Apex court denies bail to Gujarat cop

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajkumar Pandian of Gujarat to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation or the high court for bail in the murder case of Sohrabuddin Sheikh.

A bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan told the officer, now in judicial custody, to present his bail … Read more : Apex court denies bail to Gujarat cop.

Tenn. officials brace for more flooding, more deaths in weather that’s killed at least 15

Tenn. officials brace for more flooding, deaths

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Opryland’s 1,500 guests were spending the night in a high school to escape rising floodwaters that threatened other areas of downtown hit by devastating thunderstorms that slammed Tennessee and northern Mississippi, killing at least 15 people.
Authorities in Tennessee were preparing for more deaths and for the … Read : Tenn. officials brace for more flooding, more deaths in weather that’s killed at least 15.

Man on video sought after close call from NY’s most serious car bomb plot since ‘93 WTC attack

Man on video sought after NYC car bomb plot fails

NEW YORK – The car bomb was a crude concoction of ordinary items – fireworks, fuel and fertilizer – that authorities suspect was meant to cause maximum mayhem in the heart of Times Square.
In the end, the device fizzled and the city and its residents counted … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man on video sought after close call from NY’s most serious car bomb plot since ‘93 WTC attack.

Oil falls below $86 in Asia as traders eye Gulf of Mexico crude spill

Oil below $86 as traders eye Gulf crude spill

SINGAPORE – Oil prices fell below $86 a barrel Monday in Asia as traders eyed whether a massive crude spill in the Gulf of Mexico would slow imports to the U.S.
Benchmark crude for June delivery was down 28 cents to $85.87 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil falls below $86 in Asia as traders eye Gulf of Mexico crude spill.

Women panel seeks report on Delhi scribe’s death

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Women (NCW) Monday sought a report from the Jharkhand Police over the alleged killing of Delhi journalist Nirupama Pathak.

“We have sought a detailed report from the Koderma district police about the death of the girl,” said NCW chairperson Girija Vyas.
Vyas said that a case should … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Women panel seeks report on Delhi scribe’s death.

Murky outlook for Louisiana’s seafood industry and restaurants as oil laps at vulnerable coast

A murky picture as seafood industry eyes oil slick

NEW ORLEANS – As a giant oil slick lapped at southeastern Louisiana’s ecologically sensitive coast, chefs, restaurant owners and seafood dealers were certain it would squeeze the state’s $2.4 billion seafood industry. They just weren’t sure how badly or for how long.
Federal officials shut down fishing for [..] Read the original article: here.

Another week at least: No solution working to stop oil gushing from Gulf of Mexico seafloor

Another week at least of unabated Gulf oil geyser
VENICE, La. – Another week of oil pouring from the seafloor. That is the best-case scenario for the Gulf Coast, where dead sea turtles washed ashore and a massive rust-colored slick continued to swell from an uncontrolled gusher spewing into the water.
BP PLC …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Another week at least: No solution working to stop oil gushing from Gulf of Mexico seafloor.

Obama tries to reassure Gulf Coast residents as oil slick nears Louisiana shoreline

Obama seeks to reassure as oil slick nears coast
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is trying to reassure fishermen and others on the Gulf Coast that the government is doing all it can as masses of oil from a pipeline rupture endanger fisheries, oyster beds and beaches.
“Your government will do whatever it takes for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama tries to reassure Gulf Coast residents as oil slick nears Louisiana shoreline.

Former RJD MP Pappu Yadav’s bail cancelled

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday cancelled the bail of former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Pappu Yadav, who has been sentenced to life for the murder of Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislator Ajit Sarkar.

Pappu Yadav, whose original name is Rajesh Ranjan, a former Lok Sabha member from Madhepura in Bihar, was …. Original article  : Former RJD MP Pappu Yadav’s bail cancelled.

Suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base in southeastern Afghanistan

Afghan suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base

KABUL – An Afghan official says a suicide attack has killed one person and wounded two outside a CIA base in eastern Afghanistan.
The Interior Ministry says the suicide bomber was in a car packed with explosives in Khost province. The ministry said the blast killed an Afghan civilian …. Read the original article  : Suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base in southeastern Afghanistan.

Family suspect in Delhi scribe’s murder

RANCHI – Family members of Nirupama Pathak, a Delhi journalist found dead in her Jharkhand home last week, are suspects in the murder as they are changing their statements frequently, police said.

“We are interrogating the family members who are suspects in the murder. We will arrest them if we get any evidence,” Superintendent of Police … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Family suspect in Delhi scribe’s murder.

Mafia don Pappu Yadav’s bail cancelled

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday cancelled the bail of mafia don and Bihar politician Pappu Yadav, who had been sentenced to life in the murder case of Communist Party of India-Marxist legislator Ajit Sarkar. He was granted bail by Patna High Court in February 2009.

–Indo-Asian New Service
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mass. governor, Boston mayor urge residents to resume work routine as water main repaired

Bostonians seek normal workweek after water break

BOSTON – Government officials threw an “open-for-business” sign on Boston, anticipating that repairs to a broken pipe would be completed Monday and clean water restored to 2 million eastern Massachusetts residents.
Workers said pressure tests on Monday would show whether a break in a 10-foot-wide steel pipe in suburban Weston …. Source article  : Mass. governor, Boston mayor urge residents to resume work routine as water main repaired.

China strengthens security in schools

BEIJING – Authorities in China are strengthening security checks to prevent further assaults in schools and kindergartens after a string of violent attacks killed eight children and injured over 50.

Schools across the country will employ professional security guards, who will be equipped with non-lethal weapons like batons, tear gas and pepper spray, while security alarms …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China strengthens security in schools.

Prisoners clash with jail officials, six injured

LUCKNOW – At least six people were injured when prisoners clashed with officials in the district jail at Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh during a surprise inspection, police said Monday.

Upset over the sudden intrusion into their barracks, inmates late Sunday assaulted the officials, including deputy jailor Kashi Prasad.
“After heated arguments with Prasad, the prisoners …. Original article  : Prisoners clash with jail officials, six injured.

Japan lawsuits challenging Toyota are long forgotten, save for aging activist

Activist icon laments Toyota’s easy ride in Japan

KAMAKURA, Japan – Japan’s most famous consumer activist is watching the safety problems enveloping Toyota with a sense of frustration.
For decades, Fumio Matsuda took on the country’s powerful carmakers, bringing his engineering expertise to landmark court battles that won damages for consumers and led companies to make their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Japan lawsuits challenging Toyota are long forgotten, save for aging activist.

Cyclone kills 10 in Bihar

Cyclone again hit eastern regions of Bihar, killing 10 people and damaging hundreds of houses last evening.

Officials said the cycle accompanied with rain and lightening brought massive destruction in four eastern Bihar districts, namely Purnia, Kishenganj, Madhepura and Begusarai.
They said hundreds of mud houses were damaged and shanties blown away under the impact of storms …. Read the original article  : here.

