Obama starts week with focus on Gulf oil spill, Mideast

Obama focused on oil spill, Mideast
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama starts the week dealing with two seemingly intractable issues – the Gulf oil spill and the Middle East.

Obama will participate in a daily briefing call Monday with Gulf Coast governors on the BP oil spill before welcoming Prime Minister Saad Hariri of Lebanon to the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama starts week with focus on Gulf oil spill, Mideast.

Royal filmed seeking bribe, Britain stunned

LONDON – Britons were shocked after the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, was caught on tape demanding 500,000 pounds to introduce an undercover reporter masquerading as an Indian businessman to her ex-husband Prince Andrew, a British trade envoy.

The cash-for-access scandal was a 500,000-pound deal to introduce the reporter posing as an Indian businessman to Andrew … Read more »»».

Uncertainty, anger grows as Gulf of Mexico oil spill gets bigger, coastline becomes dirtier

Questions, uncertainty grow along with Gulf spill

BARATARIA BAY, La. – As the Gulf of Mexico oil spill seeps deeper into the Louisiana marshes, the fragile grasses get difficult to clean, and the rescue efforts of wildlife like the brown pelican become harder. The biggest looming uncertainty of all – when will BP be able stop …. Source article  : Uncertainty, anger grows as Gulf of Mexico oil spill gets bigger, coastline becomes dirtier.

Sorry, says British royal after seeking bribe

LONDON – The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, has apologised after she was filmed demanding 500,000 pounds to introduce an undercover reporter posing as an Indian businessman to her ex-husband Prince Andrew, who is a British trade envoy.

Ferguson said she was “devastated” and “deeply regretful” over the cash-for-access scandal. She accepted 40,000 dollars cash deposit … Original article on : Sorry, says British royal after seeking bribe.

Rape myths discussed by British kids

LONDON – Rape myths like “women enjoy rape” and “women ask for it by wearing short skirts” are being debated by children as young as 11 as part of a campaign in Britain to stop violence against women.

Rape Crisis, a charity, is distributing teaching materials that dwells upon subjects like domestic violence, female genital mutilation, …. Source article  : Rape myths discussed by British kids.

UN-sponsored sitcom aims to entertain, educate thousands living in dangerous earthquake camps

Sitcom takes aim at danger, boredom in Haiti camps

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Muddy water flows under the tent and pools around the electric studio lights. Actors sitting at the mock-kitchen table lift their feet away from a very real, growing flood.
This is the set of Haiti’s new comedy soap opera, “Under the Sky,” filmed in the …. Source article  : UN-sponsored sitcom aims to entertain, educate thousands living in dangerous earthquake camps.

Official: Human error possible cause of Air India Boeing crash killing 158 people over weekend

Human error possible cause of Indian plane crash

MANGALORE, India – India’s civil aviation minister said Monday that a human error might have caused the crash of an Air India Boeing 737-800 plane that killed 158 people over the weekend.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the CNN-IBN television news channel said weather conditions and other factors … Original article on : Official: Human error possible cause of Air India Boeing crash killing 158 people over weekend.

Search continues for plane’s digital flight data recorder

MANGALORE – Teams of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and police Monday resumed their search for the digital flight data recorder, a part of the black box, of the Air India Express plane that crashed here Saturday, killing 158 people.

The teams had late Sunday recovered the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and a part [..] Read the original article: here.

Bus runs over seven, four killed

Lucknow, May (24) At least four people were killed and three injured critically when a bus ran over them in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district Monday, police said.

The accident took place in the morning when the state-owned transport corporation bus spun out of control in Balpur area, some 150 km from here, and ran over … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bus runs over seven, four killed.

Australian gets jail term for attacking Indian taxi driver

MELBOURNE – An Australian, who viciously assaulted an Indian taxi driver because he hated Indians, was Monday sentenced to a prison term by a court here.

The 23-year-old Indian victim was a student and part-time taxi driver. He suffered a fractured skull, nose and cheekbone in the attack early in the morning Feb 16 two years …. Source  : Australian gets jail term for attacking Indian taxi driver.

AP IMPACT: Documents show faulty cement jobs long known as industry problem on offshore rigs

AP IMPACT: Bad cement jobs plague offshore rigs

The tricky process of sealing an offshore oil well with cement – suspected as a major contributor to the Gulf of Mexico disaster – has failed dozens of times in the past, according to an Associated Press investigation.
Yet federal regulators give drillers a free hand in this crucial …. Source article  : AP IMPACT: Documents show faulty cement jobs long known as industry problem on offshore rigs.

Pediatricians group no longer opposes swim lessons for toddlers in light of new evidence

Swim lessons for toddlers get doctors’ approval

CHICAGO – The nation’s largest pediatricians group is relaxing its stance against swimming lessons for children younger than 4.
In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said swim classes might give toddlers and parents a false sense of security. Now the group says it’s fine to enroll children …. Source article  : Pediatricians group no longer opposes swim lessons for toddlers in light of new evidence.

Bus collision kills at least 10, injures 43 in southern China

Buses collide, killing 10 in China
BEIJING – A head-on collision between two buses in southern China killed 10 people and injured an additional 43 early Monday in the second major bus accident in two days.

The buses, one carrying 55 people and the other carrying 28, collided on a highway in Hechi city in Guangxi province, … Read more >>.

Oceanos Cruise Ship Sinking

Los Angeles (GaeaTimes.com) MTS Oceanos cruise ship sank off South Africa’s eastern coast on Aug 4, 1991 and a documentary of this incident was aired by Dateline NBC tonight. Here are some details of the ship and the incident that you might want to know.

The ship was launched in 1952 and was known as …. Read the original article  : Oceanos Cruise Ship Sinking.

SKorea’s Lee says NKorea must pay for ‘brutality,’ will take North to Security Council

Lee: NKorea must pay for torpedo attack on warship
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president said Monday his nation will no longer tolerate North Korea’s “brutality” and said the regime would pay for a surprise torpedo attack that killed 46 South Korean sailors.
President Lee Myung-bak vowed to … Read more : SKorea’s Lee says NKorea must pay for ‘brutality,’ will take North to Security Council.

China chasing embezzled money in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – China has been trying to trace millions of dollars believed to have been illegally transferred to New Zealand by a Chinese man convicted of embezzlement.

Chinese authorities are trying to retrieve money and assets invested in New Zealand as part of a “trans-national money laundering scheme” run by Liu Guiting, a former head of …. Read the original article  : China chasing embezzled money in New Zealand.

Moderate quake hits Indonesia

JAKARTA – A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern parts of Indonesia Monday, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said.

The quake hit the country at 01.15 a.m. Jakarta time Monday (1815 GMT Sunday) with its epicentre at Saumlaki, at a depth at 10 km, Xinhua reported.
There was no report of any … Read : Moderate quake hits Indonesia.

Oil soaks coastal marshes, birds as Gulf spill grows; BP says tube not as effective as before

Oil soaks coastal marshes, birds as spill grows
BARATARIA BAY, La. – As officials approached to survey the damage the Gulf oil spill caused in coastal marshes, some brown pelicans couldn’t fly away Sunday. All they could do was hobble.
Several pelicans were coated in oil on Barataria Bay off Louisiana, their usually brown and [..] Read the original article: here.

