Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

Obama to meet Gulf oil spill panel chairmen
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to hold his first meeting with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama was to meet Tuesday with Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and U.S. senator, and William K. Reilly, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

Obama to meet Tuesday with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

Obama to meet oil spill panel chairmen Tuesday
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to hold his first meeting with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama was to meet Tuesday with Bob Graham, a former Florida governor and U.S. senator, and William K. Reilly, …. Original source  : Obama to meet Tuesday with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

BP establishes floating hotels for workers in preparation for massive cleanup on Gulf Coast

‘Flotels’ await oil spill cleanup workers on Gulf
PORT FOURCHON, La. – The 40-foot-long corrugated steel boxes, resembling oversized white shipping containers, are stacked two high and three wide atop a barge at Port Fourchon, the oil industry’s hub on the Gulf of Mexico. The words “Martin Quarters” painted in black offer … Read more : BP establishes floating hotels for workers in preparation for massive cleanup on Gulf Coast.

Guatemala Sinkhole Engulfs Building, Kills One

GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA (GaeaTimes.com)- On Monday, May 31, a giant Sinkhole was suddenly formed at a street intersection in Guatemala City. The 60-meter deep and 30-meeter wide crater was formed after the heavy Agatha storm and rain that hit the Central America. The Guatemala sinkhole was formed all of a sudden and reportedly went …. Source  : Guatemala Sinkhole Engulfs Building, Kills One.

Canada Fire Grows Out Of Control

CANADA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Quebec wildfire that has gained strength over the last few days is causing headache to the authorities in Canada and the USA. The cities in both the USA and Canada which are adjacent to Quebec have been alerted and in a number of cities the billowing smoke has reached making the … Read more >>>.

Fresh autopsy of Goa minister’s ‘partner’ ordered

PANAJI – A sub-divisional magistrate Tuesday ordered a fresh autopsy of Goa Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco’s alleged paramour who died after consuming rat poison.

The police are asking why 28-year-old Nadia Torreado took poison. She died in Chennai Sunday, 15 days after consuming the poison.
In response to an application filed by women’s activist Tara … Read more »»».

Suspected Maoists demand Rs.2 mn extortion

PATNA – Suspected Maoists have demanded Rs.2 million from a government doctor in Bihar to buy arms and ammunition, police said Tuesday.

The demand was made to Rajendra Singh, who heads the government referral hospital at Sherghati in Gaya district, about 100 km from here.
“Maoists have called twice on Singh’s cell phone in the last …. Original article  : Suspected Maoists demand Rs.2 mn extortion.

Man drinks spiked tea, tears out friend’s beating heart

WASHINGTON – A man in the US ripped out a friend’s heart while he was still alive as he “needed to stop the devil”. Jarrod Wyatt, 26, also cut out Taylor Powell’s tongue and tore most of his face in the vicious assault.

Powell bled to death after his heart was taken out, The Telegraph …. Original source  : Man drinks spiked tea, tears out friend’s beating heart.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 150 people and made thousands homeless in Central America, officials said.
Dozens of people were missing and emergency crews struggled to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and collapsed bridges caused …. Original source  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 150 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

15 die as bus runs over marriage procession

LUCKNOW – At least 15 people were killed and 11 injured when a bus ran over a marriage procession in an Uttar Pradesh village, police said Tuesday.

The accident took place late Monday when the driver lost control of the state-owned bus in Gomadeh village of Azamgarh district, about 300 km from Lucknow.
“The injured have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 15 die as bus runs over marriage procession.

Two Punjab cops suspended for harassing people

ZIRAKPUR – Two traffic police constables have been suspended in this Punjab town on charges of harassing people and extorting money from drivers of outstation vehicles, officials said here Tuesday.

Kulbir Singh and Gurvinder Singh were suspended Monday night.
The traffic in-charge of this town in Mohali district, Manjit Singh, has also been transferred to police …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two Punjab cops suspended for harassing people.

US flies Afghan troops to recapture mountain district from Taliban

US flies Afghan troops to recapture district

KABUL, Afghanistan – The U.S. command says American helicopters have flown Afghan troops into a remote mountain area north of Kabul in an operation to recapture a district overrun last week by the Taliban.
Government forces pulled out of Barg-e-Matal (Barge-eh-mah-TAL) district of Nuristan province last weekend after hundreds of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US flies Afghan troops to recapture mountain district from Taliban.

Guatemala Sinkhole: Guatemala Crater Draws Attention

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Guatemala Government has released a picture of a Sinkhole or Crater that appeared at the Guatemala City after it was hit by tropical storm Agatha. From the picture it looks like a very huge hole with no end. A sinkhole is also known as a sink, swallow hole, shake hole, …. Read the original article  : Guatemala Sinkhole: Guatemala Crater Draws Attention.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 145 people and made thousands homeless in Central America, officials said Monday.
Dozens of people were missing and emergency crews struggled to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and collapsed bridges …. Original source  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 145 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing

Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Flooding and landslides from the season’s first tropical storm have killed at least 144 people and left thousands homeless in Central America, officials said Monday.
Dozens of people are still missing and emergency crews are struggling to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tropical Storm Agatha kills 144 in 3 Central American countries; dozens missing.

AP source: Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill

AP source: Obama to meet oil spill panel chairmen
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. – President Barack Obama planned to meet Tuesday with the co-chairmen of an independent commission investigating BP’s catastrophic spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
A senior administration official said Obama will meet at the White House with Bob Graham, who is …. Original article  : AP source: Obama to meet with co-chairmen of independent panel investigating Gulf oil spill.

Robot submarines swarm blown-out Gulf well, preparing for next bid to contain oil

BP engineers prepare for next bid to stop oil flow

COVINGTON, La. – Robot submarines carried equipment and cut small pipes at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico on Monday to prepare to place a new containment valve over the blown-out well this week, while BP crews began working on yet another containment plan that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Robot submarines swarm blown-out Gulf well, preparing for next bid to contain oil.

Holder to meet with state attorneys general, US attorneys on Gulf Coast

Holder to meet with state AGs on Gulf Coast

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder plans to visit the Gulf Coast to see areas affected by the oil spill and meet with state attorneys general and U.S. prosecutors.
The Justice Department says Holder will visit the region Tuesday. He is scheduled to receive a Coast Guard tour, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Holder to meet with state attorneys general, US attorneys on Gulf Coast.

Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010

Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010

A summary of events on Monday, May 31, Day 40 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 …. Read the original article  : Some oil spill events from Monday, May 31, 2010.

Best chance to stop Gulf oil leak 2 months away with relief well

Relief for Gulf is 2 months away with another well
NEW ORLEANS – The best hope for stopping the flow of oil from the blown-out well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico has been compared to hitting a target the size of a dinner plate with a drill more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Best chance to stop Gulf oil leak 2 months away with relief well.

Indian Navy chopper crashes, crew safe

NEW DELHI – An Indian Navy helicopter with three crew members on board crashed near an Andhra Pradesh town Wednesday but there were no casualties, an officer said here.

“A Chetak that was deployed at INS Dega at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh crashed. There were three crew members in the helicopter and all are safe,” navy …. Read the original article  : here.

Insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts

Militants attack as Afghan peace conference starts

KABUL, Afghanistan – Security forces battled insurgents including at least one suicide bomber outside a national peace conference just as President Hamid Karzai opened the three-day meeting Wednesday in the Afghan capital.
A NATO spokesman said several insurgents were shot near the venue, and Afghan police said a suicide bomber …. Original article  : Insurgents launch attack as Afghan peace conference starts.

Risky business: Effort to contain gusher gets riskier with ‘cut and cap’; oil nears Fla.

Oil closes in on Fla. as BP tries risky cap move
PORT FOURCHON, La. – As submersible robots made another risky attempt to control the underwater Gulf oil gusher, the crude on the surface spread, closing in on Florida. BP’s stock plummeted and took much of the market down with it, and the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Risky business: Effort to contain gusher gets riskier with ‘cut and cap’; oil nears Fla..

40 bodies found in Mexico mass grave

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) At least 40 bodies, including that of a prison warden, were found in a mass grave in Mexico’s Guerrero state, the state attorney general’s office said.

The body of Daniel Bravo Mota, 53, warden of Iguala prison, was identified after forensic tests, spokesman Albertico Guinto said Tuesday, adding that the mass … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 40 bodies found in Mexico mass grave.

Four-story apartment building collapses in Bangladesh’s capital, 14 bodies found

Building collapses in Bangladesh, 14 bodies found

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A four-story apartment building collapsed in Bangladesh’s capital and its debris buried some nearby shanties, killing at least 14 people and leaving several others trapped, authorities said Wednesday.
Fire official Abdus Salam said some of those trapped were feared dead.
Rescuers recovered four bodies after 10 bodies were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four-story apartment building collapses in Bangladesh’s capital, 14 bodies found.

Indian cops nabbed with hashish in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Two Indian policemen have been caught with hashish in a border district in Nepal, the official media said.

Indra Bhanu Rai and Umesh Yadav, two policemen employed in the Badauni police station in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, were arrested in Nepal’s border district Kapilavastu after they were found to be carrying 700 gm of …. Read the original article  : Indian cops nabbed with hashish in Nepal.

Corporal punishment: School initiates probe against teacher

MOHALI – After sacking a teacher for allegedly thrashing a Class 8 boy during a school trip, following which the mother of the student died of shock, the Yadavindra Public School (YPS) here has initiated a probe against another teacher who faces similar allegations.

