MBA graduate held for duplicating credit cards

GURGAON – An MBA graduate and a courier delivery boy have been held here for cloning credit cards, officials said Monday.

“They used to clone the cards and used them for shopping,” said Babu Lal, station house officer, DLF phase two police station. The MBA graduate, identified as Faraz Ahmed, reportedly asked the courier delivery …. Original source  : MBA graduate held for duplicating credit cards.

Eco-tourism city to come up in quake-hit Yushu

BEIJING – An eco-tourism city will be built in Yushu in China’s Qinghai province, devastated by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, a media report said Monday.

The post-disaster reconstruction of Yushu is already on the agenda, and an eco-tourism plateau city is expected to be built in the future, even as relief work is still going on, … Original article on : Eco-tourism city to come up in quake-hit Yushu.

Rescuers pull out 2 survivors 5 days after China quake as work switches slowly to rebuilding

2 survivors pulled out 5 days after China quake
JIEGU, China – Rescuers pulled out a 4-year-old girl and a Tibetan woman alive from the rubble of an earthquake more than five days after they were trapped, as trucks carrying aid and equipment rolled into this shattered town in western China.
China Central Television said …. Original article  : Rescuers pull out 2 survivors 5 days after China quake as work switches slowly to rebuilding.

Aviation industry claims ‘no leadership’ in volcanic ash crisis from EU govts, blasts lockdown

Aviation industry blasts EU govts for lockdowns

LONDON – The aviation industry sharply criticized European governments on Monday for their handling of airport closures, saying there was “no coordination and no leadership” in the volcanic ash crisis that shut down European airports for a fifth straight day.
Some smaller airports reopened, and European officials had hoped that …. Source article  : Aviation industry claims ‘no leadership’ in volcanic ash crisis from EU govts, blasts lockdown.

Man who stood up to Nepal’s security forces dies without justice

KATHMANDU – A man who singlehandedly battled the state and security forces relentlessly for seven years to free his son passed away without getting justice.

Jai Kishore Labh, a lawyer in Dhanusha district in Nepal’s Terai plains, staked his life filing complaints against security forces to free his 23-year-old son, Sanjeev Karna, who was spirited away …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man goes to strip club leaving baby in car

AUCKLAND – A man left his 18-month-old baby locked up and unattended in a car while he went to a strip club to indulge in “fantasies of desire,” a New Zealand court heard Monday.

Wayne Ricardo Schwamm, 42, pleaded guilty to leaving a child under 14 without supervision at the Wellington District Court, after which he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man goes to strip club leaving baby in car.

Two held with heroin worth over Rs.1 crore

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh police Monday arrested two drug peddlers with heroin worth more than Rs.1 crore from the state’s Ambedkar Nagar district.

The two men, in their early 30s, were nabbed from Akbarpur town in Ambedkar Nagar, some 200 km from Lucknow, while they were on their way to hand over the consignment to …. Read the original article  : Two held with heroin worth over Rs.1 crore.

Seven killed in Afghan quake

KABUL – At least seven people were killed and more than 30 injured Monday when a magnitude-5.3 earthquake hit a mountainous province in northern Afghanistan, officials said.

The quake hit the Dara-e-soof and Doaab districts of Samangan province shortly after midnight Monday, destroying and damaging more than 200 houses, said Haji Gholam Sakhi, the deputy provincial …. Original source  : Seven killed in Afghan quake.

Civil aviation authorities hold flight restrictions until early Tuesday

UK airspace restrictions in place until Tuesday

LONDON – Civil aviation authorities in Britain say flight restrictions in the country’s airspace because of drifting volcanic ash will remain in effect until at least early Tuesday.
The National Air Traffic Service said in a statement that while “conditions remain dynamic” the flight ban would be in effect until … Read more : Civil aviation authorities hold flight restrictions until early Tuesday.

UAE shuts down schools for breaching safety rules

Abu Dhabi, April 19 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shut down six schools as their buildings breached safety rules and posed a threat to the safety of students, community and environment.

The schools will no longer be allowed to enrol students in the next academic year as the conditions of their buildings do not … Read more : UAE shuts down schools for breaching safety rules.

Survivors, victims’ family members to commemorate 15th anniversary of Oklahoma City bombing

Ceremony to commemorate 1995 Oklahoma City bombing

OKLAHOMA CITY – Survivors and family members those who died in the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building are expected to gather at to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the attack.
Hundreds of people are expected at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on Monday to remember the 168 people … Read more >>.

After losing parents in Oklahoma City bombing, children build new lives with donors’ help

Okla. bombing victims’ children build new lives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Dion Thomas’ life began spiraling out of control after her mother was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing, when the straight-A student started skipping classes and saw her grades slip to D’s, F’s and incompletes.
She stayed in her bedroom for days, unable to come out. No … Original source on Gaea Times at : After losing parents in Oklahoma City bombing, children build new lives with donors’ help.

Student killed, 50 hurt as school bus falls into river

PATNA – At least one child was killed and 50 students were injured early Monday after their school bus skidded off a bridge and fell into a river in Bihar’s Kaimur district, police said.

The bus fell into a river near Bhabhua, about 160 km from here, police said.
“Ten of the 50 injured children are …. Original source  : Student killed, 50 hurt as school bus falls into river.

Woman raped after a night out drinking, risks Dubai jail

LONDON – A 24-year-old British woman risks prison in Dubai after she told the police that she was raped after a night out drinking with friends, a media report said.

If the woman’s account is not believed, she may face jail for drinking and having sex outside marriage, The Sun reported Monday.
The accused man … Read more : Woman raped after a night out drinking, risks Dubai jail.

Final door closed for Manu Sharma: Jessica’s sister

NEW DELHI – Sabrina Lall, sister of Jessica Lall who was shot dead in April 1999, said she was happy that the “final door has been closed” for Manu Sharma as the Supreme Court Monday upheld his life sentence for the murder.

“After 11 years…I am glad that the final door has been closed on this … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Final door closed for Manu Sharma: Jessica’s sister.

Tearful SKorean president vows strong action against masterminds of deadly ship sinking

SKorea’s Lee vows strong action in ship sinking
SEOUL, South Korea – An emotional President Lee Myung-bak vowed Monday to respond “resolutely and unwaveringly” against those behind the deadly sinking of a naval ship near the tense maritime border with North Korea.
Seoul has not openly blamed Pyongyang for the March 26 explosion …. Source article  : Tearful SKorean president vows strong action against masterminds of deadly ship sinking.

Boy loses sight in one eye after teacher’s beating

RANCHI – A student lost sight in his left eye after he was beaten by a school teacher in Jharkhand’s Lohardagga district, an official said Monday.

Akash Kumar, a Class 7 student of Saraswati Sishu Mandir of Lohardagga district, about 70 km from here, was beaten with a stick by Anita Verma April 17. Akash’s left … Original source on Gaea Times at : Boy loses sight in one eye after teacher’s beating.