Lee says Seoul will no longer tolerate NKorea ‘brutality,’ will take North to Security Council

Lee: SKorea will take North to UN Security Council
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president said Monday that the country will no longer tolerate North Korea’s “brutality” and said the regime would pay for the surprise torpedo attack that killed 46 sailors.
President Lee Myung-bak said Seoul will take Pyongyang to the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

10 killed, 43 hurt in China bus collision

BEIJING – At least 10 people were killed and 43 injured when two buses collided head-on in China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in the wee hours Monday, police said.

The accident happened at 2 a.m. on a state highway in the autonomous region’s Hechi town, Xinhua reported citing a statement from the regional public security department. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 10 killed, 43 hurt in China bus collision.

Delhi man killed in Punjab road accident

CHANDIGARH – A 32-year-old Delhi resident on his way back home was killed on the highway near Chandigarh when a Honda CRV rammed into the Indica he was travelling in with his wife, police said Tuesday.

According to police, the deceased was identified as Akhil Sahni, a resident of New Rajender Nagar in Delhi.
He and … Read more >>>.

Flight data recorder from crashed Air India plane recovered

MANGALORE/NEW DELHI – Another part of the black box, the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) of the Air India Express plane that crashed in Mangalore killing 158 people, was found Tuesday after three days of intensive search operations.

A relieved search team of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the local police in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Flight data recorder from crashed Air India plane recovered.

BP CEO inspects Louisiana beach stained by oil from Gulf of Mexico oil spill

BP CEO inspects La. beach stained by Gulf oil

FOURCHON BEACH, La. – The chief executive of BP PLC walked the oil-stained sands of a closed Louisiana beach as workers in white coveralls and yellow boots tended to equipment being used to keep away crude gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.
CEO Tony Hayward talked with the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BP CEO inspects Louisiana beach stained by oil from Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Hong Kong student jumps to his death in front of 600 people

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong student jumped to his death in front of 600 of his fellow pupils, teachers and his younger brother at a school assembly, police said Tuesday.

Wong Ling-fung, 17, leaped seven floors from a staircase Monday at Tung Chung Catholic School just after school began.
Students ran screaming as Wong landed … Read : Hong Kong student jumps to his death in front of 600 people.

Rescue crews stung after truck hauling 7,000 hives, 17 million bees involved in fatal crash

Truck carrying 17 million bees crashes in Minn.

LAKEVILLE, Minn. – Rescue crews were using fire hoses to douse an angry swarm of bees after a fatal crash that involved a semitrailer carrying about 17 million of the insects.
Authorities say a truck hauling 7,000 bee hives was involved in the four-vehicle crash Monday on Interstate 35 …. Original article  : Rescue crews stung after truck hauling 7,000 hives, 17 million bees involved in fatal crash.

Tornadoes spotted in several states as storms move across the Midwest; no injuries reported

Several tornadoes spotted in Midwestern states

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Tornadoes have been reported in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas as storms made their way through the Midwest.
No injuries have been reported from Monday’s storms, but officials say damage has been done to a handful of buildings, as well as some power lines, trees and …. Source  : Tornadoes spotted in several states as storms move across the Midwest; no injuries reported.

Six die in Orissa thunderstorm

BHUBANESWAR – At least six people, including four children, have been killed as thunderstorms wreaked havoc in several parts of Orissa, an official said Tuesday.

Heavy rains struck several places in both coastal and western parts of the state, including capital city Bhubaneswar and its neighbouring Cuttack, Monday evening.
The rains continued for several hours … Read more : Six die in Orissa thunderstorm.

Nainital Witnesses Brothers’ Death

NAINITAL, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)-A 32 year old man and his 25 year old cousin were drowned to death while they were taking a bath in river Kosi of Nainital. The cops told the media that the two brothers were visiting a wedding held at Nainital. The two brothers who got drowned in the river were identified … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nainital Witnesses Brothers’ Death.

Shop worker chases robber from British shop

LONDON – A South Asian youth became so angry when an armed man tried to rob a British shop that he charged at him with a steering wheel lock, forcing the robber to flee. He later said: “If you’re clever enough to work out how to rob a shop then you’re clever enough to work.” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shop worker chases robber from British shop.

2 tornadoes spotted in Nebraska as fast-moving storm makes its way across the Midwest

2 tornadoes reported in western Nebraska
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – Tornadoes have been reported in Nebraska as a fast-moving storm makes its way through the Midwest.

The National Weather Service office in Cheyenne, Wyo., got reports Monday afternoon of tornadoes near Alliance and Lake Minatare, which are in the Nebraska panhandle. The twisters have not been confirmed by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 2 tornadoes spotted in Nebraska as fast-moving storm makes its way across the Midwest.

Northern Michigan wildfire contained, but officials say conditions are ripe for more

Michigan wildfire contained, but dangers remain

SOUTH BRANCH TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A forest fire in northern Michigan that destroyed or damaged 14 homes is under control, but fire officials say conditions are ripe for others to break out.
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environment said Monday the blaze in South Branch Township is almost entirely …. Original article  : Northern Michigan wildfire contained, but officials say conditions are ripe for more.

Flight data recorder of crashed Air India flight found

MANGALORE – The digital flight data recorder, a part of the black box, of the Air India Express plane that crashed killing 158 people was found Tuesday after three days of intensive search operations.

A relieved search team of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and local police displayed the FDR, which was black due …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Flight data recorder of crashed Air India flight found.

Rajdhani derails in Bihar, no injuries reported

PATNA – The New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express derailed in Bihar Tuesday but no one was hurt. A major accident was averted thanks to the train driver, who pulled the emergency brake, officials said.

Fourteen wagons of the Rajdhani Express derailed between Nawgachia and Kharik railway station under Katihar-Barauni rail section in Bhagalpur district, about 200 …. Source article  : Rajdhani derails in Bihar, no injuries reported.

Porn star arrested for stage show in Italy

Perugia (Italy), May 25 (IANS/AKI) A Hungarian porn star has been arrested in central Italy after being accused of performing obscene acts on stage in the presence of minors.

Brigitta Kocsis, a 27-year-old blonde, performs under the stage name of Brigitta Bulgari.
Paramilitary Carabinieri police arrested Kocsis at a club outside the northern city … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Porn star arrested for stage show in Italy.

Court to decide on Rathore’s appeal Tuesday

CHANDIGARH – A court here Tuesday is likely to pronounce its verdict on an appeal filed by former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore challenging his conviction for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court had held Rathore guilty in December last year for molesting 15-year-old Ruchika in Panchkula town in August … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court to decide on Rathore’s appeal Tuesday.

Rajdhani Express derails in Bihar

PATNA – At least 14 wagons of the New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express derailed in Bihar, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred Tuesday morning and no injuries were reported.
According to police, 14 wagons of the Rajdhani Express derailed between Nawgachia and Kharik railway station in Katihar district, about 200 km from here.
A railway official said …. Original source  : Rajdhani Express derails in Bihar.

Dozens injured as India’s high speed train derails

Dozens of passengers sustained minor injuries after 14 coaches of India’s high-speed Rajdhani Express derailed in Bihar early this morning while most of the passengers were still asleep.

Officials said the train traveling to Guwahati from New derailed near Naugachhia in Bihar when the driver of the train applied emergency brake after hearing a loud explosion.
“The …. Original article  : Dozens injured as India’s high speed train derails.

