Police say suicide bomber kills 2 civilians in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat Valley

Suicide bomber kills 2 in Pakistan’s Swat Valley

MINGORA, Pakistan – A suicide bomber blew himself up in a busy market area in the main city in Pakistan’s Swat Valley on Saturday, killing two civilians in the northwestern region wrested from the Taliban last year, police said.
Senior police official Qazi Ghulam Farooq said six others were … Original article on : Police say suicide bomber kills 2 civilians in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat Valley.

Trudge for the Roses? Wet forecast swings door wide open for another upset at Kentucky Derby

Weather deals Kentucky Derby latest wild card

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Get ready for the Trudge for the Roses.
Rain is threatening to turn Churchill Downs into a soggy mess for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, the latest wild card in a week full of them.
The National Weather Service is calling for highs in the mid-70s and a 100 percent … Read more >>>.

Major oil spill was deemed ‘unlikely’ in BP environmental study for Gulf well that exploded

BP plan deemed major spill from Gulf well unlikely
MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER – The worst U.S. oil spill in decades reached into precious shoreline habitat along the Gulf Coast as documents emerged showing British Petroleum downplayed the possibility of a catastrophic accident at the offshore rig that exploded.
BP suggested in … Read more »»».

Madhuri Gupta says she is being framed (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Madhuri Gupta, a junior Indian diplomat arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), told a court here Saturday that she was being framed, police sources said.

Gupta was sent to 14 days judicial custody by Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja. The police were told to present Gupta before the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Madhuri Gupta says she is being framed (Second Lead).

Cop kills two relatives over property dispute

LUCKNOW – A policeman Saturday shot dead two of his relatives over a property dispute in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, officials said.

Constable Om Prakash, in his late 30s, gunned down his father-in-law and co-brother after an altercation in Harpur village, some 300 km from here.
Police have set up teams to nab Prakash, who escaped … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cop kills two relatives over property dispute.

Goods train derails in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Seven wagons of a goods train derailed near the Orissa-Andhra Pradesh border early Saturday, affecting rail services in the region, an official said.

The accident occurred at 5.45 a.m. between Pundi and Palasa stations, said Murlidhar Sahu, an East Coast Railway spokesman. No casualties were reported.
Several long-distance trains were stranded at different stations …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Killing of Ganges River Dolphins upsets Jairam Ramesh

PATNA – The killing of Ganges river dolphins in Bihar by suspected poachers has upset Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, who has directed the state government to take adequate measures to protect the endangered species.

Four Ganges dolphins were Thursday killed by suspected poachers on the banks of the river here. An autopsy revealed that … Original article on : Killing of Ganges River Dolphins upsets Jairam Ramesh.

105 immigrants arrested near Mexico border

Tucson (Arizona), May 1 (IANS/EFE) US Border Patrol personnel have arrested 105 immigrants near the Mexico-Arizona border, officials said.

Most of the illegal immigrants were Mexicans and Central Americans, officials of the Border Patrol said Friday.
They had been arrested Wednesday after the patrol detected three groups of immigrants, using a mobile camera surveillance system, near [..] Read the original article: here.

Youth dies after swallowing fish

BHUBANESWAR – A 23-year-old man died in Orissa after accidentally swallowing a fish, police said Saturday.

Udhaba Munda, a resident of Tangarani village in Keonjhar district, some 250 km from here, went to the pond Friday to catch fish.
“He caught a fish and held it in his mouth, and went to catch another fish. However, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Youth dies after swallowing fish.

Police say bomb kills at least 2 people in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat Valley

Bomb kills 2 people in Pakistan’s Swat Valley

MINGORA, Pakistan – A powerful bomb ripped through a busy market area in the main city in Pakistan’s Swat Valley on Saturday, killing at least two people in the area that the army wrested back from the Taliban last year, police said.
Senior police official Qazi Ghulam Farooq said [..] Read the original article: here.

Sikh woman killed her babies before dying: Canadian police

TORONTO – A young Sikh woman found dead along with her three small children in Calgary in October killed the babies herself, according to investigations by Canadian police.

Harsimrat Kahlon, 27, and the babies were found dead in their apartment Oct 5 when the woman’s partner called the police.
The Chandigarh-born woman died due to childbirth …. Read the original article  : Sikh woman killed her babies before dying: Canadian police.

US cops get desk duty for beating Chinese diplomat

WASHINGTON – Three American police officers have been restricted to desk duty after they chased a Chinese diplomat, arrested and handcuffed him in Houston, media reports said Saturday.

The officers will be on desk duty until the investigation into the arrest and injury caused to China’s Deputy Consular Boren Yu is completed, Houston Mayor Annise Parker …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official: 1 dead, about 2 dozen injured as tornadoes rip through Ark., destroy several homes

Official: 1 dead, 2 dozen hurt in Ark. tornadoes

CLINTON, Ark. – Tornadoes ripping through central Arkansas killed at least one person and injured about two dozen others Friday, and more bad weather was possible Saturday, authorities said.
The death was reported in Van Buren County – about 75 miles north of Little Rock – where at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Official: 1 dead, about 2 dozen injured as tornadoes rip through Ark., destroy several homes.

Updated: Bobmb kills three people, fifteen injured in Swat, Pakistan

Pakistan, Islamabad: Three people were killed and fifteen other hurt in Swat as a result of a bomb blast in a busy market of Suhrab Khan Chowk.

Police have confirmed a dozen people got multiple injuries and were taken to nearby hospital in Saido Shareef. Initially there have been no reports of causalities, however, [..] Read the original article: here.

Blast hurts ten people in Swat, Pakistan; Police arrests would be suicide bomber

Pakistan, Islamabad: Ten people have been hurt in Swat as a result of a bomb blast in a busy market of Suhrab Khan Chowk.

Police have confirmed a dozen people got multiple injuries and were taken to nearby hospital in Saido Shareef. Initially there have been no reports of causalities, however, police source said some of … Read more »»».

Roadside bomb wounds 4 policemen, 3 civilians in southwestern Pakistan

Roadside bomb wounds 7 in southwestern Pakistan

QUETTA, Pakistan – Police say a roadside bomb has exploded near a police vehicle in southwestern Pakistan, wounding 7 people.
Police official Ghulam Nabi says Saturday’s attack happened in the city of Quetta, and it wounded four officers and three civilians.
No one claimed responsibility, but authorities have blamed ethnic Baluch … Original source on Gaea Times at : Roadside bomb wounds 4 policemen, 3 civilians in southwestern Pakistan.

6.0 quakes rumble under Bering Sea; no tsunami risk, too far from land to be felt

6.0 quakes rumble under Bering Sea off Alaska

PALMER, Alaska – Two strong earthquakes rumbled Friday under the Bering Sea off Alaska, but officials say they posed no tsunami risk and were too far from land to be felt.
David Hale at the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer says a 6.0-magniitude quake struck [..] Read the original article: here.

Officials: 1 dead, 35 injured after tornadoes rip through Arkansas, destroy at least 3 homes

Officials: 1 dead, 35 hurt in Arkansas tornadoes

CLINTON, Ark. – Tornadoes ripping through central Arkansas on Friday killed at least one person, injured nearly three dozen others and destroyed several homes, authorities said.
The death was reported in Van Buren County – about 75 miles north of Little Rock – where three mobile homes were destroyed, …. Source article  : Officials: 1 dead, 35 injured after tornadoes rip through Arkansas, destroy at least 3 homes.

Madhuri Gupta sent to 14 days judicial custody

NEW DELHI – Madhuri Gupta, a junior Indian diplomat arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), was Saturday sent by a court here to 14 days judicial custody.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja asked the Special Cell of Delhi Police to present Gupta, 53, in the court on May 15.
“We wanted … Read more >>.

Two youths held with fake currency

CHANDIGARH – Chandigarh Police arrested two youths from well-off families and recovered counterfeit currency totalling nearly Rs.20,000 from them, authorities said Saturday.

Amardeep Singh, 25, and Pargatjot Singh, 23, were arrested Friday night. They belong to Amritsar city.
“They were walking towards Sector 42. On seeing the police, they started running, raising our suspicion,” investigating officer …. Original source  : Two youths held with fake currency.

BP chairman rejects charges of lax safety, blames “failed” equipment for massive oil spill

BP chief: failed equipment caused explosion, spill

WASHINGTON – BP’s chairman is rejecting criticism that his company’s safety record played a role in the drilling rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lamar McKay is putting the blame on “a failed piece of equipment.”
He tells ABC’s “This Week” that he doesn’t know how much …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : BP chairman rejects charges of lax safety, blames “failed” equipment for massive oil spill.

Vendor who alerted police to car bomb in Times Square says he feels like he dodged bullet

Vendor tells of alerting NYC police to car bomb

NEW YORK – A street vendor who says he saw the smoking SUV parked with a bomb near New York City’s Times Square feels like he dodged a bullet.
Duane Jackson tells The Associated Press he saw the Nissan Pathfinder parked in a no-standing zone at about 6:30 … Read : Vendor who alerted police to car bomb in Times Square says he feels like he dodged bullet.

Two killed over poll-related enmity in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL – A district Panchayat member and his brother-in-law were shot dead from point blank range by their political rivals in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhattarpur district, police said Sunday. Twelve people have been arrested for the attack.

“District Panchayat member Mahendra Patel was returning home with his brother-in-law Gopal Patel Saturday night,” Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) … Read more : Two killed over poll-related enmity in Madhya Pradesh.

Interior secretary says environmental impact of Gulf oil spill could be ‘grave scenario’

Salazar calls Gulf outlook ‘grave scenario’

WASHINGTON – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the potential environmental outlook for the Gulf Coast oil spill is “a very grave scenario.”
He tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that it could take three months before workers attain what he calls the “ultimate solution” to stopping the leak – drilling a relief …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Interior secretary says environmental impact of Gulf oil spill could be ‘grave scenario’.

Gang selling cattle meat in Delhi busted

NEW DELHI – Three people have been arrested for selling, transporting and slaughtering of cattle in south Delhi, police said Sunday.

Idrish Ahmed, 36, Shahnawaz, 20, and Zahid Ahmed, 19, residents of Bijnour district, Uttar Pradesh were apprehended while they were transporting cattle meat in a pick-up truck April 28.
“We apprehended three people April 28 … Read more >>.

Napolitano: Authorities recover evidence from NY car bomb, seen as potential terrorist attack

Official: evidence recovered from NY car bomb

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says authorities are recovering evidence from the car bomb discovered at New York’s Time Square.
She tells NBC’S “Meet the Press” that officials are treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack. She says it’s too soon to tell who’s responsible.
Napolitano says that … Original article on : Napolitano: Authorities recover evidence from NY car bomb, seen as potential terrorist attack.

Radiation case: Delhi varsity teachers to hold protest

NEW DELHI – Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) will hold a protest on the varsity campus Wednesday seeking an independent probe into the radiation leak in the capital that has killed one person and injured seven, officials said.

The teachers want President Pratibha Patil, who is the visitor of the university, to constitute a committee … Read more : Radiation case: Delhi varsity teachers to hold protest.

Armyman shot dead in gun battle in Uttar Pradesh

BULANDSHAHR – An Indian Army soldier was shot dead in a gun battle with the Uttar Pradesh police in Bulandshahr district of the state, police said Sunday. However, the armyman’s father alleged the gun battle was “faked”.

The police said the soldier, who was later identified as Kuldeep Singh – a soldier in Rajputana Rifles posted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Armyman shot dead in gun battle in Uttar Pradesh.

Obama heads to Louisiana for firsthand assessment of Gulf oil spill, talk to local officials

Obama travels to Gulf on Sunday for spill update

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama awaited a firsthand update Sunday on the Gulf Coast oil spill and efforts to contain the environmental damage, and two members of his Cabinet hit the talk show circuit as the administration tried to counter criticism it had reacted slowly to the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Crews weld metal collar hoping to fix broken pipe that’s cut off clear water in Boston area

Crews race to fix break in Boston’s water supply

BOSTON – Crews welded a replacement metal collar Sunday they hoped would provide a quicker-than-expected fix for a break in a major pipe that cut off the supply of clean water to 2 million people in Boston and its suburbs.
Adding to the pressure was an unseasonably warm … Original article on : Crews weld metal collar hoping to fix broken pipe that’s cut off clear water in Boston area.

Karnataka minister resigns over sexual assault allegations

BANGALORE – Karnataka’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Haratalu Halappa resigned Sunday following a newspaper report that indicated he had allegedly tried to sexually assault his friend’s wife in his home district of Shimoga.

The Kannada daily did not name Halappa but referred to “a minister close to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa”. The report also did …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Karnataka minister resigns over sexual assault allegations.

Bombs target buses carrying Christian university students in Iraq, killing 1 bystander

Bombs target buses of Christian students in Iraq

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi official says two bombs in the northern city of Mosul appeared to target buses carrying Christian students, killing at least one bystander and injuring around 100 others.
The head of the provincial council’s security committee, Abdul-Rahim al-Shammari, says a shop owner in the area was … Read more : Bombs target buses carrying Christian university students in Iraq, killing 1 bystander.

Kenya Landslide Rescue Delayed

NAIROBI, KENYA (GaeaTimes.com)- Western Kenya which had already witnessed a heavy landslide causing eight killings along with massive disaster of property is now experiencing heavy rains. As a matter of fact, the rescue teams which have been deployed in Western Kenya is facing serious difficulties to carry on their rescue activities with the rains … Original article on : Kenya Landslide Rescue Delayed.

Obama sends top aides to Sunday talk shows to counter critics of his response to oil spill

White House moves to blunt criticism on oil spill

WASHINGTON – Moving to blunt criticism that his administration has been slow in reacting to the largest U.S. crude oil spill in decades, President Barack Obama has dispatched two of his Cabinet members to make the rounds of the Sunday talk shows.
Later Sunday, Obama was to fly … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama sends top aides to Sunday talk shows to counter critics of his response to oil spill.

Speeding car turns turtle, four dead in Delhi (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Speed thrills but kills. The time-worn road safety warning came horribly true yet again when four young men driving their car at high speed were killed early Sunday when the vehicle hit an electric pole and overturned near Ansal Plaza in south Delhi, police said.

“All four died on the spot after their … Read more : Speeding car turns turtle, four dead in Delhi (Second Lead).

Car bomb scares, empties Times Square; officials call it ‘amateurish’ but potentially powerful

Car bomb scares Times Square, but fails to explode

NEW YORK – Police found an “amateurish” but potentially powerful bomb that apparently began to detonate but did not explode in a smoking sport utility vehicle in Times Square, authorities said Sunday. Thousands of tourists were cleared from the streets for 10 hours while the bomb was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Car bomb scares, empties Times Square; officials call it ‘amateurish’ but potentially powerful.

Streets reopen in New York’s Times Square after car that bomb was found in is removed

Times Square streets reopen after car bomb found

NEW YORK – The streets in New York’s Times Square have reopened after police removed a Nissan Pathfinder in which a bomb was found.
Police found the device in the smoking sport utility vehicle on Saturday evening. They then cleared the streets of tourists and dismantled it. The vehicle …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Streets reopen in New York’s Times Square after car that bomb was found in is removed.

Small fire spreads smoke at US Embassy in Pakistan before being extinguished, no one hurt

Small fire spreads smoke at US Embassy in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A spokesman says a small fire briefly broke out on the first floor of the U.S. Embassy building in the Pakistani capital.
No one was hurt, and the fire was quickly extinguished.
Embassy spokesman Rick Snelsire in Islamabad says the fire broke out at 1 p.m. Sunday … Read more »»».