Nashville Flooding Kills 15 People

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (GaeaTimes.com)- As per the latest reports, the number of casualties due to the Nashville flooding has increased to 15. While the initial count after the Saturday storm and rain that lashed over Tennessee was 5, the count kept increasing throughout Sunday as news of death poured in every hour at the government …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistani Taliban release flurry of videos that appear to stake claim on NYC car bomb attempt

Pakistani Taliban promise US attacks post-NY scare

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani Taliban promise future attacks on major U.S. cities and appear to claim responsibility for an attempted car bombing in New York in three separate videos that surfaced after the weekend scare, monitoring groups said Monday.
U.S. authorities have played down the potential connection between the Pakistani …. Read the original article  : Pakistani Taliban release flurry of videos that appear to stake claim on NYC car bomb attempt.

Newborn abandoned in hotel, but dad promises to return

BHOPAL – A seven-day-old girl was found abandoned in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, along with a handwritten note that said she would be taken back after two years, police said Monday.

The note from the father read: “Muje paida nahin karna chahiye jab main paal nahi sakta. Lekin main two years ke baad wapas aoonga.” (I … Read more »»».

Six Kashmiri teens caught trying to cross LoC

SRINAGAR – Six teenagers trying to cross over to Pakistan to join the guerrilla ranks were caught in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district and handed over to their parents Tuesday.

The teens, all under 18, were re-united by the police with their families in the presence of journalists in Baramulla town.
Deputy Inspector General of Police … Read more >>>.

Woman cop held for hiring men to kill driver

RAIPUR – A woman police officer has been arrested on charges of hiring men for killing her personal driver who had her “obscene” pictures and was blackmailing her. Four men have also been held, authorities said Tuesday.

Tarshila Toppo, in-charge of a police station in Janjgir-Champa district, hired four men and paid them Rs.100,000 to kill … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman cop held for hiring men to kill driver.

Pakistani accused of being driver in failed Times Square car bomb attack to appear in court

Man held in NYC car bomb attack to appear in court

NEW YORK – A Pakistani man accused of driving a bomb-laden SUV into Times Square and parking it on a street lined with restaurants and bustling Broadway theaters was to appear in federal court Tuesday to face formal charges for his failed attempt to set …. Original article  : Pakistani accused of being driver in failed Times Square car bomb attack to appear in court.

Another failed terrorist attack plot: Years of schemes leave NY residents wary and weary

Failed terror attack plots leave NY residents wary

NEW YORK – Another failed terrorist plot. Another mass sigh of relief.
The Times Square car bombing attempt last weekend was just the latest in a long list of schemes that for nearly two decades have placed New York City squarely at the center of a sinister bull’s-eye. A …. Source article  : Another failed terrorist attack plot: Years of schemes leave NY residents wary and weary.

NATO explores way to award soldiers for not killing innocent Afghans

New NATO idea to avoid killing innocent Afghans

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAMROD, Afghanistan – NATO commanders are weighing a new way to reduce civilian casualties in Afghanistan: recognizing soldiers for “courageous restraint” if they avoid using force that could endanger innocent lives.
The concept comes as the coalition continues to struggle with the problem of civilian casualties … Read more »»».

Swedish model who exposed Goa drug mafia was in Bollywood

PANAJI – Swedish model Lucky Farmhouse, whose spycam videotapes helped bust one of the biggest drugs mafia-police nexus here, had a stint in Bollywood before her brush with the narcotics mafia in Goa, according to a local TV news channel.

Local news channel Goa 365 telecast Tuesday an interview with Farmhouse, whose spycam videos of …. Source article  : Swedish model who exposed Goa drug mafia was in Bollywood.

Boil water order is lifted for 2M people in Boston area affected by water main break

Boil water order is lifted for 2M in Boston area
BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick lifted a boil water order Tuesday morning for 2 million people in Boston area who were told their tap water could be unsafe after a crucial water main failed over the weekend.
Authorities said tests showed the water in …. Source  : Boil water order is lifted for 2M people in Boston area affected by water main break.

Nithari case: Koli guilty of seven-year-old’s rape and murder (Second Lead)

GHAZIABAD – A special court Tuesday held domestic help Surender Koli guilty of the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti, amongst the 19 women and children from Noida’s Nithari village whose body parts were found in a drain.

In the second case of the sensational Nithari murders, which shocked the nation with the brutality and … Read more »»».

Teenager admits making up false rape claim

AUCKLAND – A New Zealand teenager has admitted she falsely accused a man of raping her.

Christchurch District Court Judge Stephen Erber Tuesday told the 19-year-old student that her lies had “devalued the currency” for women who made genuine complaints of rape, New Zealand Herald reported.
Erber said that people may look at other women’s complaints … Read more : Teenager admits making up false rape claim.

Fears of finding more victims mount as Tennessee floodwaters recede; storm death toll nears 30

More victims feared as Tenn. floodwaters recede

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The cresting of the swollen Cumberland River is little comfort amid fears receding floodwaters will reveal more victims of deadly storms that swamped much of middle Tennessee with flash floods so swift many could not escape.
The death toll is at 28 across three states, but hope …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fears of finding more victims mount as Tennessee floodwaters recede; storm death toll nears 30.

Former Chilean soccer star accused of drug smuggling

Santiago, May 4 (IANS/EFE) Retired Chilean soccer player Jorge “Coke” Contreras has been arrested on suspicion of being part of a drug trafficking network.

Contreras was arrested Sunday at the Santiago international airport when he returned from Lima after participating in an exhibition match along with other former members of Chile’s national team.
“I have no … Read more »»».

Schwarzenegger seeks new way to close deficit after ending support for offshore drilling plan

Schwarzenegger ends support for offshore drilling
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he will find another way to help close the state’s $20 billion budget deficit after the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico caused him to withdraw his support for a plan to expand oil drilling off the California coast.
Schwarzenegger … Read more >>.

Nithari killings: Koli guilty of seven-year-old’s murder

GHAZIABAD – A special court Tuesday held domestic help Surender Koli guilty of the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti, one of the 19 young women and children from Noida’s Nithari village whose body parts were found in a drain.

In the second case of the sensational Nithari murders, which shocked the nation with the …. Original source  : Nithari killings: Koli guilty of seven-year-old’s murder.

Mexican navy seizes 2.4 tonnnes of cocaine

Mexico City, May 4 (IANS/EFE) The Mexican Navy has seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine stashed in a fishing boat intercepted in the Pacific waters.

The navy acted on a tip from the US intelligence that drugs might be aboard the Mexican-flagged vessel.
The fishing boat had apparently taken on the cocaine cargo in Colombia. The drug …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican navy seizes 2.4 tonnnes of cocaine.

SPIN METER: Gulf oil spill reality not always in line with Obama administration claims

SPIN METER: There since Day One? Maybe not
WASHINGTON – To hear Obama administration officials tell it, they’ve been fully engaged on the Gulf Coast oil spill since Day One, bringing every resource to bear and able to ensure without question that taxpayers will be protected.
Not quite.
Take President Barack Obama’s repeated claims … Original source on Gaea Times at : SPIN METER: Gulf oil spill reality not always in line with Obama administration claims.