BP CEO walks on oily beach, says he’s ‘devastated’ by impact from Gulf spill

BP CEO says he’s ‘devastated’ by massive spill
FOURCHON BEACH, La. – BP’s chief executive said Monday that he had underestimated the possible environmental impact of the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Tony Hayward walked along oil-soaked Fourchon Beach and talked with cleanup workers in white overalls and yellow boots, some shoveling oily sand …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Congress to vote on $11B tax increase on oil companies to help pay to clean up spills

Oil tax increase would help pay to clean up spills
WASHINGTON – Responding to the massive BP oil spill, Congress is getting ready to quadruple – to 32 cents a barrel – a tax on oil used to help finance cleanups. The increase would raise nearly $11 billion over the next decade.
The tax is …. Source  : Congress to vote on $11B tax increase on oil companies to help pay to clean up spills.

Federal officials heighten pressure on BP to clean up and contain Gulf oil spill

Fed officials pick up pressure on BP over spill

GALLIANO, La. – U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano says federal officials are working to hold BP PLC responsible for cleaning up the growing Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Napolitano said Monday that she’s heartsick about damage to Grand Isle, south of New Orleans, where thick oil … Read more : Federal officials heighten pressure on BP to clean up and contain Gulf oil spill.

China says weighing evidence in sinking of South Korean warship Seoul blames on North Korea

China weighing evidence in SKorea ship sinking
BEIJING – China’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it was still weighing the evidence over the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship that Seoul blames on North Korea.
China is North Korea’s most important ally, and allegations that Pyongyang is behind the incident have tested Beijing’s ability to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China says weighing evidence in sinking of South Korean warship Seoul blames on North Korea.

Turbulence injures 10 aboard London to Los Angeles flight; pilot lands plane in Montreal

Turbulence injures 10 on London to LA flight

LOS ANGELES – Authorities say 10 people suffered injuries, including broken bones, during severe turbulence on a flight from London to Los Angeles that was diverted to Montreal.
United Airlines spokeswoman Sarah Massier says United Flight 935 reported severe turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday and landed in Montreal …. Original article  : Turbulence injures 10 aboard London to Los Angeles flight; pilot lands plane in Montreal.

Oil patches spotted near Singapore coast

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s port authority Wednesday said that patches of oil and sheen have been sighted at a naval base on its coast after 2,500 tonnes of crude oil leaked from a damaged tanker following a collision.

However, “other than this, the oil slick has not affected Singapore’s coastlines”, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore …. Read the original article  : Oil patches spotted near Singapore coast.

100 clerical sex abuse cases reported in Italy

Vatican City, May 26 (IANS/AKI) There have been at least 100 cases of clerical sex abuse reported in Italy in the past 10 years, a top ranking church official has said.

Mariano Crociata, the second-highest ranked official in the Italian bishops conference, however, declined to say how many of the cases resulted in any action against … Read more »»».

Rathore not first Haryana DGP behind bars

CHANDIGARH – Former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, who woke up in jail Wednesday after being held for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, has joined a select band of top police officers of the state who ended up on the wrong side of the law they were supposed to protect.

It took the country’s legal system nearly … Original article on : Rathore not first Haryana DGP behind bars.

Rathore seeks bail from high court

CHANDIGARH – Disgraced former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore filed a bail petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court through his lawyer and wife Abha Rathore Wednesday, a day after he was convicted of molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra.

According to court sources, Rathore, who was arrested Tuesday and sent to jail after he was sentenced … Read more »»».

Conmen found selling passes to Russian parliament

Moscow, May 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two fraudsters were Wednesday caught selling entry passes to the Russian parliament at 150,000 rubles ($4,765) each, police said.

The two conmen were caught selling seats in an expert council committee on construction and land affairs in the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, police spokesperson Filipp Zolotnitsky said.
The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Conmen found selling passes to Russian parliament.

With future of oil drilling in question, Obama pivots to alternative energy

As oil spills, Obama touts alternative energy
SAN FRANCISCO – President Barack Obama will promote the benefits of alternative energy Wednesday as a way to strengthen the economy and relieve the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
Obama will tour a solar panel manufacturing facility in northern California that has added jobs as a result of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : With future of oil drilling in question, Obama pivots to alternative energy.

BP says it hasn’t decided whether to cut live video feed when it tries to plug Gulf well

BP says it hasn’t decided on video of plug attempt

COVINGTON, La. – BP says it hasn’t decided yet whether to cut off a live video feed when it begins trying to cut off the Gulf oil leak by injecting heavy drilling mud into the well.
Democratic Congressman Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts said Tuesday the company … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BP says it hasn’t decided whether to cut live video feed when it tries to plug Gulf well.

Man on motorised wheelchair fined for speeding

Rio de Janeiro, May 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Traffic police in Brazil fined a disabled man on a motorised wheelchair for “speeding” down a busy highway. The man said he “simply wanted to test his new invention”.

An elderly man with disabilities, whose name was not disclosed, was found speeding down a busy highway in his self-made …. Source article  : Man on motorised wheelchair fined for speeding.

First death in Jhansi chimney mishap, one still missing

LUCKNOW – The body of a labourer was dug out Wednesday from the debris of the chimney collapse in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, confirming the first death in the accident that occurred two days ago.

“The body was taken out of the rubble early today (Wednesday). A person is still missing and could be …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP source: Interior report to call for tougher rules on drilling, inspections

AP source: Report to call for tougher drill rules
WASHINGTON – An administration official says a report ordered by President Barack Obama is expected to call for tougher safety requirements for offshore drilling and a stronger inspections regime.
The Interior Department report will be delivered to Obama on Thursday and he will discuss its findings. … Read more >>>.

Rathore’s first night in jail like normal prisoner

CHANDIGARH – Disgraced former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, convicted of molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, spent his first night in Burail jail here with authorities maintaining that he was not given any additional services and was treated just like a normal prisoner.

“He is just like any other prisoner for us. We have not given him … Read more >>>.

Coast Guard: About 100 tar balls found throughout Fla. Keys, but none linked to Gulf spill

Tar balls in Fla. Keys not linked to Gulf spill

KEY WEST, Fla. – The Coast Guard says around 100 tar balls have been recovered throughout the Florida Keys in the last week, but none have been linked to the massive Gulf of Mexico spill.
Capt. Pat DeQuattro said Tuesday an early analysis has been able to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BP says equipment in place for ‘top kill’ effort to plug Gulf oil spill; testing for Weds. try

BP: Equipment in place for Gulf ‘top kill’ try

COVINGTON, La. – BP engineers say they have the equipment in place to try a complicated procedure that they hope will seal the blown-out Gulf of Mexico oil well.
BP PLC senior vice president Kent Wells said Tuesday the company hopes to launch the “top kill” on Wednesday … Read more »»».

32 arrested in trans-European anti-drug operation

London, May 26 (IANS/EFE) At least 32 people have been arrested in an anti-drug and anti-trafficking operation across Europe conducted by 750 police officials from Europol, the European Union’s criminal intelligence agency.

Twenty people were arrested in Spain and 12 in Britain Tuesday, in a joint operation in London and Spain’s Costa del Sol. The operation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 32 arrested in trans-European anti-drug operation.

BP agrees to show live feed of ‘top kill’ effort to plug oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

BP agrees to show ‘top kill’ video
WASHINGTON – BP has agreed at the request of the Obama administration to show video of the “top kill” designed to choke off the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company plans to try to execute the tricky procedure as early as dawn Wednesday. It’s the latest attempt … Original article on : BP agrees to show live feed of ‘top kill’ effort to plug oil spill in Gulf of Mexico.