Apex court upholds life for Manu Sharma in Jessica murder case (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday dismissed an appeal by Manu Sharma, Congress leader Venod Sharma’s son, challenging his conviction and life sentence in the April 1999 murder of ramp model Jessica Lall.

A bench of Justices P. Sathasivam and Swatanter Kumar upheld the Delhi High Court judgement, which convicted Sharma, who is serving life …. Original article  : Apex court upholds life for Manu Sharma in Jessica murder case (Second Lead).

At least 7 killed, 30 injured after magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits northern Afghanistan

7 killed, 30 injured in northern Afghanistan quake

KABUL – A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck in mountains north of Afghanistan’s capital early Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring 30, officials said.
The temblor hit just before 1 a.m. (2030 GMT Sunday) in Samangan province, about halfway between Kabul and the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, according … Read more : At least 7 killed, 30 injured after magnitude 5.3 earthquake hits northern Afghanistan.

Car door closed with buttock, repair cost 400 pounds

LONDON – The repair to a British police car that was damaged by an officer “closing the door with buttock” was 400 pounds, the police has admitted.

Bedfordshire Police gave the detail after a request was made under Freedom of Information for accidents caused by officers while on duty, Daily Express reported Monday.
It spent 179,965 …. Original article  : Car door closed with buttock, repair cost 400 pounds.

Government moving to prevent radiation disasters

NEW DELHI – The government Tuesday assured parliament that all possible care was being taken to ensure that the country is prepared to handle any radiation emergency arising in the public domain.

“The Department of Atomic Energy has organised forces to train frontline officers on the issues of detection and response relating to radiation incidents,” Minister … Read more : Government moving to prevent radiation disasters.

Passengers cheer with relief as limited flights resume over Europe; volcanic ash still a worry

Whoops of joy as some flights resume over Europe

PARIS – Applause, cheers and whoops of joy rang out from Asia to New York to Paris on Tuesday as airplanes gradually took to the skies after five days of being grounded by the drifting volcanic ash that has crippled European air travel.
Only limited flights were allowed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Passengers cheer with relief as limited flights resume over Europe; volcanic ash still a worry.

Pakistan: Islamist blames US-Pakistan alliance for suicide bomb that killed colleagues

Pakistan: Islamist blames US for suicide bombing

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – An Islamist politician whose party lost several members in a suicide attack blamed Pakistan’s alliance with the U.S. for the violence and urged Islamabad on Tuesday to break ranks in the war on terror.
The comments showed the depth of anti-Americanism in Pakistan, whose support Washington considers … Read more >>.

European no-fly zone shrinks, but remains subject to change

LONDON/REYKJAVIK/COPENHAGEN – The no-fly zone over Europe caused by a cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano was ratcheted back Tuesday, with flights able to operate over a swathe of southern Europe, the continent’s air-traffic control agency, Eurocontrol said.

Several countries reopened sections of their airspace, while others held off, pending the movement of a volcanic … Read this article on Gaea Times at : European no-fly zone shrinks, but remains subject to change.

Quake hits Australia’s historic goldmining town

SYDNEY – Some of Kalgoorlie’s most famous hotels were damaged Tuesday by the biggest earthquake to hit the Western Australia tourism and goldmining town in 50 years.

The quake, measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, caused buildings to shake in Kalgoorlie and neighbouring Boulder.
But there were no reports of buildings collapsing or injuries, Geoscience Australia …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Quake hits Australia’s historic goldmining town.

Student attempts suicide after being denied scholarship

BHOPAL – A backward class student who attempted suicide here allegedly after being denied a scholarship is in stable condition, police said Tuesday.

Alleging harassment by the management of the NRI Institute of Pharmacy, final year student Mahendra Singh Kirar consumed poison at the campus Monday. The boy was taken to a private nursing home.
According …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mines evacuated as 5.0-magnitude quake strikes western Australia, damaging hotels, schools

Quake hits western Australian mining town
PERTH, Australia – A powerful earthquake struck Australia’s major gold-mining region in the west Tuesday, collapsing roofs of several buildings and prompting the evacuation of mines, schools and hospitals.

Two people were treated for minor injuries, including a teenage girl who was hit by falling rubble, news reports and police said.
The …. Read the original article  : here.

eBay seller convicted for bidding on his own goods

LONDON – An eBay seller has become the first person in Britain to be convicted for bidding on his own items to raise prices.

Paul Barrett, who faces a fine of up to 50,000 pounds, hiked the value of the items he was selling by bidding on them after operating a separate user name. It’s a …. Read the original article  : here.

Decisions on volcanic ash and planes presents society one of hardest risk choices in years

To fly through ash or not? That’s no easy question

To fly, or not? There’s no right answer about when it’s safe to fly through a cloud of volcanic ash. But it’ll be all too obvious if there’s a wrong answer, experts say.
With the volcano in Iceland, Mother Nature is giving high-flying Europe a lesson in …. Read the original article  : Decisions on volcanic ash and planes presents society one of hardest risk choices in years.

Father questions suicide angle in doctor’s death

CHANDIGARH – The father of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) doctor, who died after falling from the fourth floor of the building here, said he was being harassed by some seniors and his death could not be a case of suicide.

The body of the doctor, Nagender Reddy, who hailed from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Father questions suicide angle in doctor’s death.

Ex-boyfriend murders British woman by stabbing 130 times

LONDON – A British woman was killed in a frenzied knife attack by her jealous ex-boyfriend who stabbed her 130 times and gouged out her right eyeball. The assailant has been sentenced to a jail term.

Thirtyfive-year-old Katie Cullen, a nurse, was repeatedly knifed in the face and neck by Iranian born Iman Ghaefelipour in Cheshire, …. Source article  : Ex-boyfriend murders British woman by stabbing 130 times.

Over 6,000 people arrested in Shanghai

BEIJING – Over 6,000 people, including 31 foreigners, have been arrested in Shanghai ahead of an international expo for their alleged involvement in theft, pornography and prostitution.

Police launched a 12-day crackdown in an effort to make Shanghai city safer during the upcoming international expo to be held from May 1.
More than 30,000 police officers … Read more : Over 6,000 people arrested in Shanghai.

Bihar police beat NRI, father for overtaking vehicle

PATNA – An NRI businessman from Russia and his elderly father were allegedly beaten by policemen in Bihar’s Patna district for overtaking the vehicle of a probationer Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. A probe has been ordered, authorities said Tuesday.

Shajendra Bihari Singh, in his early 40s, was beaten Sunday after he overtook the car of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bihar police beat NRI, father for overtaking vehicle.

African national critical after freak accident

NEW DELHI – A Nigerian, seriously injured in a freak accident when iron rods jutting out of a truck pierced his body, continued to be in a critical condition Tuesday, doctors said. His friend who was with him at the time is “comparatively stable”.

“The condition of one of the two victims who was in the … Read more »».

Indian-origin solicitor murdered for insurance in Britain

LONDON – An Indian-origin solicitor was murdered in Britain by a hitman who was hired by her business partner in a plan to claim a 1.5 million pound insurance payout, a court was told.