Those along the Gulf Coast wait for ocean currents to decide what path massive spill will take

Gulf Coast watches, waits for path of oil spill
NEW ORLEANS – Restaurateurs, hotel owners, fishermen and beachfront property owners watched and waited for the weather and ocean currents to choose where a bulk of the oil from a calamitous Gulf of Mexico spill would finally wash ashore.
The consequences of the 200,000 gallons a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Those along the Gulf Coast wait for ocean currents to decide what path massive spill will take.

Lessons from Hudson River ditching weighed: Should planes be tough enough to handle big birds?

NTSB weighs lessons from Hudson River ditching

WASHINGTON – Should airliners be tough enough to withstand collisions with big birds? What about an unexpected plunge into a river?
Those are among the concerns likely to be raised Tuesday when the National Transportation Safety Board meets to consider safety lessons from last year’s ditching of US Airways Flight …. Original source  : Lessons from Hudson River ditching weighed: Should planes be tough enough to handle big birds?.

Volcanic ash grounds flights in Ireland, Scotland

LONDON/DUBLIN – All flights in and out of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland were halted Tuesday as ash from an Icelandic volcano drifted into the region’s airspace.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) banned all takeoffs and landings from Irish airports from 0600 GMT to 1200 GMT. The IAA said the bans were based …. Original source  : Volcanic ash grounds flights in Ireland, Scotland.

Nithari murders: Koli guilty of seven-year-old’s murder

GHAZIABAD – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court Tuesday held Surender Koli guilty of the murder of seven-year-old Aarti, one of the 19 young women and children from Noida’s Nithari village whose body parts were found in a drain.
…. Original source  : Nithari murders: Koli guilty of seven-year-old’s murder.

Colombian drug lord’s son says all he inherited was a watch

Sao Paulo, May 4 (IANS/EFE) The son of the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar said that from the incalculable fortune of his father, the only thing he inherited was a watch that he keeps out of “affection”.

“My dad wasn’t very good at accounts, at numbers, I don’t think he knew how many millions he … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Colombian drug lord’s son says all he inherited was a watch.

Three arrested with fake currency in Bhopal

BHOPAL – Three people have been arrested and fake currency having face value of Rs.1.15 lakh has been recovered from them, police said here Wednesday.

“The crime branch Tuesday arrested Shahwar Khan alias Sheru, 37, with fake currency notes having face value of Rs.1.15 lakh. On the lead provided by him, two others — Sajid and … Read more >>>.

Assets worth Rs.2 crore found in PWD engineer’s home

BHOPAL – Police raided the residence of a Public Works Department (PWD) engineer here and found property documents and valuables worth over Rs.2 crore, disproportionate to his known sources of income, officials said Wednesday.

“A team of the Special Police Establishment (SPE) raided Jitendra Kumar Bhasane’s residence Tuesday evening and started search operations which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman commits suicide in Delhi zoo

NEW DELHI – A 32-year-old woman Wednesday committed suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan in the staff quarters of the Delhi zoo, police said.

Nisha’s father-in-law is an employee of the zoo and her husband Satish works in a tea stall. She lived in the staff quarters with her husband, three children and an extended … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Woman commits suicide in Delhi zoo.

Bihar rights panel moved over illegal cremation

PATNA – Families of three youths allegedly cremated in an illegal manner by police here have moved Bihar’s human rights commission for registration of criminal cases against policemen and officials of a hospital, commission sources said Wednesday.

A commission official said that family members of the youths killed last month by unidentified criminals alleged that the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bihar rights panel moved over illegal cremation.

CEO Tony Hayward was brought in to clean up oil company BP, now is tackling its biggest mess

BP CEO Hayward tested by Gulf of Mexico spill
LONDON – Tony Hayward promised to focus “like a laser” on safety when he landed BP’s top job three years ago, heralding a new era for the company after a series of accidents – including the 2005 Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 people.
But …. Original source  : CEO Tony Hayward was brought in to clean up oil company BP, now is tackling its biggest mess.

Man accused of driving car bomb to Times Square talks to investigators, but motive a mystery

NY car bomb suspect cooperates, but motive mystery

NEW YORK – A man accused of trying to detonate a car bomb in Times Square spent a decade on the path to respectability before abandoning his house in Connecticut and deciding to supplement his business degrees with explosives training in Pakistan, authorities say.
Faisal Shahzad, the 30-year-old son … Read more »»».

Use of chemicals to corral growing Gulf oil slick present complex environmental trade-off

Chemicals used to fight Gulf oil slick a trade-off

ROBERT, La. – A massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has become the testing ground for a new technique where a potent mix of chemicals is shot deep undersea in an effort to stop oil from reaching the surface, and scientists are hurriedly weighing the [..] Read the original article: here.

Lawyers, activists welcome apex court decision on narco tests

NEW DELHI – Lawyers and rights activists Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling that narco, polygraph or brain mapping tests cannot be conducted on anyone without their consent.

Lawyer Rebecca M. John, counsel for Maoist leader Kobad Ghandy, said she was overjoyed.
“I am just overjoyed at the Supreme Court decision. I think this should have …. Original article  : Lawyers, activists welcome apex court decision on narco tests.

Police to question boyfriend in scribe’s murder

RANCHI – The Jharkhand Police will question the Delhi-based boyfriend of journalist Nirupama Pathak who was found dead at her home in Koderma district April 29, police said Wednesday.

“We will send a team to Delhi to question Priyabhanshu (Ranjan) in the Nirupama murder case. He will be questioned with the help of Delhi Police,” … Read more : Police to question boyfriend in scribe’s murder.

Nashville’s blazing fiddles, screaming guitars are quieted by flooding blamed for 28 deaths

Nashville’s famed music quieted by flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The blazing fiddles and screaming guitars at Nashville’s famed downtown honky-tonks are a little quieter as the city recovers from flash flooding blamed for 28 deaths in three states.
Elsewhere in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame has closed and the Grand Ole Opry – the most …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nashville’s blazing fiddles, screaming guitars are quieted by flooding blamed for 28 deaths.

Lohan grilled in court

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan spent about six hours answering questions pertaining to a lawsuit filed by three men who claim she commandeered their SUV to chase her former assistant after a party.

The ride resulted in Lohan’s second arrest for drunken driving this year. She has already been punished by the county of Los Angeles …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lohan grilled in court.

B.Ed exam cancelled due to paper leak

LUCKNOW – Lucknow University cancelled the B.Ed entrance exam slated for Wednesday morning following leakage of the question paper.

The announcement made by the varsity came as a shock for lakhs of candidates, who were told about the cancellation at their respective test centres hours before it was to start.
Around seven lakh students were to … Original article on : B.Ed exam cancelled due to paper leak.

$3.3 mn found inside TV sets in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Police have seized $3.3 million in cash hidden inside television sets at the international airport here in the Mexican capital.

Some cash was also hidden inside massage tables, Mexican taxation agency Tributary Administration Service (SAT) said in a statement Tuesday.
The cash, in $20 bills, was bound for Caracas, capital of Venezuela, Xinhua … Read more >>.