Armyman killed in gun battle with Uttar Pradesh police

BULANDSHAHR – An Indian Army soldier was shot dead in a gun battle with the Uttar Pradesh Police after he robbed a car in this district, police said Sunday.

Two men robbed a Mathura resident’s car in the wee hours of Saturday in Bulandshahr district of western Uttar Pradesh, police said.
The car owner informed the … Read : Armyman killed in gun battle with Uttar Pradesh police.

One hurt as roof of Delhi building falls

NEW DELHI – A 40-year old labourer was injured when the roof of a building being demolished fell on him in Munirka village of south Delhi, police said Sunday.

“The injured labourer, identified as Gopi Chand, is a resident of Rajasthan. He has been admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital,” a police officer told IANS.
The building … Read this article on Gaea Times at : One hurt as roof of Delhi building falls.

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.

Iraqi officials: Bombs kill 8, wound dozens in explosions south of Baghdad

Double-bombing kills 8, injures dozens
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security officials say a double bombing has killed at least eight Iraqi civilians and wounded at least 28 others.

The Monday explosions – one in a parked car and the other planted along a road – happened in Suwayrah, 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Baghdad.
An Iraqi Interior Ministry …. Source  : Iraqi officials: Bombs kill 8, wound dozens in explosions south of Baghdad.

Golf balls, tires may halt US oil spill

WASHINGTON – Golf balls and shredded tires may be the latest solution to stop the leak from the oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, a media report said Monday.

“The next tactic is going to be something they call a junk shot,” The Miami Herald quoted US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen as saying.
“They’re …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Golf balls, tires may halt US oil spill.

7 highway robbers held in Punjab

PATIALA – Punjab Police Monday claimed to have busted a gang of highway robbers with the arrest of seven men here.

Pistols, sharp edged weapons and various parts of trucks like tyres and alloyed wheels worth Rs.38 lakh were also recovered from their possession Sunday night. The gang particularly targeted trucks and heavy vehicles …. Original article  : 7 highway robbers held in Punjab.

Man dressed as ‘Snoopy’ arrested while breaking into prison

LONDON – A man was arrested in Britain as he tried to break into a prison to free an inmate while dressed as Snoopy, a character from comic strip Peanuts.

Thesun.co.uk reported Monday that jail workers were stunned when confronted by the Peanuts character waving a gun. When the man dressed as Snoopy and an … Original article on : Man dressed as ‘Snoopy’ arrested while breaking into prison.

Blast at Malayalam film shoot sparks fresh row

IDUKKI – An explosion occurred early Monday at a film shoot near here damaging two vehicles, police said, triggering a war of words within the faction-ridden Malayalam film industry.

The blast took place at a hotel at Kuttikanam. The damaged vehicles belonged to the crew of the film “Atmakatha”, which stars popular actor Sreenivasan and … Original article on : Blast at Malayalam film shoot sparks fresh row.

Iraqi officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad appearing to target police, military

Officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad

BAGHDAD – At least 10 people were killed on Monday in what appears to be a coordinated attack across the Iraqi capital targeting police and army personnel, Iraqi officials said.
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, the attacks seemed to be a deliberate attempt by insurgents to prove …. Original source  : Iraqi officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad appearing to target police, military.

Traffic police to clear beggar hazards from Delhi roads

NEW DELHI – The Delhi traffic police have been given a new responsibility–to clear the capital’s roads of beggars and vagabonds who often pose a traffic hazard.

The Delhi government’s social welfare department will also be involved in this initiative, Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg said.
“Initially we will only concentrate on select …. Read the original article  : Traffic police to clear beggar hazards from Delhi roads.

Woman admits to using 12-year-old daughter as sex worker

MELBOURNE – An Australian woman Monday pleaded guilty to using her 12-year-old daughter as a sex worker.

The 41-year-old woman, who was herself sexually abused when she was a child, has admitted to being the commercial operator of a sexual services business, ABC News reported.
She broke down as the charges were read in Hobart’s Supreme … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman admits to using 12-year-old daughter as sex worker.

South Korean defense chief confirms explosive chemical found in sunken ship’s wreckage

South Korea confirms RDX found in ship wreckage

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s defense minister confirmed Monday that traces of an explosive chemical substance used to make torpedoes were found in the wreckage of a naval ship that sank near the border with North Korea.
The 1,200-ton Cheonan went down in the Yellow Sea on March [..] Read the original article: here.

Scientists fear Gulf oil spill could deal lethal blow to already weakened coastal wetlands

Oil spill threatens already weakened wetlands

SHELL BEACH, La. – Battered by hurricanes, weakened by erosion and flood-control projects, the sprawling wetlands that nurture Gulf of Mexico marine life and buffer coastal cites from storm surges now face another stern test as a monster oil slick creeps ever closer.
About 40 percent of the nation’s coastal wetlands … Read more >>>.

Sandbagging to begin to block oil blobs along La. beaches; plan to stop Gulf gusher elusive

Sandbags to try to block oil blobs in Louisiana

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Icy slush foiled plans to use a giant box to contain the uncontrolled oil gusher in the Gulf, leaving BP pondering an alternate solution at sea, while on land, helicopters were expected to drop sandbags in Louisiana to guard against thick … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sandbagging to begin to block oil blobs along La. beaches; plan to stop Gulf gusher elusive.

Modi gets till May 15 to file chargesheet reply

NEW DELHI – Lalit Modi, the suspended chairman and commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has got more time to submit his reply to the chargesheet against him after Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar acceded to his request.

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Monday agreed to give Modi time to …. Source  : Modi gets till May 15 to file chargesheet reply.

At least 30 killed in Russia mine blasts

Moscow, May 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 30 people have been killed in blasts at a coal mine in West Siberia, Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.

“As of present, 30 people have died and 60 people, whose fate is unknown, remain in the mine. We are continuing the search,” the minister told journalists. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : At least 30 killed in Russia mine blasts.

Death toll in Russian coal mine blasts rises to 30, with 60 still trapped underground

Death toll in Russian mine blasts hits 30
MEZHDURECHENSK, Russia – The death toll from two explosions in Russia’s largest underground coal mine rose to 30 on Monday, with about 60 people still trapped, the government official heading the rescue operation said.

Emergency Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the news at a briefing after rescue workers were able …. Original article  : Death toll in Russian coal mine blasts rises to 30, with 60 still trapped underground.

Bihar MP’s aide, wife shot dead

PATNA – An aide of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Umashankar Singh and his wife were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar’s Chapra town, police said Monday.

Janarddhan Singh and his wife were killed Sunday night while they were at home, an official said.
Police have lodged a case and investigations are on, he added. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bihar MP’s aide, wife shot dead.

Mexico extradites former governor to US

Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) A former governor of a Mexican state has been extradited to the US on drug and money laundering charges.

Former Quintana Roo state governor Mario Villanueva Madrid, who was arrested in 2001 on a money laundering conviction, was handed over to US authorities Saturday night.
The former top official had allowed … Read more »»».

7-year-old shot dead in Mexico

Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) A seven-year-old boy was shot in the head while 14 other people were killed in drug-related violence in Mexico, officials said.

The boy was among nine people murdered Saturday in Ciudad Juarez, the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office said Sunday.
Police also found the bullet-riddled bodies of five men inside a car …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two killed in US plane crash

SAN FRANCISCO – A single-engine plane crashed Sunday in northern California in the US, killing both of the people on board, Xinhua reported.

The Piper Cherokee went down in rough terrain at about 10: 50 a.m. at a site about 8 km near the Livermore Municipal Airport.
Ian Gregor, a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NTSB says no engine alarms sounded before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people

NTSB: No engine alarms before NY ferry dock crash

NEW YORK – Federal investigators say no engine alarms sounded on a New York City ferry before it crashed into a pier, injuring dozens of people.
National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt says investigators have interviewed the Staten Island ferry’s chief engineer and some of the crew …. Read the original article  : NTSB says no engine alarms sounded before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people.

NTSB: 2 engines lost but no alarms before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people

NTSB: 2 engines lost before NY ferry dock crash

NEW YORK – Federal investigators say two engines on a Staten Island ferry had stopped working before it slammed into a pier but no engine alarms sounded.
A National Transportation Safety Board team says it determined the ferry’s two forward engines facing the Staten Island dock had stopped … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NTSB: 2 engines lost but no alarms before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people.

US missile barrage targets militant stronghold in NW Pakistan, 14 alleged insurgents killed

Missile barrage kills 14 in Pakistan tribal area

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Up to 18 American missiles slammed into a Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan close to the Afghan border Tuesday, killing 14 alleged insurgents in the third such strike since a failed car bombing in New York drew fresh attention to the region, officials said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign …. Source  : US missile barrage targets militant stronghold in NW Pakistan, 14 alleged insurgents killed.

Rapid social change led to kid-stabbing spree in China

BEIJING – Stress brought about by rapid social changes created tension and caused mental illness which led attackers in China stab over 60 schoolchildren in a string of knife attacks in less than two months, experts have said.

There has been five attacks against kindergarten and primary schoolchildren in China since late March, one of which … Read : Rapid social change led to kid-stabbing spree in China.

Families of 17,921 missing face painful milestone 2 years after China’s devastating earthquake

17,921 still ‘missing’ 2 years after China quake

BEIJING – Wednesday marks the second anniversary of China’s worst disaster in a generation, the Sichuan earthquake – and a painful milestone for the families of the 17,921 people still recorded as missing.
Chinese law says relatives can apply two years after a disaster to have their loved ones … Read : Families of 17,921 missing face painful milestone 2 years after China’s devastating earthquake.

Teacher accused of rape used sex toys on victims

MELBOURNE – A music schoolteacher who raped and sexually abused nine children in Australia had spy cameras installed in his house and used sex toys on his victims, a court was told Tuesday.

Colin Harold Doo, 51, pleaded guilty at the Supreme Court here to 36 charges including 12 counts of committing indecent acts in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes, hail hit Southern Plains, flattening homes, toppling cars

5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes hit Plains

NORMAN, Okla. – Violent storms that tore through the southern Plains killed five people and injured dozens more, leaving behind flattened homes, toppled semitrailers and downed power lines.
Several tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma and Kansas on Monday as the storms moved through the area, dumping hail as big … Read : 5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes, hail hit Southern Plains, flattening homes, toppling cars.

Goods train derails, hits another train

LUCKNOW – Rail traffic was hit on the busy Jhansi-Delhi route as several wagons and the engine of a goods train derailed and hit another freight train in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district Tuesday, officials said.

“There are no reports of any casualty or injury,” Jhansi Divisional Railway Manager Ashok Gupta told reporters. The accident took place … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Goods train derails, hits another train.

Indian killed while visiting relatives in Nepal

KATHMANDU – An Indian man was shot dead by unidentified attackers in western Nepal while visiting his relatives, police said.

Israeli Ansari had come from India’s Uttar Pradesh state to visit relatives in Nepal’s Nawalparasi district.
The 40-year-old, who was staying in a guesthouse, died Tuesday morning after being shot by two men who fled on … Read more : Indian killed while visiting relatives in Nepal.

Companies pointing fingers at each other as Senate begins hearings on the Gulf oil spill

Senate hearings prompting spill blame game
WASHINGTON – The blame game is in full throttle as Congress begins hearings on the massive oil spill threatening sensitive marshes and marine life along the Gulf Coast.
Executives of the three companies involved in the drilling activities that unleashed the environmental crisis are trying to shift responsibility to …. Source  : Companies pointing fingers at each other as Senate begins hearings on the Gulf oil spill.

Oil spill causes anxiety for Gulf Coast beach trips while SE beaches look for new business

SE beaches look to woo tourists in oil spill limbo

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Daydreams of beach sunsets have been replaced by anxious Internet checks for many vacationers headed to the Gulf Coast, while hotel clerks there are busy answering calls about a massive oil spill and whether – just maybe – there’s a shot at a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil spill causes anxiety for Gulf Coast beach trips while SE beaches look for new business.

Oklahoma Tornado 2010 Update: Death Toll Rises

OKLAHOMA (GaeaTimes.com) — At least twenty-two tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma city snatching 5 lives and leaving thousands injured. According to sources, two people were killed in Oklahoma City and three were killed in Cleveland County. The death toll is apprehended to climb.
It was the most powerful and furious tornado of the decades that left …. Read the original article  : here.

Bombing toll rises in southern Iraq city of Basra, bringing total dead across nation to 114

Toll for devastating Iraq attacks rises to 114

BAGHDAD – The toll for a triple bombing in Iraq’s southern city of Basra has risen to 30, a morgue official said Tuesday, bringing to 114 the number of people killed across the country the day before, the deadliest in Iraq so far this year.
The medical official at … Read more >>>.

Man who killed two in China stabbing spree arrested

BEIJING – A Chinese man who killed two women and injured seven children with a knife and an axe in Shaanxi province has been arrested, officials said Tuesday.

The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Song Lirong, a native of Songjiapo village in Shaanxi, had quarrelled with his wife, prompting her to leave for her parents’ home, Xue … Read more »»».

‘Humanitarian convoys smuggled weapons in Bosnia war’

The Hague, May 11 (IANS/AKI) Humanitarian convoys were used to smuggle weapons to Muslims during the Bosnia war from 1992-95, Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, accused of genocide and war crimes, has told the UN Yugoslav war crimes tribunal.

“Everything was smuggled through these convoys – weapons, military equipment, cameras, food,” Karadzic said Monday, while cross-examining … Original article on : ‘Humanitarian convoys smuggled weapons in Bosnia war’.

Two students electrocuted in Bihar school

PATNA – Two students of a government high school were electrocuted and three seriously injured in Bihar Tuesday when they were asked to repair a handpump by the principal, police said.

The incident took place at the school in Saran district, about 100 km from here, when about six students were repairing a handpump following the … Read more »»».

Russia, UAE offer help in tackling oil spill

Washington, May 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered their assistance in tackling the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Department of State has said.

“Regarding the Deep Water Horizon oil spill… we received two additional offers of assistance which we are grateful for from the United Arab … Original article on : Russia, UAE offer help in tackling oil spill.

Official says torrential rains, flooding kill 70 in southern China

Floods kill 70 in southern China
BEIJING – Torrential rains caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon have swept across parts of southern China, toppling homes, destroying crops and killing at least 70 people, state media reported Tuesday. More flooding was expected.

Flooding caused by the heavy rains – which started a month earlier than normal – …. Original article  : Official says torrential rains, flooding kill 70 in southern China.

Mexican drug cartel got access to secret US reports

Mexico City, May 11 (IANS/EFE) A drug cartel in Mexico got access to key information about anti-drug operations conducted by Mexican police and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, a media report has said.

The Sinaloa cartel led by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman knew, at least until May 2009, “details about investigations being conducted by the navy … Read more >>>.

2 tractor-trailer drivers hauling ice cream, refrigerators die in 5-vehicle Pa. crash

2 truck drivers die in 5-vehicle Pa. highway crash

ALUM BANK, Pa. – A five-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailers hauling ice cream and refrigerators in western Pennsylvania has left two people dead.
State police in Bedford County say the crash happened Monday morning on a highway in West St. Clair Township. They say both truck drivers died.
Investigators say …. Original source  : 2 tractor-trailer drivers hauling ice cream, refrigerators die in 5-vehicle Pa. crash.

36 students injured in school bus accident

LUCKNOW – At least 36 students were injured, six of them critically, when their school bus skidded off a road and fell into a deep gorge in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar district, police said Tuesday.

The accident took place Tuesday morning when the bus carrying students of Radiant Central Children’s Academy fell into the gorge in … Read more »»».

Drug consumption highest among Colombian students

BOGOTA – Colombian university students make the largest community among drug consumers in the Andean region of South America, a new study has found.