Vina Patel, 51, died of asphyxiation and a broken neck in a contract killing allegedly arranged by John Cort, her colleague who …. Read the original article  : Indian-origin solicitor murdered for insurance in Britain.

Kidnappings in Mexico rise by 90 percent

Mexico City, April 20 (IANS/EFE) The number of kidnappings in Mexico in the first three years of President Felipe Calderon’s regime have risen by 90 percent, official statistics reveal.

A total of 2,593 kidnapping complaints were filed during former president Vicente Fox’s 2000-2006 term, while 2,455 kidnappings were reported in 2007-2009, the first three years …. Read the original article  : Kidnappings in Mexico rise by 90 percent.

Drunk-driving in Barbie car costs man licence

LONDON – A Briton caught drunk while driving a toy Barbie car, whose top speed is barely four miles per hour, has been banned from driving.

Forty-year-old Paul Hutton received a three-year ban as he had received another drink-drive ban within the past 10 years.
He was pulled over by police when he was driving an … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Drunk-driving in Barbie car costs man licence.

Sex abuse victims described emotional meeting with pope

Rome, April 20 (IANS/AKI) Victims of clerical sex abuse have described their meeting with Pope Benedict XVI as “emotional” and “great”, though the pontiff did not offer a formal apology.

“It was emotional, I saw tears in his eyes,” a victim said Monday referring to his Sunday meeting with the pope in Rabat town in Malta. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sex abuse victims described emotional meeting with pope.

1,577 kg cocaine seized in Mexico

Mexico City, April 20 (IANS/EFE) Over 1,500 kg of cocaine that came in containers aboard a Colombian vessel have been seized in Mexico, officials said.

The cocaine was inside several containers unloaded in Veracruz port by a Liberian-flagged ship that arrived from Cartagena in Colombia over the weekend, the Attorney General’s Office said Monday.
Acting on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 1,577 kg cocaine seized in Mexico.

Two Canadians desecrate American flag

TORONTO – Two Canadians face the music for lowering an American flag, maintained in honour of the Sep 11, 2001 victims, in California and replacing it with a Canadian flag.

The incident took place after the Canadian men’s hockey team beat the US to win the gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The two Canadians … Read more »».

Airlines group says industry lost over $1.7 billion from ash cloud disruptions over Europe

IATA: airlines lost over $1.7BN in ash chaos

BERLIN – The International Air Transport Association says disruptions to European air travel from the volcanic ash cloud have cost the industry at least $1.7 billion.
IATA says airlines lost revenues of $400 million each day during the first three days of grounding.
The group’s chief executive says the scale … Original article on : Airlines group says industry lost over $1.7 billion from ash cloud disruptions over Europe.

Goa police on lookout for LTTE cadres, sympathisers

PANAJI – Police are keeping an eye on Sri Lankan Tamils possibly working on fishing trawlers and in the mushrooming hotel industry in coastal Goa after the union home ministry warned of infiltration by surviving cadres of the decimated Tamil Tigers.

“The home ministry circular was forwarded to us by the state home department Monday. … Read : Goa police on lookout for LTTE cadres, sympathisers.

Chinese media turns black-and-white to mourn quake victims

BEIJING – Print and online versions of major Chinese newspapers including China Daily, Global Times, People’s Daily and Shanghai Daily wore a black-and-white look Wednesday to mourn the more than 2,000 victims of the devastating quake in northwestern Qinghai province.

The banner on top of the China Daily website read “Sharing Sorrow, Moving Forward”, while that …. Original source  : Chinese media turns black-and-white to mourn quake victims.

Thief lynched in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man was lynched for attempting to burgle a businessman’s house in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district, police said Wednesday.

The man, in his early 30s, was caught Tuesday night by the locals of Ganeshpuri colony in Meerut, some 350 km from Lucknow, while he was attempting to burgle the house.
“The locals assaulted … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thief lynched in Uttar Pradesh.

12 girl students ‘poisoned’ in Afghanistan

KABUL – At least 12 girl students were Wednesday hospitalised after they fell unconscious after inhaling some poisonous substance sprayed in a school in Afghanistan, a media report said.

The 12 students of the Fatima Zahra Girl School, a teacher and an assistant were mysteriously poisoned, Hamayon Khamush, director of the hospital in Kunduz city, was [..] Read the original article: here.

Man killed in water row

BHOPAL – A man was killed in Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha town after a scuffle over a water pipeline, police said Wednesday. It is the fifth murder in three weeks over water disputes in the state.

Shivcharan Yadav, 55, had an altercation with his relative Virsingh Yadav over the shifting of a water pipeline Tuesday. … Read more >>.

Six coaxed to hang in sex games in China

BEIJING – A former pub singer in China’s Hunan province is suspected of coaxing six men to hang themselves while playing sex games.

Thirtyeight-year-old Zhou Youping is awaiting prosecution and facing murder charges regarding a series of hangings between October and November in Hunan’s capital Changsha, Shanghai Daily reported Wednesday.
At least six of the …. Read the original article  : here.

Seattle fisherman dies when boat sinks in Gulf of Alaska; 3 other crew members rescued

Seattle fish boat crewman dies in Gulf of Alaska

KODIAK, Alaska – One of four crew members on a Seattle-based fishing boat died Tuesday when the 75-foot vessel sank in the Gulf of Alaska.
The crewman who died suffered a head trauma while exiting the boat and was already deceased when rescuers arrived, but it’s not clear … Read : Seattle fisherman dies when boat sinks in Gulf of Alaska; 3 other crew members rescued.

Fire destroys 60 shops

RANCHI – Around 60 shops were burnt and goods worth Rs.30 lakh destroyed early Wednesday when a fire broke out in the busiest market of this Jharkhand capital, police said.

The fire, caused by a short circuit, enveloped the Daily Market on Main Road. Seven fire engines battled the flames.
…. Source  : Fire destroys 60 shops.

Poland sets early presidential election for June 20 after incumbent dies in plane crash

Poland sets new presidential election for June 20

WARSAW, Poland – Poland’s parliament speaker has set the date for an early presidential election after the death of President Lech Kaczynski in a plane crash 11 days ago.
Bronislaw Komorowski, who is the acting president and will be a candidate, set June 20 as the date for the …. Read the original article  : Poland sets early presidential election for June 20 after incumbent dies in plane crash.

Two killed as CPI-M, Trinamool workers clash

KOLKATA – Two people were killed early Wednesday when Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and Trinamool Congress supporters clashed in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, police said.

The clash occurred at Chanuch village in Dubrajpur block with the rival groups using sharp weapons and firearms following a dispute, Birbum superintendent of police Rabindranath Mukherjee told IANS.
He …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two killed as CPI-M, Trinamool workers clash.

Skies opening for aviation over Europe

LONDON/COPENHAGEN/HAMBURG – More airports in Europe, including many in Britain and Germany, reopened Wednesday, almost a week after airspace over large parts of Europe was shut down over ash clouds from a volcano in Iceland.

Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority said flight bans had been lifted late Tuesday after a reassessment of risks.
British Airways said on …. Original source  : Skies opening for aviation over Europe.

Goan drug dealer’s assets worth Rs.2 crore frozen

PANAJI – Goa police has frozen all the assets, including cash, properties and investments, of a notorious drug peddler, a senior police officer said. It is the first time that such action has been taken against a drug peddler.

Cash, several properties and assets worth Rs.2 crore belonging to Sadanand Chimulkar were frozen under the …. Read the original article  : Goan drug dealer’s assets worth Rs.2 crore frozen.

Flags at half-staff in China as country mourns 2,000 quake victims

China mourns earthquake victims
BEIJING – Bowing their heads in silent tribute, thousands of officials, soldiers and civilians gathered Wednesday in ceremonies across China to mourn the 2,064 victims killed in a devastating quake that hit one week ago in a remote Tibetan region.
At the quake’s epicenter in Yushu County in western Qinghai province, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Flags at half-staff in China as country mourns 2,000 quake victims.

Cops to criminal – stay away from all rooftops

LONDON – A petty criminal who routinely escapes the police by getting on the roof of his house in Britain has been barred from every rooftop in his area as officials fear he may sue them if he falls.

Adam Paul Corbett has forced 10-hour rooftop stand-offs when police officials came to arrest him and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cops to criminal – stay away from all rooftops.

Briton goes to jail over kiss in Dubai

LONDON – A 26-year-old British woman, who was convicted of indecency for kissing a man in Dubai, waived her right to a final appeal and has begun a month-long prison term.

Charlotte Adams gave up the effort to prove her innocence Tuesday and went to the Dubai Central Prison as she believes she will get back …. Source  : Briton goes to jail over kiss in Dubai.

Woman killed as sex session goes wrong

LONDON – A British woman was strangled by her boyfriend during a sex session that went wrong. The man claims that the victim encouraged him to squeeze her throat during sex, a court was told.

Jason O’Malley, 39, told the police that his girlfriend Kerry Sneddon liked him to apply “a little bit of pressure” and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Goods train derails, Delhi-Howrah traffic disrupted

LUCKNOW – Rail traffic on the busy Delhi-Howrah route was disrupted Wednesday when three wagons of a goods train derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district early Wednesday. No one was injured, authorities said.

The accident took place near Amiapur railway station in Kanpur, some 80 km from Lucknow, when the train was headed for Delhi from … Original article on : Goods train derails, Delhi-Howrah traffic disrupted.

150 gold coins seized from American in Mexico

Mexico City, April 21 (IANS/EFE) At least 150 gold coins were found in the baggage of a US citizen as he awaited a flight to Panama here at the Mexico City airport, officials have said.

Thomas Arnold Martin, 58, “appeared visibly nervous”, prompting agents to run his suitcase through a scanner, which detected several containers inside, … Original article on : 150 gold coins seized from American in Mexico.

Hollywood film on murdered Indian-origin girl

VANCOUVER – Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon will produce a film on the murder of Indo-Canadian girl Reena Virk who was beaten and then drowned in Victoria city near here in 1997.

The murder of Reena Virk by white teenagers had made international headlines 13 years ago, leading to calls for stricter juvenile justice laws in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Assam floods displace 50,000 people

GUWAHATI – Heavy rains triggered flash floods in Assam Thursday displacing at least 50,000 people in the state’s Lakhimpur district, officials said. No casualties have been reported.

A government spokesman said floodwaters of Singora river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra river, entered at least 50 villages forcing residents to take shelter on raised platforms and … Read more >>.

Survivors of La. oil rig explosion back on land; Coast Guard searches Gulf for 11 missing

La. oil rig survivors back on land; 11 missing

PORT FOURCHON, La. – Families welcomed survivors of a thunderous blast that rocked an oil platform they were aboard as Coast Guard rescuers combed Gulf of Mexico waters Thursday for signs of 11 missing from the rig that was still in flames.
About 100 workers on the Deepwater …. Read the original article  : Survivors of La. oil rig explosion back on land; Coast Guard searches Gulf for 11 missing.

Massey executives expected to provide details on expected Q2 loss from fatal W.Va. explosion

Massey executives plan briefing on outlook

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Massey Energy’s top executives are due to speak to Wall Street for the first time since an explosion killed 29 men at the company’s Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia.
A conference call with securities analysts is scheduled for 9 a.m. EDT Thursday.
Massey expects the second-quarter … Original article on : Massey executives expected to provide details on expected Q2 loss from fatal W.Va. explosion.

Cyclonic storm kills four in Tripura

AGARTALA – At least four people were killed and more than 50 injured when a cyclonic storm lashed several parts of Tripura, causing a trail of destruction, officials said Thursday.

The pre-monsoon rains accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm Wednesday night also damaged more than 2,000 houses and killed many cattle in western and southern …. Original source  : Cyclonic storm kills four in Tripura.

Runaway luxury train for tourists derails in South African capital, 3 dead

Runaway luxury train derails in S.Africa, 3 dead

PRETORIA, South Africa – The death toll has risen to three after a luxury train filled with American and other foreign tourists sped out of control and derailed in South Africa, the rail company’s chief said Thursday.
Rovos Rail Managing Director Rohan Vos told The Associated Press a third …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fisherman: Captain who died when boat sank near Alaska was worried vessel had too much cargo

Fisherman: Captain was worried boat was overloaded

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The captain of a commercial fishing vessel who died when the boat sank in the Gulf of Alaska had been nervous about the amount of cargo the Northern Belle was carrying when it left Seattle earlier this month, one of the surviving crewmen said.
Robert Jack said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fisherman: Captain who died when boat sank near Alaska was worried vessel had too much cargo.

Relative: Boat with 100 survivors of La. oil rig blast reaches shore; search on for 11 missing

Boat with survivors of oil rig blast reaches shore

PORT FOURCHON, La. – A relative says a boat carrying 100 survivors of an oil drilling platform blast off the Louisiana coast has arrived on shore.
Dana Eugene says her brother, Kevin Eugene, is among those aboard. She says before the workers can be reunited with waiting families, …. Original article  : Relative: Boat with 100 survivors of La. oil rig blast reaches shore; search on for 11 missing.

Canadian police hunt for Sikh trouble-makers

TORONTO – Canadian police has launched a big hunt for people behind the recent violence at two Sikh temples in Brampton on the outskirts of Toronto that has outraged the Sikh community as well as common people here.

In the first incident, former Akal Takht jathedar Darshan Singh Ragi was targeted at the Sikh Lehar Centre … Original source on Gaea Times at : Canadian police hunt for Sikh trouble-makers.

Families of La. oil rig blast survivors wait to see loved ones; search on for 11 missing

Families of Louisiana oil rig blast survivors wait

PORT FOURCHON, La. – Families eagerly waited to welcome survivors of a thunderous blast that rocked the oil platform they were aboard as Coast Guard rescuers combed Gulf of Mexico waters Thursday for signs of 11 missing from the still-burning rig.
About 100 workers aboard the Deepwater Horizon when … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Families of La. oil rig blast survivors wait to see loved ones; search on for 11 missing.