“We have started an inquiry into similar allegations made against another teacher … Original article on : Corporal punishment: School initiates probe against teacher.

Police say suicide bomber blows himself up near Afghan peace conference

Police: Suicide bomber near Afghan conference

KABUL, Afghanistan – Police say that a suicide bomber detonated explosives a few hundred yards (meters) from a national peace conference in the Afghan capital.
Police officer Kamaluddin said there were no immediate reports of any other casualties in the blast, other than the bomber.
… Original article on : Police say suicide bomber blows himself up near Afghan peace conference.

Report: Bus collides with truck hauling mango in Bangladesh; 16 killed and 50 others injured

Report: 16 killed in Bangladesh road accident

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Local media report a passenger bus has collided with a truck loaded with mango in southwestern Bangladesh, killing at least 16 people and injuring 50 others.
The United News of Bangladesh agency says the accident occurred early Wednesday in Bagerhat district, 85 miles (136 kilometers) south of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Bus collides with truck hauling mango in Bangladesh; 16 killed and 50 others injured.

Ruchika’s lawyer evading arrest in land scam case, say cops

CHANDIGARH – The lawyer who played an instrumental role in the conviction of former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case has been absconding and evading arrest in connection with a multi-crore land scam, police here said Wednesday.

Pankaj Bhardwaj escaped from his home here before a special team of Amritsar police … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ruchika’s lawyer evading arrest in land scam case, say cops.

22 people rescued from Ecuadorian shipwreck

Quito (Equador), June 2 (IANS/EFE) The Ecuadorian navy rescued at least 22 people from a shipwrecked vessel, 29 km from the nation’s coast, television reports said.

The boat sank when some of the planks making up the deck got detached from the vessel, near the Ecuadorian coastal city of Esmeraldas, the Ecuavisa television said Tuesday.
Thirteen …. Original source  : 22 people rescued from Ecuadorian shipwreck.

Afghan president opens conference to map road to peace, ignoring Taliban threats

Afghan peace conference starts
KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai has opened a national conference to discuss his plans for bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan.

Some 1,600 Afghan delegates ignored Taliban death threats to attend the start of the three-day conference on Wednesday.
Karzai is expected to seek endorsement of his plan to offer economic incentives to Taliban … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan president opens conference to map road to peace, ignoring Taliban threats.

iPhones, BlackBerrys to help check corruption

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) Curbing corruption may be easier with a new application that enables users of iPhones and BlackBerrys to catch police taking bribe and also check traffic instructions.

The new application created for iPhone and the iPod will soon be available to BlackBerry users. It has a traffic-fine calculator, a map showing directions …. Original article  : iPhones, BlackBerrys to help check corruption.

Six human heads found in Mexico

Mexico City, June 2 (IANS/EFE) Six human heads were found in two Mexican cities, while at least 13 people were gunned down in two separate incidents in the country, police said.

The six human heads were found in Lerdo and Gomez Palacio cities, in Durango state. Two heads belonged to municipal police officers, who were reported …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Six human heads found in Mexico.

15 people killed in Philippines road accident

MANILA – Fifteen people were killed when a passenger minibus plunged into a 70-metre-deep ravine in the northern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

Fifteen more were also hurt in the accident Tuesday in Besao town in Mountain province, 285 km north of Manila, Senior Superintendent Fortunato Albas said.
Albas, the provincial police chief, said heavy rains made … Read more : 15 people killed in Philippines road accident.

Taliban scorn Afghan national peace conference in Kabul, threatening death to delegates

Taliban dismiss Afghan peace meet before it starts

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Taliban dismissed a national peace conference in Afghanistan even before its Wednesday opening, threatening death to the 1,600 delegates in cassette messages distributed by the insurgent leadership.
The three-day meeting in a giant tent at Kabul Polytechnic University was to discuss how to reconcile with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Taliban scorn Afghan national peace conference in Kabul, threatening death to delegates.

Three killed as World War II bomb explodes

GOETTINGEN – Three members of a bomb disposal team were killed and six people wounded in the central German city of Goettingen when a World War II bomb exploded during attempts to disarm the weapon.

Among the wounded Tuesday night, two people had serious injuries but were expected to survive.
Uncovered at a depth of seven … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three killed as World War II bomb explodes.

Death toll from Tropical Storm Agatha climbs to 180 as Central America struggles to recover

Agatha deaths rise to 180 in Central America

GUATEMALA CITY – Villagers used hoes and pick axes on Tuesday to hunt for victims of landslides that have killed at least 180 people in Central America while officials in Guatemala’s capital tried to cope with a vast sinkhole that swallowed a clothing factory.
Thousands remained homeless and dozens [..] Read the original article: here.

1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes into building near downtown Anchorage, Alaska

1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A small airplane crashed in a busy business district near downtown during rush hour Tuesday, killing a small child and injuring the four other people onboard, authorities said.
Bystanders rushed to help those onboard the Cessna 206 after it clipped the roof of a … Original article on : 1 dead, 4 hurt after small plane crashes into building near downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

Bill Clinton returns to Haiti on new assignment to speed recovery from devastating earthquake

Bill Clinton returns to Haiti on recovery mission
LEOGANE, Haiti – Bill Clinton returned to Haiti on a new mission Tuesday to invigorate recovery from January’s devastating earthquake and help millions end lives of poverty and danger.
On his first visit since becoming co-chairman of the committee overseeing more than $5.3 billion in international reconstruction … Read more >>>.

Two held with explosives

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested with a huge cache of explosives in Uttar Pradesh’s Lalitpur district, police said Thursday.

The duo was arrested late Wednesday at Jakhaura, about 300 km from here, with around 1,500 detonators, fuse wires and gelatin rods.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of their involvement in supplying the explosives …. Original source  : Two held with explosives.

Verdict in murder case involving Soren June 15

RANCHI – The verdict in a 36-year-old double murder case involving former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, who appeared in a fast track court Thursday, will be pronounced June 15.

The fast track court of Mohammad Qasim heard the arguments of the public prosecutor and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief’s lawyer.
The court …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Verdict in murder case involving Soren June 15.

Man kept girlfriend’s corpse on sofa for 10 months

LONDON – A Briton sprayed room fresheners to hide the stench of his girlfriend’s rotting body that lay on a sofa for 10 months.

Gabriel Brown, who hid the stench of 37-year-old Lynn Warman’s body from neighbours, told the police that he was too grief stricken to report her death at their home in Worthing, West …. Source  : Man kept girlfriend’s corpse on sofa for 10 months.

Youth killed in Bangladesh violence

DHAKA – A tribal youth was killed Thursday in a gun attack blamed on Muslim activists of a party that opposes the government’s peace deal with the minority Buddhists in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Ananda Tangchangya, 22, was leader of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad, a student body of Buddhists from the hills. …. Source  : Youth killed in Bangladesh violence.

BP’s latest underwater experiment in Gulf spill hits a snag, just like the other attempts

Once again, BP experiment in Gulf spill hits snag

PENSACOLA, Fla. – BP fumbled its latest underwater experiment with the wild Gulf gusher – just like every other endeavor the company has tried to fix the nation’s worst oil spill and BP’s chief executive said the company wasn’t fully prepared for the disaster.
First, a 100-ton, four-story … Read : BP’s latest underwater experiment in Gulf spill hits a snag, just like the other attempts.

Without evidence of oil spill coverup, experts say US faces hurdles in charging company execs

Oil spill criminal case difficult against execs

MIAMI – It’s virtually certain that BP and other companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill will face criminal charges and civil penalties that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in fines. But for any company executives or workers to be indicted individually, legal experts …. Read the original article  : Without evidence of oil spill coverup, experts say US faces hurdles in charging company execs.

AP Exclusive: US spill panel includes climate experts, may tackle broader energy questions

AP Exclusive: Spill panel may look at energy needs
WASHINGTON – The new presidential commission investigating the Gulf oil spill will include two experts who have been active on the subject of global warming, including one who wrote just last month that the country should redouble efforts to lessen its dependence on oil, The …. Original article  : AP Exclusive: US spill panel includes climate experts, may tackle broader energy questions.

With 2 experts active in climate issues, spill panel may take big picture look at US and oil

Spill panel may also take bigger look at US, oil

WASHINGTON – The Associated Press has learned the president will appoint two global warming experts to the commission investigating the Gulf oil spill.
One of them last month wrote about how the country should redouble its efforts to lessen its dependence on oil following the oil spill.
The …. Read the original article  : With 2 experts active in climate issues, spill panel may take big picture look at US and oil.

8 Afghan civilians killed in crossfire, roadside bombing in restive southern province

8 Afghan civilians killed in fighting, bombing

KABUL, Afghanistan – A clash between Afghan forces and Taliban militants left four civilians dead in a southern district where a major NATO operation early this year was meant to reassert government control, a provincial official said Thursday.
Also, a roadside bombing in the same province killed four other civilians.
The … Read : 8 Afghan civilians killed in crossfire, roadside bombing in restive southern province.

Yasin Malik on hunger strike in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik Thursday went on a daylong hunger strike, along with 30 party activists, in north Kashmir’s Nadihal village to protest the murders of three villagers in a staged shootout April 30.

“Acts like these are committed to suppress the ongoing freedom movement. The international community must … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yasin Malik on hunger strike in Kashmir.

Study: South Pacific coral islands hold size or grow despite sea-level rise over past 60 years

Study: Coral atolls hold on despite sea-level rise

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Some South Pacific coral atolls have held their own or even grown in size over the past 60 years despite rising sea levels, newly published research showed Thursday.
Some scientists have worried for years that many of the tiny, low-lying islands throughout the South Pacific …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Study: South Pacific coral islands hold size or grow despite sea-level rise over past 60 years.