The mobile number that rang the death knell

LONDON – The Bulgarian mobile phone number – 0888 888 888 – has been suspended after every person who used it in the past 10 years died. The last man to own it was gunned down outside an Indian restaurant in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

Vladimir Grashnov, former CEO of Bulgarian mobile phone company Mobitel, was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : The mobile number that rang the death knell.

Sanatan Sanstha members Googled bomb circuit diagrams

PANAJI – Members of the Hindu rightwing group Sanatan Sanstha (SS), accused of carrying out the 2009 Diwali eve blast in Goa, ‘Googled’ circuit diagrams from the internet and later used them to build improvised explosive devices (IED), National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials said.

“In furtherance of the said conspiracy, accused Dhananjay Ashtekar downloaded circuit … Read more »»».

No quick decision from US judicial panel on consolidating oil spill lawsuits

No quick decision on consolidating oil lawsuits

MIAMI – There will be no quick decision from a federal judicial panel on whether to consolidate more than 130 lawsuits filed over the Gulf oil spill.
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation rejected requests from attorneys to issue a ruling this month. The panel said in an order …. Original source  : No quick decision from US judicial panel on consolidating oil spill lawsuits.

China gives no sign of plans to join US in blaming North Korea over sinking of South warship

China not assigning blame in South Korea sinking

BEIJING – China offered no indication Thursday of plans to join the U.S. and its allies in blaming North Korea in the sinking of a South Korean warship, saying the issue remained “extremely complicated.”
U.S. officials said Wednesday that China, a key North Korean ally, had indicated it is …. Read the original article  : China gives no sign of plans to join US in blaming North Korea over sinking of South warship.

One year, 10 suicides in Chinese electronics factory

BEIJING – Ten people have committed suicide in a Chinese electronics factory this year, the latest being a 23-year-old who jumped off a balcony hours after the owner visited the plant to stop the string of deaths, police said Thursday.

Investigation into the latest death at Foxconn Technology Group’s Shenzhen plant Wednesday night showed that the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BP’s top kill in progress as company tries to plug the massive Gulf of Mexico oil leak

BP’s top kill underway in attempt to plug oil leak
COVINGTON, La. – BP started pumping heavy mud into the leaking Gulf of Mexico well Wednesday, the company’s boldest attempt yet to plug the gusher that has spewed millions of gallons of oil over the last five weeks.
BP hoped the mud could overpower the …. Read the original article  : BP’s top kill in progress as company tries to plug the massive Gulf of Mexico oil leak.

Anxious Gulf Coast awaits word on whether latest BP remedy to plug oil gusher works

Gulf awaits word on latest bid to plug oil leak
ROBERT, La. – If oil stops flowing to the surface in the Gulf of Mexico, BP officials will know that their latest effort to plug a blown-out undersea well off the Louisiana coast was successful.
BP PLC was pumping heavy mud into the leaking well, … Read : Anxious Gulf Coast awaits word on whether latest BP remedy to plug oil gusher works.

Oil well plug effort readied; probe cites cronyism between companies, agency overseeing wells

Oil well ‘top kill’ plug readied; agency rapped
WASHINGTON – BP readied yet another attempt to slow the oil gushing into the Gulf on Tuesday as a government report alleged that drilling regulators have been so close to the industry they’ve been accepting gifts from oil and gas companies and even negotiating to go … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil well plug effort readied; probe cites cronyism between companies, agency overseeing wells.

Oil slick causes Gulf Coast sport fishing tournaments to come up dry; at least dozen canceled

From marlin to mackerel, Gulf anglers out of luck

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Anglers hoping to hook blue marlin, tuna, swordfish, mackerel and other prizes catches in sport fishing tournaments along the Gulf Coast are mostly out of luck because of the massive oil spill fouling the waters.
At least a dozen tournaments have been canceled. It’s not … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil slick causes Gulf Coast sport fishing tournaments to come up dry; at least dozen canceled.

Two held for making fake IDs

BHOPAL – Two people have been arrested for supplying fake identity cards and forged documents for obtaining mobile phone connections, police said Thursday.

Crime Branch officers raided a shop in Jehangirabad late Wednesday and arrested two people involved in making fake identity cards and other forged documents required for obtaining phone connections, Additional Superintendent of …. Source  : Two held for making fake IDs.

Eight killed in Jammu and Kashmir accidents

JAMMU – Eight people were killed in two accidents near Ramban on the Jammu- Srinagar national highway Thursday, police said.

A Sumo jeep, carrying passengers from Jammu to Srinagar, skidded off the road at Batteru Chashma, about 165 km north of Jammu on the highway, killing six people on the spot.
In another accident, a truck …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two held with idols worth Rs.20 crore

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested from an Uttar Pradesh town with two ‘ashtdhatu’ (eight-medal) antique idols worth Rs.20 crore in the international market, police said Thursday.

Shahabuddin and Ashok Prasad opened fire as they were nabbed Wednesday evening in Taryasujan, 350 km from here.
“Acting on a tip-off, we intercepted the two. They opened …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two held with idols worth Rs.20 crore.

This is my second birth: Crash survivor

KASARGODE – With one hand in a sling from a dislocated shoulder caused by his “great escape”, K. Krishnan, 47, one of the eight who survived the Mangalore air crash, returned home at Mangad near Udma to a hero’s welcome.

Waiting for him anxiously was his 72-year-old-mother Vellachi, who even though told that he had miraculously … Read more >>>.

Shopian doctors charged with fudging to defame security forces

SRINAGAR – The Jammu and Kashmir government has charged the team of doctors who carried out autopsies on two women in south Kashmir’s Shopian town last May with fudging evidence to defame the police and the security forces.

“It had been found that the accused doctors fabricated and fudged the slides with an objective of defaming … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Shopian doctors charged with fudging to defame security forces.

Crime student held for three prostitutes’ murder in Britain

LONDON – A student of criminology who told a neighbour that he was “doing a PhD in murder and Jack the Ripper” was being quizzed for the brutal killing of three prostitutes in Britain.

The man was arrested from his home a red light area where a woman’s head inside a rucksack was understood to …. Read the original article  : Crime student held for three prostitutes’ murder in Britain.

Harassed by cops, sisters attempt suicide; one dead

BHOPAL – A 13-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh died while her elder sister was battling for life Thursday after the duo attempted suicide following harassment by two constables, who had allegedly clicked obscene photographs of one of them.

The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, about 350 km from here.
While the younger …. Read the original article  : Harassed by cops, sisters attempt suicide; one dead.

Live cartridges found in Radisson; 3 Italians detained

NEW DELHI – Three Italian nationals were detained Thursday after 24 live cartridges were recovered from their room in south Delhi’s Radisson hotel, police said.

The housekeeping staff of the five-star hotel found the cartridges while cleaning room number 448 Thursday morning. The foreigners had vacated the room Tuesday, a police officer said.
“The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Live cartridges found in Radisson; 3 Italians detained.

Couple stoned to death in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD – A couple, who had eloped and married, was stoned to death in what appears to be a case of honour killing in Andhra Pradesh’s Nizamabad district.

Irate residents of Krishnajivadi village rained stones on the couple after tying them to a pole, police said Thursday.
The macabre incident occurred late Wednesday night in Telangana … Read : Couple stoned to death in Andhra Pradesh.