Times Square car bomb suspect didn’t like President Bush, Iraq war, lost home to foreclosure

Times Square bombing suspect’s life had unraveled

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Not long ago, Faisal Shahzad had a pretty enviable life: He became an American citizen after emigrating from Pakistan, where he came from a wealthy family. He earned an MBA. He had a well-educated wife and two kids and owned a house in a middle-class Connecticut [..] Read the original article: here.

A summary of May 4 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon

Some oil spill events from May 4, 2010
Events May 4, Day 15 of a Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began with an explosion and fire on April 20 on the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased by BP PLC, which is in charge of cleanup and containment. The … Original source on Gaea Times at : A summary of May 4 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon.

17 killed in Peru bus accident

Lima, May 5 (IANS/EFE) At least 17 people were killed and 30 injured in a bus accident in Peru, officials said.

The bus carrying officials of the Pampino company plunged into a ravine near Tarica town Monday evening, a police spokesmen was quoted as saying Tuesday by Radio Programas del Peru.
The injured were taken to …. Original source  : 17 killed in Peru bus accident.

BP execs tell Congress worst-case Gulf oil spill scenario is 60,000 barrels a day

Execs: 60,000 barrels is worst-case Gulf scenario

WASHINGTON – Executives from BP PLC tell members of a congressional committee that in the worst-case scenario a leaking well could spew up to 60,000 barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
The well has been leaking about 5,000 barrels a day – or 210,000 gallons – into the … Read : BP execs tell Congress worst-case Gulf oil spill scenario is 60,000 barrels a day.

The show must go on: The Grand Ole Opry hits the road after home venue inundated by floodwater

Despite floods, Grand Ole Opry held across town

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The venue was different, the tickets were handwritten and the gear was cobbled together. But the floodwaters that deluged Nashville couldn’t stop The Grand Ole Opry.
Marty Stuart kicked off Tuesday night’s show, which was moved to the city’s War Memorial Auditorium after 4 to 6 …. Source article  : The show must go on: The Grand Ole Opry hits the road after home venue inundated by floodwater.

Bolivian president’s car stolen

La Paz, May 5 (IANS/EFE) A car used by Bolivian President Evo Morales was stolen when the driver went to buy bread rolls for the president’s breakfast, officials said.

The robbery took place Sunday morning in San Pedro area here in the Bolivian capital, when the driver got out of the vehicle to go buy rolls. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bolivian president’s car stolen.

Golfer falls 30 metres down cliff hunting for ball

WELLINGTON – A golfer was recovering in hospital Wednesday after he fell 30 metres down a cliff at Auckland’s Howick course looking for a lost ball.

The unnamed man, who suffered serious injuries, was only found because a groundsman became curious about a lone golf cart parked near the cliff Tuesday and saw the man’s arm …. Original source  : Golfer falls 30 metres down cliff hunting for ball.

Rule change by federal regulators allowed BP to avoid drawing up blowout plan for Gulf rig

Feds let BP avoid filing blowout plan for Gulf rig

NEW ORLEANS – Petrochemical giant BP didn’t file a plan to specifically handle a major oil spill from an uncontrolled blowout at its Deepwater Horizon project because the federal agency that regulates offshore rigs changed its rules two years ago to exempt certain projects in the …. Source  : Rule change by federal regulators allowed BP to avoid drawing up blowout plan for Gulf rig.

Floods threaten Kashmir Valley after incessant rains

SRINAGAR – Low lying areas in the Kashmir Valley faced the prospect of floods Thursday with water levels in all major rivers and streams rising alarmingly following two days of incessant rain.

Jhelum, the biggest river in the valley, and its tributaries like the Sindh, Lidder, Ferozepur, Ramiyar and Pohru were brimming over due to …. Original source  : Floods threaten Kashmir Valley after incessant rains.

Official: Researchers pin down zone in Atlantic depths that held Air France crash black boxes

Searchers locate zone of Air France black boxes

PARIS – Investigators have narrowed down the zone in the Atlantic depths where the black box flight recorders of Air France Flight 447 are believed to be located, nearly a year after it crashed, officials said Thursday.
Researchers have determined an area of 5 square kilometers (about 2 square … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official: Researchers pin down zone in Atlantic depths that held Air France crash black boxes.

Official: NYC car bomb suspect did a dry run 3 days before failed attack on Times Square

Official: NY car bomb suspect did a dry run

NEW YORK – In the days before his failed attempt to detonate a car bomb in the heart of Times Square, the man who had recently returned from his native Pakistan did a dry run and dropped off a getaway car blocks from the site, a law …. Original source  : Official: NYC car bomb suspect did a dry run 3 days before failed attack on Times Square.

Boat with 100-ton containment contraption to capture Gulf oil gusher sails to disaster site

Expedition to contain oil leak begins in Gulf

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – A 100-ton concrete-and-steel contraption designed to siphon off the oil fouling the Gulf of Mexico was being hauled to the spot in the sea where a blown-out well is spewing hundreds of thousands of gallons of petroleum a day.
Engineers hope it will …. Read the original article  : here.

Nashville residents return home to devastation, others still can’t reach flooded homes

Nashville residents return home to devastation

NASHVILLE, TENN. – Amanda Fatheree had about an hour to flee the floodwaters from her west Nashville home Sunday with her husband, mother and three young children. What she saw when she returned a day later left her heartbroken.
Furniture she and her husband spent years paying off stood in their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nashville residents return home to devastation, others still can’t reach flooded homes.

While oil spill hurts offshore drilling bids, a wider impact on energy policy is unclear

Bid to enact energy bill might survive Gulf spill
WASHINGTON – The Gulf oil spill has dealt a big blow to expanded offshore drilling, leaving the nation’s energy problems as murky and unsettled as ever.
The disaster may bolster arguments for greater energy conservation and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, environmentalists say. …. Read the original article  : here.

UK, Ireland hopeful volcanic ash clouds dissipating so normal air traffic can resume

UK, Irish hopeful volcanic ash clouds dissipating

DUBLIN – British and Irish authorities are hopeful of re-establishing normal air traffic Thursday following two days of shutdowns caused by a new wave of dense volcanic ash from Iceland.
The ash clouds snarled air traffic Wednesday in Ireland and Scotland, stranding tens of thousands of people, but narrowly missing … Read more >>>.

Russian tanker freed from Somali pirates

Moscow, May 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian anti-ship cruiser has freed a Russian tanker hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, an official from the maritime coalition forces said Thursday.

Officials decided to seize the tanker, Moscow University, as they knew the sailors on board had taken cover in a place inaccessible to the …. Source article  : Russian tanker freed from Somali pirates.

Dhaka seeks Delhi’s help to nab Mujib killers

DHAKA – Bangladesh has sought New Delhi’s help to nab two of the six fugitive killers of its founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who was assassinated 35 years ago.

Home Minister Sahara Khatun, who made the request to Indian High Commissioner Rajeet Mitter, did not say when the fugitive killers visited India.
Mitter assured … Read more »»».