I won’t see you again, British gunman said before rampage

LONDON – The taxi driver, who killed 12 people in a shooting rampage in Britain before turning the gun on himself, had given a chilling warning of his intention to a friend, saying: “I won’t see you again.”

Peter Ledder, a friend of Derrick Bird who killed 12 and injured 25, told The Times: “I came … Read : I won’t see you again, British gunman said before rampage.

Death toll reaches 38 in China landslides

BEIJING – The death toll in rain-triggered landslides in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region climbed to 38 Thursday even as search operations continued for missing villagers, authorities said.

In Rongxian County, the death toll reached 23 after eight more bodies were recovered Wednesday night, the county’s emergency rescue office said Thursday. It said rescuers were … Read : Death toll reaches 38 in China landslides.

Dolphin found dead in Patna

PATNA – A Ganges river dolphin, an endangered species, was killed by suspected poachers on the banks of Ganga river here, forest officials said Thursday.

The dolphin’s body was found floating near Deedarganj Ghat here Wednesday evening.
“The dolphin is suspected to have been killed by poachers. We have begun an investigation to identify the …. Source article  : Dolphin found dead in Patna.

Investigation under way following explosion at bullet-manufacturing plant in Bend, Ore.

Authorities investigate blast at Ore. bullet plant

BEND, Ore. – Authorities are investigating the cause of an explosion that leveled part of a bullet-manufacturing plant in Bend, Ore., shaking the ground and rattling windows several blocks away.
The blast happened Wednesday at the Nosler Inc. plant, which makes hunting ammunition.
Authorities say the plant’s employees evacuated minutes before …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fire at power substation in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A major fire broke out at a power substation Thursday in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district, police said. No one was injured in the incident.

At least eight fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the fire at the Sahupuri power sub-station.
“The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire at power substation in Uttar Pradesh.

Toll in storm Agatha climbs to 184

Guatemala City, June 3 (IANS/EFE) The death toll from tropical storm Agatha’s passage over Central America has reached 184, with all but 28 of the deaths registered in Guatemala.

In its latest bulletin, issued Wednesday, Guatemala’s Conred emergency management office said casualties stood at 156 dead, 87 injured and 90 missing.
The official report also notes … Read more >>>.

2 Vancouver, Wash., men overdue on Mount St. Helens’ climb are safely down

2 climbers overdue on Mount St. Helens are safe

COUGAR, Wash. – Two men reported overdue on a climb up southwest Washington’s Mount St. Helens made their way down safely Wednesday after spending a cold, wet night on the mountain.
Mark Lapinskas, 32, and Kevin Dean, 34, of Vancouver, Wash., were reported overdue Tuesday night by Dean’s …. Original article  : 2 Vancouver, Wash., men overdue on Mount St. Helens’ climb are safely down.

Crews in Okla. working to repair sinkhole that has forced closure of Interstate 44 in Tulsa

Sinkhole closes down Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Okla.

TULSA, Okla. – A sinkhole has shut down a section of Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Okla.
Police are diverting traffic from I-44 to other roads in south Tulsa. Authorities say the hole opened up about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, and steadily expanded.
Officials say it could be Thursday afternoon before the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Crews in Okla. working to repair sinkhole that has forced closure of Interstate 44 in Tulsa.

I keep fit for health, not for glamour: Sonali Bendre (Interview)

MUMBAI – Actress Sonali Bendre is looking trimmer than ever and says she works out regularly — not to look glamorous but to keep herself fit.

“I have been working out regularly for the last two months and that is why you see a change in me. But it is purely for health reasons that … Read more »».

BSP leader, supporters booked for assaulting woman

LUCKNOW – A leader of Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and five of his supporters have been booked for allegedly tying up a woman and beating her till she fell unconscious in a village in Aligarh district.

Moolchand Baghel, president of the BSP’s Aligarh unit, and his five supporters roughed up a 45-year-old woman [..] Read the original article: here.

Low-cost airline easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors on planes

easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors

LONDON – European low-cost airline easyJet PLC unveiled plans on Friday to fit its planes with radar to detect volcanic ash.
easyJet said the devices – designed to be placed on the tail fin and detect ash within 100 kilometers (60 miles) – are the first of its kind and … Read : Low-cost airline easyJet unveils plans to fit ash detectors on planes.

Indian telecom JV survives fire scare in Nepal

KATHMANDU – United Telecom Ltd (UTL), a joint venture between three Indian companies and a Nepali firm, survived a fire scare Friday when a blaze in a building housing its main office here was doused before it could reach the outfit’s premises.

Police said a fire broke out at the Triveni complex in the city’s busy … Read : Indian telecom JV survives fire scare in Nepal.

Fire races through apartment buildings in Bangladesh capital, killing at least 110

Bangladesh fire kills 110, injures over 100

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Survivors wept Friday for lost loved ones, including 15 members of a wedding party, as the death toll from the Bangladeshi capital’s worst fire in recent history rose to 110. More than 100 others were injured, many with severe burns.
The blaze started Thursday night when an …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official linked to 220 bank accounts reinstated

RAIPUR – An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Chhattisgarh who allegedly had at least 220 bank accounts in various names and assets worth millions of rupees has been reinstated, official sources said Friday.

B.L. Agrawal, a 1988 batch officer, was suspended Feb 11 after the income tax department told the government that raids at his … Read more >>>.

‘Furious’ Obama returning to Gulf for oil spill update; postpones trip to Australia, Indonesia

‘Furious’ Obama heading to Gulf for spill update
WASHINGTON – Determined to project both command and compassion, President Barack Obama is returning to the Louisiana coast for a fresh reality check on work to stanch the oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico and the spiraling effects of the nation’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Furious’ Obama returning to Gulf for oil spill update; postpones trip to Australia, Indonesia.

BP seats cap on blown-out Gulf well as oil still spews; Obama to make 3rd trip to La. coast

Cap placed atop Gulf well; oil still spewing
GRAND ISLE, La. – A cap was seated atop a blown-out Gulf well but the volcano of oil obscured it from view early Friday making it impossible to tell if BP’s latest attempt to curtail the nation’s worst spill was having any success.
Robots a mile beneath … Original source on Gaea Times at : BP seats cap on blown-out Gulf well as oil still spews; Obama to make 3rd trip to La. coast.

Despite cold snap, Florida tomato growers end season with unexpected surplus, falling prices

Fla. tomato farmers have surplus despite cold snap

MIAMI – Tomato prices skyrocketed just three months ago, but they’re falling now with an unexpected glut in Florida.
The Sunshine State is the only place in the U.S. where tomatoes are grown on a large scale during winter. But even there, cold weather in January and February killed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CRPF trooper kills man over land dispute

LUCKNOW – A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper shot dead his neighbour over a land row in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district, police said Friday.

Hari Shankar Shukla, 30, killed 50-year-old Ram Samujh Thursday with a licensed rifle of his father in Shukulpur village, some 150 km from here.
“Investigations reveal Shukla killed Ram Samujh in … Read : CRPF trooper kills man over land dispute.

Brutal race killing, body dragged for 16 km

WASHINGTON – A white man has been arrested after an African American was shot dead and his body was dragged behind a pickup truck for nearly 10 miles (16 km) in South Carolina.

The police have charged Gregory Collins, 19, with the murder of Anthony Hill, CBS News affiliate WLTX reported.
Hill and Collins worked in …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspended officer with 220 bank accounts reinstated

RAIPUR – An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer here who allegedly had at least 220 bank accounts in various names and had assets worth millions has been reinstated, official sources said Friday.

B.L. Agrawal, a 1988 batch officer, was suspended Feb 11 after the income tax department informed the government that raids at his residence and … Read more >>>.

BP establishes $360M escrow account to pay for Louisiana sand berms to protect against oil

BP establishes escrow fund for La. sand berms

GRAND ISLE, La. – BP is establishing a $360 million escrow account to fund a project to build six sand berms that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal hopes will protect the state’s wetlands from the growing Gulf of Mexico slick.
The company said late Thursday it approved the accounts. The … Original article on : BP establishes $360M escrow account to pay for Louisiana sand berms to protect against oil.

Mumbai flight about to land as another waits to go

MUMBAI – A potential disaster was averted at the airport here early Friday when a flight was cleared for landing while another plane was waiting to take off on the same runway, airport sources said.

A Chennai-bound Spicejet flight with 201 passengers was cleared for take-off just after 1.30 a.m. But the pilot detected a snag …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mumbai flight about to land as another waits to go.

Andaman; Tsunami Warning

PORT BLAIR, INDIA(GaeaTimes.com)- Andaman Islands witnessed an earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on Tuesday which have led the seismologists apprehend an impending Tsunami. Reportedly, the Andaman earthquake dropped in sharp at a depth of 80 miles (127 kilometres). The USGS (US Geological Survey) told the media that the Andaman earthquake had an epicenter of 120 kilometers … Original article on : Andaman; Tsunami Warning.

Rathore’s bail plea adjourned till June 29

CHANDIGARH – Former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, convicted for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra in 1990, will continue to be in jail till at least June 29, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court Friday adjourning his bail plea and revision petition.

The vacation bench of the high court said the case would now be taken …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pilot does belly landing after seeing it once on YouTube

LONDON – A private pilot who landed his plane on its belly in Corsica after the landing gear locked said it was “a dangerous thing” to to but he had “seen it done on YouTube”.