With regard to marijuana, 26.7 percent of Colombians said they tried it at least once, compared with 11.5 percent of Ecuadoreans, nine percent of Peruvian and 7.6 percent of Bolivian.
In cocaine …. Read the original article  : Drug consumption highest among Colombian students.

Officials say time is running out for 30 still missing in Russian mine blast the killed 60

Time running out for 30 missing in Russian mine

MEZHDURECHENSK, Russia – Rescuers struggling through the blast-shattered corridors of a Siberian coal mine have nearly reached the last area where any of 30 missing miners could still be found alive, Russia’s Emergencies Minister said Wednesday.
But little time remains for the potential rescue of anyone still alive … Read more »».

Plane with 104 on board crashes in Libya, European Parliament says about 100 dead

Libyan plane with 104 on board crashes in Tripoli

CAIRO – A Libyan Afriqiyah Airways plane with 104 people on board crashed on landing Wednesday at the airport in the capital Tripoli and the head of European Parliament said about 100 people died while an 8-year-old child survived.
Libyan state television showed a large field scattered with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Plane with 104 on board crashes in Libya, European Parliament says about 100 dead.

Indian kills father in Nepal after Mumbai dreams turn sour

KATHMANDU – A young man from Uttar Pradesh pursued his father to Nepal and killed him in broad daylight after his Mumbai dreams turned sour.

Babloo Ansari, the son of a tailor in India’s Maharajgunj district close to the Nepal border, was arrested by Nepal police in Nawalparasi district across the border Tuesday when he tried …. Read the original article  : Indian kills father in Nepal after Mumbai dreams turn sour.

Illegal mobile phone towers get sealed

NEW DELHI – Authorities Wednesday sealed illegally erected mobile phone towers in the Indian capital.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) first sealed two towers in Chittaranjan Park and followed it up with two more in nearby Govindpuri area in south Delhi.
“In Delhi’s central zone alone, we plan to seal about 20 unauthorized … Read more »».

Libyan Plane Crash: 100 People Feared Died

TRIPOLI (GaeaTimes.com) — Atleast 100 people are believed to be dead in an air crash in Tripoli airport Wednesday. Afriqiyah Airways has confirmed that flight 8U771 crashed on landing in the Libyan capital of Tripoli at around 04:00 UTC (0600AM local time). The Libyan Airways plane had 104 people on board.
While 100 people are …. Original source  : Libyan Plane Crash: 100 People Feared Died.

Surender Koli gets death for Nithari killing

GHAZIABAD – Surender Koli, convicted for the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti from Noida’s Nithari village, was Wednesday sentenced to death by a special court here.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special judge A.K. Singh said Koli was to be hanged till death.
On May 4, the court had convicted Koli of the rape and …. Original article  : Surender Koli gets death for Nithari killing.

In the rush to driller ever deeper, oil companies face monumental risks to reap benefits

Rush to drill deeper carries added risks
NEW ORLEANS – The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig illustrates the energy industry’s push to drill ever deeper in search of huge oil deposits, despite the mammoth risks and unique challenges associated with exploration in such a hostile environment.

The lure of the deep is driven by technological …. Source article  : In the rush to driller ever deeper, oil companies face monumental risks to reap benefits.

Chhattisgarh coalmine toll rises to 11

RAIPUR – The toll in a blast-hit coalmine in Chhattisgarh rose to 11 Wednesday with the recovery of the bodies of two trapped miners, a senior official said.

“Rescuers recovered bodies of two miners at the coalmine, taking the toll to 11,” Alok Awasthi, district collector of Koriya district, told IANS on phone.
There was … Read more »».

Plane crashes in Tripoli with 104 on board (Second Lead)

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – An Afriqiyah Airways passenger plane carrying 104 people crashed Wednesday at the Libyan capital Tripoli, the state-owned airline said.

The Airbus 330 plane was on a regular flight from Johannesburg, South Africa when it crashed while landing.
After initial reports had given the number on board as 105, the airline later put the figure …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Plane crashes in Tripoli with 104 on board (Second Lead).

Over 100 die in Libya plane crash (Third Lead)

TRIPOLI/DUBAI – More than 100 people were killed when an Afriqiyah Airways plane with 104 passengers and crew crashed Wednesday in the Libyan capital Tripoli, media reports said.

The plane went down in the Tripoli airport, BBC quoted Libyan officials as saying. The airline said on its website that Flight 8U771 had an accident while landing …. Read the original article  : here.

Dutch girl survives Tripoli crash

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – A nine-year-old Dutch girl survived Wednesday’s crash of an Afriqiyah Airways plane, a Tripoli airport spokesman said.

The Airbus A330 plane with 105 people on board had started at Johannesburg and crashed while landing. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dutch girl survives Tripoli crash.

Federal safety agency gets judge’s permission to test gas meter from Conn. power plant blast

Fed agency can test gas meter from Conn. explosion

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – A Connecticut judge has ordered police to let a federal safety board examine a gas-detection meter salvaged from the site of a fatal power plant explosion.
Middletown Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg’s order Tuesday also requires the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to … Read more : Federal safety agency gets judge’s permission to test gas meter from Conn. power plant blast.

Gulf oil spill could hurt aquatic species in Mexico, even though slick expected to stay away

Gulf spill threatens Mexico turtles, other species

MEXICO CITY – Mexico is weighing legal action against BP PLC over the massive Gulf oil spill that threatens to harm turtles and other wildlife migrating between the waters of the U.S. and Mexico.
The black stain has not reached Mexico’s coast and is not expected to do so, Environmental … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gulf oil spill could hurt aquatic species in Mexico, even though slick expected to stay away.

Libyan Airlines plane crashes with 105 on board

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – A Libyan Airlines passenger plane carrying 105 people crashed Wednesday at the Libyan capital Tripoli, Arab television network Al-Arabiya reported.

The plane crashed on the runway while making its landing approach. All passengers and crew are believed to be dead.
A Tripoli airport spokesman said the plane was arriving on a flight from South … Read more »».

With attacks, al-Qaida in Iraq defies claims it was dealt severe blow by leaders’ deaths

Attacks show al-Qaida in Iraq still powerful

BAGHDAD – A flurry of attacks blamed on al-Qaida defied claims by the U.S. and Iraq that they dealt the militants a severe blow by killing their two leaders last month.
Analysts say the violence – most of it against Shiite targets – is likely an attempt to re-ignite sectarian … Read more »».

Plane crashes in Libya

TRIPOLI – An aircraft carrying 105 people, including 94 passengers and 11 crew members, crashed Wednesday at Tripoli airport, Al-Jazeera television reported.

The Libyan plane was flying in from South Africa when the accident took place.
…. Original source  : Plane crashes in Libya.

Corps of Engineers says releasing water from Tenn. dam prevented more damage to Nashville

Corps defends actions during Tenn. flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The release of water from a dam upstream of Nashville during historic floods has prompted a Senate inquiry into whether the public was adequately warned about rising waters downstream.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the controlled release of water from Old Hickory Dam the weekend of … Read more >>.

Federal, local officials argue over possession of gas meter from deadly Conn. blast

Gas meter at issue at Conn. explosion hearing

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Federal and local authorities are in court arguing over custody of a key piece of evidence that could shed light on the cause of a Connecticut power plant explosion that killed six workers.
Officials with the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board are asking a …. Original article  : Federal, local officials argue over possession of gas meter from deadly Conn. blast.

Seven die in China kindergarten attack

BEIJING – At least six children and a teacher were hacked to death and 20 injured Wednesday morning at a kindergarten in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, authorities said.

The incident happened at about 8 a.m. at a kindergarten in Nanzheng county of Hanzhong city, said Liu Xiaoming, a publicity official in Hanzhong.
Liu had earlier said …. Source article  : Seven die in China kindergarten attack.

Senate panel readies war funding bill, flood aid for difficult legislative journey

Senate panel readies war funding bill, flood aid
WASHINGTON – A top Senate Democrat is fashioning a nearly $60 billion measure mixing war funding with U.S. disaster funds and aid for Haiti in hopes of jump-starting the long-delayed measure and clearing it through a nasty legislative thicket by Memorial Day.
The emerging measure, by Senate …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld donating proceeds from Friday show in Nashville to flood relief

Jerry Seinfeld donating to Nashville flood relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jerry Seinfeld didn’t find the floods in Nashville funny.
The comedian says he is donating all the proceeds from Friday’s show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to a pair of charities to aid flood relief. The center is just a few blocks from flood damage in …. Original source  : Comedian Jerry Seinfeld donating proceeds from Friday show in Nashville to flood relief.

Student commits suicide due to exam pressure

AGRA – A 19-year-old college student committed suicide in her hostel room here as she was under “tremendous mental stress due to examinations”, police said Thursday.

Ritu Saraswat, a fourth semester B.Sc. (Home Science) student of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra, bolted the door of her room Wednesday after her sister Preeti went out for …. Read the original article  : Student commits suicide due to exam pressure.

Workers find World War II-era mine; explosion rocks Brazilian beach resort

World War II-era mine causes big blast in Brazil

SAO PAULO – Workers repairing the streets of Brazilian coastal town came across an old sea mine with more punch than anyone expected.
A bulldozer driver carted away the big round mine that is believed to date from World War II. It was then taken to a beach …. Source article  : Workers find World War II-era mine; explosion rocks Brazilian beach resort.

Companies can get Small Business Administration loans after oil spill, tornadoes, floods

Companies get SBA loans after oil spill, storms

NEW YORK – Thousands of small business owners across the South are turning to the federal government for financial help following the oil spill in the Gulf and last month’s devastating tornadoes and floods.
The Small Business Administration’s disaster loans are aimed at helping companies recover from uninsured losses … Read more »».

Kerry says stakes are ’sky high’ as Senate climate bill unveiled

Climate bill has new drilling protections
WASHINGTON – Coastal states could veto offshore drilling plans under long-awaited legislation to curb global warming unveiled Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., would allow states to opt out of federal drilling up to 75 miles from their shores, a concession to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kerry says stakes are ’sky high’ as Senate climate bill unveiled.

Video released by BP shows oil flowing into Gulf of Mexico like steam from a geyser

Video shows oil flowing like steam from a geyser

ROBERT, La. – Video released by BP shows oil spewing from a yellowish, broken pipe 5,000 feet below the surface. The oil looks like steam rushing from a geyser.
The video released Wednesday gives a not-yet-seen glimpse of the leaking well a mile underwater. The stream occasionally can …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Invesitagors say search in new area for Air France plane that crashed in Atlantic a failure

French searchers say crashed plane still unfound

PARIS – The French accident investigation agency says a search in a new area of the Atlantic for the Air France plane that crashed en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris has turned up nothing.
The zone was located by analyzing signals from the plane’s black boxes, which are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Invesitagors say search in new area for Air France plane that crashed in Atlantic a failure.

Massey says new W.Va. coal prep plant should be finished by August

Massey says prep plant nearing completion
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Massey Energy says it’s almost finished building the replacement for a West Virginia coal processing plant that burned last August.

Virginia-based Massey says the new plant should be fully operational by September. The Logan County operation will be renamed Zigmond Processing after retired director Richard Zigmond.
Massey says the …. Original article  : Massey says new W.Va. coal prep plant should be finished by August.

BP tweaks plan to siphon away oil from Gulf leak; may insert 2nd pipe into original riser

BP tweaks plan to siphon away oil from Gulf leak

ROBERT, La. – BP plans two wrinkles on the technique it plans to try next to stem the flow of oil spewing from a sunken rig.
BP chief operating officer Doug Suttles said Wednesday that engineers hope to link a second pipe to the end of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Children, crew stand out among sole survivors when a plane crashes

Children, crew stand out among crash survivors

Recent commercial airline crashes with a sole survivor:
May 12, 2010 – An Afriqiyah Airways Airbus crashed on approach to Tripoli, Libya, with 104 people on board. A 10-year-old boy was the only survivor.
June 30, 2009 – A Yemenia Airlines flight crashed into the Indian Ocean off the Comoros Islands, …. Source  : Children, crew stand out among sole survivors when a plane crashes.

May storm dumps snow on Wyoming and Colorado, closing highways and canceling ballgame

Wyoming, Colorado get dumping of spring snow

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A spring storm has dropped nearly 3 feet of snow in the mountains of central Wyoming, closing some highways and schools and causing scattered power outages from broken and sagging tree limbs.
In Colorado, more than a foot of snow was reported on the east side of … Read more »».

A summary of May 12 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon

Some oil spill events from Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Events May 12, Day 23 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. …. Source article  : A summary of May 12 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon.

Process of filing damage claims from Texas tanker collision causing confusion among residents

Texas tanker collision causing legal confusion

HOUSTON – To many southeast Texas residents, the paperwork from the lawyer made it clear: If they filed a court claim over illnesses suffered in the state’s worst oil spill in 15 years, they’d get $1,000.
The problem is, the legal packet they got in the mail didn’t come from lawyers … Read : Process of filing damage claims from Texas tanker collision causing confusion among residents.

Sixth Goa policeman arrested for drugs mafia links

PANAJI – A policeman was arrested late Wednesday for links to the narcotics mafia, officials said here.

Subinspector Punaji Gawas was arrested for selling seized drugs stored for safekeeping in the police stiorehouse back to the drugs mafia, an official said.
“Gawas was arrested Wednesday evening for his links to the drugs mafia,” Deputy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sixth Goa policeman arrested for drugs mafia links.

Seven injured in explosion at Lebanon UN base

BEIRUT – An explosion Wednesday inside an arms depot at UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) base in southern Lebanon injured at least seven.

Initial reports said the base is manned by French troops.
UNIFIL spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Naresh Bhatt said that a ammunition depot exploded during a routine military exercise in the southern town of Al-Ttyri.
“Several … Original article on : Seven injured in explosion at Lebanon UN base.

Probe ordered into deaths of 11 blackbucks in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat government Wednesday ordered an inquiry into the mysterious deaths of 11 blackbucks in the Gir forest sanctuary in Saurashtra region of the state.

The bodies of 11 blackbucks were found by forest officials in the limits of Nana Hadmatiya and Kana Vadla villages in Junagadh district falling within the notified national … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Probe ordered into deaths of 11 blackbucks in Gujarat.

EU air safety agency proposes adopting US volcanic ash rules for a much smaller no-fly zone

EU proposes new rules on avoiding volcanic ash

BRUSSELS – The European air safety proposed new procedures Wednesday that would drastically shrink the no-fly zone around volcanic ash particles – a move that should decrease future airspace closures and travel delays.
Daniel Hoeltgen, spokesman for the European aviation safety agency, said the new solution adopts the U.S. … Original article on : EU air safety agency proposes adopting US volcanic ash rules for a much smaller no-fly zone.

Cop donates blood to save injured Maoist

RAIPUR – A Chhattisgarh policeman donated blood and saved the life of a Maoist guerilla who suffered bullet injuries in a gun battle with the security forces, sources said Wednesday.

Chandrika Yadav, who was shot on his waist in gunfight with the police in a forested stretch of Surguja district May 7, got a fresh … Read more »»».

Two killed in Haryana distillery fire

CHANDIGARH – Two workers of a private distillery in Haryana were burnt to death in a fire that broke out in the plant Wednesday, police said.

Fire-fighters were till late Wednesday night trying to control the fire that engulfed the tanks, loaded with spirit, in the NV distillery plant at Bhadoli village, 30 km from … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two killed in Haryana distillery fire.

Dutch boy sole known survivor in crash of Libyan jet carrying 104 in Tripoli

Dutch boy sole known survivor in Libyan jet crash

TRIPOLI, Libya – A Libyan plane carrying 104 people crashed Wednesday on approach to Tripoli’s airport, leaving a field scattered with smoldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline’s brightly colored logo. A 10-year-old Dutch boy was the only known survivor.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dutch boy sole known survivor in crash of Libyan jet carrying 104 in Tripoli.