In a flurry of activity, Obama raises public engagement on oil spill, seeks control of crisis

Obama seeks control of ‘heartbreaking’ crisis

FREMONT, Calif. – Struggling to seize control of a disastrous oil spill on his watch, President Barack Obama is rolling out tougher rules for oil rigs, accepting questions about his own leadership and heading back to the Gulf Coast to reassure the country of every effort to “put a stop … Original source on Gaea Times at : In a flurry of activity, Obama raises public engagement on oil spill, seeks control of crisis.

Some oil spill events from Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Some oil spill events from Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A summary of events on Wednesday, May 26, Day 35 of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began with the April 20 explosion and fire on the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased by BP PLC, which is in charge of cleanup …. Original article  : Some oil spill events from Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

Clinton says world must respond to ‘unacceptable provocation’ in sinking of South Korean ship

Clinton: World must act on SKorean ship sinking

SEOUL, South Korea – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday the world must respond to the “unacceptable provocation” represented by the sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on Pyongyang, as the regime shelled out more blistering rhetoric against Seoul and Washington.
Tension on the divided … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clinton says world must respond to ‘unacceptable provocation’ in sinking of South Korean ship.

Iraq’s history is written across the graves of Najaf’s vast cemetery

Najaf cemetery witness to Iraq’s tragic history

NAJAF, Iraq – Pictures of the two brothers stare out, side by side, separated by the gulf of a quarter century. Rahim Jabr died in 1981, a foot soldier in the bloody eight year war with Iran, while Naeem was a casualty of the savage sectarian fighting that gripped [..] Read the original article: here.

Bees hamper investigation of Minnesota auto wreck; crews use fire hoses to keep insects away

Bees hamper investigation of Minnesota wreck

LAKEVILLE, Minn. – Authorities near Lakeville, Minn., are having a hard time investigating an auto wreck because a swarm of bees is getting in the way.
A semi hauling the insects and two passenger cars were involved in the crash on Interstate 35 on Monday afternoon. The bees got loose, and …. Read the original article  : Bees hamper investigation of Minnesota auto wreck; crews use fire hoses to keep insects away.

No CBI probe into drug mafia nexus case, Goa tells court

PANAJI – Going against the recommendations of the police, the Goa government Friday told the Bombay High Court that it is not willing to hand over the probe into the police-politician-drug mafia nexus to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Panaji bench of the high court had directed the government to formally state if it … Original article on : No CBI probe into drug mafia nexus case, Goa tells court.

Man who studied Jack the Ripper charged with prostitutes’ murder

LONDON – A PhD student, who researched on serial killer Jack the Ripper, has been charged with the murders of three prostitutes in Britain.

Stephen Griffiths, 40, is alleged to have killed Suzanne Blamires, Susan Rushworth and Shelley Armitage within Bradford city’s red light district in the past 11 months, The Telegraph reported Friday.
A caretaker … Read : Man who studied Jack the Ripper charged with prostitutes’ murder.

Orissa-bound trains diverted

BHUBANESWAR – An Orissa-bound train was cancelled and several others, including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani, were diverted Friday after the West Bengal railway accident.

The Howrah-Titlagarh Ispat Express from Howrah has been cancelled, railway official Nirakar Das told IANS.
The Bhubaneswar-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express and the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Neelachal Express were diverted. They will run via … Read : Orissa-bound trains diverted.

Train driver heard explosion, felt vibrations

JHARGRAM – The driver of Gyaneshwari Express heard an explosion and then felt vibrations before the Mumbai-bound passenger train derailed near here Friday, killing at least 65 people, says a top police officer.

“As per the driver, when the train was passing, he heard the sound of an explosion. Then he also felt some vibrations. And …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Train driver heard explosion, felt vibrations.

Constable killed in Maoist blast

RANCHI – A police constable was killed and two critically injured when Maoists exploded a landmine in Jharkhand Friday shortly after the Palamau superintendent of police (SP) passed the area, police said.

“A landmine blast took between Manatau and Chak village in which one constable was killed and two were injured,” Jharkhand Director General of Police …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Constable killed in Maoist blast.

Chidambaram suspects sabotage behind train accident

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Friday said he suspected sabotage behind the derailment of a Howrah-Mumbai train in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district though it was unclear whether explosives were used.

“It appears to be a case of sabotage where a portion of the railway track was removed. Whether explosives were used is not …. Source  : Chidambaram suspects sabotage behind train accident.

Death, anxiety writ large over accident site

JHARGRAM – Children shocked into silence, survivors screaming for their missing kin, body upon mutilated body being taken out of mangled coaches… horrific scenes played out at the site of Friday’s train accident here that claimed at least 65 lives.

“They are all dead,” is all that a middle-aged man could say. He had boarded the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Death, anxiety writ large over accident site.

Maoist violence national problem, says BJP after train tragedy

NEW DELHI – Blaming Maoists for the train accident in West Bengal that killed 65 people, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday said violence by the guerrillas should be treated as a national problem.

Condemning the “unfortunate incident of attack on a train in West Bengal”, BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was time the … Read : Maoist violence national problem, says BJP after train tragedy.

Railways a ’soft target’: Minister

NEW DELHI – The railways have become a “soft target” for “anti-national forces”, Minister of State for Railways E. Ahamed said Friday, after suspected Maoists derailed a train in West Bengal.

“By targeting railways, anti-national groups are inflicting the greatest harm on innocent poor people,” the minister told IANS from Kozhikode in Kerala.
But he added … Original source on Gaea Times at : Railways a ’soft target’: Minister.

At least 50 trapped in mangled train coaches

JHARGRAM – More than 50 people remain trapped inside the mangled coaches of a Mumbai-bound passenger train that derailed Friday, a rescue worker estimated, hours after the accident blamed on Maoists.

“We think more than 50 people are still trapped inside. Most are inside S3 and S4 coaches,” said a rescue official from the accident site …. Read the original article  : At least 50 trapped in mangled train coaches.

73 killed in Jamaican drug violence

Kingston, May 28 (IANS/EFE) At least 73 people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes between security forces and drug gangs in Jamaica, authorities said.

Clashes erupted during raids Thursday to capture crime boss Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who is wanted by the US on drug and weapons charges.
About 500 people have been arrested in the [..] Read the original article: here.

BP: Effort has started to try to stop leaking Gulf oil well by filling it with mud, cement

BP begins ‘top kill’ method to try to stop gusher

COVINGTON, La. – BP on Wednesday launched its latest bid to plug the gushing well in the Gulf of Mexico by force-feeding it heavy drilling mud and cement.
The oil giant’s chief executive earlier gave the procedure a 60 to 70 percent chance of working, and President … Read more »»».

Helpline numbers for West Bengal train accident

JHARGRAM – The railways have opened the following helplines for information on the train accident near here Friday:

Howrah: 033-26382217
Kharagpur: 032-22255751, 032-22255735
Toll free: 10722
…. Original article  : Helpline numbers for West Bengal train accident.

Mexican court upholds emergency birth control pill for rape victims

Mexico City, May 28 (IANS/EFE) Mexico’s Supreme Court has upheld a federal regulation forcing public hospitals to offer the morning-after birth control pill to rape victims.

After six sessions of intense debate, 10 of the 11 magistrates Thursday backed regulation NOM-046, court sources told EFE.
The case began in June 2009, when the governor of Jalisco … Original article on : Mexican court upholds emergency birth control pill for rape victims.

Gyaneshwari Express Accident Sends Shock Wave

WEST MIDNAPORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- In what is being suspected as a case of sabotage by Maoists, a Mumbai bound express train full of passengers derailed in West Bengal and rammed into a goods train resulting in 30 deaths. The number of casualty may rise as it is being expected. The ill fated Howrah-Kurla Lokmanya … Read more >>.