Klaus Gerecht, from Germany, safely brought down his Cessna light aircraft at Figari airport in Corsica, the Daily Mail reported Friday. … Read more »»».

Court hints at political patronage in police-drug nexus

PANAJI – The Goa government is unwilling to hand over the police-drug mafia probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as “more skeletons may tumble out from the cupboard of the police-drug dealers nexus”, the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court has observed.

In what could be construed as an indictment of a … Read more >>>.

Near miss at Mumbai: Flight about to land as another waits to go

MUMBAI – A potential disaster was averted early Friday when a flight was cleared for landing while another plane was waiting for take-off on the same runway at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here, airport sources said.

A Chennai-bound Spicejet flight (SG-206) with 201 passengers was cleared for take-off shortly after 1.30 a.m. but the flight …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Girl stalked, father dies fearing media spotlight

DHAKA – The father of a girl who was stalked by a youth in Bangladesh died of a heart attack as he feared media attention.

Saiful Islam Munna, a resident of Bogra town, died outside the police station moments after pleading with journalists not to click photographs and run the story of his daughter being stalked. … Read more : Girl stalked, father dies fearing media spotlight.

Fire at apartment buildings kills up to 108, injures over 100 in Bangladeshi capital

Bangladesh fire kills up to 108, injures over 100
DHAKA, Bangladesh – A huge fire raced through several apartment buildings and devastated a rooftop wedding party in the Bangladeshi capital, killing at least 108 people and injuring more than 100 others, officials and local media said Friday.
The blaze started when an electric transformer exploded …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fire at apartment buildings kills up to 108, injures over 100 in Bangladeshi capital.

Bomb outside governor’s office in southern Afghan city of Kandahar wounds 6

Bomb outside Afghan governor’s office wounds 6
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Police say a bomb has exploded outside the provincial governor’s office in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, wounding at least six people.
City police Chief Sardar Mohammad Zazai says the explosives were strapped to a bicycle on the street. The bomb detonated around midday …. Original article  : Bomb outside governor’s office in southern Afghan city of Kandahar wounds 6.

Farm owner’s stray bullet injured Sri Sri devotee: Police

BANGALORE – A farm owner was detained Saturday after it was found that he had fired two rounds to scare away stray dogs but one of them had strayed into Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ashram complex and injured a devotee, a top police officer said.

“The farm is adjacent to the ashram. … Read : Farm owner’s stray bullet injured Sri Sri devotee: Police.

Oil pours from cap over gusher in Gulf; BP says tens of thousands of gallons being collected

Oil pours from cap over Gulf gusher, some captured
PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. – Oil poured out of a cap that robots adjusted over the gusher in the Gulf, though some was being collected, as the slow-motion catastrophe spread deeper into the marshes and beaches of four states along the coast.
The spreading slick arrived with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil pours from cap over gusher in Gulf; BP says tens of thousands of gallons being collected.

Punjab man in Canada jailed for life for honour killing

TORONTO – A 48-year-old Indian Canadian man has been jailed for life by a city court for killing his daughter-in-law for allegedly having an affair with another man.

Kamikar Singh Dhillon, who pleaded guilty to stabbing Amandeep Kaur, 22, to death Jan 1, 2009, said he feared his daughter-in-law would leave his son for another man … Read : Punjab man in Canada jailed for life for honour killing.

Pictures of wide-eyed pelicans, seagulls frozen in oil become Gulf spill’s symbol of death

Birds frozen in oil: image of a desperate summer

They are the ghastly images of a summer fouled before it started. Squawking seagulls and majestic brown pelicans coated in oil. Click. Gunk dripping from their beaks. Click. Big eyes wide open. Click. Even the professionals want to turn away. They can’t.
“They get me. It’s just inherently … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pictures of wide-eyed pelicans, seagulls frozen in oil become Gulf spill’s symbol of death.

Criminal wanted for murder shot dead

LUCKNOW – A criminal who carried a reward of Rs.1.5 lakh was gunned down along with an associate by police in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, police said Saturday.

Santosh Gupta alias Kittu (30) and his accomplice were shot dead in Jagatganj area, some 300 km from Lucknow, by the Special Operation Group.
Police officer Girja Shankar … Read more »»».

Police probe death of student’s mother

MOHALI – Police have initiated a probe into the death of a woman who suffered cardiac arrest after learning that her son was thrashed by two of his school teachers, an officer said Saturday.

“We have a complaint from the deceased’s husband. Police are looking into the circumstances that led to Gurpreet Kaur’s death,” Deputy Superintendent …. Original article  : Police probe death of student’s mother.

Relatives of 49 children killed in Mexico day care fire demand justice a year later

Parents of 49 kids killed in fire demand justice

MEXICO CITY – Relatives of 49 children killed in a day care fire a year ago held an overnight vigil Friday in their memories and to demand punishment for officials who they say failed to ensure the center’s safety.
Parents lit candles and placed photos of their children …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Relatives of 49 children killed in Mexico day care fire demand justice a year later.

La. health, environmental secretaries ask OSHA to investigate oil spill cleanup conditions

La. to OSHA: Investigate oil spill cleanup safety

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana health and environmental officials are asking federal safety officials to make sure workers cleaning up the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are being protected.
Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine and Environmental Quality Secretary Peggy Hatch say that daily reports of injuries and illness …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : La. health, environmental secretaries ask OSHA to investigate oil spill cleanup conditions.

France seizes 1.4 tonnes of cocaine

PARIS – French customs officials have seized 1.39 tonnes of cocaine worth $99 million, the biggest haul of its kind in the country, near Martinique, an island in the Caribbean under France’s rule, authorities said.

The drug was found in a ship, around 74 km from the island, Xinhua reported citing an official statement.
The seized …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : France seizes 1.4 tonnes of cocaine.

Oregon families to settle lawsuits over firefighting helicopter crash in California

Ore. helicopter crash families to settle lawsuits

PORTLAND, Ore. – The families of seven firefighters killed and three injured in the crash of a firefighting helicopter in Northern California in 2008 have reached a tentative settlement in various lawsuits.
The Oregonian newspaper reported Friday the proposed settlements in the August 5, 2008, crash of the Sikorsky S-61 …. Read the original article  : here.

Hezbollah chief describes Israel as ’state of terror’

BEIRUT – Hezbollah chief Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah has described Israel as a “state of terror”, referring to the attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in which nine activists died.

Six aid ships with more than 700 international activists were forcefully intercepted by Israel Monday. Nine Turkish activists were shot dead and dozens of other participants were …. Source  : Hezbollah chief describes Israel as ’state of terror’.

Army says soldier charged with murder in 3 Afghan civilian deaths

Army: Soldier charged in 3 Afghan civilian deaths

FORT LEWIS, Wash. – The Army said Friday a soldier has been charged with the murders of three Afghan civilians.
A statement from the Army said Spc. Jeremy Morlock had been charged with three counts of premeditated murder and one count of assault.
Morlock, 22, of Wasilla, Alaska, is an …. Read the original article  : here.

Storms, landslides kill 13 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Storms lashed many areas in Pakistan’s Punjab province, killing at least 13 people and causing disruption of power supply, media reports said.

At least 10 people were killed Friday after two houses collapsed in Lahore, the provincial capital, while two people were killed and three injured in a wall collapse in Gujranwala. An old …. Original article  : Storms, landslides kill 13 in Pakistan.

Sharing locals’ frustration as oil crisis deepens, Obama makes third Gulf trek, lays into BP

Calm no more, Obama lashes out at BP on Gulf visit
GRAND ISLE, La. – Dogged for being too calm in crisis, President Barack Obama unleashed frustration for all to see Friday, warning BP it had better do right by the people whose lives it has wrecked.
The president’s third trek [..] Read the original article: here.

NOAA opens 16K square miles of fishing area in Gulf after no oil spotted

Part of federal fishing area in Gulf reopens

NEW ORLEANS – More than 16,000 square miles of fishing waters off the Florida coast are reopening after officials said Gulf oil did not move into the area.
The most significant reopening is a nearly 14,000-square mile area just west of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas. The National …. Source  : NOAA opens 16K square miles of fishing area in Gulf after no oil spotted.

Natural gas, drilling fluids spew from blown-out Pa. well for 16 hours, but no one injured

Gas, fluids spew for hours from blown-out Pa. well
PENFIELD, Pa. – A blowout at a natural-gas well in a remote area shot explosive gas and polluted water as high as 75 feet into the air before crews were able to tame it more than half a day later, officials said Friday.
The gas never … Read more : Natural gas, drilling fluids spew from blown-out Pa. well for 16 hours, but no one injured.

Obama, touring Gulf oil spill, visits with locals at bait shop

Obama visits with locals at Louisiana bait shop
GRAND ISLE, La. – President Barack Obama has visited a bait shop on the Gulf coast to talk with fishing industry workers about how the disastrous oil spill is affecting their business.
Aiming to connect with everyday people who are hurting in the catastrophe, Obama rode south … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama, touring Gulf oil spill, visits with locals at bait shop.

Malaria cases shoot up in Venezuela, epidemic grips region where miners venture into jungle

Malaria epidemic hits southern Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela – Malaria cases have doubled in Venezuela so far this year as health officials confront an epidemic in a vast southern region where wildcat gold miners are often infected in remote jungle camps.

Health Ministry statistics published this week show there have been 21,601 malaria cases nationwide so far this … Original article on : Malaria cases shoot up in Venezuela, epidemic grips region where miners venture into jungle.