Snow the latest challenge in China earthquake recovery as survivors huddle in thin tents

Snow the latest challenge in China quake recovery

BEIJING – Homeless earthquake survivors huddled in thin tents against strong winds Thursday while traffic slowed on ice- and snow-slicked roads, the latest challenges to recovery in mountainous far western China.
Snow started falling early Thursday in Yushu county, the center of the disaster, and more was expected through …. Original article  : Snow the latest challenge in China earthquake recovery as survivors huddle in thin tents.

Two killed by speeding mini bus in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A speeding mini bus crushed two men to death in northwest Delhi early Thursday, police said.

Arvind, 28, and Captain, 22, were on a bicycle when they were hit by the speeding vehicle near a bus depot in Keshavpuram.
“The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were declared dead. The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Speedy trial begins in Japanese woman’s gangrape case

PATNA – A Bihar court Thursday began the trial into the gangrape of a Japanese woman on April 16. Three people have been arrested.

The speedy trial began in the court of the chief judicial magistrate in Gaya, a day after police filed its chargesheet against the three accused.
The 25-year-old Japanese woman was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Speedy trial begins in Japanese woman’s gangrape case.

Man doused with Coke to put out fire

LONDON – A quick-thinking British teenager used a bottle of Coke to douse flames that had engulfed his father who was lighting a bonfire.

Nicholas, 15, took the two litre bottle of cola, shook it violently and aimed it at his father, Andrew Wythe, whose arms, chest, neck and ears were on fire, Daily Express reported … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man doused with Coke to put out fire.

Four drug peddlers held with Rs.2 cr worth smack

LUCKNOW – Four drug peddlers, including two women, were arrested with smack worth over Rs.2 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, police said Thursday.

The four people, aged between 35-40 years, were nabbed Wednesday night with more than two kg of smack, a derivative of heroin, in Barabanki, some 35 km from Lucknow.
“Those arrested used … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four drug peddlers held with Rs.2 cr worth smack.

Snow storm hits China’s quake zone

BEIJING – Heavy snow and strong winds hit China’s quake-affected northwestern Qinghai province Thursday, making life difficult for rescuers and quake survivors.

Snow started falling at around 5.05 a.m. local time in Gyegu town, epicentre of the 7.1 magnitude quake that killed over 2,000 people in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu.
The devastating quake that … Read more »».

20-year grudge over caning sees ex-pupil thrash teacher

LONDON – A Briton, who harboured a 20-year-old grudge for being caned in school, viciously attacked his former teacher in an Indian restaurant after saying that he had been beaten up when he was six and had been “waiting for all these years” to meet up.

Kieran Heakin has been left deaf in one ear … Read : 20-year grudge over caning sees ex-pupil thrash teacher.

All bodies in Polish plane crash identified

Moscow, April 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) All 96 bodies recovered from the wreckage of the Polish presidential plane, which crashed near Smolensk in Russia April 10, have been identified, an official has said.

The Soviet-made Tu-154 aircraft carrying a top-level Polish delegation, including President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, hit a few trees as it attempted to … Read more : All bodies in Polish plane crash identified.

Farmer’s eyes gouged out over land dispute

BHOPAL – A Madhya Pradesh farmer’s eyes were gouged out with a knife and his parents beaten up by a former village headman and his supporters over a land dispute, police said Thursday.

Pyarelal Sen, 26, was blinded Wednesday in his village in Kashipura in Chhatarpur district. Police said the former sarpanch Dayaram Yadav and three …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Farmer’s eyes gouged out over land dispute.

78 bureaucrats involved in graft cases in three years

NEW DELHI – A total of 78 officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) have been found to be involved in corruption cases in the last three years, says Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan.

“Thirty-two officers were found involved in corruption cases in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 78 bureaucrats involved in graft cases in three years.

Robbers walk away with safe containing $515,000

Moscow, April 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A group of masked men tied up a businessman in an office here and took off with a safe containing cash worth 15 million rubles ($515,000), police said Thursday.

The men broke into the office near Taganskaya subway station at about 8 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) Wednesday, tied up the … Read more : Robbers walk away with safe containing $515,000.

Ansal brothers get bail in Uphaar cinema case

NEW DELHI – A city court Friday granted bail to Uphaar theatre owners Sushil and Gopal Ansal after they confessed to destroying evidence in the fire tragedy which killed 59 people in June 1997.

Metropolitan Magistrate Gitanjali Goel ordered the Ansals to furnish a personal and surety bond of Rs.1 lakh each for their bail.
The …. Source article  : Ansal brothers get bail in Uphaar cinema case.

Belgian bishop resigns over sex abuse case

BRUSSELS – A bishop in the Belgian city of Bruges has resigned over a sexual abuse case, the Belga news agency reported Friday, quoting a relative of the prelate.

However, no details were known of the events that led Roger Vangheluwe, 74, to quit after serving for 25 years as bishop of Bruges.
A press conference …. Original source  : Belgian bishop resigns over sex abuse case.

Oil rig blast off La. coast prompts environmental concerns; hope dims for 11 missing workers

Oil rig blast prompts environmental concerns

NEW ORLEANS – As hope dimmed for the lives of 11 crew members missing since a drilling rig exploded in flames in the Gulf of Mexico, authorities turned their focus to controlling an oil spill that could threaten the fragile ecosystem of the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.
The Deepwater Horizon had …. Read the original article  : Oil rig blast off La. coast prompts environmental concerns; hope dims for 11 missing workers.

CBI questions MCI president

NEW DELHI – Medical Council of India (MCI) president Ketan Desai, arrested on corruption charges, continues to be interrogated, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said Friday.

“Investigations are on, but we can’t provide further details,” CBI spokesman Harsh Bahl told IANS.
Desai was arrested along with two others, Jitendar Pal Singh and Kanwaljit Singh, Thursday … Read more >>>.

Series of roadside bombs targeting homes of policemen kills 6 in western Iraq

Series of roadside bombs kills 6 in western Iraq

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a series of roadside bombs targeting the homes of policemen has killed 6 people in western Iraq near the city of Ramadi.
The explosions struck the town of Khalidiya, 15 miles (25 kilometers) east of Ramadi. Ten people were wounded.
The information on casualties …. Original source  : Series of roadside bombs targeting homes of policemen kills 6 in western Iraq.

Woman burnt to death as car catches fire

NEW DELHI – A 27 year-old woman was burnt to death here after her car caught fire, a police officer said Friday.

Simran Kaur, a resident of Karol Bagh, was in central Delhi’s Rohini sector-16 when her car caught fire after an electrical short circuit.
A Delhi Fire Service (DFS) official said: “We received …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

100,000 displaced by floods in Assam, 100 villages hit

GUWAHATI – Flash floods triggered by heavy rains in Assam have displaced more than 100,000 people in an estimated 100 villages in Lakhimpur district, officials said Friday.