Nine killed in Haryana road accident

PANIPAT – Nine pilgrims returning from the famous shrine of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir were killed Thursday morning when their vehicle collided with a truck near here.

The incident occurred at National Highway (NH) No.1 (Ambala-Delhi) in Samalkha town, 15 km from this industrial city.
“The victims were returning from Mata Vaishno Devi temple … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nine killed in Haryana road accident.

Five arrested with counterfeit notes printed in Pakistan

LUCKNOW – Five people were arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur districtfor circulating counterfeit currency notes printed in Pakistan, police said Thursday.

The five men, in their mid 30s, were nabbed from Asuran, about 300 km from here, Wednesday.
“All five are residents of Gorakhpur district and were entrusted with the task of circulating fake … Read : Five arrested with counterfeit notes printed in Pakistan.

Poacher arrested, 23 kg dolphin oil seized

PATNA – A team of forest officials and police recovered 23 kg of dolphin oil and arrested a poacher in separate raids in Patna district, officials said Thursday.

The team raided two houses in Islamganj village and seized 20 kg dolphin oil.
“Dolphin oil was kept in three containers but no arrest was made in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Poacher arrested, 23 kg dolphin oil seized.

25 dead after tornado, storm in southwestern China, more than 150 injured

25 dead after tornado, storm in southwestern China

BEIJING – A tornado and strong winds in southwestern China killed 25 people and injured more than 150 early Thursday, state media reported.
Several homes collapsed in the city of Chongqing, but the number was still being tallied, said the disaster relief director at the Chongqing civil affairs bureau.
The … Read more >>.

Haiti president seeks to remain in office if post-quake election for successor is not held

Haiti prez to extend term if election not held

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian President Rene Preval said Wednesday he will stay in office up to three months past the end of his term if his earthquake-ravaged nation does not hold a presidential election as scheduled.
His aide said the extension is needed to avoid chaos in case … Read more »».

Magnitude 6.4 quake hits southern Peru; near Chile border

Magnitude 6.4 quake hits southern Peru
LIMA, Peru – A magnitude-6.4 earthquake shook southern Peru near the Chilean border late Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There were reports of toppled electricity poles in the Peruvian city of Tacna.

The USGS said the quake’s epicenter was 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Tacna at a depth of …. Read the original article  : Magnitude 6.4 quake hits southern Peru; near Chile border.

23 killed in China thunderstorm

BEIJING – At least 23 people were killed and 161 injured after strong gale and heavy rain swept China’s Chongqing region Thursday morning, officials said.

The disastrous weather started at around 2.00 a.m. local time in Dianjiang and Liangping counties, toppling houses and damaging crops, Xinhua quoted government officials as saying.
Six people were killed and [..] Read the original article: here.

Japan restarts troubled fast-breeder reactor for first time in 14 years

Japan reactor reopens after 1995 accident
TOKYO – Japan restarted a costly fast-breeder nuclear reactor Thursday for the first time since it was shut down 14 years ago because of a major accident and cover-up.

After getting a final government go-ahead, workers began Thursday removing control rods from the plutonium-fired reactor in the northern fishing town of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Japan restarts troubled fast-breeder reactor for first time in 14 years.

Officials: 1 dead, 1 critically injured in blast on north Ala. Army base that tests missiles

Officials: 1 dead, 1 hurt in Army base explosion

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – One of two contract workers injured in an explosion Wednesday while removing a propellant from rockets at Redstone Arsenal has died.
Deputy Public Affairs Officer Kimberly Henry said the two injured were taken to the burn unit at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. UAB Hospital spokesman …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

300 kg synthetic drugs seized in Mexico

Mexico City, May 6 (IANS/EFE) More than 300 kg of synthetic drugs valued at $7.8 million have been seized by Mexican army troops in Tijuana city, near the border with San Diego, the defence secretariat said.

The quantity of drugs was sufficient to produce nearly 942,000 doses, it said.
The drugs were found packed in 276 … Read : 300 kg synthetic drugs seized in Mexico.

Man run over by bus, killed instantly

NEW DELHI – A 23-year-old man died on the spot after he was run over by a DTC bus in the capital while he was trying to board it, police said Friday.

Vishal, a resident of Tukhmirpur in east Delhi, was trying to board the moving bus when he slipped and came under its rear wheel … Read more >>>.

Rescuers struggle to trace missing mine workers

RAIPUR – Rescuers have failed to establish any contact with six workers who have been missing since a blast occurred in an underground coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district, officials said Friday.

At least four people were killed and 32 injured in the accident which occurred when workers were trying to fix a Carbon Monoxide …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rescuers struggle to trace missing mine workers.

Storm causes massive destruction in eastern India, 11 dead

A powerful storm struck eastern India second time in a week, killing at least 11 people.
Officials said the storm hit many parts of Bihar state in eastern India before noon today, causing massive destruction to life and property.

Officials said maximum destruction was reported from Kaimur district where nine people were killed.
Among them …. Source  : Storm causes massive destruction in eastern India, 11 dead.

100-ton box lowered into Gulf of Mexico is close to being placed over oil-spewing well

Giant box close to being over oil-spewing well

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – A mission to the bottom of the sea to try to avert a wider environmental disaster progressed early Friday as crews said a a 100-ton concrete-and-steel box was close to being placed over a blown-out well on the Gulf floor in an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 100-ton box lowered into Gulf of Mexico is close to being placed over oil-spewing well.

100-ton box lowered into Gulf to control massive oil spill, try to stave off worse disaster

Giant box lowered in Gulf to battle oil spill

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – A mission to the bottom of the sea to try to avert a wider environmental disaster began as crews eased a 100-ton concrete-and-steel box a mile deep in an unprecedented attempt to capture gushing oil from a blown-out well on the …. Read the original article  : here.

Man, young women in jail over fake ‘friendship club’

BHOPAL – With help from two young women, he promised men a great time if they joined his ‘friendship club’. It led to easy money. His luck ran out when the police realized what was going on.

Jitendra Parashar, 24 and a final year student at an engineering college in Indore, lured men with an advertisement … Read more : Man, young women in jail over fake ‘friendship club’.

Oil spill response haunted by lessons not learned in earlier mock exercises

Past spill exercises foretell current disaster

WASHINGTON – As the oil rig burned and thousands of barrels of the thick crude gushed into the Gulf of Mexico on that day in April, Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen soon realized there weren’t enough tools available to respond to the catastrophe.
There wasn’t enough dispersant readily available to …. Source  : Oil spill response haunted by lessons not learned in earlier mock exercises.

Tennessee living up to Volunteer nickname as neighbors pitch in, clean up flood-ravaged state

Vols help clean up while Tenn. still drying out

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Dumpsters dot the Cottonwood subdivision with ductwork, insulation, mattresses and kitchen sinks piled in front of houses. The sound of hammers ripping up sodden floors and fans set at high hum through the air.
Yet the fetid smell filling the neighborhood hits the hardest.
Nashville, where …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials monitoring air, water, seafood to guard against health problems from Gulf oil leak

Oil spill may endanger human health, officials say

NEW ORLEANS – With a huge and unpredictable oil slick drifting in the Gulf of Mexico, state and federal authorities are preparing to deal with a variety of hazards to human health if and when the full brunt of the toxic mess washes ashore.
The list of potential threats … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Officials monitoring air, water, seafood to guard against health problems from Gulf oil leak.