BP announces 2nd round of payments to Gulf fishermen, businesses with oil spill losses

BP plans more payments for oil-related losses
NEW ORLEANS – BP says it’s preparing to send a second round of payments to Gulf Coast residents and businesses facing a loss of income or profit because of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The announcement came as President Barack Obama visited Louisiana on Friday for the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two army officers suspended over staged Kashmir shootout

NEW DELHI – The Indian Army has suspended two officers — a colonel and a major — for the alleged murder of three Kashmiri men April 30 in a staged shootout after labelling them as infiltrators from Pakistan, army sources said Sunday.
… Original article on : Two army officers suspended over staged Kashmir shootout.

Afghan president orders review of all cases of Taliban suspects being held in Afghan jails

Karzai orders review of Taliban detentions

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’s president has ordered a review of all Taliban suspects being held in Afghan prisons and says those detained on doubtful evidence must be released.
President Hamid Karzai’s decree Sunday is his first official response to a national conference last week on ways to end the country’s nearly … Read more >>>.

Did Shivraj Patil ask Dikshit to delay Afzal Guru’s hanging?

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Sunday stopped short of denying that former home minister Shivraj Patil had asked her government to delay a decision on parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s hanging.

“May be what you are thinking is true,” Dikshit told a news channel when asked if Patil had asked her to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Did Shivraj Patil ask Dikshit to delay Afzal Guru’s hanging?.

Six robbers held in Punjab

PATIALA – Punjab Police Sunday said they had arrested six men who robbed computers from government schools and water pumps from farms.

The arrests took place in Patiala town Saturday. Four other members of the gang are still at large. Eight computers, 10 CPUs, a printer, two pumps and 10 gas cylinders were recovered from their … Read : Six robbers held in Punjab.

Plane makes emergency landing in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – A chartered plane made an emergency landing at Chandigarh airport Sunday after a technical snag forced it to return from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, airport officials said.

According to the officials, the Saraya Aviation plane had taken off from Chandigarh airport and was scheduled to land at Shimla airport.
“The plane had reached Shimla …. Original source  : Plane makes emergency landing in Chandigarh.

Machil staged shootout raises doubts about previous operations: Omar

NEW DELHI – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says the killing of three civilians in an alleged staged shootout in Nadihal village April 30 has raised doubts over the genuineness of other gunfights between security forces and separatist guerrillas with many cases being re-investigated now.

Abdullah, while speaking on a television show late Saturday, … Read : Machil staged shootout raises doubts about previous operations: Omar.

Arms for US embassy seized in Pakistan: Report

ISLAMABAD – Suspicious luggage containing bulletproof jackets and weapons allegedly belonging to the US embassy was seized by police here, a media report said.

Islamabad police Saturday intercepted at the Zero Point picket here a suspicious vehicle which was found to be carrying cargo comprising M-16 rifles and magazines; 9 mm pistols and magazines, several pistol …. Original source  : Arms for US embassy seized in Pakistan: Report.

BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy

Apologetic BP ads get criticism, not sympathy
MIAMI – A new BP ad campaign that apologizes for causing the biggest oil spill in U.S. history is earning the company more criticism than sympathy.
The new radio, TV, online and print ads feature CEO Tony Hayward pledging to fix the damage caused by the spill unleashed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy.

UN aid official frustrated with slow progress in providing shelter in devastated Haiti

UN aid official frustrated with Haiti progress

SYDNEY – The U.N.’s humanitarian chief acknowledged frustration Sunday with the slow progress in providing shelter to the 1.5 million Haitians still homeless because of the Jan. 12 earthquake, and said a large amount of work needs to be done as the hurricane season bears down on the struggling … Read : UN aid official frustrated with slow progress in providing shelter in devastated Haiti.

Rathore taken to hospital for tests; discharged

CHANDIGARH – Jailed former Haryana police chief S.P.S. Rathore, convicted for molesting teenager Ruchika Girhotra, was taken to a hospital here for medical tests in the wee hours of Sunday after he complained of acute chest pain and breathlessness, an official said. However, he was sent back to prison after an overall check-up and various …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rathore taken to hospital for tests; discharged.

Tornado Warning Issued To Counties

ILLINOIS (GaeaTimes.com)- On Saturday, tornado warnings were issued to a large part of Illinois. The National Weather Service declared a tornado warning at the northeastern Monroe and south Wayne counties. While the tornado warning for the Washtenaw County was issued until 11:45 pm, the warning for the Southern Wayne County continued until 12:15 …. Original article  : Tornado Warning Issued To Counties.

Containment cap on spewing Gulf oil well is closely watched, as spill’s toll on wildlife grows

Gulf containment cap closely watched in 2nd day

ON BARATARIA BAY, La. – A containment cap that sucked some of the oil from a blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico offered a small sign of progress for a region that has seen its wildlife coated in a lethal oil muck, its fishermen idled and its … Original article on : Containment cap on spewing Gulf oil well is closely watched, as spill’s toll on wildlife grows.

3 injured in Delhi as wall collapses due to rains

NEW DELHI – A woman and two children were critically injured when the wall of a house under construction collapsed in Delhi following thundershowers, police said Sunday.

The wall collapsed in Sangam Vihar area of south Delhi around 8.30 p.m. Saturday, a police officer said.
“The injured were rushed to the All India Institute … Read more »».

Police officer, 2 civilians killed in roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan

Bomb kills Afghan police officer, 2 civilians

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan killed a police officer and two civilians Sunday, an official said.
A police truck was driving down a main road in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district when the bomb exploded, said Shah Baran Noorzai, the district government chief.
A car carrying civilians … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police officer, 2 civilians killed in roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan.

Blasts kill 6 in Baghdad, including policemen targeted by suicide attacker in bomb-rigged car

Bombs kill 6 in Iraqi capital, including policemen

BAGHDAD – A car bomb exploded outside a Baghdad police station Sunday in the deadliest of a pair of attacks that killed six people in the Iraqi capital, security and hospital officials said.
A suicide attacker drove the bomb-rigged car up to a gate protecting the police post in …. Source  : Blasts kill 6 in Baghdad, including policemen targeted by suicide attacker in bomb-rigged car.

SKorean president urges peace with NKorea, tones down criticism in Memorial Day speech

South Korean leader urges peace with North Korea

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president toned down criticism of North Korea in a Memorial Day speech Sunday that stressed the need for peace with the nuclear-armed nation, which Seoul hopes will be punished at the United Nations for allegedly sinking a warship.
The annual address, broadcast live … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SKorean president urges peace with NKorea, tones down criticism in Memorial Day speech.

SKorean president tones down criticism against North after hauling it to UN for punishment

SKorean leader tones down criticism against NKorea
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s leader mixed calls for a strong defense with pledges to seek peace with North Korea in a Memorial Day speech Sunday, just days after his government asked the United Nations to punish the North for allegedly sinking a warship.
“We have an …. Original source  : SKorean president tones down criticism against North after hauling it to UN for punishment.

Alabama governor, Coast Guard Adm. Allen agree on oil protection plan for the state

Ala.’s Riley, Coast Guard agree on protection plan

MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and President Obama’s commander of the Gulf oil spill response have agreed on a new plan to significantly increase protection along the state’s coast.
But Riley says getting the blueprint off paper and into the water quickly is vital to ending complaints …. Read the original article  : here.

Bride & groom hurt in Ind. crash that killed wedding party member exchange vows at hospital

Couple hurt in crash married at Ind. hospital

INDIANAPOLIS – A bride and groom who were among 14 people injured in a shuttle bus crash that killed a member of their wedding party were married Saturday at an Indianapolis hospital just hours after the accident.
Lauren Magee and Tom Hanley were among seven people taken to Methodist …. Source article  : Bride & groom hurt in Ind. crash that killed wedding party member exchange vows at hospital.

Two foreigners killed in debt dispute in China

BEIJING – Two foreigners were killed and another injured in a debt dispute that turned violent Saturday night in China’s Fujian province, police said.

A woman from Venezuela was among the dead in the brawl that occurred in the coastal city of Xiamen, while the other victim’s nationality has not been known yet, Xinhua reported.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bhopal verdict a disaster, say victims, activists

BHOPAL – Activists were furious Monday that eight officials of Union Carbide had been convicted for the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster only for criminal negligence, which is punishable with a maximum of two years jail, despite the enormity of the tragedy.

“Today’s verdict is a disaster… they’ve made it look like a traffic accident,” said Satinath … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bhopal verdict a disaster, say victims, activists.

Suicide bombers strike police training center in southern Afghanistan’s main city

Suicide bombers attack Afghan police compound

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Suicide bombers attacked a police training center Monday in southern Afghanistan’s largest city, officials said.
A midday blast that struck the compound could be heard throughout a number of Kandahar city neighborhoods. Southern region Police Chief Gen. Shafiq Fazli confirmed that the blast hit the training center but …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Suicide bombers strike police training center in southern Afghanistan’s main city.

Indian woman, child found dead in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – An Indian woman and an 18-month-old child, believed to be her daughter, were found dead in Tauranga city of New Zealand, a media report said Monday.

The 32-year-old woman’s body was discovered in a house in the suburb of Otumoetai Sunday, while the body of the girl was found Monday, the New Zealand Herald …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

27 suffer acid burns during marriage function

LUCKNOW – At least 27 people at a wedding ceremony in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district were hospitalised after they suffered acid burn injuries during a marriage ritual Monday morning, police said.