“The situation is critical with up to 50 more villages hit by flash floods overnight (Thursday),” a district official said.
An estimated 100,000 people are now displaced … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 100,000 displaced by floods in Assam, 100 villages hit.

Ballantine’s Championship shortened to 54 holes due to bad weather

Bad weather shortens Ballantine’s to 54 holes

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea – The fog-disrupted Ballantine’s Championship has been shortened to 54 holes.
“It has become clear that the completion of 72 holes within the required time frame is not feasible,” tournament directors said Friday in a statement.
The first day’s play was delayed for six hours by fog, … Read more : Ballantine’s Championship shortened to 54 holes due to bad weather.

Gangster gunned down near Indo-Nepal border

LUCKNOW – A dreaded gangster, wanted by the police in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in 40 criminal cases, was Friday gunned down by cops near the Indo-Nepal border.

Ram Awadh Yadav, 45, was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Khadda town in Kushinagar district, about 300 km from Lucknow.
Cases of murder, abduction, loot and other …. Read the original article  : here.

Fire preparedness in urban India not up to standards: Expert

PANAJI – Fire safety measures in urban India are only one-sixth of the required standards while in rural India they are virtually nil, a top fire safety expert said Friday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a fire safety seminar here, G.B. Menon, founder president of the National Association of Fire Officers (NAFO) and a … Read more : Fire preparedness in urban India not up to standards: Expert.

Bright student commits suicide after 200 job rejections

LONDON – A bright 21-year-old Briton committed suicide after over 200 unsuccessful job applications and a family member said that she found “it humiliating that she had been out of work for so long”.

Vicky Harrison was keen for a career as a teacher or a television producer, but a day after her latest rejection, she … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bright student commits suicide after 200 job rejections.

Obamas plan weekend in politically important North Carolina, golf likely on agenda

Obamas head to North Carolina for quick vacation
WASHINGTON – The last time Barack Obama was in Asheville, N.C., he complained he was too busy to play golf. The president plans to fix that this weekend.
Obama and his family were to leave the White House at midday Friday and fly to Asheville, located …. Source article  : Obamas plan weekend in politically important North Carolina, golf likely on agenda.

Youth found hanging from tree in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The body of a 26-year-old man was found hanging from a tree here, a police officer said Friday.

Dharmveer, a resident of Katwaria Sarai in south Delhi, was found hanging in front of a temple early Friday.
“We received a call regarding a dead body at around 6:00 a.m. in front of Gorakhnath … Read more >>.

Action mulled against Nalini

CHENNAI – Sriharan Nalini, serving life sentence over former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, may face disciplinary action following the seizure of a mobile telephone from her cell, a senior official said Friday.

As possession of a mobile phone by a convict is a criminal offence, she could be shifted from the Vellore prison to another … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Action mulled against Nalini.

Jailed mafia leader wants priest to secure release

Rome, April 23 (IANS/AKI) An Italian mafia leader, currently in prison, wants a senior cardinal to mediate for his release on compassionate grounds, officials have said.

Toto Riina, 79, who has heart problems, wants Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, the Archbishop of Milan, to help him get released from prison on compassionate grounds, officials have said, according to …. Original source  : Jailed mafia leader wants priest to secure release.

Colombian model dies after falling from balcony

Bogota, April 23 (IANS/EFE) Colombian model and television presenter Lina Marulanda died when she fell from the balcony of her sixth-floor apartment here in the Colombian capital, authorities have said.

Marulanda died instantly Thursday, authorities said, adding that it was a case of possible suicide.
The model was going through a divorce from her second husband, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colombian model dies after falling from balcony.

Maoists kill tribal on spying charge

RAIPUR – A group of about 40 Maoist guerrillas murdered a tribal man in Chattisgarh’s violence-hit Dantewada district allegedly because he was a spy, police said Friday.

The incident took place Thursday night at Bhusaras village, about 40 km south of state capital Raipur.
The Maoist rebels stormed into 35-year-old Marwi Manoj’s house and beat him [..] Read the original article: here.

Mexican gang leader gets 101 years for kidnapping

Mexico City, April 23 (IANS/EFE) The leader of a kidnapping gang employed by drug traffickers in Mexico has been sentenced to 101 years and nine months in prison, officials have said.

Jose Alfredo Torres Contreras of the Los Linces gang from Jalisco state was also ordered to pay a fine of 1.04 million pesos ($87,000) for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mexican gang leader gets 101 years for kidnapping.

Malayalam actor Sreenath found dead in hotel room

KOTHAMANGALAM – Popular Malayalam film and TV actor Sreenath was found dead in a hotel room in this Kerala town Friday morning, police said.

His body was discovered by the hotel staff at about 8.30 a.m., a police official said.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of suicide as his wrist was found slashed, he [..] Read the original article: here.

Two Dominicans wanted for 36 murders held

Santo Domingo, April 23 (IANS/EFE) Two Dominicans, who fled to Mexico after they were implicated in 36 murders-for-hire, were detained there and have now been sent back to the Dominican Republic, police said.

Joel Bautista Vasquez and Sergio Humberto Mota Reynos are also accused of wounding 15 other people.
The pair fled the Dominican Republic for …. Original source  : Two Dominicans wanted for 36 murders held.

6.4-magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

JAKARTA – An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck islands in north-eastern Indonesia Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries and damage, officials said.

The quake occurred at 4.41 p.m. (0741 GMT), the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) said. Its epicentre was 155 km south-east of Labuha city in North Maluku province … Original source on Gaea Times at : 6.4-magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia.

Weeping mourners hold funerals for Shiites killed in Baghdad bombs

Shiites bury victims of Baghdad mosque bombings

BAGHDAD – Weeping and wailing Shiites on Saturday buried the last of dozens of bombing victims killed while praying, and their leaders called for a three-day mourning period after the deadliest day in Iraq this year.
Shortly after dawn, a half-dozen funeral processions headed from the vast eastern Baghdad slum …. Original article  : Weeping mourners hold funerals for Shiites killed in Baghdad bombs.

Two girls gangraped in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA – Two girls were gangraped after they were lured by four youths to an apartment in Greater Noida, a satellite town of the national capital, police said Saturday.

Deepak, Jeetu alias Jitendra, Vicky and Prashant Kumar lured the victims, aged 19 and 20 years, to an apartment of NRI City of this Uttar … Original article on : Two girls gangraped in Greater Noida.

Civilian killed in Kashmir firing

SRINAGAR – A civilian was killed and five people were injured in a village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district when the army fired at suspected militants Saturday, police said.

Troops from the 53 Rashtriya Rifles laid an ambush near Chewan Keller village. “On noticing some movement, they opened fire, killing a civilian and wounding … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Civilian killed in Kashmir firing.

Man threatens to blow up plane

LOS ANGELES – A passenger on a US aircraft sprayed the first class cabin with a water bottle, tried to open a cabin door and threatened to blow up the plane, officials have said.

