] Read the original article: here.

Chief post master general nabbed while taking Rs.2 crore bribe

MUMBAI – Maharashtra’s Chief Post Master General M.S. Bali has been caught while accepting a bribe of Rs.2 crore, a top Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said here Thursday.

Bali was caught red-handed by the CBI Wednesday night.
CBI Western Region Director Rishi Raj Singh said investigators also recovered Rs.34 lakh in cash …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chief post master general nabbed while taking Rs.2 crore bribe.

Man held for killing 100-year-old mother

LONDON – A man has been arrested in Britain for killing his 100-year-old frail, blind mother, a media report said Thursday.

Hannah Fitzgibbon, who had recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a party and telegram from the Queen, was found dead Wednesday at the home she shared with her 61-year-old son Michael, Daily Express reported.
Michael [..] Read the original article: here.

Ethnic violence continues in Chittagong Hill Tracts

DHAKA – Curfew was reimposed as ethnic violence in Khagrachhari resumed late Wednesday night after a day long calm. It’s now been six days since the clashes began between Muslim settlers and the Buddhist tribals in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Seven houses in Golabari, the tribal neighbourhood and five houses of Bengali-speaking settlers in Mollah Para …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ethnic violence continues in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

X-Games skier Johnson dies after falling, hitting head while skiing steep chute in California

X-Games skier dies after fall at Calif. ski hill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Current Olympians and others in the ski community are mourning the loss of professional free skier C.R. Johnson, who died in a fall while skiing a steep chute at California’s Squaw Valley.
Johnson, 26, who has competed in the Winter X Games, was skiing with …. Original source  : X-Games skier Johnson dies after falling, hitting head while skiing steep chute in California.

Fish bowl sets British home on fire

LONDON – A goldfish bowl kept close to a window started a fire at a house in Britain as sun rays caused a “magnifying glass” effect on the bowl, family members said.

Daily Express reported Thursday that sun rays caused the “magnifying glass” effect on the bowl, setting the wooden table it was on alight. The … Read more : Fish bowl sets British home on fire.

BSF seizes 15 kg heroin at India-Pakistan border

AMRITSAR – Nearly 15 kg of heroin was seized Thursday from close to the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Ajnala sector after suspected smugglers abandoned the consignment following an exchange of fire with forces on the Pakistani side.

The Border Security Force (BSF) officials said the exchange of fire between smugglers and security forces took …. Read the original article  : BSF seizes 15 kg heroin at India-Pakistan border.

Calif. X-Games skier dies of head injuries while trying run off steep cliff at Squaw Valley

X-Games skier dies after fall at Squaw Valley

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – C.R. Johnson, a professional free skier who competed in the Winter X Games, died Wednesday after he fell and hit his head on a rock outcropping while taking a run down a steep chute at California’s Squaw Valley.
Johnson, 26, was skiing with a group of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials say 3 foreigners die in cruise liner accident in Egyptian Sinai

Egypt: 3 foreigners die in cruise liner accident

AL-ARISH, Egypt – Medics and police say three foreigners have died when a luxury cruise liner slammed into the docks in a Red Sea resort in Egypt.
A security official says it’s not clear what caused the ship to hit the docks Friday in Sharm el-Sheik.
Police and rescue officials … Original article on : Officials say 3 foreigners die in cruise liner accident in Egyptian Sinai.

Fire at NH oceanfront hotel spreads, engulfs block of 6-8 businesses, but no injuries reported

NH hotel fire spreads, engulfs block; no injuries

HAMPTON, N.H. – A fire that started in an oceanfront hotel spread to nearby buildings, engulfing an entire block of businesses, and could be seen from miles away, firefighters and a witness said.
The ferocious blaze started early Friday at the unoccupied three-story Surf Hotel in Hampton, a densely … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fire at NH oceanfront hotel spreads, engulfs block of 6-8 businesses, but no injuries reported.