Authorities hopeful sole survivor of Libyan crash can return home to Netherlands this weekend

Dutch crash survivor could go home this weekend

TRIPOLI, Libya – Authorities are hopeful the Dutch boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash in Libya will be able to return home to the Netherlands this weekend, as investigators begin work to determine the cause of the crash.
Nine-year-old Ruben Van Assouw lost the rest … Original source on Gaea Times at : Authorities hopeful sole survivor of Libyan crash can return home to Netherlands this weekend.

Search for 24 missing Russian miners can’t resume for at least a week

Search for 24 Russian miners can’t resume for week

MOSCOW – Russian officials say the search for 24 workers missing after a coal mine explosion won’t resume for a week, apparently eliminating hopes of finding them alive.
Rescue operations at the Raspadskaya mine in western Siberia were suspended Thursday because of heavy concentrations of explosive methane and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Search for 24 missing Russian miners can’t resume for at least a week.

Scolded over studies, boy kills father, grandmother

LUCKNOW – Frustrated at being frequently scolded for not being serious towards his studies, a 17-year-old boy shot dead his father and grandmother here Friday, police said.

Utkarsh Sahu, 17, allegedly shot dead the two with the service revolver of his father Rama Shankar (47), a head constable. He then injured himself in order to …. Original source  : Scolded over studies, boy kills father, grandmother.

Tube being threaded into pipe pouring oil into Gulf; hope is to siphon leaking crude to tanker

BP hopes tube will siphon oil to tanker
Undersea robots were trying to thread a small tube into the jagged pipe that is pouring oil into the Gulf of Mexico in BP’s latest attempt to cut down on the spill from a blown-out well that has pumped out more than 4 million gallons of crude.

The company … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tube being threaded into pipe pouring oil into Gulf; hope is to siphon leaking crude to tanker.

25 die of electrocution in Madhya Pradesh bus accident

BHOPAL – At least 25 people were electrocuted and 15 injured when the bus in which they were travelling collided with a high-voltage electric pole Friday in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, police said.

A high-tension overhead wire fell on the bus when it collided with the pole and high voltage current electrocuted the passengers who … Original source on Gaea Times at : 25 die of electrocution in Madhya Pradesh bus accident.

China says police will fire on future school attackers, ‘and without mercy’

China says police will fire on school attackers

LINCHANG, China – China said Friday that its police will open fire on any future school attackers “without mercy” after the deadliest in a string of recent assaults killed seven preschoolers and two adults this week.
“If criminals dare to do this kind of thing again, we will act …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China says police will fire on future school attackers, ‘and without mercy’.

Robber battered by judo expert

LONDON – A robber wanted to make an easy exit after robbing a British bookmaker’s store but he threatened the wrong man – a judo expert. The judoka crashed a chair on the robber’s head and then pinned him to the ground till police arrived.

Fortyeight-year-old Martin Richardson, who weighs over 110 kg and is powerfully … Read more >>.

2 GOP governors, 1 disaster: Barbour, Jindal show diverging responses to Gulf oil spill

Miss., La. govs contrast in responses to oil spill

JACKSON, Miss. – The ambitious Republican governors of Mississippi and Louisiana are a study in contrasts as an oil spill threatens coastal economies still reeling from Hurricane Katrina.
Mississippi’s Haley Barbour, a well-connected former Washington lobbyist, has calmly said the oil slick looming offshore is just a sheen …. Original article  : 2 GOP governors, 1 disaster: Barbour, Jindal show diverging responses to Gulf oil spill.

Husband stitches wife’s private parts with wire

RANCHI – In a hair-raising incident, a husband stitched the private parts of his wife with wire in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad city after her request to visit her parents enraged him, police said Friday.

The woman, Sabitri, is in critical condition after being operated at a Dhanbad hospital, doctors said. The man, Sannimar Munda, is on the [..] Read the original article: here.

Chile police find more traces of explosive in terrorism probe of Pakistani, seek others

Chile police seek associates of embassy detainee

SANTIAGO, Chile – Police found more traces of an explosives material at the home of a detained Pakistani who is under investigation after the same substance was detected on his documents and cell phone while visiting the U.S. Embassy.
Chile’s state television said Thursday night that the traces were found … Read more : Chile police find more traces of explosive in terrorism probe of Pakistani, seek others.

Protesters allege NATO killed Afghan civilians; alliance says it targeted insurgents

Protesters say NATO attack killed Afghan civilians

KABUL – Hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked roads Friday in eastern Afghanistan as they accused NATO forces of killing civilians in an overnight raid, but the alliance said eight insurgents were killed in the attack.
More than 500 people poured into the streets in the Surkh Rod district …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four cops held for supplying arms to Maoists

LUCKNOW – Four policemen have been arrested from different districts of Uttar Pradesh on suspicion of being involved in a racket to smuggle arms and ammunition for Maoists, officials said Friday.

Carrying out a joint operation with the police, the Special Task Force (STF) Thursday arrested the four men from the Provincial Armed Constabulary from Gonda, … Read : Four cops held for supplying arms to Maoists.

Orissa Congress legislator arrested in Andhra

BHUBANESWAR – An Congress legislator from Orissa’s Ganjam district, who had been on the run after his alleged involvement in the murder of a criminal in his constituency early this year, was arrested from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, police said Friday.

Ramesh Chandra Jena, who represents Sanakhemundi constituency, was arrested from Visakhapatnam Thursday evening, Ganjam district’s superintendent …. Original article  : Orissa Congress legislator arrested in Andhra.

White House requests $10 million from Congress for possible litigation from oil spill

US seeks $10 million for oil spill legal costs

WASHINGTON – The White House is asking Congress to approve $10 million for potential litigation costs arising from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s part of a larger legislative package the administration sent to Capitol Hill this week including help for fishermen and a proposal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : White House requests $10 million from Congress for possible litigation from oil spill.

Indo-Canadian MP faces criminal probe in mortgage fraud

TORONTO – Canadian police Thursday launched criminal investigations against Indian Canadian MP Devinder Shory and dozens of others named in the country\’s biggest mortgage fraud.

In its lawsuit filed last week, the Bank of Montreal – which is one of the top five Canadian banks – had named Shory along with over 100 people in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indo-Canadian MP faces criminal probe in mortgage fraud.

State media says death toll in coal mine blast in southwest China rises to 21

China says death toll in mine blast rises to 21

BEIJING – State media says the death toll in a coal mine blast in southwest China’s Guizhou province has risen to 21.
The official Xinhua News Agency said Friday that 31 workers were in the mine when the blast happened Thursday night, and that 10 managed to …. Read the original article  : State media says death toll in coal mine blast in southwest China rises to 21.

86 killed, thousands relocated in China rainstorms

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
BEIJING – At least 86 people were killed and 16 missing due to flood and landslides caused by rainstorms that lashed central and south China in the past few days.

Rainstorms in south China since early May have left at least 86 people dead and 16 missing, causing direct economic losses of almost 5.9 … Original article on : 86 killed, thousands relocated in China rainstorms.

24 workers trapped in China coal mine blast

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
BEIJING – At least 24 workers were trapped underground after a gas explosion in a coal mine in southwest China Thursday, Xinhua reported.

A total of 31 miners were working in a shaft of Yuanyang Colliery in Guizhou province, rescuers said, adding that seven of them managed to escape.
Investigations are on to ascertain …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 24 workers trapped in China coal mine blast.

Obama hails police officers who responded to Times Square during car bomb attempt

Obama meets, praises Times Square bomb responders
NEW YORK – President Barack Obama met Thursday with police officers who responded to the attempted car-bombing of Times Square, greeting them at the New York Police Department’s high-tech Real Time Crime Center.
“Look, I know folks are busy, but I just wanted to come by and say … Read more »»».

White men charged with burning Mass. church in response to Obama’s election face more charges

Suspects in Mass. church fire face more charges
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A federal grand jury has filed more charges against two white men accused of torching a predominantly black Massachusetts church in response to President Barack Obama’s election.
Federal prosecutors said Thursday that 22-year-old Thomas Gleason Jr. and 25-year-old Michael Jacques now face additional charges … Read : White men charged with burning Mass. church in response to Obama’s election face more charges.

Slain scribe’s mother denied bail

RANCHI – A court in Jharkhand’s Koderma district Saturday rejected the bail petition of slain scribe Nirupama Pathak’s mother Sudha, arrested on charges of killing her daughter.

Chief Judicial Magistrate N.K. Agrawal rejected the bail petition while police in Koderma continued to interrogate Sudha in jail in connection with her daughter’s death.
Police had filed a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Slain scribe’s mother denied bail.

BP trying to guide mile-lone tube to help plug Gulf of Mexico oil leak; Obama assails drillers

BP works on another attempt to plug oil leak
HAMMOND, La. – At first, BP tried to stop the oil rushing into the Gulf of Mexico by flipping a blowout preventer switch. A week ago, they attempted to capture the leak with a 100-ton box. The latest experiment? Trying to guide what amounts to …. Read the original article  : BP trying to guide mile-lone tube to help plug Gulf of Mexico oil leak; Obama assails drillers.

Maharashtra officer ‘kidnapped’ in Arunachal untraced

MUMBAI – There has been no trace of high-ranking Maharashtra forest officer Vijay S. Bardekar who was allegedly kidnapped by suspected Bodo militants in Arunachal Pradesh, where he was on a vacation, a minister said here Saturday.

“Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is in regular touch with his counterparts in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. So far we … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maharashtra officer ‘kidnapped’ in Arunachal untraced.

Chinese climber dies after summiting Mt. Dhaulagiri

KATHMANDU – A Chinese mountaineer, from the country’s first group of civilian climbers to summit the world’s seventh-highest peak Mt. Dhaulagiri, has died and four people sustained serious injuries after encountering bad weather.

The mountaineering group summited Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres) Wednesday. On descending from the summit later in the day, the eight climbers encountered fog … Read more : Chinese climber dies after summiting Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Special police units for juveniles in Bihar

PATNA – Special police units were Saturday constituted in all 37 districts of Bihar to exclusively deal and work with juveniles, an official said.

“The state government has constituted special juvenile police units in the state – a new beginning for a child-friendly police,” Bihar police chief Neelmani told reporters here at the first state-level sensitisation … Original article on : Special police units for juveniles in Bihar.

Three dead, four hurt in Bosnia knife attack

SARAJEVO – A knife-wielding Bosnian man ran amok, killing three people and badly wounding four others, including three children, Bosnian TV stations reported Saturday.

The attacker, reportedly a psychiatric patient, went on a stabbing spree in Visoko, a town 20 km northwest of Sarajevo, Friday night.
The children, with abdominal stab wounds, were in critical condition … Original article on : Three dead, four hurt in Bosnia knife attack.

Chinese man sentenced to death for attacking 29 kids

BEIJING – A 46-year-old unemployed man who had stabbed 29 children at a kindergarten in China’s Jiangsu province, as part of his “revenge on society”, was sentenced to death by a local court Saturday.

Xu Yuyuan had also stabbed two teachers and a security guard at the Zhongxin Kindergarten in Jiangsu’s Taixing city April 29. The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese man sentenced to death for attacking 29 kids.

US spends $40 mn for ’secret’ Mexican anti-drug unit

Mexico City, May 15 (IANS/EFE) The US has spent around $40 million for training a “secret” dedicated unit of around 200 Mexican police and army personnel in an effort to hunt down drug kingpins, a media report said.

The group was trained by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and has captured at least four … Read more >>>.

CBI to probe abetment-to-suicide case against Himachal cop

SHIMLA – Taking cognizance of allegations of evidence tampering by a police officer in an unmarried woman’s suicide, the Himachal Pradesh High Court Saturday referred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a “fair and impartial” probe.

Pronouncing the order in the open court, a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and …. Read the original article  : CBI to probe abetment-to-suicide case against Himachal cop.

Dutch boy who is sole survivor of Libyan plane crash to return home Saturday

Dutch crash survivor to return from Libya Saturday

TRIPOLI, Libya – The Dutch boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash in Libya was cleared by doctors to return home to the Netherlands Saturday, just hours after being told that his parents and older brother perished in the disaster.
Nine-year-old Ruben van Assouw’s survival of … Original article on : Dutch boy who is sole survivor of Libyan plane crash to return home Saturday.

Madhuri Gupta’s judicial custody extended

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday extended by 14 days the judicial custody of Madhuri Gupta, a junior Indian diplomat arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja asked jail authorities to produce Gupta, 53, in court May 29.
Gupta, a second secretary at the Indian High …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Madhuri Gupta’s judicial custody extended.

New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off

Clashes, blasts for 3rd day in besieged Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thai troops clashed with protesters for a third day in Bangkok on Saturday, as streets in the center of the Asian metropolis became battlegrounds and authorities struggled to contain Red Shirt demonstrators demanding the prime minister’s resignation.
Explosions and street fighting have killed 16 people and wounded … Original article on : New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off.

Anti-stalker helpline for women starts in Delhi

NEW DELHI – If you are harassed by a stalker in the capital, call the anti-stalking cell of the Delhi Police as it has started a helpline for women Saturday.

“There is a lot of insecurity among women. We hope this new helpline will go a long way in helping them,” Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Anti-stalker helpline for women starts in Delhi.

Fire leaves thousands homeless in Philippine capital

MANILA – Thousands of people were left homeless Saturday in a pre-dawn blaze that struck a slum area in the Philippine capital. No one was injured, a fire official said.

The fire razed some 800 houses in Muntinlupa City, leaving at least 4,000 people homeless, according to metropolitan Manila fire chief Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta.
Cordeta …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two poachers held with spotted deer skins

LUCKNOW – Two poachers have been arrested with skins of spotted deer near the Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Saturday.

Of the two poachers, in their late 30s, one hails from Nepal and the other is a resident of Bahraich. The men were arrested late Friday evening following a joint operation by … Read more »».

Kannada actor Anand held for dowry harassment

BANGALORE – Kannada actor Anand has been arrested for allegedly demanding dowry from his wife Bharani and harassing her, police said.

Thyagaraya Nagar Women Police in Bangalore Friday night acted on Bharani’s complaint that Anand harassed her physically and mentally for money even after selling gold ornaments given by her parents during their …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kannada actor Anand held for dowry harassment.

Small earthquake shakes Southern California’s Ventura County

Small earthquake shakes Southern Calif.
PORT HUENEME, Calif. – A small earthquake in Southern California has rocked an area of Ventura County near Port Hueneme (weye-NEE’-mee), about 66 miles west of Los Angeles.

A preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey says the 3.9-magnitude quake hit at 8:19 p.m. Friday nine miles east-southeast of Port Hueneme.
A KCAL-TV …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Violence spikes in central Bangkok, with police firing on rioting anti-government protesters

Bangkok battles: 16 dead in clashes, explosions

BANGKOK – Soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters who battled them with firebombs and homemade rockets Friday in a second straight day of escalating violence as troops tried to clear the rioters from the streets of downtown Bangkok.
The clashes have killed 16 people and wounded 157, including two soldiers, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Violence spikes in central Bangkok, with police firing on rioting anti-government protesters.

BP working on new approach as Obama loses patience

WASHINGTON – BP hoped to start siphoning crude oil out of a ruptured well by Saturday, pending its success in inserting a smaller pipe into a larger one to contain oil now gushing out of a damaged pipe into the Gulf of Mexico.

Doug Suttles, BP chief operating officer, told reporters Friday that he hoped “to …. Read the original article  : BP working on new approach as Obama loses patience.