Investigators ID money courier from overseas who helped pay for NYC Times Square bomb plot

Investigators seek money courier in NYC bomb plot

NEW YORK – Investigators of the failed car bombing in Times Square are looking for a money courier they say helped funnel cash from overseas to finance a Pakistani-American’s preparations to blow up the crude gasoline-and-propane bomb in the heart of New York, a law enforcement official told … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Investigators ID money courier from overseas who helped pay for NYC Times Square bomb plot.

Suspicious incidents fuel fear of terror, but NYC responds with ‘remarkable resilience’

Fear of NYC terror fueled by suspicious incidents

NEW YORK – New York police and federal transportation agents enter a subway station on Manhattan’s West Side with radiation detection devices to check passengers’ bags for dangerous substances.
An NYPD bomb squad rushes to check a truck reeking of gasoline, abandoned on a Manhattan bridge.
An airplane bound for …. Read the original article  : here.

Bomb alarm on Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi-Amritsar Swarn Shatabadi Express was stopped for three hours here Friday after a caller warned a bomb had been placed on the train. It turned out to be a hoax, police said.

The train left New Delhi at 7.40 a.m. Minutes later, the deputy station superintendent in the New Delhi station …. Original article  : Bomb alarm on Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi.

Pastor, church attacked in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A group of people vandalised a church and assaulted the pastor, accusing him of carrying out forceful conversions in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district, police said Friday.

Five people have been detained for attacking Dayalu Suna, the pastor, late Thursday at the church in Kalyanpur, some 80 km from Lucknow.
“Those who attacked …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoists damage rail tracks in Bihar

PATNA – Maoist guerrillas damaged railway tracks in two places in Bihar, resulting in four coaches of a train being derailed and disruption of traffic, officials said Friday.

The Ballia express was derailed early Friday near Hajipur, about 30 km from here, when Maoists damaged the railway track, during their 48-hour strike imposed after police …. Source article  : Maoists damage rail tracks in Bihar.

Noida bank gutted in fire

NOIDA – A bank in Noida was gutted after a fire broke out in the premises, a fire officer said Friday.

An electric short circuit led to the fire in the Union Bank of India in Brahmaputra Market late Thursday.
“The cause of the fire was an electric short circuit. Five fire tenders were pressed into …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Noida bank gutted in fire.

Official: Authorities seek suspected money courier from overseas in Times Square bomb plot

Suspected money courier sought in NYC bomb plot

NEW YORK – A law enforcement official says authorities are looking for a suspected money courier they say helped finance from overseas a Pakistani-American man’s Times Square car bomb plot.
The official tells The Associated Press authorities know the name of the suspected courier. The official spoke on condition …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP: 100-ton contraption lowered into Gulf in unprecedented attempt to divert massive oil spill

AP: Giant box lowered in Gulf to battle oil spill

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Workers eased a giant concrete-and-steel box into the Gulf of Mexico late Thursday, starting the long process of lowering the contraption over the blown-out oil well at the bottom of the sea in an untested bid to capture most of … Read more >>.

AP Exclusive: Crane lifts giant oil containment box, prepares to lower it to Gulf floor

AP: Crane lifts box at oil leak to lower into sea

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Workers were ready to lower a giant concrete-and-steel box over the blown-out oil well at the bottom of the sea Thursday in a risky and untested bid to capture most of the gushing crude and avert a wider environmental … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Exclusive: Crane lifts giant oil containment box, prepares to lower it to Gulf floor.

1 hurt when commuter train collides with car in Philadelphia; no injuries reported on train

Commuter train hits car in Philadelphia, 1 hurt

PHILADELPHIA – Police say a commuter train has collided with a car stuck between gates at a crossing in Philadelphia, and one person in the car is hurt.
The accident happened at a crossing in the East Falls section of the city Thursday night. Police say there are no …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 1 hurt when commuter train collides with car in Philadelphia; no injuries reported on train.

Crews get handle on Arizona wildfire outside Flagstaff as winds die down, highway reopens

Winds die down as crews get handle on Ariz. blaze

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Officials in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest say crews are starting to get a handle on a wildfire burning northeast of Flagstaff.
Officials say the blaze has charred an estimated 550 acres of forest land about a mile west of U.S. Highway 89 by Thursday … Original article on : Crews get handle on Arizona wildfire outside Flagstaff as winds die down, highway reopens.

Nirupama’s boyfriend charged with rape, abetting suicide

RANCHI – Police Saturday filed a case of cheating, rape and abetment to suicide against the boyfriend of journalist Nirupama Pathak who was found dead in her Jharkhand home April 29.

A first information report (FIR) has been filed at the Tilaiya police station of Koderma district, around 200 km from here, a police official told … Original article on : Nirupama’s boyfriend charged with rape, abetting suicide.

A first for Twins in 30 years: Rainout at team’s new Target Field

First for Twins in 30 years: rainout
MINNEAPOLIS – For nearly as long as Jake Nyberg has been alive, there had never been a rainout in Minnesota.

The 30-year-old St. Paul resident, along with an entire generation of Twins fans, grew up watching his team play under the dingy roof of the Metrodome, which protected the players …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A first for Twins in 30 years: Rainout at team’s new Target Field.

Jack White, Third Man staff lend profit, hand to flood relief effort in Nashville

Jack White lending profit, hand to flood relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jack White and his staff at Third Man Records are lending a hand to Nashville’s flood victims.
White told The Associated Press on Friday that profits from Saturday’s sales at his downtown record store will go to flood relief.
White, a member of The White Stripes and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jack White, Third Man staff lend profit, hand to flood relief effort in Nashville.

Woman arrested with tortoises

LUCKNOW – A young woman has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district and 40 tortoises recovered from her, police said Saturday.

Seema Banerjee, 28, was arrested Friday evening from Matlupur area, police officer D.K. Sharma said in Mau, some 300 km from Lucknow. “The tortoises were recovered from two air bags she carried.”
She has …. Original article  : Woman arrested with tortoises.

Feds say “no cause for concern” after inspecting 30 deep water drilling rigs in Gulf of Mexico

Feds check 30 oil rigs, say no “cause for concern”

ROBERT, La. – U.S. Minerals Management Service inspectors say there’s “no urgent cause for concern” regarding 30 deep water drilling rigs they’ve finished inspecting in the Gulf of Mexico.
Spokesman Lars Herbst said Friday that the inspectors’ findings will be available soon in a report. His inspectors …. Source article  : Feds say “no cause for concern” after inspecting 30 deep water drilling rigs in Gulf of Mexico.