President Hamid Karzai condemns suicide attacks, says it won’t hurt Afghan-Indian relations

Karzai condemns suicide attacks in Kabul
KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned suicide attacks in the capital that killed at least 17 people including Indian citizens saying the strikes won’t hurt Afghan-Indian relations.

In a statement, Karzai said he “strongly condemns” the terrorist attacks that occurred Friday targeting two guesthouses in central Kabul where most …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : President Hamid Karzai condemns suicide attacks, says it won’t hurt Afghan-Indian relations.

New plan for Haiti’s earthquake homeless: Pack up and move back to destroyed neighborhoods

Haiti wants refugees back in ravaged neighborhoods

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Relief officials have changed tack and are urging Haiti’s earthquake homeless to return to their destroyed neighborhoods as the rainy season fast approaches.
Officials had initially planned to build big camps outside Port-au-Prince. They still anticipate creating some settlements, but they decided this week to instead emphasize …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New plan for Haiti’s earthquake homeless: Pack up and move back to destroyed neighborhoods.

Plodding storm packing snow, rain, wind slams Northeast; flood worries persist in New England

Winter-weary Northeast deals with snow, rain, wind

PHILADELPHIA – A winter storm plodded up the Atlantic coast on Friday, delivering a powerful dose of wet snow, heavy rain with flooding potential and damaging winds near 50 mph in the Northeast as utility companies prepped for possible widespread outages due to toppled trees and near-blizzard conditions.
One day … Read more >>>.

China reports at least 29 injured in Yunnan province quake, 5.0 temblor strikes Tibet

China reports at least 29 injured in Yunnan quake

BEIJING – At least 29 people were injured and hundreds of buildings damaged in an earthquake in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, reports said Friday.
Dozens of aftershocks continued to rock the area around Chuxiong prefecture where the quake struck shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.
Some registered as high as …. Original article  : China reports at least 29 injured in Yunnan province quake, 5.0 temblor strikes Tibet.

Fire at New Hampshire seaside hotel spreads to neighboring buildings, but no injuries reported

NH hotel fire spreads to nearby buildings
HAMPTON, N.H. – A fire that started in an oceanfront hotel spread to nearby buildings and could be seen from miles away, firefighters and a witness said.

The blaze started early Friday at the three-story Surf Hotel in Hampton, a densely populated community along the Atlantic coast an hour’s drive …. Read the original article  : Fire at New Hampshire seaside hotel spreads to neighboring buildings, but no injuries reported.

Grishin wins 1 for Belarus, Peterson lands a Hurricane and takes silver

Peterson lands a Hurricane, wins a silver
WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Jeret “Speedy” Peterson has spent much of his adult life searching for a glimmer of hope wrapped inside a Hurricane.

Soaring 50 feet in the air on a clear, cold night at the Olympics – a night he called the best of his life – …. Read the original article  : here.

Taliban claims responsbility for suicide strikes in Kabul that kill at least 17, wound 32

Suicide bombers strike in heart of Kabul; 17 dead

KABUL – Suicide bombers attacked in the heart of Kabul on Friday, triggering a series of explosions and gunbattles that killed at least 17 people in an area of residential hotels rented by Indian embassy workers and other foreigners, police and witnesses said.
The Taliban claimed responsibility, saying … Read : Taliban claims responsbility for suicide strikes in Kabul that kill at least 17, wound 32.

Train passengers looted – for one long hour

LUCKNOW – For one long hour, five armed men assaulted passengers in two coaches of a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district Friday and looted cash and valuables worth Rs.3 lakh, police said.

The Varanasi-bound Kashi Vishwanath Express had neared the Talakhajuri station, some 150 km from Lucknow, when five masked men surprised men and women …. Original source  : Train passengers looted — for one long hour.

Sajjan Kumar, six others get anticipatory bail (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two cases connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and said it would not hamper investigations into the case.

Justice A.K. Pathak granted anticipatory bail to Sajjan Kumar and six others on a personal bond of Rs.50,000 each. …. Source  : Sajjan Kumar, six others get anticipatory bail (Second Lead).