Explosion at New Hampshire gun, ammunition plant kills 2, injures 1 near Canadian border

Explosion at NH gun factory kills 2, injures 1

COLEBROOK, N.H. – Multiple explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in far northern New Hampshire on Friday killed two people, shook buildings blocks away, filled the sky with black smoke and forced the evacuation of dozens of homes.
State Fire Marshal Bill Degnan confirmed the deaths …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Explosion at New Hampshire gun, ammunition plant kills 2, injures 1 near Canadian border.

Ajmer bombing: Rajasthan cops pick up Madhya Pradesh industrialist

BHOPAL – An industrialist from Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has been picked up by the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of Rajasthan Police in connection with the 2007 bombing at the Ajmer Dargah Sharif that killed three people, police said Sunday.

“The Rajasthan ATS probing the Ajmer bombing reached Dhar Saturday and after informing the …. Source  : Ajmer bombing: Rajasthan cops pick up Madhya Pradesh industrialist.

Drifting cloud of volcanic ash invades British airspace, closing Northern Irish airports

Volcanic ash cloud closes British airports

LONDON – Civil aviation officials on Sunday said a drifting, dense cloud of volcanic ash is “rapidly encroaching” on British airspace, forcing the closure of airports in Northern Ireland.
The National Air Traffic Service said a no-fly zone has been imposed over parts of Northern Ireland, and no flights are going … Original article on : Drifting cloud of volcanic ash invades British airspace, closing Northern Irish airports.

BP still believes tube will suck up most gushing oil; Scientists report underwater oil plumes

BP confident it can contain gushing oil with pipe
ROBERT, La. – BP hit a snag Saturday in its effort to reduce the amount of oil blasting from the remains of a broken rig into the Gulf of Mexico, while some scientists made the worrisome announcement that they had found huge plumes of oil …. Source article  : BP still believes tube will suck up most gushing oil; Scientists report underwater oil plumes.

Malaysian Indian lawmaker receives death threat

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian lawmaker Sunday received a death threat and red paint was thrown at his cars to warn him to stay out of a mining deal he has exposed.

S. Manikavasagam woke up to find his and his wife’s cars splashed with red paint in his home.
He said that three … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian Indian lawmaker receives death threat.

Thai authorities to send Red Cross workers to protest zone to evacuate women, children

Red Cross to evacuate Red Shirt women, children

BANGKOK – Thai authorities say they will send the Red Cross and other neutral agencies into Bangkok’s deadly protest zone to evacuate women, children and the elderly.
Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd has also announced on national television that authorities would discuss later Sunday whether to impose a curfew … Read more : Thai authorities to send Red Cross workers to protest zone to evacuate women, children.

USGS reports 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico

Moderate earthquake strikes Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 struck the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico early Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The quake hit at 1:16 a.m. (0516 GMT) four miles (six kilometers) from the small community of Espino on the western side of the island … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : USGS reports 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico.

Three killed in Hyderabad chemical factory fire

HYDERABAD – At least three people were killed and five injured Sunday in a massive fire at a chemical factory on the outskirts of Hyderabad, officials said.

The fire broke out in Durga Enterprises, a factory in Jedimetla industrial area, following a blast in one of the chemical reactors. Police and witnesses said 16 workers were … Read more >>>.

Mexican ex-presidential candidate kidnapped

Mexico, May 16 (IANS/EFE) A former presidential candidate for Mexico’s ruling National Action Party (PAN) was kidnapped from the central Mexican state of Queretaro, the federal Attorney General’s Office (PGR) said.

The AG office said that Friday “it learned that Diego Fernandez de Cevallos has gone missing” and his vehicle was found near his La Cabana …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NKorean navy boats cross tense sea border with SKorea in first violation since ship sinking

NKorean navy boats violate sea border amid tension

SEOUL, South Korea – Two North Korean naval boats briefly crossed the tense western sea border with South Korea in the first violation since a South Korean warship sank in the area following a mysterious explosion in March, the South’s military said Sunday.
A North Korean patrol boat sailed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NKorean navy boats cross tense sea border with SKorea in first violation since ship sinking.

Six killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident

AGRA – Six people were killed and four critically injured when two vehicles collided head-on over the Bajna bridge in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, police said Sunday.

According to the police, the incident occurred late Saturday night when a speeding Maruti van, on its way from Haryana to Agra, collided with a matador coming from the …. Source  : Six killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident.

Plane crashes in Suriname, eight missing

RIO DE JANEIRO – A small plane with eight people on board crashed in northeast Suriname, Xinhua reported.

The two-engine Antonov of Blue Wings airlines crashed Saturday in a dense forest, 300 km southeast of Paramaribo, the Suriname capital.
According to aviation officials, the plane crashed due to bad weather, which also halted the search operation. …. Source article  : Plane crashes in Suriname, eight missing.

Official: Investigation points to machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2

Official: Machine was origin of NH explosions

COLEBROOK, N.H. – The investigation into a series of explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in far northern New Hampshire that killed two people has led to one machine, the state’s fire marshal said Saturday.
Bill Degnan said that the investigation into Friday’s explosions at the MDM Muzzleloader … Read more >>>.

Official: Investigation points to one machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2

Official: One machine to blame for NH explosions

COLEBROOK, N.H. – New Hampshire’s Fire Marshal says an investigation into a series of explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in Colebrook that killed two people has led to one machine in the building.
Bill Degnan said Saturday that the investigation into the explosions a day earlier …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Official: Investigation points to one machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2.

Police find body of Haitian kidnapped during post-quake reconstruction effort

Haitian relief worker found dead after abduction

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A Haitian man kidnapped while working with a U.S.-based development foundation was found dead on Saturday, the group said.
The driver for the Pan-American Development Foundation was kidnapped Monday along with a British contractor. The contractor was released after four days and is now assisting authorities with …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Public hearings on proposed oil pipeline from Canada begin in Montana

Public hearings on oil pipeline begin in Montana

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Public hearings in Montana are being held this week to discuss a plan to build a pipeline through eastern Montana to move crude extracted from Canada’s oil sands to refineries in the United States.
Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. aims to start construction this year on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Public hearings on proposed oil pipeline from Canada begin in Montana.

Small plane crashes in Suriname, all 8 aboard feared dead

8 feared dead in plane crash in Suriname
PARAMARIBO, Suriname – A small plane crashed in rough weather Saturday in the South American country of Suriname and all eight people aboard are feared dead, officials said.

The crash occurred in a thick forest about 200 miles (300 kilometers) southeast of the capital of Paramaribo, said Air Traffic … Read more >>.

Kyle Busch wins Nationwide Series race at Dover International Speedway

Busch wins Nationwide race at Dover
DOVER, Del. – Clint Bowyer saw his target and hurried off pit road. Angry after a hard lick only moments earlier, Bowyer sped toward Denny Hamlin and sent him straight into the wall.

Bowyer’s retaliatory hit got him instantly parked by NASCAR. His race was over and Hamlin’s was spoiled.
Kyle Busch …. Original source  : Kyle Busch wins Nationwide Series race at Dover International Speedway.

BP believes mile-long straw can work and will suck up most of the oil, despite setback

BP confident latest try to capture oil will work
ROBERT, La. – BP was confident Saturday its latest experiment using a mile-long pipe would capture much of the oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, even as the company disclosed yet another setback in the environmental disaster.
Engineers … Original article on : BP believes mile-long straw can work and will suck up most of the oil, despite setback.

BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work by Saturday night, despite setback with insertion tube

BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work after setback
ROBERT, La. – BP expected a mile-long tube to start siphoning oil from its blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday night after a setback. If successful, the deepsea experiment would reduce but not end a spill that’s spewed millions of gallons … Original article on : BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work by Saturday night, despite setback with insertion tube.

Absconding Delhi prisoner held in Goa

NEW DELHI – A prisoner who escaped from the Tihar Jail here in February was apprehended in Goa, police said Saturday.

Sandeep Parmar had escaped from the jail using the bail papers of another accused in the same case. Parmar was undergoing trial for kidnapping a 28-year-old businessman in 2007. He was apprehended in Goa … Read more »».

Newly-wed die in road accident

LUCKNOW – A man and a woman married overnight were killed Monday when a truck hit their car in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police said. Four relatives also died in the accident.

The accident took place in Salempur town, some 400 km from Lucknow, when the couple was headed to Aligarh to begin a new life, [..] Read the original article: here.

Car falls into ditch, four die

GURGAON – Four people were killed when their vehicle skidded into a ditch along an under-construction road in Gurgaon on the outskirts of the national capital, police said Monday.

The incident occurred on the Badshahpur-Sohna road late Sunday night when the car occupants were returning after attending a wedding at Sohna, over 10 km …. Source article  : Car falls into ditch, four die.

Couple die hours after marriage in road accident

LUCKNOW – A man and a woman, who were on their way to making a new life after tying the knot, were killed in a road accident Monday barely hours after they got married. Four of their relatives also died, police said.

The newly-wed and their relatives were killed when a speeding truck rammed into their …. Read the original article  : here.

Rapists film brutal attack

LONDON – Two men filmed each other as they took turns to brutally rape a 22-year-old woman in Britain.

The terrified victim was threatened that she would be set alight, The Sun reported Monday.
The incident took place when she visited a friend in Sutton, Surrey.
The two men were already there and they punched …. Source article  : Rapists film brutal attack.

Cyclonic storm kills three, damages 1,000 houses in Tripura

AGARTALA – At least three people were killed and over 10 injured as a cyclonic storm lashed several parts of Tripura, leaving behind a trail of destruction, officials said Monday.

The pre-monsoon rains accompanied by strong winds and hailstorm Sunday night damaged more than 1,000 houses and killed many cattle in western and southern Tripura. …. Read the original article  : here.

Three get life term for raping Japanese woman

PATNA – A special court in Bihar Monday sentenced three men to life imprisonment for raping a 25-year-old Japanese woman near Bodh Gaya, just 26 days after it first started hearing the case.

Gaya District and Sessions Judge Jayant Kumar Sen also imposed a Rs.10,000 fine on each of them, prosecution lawyer Vimal Kishor Prasad told …. Source  : Three get life term for raping Japanese woman.

Australian teen shot dead father, then watched TV

SYDNEY – An Australian teenager shot dead his father and then went back to watching TV for the rest of the night, a court here was told.

The teenager has pleaded guilty in the NSW Supreme Court to murdering his father at their home near Mudgee.
The teenager had watched TV until about 10 p.m. when … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Australian teen shot dead father, then watched TV.

Stampede survivors still look for lost kin, belongings

NEW DELHI – A day after a stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station left two people dead and several injured, many survivors were Monday still waiting at the station, looking for missing family members or lost belongings.

“I lost my phone somewhere, I can’t find my husband. I am waiting here for him,” said 27-year-old … Original article on : Stampede survivors still look for lost kin, belongings.

11 killed as bus overturns in Jharkhand

RANCHI – At least 11 passengers were killed and 18 injured when a bus carrying them overturned after hitting a tree in Jharkhand’s Pakur district Monday morning, police said.

The accident occurred when the bus, carrying around 45 to 50 passengers, was on its way to Dumka district from Pakur. It hit a tree near Koriyodih …. Read the original article  : here.

Two criminals shot dead in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two criminals wanted in cases of murder, loot and kidnapping were Monday gunned down by a team of the Special Task Force (STF) in Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district, police said.

Raja Khan and Rahul Tiwari, both in their early 30s, were shot dead in a forest area of Tikria village, Superintendent of Police Tehsildar … Read more »»».

Three convicted in gang rape of Japanese woman

PATNA – A special court in Bihar Monday convicted three people for raping a 25-year-old Japanese woman near Bodh Gaya, just 26 days after it first started hearing the case.

“The court convicted three accused in a record time of 26 days after the speedy trial began in the case,” prosecution lawyer Vimal Kishor Prasad …. Read the original article  : Three convicted in gang rape of Japanese woman.

Chinese climber dead, two missing during Dhaulagiri ascent

KATHMANDU – Even as official celebrations were on to mark the golden jubilee of the first ascent of Mt Dhaulagiri, a Chinese climber was killed and two of his fellow climbers missing on the slopes of the seventh highest peak in the world, authorities said.

Liyang Zao, a 35-year-old climber who was part of a nine-member … Original article on : Chinese climber dead, two missing during Dhaulagiri ascent.

Former principal duped of Rs.23 lakh

CHANDIGARH – Sagar Sehgal, a retired principal of the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) here, has been duped of more than Rs.23 lakh in an online lottery scam, police said Monday.

Sehgal received an email in December 2009 stating that he had won a Spanish lottery of Rs.56 crore. According to police, he was asked to … Read more : Former principal duped of Rs.23 lakh.

Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum help raise $1.5M in national flood relief telethon

Stars help raise over $1.5M for Tenn. flood relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music singers Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum joined other entertainment stars Sunday in performing and answering phones to help raise more than $1.5 million for flood relief for Tennessee.
“If there is a silver lining, it’s that the world is getting to … Read more >>.

I’m so sorry, says glider pilot after landing in garden

LONDON – A British glider pilot, who survived after landing in a garden hedge, profusely apologised to the house owners, saying “I’m so sorry”.

Mike and Eileen Baber were watching TV when the glider crashed.
“I heard this loud thud and I came outside and saw the glider stuck in our garden. It was rush hour …. Read the original article  : here.

Afghan police: Pro-peace Muslim cleric, 2 relatives assassinated in eastern Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Pro-peace Muslim cleric assassinated

KABUL, Afghanistan – A prominent Muslim cleric pushing for peace has been assassinated in eastern Afghanistan along with two members of his family, the latest in a rash of killings targeting Afghan government figures and others aligned with international forces.
Kunar provincial police chief Gen. Khalilullah Zaiyie said Monday that cleric Rahman … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan police: Pro-peace Muslim cleric, 2 relatives assassinated in eastern Afghanistan.

Volcanic ash shuts airports across Britain, Ireland, Netherlands; Heathrow, Schiphol closed

Volcanic ash closes London’s Heathrow airport

LONDON – Two of Europe’s busiest airports closed early Monday morning as a dense cloud of volcanic ash drifted from Iceland, aviation authorities said.
The airspace over London’s Heathrow Airport closed at 1 a.m. local time Monday (0000 GMT; 8 p.m. EDT), Britain’s National Air Traffic Service said in a statement …. Read the original article  : Volcanic ash shuts airports across Britain, Ireland, Netherlands; Heathrow, Schiphol closed.

Dawood Ibrahim third on Forbes’ Most Wanted Fugitives list

WASHINGTON – Dawood Ibrahim, India’s most wanted man suspected of having organized the 1993 Mumbai bombings, figures third on the Forbes’ Most Wanted Fugitives list topped by Osama bin Laden for a second time.

Not a single one of the world’s most notorious criminals has been brought to justice since the list first appeared in April …. Original article  : Dawood Ibrahim third on Forbes’ Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum kick off first national flood relief telethon

Brad Paisley donates $100,000 to flood relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Brad Paisley kicked off the first national telethon for Tennessee flood relief on Sunday with an energized version of his song “Welcome To The Future.”
When he finished, he looked into the audience where his wife, movie and TV actress Kimberly Williams Paisley, was standing as the … Original article on : Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum kick off first national flood relief telethon.

Keith Urban, Brad Paisley among those performing on national telethon airing on GAC Network

Country stars kick off flood relief telethon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some of country music’s biggest stars are performing and answering phones for a national flood relief telethon airing on the GAC Network.
Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, Kellie Pickler, Rodney Atkins and others are part of the three-hour event Sunday. The show … Original source on Gaea Times at : Keith Urban, Brad Paisley among those performing on national telethon airing on GAC Network.