Stanley Dwayne Sheffield, 46, was taken into custody Friday for allegedly interfering with crew members on a flight from Los Angeles to …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspect says al-Qaida drafted him to be NYC suicide bomber; Prosecutors ID al-Qaida operatives

Suspect: al-Qaida ordered suicide attack in NYC

NEW YORK – They were former classmates at a New York high school, both on a mission to join the Taliban and fight U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
But when Zarein Ahmedzay and Najibullah Zazi arrived in Pakistan in the summer of 2008, two high-ranking al-Qaida operatives gave them another set … Original source on Gaea Times at : Suspect says al-Qaida drafted him to be NYC suicide bomber; Prosecutors ID al-Qaida operatives.

US officials watched internet porn during recession

WASHINGTON – US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officials meant to mend the economy during the recession spent much of their working hours surfing the internet for pornography instead.

An investigation by the SEC at the request of Senator Chuck Grassley found 31 employees of SEC spent hours on the commission’s official computers looking at … Read more : US officials watched internet porn during recession.

6,000 kg chemicals, 4.5 tonnes cocaine seized in Venezuela

Caracas, April 24 (IANS/EFE) At least 6,000 kg of drug-making chemicals and 4.5 tonnes of cocaine have been seized from eight laboratories near the Venezuela-Colombia border, officials said.

“This has been one of the biggest operations in recent years,” Interior Minister Tarek El Aissami said Thursday.
The drugs belonged to Colombian “criminal groups”, El Aissami said. …. Source  : 6,000 kg chemicals, 4.5 tonnes cocaine seized in Venezuela.

Lawsuit against pope without merit, says Vatican

Vatican City, April 24 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican has rejected a lawsuit against Pope Benedict XVI and other Vatican officials for failing to defrock a Catholic priest accused of sexual abuse in the US, saying that it is “completely without merit”.

The plaintiff is an alleged victim of the priest, Father Lawrence Murphy, sacked in 1974 after … Read more >>>.

80-year-old Chilean priest accused of sexual abuse

Santiago, April 24 (IANS/EFE) An 80-year-old Chilean priest who trained numerous clergy members, five of whom went on to become bishops, has been accused of sexually abusing minors.

The church has launched a probe against Fernando Karadima Fari??a, erstwhile parish priest at the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus de El Bosque church in Santiago, archbishop Francisco Javier … Original article on : 80-year-old Chilean priest accused of sexual abuse.

Two drown, 150,000 people hit in Assam floods

GUWAHATI – At least two people drowned overnight as flash floods triggered by heavy rains inundated more areas in Assam, displacing over 150,000 people. A thunderstorm also swept parts of the state, damaging homes and uprooting trees, electric and telephone poles, officials said Saturday.

A government spokesperson said up to 250 villages in four … Original article on : Two drown, 150,000 people hit in Assam floods.

South Korea hoists 2nd half of sunken warship from water near disputed sea border with North

SKorea hoists 2nd half of sunken warship from sea
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea pulled the bow of a sunken warship from waters near a disputed border with North Korea on Saturday, and authorities plan to search it for clues to the cause of the explosion that split the ship and killed …. Original article  : South Korea hoists 2nd half of sunken warship from water near disputed sea border with North.

Three Agra girls die as mud heap caves in

AGRA – Three girls, all under 15, died when a mud heap caved in near a canal here, police said Saturday.

Karamvati, Pooja and Laxmi of Baseri Chahar village died on the spot late Friday evening.
“Also, three girls were seriously injured. The mud heap caved in when over a dozen girls were digging the canal,” … Read more >>.

Mexican diplomat’s wife shot dead

San Salvador (El Salvador), April 24 (IANS/EFE) The wife of a Mexican diplomat working with the nation’s embassy in El Salvador was shot dead here in an attack that left her husband wounded.

Guillermo and Claudia Medina were driving down a busy street here Friday when assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on their car, media … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mexican diplomat’s wife shot dead.

Fire kills five of a family

At least five members of a family were killed and more than 300 houses were gutted in a devastating fire that engulfed a remote village in Bihar, police said today.

Police said fire broke out in a house at Mekara village in Nalanda district at around 12 noon and soon spread to almost the entire village, … Read : Fire kills five of a family.

Separatist guerrillas kill cable operator in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Separatist guerrillas shot dead a cable operator in Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said Saturday.

The guerrillas late Friday barged into a house in Khawaja Gilgit locality of Sopore, 54 km from here, and opened fire. Ashiq Hussain Khan, a local cable operator, was critically injured, a senior police officer … Read more »»».

Obama declares 3 Conn. counties as major disaster areas after flooding; federal aid to come

Obama declares major disaster in Conn. from floods
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster following floods in southwestern and southeastern Connecticut last month.
Obama made the declaration Friday and ordered federal aid to help with costs associated with the flooding beginning March 12 and continuing.
The counties of Fairfield, Middlesex and New … Original article on : Obama declares 3 Conn. counties as major disaster areas after flooding; federal aid to come.

Four tonnes of cocaine seized in Peru

Lima, April 24 (IANS/EFE) Peruvian authorities seized four tonens of cocaine hidden in a shipment of powdered sulfur that was due to be loaded on a ship bound for Europe, authorities said Friday.

Interior Minister Octavio Salazar told RPP radio that several people were detained in Thursday’s operation, though he withheld further information so as not …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four tonnes of cocaine seized in Peru.

Six policemen killed in Mexico ambush

CIUDAD JUAREZ – Six police officers and one civilian were killed Friday in an ambush in the centre of Ciudad Juarez in northern Mexico.

Four federal police officers died at the scene, along with an officer of the municipal police and a 17-year-old civilian, the Public Security Ministry said in a statement.
Another federal police officer …. Source  : Six policemen killed in Mexico ambush.

US man to be executed by firing squad

WASHINGTON – A convicted murderer in the state of Utah in the US will be executed by firing squad after a judge signed an order Friday granting the man’s request to die in a hail of gunfire.

Ronnie Lee Gardner chose firing squad over lethal injection when he is put to death on June 18, a …. Original source  : US man to be executed by firing squad.

Air Pocket Ruins Return Flight

KOCHI, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- Emirates Flight services witnessed its passengers in a panic stricken phase when the airplane got trapped inside an air pocket of 15000 feet. The air pocket made the airplane lose its balance in the higher altitudes which ultimately made it steep down all the way in its flight from Dubai to Kerala.

The … Read more »».

Suicide attack kills 4 in southeastern Afghanistan; crowd protests civilian deaths

Suicide attack kills 4 in southeastern Afghanistan

KABUL – A suicide bomber attacked private security guards while they were at a bazaar in southeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing four Afghans and wounding 12, the government said.
Two of the dead and five of the wounded worked for the U.S. Protection and Investigations security firm, an Interior Ministry …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Suicide attack kills 4 in southeastern Afghanistan; crowd protests civilian deaths.

Porn star saves man from prison term

NEW YORK – A porn star helped a US national escape a prison sentence in Puerto Rico for possessing underage pornography by testifying in court that she was actually 19 when the film was shot.