Blast caused accident, probe ordered: Mamata Banerjee

JHARGRAM – Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday ordered a probe into the train accident in West Bengal that claimed 65 lives and said a bomb blast triggered by suspected Maoists caused the derailment of the coaches. She added that the army had been deployed for rescue operations.

Banerjee, who rushed to the accident spot, said rescue …. Source article  : Blast caused accident, probe ordered: Mamata Banerjee.

65 dead in Bengal train accident, Maoists sabotage suspected (Fifth Lead)

JHARGRAM – At least 65 people were killed and over 200 injured early Friday when a Mumbai-bound passenger train derailed and was hit by a speeding goods train in West Bengal, officials said, suspecting sabotage by Maoist guerrillas.

“Sixty-five bodies have been recovered. There may be many more,” West Bengal Home Secretary Samar Ghosh told …. Source  : 65 dead in Bengal train accident, Maoists sabotage suspected (Fifth Lead).

13 bodies recovered from Peru shipwreck

Lima, May 28 (IANS/EFE) Thirteen bodies have been recovered from a Peruvian ship that sank in the Amazon river near the border with Colombia, officials said.

A total of 220 passengers survived, including two Germans and an Italian, Iquitos harbormaster Gonzalo Meza told EFE Thursday. At least 18 people are still missing.
The Camila vessel sank … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 13 bodies recovered from Peru shipwreck.

No help from authorities, say kin of train accident victims

MUMBAI – Angry relatives trying to come to terms with the loss of their family members in the Mumbai-bound train accident in West Bengal that left at least 65 people dead and 200 injured Friday complained of little help from railway authorities.

A relative of one of the suspected victims of the accident at the Kurla …. Source article  : No help from authorities, say kin of train accident victims.

65 dead in train accident: Bengal home secretary

KOLKATA – At least 65 people have been killed and over 200 injured in a train accident in West Bengal early Friday, according to state Home Secretary Samar Ghosh.

Ghosh told NDTV news channel that 65 bodies have been recovered as per “the information I just receieved” from the mangled coaches of Howrah-Kurla Gyaneshwari Super Deluxe … Original article on : 65 dead in train accident: Bengal home secretary.

Feds: La. plan for sand barrier to protect coast could push oil deeper and into Miss.

Feds: La. barrier plan could push oil onto Miss.

NEW ORLEANS – Federal officials say Louisiana’s request for a coastal sand barrier to block the oil slick pushing in from the Gulf of Mexico could inadvertently funnel oil deeper into unprotected areas and onto neighboring Mississippi.
Documents released Wednesday show federal officials are concerned the barrier could …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rs.500,000 for kin of dead; will increase patrolling: Mamata

JHARGRAM – The railways have announced compensation of Rs.500,000 to each of the families of those killed in the train accident in West Bengal early Friday and a job for one member of the family. About 65 people were killed and 200 injured.

“We will give compensation of Rs.500,000 as ex-gratia to all the families whose … Original article on : Rs.500,000 for kin of dead; will increase patrolling: Mamata.

PM grieves loss of lives in train accident

NEW DELHI – A “grieved” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday announced monetary assistance of Rs.2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 each to the seriously injured in the train accident in West Bengal.

“The prime minister is grieved to learn of the tragedy today (Friday) morning,” a statement from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PM grieves loss of lives in train accident.

20 die as train derails after suspected Maoist sabotage (Fourth Lead)

JHARGRAM – At least 20 people were killed and over 100 injured early Friday when the engine and 13 coaches of a Mumbai-bound passenger train derailed and were hit by a speeding goods train in West Bengal, officials said.

They said 20 bodies had been recovered from the derailed and badly damaged coaches of the Howrah-Kurla …. Original article  : 20 die as train derails after suspected Maoist sabotage (Fourth Lead).

Officials: Suspected terror blast in southern Russian city kills 5, wounds at least 20

Officials: Terror blast in southern Russia kills 5

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia – An explosion tore through the center of a southern Russian city on Wednesday, killing five people and wounding at least 20 as locals gathered for a Chechen dance concert, officials said.
The blast bore the hallmarks of terrorist attacks that plague Russia’s North Caucasus region, though … Read : Officials: Suspected terror blast in southern Russian city kills 5, wounds at least 20.

Mamata announces Rs.5 lakh compensation for families of dead

JHARGRAM – The railways have announced a compensation of
Rs.500,000 to each of the families of the dead passengers and jobs for one member of the bereaved families following the train accident that left 20 dead and over 100 injured near here Friday.

“We will give compensation of Rs.500,000 as ex-gratia to all the families … Read more : Mamata announces Rs.5 lakh compensation for families of dead.

Sabotage may have caused train derailment: Railways

NEW DELHI – The Indian Railways said sabotage by suspected Maoist guerrillas may have caused the train derailment in West Bengal that left 20 people dead and over 100 injured early Friday.

“We suspect it is a case of sabotage. The driver (of the passenger train) has reported to have heard a large sound. There was …. Original source  : Sabotage may have caused train derailment: Railways.

Train derailment: IAF launches rescue efforts

NEW DELHI – The Indian Air Force (IAF) Friday launched a massive rescue operation after a Mumbai-bound passenger train derailed in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district, killing 20 people and injuring over 100.

Two air force helicopters were pressed into service and a medical team rushed in to carry out rescue operation for the hundreds of … Read more : Train derailment: IAF launches rescue efforts.

Chinese court orders suspended death sentence for Tibetan linked to 2008 Lhasa riots

Tibetan gets suspended death sentence for riots

BEIJING – A court in Lhasa has given a Tibetan a suspended death sentence for taking part in riots that erupted in the remote Himalayan region two years ago, an overseas Tibetan rights group said.
The Dharamsala, India-based Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy said in a statement late … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chinese court orders suspended death sentence for Tibetan linked to 2008 Lhasa riots.

Fifteen die as train derails in West Bengal (Third Lead)

KOLKATA – At least 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured early Friday when the engine and 12 coaches of a Kurla-bound passenger train derailed and were hit by a speeding goods train in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, officials and witnesses said.

Director General of Police Bhupinder Singh said five bodies had been …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

German held without valid documents in Punjab

ROPAR – A 45-year-old German national, who was staying near Himachal Pradeh’s Bhakra dam, was arrested without any passport, visa and other required documents near Punjab’s Nangal town in Ropar district, police said Saturday.

Disguised as a ’sadhu’ (ascetic) with long hair and beard, Thomas Kuehn, a resident of Hamburg in Germany, was staying near the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : German held without valid documents in Punjab.

Train tragedy toll rises to 98, bodies decaying

JHARGRAM – The putrefying stench of decaying bodies filled the air here Saturday as the toll in Friday’s train accident rose to 98. The authorities said more casualties were expected as a very badly-mangled coach was yet to be prised open.

More than 36 hours after the Mumbai-bound Gyaneshwari Super Deluxe Express met with the accident, …. Source article  : Train tragedy toll rises to 98, bodies decaying.

Army officer booked for civilian killings in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – An Indian Army major and four other people, including a Territorial Army soldier, have been booked for the murder of three civilians in a staged gun battle in Jammu and Kashmir April 30, police said Saturday.

The army said it will initiate a probe. The state government has already ordered a magisterial probe.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Army officer booked for civilian killings in Kashmir.