Saudi forces free German girls kidnapped in Yemen

RIYADH – Two German girls who were part of a group kidnapped in Yemen last year have been transferred to the Saudi authorities, a spokesperson for the Saudi interior ministry said Tuesday.

The two girls were found during a joint Yemeni-Saudi operation, spokesperson Mansour al-Turki told DPA.
“It was a secret security operation launched based on … Original article on : Saudi forces free German girls kidnapped in Yemen.

Goa women’s panel to probe ‘blouse-ripping’ cop

PANAJI – The Goa women’s commission will probe a senior police inspector who has been repeatedly caught ripping off women’s blouses during public agitations and protests, an official said Tuesday.

Speaking to IANS, chairperson of the Goa state commission for women (GSCW) Ezilda Sapeco said the commission had called for footage from local TV news … Read : Goa women’s panel to probe ‘blouse-ripping’ cop.

Police charge landlord after crude bomb is found set to go off in NJ pizzeria

Police charge landlord in NJ pizzeria bomb plot

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – A building owner accused of placing a crude bomb in a pizzeria that had been rented by a man he’d fought over back rent was arrested Monday, police said.
Milan Bolich Jr., 54, was charged with criminal attempted aggravated arson, risking widespread injury and possession …. Original source  : Police charge landlord after crude bomb is found set to go off in NJ pizzeria.

Afghan police: Suicide car bomber attacks in western part of Afghan capital, 3 dead

At least 3 dead in suicide car bomb in Kabul

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide car bomber attacked the heavily fortified Afghan capital early Tuesday, killing at least three people, police said.
Initial reports of the explosion in western Kabul indicated that U.S. vehicles were targeted, said Abdul Ghafor Sayedzada, the chief of the city police’s criminal …. Source  : Afghan police: Suicide car bomber attacks in western part of Afghan capital, 3 dead.

I want to have sex in jail, demands British prisoner

LONDON – A British prisoner has demanded that he should be allowed to have sex in jail as “it makes a mockery of the justice system when partners are made to suffer unnecessarily”.

Christopher Pollock wrote from his cell: “I would like to know why prisoners in England and Wales are not permitted conjugal visits when … Original source on Gaea Times at : I want to have sex in jail, demands British prisoner.

Court asks CBI to conduct fresh probe into Rizwanur death

KOLKATA – The Calcutta High Court Tuesday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a fresh probe into the death of Muslim youth Rizwanur Rahman, whose mysterious death after his marriage with the daughter of a rich Hindu businessman in 2007 had sparked widespread outrage.

The court, acting on a complaint filed by Rizwanur’s …. Source article  : Court asks CBI to conduct fresh probe into Rizwanur death.

Man held in NY car bomb probe denies connection to suspect nabbed on Dubai-bound plane

Man held in NY car bomb probe denies suspect link

BOSTON – One of three men arrested in the investigation of a failed car-bombing in New York’s Times Square denies any connection to the primary suspect, Pakistan’s consul general in Boston said.
Consul General Barry Hoffman said Aftab Khan, a Pakistani gas station attendant who lives in …. Original article  : Man held in NY car bomb probe denies connection to suspect nabbed on Dubai-bound plane.

Official: Hopes fading for 30 trapped Turkish coal miners following explosion

Official: Hopes fade for 30 trapped Turkish miners

ANKARA, Turkey – An engineer says hope for the survival of 30 trapped Turkish miners has grown dim as rescue workers struggled to reach them a day after a methane gas explosion collapsed parts of a major coal mine in northern Turkey.
Chief Engineer Husnu Unal says rescuers pumped …. Read the original article  : here.

Police charge landlord after bomb is found set to go off in NJ pizzeria

Police arrest landlord in NJ pizzeria bomb plot

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – A building owner accused of placing a crude bomb in a pizzeria that had been rented by a man he’d fought over back rent was arrested Monday, police said.
Milan Bolich Jr. was arrested in Jersey City on Monday evening. The 54-year-old was charged with … Read : Police charge landlord after bomb is found set to go off in NJ pizzeria.

Major fire in scrap, medicine warehouses

NEW DELHI – A major fire broke out in a warehouse storing scrap and quickly enveloped a nearby hall packed with medicines in south Delhi’s Okhla area Tuesday, officials said.

Eighteen fire tenders battled the leaping flames but no one was injured, a Delhi Fire Service officer said.
A police officer said the probable cause of … Read more >>.

Fire at Delhi Metro station

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out at the Uttam Nagar Delhi Metro station here Tuesday morning, apparently due to an electrical short circuit, authorities said. No one was injured.

The Delhi Fire Service said the fire was reported at 10.10 a.m. It broke out in an air conditioner at the control room.
Two fire tenders …. Source  : Fire at Delhi Metro station.

Canadian Sikh shot dead in home

VANCOUVER – A Sikh youth has been shot dead in the driveway of his posh home in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey.

Chhminder Singh Gill, 32, who was killed Sunday, may have been targeted for his possible criminal links, local media said, though police have not said anything about it yet.
A police spokesman said they …. Read the original article  : Canadian Sikh shot dead in home.

Major fire in Delhi’s Okhla area

NEW DELHI – A major fire broke out at a scrap shop in Delhi’s Okhla area Tuesday morning. No one was injured, officials said.

“We got to know about the incident at 9.50 a.m. About 18 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot,” an official of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) said.
“No one has … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Major fire in Delhi’s Okhla area.

Fire at Delhi Metro station, no casualties

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out at the Uttam Nagar metro station here Tuesday morning. No one was injured, officials said.

“The fire was reported at 10.10 a.m. It broke out in an air conditioner at the control room of the metro station,” said an official of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
“Two fire tenders … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fire at Delhi Metro station, no casualties.

Eight years after lottery, he’s back to bin man status

LONDON – A Briton, who won 9.7 million pounds in a lottery and blew it all up on drugs, women and wild parties, wants to again start working as a bin man.

Mikey Carroll has again applied for the 200 pounds a week job that he resigned from after winning the lottery eight years ago.
“I … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Eight years after lottery, he’s back to bin man status.

Chinese tycoon sentenced to 14 years in prison

BEIJING – Huang Guangyu, once reputed to be China’s wealthiest person, was Tuesday sentenced to 14 years in prison on corruption charges.

Xinhua reported that Huang, who is former chairman of Chinese electronics retailer giant Gome, was sentenced to 14 years in prison by a Beijing court Tuesday morning over illegal business dealings, insider trading … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chinese tycoon sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Coast Guard: Tar balls found off Key West; lab to determine if they’re from Gulf oil spill

Coast Guard: Tar balls found off Key West, Fla.

KEY WEST, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard says 20 tar balls have been found off Key West, Fla., but the agency stopped short of saying whether they came from a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Some 5 million gallons of crude has spewed into …. Source article  : Coast Guard: Tar balls found off Key West; lab to determine if they’re from Gulf oil spill.

BP says it will permanently cap well leaking into the Gulf, never try to produce oil from it

BP says it will permanently cap leaking well

NEW ORLEANS – BP says it will never again try to produce oil through a blown-out well that’s been gushing into the Gulf of Mexico for nearly a month.
The oil has been leaking since an offshore drilling rig exploded and sank off the coast of Louisiana last month.
BP … Original article on : BP says it will permanently cap well leaking into the Gulf, never try to produce oil from it.

Official in charge of offshore drilling retires in fallout from Gulf spill; Obama orders probe

MMS drilling official retires in oil spill fallout

WASHINGTON – The federal official overseeing offshore drilling announced his departure Monday in a fallout from the Gulf oil spill and criticism that federal regulators have been too cozy with industry.
President Barack Obama, meanwhile, has decided to have a presidential commission investigate the cause of the rig explosion …. Original source  : Official in charge of offshore drilling retires in fallout from Gulf spill; Obama orders probe.

Sri Lanka indicted for war crimes, international probe sought

TORONTO – Indicting Sri Lanka of war crimes in the later stages of the ethnic war that ended a year ago with the annihilation of the Tamil Tigers, an independent international report Monday asked Colombo to submit itself to outside probe into human rights violations.

In its report titled `War crimes in Sri Lanka,’ the Brussels-based …. Original source  : Sri Lanka indicted for war crimes, international probe sought.

Laila Cyclone Drawing Near Coast

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu were battered with heavy showers as Cyclone Laila intensified and moved across the eastern coast of India on Wednesday. It is expected to hit and lash Andhra Pradesh with rainfall today night or tomorrow morning. As a measure of precaution, the met office …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Laila Cyclone Drawing Near Coast.

Outta the way! Vietnam attempts to lasso anything-goes traffic with hefty fines

Beep! Beep! Vietnam launches war on deadly traffic

HANOI, Vietnam – Beep! Beep! A motorcyclist without a helmet snakes through a crush of oncoming traffic – going the wrong way on a one-way street while texting with one hand on the phone, the other on the throttle.
Like a school of fish, the other bikes casually wiggle … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Outta the way! Vietnam attempts to lasso anything-goes traffic with hefty fines.

Times Square car bomb suspect’s says 1 word _ ‘Yes’ _ in 1st NY court appearance since arrest

Times Square car bomb suspect has day in court

NEW YORK – The man accused of plotting to kill Americans with a car bomb in Times Square appeared relaxed and obedient in his first appearance in a Manhattan courtroom, where he was told by a magistrate judge that he had the right to remain silent.
Authorities say … Original source on Gaea Times at : Times Square car bomb suspect’s says 1 word _ ‘Yes’ _ in 1st NY court appearance since arrest.

9 arrest warrants issued for deadly coal mine flood in northern China

9 charged for coal mine flood in China
BEIJING – Chinese prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for nine technicians and engineers in connection with a mine flooding two months ago that killed 38 people but also riveted the country because 115 were rescued after more than a week trapped underground.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Wednesday …. Original article  : 9 arrest warrants issued for deadly coal mine flood in northern China.

Four of poverty-stricken family commit suicide

MUMBAI – Acute financial problems has driven four members of a family in Mumbai to commit suicide, police said Wednesday.

Bharat Ovale, 35, his wife Pushpa, 33, and two children – daughter Sakshi, 7, and son Sumit, 5, were found hanging at their home in a chawl in a government housing complex.
…. Original source  : Four of poverty-stricken family commit suicide.

Man kills three children, then commits suicide

LUCKNOW – Unable to pay back loans to money lenders, a desperate daily wage labourer in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday killed his three children by giving them poison before committing suicide, police said.

Sagir, a resident of Lakhipura area in Meerut, about 400 km from Lucknow, had taken a loan for his wife’s treatment. His children were …. Read the original article  : here.

Brown pelican’s plight illustrates perils confronting troubled Gulf species as oil spill grows

La.’s state bird, brown pelican, imperiled by oil

CALIFORNIA BAY, La. – Hounded by hunters and fishermen, driven to near-extinction by chemical pollution, the brown pelican has survived a century of human abuse – only to face another challenge from the giant oil spill threatening to devastate the Gulf of Mexico marine environment.
The odd-looking seabird with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Brown pelican’s plight illustrates perils confronting troubled Gulf species as oil spill grows.

5 key Red Shirt protest leaders surrender, led away by Thai police in central Bangkok

Thai protest leaders surrender, call end to sit-in

BANGKOK – Seven leaders of Thailand’s Red Shirt protesters have surrendered to authorities after a deadly army assault on their fortified encampment.
They have been led away by police in central Bangkok. Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd described them as “terrorist leaders” and said the “overall situation is under …. Read the original article  : 5 key Red Shirt protest leaders surrender, led away by Thai police in central Bangkok.

Interior secretary admits regulatory lapse in oil oversight office; scientists watch spill

Scientists watching where oil spill headed next

WASHINGTON – Scientists are anxiously awaiting signals about where a massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico may be heading, while containment of the looming environmental catastrophe proves elusive.
With fears growing that the gushing well could spread damage from Louisiana to Florida, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Interior secretary admits regulatory lapse in oil oversight office; scientists watch spill.

SKorean foreign minister says it’s ‘obvious’ North Korea behind deadly sinking of naval ship

SKorea’s top diplomat: ‘Obvious’ NKorea sank ship
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s foreign minister said Wednesday it was “obvious” that North Korea fired a torpedo that sank one of the South’s warships in March, killing 46 sailors.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan told reporters that investigators have enough evidence of North Korean involvement …. Original source  : SKorean foreign minister says it’s ‘obvious’ North Korea behind deadly sinking of naval ship.

Team of UK scientists works round the clock to predict where volcanic ash will strike next

Team of UK scientists track Europe’s ash cloud

LONDON – When ash spews from an Icelandic volcano, 10 British scientists using laser sensors, satellite pictures and a specially equipped jet must tell the world where it’s going.
The grit can block flight paths and shut airports, so the fate of millions of travelers, and billions in revenue, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Team of UK scientists works round the clock to predict where volcanic ash will strike next.

Saudi woman attacks cop who stopped her for walking with man

LONDON – A Saudi religious policeman who stopped a young woman for walking with a man in an amusement park in Saudi Arabia received a rude shock – the woman repeatedly hit him, a British daily reported.

The policeman was from the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The incident took place …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Saudi woman attacks cop who stopped her for walking with man.

Jail for man who set ablaze student dressed as sheep

LONDON – A Briton who set fire to a student dressed a sheep as he was “trying to get a laugh” has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Jason Whatley, 39, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court after he admitted that he set ablaze Stuart Mitchell, 19, in October last year, The Telegraph reported Wednesday. … Read more >>.

Saudi woman hits cop who stopped her for walking with man

LONDON – A Saudi religious policeman who stopped a young woman for walking with a man in an amusement park received a rude shock – the woman lost her cool and repeatedly punched him.

The policeman was from the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. The incident took place in the …. Source article  : Saudi woman hits cop who stopped her for walking with man.

Canadian Tamils in black mourn victims of ‘war crimes’

TORONTO – In their biggest gathering in Canada after the end of the ethnic war in Sri Lanka last year, thousands of Tamils held a memorial service for war victims at the Ontario provincial assembly here.

More than 12,000 people wearing black clothes and head bands marked the first anniversary of the annihilation of the Liberation … Read : Canadian Tamils in black mourn victims of ‘war crimes’.

South Korean foreign minister says ‘obvious’ NKorea sank navy ship

SKorean offcial says ‘obvious’ NKorea sank ship
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s foreign minister said Wednesday it was “obvious” that North Korea sank one of the South’s warships in March, killing 46 sailors.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan told reporters that investigators have enough evidence of North Korean involvement in the sinking of the Cheonan … Read : South Korean foreign minister says ‘obvious’ NKorea sank navy ship.

FEMA chief: Agency videographer wrong to ask Miss. tornado volunteers not to show faith logo

FEMA: Sorry photog asked faith shirts be removed

JACKSON, Miss. – The top officer for FEMA said one of the agency’s videographers was “absolutely wrong” to ask Mississippi church volunteers not to wear religious T-shirts for a video about tornado cleanup.
Angelia Lott and Pamela Wedgeworth, who are sisters, told The Associated Press that the FEMA worker … Read more »».

Magnitude-4.5 quake hits seismically active California border; downgraded from 5.1

4.5 quake hits seismically active Calif. border

EL CENTRO, Calif. – The seismically active California-Mexico border was rattled Tuesday by a magnitude-4.5 aftershock of the major earthquake that hit the region April 4. No damage was immediately reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at 5:38 p.m. and was centered 18 miles west-southwest of El … Read more : Magnitude-4.5 quake hits seismically active California border; downgraded from 5.1.

China coalmine blast kills 10

YUXIAN – At least 10 people were killed and one missing following a coalmine gas blast in China’s northern Shanxi province, an official said Wednesday.