The incident took place in Alinagar locality in the district, some 400 km from Lucknow.
All the 27 people who were injured were from the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 27 suffer acid burns during marriage function.

One killed in Nepal train crash

KATHMANDU – One man died and four were injured Monday when a train rammed into a tipper in southern Nepal on the Himalayan republic’s only railway line.

The accident occurred around 10.30 a.m. when the train, heading towards Nepal’s famed pilgrim town Janakpur from Jaynagar on the Indo-Nepal border, rammed into a tipper laden with sand …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian court convicts 7 of “death by negligence” for roles in 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy

Indian court convicts 7 in Bhopal gas tragedy

BHOPAL, India – An Indian court on Monday convicted seven former senior employees of Union Carbide’s Indian subsidiary of “death by negligence” for their roles in the Bhopal gas tragedy that left an estimated 15,000 people dead more than a quarter century ago in the world’s worst industrial …. Source  : Indian court convicts 7 of “death by negligence” for roles in 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

Tripura forms panel to raise conviction rate in crimes

AGARTALA – The Tripura government has formed a prosecution directorate to increase the rate of conviction for various violent crimes, officials said here Monday.

Tripura is the first among the eight northeastern states to form a prosecution directorate to deal with criminal cases expeditiously and to up the conviction rate.
“All the public prosecutors working …. Source article  : Tripura forms panel to raise conviction rate in crimes.

Bomb blast strike police training center in southern Afghanistan’s main city

Blast hits police compound in southern Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Officials say a bomb has exploded at the police training center in Kandahar city in southern Afghanistan.
Southern region Police Chief Shafiq Afzali said the blast occurred about midday but did not give further details. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Gunfire could be heard coming from …. Read the original article  : Bomb blast strike police training center in southern Afghanistan’s main city.

AP Essay: Gulf oil spill fuels public’s loss of faith in US gov’t, institutions

AP Essay: Gov’t fails latest test of trust in Gulf
WASHINGTON – Nobody led.
Not the president of the United States. Not the chief executive of BP. Not Congress, federal agencies or local elected officials. From its fiery beginning, the Gulf oil spill has stood as a concentrated reminder of why, over four … Read this article on Gaea Times at : AP Essay: Gulf oil spill fuels public’s loss of faith in US gov’t, institutions.

AP Top News at 3:24 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:24 a.m. EDT
Long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast
GULF SHORES, Ala. – A wellhead cap at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is slowly pinching off a geyser of oil spewing from the earth, but there’s no containing much of the crude that’s already escaped, a reality becoming …. Original article  : AP Top News at 3:24 a.m. EDT.

Cop kills woman, her daughter, self

ANANDPUR SAHIB – A police constable allegedly shot dead a woman and her daughter before committing suicide in a village here in Punjab early Monday, police said.

The women were identified as Prem Lata, a 40-year-old with whom constable Harvinder Singh, two years younger to her, allegedly had an illicit relationship for many months.
Police gave [..] Read the original article: here.

AP Top News at 3:18 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:18 a.m. EDT
Long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast
GULF SHORES, Ala. – A wellhead cap at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is slowly pinching off a geyser of oil spewing from the earth, but there’s no containing much of the crude that’s already escaped, a reality becoming …. Read the original article  : AP Top News at 3:18 a.m. EDT.

Eight in Bhopal gas tragedy held guilty

BHOPAL – Over 25 years after a gas leak from a Union Carbide plant killed thousands here, a court Monday held eight accused guilty of criminal negligence in the world’s worst industrial disaster.

The eight include Keshub Mahindra, who then headed the Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) from whose pesticide plant tonnes of lethal gas …. Original article  : Eight in Bhopal gas tragedy held guilty.

AP Top News at 3:10 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:10 a.m. EDT
Long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast
GULF SHORES, Ala. – A wellhead cap at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is slowly pinching off a geyser of oil spewing from the earth, but there’s no containing much of the crude that’s already escaped, a reality becoming …. Original source  : AP Top News at 3:10 a.m. EDT.

A long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast as slick continues its spread

Long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast

GULF SHORES, Ala. – A wellhead cap at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico is slowly pinching off a geyser of oil spewing from the earth, but there’s no containing much of the crude that’s already escaped, a reality becoming increasingly evident on the region’s beaches.
The …. Original article  : A long road to oil cleanup looms over Gulf Coast as slick continues its spread.

10 killed, thousands homeless as Phet hits Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Ten people died and thousands were left homeless as tropical cyclone Phet brought heavy rain and flooding to Pakistan’s coast, officials said Monday.

The chief port of Karachi was spared the brunt of the cyclone, which made landfall 80 km to the south at Thatta district late Sunday.
Qamaruz Zaman Chaudhry, the head of …. Source  : 10 killed, thousands homeless as Phet hits Pakistan.

BP says costs of Gulf oil spill response have reached $1.25B as slick continues to spread

BP: Gulf oil spill costs have reached $1.25B

NEW ORLEANS – BP says the cost of the company’s response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached about $1.25 billion.
The company announced the total in a news release Monday. BP says the figure does not include $360 million for a project to build …. Original article  : BP says costs of Gulf oil spill response have reached $1.25B as slick continues to spread.

Air Collision Averted Near Trichy Airport

TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — It was presence of mind of two pilots that saved the lives of 242 passengers. An Indian Airlines aircraft and Jet Airways flight were to collide over Tiruchirappalli air space on Saturday if timely alert was not given by the pilots.
Altogether 242 people were on board. The Jet Airways was … Read more : Air Collision Averted Near Trichy Airport.

Dailt teenagers accused of theft tied with ropes, dragged

LUCKNOW – Two Dalit teenagers were assaulted, tied with ropes and then dragged for several meters by a group of villagers in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli district on charges of stealing a mobile phone kept in a vehicle, police said Monday.

Ajai Nat (15) and Ravishankar Raidas (14), residents of Lachminia village, some 80 km from … Read more >>.

Death toll from southern China flooding, landslides climbs to 53; more heavy rain expected

Landslides, flooding kill 53 in southern China

BEIJING – A news report says the death toll from flooding and rain-triggered landslides in southern China has climbed to 53 after the bodies of all missing people were recovered.
The official Xinhua News Agency says three days of heavy rain that began May 31 destroyed 11,000 homes and forced … Read more : Death toll from southern China flooding, landslides climbs to 53; more heavy rain expected.

2 days of carnage for foreign troops in Afghanistan take NATO death toll to 20 in a week

More US troops die in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – Two more American troops were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, the military said, extending a spike of bloodshed into a second day and pushing the NATO losses in the country to 23 in just over a week.
The latest deaths came as insurgents step up bombings … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2 days of carnage for foreign troops in Afghanistan take NATO death toll to 20 in a week.

Verdict on Bhopal gas tragedy a shame: Bollywood

MUMBAI – The Indian film fraternity has slammed the judgement on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, calling it “irrelevant”, “unfair” and “a shame”, a day after a court held seven people guilty of criminal negligence in the world’s worst industrial disaster.

Celebrities ranging from Shekhar Kapur to Amitabh Bachchan said a jail term of just … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Verdict on Bhopal gas tragedy a shame: Bollywood.

Head of UN anti-impunity panel in Guatemala quits

Guatemala City, June 8 (IANS/EFE) The Spanish jurist who chairs the UN-sponsored International Commission Against Impunity (Cicig) in Guatemala has resigned, blasting the Guatemalan authorities for failing to fulfil their commitments.

“I cannot do any more for Guatemala. I serve Guatemala better from outside than from inside,” Carlos Castresana said at a press conference in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Head of UN anti-impunity panel in Guatemala quits.

12 killed, many missing in Bangladesh boat accident

DHAKA – Twelve people died and dozens were missing Tuesday when their boat capsized on a river in northeastern Bangladesh, police said.

The accident occurred in Sunamgonj district, some 296 km from Dhaka. The bodies have been retrieved, Xinhua reported.
An official said the boat was carrying 60-70 passengers. The cause of the accident was … Read more »»».

Japanese pundits protest cancellation of dolphin-hunt film “The Cove”

Japanese pundits protest dolphin film cancellation

TOKYO – Fifty-five journalists, academics and film directors in Japan condemned intimidation and threats that led movie theaters to cancel screenings of “The Cove,” a documentary about the slaughter of dolphins in a Japanese village.
Three movie theaters that had been scheduled to show the film later this month canceled their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Japanese pundits protest cancellation of dolphin-hunt film “The Cove”.

Relief rushed as thousands trapped in Pakistan floods

ISLAMABAD – Relief activities were underway Tuesday for thousands of people trapped in the accumulated rain water in Pakistan’s Balochistan province as the military expedited operations to aid the people marooned in the aftermath of cyclone Phet.

“As many as 30,000 pounds of relief goods are being taken to Gwadar,” senior journalist Asfar Imam told … Original source on Gaea Times at : Relief rushed as thousands trapped in Pakistan floods.

Fickle BP oil slick scatters its many threats unevenly across the Gulf Coast

Fickle oil slick scatters its threats across Gulf
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – In sensitive marshes on the Louisiana coast, oil thick as pancake batter suffocates grasses and traps pelicans. Blobs of tar the size of dimes or dinner plates dot the white sands of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Little seems amiss in …. Original article  : Fickle BP oil slick scatters its many threats unevenly across the Gulf Coast.

Authorities investigating natural gas explosion in rural Texas that killed 1 utility worker

Officials investigate deadly Texas gas explosion

CLEBURNE, Texas – A natural gas explosion in north Texas killed one member of a crew installing utility poles, and authorities were trying to figure out if the gas line had been marked before digging started.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration was among numerous agencies at the scene after … Read more >>>.