Alcoholic man commits suicide after killing wife, kids

RAIPUR – A 32-year-old alcoholic man killed his wife and two children with a sharp-edged weapon and set their bodies on fire before burning himself to death in Chhattisgarh, police said Friday.

The incident took place Wednesday night at Siharpur village in the state’s Jashpur district, about 500 km north of capital Raipur but the police … Read more >>.

Body of missing nuclear centre scientist found

CHENNAI – The body of a scientist working at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), who had been missing since last week, was found in a railway hospital here Friday. S. Ananthanarayanan had died after being hit by a train on Feb 15, police said.

Ananthanarayanan, 37, was hit near the Pothery railway station … Read more >>>.

5.4 magnitude tremor jolts northeast, Nepal, China

GUWAHATI – An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale Friday rocked India’s northeast as well as parts of China and Nepal, triggering panic and forcing people out of their homes.

According to the US Geological Survey, the tremor was felt at 10.15 a.m. in Assam and other northeastern states, besides in Nepal and China. …. Original article  : 5.4 magnitude tremor jolts northeast, Nepal, China.

Taliban claims responsbility for Kabul attacks; Officials say at least 10 killed; 32 wounded

Taliban claims responsibility for Kabul attacks

KABUL – The Taliban are claiming responsibility for deadly suicide attacks that killed at least 10 people in the heart of Kabul.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said Friday that five suicide bombers conducted the attacks on two buildings used by foreigners.
Police officer Gulam Mustafa at the scene said authorities think two …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Taliban claims responsbility for Kabul attacks; Officials say at least 10 killed; 32 wounded.

Sajjan Kumar gets anticipatory bail in 1984 riot cases

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two cases connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Justice A.K. Pathak granted anticipatory bail to Sajjan Kumar and six others on a personal bond of Rs.50,000 each.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sajjan Kumar gets anticipatory bail in 1984 riot cases.

Afghan police: 7 die in series of blasts near guest houses, hotel used by foreigners

Afghan police: 7 die in series of blasts in Kabul

KABUL – Two suicide bombers attacked in the heart of Kabul on Friday, triggering a series of explosions and gunbattles that killed at least seven people near a hotel and guest houses used by foreigners, police and eyewitnesses said.
The target of the early morning attacks, which … Original article on : Afghan police: 7 die in series of blasts near guest houses, hotel used by foreigners.

No smoking circuit for Toyota, but recalls put spotlight on auto industry’s use of electronics

Toyota’s crisis puts spotlight on auto electronics

DETROIT – Investigations into whatever is lurking behind Toyota’s crisis of quality have put a spotlight on all that can go wrong with auto electronics – the growing number of wires, sensors and computer chips that have profoundly changed the automobile in the last decade.
Though no smoking circuit has … Original source on Gaea Times at : No smoking circuit for Toyota, but recalls put spotlight on auto industry’s use of electronics.

Japanese tourist found dead in Varanasi guest house

VARANASI – A Japanese tourist was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside a guest house here, police said Friday.

Adachi Tatsua, 45, was found dead late Thursday evening in the Sankata guest house in this city’s Chowk area, about 250 km from Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow.
“The body of the Japanese tourist was found lying in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Japanese tourist found dead in Varanasi guest house.

20 feared killed in Andhra quarry mishap

HYDERABAD – At least 20 workers were feared killed in a landslip in a granite quarry in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district, police said Friday.

Police said two bodies were recovered late Thursday while two injured people were shifted to hospital. The work to clear the debris was still on.
The mishap occurred Thursday evening at Chimakurthi, [..] Read the original article: here.

Haryana khap panchayat targets boy’s family in caste row

BHIWANI – Haryana’s unbending khap panchayats (caste councils) have done it again. This time a panchayat in Samaspur in Bhiwani district has targetted the family of a boy who eloped with a girl of the same gotra (sub-caste) and told them to leave the village.

The khap panchayat has given an ultimatum to the family to … Read : Haryana khap panchayat targets boy’s family in caste row.