Carlos Simon-Timmerman, who is from Brooklyn, was put on trial in Puerto Rico for allegedly carrying child pornography, New York …. Original source  : Porn star saves man from prison term.

Coast Guard says oil leaking from damaged well after La. rig explosion; weather delays cleanup

Weather delays oil cleanup at Gulf rig blast site

NEW ORLEANS – Stormy weather delayed weekend efforts to mop up leaking oil from a damaged undersea well after the explosion and sinking of a massive rig off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast that left 11 workers missing, authorities said.
The leak was a new discovery Saturday and could have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Authorities: 10 dead after Miss. tornado obliterates homes; severe thunderstorms hit the South

10 dead in Miss. after tornado, storms hit South

YAZOO CITY, Miss. – Rescuers combed neighborhoods of splintered homes in Mississippi, ferrying the injured on all-terrain vehicles where roads were impassable after a devastating tornado sliced through the state and killed at least 10 people, including three children.
The high winds on Saturday tore roofs off buildings …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fire in Chandigarh office complex

CHANDIGARH – A major fire broke out Sunday in a shopping-cum-office complex here, gutting a restaurant of a leading chain and badly damaging some offices in the area, officials said.

The restaurant, Barbeque Nation, located on Madhya Marg in Sector 26 was gutted in the blaze.
According to officials, the fire was first noticed by people …. Source article  : Fire in Chandigarh office complex.

SKorea defense minister says torpedo likely tore apart warship near sea border with NKorea

SKorean minister: Torpedo likely sank warship

SEOUL, South Korea – An explosion from a torpedo likely sank a South Korean warship that went down near the tense border with North Korea last month, the South’s defense minister said Sunday amid growing speculation Pyongyang may be behind the blast.
Defense Minister Kim Tae-young said the most likely cause …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : SKorea defense minister says torpedo likely tore apart warship near sea border with NKorea.

‘I saw death from close quarters on Emirates flight’

KOCHI – A passenger, who was onboard the Emirates flight which fell almost 15,000 feet in an air pocket Sunday morning, said he was shocked at “seeing death from close quarters”.

The passengers suffered anxious moments when the aircraft from Dubai to this Kerala city fell sharply from 20,000 feet to 5,000 feet around 7 a.m. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Poachers kill elephant for ivory in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Poachers shot dead an elephant and brutally hacked around its tusks to extract ivory in the Redhakhol Forest Range in Sambalpur district of Orissa, forest officials said Sunday.

The tusker’s mutilated body was found Sunday by officials during the ongoing elephant census in Rampur area of the forest range, over 300 km from here. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Assam storm kills two, damages 1,500 homes

GUWAHATI – A devastating thunderstorm in Assam overnight has claimed two lives and injured up to 100 people, besides damaging over 1,500 homes, officials said Sunday.

“It was a real devastating storm with the damage quite extensive. We are assessing the damage and doing our best to provide relief to those affected,” state Relief and Rehabilitation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Assam storm kills two, damages 1,500 homes.

Emirates aircraft suffers air pocket fall

KOCHI – The passengers of an Emirates flight from Dubai to this Kerala city suffered anxious moments Sunday morning when their aircraft fell almost 15,000 feet in an air pocket, an official said.

The official said the incident took place when the aircraft fell sharply from 20,000 feet to 5,000 feet before the pilot could bring …. Original article  : Emirates aircraft suffers air pocket fall.

Mississippi Tornado Kills 10

JACKSON (GaeaTimes.com)- A massive tornado on Saturday reaped the central Mississippi. As per the reports, the estimated 1.6 km tornado had lashed through at least 13 counties and had affected badly at least three counties. 10 people that include three children died on Saturday due to the Mississippi tornado and dozen more have been … Read : Mississippi Tornado Kills 10.

Facebook users’ details on sale in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – A Russian computer hacker is suspected to have set up an underground nexus in New Zealand for selling secret details of people using online social networking site Facebook.

Police are hunting the hacker who may have set up shop in New Zealand, selling the account details of millions of Facebook users, tvnz.co.nz reported.
Detectives …. Read the original article  : Facebook users’ details on sale in New Zealand.

China says quake relief efforts shift from search to reconstruction

China says quake relief will shift to rebuilding

BEIJING – A senior government official said earthquake relief efforts in a Tibetan region will shift from searching for possible survivors to reconstruction and the resettlement of those who lost homes after the temblor flattened tens of thousands of houses, state media reported Sunday.
Saturday was the final day … Original article on : China says quake relief efforts shift from search to reconstruction.

Jason Bohn has 3-stroke lead in suspended third round of Zurich Classic

Bohn leads weather-plagued Zurich Classic
AVONDALE, La. – Jason Bohn had a three-stroke lead Saturday when third-round play in the weather-plagued Zurich Classic was suspended because of darkness.

Bohn, celebrating his 37th birthday, shot a 5-under 67 in the completion of the second round and was even par through six holes in the third.
“What I’m most excited … Read more »».

Meteorologist: Deadly storm likely started in La. before hitting multiple Miss. cities

Deadly Miss. tornado likely started in Louisiana

JACKSON, Miss. – The National Weather Service says it appears the deadly tornado that swept across Mississippi formed to the west in Louisiana before hitting a string of cities.
Meteorologist Mark McCallister says it appears the storm started in Tallulah, La., and went on to Yazoo City, Miss. There was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Meteorologist: Deadly storm likely started in La. before hitting multiple Miss. cities.

Oil spill looms in Gulf of Mexico after rig disaster

WASHINGTON – A major environmental disaster was looming in the Gulf of Mexico as US Coast Guard officials confirmed Saturday that the well under the site of an oil rig disaster was leaking.

Petty Officer John Edwards told CNN that 1,000 barrels of oil – about 168,000 litres – were seeping from at least two places … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil spill looms in Gulf of Mexico after rig disaster.

Rain, storm leave thousands homeless in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, April 25 (IANS/EFE) Incessant rain and a powerful storm have battered southern Brazil, leaving thousands of people homeless, officials said.

In Parana, the most affected state, close to 6,000 residents had to leave their flooded houses and are living in public shelters or at the homes of their relatives, regional civil defence agency … Read more »»».

Emergency official: 10 killed by Miss. tornado that also obliterated homes, businesses

10 killed as tornado strikes Miss.; others injured

YAZOO CITY, Miss. – Tornadoes ripped through four states in the South on Saturday, leaving broken crosses in front of a flattened church, splintering houses and overturning vehicles as they killed 10 people, including three children.
One of the hardest hit areas was Mississippi’s Yazoo County, where Gov. Haley …. Source article  : Emergency official: 10 killed by Miss. tornado that also obliterated homes, businesses.

Seven killed in US tornado

WASHINGTON – Seven people died Saturday when a huge tornado scrubbed Louisiana and Mississippi with 240-km-an-hour winds, Mississippi officials said.

“There’s untold damage,” Greg Flynn of Mississippi Emergency Management services told CNN.
The storm system that delivered the twister spawned at least another 40 tornadoes across a broad swath of the US south and mid-west, including … Read more »».