Obama: Talks with experts no academic drill, but to find whose keister to kick on oil spill

Obama talks tough on spill; keisters in peril
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says his talks with Gulf fishermen and oil spill experts are not an academic exercise. They’re “so I know whose ass to kick.”
One target for the presidential foot: Tony Hayward, the embattled chief executive of BP.
Obama was asked by Matt Lauer … Read more »»».

As Jindal races through oil-stained bayous, he may rejuvenate his reputation as GOP whiz kid

Could the spill restore Jindal as a GOP whiz kid?
VENICE, La. – It’s a rough schedule for Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal – a near daily grind of military helicopter flights or roaring airboat tours to remote steamy marshes and sun-baked barrier islands increasingly endangered by the BP oil spill.
Sweeping sticks or …. Original article  : As Jindal races through oil-stained bayous, he may rejuvenate his reputation as GOP whiz kid.

At laboratory outside of Las Vegas, US officials prepare for response to nuclear terror

At Nevada lab, US prepares response to nuke terror

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nevada – In an unremarkable building a short drive from the Las Vegas strip, government analysts hover over computer monitors, watching waves of color sweep over a map of a city.
The city is Washington, D.C. The hues represent the fallout from an imagined nuclear …. Source  : At laboratory outside of Las Vegas, US officials prepare for response to nuclear terror.

Local Congress leader shot dead in Gurgaon

GURGAON – A local Congress leader was shot dead by unidentified men in his car at a busy crossing here, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred Monday night when Raj Kumar alias Dharmpal, also a businessman, who was travelling in his Ford Endeavour car, reached the Sector 4-7 crossing in this suburban town adjacent to the …. Source  : Local Congress leader shot dead in Gurgaon.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: USA Remains Unmoved

BHOPAL, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Bhopal gas tragedy verdict has created sensation in the political circles in India and the media is calling it a travesty of justice. However, the United States has turned down any possibility of pursuing the case once more. While Robert Blake the US Assistant Secretary of State for South …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Major fire at fertiliser factory in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A major fire broke out at a fertiliser factory in an industrial area of Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district Tuesday, police said. No injuries were reported.

At least eight fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the fire at the Duncan Fertiliser unit in Panki industrial area that also houses a depot of … Read more : Major fire at fertiliser factory in Uttar Pradesh.

10 foreign troops killed on deadliest day this year for international forces in Afghanistan

10 foreign troops killed on deadly Afghan day
KABUL, Afghanistan – Seven American troops, two Australians and a French Legionnaire were killed in the bloodiest day this year for international forces in Afghanistan. A U.S. contractor training Afghan police also died in a brazen suicide attack.
The bloodshed Monday came as insurgents step up …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 10 foreign troops killed on deadliest day this year for international forces in Afghanistan.

Mild tremors in Uttar Pradesh

NEW DELHI – Mild tremors hit parts of western Uttar Pradesh near the Indian capital, officials said Tuesday. No casualties or damage to property was reported.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the 3.0 intensity quake had its epicentre at the Baghpat-Meerut border, about 40 km from Delhi that did not feel any impact. The …. Source  : Mild tremors in Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar takes on crime with high conviction rate

PATNA – If the nearly 48,500 convictions of criminals in Bihar in the last four and a half years are anything to go by, the state once a byword for lawlessness is finally taking on organised crime and the politician-crime nexus.

According to police records, 48,427 criminals were convicted and punished by fast track courts … Read more >>.

Natural gas line explodes in north Texas after workers accidentally hit line; 1 person killed

1 worker dead in natural gas line blast in Texas

CLEBURNE, Texas – A large natural gas line in north Texas erupted Monday after utility workers accidentally hit the line, sending a massive fireball into the air and killing one worker, officials said.
Authorities found the missing worker’s body several hours after the explosion, once searchers could …. Source  : Natural gas line explodes in north Texas after workers accidentally hit line; 1 person killed.

17 Brazilian policemen arrested for murder

Sao Paulo, June 8 (IANS/EFE) Seventeen police officers from the Sao Paulo state police department in Brazil have been arrested on charges of murdering at least 23 people during April 17-26.

The murders were allegedly committed in retaliation for the killing in April of a police officer in Guaruja resort city, the Folha de Sao Paulo …. Read the original article  : 17 Brazilian policemen arrested for murder.

12 foreign troops killed on deadliest day this year for international forces in Afghanistan

12 foreign troops killed on deadly Afghan day
KABUL, Afghanistan – Twelve foreign soldiers, including seven Americans, were killed in separate attacks on the deadliest day of the year for Western forces in Afghanistan. A U.S. civilian contractor who trains Afghan police also died in a brazen suicide assault.
The bloodshed Monday comes as insurgents … Original article on : 12 foreign troops killed on deadliest day this year for international forces in Afghanistan.

Chidambaram heads ministers’ panel on Bhopal gas tragedy (Round-up)

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has named Home Minister P. Chidambaram as head of the reconstituted high-level ministerial panel tasked with suggesting remedial measures to help victims of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s worst industrial disaster.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, termed the prime minister’s effort as an “eyewash”.
“Yes, …. Read the original article  : here.

India, Sri Lanka pact raises hopes for Indian prisoners

NEW DELHI – India and Sri Lanka Wednesday signed an agreement on exchange of sentenced prisoners, an important step that has raised hopes for at least 40 Indians languishing in Sri Lankan jails.

The agreement was signed on a day Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
IANS had first reported July … Original source on Gaea Times at : India, Sri Lanka pact raises hopes for Indian prisoners.

Congress wants Warren Anderson’s extradition

NEW DELHI – The ruling Congress Wednesday said the government should make every effort to extradite from the US Warren Anderson, the CEO of Union Carbide when the Bhopal gas tragedy took place in 1984.

“The Congress is of the firm opinion that the extradition process should be completed and he (Anderson) should be brought back. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Congress wants Warren Anderson’s extradition.

Apex court notice to accused in Congress leader’s murder

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday issued notice to Mohan Anant Shukla, a former corporator accused in the double murder of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, on a petition by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which has contested the Bombay High Court’s grant of bail to him.

Former Nationalist Congress … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Apex court notice to accused in Congress leader’s murder.

Ministerial panel on Bhopal gas tragedy an eyewash: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday slammed the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government over the reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) to look into the Bhopal gas tragedy, calling it an “eyewash”.

“The Group of Ministers for Bhopal gas tragedy is an eyewash. The government has woken up only due to the pressure …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ministerial panel on Bhopal gas tragedy an eyewash: BJP.

Jet Airways aircraft’s nose wheel comes off at Bhopal

BHOPAL – Three dozen passengers of a Hyderabad-bound Jet Airways flight had a miraculous escape here Wednesday morning when the nose wheel of the aircraft came off just as it was taxiing towards the runway, an airport official said.

Bhopal airport director J.P. Alax said: “The nose wheel of the aircraft came out. The takeoff was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jet Airways plane’s nose wheel comes off at Bhopal airport

BHOPAL – About three dozen passengers of a Hyderabad-bound Jet Airways flight had a miraculous escape here Wednesday when the nose wheel of the aircraft came off just as it was about to takeoff, an airport official said.

Bhopal Airport Director J.P. Alax said: “The nose wheel of the aircraft came out. The takeoff was aborted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Government awaits more proof to renew Anderson’s extradition plea

NEW DELHI – The government will decide on renewing a request to the US for extradition of Warren Anderson, former chairman of Union Carbide Corp, after getting additional evidence from investigating agencies on the Bhopal gas tragedy, a senior official of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said Wednesday.

“The MEA has been pressing investigating agencies … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Government awaits more proof to renew Anderson’s extradition plea.

Pacheco lover’s mother burnt all her documents, clothes: Cops

PANAJI – The mother of Nadia Torrado, former Goa tourism minister Mickky Pacheco’s alleged lover, has burnt all evidence relevant to her daughter’s death due to poisoning last month, police told a local court Wednesday.

The investigators have sought custodial interrogation of Pacheco, the former minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator, who police claim …. Source  : Pacheco lover’s mother burnt all her documents, clothes: Cops.

Two arrested in Abu Dhabi with cocaine

Abu Dhabi, June 9 (IANS/WAM) Two people were arrested here on charges of processing and selling cocaine.

They were arrested while trying to sell the cocaine to an undercover agent of the Criminal Investigation Department.
During interrogation, the duo said that they had brought the cocaine from Tanzania. The first suspect pleaded guilty to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two arrested in Abu Dhabi with cocaine.

Madhya Pradesh not entitled to challenge Bhopal verdict

NEW DELHI – Madhya Pradesh government’s plan to challenge the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict in high court is likely to come a cropper as the Supreme Court has held that a state cannot file an appeal in a case probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI was tasked with nvestigating the criminal culpability … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Madhya Pradesh not entitled to challenge Bhopal verdict.

AP journalist dives into Gulf of Mexico: quiet, scary and ‘only thing I see is oil’

AP journalist dives into Gulf, can only see oil

UNDER THE MURKY DEPTHS OF THE GULF OF MEXICO – Some 40 miles out into the Gulf Of Mexico, I jump off the boat into the thickest patch of red oil I’ve ever seen. I open my eyes and realize my mask is already smeared. I can’t …. Source article  : AP journalist dives into Gulf of Mexico: quiet, scary and ‘only thing I see is oil’.