Tsunami from Chile reaches Japan; Hawaii, other Pacific areas spared damage

Chile tsunami reaches Japan; Pacific damage small

TOKYO – The tsunami from the deadly earthquake in Chile hit Japan’s main islands and even reached the shores of Russia on Sunday, but the smaller-than-expected waves didn’t cause significant damage. Hawaii and other Pacific islands in their path were also spared.
In Japan, where hundreds of thousands of people …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tsunami from Chile reaches Japan; Hawaii, other Pacific areas spared damage.

Five die in Orissa accident

BHUBANESWAR – Five people, including four members of a family, were killed when an auto-rickshaw in which they were travelling collided with a truck in Orissa early Sunday, police said.

The dead included a one-year-old child and a woman besides the auto driver. The accident took place near Pipili in Puri. The family which lost four …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Five die in Orissa accident.

Iranian insurgent group on Pakistan border selects new leader after capture of the old one

Iranian insurgent group chooses new leader

CAIRO – An insurgent group in southeastern Iran announced the selection of a new leader after its founder was captured by Iranian forces, according to the group’s Web site.
The Jundallah insurgency, which says it’s fighting for equal rights for the Sunni minority in southeast Iran, has named al-Hajj Mohammed Dhahir …. Source article  : Iranian insurgent group on Pakistan border selects new leader after capture of the old one.

Tsunami advisory canceled in final US area

Tsunami advisory canceled in final US area

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A tsunami advisory has been canceled in the last U.S. area that had been under any sort of alert following the Chilean earthquake.
The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center canceled the advisory early Sunday morning for the far reaches of the Aleutian Islands, stretching from Sand Point to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tsunami advisory canceled in final US area.

AP Top News at 3:37 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:37 a.m. EST
Chile assesses damage from mammoth earthquake
TALCA, Chile – A weeping man strokes the hand of a dead woman in a collapsed cafe. Survivors huddle around bonfires in the rubble of their homes. Smashed cars lie beneath bridges torn asunder by one of history’s strongest earthquakes. Authorities in Chile put … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:37 a.m. EST.

Tsunami threat: People evacuated from Russian islands

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Russia), Feb 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Residents of Kuril Islands in Russia’s Far East were being evacuated due to the threat of tsunami roused by a quake in Chile, an official said.

The expected height of waves to hit the regional coast is some 2 metres, spokesman for the local administration said.
“The inland of the … Read : Tsunami threat: People evacuated from Russian islands.

Japan on alert for possible major tsunami

TOKYO – Hundreds of thousands of Japanese households in Pacific coastal areas were ordered to evacuate Sunday after warnings of a possible “major” tsunami produced by the Chilean earthquake.

Shortly before 4 p.m. (0700 GMT), waves of 120 centimetres reached Kuji port in northeastern Japan, the highest observed so far. No victims and serious damages were …. Read the original article  : Japan on alert for possible major tsunami.

Lady teacher forces class 2 kid to eat green chillies

RAIPUR – A lady teacher in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district punished a naughty class 2 student by forcibly stuffing several green chillies in his mouth and telling him to eat them, police said Sunday.

Seven-year-old Rishav Gupta’s father Saturday lodged a complaint with police alleging that teacher Shobha Jain stuffed green chillies into his son’s mouth over … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lady teacher forces class 2 kid to eat green chillies.

Punjab, Haryana calm after Dera violence

CHANDIGARH – Violence-hit parts of Punjab and Haryana were returning to normalcy Sunday, a day after supporters of the controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect went on a rampage to protest registration of another murder case against their spiritual leader Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.

“The situation is under our control and is totally peaceful in Bathinda, Moga …. Read the original article  : Punjab, Haryana calm after Dera violence.

AP Top News at 3:06 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:06 a.m. EST
Chile assesses damage from mammoth earthquake
TALCA, Chile – A weeping man strokes the hand of a dead woman in a collapsed cafe. Survivors huddle around bonfires in the rubble of their homes. Smashed cars lie beneath bridges torn asunder by one of history’s strongest earthquakes. Authorities in Chile put …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : AP Top News at 3:06 a.m. EST.