The accident occurred around 4.50 p.m. Tuesday when 41 miners were working in the shaft of Chentong Coal Industry Co. Ltd. in Yuxian county, Xinhua reported citing Liu Xianyun of the …. Source  : China coalmine blast kills 10.

US: Insurgents launch complex attack on Bagram Air Field

US: Insurgents attack Bagram Air Field
KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents launched a brazen pre-dawn assault Wednesday against the giant U.S.-run Bagram Air Field, the second Taliban strike at NATO forces in and around the capital in as many days.

At least 10 insurgents were killed and seven U.S. service members wounded in the attack on Bagram, which …. Source  : US: Insurgents launch complex attack on Bagram Air Field.

Crashed passenger plane found in Afghanistan

KABUL – The wreckage of a commercial airliner that disappeared in Afghanistan with 43 people on board has been located by NATO forces, an official said Thursday.

Search aircraft found and photographed the wreckage in the mountainous region 40 km north of Kabul, said Nangiallay Qalatwal, spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Crashed passenger plane found in Afghanistan.

Next Indian Ocean cyclone to be called Bandu

NEW DELHI – It might not be known when the next cyclone will hit the northern Indian Ocean, but what is already known is its name – Bandu, an official said Thursday.

Cyclones derive their names through a systematic procedure laid down by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social … Read : Next Indian Ocean cyclone to be called Bandu.

Cyclone Laila hits train services in coastal Andhra

HYDERABAD – The severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal has badly hit train services in coastal Andhra Pradesh with as many as 31 passenger trains being cancelled and some others diverted.

In view of heavy rains and gales in nine coastal districts, which are under the influence of cyclone Laila, the South Central Railway … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cyclone Laila hits train services in coastal Andhra.

Real Ninjas fight off muggers in Sydney

SYDNEY – Three men who targeted a student in a dark Sydney alley got the fright of their lives when five martial art experts, wearing their traditional all black Ninja uniforms, pounced on them. The muggers had to run for the lives and the victim escaped with minor injuries.

The German medical student probably looked like …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

25 killed in Karachi political-ethnic violence

KARACHI – The paramilitary Pakistan Rangers were called in after political-ethnic violence in this southern port city claimed 25 lives, a media report Thursday said.

The violence — which began late Tuesday, continued through the day Wednesday and spilled over to Thursday morning — targeted activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) the Awami National Party …. Original source  : 25 killed in Karachi political-ethnic violence.

Laila Cyclone To Hit Today

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Weather Department of India has reported that a major cyclone, named Laila, is about to hit the east coast of the country on May 20. The areas of the country that are going to be hit the most by the Cyclone Laila are the coastal states, and among them, …. Original source  : Laila Cyclone To Hit Today.

Scientists say oil has arrived in loop current, posing broader environmental risk

Oil’s arrival in loop current has Fla. on edge

NEW ORLEANS – An outer edge of the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill has reached a powerful current that could take it to Florida and beyond, according to government scientists.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday that a small portion of the slick from the …. Original article  : Scientists say oil has arrived in loop current, posing broader environmental risk.

More than 50,000 evacuated in southern India as region braces for worst cyclone in 14 years

Indian state braces for fierce storm; 15 killed

HYDERABAD, India – Cyclone Laila slammed into the south Indian coast on Thursday, battering the region with heavy rains and winds up to 90 kilometers (55 miles) per hour, and uprooting trees and electric lines, officials said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said that the cyclone appeared to …. Source  : More than 50,000 evacuated in southern India as region braces for worst cyclone in 14 years.

Afghan officials say search craft have located the tail of missing passenger plane

Afghan officials: tail of missing plane spotted

KABUL, Afghanistan – Search craft on Thursday spotted the tail of a commercial airliner that disappeared Monday while flying over the Hindu Kush mountains with 44 people on board, Afghan officials said.
Air traffic controllers lost track of the Antonov-24, operated by Pamir Airways, when it was about 55 miles …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Debt-ridden couple commits suicide

AGRA – Burdened by huge debts, a businessman and his wife committed suicide in Chatta area here, police said Thursday.

Pankaj Agrawal, 35, and his wife Sarita ended their lives by consuming a poisonous ubstance late Wednesday. They have two daughters, five-year-old Suhani and
three-year-old Ashu, police said.
According to family members, Pankaj, who traded …. Source  : Debt-ridden couple commits suicide.

Chinese teacher jailed for holding group sex parties

BEIJING – An associate professor in a Chinese university was Thursday sentenced to a prison term for organising group sex parties.

The Qinhuai District People’s Court in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, handed down verdicts to 22 people, including associate professor Ma Yaohai, after convicting them on charges of group licentiousness.
Ma was given three-and-a-half years in …. Original source  : Chinese teacher jailed for holding group sex parties.

Five killed in accident, driver commits suicide

LUCKNOW – Five people were killed when a tractor-trolley overturned early Thursday in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district, police said. The traumatised driver allegedly committed suicide after the incident.

Seven residents of Nailapur village in Lakhimpur were returning to their village after selling their wheat stocks when the tractor-trolley in which they were travelling spun out of … Read : Five killed in accident, driver commits suicide.

Father, son murdered in gurdwara premises

GHAZIABAD – A man and his father were stabbed to death inside the premises of a gurdwara in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh early Thursday, police said.

Sujan Singh was sleeping outside the main complex of the gurdwara in Govindpuri area of Modi Nagar township. At about 3.30 a.m. three people entered the premises and stabbed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Father, son murdered in gurdwara premises.

Briton killed wife for overcooked dinner

LONDON – A Briton killed his wife with a single punch after she threw plates at him for complaining about overcooked dinner, a court was told.

Jonathan Wicks, 48, punched wife Sarah after she threw plates at him because he complained about the burned roast beef. The blow ruptured an artery in her neck and she …. Source  : Briton killed wife for overcooked dinner.

Woman charged with cheating stopped from taking India flight

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian woman executive charged with cheating was stopped from boarding a flight to India by officials who fear she could abscond.

Former Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) CEO P. Chithirakala had been charged last week with three counts of cheating involving a total of RM 4million ($1.22 million) by the …. Source  : Woman charged with cheating stopped from taking India flight.

Turkish energy minister says rescuers in mine hit by explosion have found 28 bodies

Rescuers find 28 bodies in Turkish mine
ANKARA, Turkey – Rescuers on Thursday found the bodies of 28 miners deep in a damaged coal mine, making the methane gas explosion three days earlier one of the deadliest mine accidents in Turkey in recent years.

Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said rescuers were still trying to find two miners … Read more »».

10 imprisoned on false charges to get compensation

PATNA – The Bihar Human Rights Commission has directed the government to pay 10 people, jailed on false charges of murder and kidnapping, compensation of Rs.40,000 each.

Commission chairman, Justice (retired) S.N. Jha, Thursday also recommended appropriate action be initiated against officials responsible for their wrongful confinement.
The order came after a senior police … Read more : 10 imprisoned on false charges to get compensation.

Thai government extends curfew in Bangkok, 23 other provinces by 3 more days

Curfew extended by 3 days in Bangkok, 23 provinces

BANGKOK – Thai authorities have extended the curfew in Bangkok and 23 other provinces by three more days.
Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kawekamnerd says the curfew would be in force from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Saturday night.
The curfew was imposed on Wednesday after widespread rioting in … Read more »»».

A look at past attacks blamed on North Korea

A look at NKorean attacks on rival South
A look at attacks blamed on North Korea:

- January 1967: North Korea fires on South Korean naval ship patrolling waters near maritime border, sinking warship. Thirty-nine of the 79 sailors on board are killed, 40 injured.
- January 1968: Thirty-one North Korean commandos try to storm South Korea’s presidential …. Source article  : A look at past attacks blamed on North Korea.

Troops moving against pockets of resistance after protesters torch Bangkok buildings

Troops move against protest holdouts in Bangkok

BANGKOK – The Thai government declared Thursday it had mostly quelled ten weeks of violent protests in the capital while buildings smoldered, troops rooted out small pockets of resistance and residents attempted a return to normal life.
But a nighttime curfew was extended in Bangkok and 23 other provinces for … Read : Troops moving against pockets of resistance after protesters torch Bangkok buildings.

Madhya Pradesh legislator held over youth’s disappearance

BHOPAL – Madhya Pradesh legislator Kamal Patel has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a youth who went missing allegedly from his residence March 5, 2008, officials said Friday. Patel’s son Sandeep is the main accused in the case.

Patel, a legislator of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was arrested late Thursday here by …. Source  : Madhya Pradesh legislator held over youth’s disappearance.

70,000 cyclone-hit people in Andhra relief camps

HYDERABAD – Over 70,000 people have been evacuated and moved to 300 relief camps in cyclone-hit coastal Andhra Pradesh.

A majority of these people were evacuated in four south costal districts of Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna and Nellore.
An official statement Friday said 170,000 food packets and 6.34 lakh water sachets were distributed in the relief camps. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Karachi tense as target killings’ toll rises to 37

KARACHI – Karachi remained tense Friday as the toll in three days of political-ethnic killings rose to 37 and at least eight vehicles were set ablaze overnight in various parts of the metropolis.

Shops in major markets as well as petrol pumps were closed and traffic suspended in the Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, Qasba, Pirabad, Orangi Town, …. Original source  : Karachi tense as target killings’ toll rises to 37.

Man gets death for killing girl

BHUBANESWAR – A court in Orissa Friday awarded the death sentence to a man who killed his 10-year-old granddaughter because he believed her death will fetch him a good harvest.

The sentence was handed to Rajesh Hembram by an additional sessions judge at Kuchinda town, about 400 km from here, in Sambalpur district, a police officer … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man gets death for killing girl.

BP Oil Spill Live Feed Given To Public Yesterday

GULF OF MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- In a video released by BP on Thursday it has come to light that not only is oil still spilling from the oil well near the Gulf of Mexico but the rate at which it is spilling is also very high. However the only reassuring fact in the statement …. Source article  : BP Oil Spill Live Feed Given To Public Yesterday.

Afghan minister: No sign of life at site of Pamir airline crash

Afghan minister: No sign of life at airline crash

KABUL, Afghanistan – Search teams Friday reached the remote mountain site where a commercial airliner crashed this week and found no sign of survivors among the 44 people aboard, Afghanistan’s aviation minister said.
The Antonov-24 operated by Pamir Airways disappeared Monday on a flight from Kunduz to Kabul. …. Source  : Afghan minister: No sign of life at site of Pamir airline crash.

Costa Rica Earthquake Measures 6.2

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (GaeaTimes.com)- Costa Rica was hit by a major earthquake on Thursday, May 20, at around 4:16 in the afternoon, according to reports. However, despite the considerable intensity of the earthquake, no major damages have been reported as of yet. Some power lines had been disrupted, but there was no loss of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Costa Rica Earthquake Measures 6.2.

Mexican gets 60 years for drug massacre

Guatemala City, May 21 (IANS/EFE) A Mexican was sentenced to 60 years in prison for his involvement in the November 2008 slaughter of 19 drug traffickers, the Guatemalan Supreme Court said.

Judges in the northern province of Huehuetenango found Victor Hugo Morales guilty of criminal conspiracy and membership in an illegal armed group, a spokesman said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican gets 60 years for drug massacre.

4 weeks into Gulf spill, those who rely on its waters to make a living see bleak future

Month into Gulf spill, fishermen see bleak future

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Ron Price guns the outboard motor on his 22-foot fishing boat, racing through an alley in high marsh grass and finally settling into a small oil-soaked bay.
The 40-year-old charter boat captain scans the high roseau cane ringing the edge of Redfish Bay, … Read more >>.

British family killed in Pakistan

LONDON – Three members of a Pakistani-origin British family, who were on a trip to Pakistan, have been shot dead in what is believed to be honour killing.

Mohammed Yousaf, 51, his wife Parviaz, 49, and their daughter Tania, 21, were killed Thursday when they were on their way to a wedding, The Sun reported Friday. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British family killed in Pakistan.

Month in, outrage over Gulf spill grows as oil from oozes deeper into Louisiana marshes

A month in, outrage over Gulf oil spill grows

GRAND ISLE, La. – Thick, sticky oil crept deeper into delicate marshes of the Mississippi Delta, an arrival dreaded for a month since the crude started spewing into the Gulf, as anger and frustration mounted over efforts to plug the gusher from a blown-out well and contain … Read more : Month in, outrage over Gulf spill grows as oil from oozes deeper into Louisiana marshes.

16 die in road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU – At least 16 people, including a major of the Indian Army, were killed Friday and several others injured in two road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

Forty people were also injured in the accidents.
Major Vishal Gaurav was killed and a Lt. Colonel injured critically when their jeep was hit by a truck ferrying … Read : 16 die in road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

Cyclone Laila triggers rains in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Rains and powerful winds triggered by cyclonic storm Laila lashed Orissa’s winding coast Friday.

The storm was centred near Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh early in the day, said the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre. It is expected to hit the state.
Orissa has been lashed by rains since Thursday evening. Gopalpur town in Ganjam district and …. Source article  : Cyclone Laila triggers rains in Orissa.

Feds change rules so farmers can kill non-migrating Canada geese faster, avoid loss of crops

Feds change rules so farmers can kill geese faster

CHARLES CITY, Va. – Few things are more frustrating for farmers than geese descending on a freshly planted field to feast on soybean or corn shoots.
For years, farmers could only attempt to shoo the birds or seek federal approval to kill them to protect their crops. But …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Feds change rules so farmers can kill non-migrating Canada geese faster, avoid loss of crops.

Gorkha League chief Madan Tamang killed, Darjeeling tense

DARJEELING – Gorkha leader Madan Tamang, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL), was Friday stabbed to death allegedly by Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters in this West Bengal town, police said. News of the death led to a spontaneous shutdown in the region.

Tamang, who led the anti-GJM front in the Darjeeling hills, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Roadside bomb in southern Kandahar city kills elderly Afghan civilian, wounds 3 children

Bomb blast in southern Afghan city kills civilian

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan’s main southern city Friday, killing one civilian and wounding three children, an official said.
The early morning blast appeared to target an Afghan intelligence service vehicle that drove down a main road in Kandahar city, said Abdul Ali, an intelligence …. Original source  : Roadside bomb in southern Kandahar city kills elderly Afghan civilian, wounds 3 children.

Four rhino poachers killed in gunfight in Kaziranga

GUWAHATI – Four poachers were killed in a gunfight with wildlife rangers at the famed Kaziranga National Park in Assam Friday, three days after seven poachers were arrested on the fringe of the sanctuary, officials said.

A wildlife warden said a group of six poachers entered the park early Friday and fired at an adult [..] Read the original article: here.

South Korean president calls for cautious response to ship sinking blamed on North Korea

SKorea calls for cautious response to ship sinking
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president said Friday his country was caught in a “perfect military ambush” when a North Korean torpedo sank a naval warship, but called for a cautious response to the disaster that left 46 sailors dead.
President Lee Myung-bak made the comments … Read more >>>.

Cyclone Laila slams into southeastern India causing power outages, landslides; 23 killed

Cyclone Laila hits southeast India, 23 killed

HYDERABAD, India – The death toll from a powerful cyclone that slammed into southeastern India, toppling power lines and triggering landslides, has climbed to 23, a top official said Friday.
The storm plunged a large swath of coastal Andhra Pradesh state into darkness when it hit Thursday packing strong winds … Read more »».

Cyclone Laila stationary, toll up at 27 in coastal Andhra

HYDERABAD – Cyclonic storm Laila remained stationary near south coastal Andhra Pradesh as heavy rains and gales continued to batter the region for the third consecutive day Friday, killing 27 people and inundating towns and villages.