Indian team going to US to interrogate Headley

NEW DELHI – A four-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team is to leave for the US Sunday to interrogate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley, accused of plotting the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

“The team is expected to stay in the US for 10 to 15 days,” NIA Deputy Inspector General Satwant Atwal told IANS.
The team … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian team going to US to interrogate Headley.

China offers condolences for sinking of SKorea ship ahead of talks with SKorea, Japan

China offers condolence for sinking of SKorea ship
SEOUL, South Korea – The premier of China, North Korea’s main ally, offered condolences Saturday to South Korea for the sinking of a warship blamed on Pyongyang after promising his country would not defend anyone guilty of the attack, as it faced growing pressure to take …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China offers condolences for sinking of SKorea ship ahead of talks with SKorea, Japan.

Investigation faults US drone crew in deadly February airstrike that killed Afghan civilians

Drone crew blamed in Afghan civilian deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan – Inexperienced operators of a U.S. drone aircraft ignored or downplayed signs that civilians were aboard a convoy blasted by American missiles in Afghanistan earlier this year, said a military investigation report released Saturday.
At least 23 people were killed in the Feb. 21 attack in Uruzgan province … Original source on Gaea Times at : Investigation faults US drone crew in deadly February airstrike that killed Afghan civilians.

Teenager dies after being set ablaze by molester

MALEGAON – A 16-year-old girl was set ablaze by a man who tried to molest her in Deoghat village of Malegaon district. The girl died in hospital, police said Saturday.

The accused, Samadhan Khairnar, had barged into the girl’s house when she was alone and tried to molest her before he set her on fire, the … Read more >>.

Army officer booked for civilian killings

SRINAGAR – An Indian Army major and four other people, including a territorial army soldier, were booked for the murder of three civilians in a staged gun battle in Jammu and Kashmir April 30, police said Saturday.

The bodies of the three civilians — Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Riyaz Ahmad Lone and Muhammad Shafi Lone — were … Read more »»».

Americans watch underwater video, wait to see if latest attempt to plug Gulf oil well works

Americans wait to learn if top kill will stop oil
ROBERT, La. – Two days after BP began a risky effort to stop a gushing oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, company officials said the operation was going as planned but offered few details, leaving the nation in suspense about whether its worst … Original source on Gaea Times at : Americans watch underwater video, wait to see if latest attempt to plug Gulf oil well works.

DNA tests to identify bodies of train tragedy victims

JHARGRAM – With many of the bodies extricated from the ill-fated Gyaneshwari Express mutilated beyond recognition, the authorities Saturday decided to conduct DNA tests for identification before handing them over to their relatives.

West Bengal Civil Defence Minister Srikumar Mukherjee, who is supervising rescue operations at the site here in West Midnapore district, said blood samples …. Read the original article  : DNA tests to identify bodies of train tragedy victims.

3 eastbound lanes of SoCal freeway reopen after fiery crash, all westbound lanes open

3 eastbound lanes of freeway open after crash

CORONA, Calif. – Three eastbound lanes of Highway 91 in Riverside County have reopened after a gasoline tanker overturned and burst into flames.
The freeway was shut down for several hours after the Friday morning collision. All westbound lanes reopened around 3 p.m. and three eastbound lanes reopened about …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 3 eastbound lanes of SoCal freeway reopen after fiery crash, all westbound lanes open.

Leaders of South Korea, Japan, China head to summit expected to focus on ship sinking

Leaders of SKorea, Japan, China head to summit
SEOUL, South Korea – Top military commanders gathered in Seoul on Saturday to discuss how to counter North Korean provocations, as leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan headed to the southern island of Jeju for a summit amid tensions over the sinking of a warship … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Leaders of South Korea, Japan, China head to summit expected to focus on ship sinking.

Militants attack Afghan police convoy, kill 5 officers with roadside bomb, official says

Militants attack Afghan police convoy, killing 5

KABUL, Afghanistan – Militants ambushed an Afghan police convoy with a roadside bomb and gunfire in eastern Afghanistan, killing five officers before fleeing NATO aerial bombardment, an official said Saturday.
Two militants were killed and up to six wounded in the battle Friday in Paktia province, said Ghulam Dastagir, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Militants attack Afghan police convoy, kill 5 officers with roadside bomb, official says.

Train derailment kills at least 90 in eastern India; authorities suspect rebel sabotage

Suspected sabotage derails train in India; 90 dead
SARDIHA, India – Railway authorities canceled all night trains in an eastern Indian state on Saturday after a passenger express train derailed and was hit by a cargo train, killing at least 90 people and injuring hundreds. The government accused Maoist rebels of sabotaging the tracks.
Railway …. Source article  : Train derailment kills at least 90 in eastern India; authorities suspect rebel sabotage.

Four tourists drown in Arabian Sea

RATNAGIRI – A dolphin-sighting trip turned into tragedy when a boat carrying tourists capsized, drowning four people, in the Arabian Sea off Dapoli coast here Saturday, police said.

Three Mumbaikars and a Pune resident drowned.
The private boat carrying 12 tourists, nine of them from Mumbai and three from Pune, suddenly capsized due to huge waves …. Read the original article  : Four tourists drown in Arabian Sea.

In impoverished Niger, food crisis looms as starving cattle unable to stand wait for death

Dying cattle, costly grains fuel Niger food crisis

GADABEJI, Niger – At this time of year, the Gadabeji Reserve should be refuge for the nomadic tribes who travel across a moonscape on the edge of the Sahara to graze their cattle. But the grass is meager after a drought killed off the last year’s crops. Now … Read : In impoverished Niger, food crisis looms as starving cattle unable to stand wait for death.

Six engineers suspended for Jhansi chimney collapse

LUCKNOW – Six engineers have been suspended for negligence after a chimney collapsed at a power plant in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district killing two workers and injuring at least, an official said Saturday.

The engineers work for Rajya Vidyut Utpandan Nigam (the Uttar Pradesh power generation corporation).
“Those suspended are two superintendent engineers, two assistant engineers, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six engineers suspended for Jhansi chimney collapse.

BP says it has apent $930 million so far on response to ruptured Gulf well

BP: Gulf spill response has cost it $930M so far

NEW YORK – BP PLC says it has spent $930 million so far responding to a ruptured oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.
The British oil giant owns the well that’s gushed millions of gallons of crude for more than a month.
The company made the estimate … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BP says it has apent $930 million so far on response to ruptured Gulf well.

Sulfur gas leak at Tenn. chemical plant prompts evacuation of 30-40 people from nearby homes

Sulfur leak prompts evacuation around Tenn. plant

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – About 30 to 40 people have evacuated their homes after an acidic gas escaped from a chemical plant near Memphis.
A spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and firefighters went door to door in the mainly rural area to tell people to leave. The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sulfur gas leak at Tenn. chemical plant prompts evacuation of 30-40 people from nearby homes.

Doctor confirms 30 dead in train derailment in eastern India

Doctor: at least 30 dead in India train derailment
CALCUTTA, India – A doctor says at least 30 people died when an overnight passenger train was derailed by suspected sabotage and then hit by another train in eastern India.
E. Mitra, a doctor at a railway hospital, says 30 bodies have been brought to the … Read more »»».

Delay in hanging leads to reduced sentences, show rulings

NEW DELHI – The government may be unwittingly entitling condemned prisoners – including parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru – to a lesser life sentence by delaying decisions on their mercy pleas, Supreme Court rulings suggest.