APNewsBreak: Bubble of methane gas, series of failures deep underwater, led to oil rig blast

APNewsBreak: Bubble of methane triggered rig blast

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – The deadly blowout of an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico was triggered by a bubble of methane gas that escaped from the well and shot up the drill column, expanding quickly as it burst through several seals and barriers before exploding, … Read more : APNewsBreak: Bubble of methane gas, series of failures deep underwater, led to oil rig blast.

Sri Lanka trying to deflect probe into war crimes: rights group

NEW YORK – Sri Lanka’s suggestion that a newly announced commission will provide accountability for laws-of-war violations during the armed conflict with the Tamil Tigers is another attempt to deflect an independent international probe, Human Rights Watch said Saturday.

Human Rights Watch urged UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to take steps to ensure accountability through an … Read more »».

APNewsBreak: Series of failures deep underwater led to catastrophic rig blast

APNewsBreak: Series of failures led to rig blast

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – The deadly blowout of an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico was triggered by a bubble of methane gas that escaped from the well and shot up the drill column, expanding quickly as it burst through several seals and barriers before … Original article on : APNewsBreak: Series of failures deep underwater led to catastrophic rig blast.

11-year-old abducted in Patna

PATNA – A 11-year-old boy has been abducted for ransom here while returning to his hostel from school, police said Saturday.

Ravi Roshan, a Class 6 student of Don Bosco Academy, was kidnapped Friday. His family has got calls demanding ransom.
“After Roshan failed to return till evening, I came to know about it,” said Ravi’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 11-year-old abducted in Patna.

Titans owner gives $200,000 matched by NFL, NFL players union for relief of flood victims

Owner, NFL, union donate $400,000 to flood victims

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The owner of the Tennessee Titans has joined with the NFL and the NFL Players Association in giving $400,000 to the American Red Cross and a Tennessee group to help the state recover from floods that killed at least 31 people in three states.
The Titans … Read more : Titans owner gives $200,000 matched by NFL, NFL players union for relief of flood victims.

Mammoth cloud of volcanic ash blocks North Atlantic air routes, causes long-haul traffic jam

Atlantic ash cloud adds time to US-Europe flights

DUBLIN – A mammoth cloud of volcanic ash stretching 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across the North Atlantic is forcing most flights between North America and Europe to divert into a sky-high traffic jam, Irish and European air authorities said Friday.
Forecasters warned that the rapidly spreading cloud of ash … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mammoth cloud of volcanic ash blocks North Atlantic air routes, causes long-haul traffic jam.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. not unhappy after rough Darlington start

Junior wrecks 1 car, bangs up backup at Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. has never liked Darlington Raceway and that didn’t change after a pair of bumpy practice sessions Friday.
NASCAR’s most popular driver wrecked his primary Chevrolet on the second lap of practice. His Hendrick Motorsports team then pulled out his backup.
Earnhardt then smacked … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dale Earnhardt Jr. not unhappy after rough Darlington start.

Researchers report finding oil chunks from Gulf spill 35 miles south of Dauphin Island, Ala.

Ala. researchers find oil chunks approaching coast

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. – Dauphin Island Sea Lab researchers say they believe parts of the oil slick are closer to the northern Gulf coast than previously thought.
Scientist Monty Graham said Friday they found honeycombed chunks of what appear to be crude oil and tar floating in the water about … Read more : Researchers report finding oil chunks from Gulf spill 35 miles south of Dauphin Island, Ala..

Grand Ole Opry House stage flooded by 2 feet of water; death toll, damage estimates rise

Grand Ole Opry stage sat under 2 feet of water

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The iconic Grand Ole Opry House stage sat under 2 feet of water at the peak of deadly floods that ravaged Tennessee last weekend, but there was finally a bit of good news for residents facing a relentless grind of death and destruction.
Even …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Grand Ole Opry House stage flooded by 2 feet of water; death toll, damage estimates rise.

Times Square street vendors who alerted police to car bomb honored at Citi Field

Times Square vendors honored at Citi Field

NEW YORK – Duane Jackson and Lance Orton Jr., the street vendors whose tip led police to discover a car bomb in Times Square last weekend, have been given a standing ovation at Citi Field before the New York Mets played San Francisco.
Frank Formato and Paul Casquarelli, two of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Times Square street vendors who alerted police to car bomb honored at Citi Field.

5.9-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia

JAKARTA – A 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit central Indonesia Saturday, but there was no immediate report of casualties or material damage, Xinhua reported.

The quake struck at 11:22 a.m. local time (0322 GMT), with the epicentre 68 km northwest of Raba regency of West Nusa Tengara province, at a depth of 10 km below sea bed, said … Read more : 5.9-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia.

Shiela Dikshit’s security up after threat call

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit’s security has been stepped up after the police control room received a call from an unknown person, claiming that her life was in danger, an official said Saturday.

“We got a call on Thursday night that the chief minister’s life is in danger for the next 72 hours. …. Source article  : Shiela Dikshit’s security up after threat call.

In an increasingly cautious New York, water coolers and lunch bags can disturb the peace

Another day, another scare in a cautious New York

NEW YORK – Police cleared the streets around Times Square on Friday and called in the bomb squad to dismantle what turned out to be a cooler full of water bottles. Earlier in the day, police were called in to check a suspicious package that turned out …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Smuggled goods worth $15 mn seized in Colombia

Bogota, May 8 (IANS/EFE) Colombian authorities have seized 29.35 billion pesos ($14.6 million) worth of smuggled goods from the country’s free-trade zone near Panama, officials said.

The raid took place on a ship in Colombia’s main Pacific port of Buenaventura. Six 20-tonne containers, in which liquor, cigarettes, candies, shoes, perfumes, toys and office equipment and other … Read more : Smuggled goods worth $15 mn seized in Colombia.

Like a video game: Giant box is lowered slowly, slowly over blown-out well in the Gulf

Like a video game: Big box lowered over Gulf well

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – It was part engineering marvel, part video game challenge Friday as crews painstakingly worked to lower a box the size of a house over the ruptured oil well that has spewed an estimated 3 million gallons of crude into the …. Read the original article  : Like a video game: Giant box is lowered slowly, slowly over blown-out well in the Gulf.

Police summons doctors over ‘loopholes’ in Nirupama’s autopsy

RANCHI – Was Delhi scribe Nirupama Pathak’s death murder or suicide — Jharkhand Police are wondering and have summoned the three doctors who performed the autopsy of the journalist over “several loopholes” in the postmortem report.

“The Koderma police Sunday summoned the medical board members who conducted autopsy for interrogation. The autopsy report has confused police …. Source article  : Police summons doctors over ‘loopholes’ in Nirupama’s autopsy.

22 injured as bus overturns in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – At least 22 people were injured, six of them critically, when the bus in which they were travelling overturned in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhattarpur district Sunday morning, police said.

The bus was carrying pilgrims from Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The pilgrims belonged to Ahmednagar in Maharashtra.
“The bus … Read more : 22 injured as bus overturns in Madhya Pradesh.

Mother attends last rites of killed scribe (Second Lead)

RANCHI – Sudha Pathak, mother of Nirupama who was found murdered at her Jharkhand home last month, Sunday attended the last rites of the Delhi journalist after she was released on parole by a court, authorities said.