Chile measures toll from mammoth earthquake: at least 300 dead, half-million homes damaged

Chile assesses damage from mammoth earthquake
TALCA, Chile – A weeping man strokes the hand of a dead woman in a collapsed cafe. Survivors huddle around bonfires in the rubble of their homes. Smashed cars lie beneath bridges torn asunder by one of history’s strongest earthquakes.
Authorities in Chile put the official death toll from …. Read the original article  : Chile measures toll from mammoth earthquake: at least 300 dead, half-million homes damaged.

AP Top News at 2:42 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:42 a.m. EST
Chile struck by one of strongest earthquakes ever
TALCA, Chile – One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded tore apart houses, bridges and highways in central Chile on Saturday and sent a tsunami racing halfway around the world. Chileans near the epicenter were tossed about as if shaken by a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 2:39 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:39 a.m. EST
Chile struck by one of strongest earthquakes ever
TALCA, Chile – One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded tore apart houses, bridges and highways in central Chile on Saturday and sent a tsunami racing halfway around the world. Chileans near the epicenter were tossed about as if shaken by a … Original article on : AP Top News at 2:39 a.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:35 a.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:35 a.m. EST
Chile struck by one of strongest earthquakes ever
TALCA, Chile – One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded tore apart houses, bridges and highways in central Chile on Saturday and sent a tsunami racing halfway around the world. Chileans near the epicenter were tossed about as if shaken by a …. Source article  : AP Top News at 2:35 a.m. EST.

Fire official: Ice, glass fall into NYC’s Sony Building atrium; 10 sustain minor injuries

Official: Ice, glass fall into NYC building atrium

NEW YORK – Fire officials say ice has broken through a glass atrium at the Sony Building in New York City and 10 people have sustained minor injuries.
A spokesman for the New York City Fire Department says ice and glass fell into the lobby area of the Madison … Read more >>>.

90-year-old loses licence for speeding, drunk driving

MELBOURNE – A 90-year-old man lost his driving licence in Australia’s Victoria state after he was clocked over-speeding and detected with double the alcohol limit, police said.

Police Saturday found the 90-year-old driving along Thompsons Road, Lower Templestowe, at a speed of 83 kmph in a zone which has 60 kmph limit, Australian news agency AAP …. Source  : 90-year-old loses licence for speeding, drunk driving.

Moderate earthquake rattles northern Pakistan, Afghanistan; no damage reported

Quake hits north Pakistan, Afghanistan; no damage

ISLAMABAD – A moderate earthquake has rattled northern Pakistan and Afghanistan but there are no reports of injuries or damage.
Pakistani government meteorologist Qamar Zaman Chaudhry says the quake happened at 4:21 a.m. Pakistan time on Sunday (2321 GMT; 6:21 p.m. EDT on Saturday).
It was felt in northern Pakistan and …. Read the original article  : Moderate earthquake rattles northern Pakistan, Afghanistan; no damage reported.

China urges safety checks for finale of Lunar New Year after deadly fireworks blast kills 21

China urges checks after deadly fireworks blast

BEIJING – China has issued an urgent order to local authorities to strengthen safety measures after an explosion triggered by Lunar New Year fireworks killed 21 people and injured 48 in a southern village.
The State Council’s Work Safety Commission said in a notice that authorities around the country should … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China urges safety checks for finale of Lunar New Year after deadly fireworks blast kills 21.

Goa to step up policing, ban revealing ads

NEW DELHI – Goa plans to reclaim its tourist paradise image – tarnished by rapes and other crimes against foreign nationals – by deploying a tourist protection force, opening fast-track courts and banning bikini-clad women on advertisements.

The Goa government is in the process of setting up a Goa Tourism Security Force, to be manned by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Goa to step up policing, ban revealing ads.