The apex court has repeatedly held that excessive delay in executing the death penalty, leaving the condemned prisoner to suffer …. Source  : Delay in hanging leads to reduced sentences, show rulings.

30 killed as bus falls in ditch in Karnataka, catches fire

BANGALORE – At least 30 people, including 10 children, were burnt to death early Sunday when the state-run bus they were travelling in fell off a bridge into a ditch and caught fire in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, police said.

The bus was on way to Bangalore from Surpur in Gulbarga district when the accident took [..] Read the original article: here.

17 die in China coal mine blast

BEIJING – Seventeen miners were killed and one was injured in an explosion at a coal mine in central China’s Hunan Province, an official said Sunday.

Dynamite stored at the Shuguang Coal Mine in Rucheng county exploded at about 4 p.m. Saturday, generating huge amounts of toxic gas that killed the miners, said a spokesman with …. Read the original article  : here.

CRPF trooper commits suicide in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – A trooper of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) committed suicide inside his camp in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district Sunday, police said.

The trooper of the 118 battalion of the CRPF committed suicide inside the camp in Gund village of Ganderbal.
“A case has been registered and we are investigating the matter,” a … Read more »»».

Normal service resumes as death toll from train accident in eastern India rises to 145

Death toll from train accident rises to 145
CALCUTTA, India – Normal railway service resumed across an eastern Indian state on Sunday, two days after a train accident blamed on Maoist rebels that killed 145 people, officials said.
Thirteen cars from a high-speed passenger train derailed and then were hit by an oncoming cargo train …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BP turns to next attempt to stop gushing oil in Gulf of Mexico after top kill fails

BP turns to next attempt after top kill fails
ROBERT, La. – Yet another mix of risky undersea robot maneuvers, containment devices and longshot odds is being prepared to fight the uncontrolled gusher feeding the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
Six weeks after the catastrophe began, oil giant BP PLC is still …. Read the original article  : BP turns to next attempt to stop gushing oil in Gulf of Mexico after top kill fails.

Fire in Delhi building, no casualty

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out early Sunday in a three-storeyed building in north-east Delhi. No one was injured in the incident, officials said.

“A fire started around 3 a.m. on the third floor of a building in Seelampur area. Twenty fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately. The fire was doused within an …. Source  : Fire in Delhi building, no casualty.

Authorities say 17 miners killed in explosion at coal mine in central China

17 miners killed in central China mine blast

BEIJING – Seventeen miners were killed by a dynamite explosion at a coal mine in central China, authorities said Sunday.
Another worker was injured in the explosion Saturday at the coal mine in Chenzhou city in Hunan province, said a duty officer surnamed Zhang at the State Administration of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Authorities say 17 miners killed in explosion at coal mine in central China.

Chinese premier says tension over Korea ship sinking must be defused, avoids backing UN action

China premier: Korean tensions must be defused
SEOGWIPO, South Korea – China’s premier said Sunday that tensions over the sinking of a South Korean warship urgently need to be defused, but did not join other key nations in blaming longtime ally North Korea and gave no indication he would support U.N. sanctions.
Premier Wen Jiabao’s …. Original article  : Chinese premier says tension over Korea ship sinking must be defused, avoids backing UN action.

Four of a family murdered in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD – In a gruesome incident here, four members of a family were murdered by their son-in-law and his relatives early Sunday, police said.

Six assailants hacked to death four people in a house at Premnagar in Amberpet neighbourhood. Another person sustained serious injuries and is battling for life in hospital, police said.
Qamruddin, his wife …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dalit killed for demanding wages

BHOPAL – A Dalit in a Madhya Pradesh village only wanted payment of wages due to him — but what he got was death. Mason Ramesh Jatav was allegedly killed after he demanded Rs.4,000 for the work he had done for farmer Shriram Lodhi, police Sunday said.

Thirty-eight-year-old Jatav was killed in Shivpuri district Friday night … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dalit killed for demanding wages.

Peru shipwreck toll rises to 21

Lima, May 30 (IANS/EFE) Peruvian authorities have recovered 21 bodies from a ferry that sank in the Amazon River near the border with Colombia, while the number of confirmed survivors stands at 161, an official said.

The Camila, said to have been carrying more than 200 people, sank at around 2.40 a.m. Wednesday near the Indian … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Peru shipwreck toll rises to 21.

Venezuela nabs Colombian drug lord

Caracas, May 30 (IANS/EFE) Colombian Carlos Ojeda Herrera, wanted in the US on heroin-trafficking charges, was arrested in the northern Venezuelan state of Anzoategui, said Interior Minister Tarek El Aissami.

“President Hugo Chavez has issued an order to inform US authorities immediately about this arrest and proceed with his immediate deportation,” El Aissami told state-run VTV …. Original source  : Venezuela nabs Colombian drug lord.

Agatha’s torrential rains pound Guatemala, killing at least 12

Agatha leaves at least 12 dead in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY – Torrential rains brought by the first tropical storm of the 2010 season pounded Guatemala and southern Mexico, triggering deadly landslides. The death toll stood at 12 early Sunday but authorities said the number could rise.
Agatha made landfall near the border of Guatemala and Mexico on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Agatha’s torrential rains pound Guatemala, killing at least 12.

Vt. Yankee official: Leak of radioactive water found at nuke plant, fixed, no public threat

Radioactive leak found, fixed at Vt. nuke plant

MONTPELIER, Vt. – A new leak of radioactive material has been found and fixed at the troubled Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, officials said Saturday.
Vapor and water containing 13 different radioactive substances was found late Friday coming from a pipe in a hole workers dug to find the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vt. Yankee official: Leak of radioactive water found at nuke plant, fixed, no public threat.

Media reports say more than 30 people killed in bus accident in southern India

Reports say 30 people killed in India bus accident

NEW DELHI – More than 30 people, including 10 children, were killed when a bus hit a police barricade, flipped over and was engulfed in flames in southern India early Sunday, news reports said.
At least 28 others were injured, some seriously, when the vehicle’s fuel tank caught … Original article on : Media reports say more than 30 people killed in bus accident in southern India.

30 killed in Karnataka bus accident

BANGALORE – At least 30 people, including 10 children, were charred to death when the bus they were travelling in fell into a roadside pit and caught fire in the early hours of Sunday in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, police said.

The bus was on the way to Bangalore from Surpur in Gulbarga district when it hit … Read : 30 killed in Karnataka bus accident.

A reformed convict’s poems give birth to play

SHIMLA – Put behind bars for nine years for rape, Sudhir Sharma underwent the agony of prison life – an emotional journey that found vent in 153 poems. Written on bits of paper and handed over to an NGO each time, the reformed convict’s poems will now be staged as a play in Shimla.

The … Original article on : A reformed convict’s poems give birth to play.

BP’s top kill failed to seal oil gusher

WASHINGTON – British Petroleum (BP) failed to seal off the oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico after three days of trying the so-called top kill effort, BP chief operating officer Doug Suttles has said.

The growing ecological disaster – the largest marine oil spill in US history – entered its 40th day Saturday even as …. Original article  : BP’s top kill failed to seal oil gusher.

Chinese premier says avoiding conflict in the Koreas is most urgent

Chinese premier: avoiding Korean conflict urgent
SEOGWIPO, South Korea – China’s premier said Sunday that avoiding conflict between the Koreas over the sinking of a warship is most urgent, but did not express support for a bid by South Korea and Japan to condemn North Korea at the United Nations for allegedly carrying out … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chinese premier says avoiding conflict in the Koreas is most urgent.