“Sudha Pathak was sent to her home to attend the last rites of her daughter. The chief judicial magistrate …. Original article  : Mother attends last rites of killed scribe (Second Lead).

Two bodies found on rail track in southeast Delhi

NEW DELHI – A woman and a child were found dead on a railway track in southeast Delhi, police said Sunday.

“We recovered two unidentified bodies of a woman, aged 26, and a four-year-old girl child,” a senior police official told IANS, adding that the bodies were found at the railway track in Harikesh Nagar near …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two bodies found on rail track in southeast Delhi.

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles western Indonesia; tsunami watch canceled

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles western Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 rattled Indonesia’s North Sumatra province Sunday, prompting a brief local tsunami watch, knocking out power and damaging some homes, officials said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the afternoon quake hit 135 miles (220 kilometers) southeast of Banda Aceh at a … Read more >>.

11 die in Siberia mine blasts (Lead, Changing dateline)

Kemerovo (Russia), May 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Eleven miners were killed and 41 injured in two West Siberian coal mine blasts, authorities said Sunday.

A spokesman for the Russian emergencies ministry said Sunday that 64 miners and 20 rescuers are trapped in the mine at the moment.
Investigators suspect a breach in safety rules to be …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Telugu actor Navdeep arrested for drunken driving

HYDERABAD – In true filmi style, young Telugu film actor P. Navdeep was early Sunday arrested for drunken and rash driving after a hot chase, police said.

In a reversal of roles, the hero turned villain when he tried to give the slip to the police after spotting a police team checking vehicles for drunken driving … Read more >>.

Tsunami warning issued after strong quake off Indonesia

JAKARTA – Indonesia issued a tsunami warning Sunday after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sumatran coast of Aceh province.

The quake was recorded at 0559 GMT with the epicentre 66 km southwest of Maulaboh in West Aceh district, according to the Meteorology, Geophysics and Climatology Agency.
There were no reports of damage or casualties.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tsunami warning issued after strong quake off Indonesia.

BP’s 1st attempt to divert Gulf oil leak fails because of ice crystals; tar washes up in Ala.

1st try to divert oil fails; tar blobs hit Ala.

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – As a massive oil leak spit thousands of gallons more crude into the Gulf of Mexico, a big box that BP hoped would be its savior sat idle hundreds of feet away, encased in ice crystals.
The company’s first attempt to …. Source  : BP’s 1st attempt to divert Gulf oil leak fails because of ice crystals; tar washes up in Ala..

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles western Indonesia, prompting tsunami watch

Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles western Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 rattled Indonesia’s North Sumatra province Sunday, prompting a local tsunami watch, knocking out power and damaging some homes, officials said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the afternoon quake hit 135 miles (220 kilometers) southeast of Banda Aceh at a depth …. Source  : Magnitude 7.4 earthquake rattles western Indonesia, prompting tsunami watch.

Saltwater Crocodile Kills Girl

ANDAMAN, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)-An US student who was visiting Andaman Islands of India was killed by a Saltwater Crocodile. Reportedly, Lauren Failla was out in the Andaman Islands for a vacation with her boyfriend. When out in Andaman Islands, she went missing on April 28 and recently her body was found mauled by the saltwater crocodile.
It …. Source article  : Saltwater Crocodile Kills Girl.

Mom out on parole for last rites of killed scribe

RANCHI – Sudha Pathak, mother of Nirupama who was found murdered at her Jharkhand home last month, was Sunday released on parole for three days for the last rites of the Delhi journalist, police said.

Sudha was arrested May 3 on the basis of circumstantial evidences and charged with killing Nirupama.
According to family members, …. Original article  : Mom out on parole for last rites of killed scribe.

Iran hangs 5 Kurdish activists convicted of bombings, membership of armed opposition groups

Iran hangs 5 Kurdish activists for bombings

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran on Sunday hanged five Kurdish activists convicted of membership of armed opposition groups and involvement in bombings, the country’s official news agency, IRNA, reported.
It said the five, who include one woman, were hanged at dawn at Evin prison, north of the capital Tehran.
The five were … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iran hangs 5 Kurdish activists convicted of bombings, membership of armed opposition groups.

Staten Island ferry Barberi idled after accident injures dozens

Staten Island ferry boat idled with accident

NEW YORK – A Staten Island ferry that malfunctioned and smashed into a pier tossing passengers to the deck and hurting as many as 37 has been idled, while federal and local officials try to figure out what went wrong.
The Andrew J. Barberi that hit a pier at St. …. Original source  : Staten Island ferry Barberi idled after accident injures dozens.

Mom let out on bail for last rites of killed scribe

RANCHI – Sudha Pathak, mother of Nirupama who was found murdered at her Jharkhand home last month, was Sunday released on three days’ bail for the last rites of the Delhi journalist, police said.

Sudha was arrested May 3 on the basis of circumstantial evidences and charged with killing Nirupama.
According to family members, the … Read : Mom let out on bail for last rites of killed scribe.

3 held for uploading duplicate mobile identity numbers

INDORE – Three people have been arrested here on charges of uploading duplicate International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in Chinese cell phones, police said Sunday.

“The cops stumbled upon the illegal activity after a man complained that he was receiving abusive calls on his mobile,” Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Arvind Tiwari told IANS.
“On … Original article on : 3 held for uploading duplicate mobile identity numbers.

Three fire incidents in capital, no casualties

NEW DELHI – Two factories were damaged in separate fire incidents in the capital Saturday night, while another blaze in a high-rise also destroyed valuable property, police said. However, no casualties were reported.

The first fire was reported in Narela Industrial area in northwest Delhi in a leather factory. The blaze damaged the stored goods, according …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Johnson has goal, two assists in Earthquakes’ 4-0 win over Red Bulls

Johnson helps Earthquakes beat Red Bulls 4-0

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Ryan Johnson scored his first goal of the season and added two assists to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to a 4-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night.
Joey Gjertsen, Chris Wondolowski and defender Bobby Burling also scored for San Jose (4-2-0), … Original source on Gaea Times at : Johnson has goal, two assists in Earthquakes’ 4-0 win over Red Bulls.

Chinese man makes $2 mn from fake institute

BEIJING – A Chinese man who raked in 16 million yuan (over $2 million) claiming to be a high-level government official at a fake training centre for civil servants has been charged with fraud and faces up to a life term in prison.

Zhang Ningquan, who called himself director general of the “China Scale Investigator Management … Read more >>>.

Blast hits Russia’s largest coal mine, 11 workers killed, 41 injured

Blast hits Russia’s largest coal mine, 11 dead

MOSCOW – Two explosions tore through Russia’s largest underground coal mine, killing at least 11 workers and injuring 41 others, an emergency services ministry official said Sunday. A further 84 people remained trapped in the mine, including rescue workers.
Ministry spokeswoman Elena Chernova said on state news TV channel …. Read the original article  : Blast hits Russia’s largest coal mine, 11 workers killed, 41 injured.