The transport system was paralysed and electricity and communication disrupted.
Heavy downpour continued in the worst-hit Prakasam and Guntur district … Original article on : Cyclone Laila stationary, toll up at 27 in coastal Andhra.

Black Box In Aeroplane Yet To Be Traced

MANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Even when the country is still recovering from the shocking Air India flight crash that killed 158 passengers yesterday morning, search is on to trace the black box in the aero plane. It can throw light on the actual cause of the accident. The investigation is still on. The Black …. Original source  : Black Box In Aeroplane Yet To Be Traced.

Mexico tops world rankings for most kidnappings

Mexico City, May 23 (IANS/EFE) Mexico has become the world\’s No. 1 country for kidnappings with more than 8,000 abductions reported every year, a report said.

The figure, however, does not include the so-called \”express\” kidnappings, a form of abduction where the victim is released after a few hours, the report by security consulting firm Multisistemas …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexico tops world rankings for most kidnappings.

With 30 funerals, Kerala in mourning after plane crash

KASARGOD – Sunday morning saw as many as 30 funerals in north Kerala’s Kasargod and Kannur disricts. With 66 victims of Saturday’s plane crash in Mangalore being Malayalis, Kerala was clearly in mourning.

In fact, Pareppu, a small village in Kasargod was witness to seven funerals. As a mark of respect to the many departed, Nileshawaram … Original article on : With 30 funerals, Kerala in mourning after plane crash.

Drunk woman driver kills two, to get bail

NEW DELHI – A 30-year-old woman, who while driving in an inebriated state rammed her car into an autorickshaw killing two people at Gopinath Bazar in Delhi Cantonment area, was arrested but will be out on bail soon, police said Sunday.

“She is charged with causing death due to rash and negligent driving which is a …. Read the original article  : Drunk woman driver kills two, to get bail.

Hunt still on for black box of crashed aircraft: Air India (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – Over 30 hours after the Mangalore air accident, the black box of the ill-fated Boeing 737-800 aircraft was yet to be recovered from its charred debris, delaying the probe into the possible cause of the mishap that claimed 158 lives.

“Efforts are on to retrieve the black box which would throw light into the …. Source article  : Hunt still on for black box of crashed aircraft: Air India (Second Lead).

Crashed aircraft’s black box yet to be found: Air India (Lead, changing dateline)

MUMBAI – Nearly 30 hours after the Mangalore air accident, investigators have yet to recover the ill-fated Boeing 737-800 aircraft’s black box from the debris, an Air India official said here Sunday.

“Efforts are on to retrieve the black box which would throw light into the accident for the investigators,” said AI General Manager Harpreet A.D. …. Source  : Crashed aircraft’s black box yet to be found: Air India (Lead, changing dateline).

42 killed in China road, rail accidents

BEIJING – At least 32 people were killed in a collision between two vehicles in northeastern China, while 10 others died when a train derailed in east China Sunday, authorities said.

According to transport officials, the collision between a bus and a truck occurred on a four-lane expressway in Liaoning province, where maintenance work was underway …. Read the original article  : 42 killed in China road, rail accidents.

Matador Gored By Bull, Recovery Uncertain

MADRID (GaeaTimes.com)- Spanish Bullfighter Julio Aparicio nearly escaped death on Friday when he was engaged in a bull fighting event in Madrid’s San Isidro Festival and the goring was so brutal that the viewers started screaming in horror. It is well known that in Spain bull fighting is a traditional sport and despite the …. Read the original article  : here.

12 killed in Assam accident

GUWAHATI – At least 12 people were killed and four critically injured when a speeding truck mowed through a crowd returning from a cultural function in a town in Assam’s Goalpara district, officials said Sunday.

A police spokesperson said the incident took place late Saturday evening on a national highway in Dudhnoi town in Goalpara, about … Original source on Gaea Times at : 12 killed in Assam accident.

In Mangalore crash, tragedy revisits Chandigarh family

CHANDIGARH – The Air India Express plane crash in Mangalore Saturday morning saw tragedy revisiting the family of an elderly woman in Chandigarh as she lost her Dubai-based daughter in the air disaster.

For Santosh Aggarwal, this was the second time she was losing one of her children to an accident. Her son, his wife and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In Mangalore crash, tragedy revisits Chandigarh family.

Duped by Indian adoption agency, US family cautions couples

NEW DELHI – US-based Desiree and David Smolin were elated when they adopted two girls from Hyderabad. But their happiness was shortlived. Within weeks, the couple discovered that their two lovely daughters were not orphans, but victims of child trafficking.

That was 12 years ago. The Smolins now operate a website, in which they have catalogued … Read more »».

Drunk woman driver crashes into auto, two killed

NEW DELHI – A 30-year-old woman, who was driving in an inebriated state, rammed her car into an autorickshaw, killing two people and injuring two others at Gopinath Bazar in Delhi Cantonment area, police said Sunday.

“The incident happened at around 11.30 p.m Saturday. The woman, Nivedita Singh, who was in an intoxicated state, was … Read : Drunk woman driver crashes into auto, two killed.

87 crash victims identified, Hyderabad forensic team pitches in

MANGALORE/MUMBAI – The bodies of 87 victims of Saturday’s plane crash in Mangalore have been identified and handed over to their relatives, while a forensic team arrived from Hyderabad to conduct DNA tests to identify bodies charred beyond recognition, officials said Sunday.

The number of bodies to be identified with DNA tests is still not …. Read the original article  : 87 crash victims identified, Hyderabad forensic team pitches in.

Head-on collision between truck and bus in northern China kills 32 people, another 21 injured

Truck-bus collision kills 32 in China
BEIJING – A head-on collision between a truck and bus in northeastern China killed 32 people and injured another 24 early Sunday.

The accident happened along a section of highway undergoing road maintenance in Fuxin City in Liaoning province, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
The truck was traveling on the wrong … Read more : Head-on collision between truck and bus in northern China kills 32 people, another 21 injured.

Nine killed as truck overturns in Maharashtra

MUMBAI – Nine people, including three children, were killed and eight injured when a truck overturned in Nandurbar district in northwest Maharashtra early Sunday, police said.

“Seventeen people were travelling in a truck that was going to Surat city in Gujarat from Sakri village. They had come to attend a wedding here. The truck they were … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nine killed as truck overturns in Maharashtra.

At least 8 people killed, more than 50 hurt, in train derailment in eastern China

Train hits landslide, derails in China, killing 8

BEIJING – A passenger train hit by landslides derailed Sunday in eastern China, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 50 others, state television reported.
The train, bound for the tourist destination of Guilin, derailed around 2 a.m. Sunday in a mountainous area near Fuzhou city in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : At least 8 people killed, more than 50 hurt, in train derailment in eastern China.

Search still on for Air India aircraft’s black box

MANGALORE – The search for the digital cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder of the ill-fated Air India aircraft that crashed here Saturday was still on, more than 24 hours after the disaster.

Together called the black box, the equipment gives crucial inputs to investigators on the causes of air mishaps. A sturdy system …. Source  : Search still on for Air India aircraft’s black box.

Search for black boxes begins after Air India crash kills 158, 8 survive

Hunt for clues after India crash kills 158; 8 live
MANGALORE, India – Grieving relatives collected the victims’ remains from a crashed Indian plane and investigators sifted through the rubble Sunday for the cockpit voice and the flight data recorder after India’s worst air disaster in more than a decade killed 158 people.
Eight … Read : Search for black boxes begins after Air India crash kills 158, 8 survive.

Forensic team from Hyderabad to help identify crash victims

MANGALORE – Forensic experts from Hyderabad arrived here Sunday morning to conduct DNA tests to help identify several bodies charred beyond recognition in Saturday’s Air India Express plane crash that killed 158 people, police and hospital officials said.

The number of bodies to be identified with DNA tests is still not clear as relatives and friends … Original article on : Forensic team from Hyderabad to help identify crash victims.

Maoists kill two people in Bihar

PATNA – Two people have been shot dead by Maoist guerrillas in a village in Bihar’s Patna district, police said Sunday.

Nearly 50 armed Maoists stormed Pachpanpar village near Masaurih in rural Patna, about 35 km from here, late Saturday night and killed two people, a police official said.
The victims were identified as Mukesh Yadav [..] Read the original article: here.

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.

Firing incident not an attack on Ravi Shankar: Police chief

BANGALORE – The Karnataka police is not treating the firing incident at Art of Living complex here late Sunday as a bid on its founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s life, Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh said Monday.

“From the evidence we got, we are treating it as an incident and not as an attack … Original article on : Firing incident not an attack on Ravi Shankar: Police chief.

Mangalore air crash victims should get $145,000: Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Victims of the Mangalore air tragedy should get at least $145,000 in compensation apart from the amount sanctioned by the state and central governments, Kerala’s Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy said Monday. At least 158 people died in the tragedy May 22 of which 49 were Malayalis.

“According to the international aviation rules the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

High court defers hearing in Rathore’s case till Tuesday

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday deferred till Tuesday the hearing on the bail petition of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, who has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra in 1990.

After hearing the arguments, the vacation bench of Justice Ajay Tiwari deferred the case and directed … Read more >>.

Memorial Day has personal tone in Afghanistan as troops remember friends and colleages

US troops in Afghanistan mark Memorial Day

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan remembered friends and colleagues Monday in solemn Memorial Day ceremonies to commemorate all of their nation’s war dead.
The 9-year-old war raged on, meanwhile, with NATO forces launching airstrikes against Taliban militants who had forced government forces to abandon the …. Source  : Memorial Day has personal tone in Afghanistan as troops remember friends and colleages.

Eight killed in Orissa accidents

BHUBANESWAR – At least eight people were killed and 11 injured in three separate road accidents in Orissa Monday, police said.

Four people died and seven were injured, three critically, when the vehicle in which they were travelling hit a parked truck on the outskirts of Deogarh, about 290 km from here, police said.
Two people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Poppy husk racket busted

BHOPAL – Five people have been arrested in Madhya Pradesh with 450 kg of poppy straw hidden inside air conditioners being transported in a container truck, police said Monday.

The seizure took place on the Mandsaur-Ratlam highway, about 400 km from here. The truck was on its way to Ahmednagar in Maharashtra.
“Twenty bags of poppy …. Read the original article  : Poppy husk racket busted.

Beneath the surface: Today’s oil disaster in the Gulf feels so ‘yesterday’ for most of us

Oil disaster shows a divide from physical world
WASHINGTON – It’s all so last millennium, that filthy business in the depths of the Gulf of Mexico.
It reeks of yesterday’s fuel, yesterday’s sweaty labor – a hands-on way of life from another time. Today’s Americans don’t care to know how the gas comes to the … Read more >>.

Apex court notice to Haryana over Dalit arson attack

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Haryana government on the plight of 150 Dalit families who were driven out of their village in Hisar district after an arson attack on their homes last month.

A 70-year-old man and his 18-year-old physically challenged daughter were killed and at least 18 houses were …. Original article  : Apex court notice to Haryana over Dalit arson attack.

As oil washes through mysterious depths, scientists warn of unseen calamity

Deepwater mystery: Oil loose in the Gulf
NEW ORLEANS – Streaming video of oil pouring from the seafloor and images of dead, crude-soaked birds serve as visual bookends to the natural calamity unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico.

But independent scientists and government officials say another disaster is playing out in slow motion – and out of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : As oil washes through mysterious depths, scientists warn of unseen calamity.

Toll in storm Agatha rises to 100 (Third Lead)

GUATEMALA CITY/TEGUCIGALPA – Heavy rain caused by tropical storm Agatha has killed almost 100 people in Central America, where tens of thousands of people had to be evacuated over the weekend because of flooding.

In Guatemala, which has been worst affected by the rains, 82 people had died, President Alvaro Colom was quoted as saying Sunday …. Original article  : Toll in storm Agatha rises to 100 (Third Lead).

NATO bombs eastern Afghanistan region taken by Taliban; commander says militants train in Iran

NATO bombs Taliban in eastern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO launched airstrikes Monday against Taliban insurgents who had forced government forces to abandon a district in eastern Afghanistan. The NATO commander, meanwhile, said there is “clear evidence” that some Afghan militants have trained in Iran.

NATO reported its 50th death this month, according to a tally by [..] Read the original article: here.

Russian experts arrive in Seoul to review results of probe on warship sinking blamed on NKorea

Russians to study warship sinking probe
SEOUL, South Korea – Russian experts arrived in Seoul on Monday to review findings of an investigation that blamed North Korea for the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship, as the South sought to build support for U.N. punishment of the North.
If Russia endorses the multinational …. Read the original article  : here.

Road rage in Shimla: BJP leader’s son killed

SHIMLA – The 20-year-old son of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was stabbed to death by three men, one day after a road chase following an argument on overtaking, police here said Monday.

Two youths, Rohan Bhandari and Vikram, both in their early 20s, were arrested late Sunday while police is hunting for the third …. Original article  : Road rage in Shimla: BJP leader’s son killed.

Indian jailed in Australia for sexually abusing children

MELBOURNE – An Indian salesman in Australia was sentenced to jail Monday after being convicted of sexually assaulting children and possessing child pornography.

Mujahed Ur-Rahman, 29, pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a child aged under 16 and two other charges relating to separate incidences on another victim, committing an indecent act on a child aged under …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian jailed in Australia for sexually abusing children.

Four arrested with antique Buddha idol

LUCKNOW – Four men involved in a Nepal-based smuggling racket have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Siddharthnagar district with an antique Buddha idol worth $21 million in the international market, police said Monday.

The four, residents of different Uttar Pradesh districts bordering Nepal, were arrested Sunday evening from Mehdewa area, some 300 km from here.
“The … Read more : Four arrested with antique Buddha idol.

Travel agency dupes 90 youths of Rs.2.5 crore, two held

AMBALA – Two people have been arrested for allegedly duping 90 youths of nearly Rs.2.5 crore on the pretext of sending them abroad on work permits, police said here Monday.

Rupesh Kumar and Manmohan Singh, who were running a travel agency called Capital Emigration and Education Services in this Haryana town, some 35 km from Chandigarh, …. Source  : Travel agency dupes 90 youths of Rs.2.5 crore, two held.

Ravishankar unafraid, says he forgives attacker

BANGALORE – Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar, who was fired at but escaped unhurt, said Monday that there were people who wanted to attack him but he was not afraid and would continue to spread the message of anti-terrorism and peace.

An unidentified gunman opened fire at Ravishankar’s convoy here late Sunday. An Indian [..] Read the original article: here.

Goa minister under cloud after alleged partner dies

PANAJI – Goa’s Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, who faces charges of bigamy, has been dragged into controversy again after a 28-year-old woman, allegedly his third partner, died at a Chennai hospital.

Women activists and the opposition have demanded a thorough probe into the death of Nadia Torreado in Chennai Sunday, 15 days after she … Original article on : Goa minister under cloud after alleged partner dies.

5 passengers suffer minor injuries when Amtrak train derails in southern Illinois

5 passengers injured when trail derails in Ill.

GRANITE CITY, Ill. – Amtrak says five people suffered minor injuries when a passenger train derailed in suburban St. Louis.
Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the last two coaches on the train left the tracks Sunday evening in Granite City, Ill. The train was headed from St. Louis to … Read more »»».

Tropical Storm Agatha’s torrential rains, landslides kill 99 in 3 Central American countries

Tropical storm kills 99 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – The death toll in Central America from landslides and flooding triggered by the year’s first tropical storm surged to 99 on Sunday, as authorities struggled to clear roads of debris and reach cut-off communities.
Rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Agatha have pounded an area stretching …. Source  : Gaea News Network.