Panel on Bhopal gas tragedy reconstituted under Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reconstituted the empowered group of ministers which has been tasked with suggesting remedial measures to help the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the worst ever industrial disaster in the world.

“Yes, the empowered group has been reconstituted as on May 26. It had been originally set up …. Original source  : Panel on Bhopal gas tragedy reconstituted under Chidambaram.

Seven killed in Himachal accident

SHIMLA – Seven people, including four women, were killed Wednesday when a multi-utility vehicle in which they were travelling rolled down into a 300 feet deep gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, police said.

“Seven people were killed and 10 others injured when the vehicle rolled down into the gorge near Bharmour town this (Wednesday) noon,” … Original article on : Seven killed in Himachal accident.

Gujarat robbery cracked in Nepal

KATHMANDU – The robbery at the house of an Indian businessman based in Gujarat has been finally cracked by the Nepal Police with the arrest of three Nepali domestic helps from remote villages in the Himalayan republic.

A part of the heist has also been recovered from them, police said.
Affluent Indian wholesaler Vipin Prakash … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat robbery cracked in Nepal.

Madhya Pradesh to appeal against Bhopal verdict

BHOPAL – Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Wednesday that the government will file an appeal in the high court seeking enhancement of the punishment awarded to seven convicts in the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

A five-member committee of legal experts is being constituted to study the verdict before going in for the appeal, …. Read the original article  : here.

Indian jewellery store looted in Britain

LEICESTER – A gang of masked robbers raided an Indian jewellery store on Belgrave Road and decamped with valuables worth thousands of pounds Tuesday. They are yet to be caught, police said.

Five masked men drove in a van to the front entrance of Alankar Jewellers, hurled a large piece of concrete stone through the glass …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mexico wants US probe after boy’s death in shooting

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), June 9 (IANS/EFE) Mexico has asked the US to conduct a probe into the death of a 14-year-old Mexican boy in a shooting on the Mexico-US border.

Sergio Adrian Hernandez was killed Monday at the Ciudad Juarez-El Paso border crossing.
The teenager’s relatives allege that he was only trying to peek into the … Read : Mexico wants US probe after boy’s death in shooting.

South Korea delays satellite launch due to fire safety problems

Malfunction delays South Korea satellite launch

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s space program suffered a setback Wednesday when the planned launch of a satellite was postponed due to malfunctioning firefighting equipment.
The two-stage Naro rocket was supposed to blast off in the late afternoon carrying an observation satellite to study global warming and climate change.
The process … Read more >>.

Chinese students use high-tech devices to cheat in exam

BEIJING – Seven students were caught using wireless earphones and wristwatch-like receiving devices for cheating during a national college entrance examination in northwest China.

The students took the exam Monday and Tuesday in China’s Gansu province, Xinhua reported quoting local authorities Wednesday. They scored zero marks in the exams.
Meanwhile, police have detained three people who …. Source  : Chinese students use high-tech devices to cheat in exam.

Sikh MP’s motion on 1984 riots divides Indo-Canadians

TORONTO – Two Canadian MPs, including Punjab-born Sukh Dhaliwal, gave a notice to table a petition in the nation’s parliament Wednesday asking the Canadian government to recognize the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India as an act of genocide.

But because of urgent government matters, the petition could be not tabled Wednesday.
Andrew Kania, who represents the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sikh MP’s motion on 1984 riots divides Indo-Canadians.

Nepal prisoners win World Cup goal

KATHMANDU – A Hitachi projector from India, a giant 16 ft x 10 ft screen, inverter backup and new carpeting, Nepal’s Kapilavastu Jail is set to come alive to the excitement of the Football World Cup – thanks to the efforts of prisoner Rishi Kumar Shrestha.

Slapped with a life sentence for the inadvertent killing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal prisoners win World Cup goal.

Ministers didn’t connive on Anderson: Soni

NEW DELHI – The government Thursday denied that any central minister had connived to ensure that former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson was permitted to leave the country in the wake of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s worst industrial disaster.

“There is no conclusive evidence to show that any central minister had a role to …. Source  : Ministers didn’t connive on Anderson: Soni.

SKorea launches satellite a day after delay due to fire safety problems

SKorea launches satellite after delay
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has launched a rocket carrying a satellite meant to study climate change a day after the ambitious project was delayed due to malfunctioning firefighting equipment.

Cable news channel YTN on Thursday showed the two-stage Naro rocket loaded with an observation satellite flying toward the sky after …. Original article  : SKorea launches satellite a day after delay due to fire safety problems.

Two held with tiger skins in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Two people were arrested in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur town with tiger skins, police said Thursday.

The arrests Wednesday were made from the Sarkanda police station area, some 110 km from here.
Acting on a tip-off, Jhariram Sahu, 42 and his associate were arrested from two different localities of Bilaspur town.
Preliminary inquiries suggest that the …. Source article  : Two held with tiger skins in Chhattisgarh.

SKorea’s audit agency seeks punishment of 25 military officials over sinking of warship

25 SKoreans face punishment over sinking of ship

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s audit agency told the defense minister to punish 25 top military officials for failing to ensure combat readiness ahead of the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on North Korea, an official said Thursday.
A team of international investigators concluded last …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : SKorea’s audit agency seeks punishment of 25 military officials over sinking of warship.

‘Action against cops in stripping case after probe’

NEW DELHI – Action against police personnel who allegedly forced a 30-year-old woman to strip at a west Delhi police post in the presence of her son would be taken only after an inquiry, an official said Thursday.

“The accused police officials are reporting on duty. Any action will be taken only after the inquiry is … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Action against cops in stripping case after probe’.

As amount of oil collected at Gulf floor grows, so does frustration over BP claims process

Red tape vexes Gulf residents seeking BP payments

GRAND ISLE, La. – The reefs that David Walter makes for anglers to drop into the Gulf of Mexico are fake, but his frustration as he tries to win compensation from BP for lost income is real.
State regulators stopped issuing permits for the reefs on May 4 because …. Original source  : As amount of oil collected at Gulf floor grows, so does frustration over BP claims process.

Oyster shucking: A seafood business, a way of life threatened by huge oil spill off Louisiana

Oil spill: Oyster shuckers fear for livelihood

NEW ORLEANS – The pre-dawn shucking of small mountains of oysters that is an age-old workaday ritual in New Orleans is coming to an end at the 134-year-old P&J Oyster Co., thanks to the oil spilling ominously offshore.
Barring an unforeseen reopening of the oyster beds that supply P&J, Thursday … Read more >>.

Vietnam forest wardens rescue 3,500 crocodiles

HANOI – Forest wardens in Vietnam have rescued 3,500 illegally imported crocodiles and four rare white-cheeked gibbons, a ranger said Thursday.

Forest wardens in the southern province of An Giang have seized 3,500 illegally imported crocodiles, the Vietnam News reported Thursday.
Crocodiles are raised widely in Vietnam for meat. Police said the illegally imported crocodiles were …. Original source  : Vietnam forest wardens rescue 3,500 crocodiles.

AP oil spill means 134-year-old New Orleans oyster company may be shucking its last oyster

Oil spill threatens 134-year old oyster co.

NEW ORLEANS – A 134-year-old New Orleans oyster house is preparing to shuck what may be its last batch of oysters.
The BP oil spill has forced closure of the oyster beds that are the main source for the family-owned P&J Oyster Co. in the French Quarter. Co-owner Al Sunseri … Read : AP oil spill means 134-year-old New Orleans oyster company may be shucking its last oyster.

Relatives of 11 workers killed in Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion to meet Obama on Thursday

Obama to meet families of 11 killed in oil spill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is offering condolences to relatives of the 11 workers who were killed when an oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, causing the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.
Obama wrote to the families and invited them to visit … Original source on Gaea Times at : Relatives of 11 workers killed in Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion to meet Obama on Thursday.

Senate to vote on GOP-led move to stop EPA from regulating greenhouse gases

Senate votes on blocking EPA greenhouse gas regs
WASHINGTON – In the absence of congressional action on climate change, the Senate is heading toward a much-watched vote on whether the Obama administration should be allowed to go ahead with regulations curtailing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other major … Original article on : Senate to vote on GOP-led move to stop EPA from regulating greenhouse gases.

Relatives of 11 workers killed in Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion to meet with Obama Thursday

Obama to meet families of 11 killed in Gulf spill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is meeting Thursday with relatives of the 11 workers killed in the Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion that set off the worst environmental disaster in the nation’s history.
The family members were meeting the president at the White House, … Read : Relatives of 11 workers killed in Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion to meet with Obama Thursday.

Five held in Punjab with RDX, detonators, heroin

AMRITSAR – Five people have been arrested from a village in Punjab and six kilograms of RDX as well 20 detonators, time-devices and heroin recovered from them, police said Thursday.

The special operation cell of the intelligence wing of Punjab Police raided a village in this border district follow a tip-off, said a senior …. Read the original article  : Five held in Punjab with RDX, detonators, heroin.

Bomb in southern Pakistan kills 1, wounds 3

Bomb in southern Pakistan kills 1
KARACHI, Pakistan – Police say a roadside bomb has killed one person and wounded three in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi.

Police official Iqbal Mahmood says the bomb exploded Thursday in a parking area near a neighborhood where many naval officers reside. The motive was not immediately clear.
Pakistan Navy … Original article on : Bomb in southern Pakistan kills 1, wounds 3.

Report: 3 Iranian policemen killed in roadside bombing by Kurdish rebels

Report: 3 Iranian policemen killed in bombing

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian state-owned newspaper says three policemen in western Iran have been killed by a roadside bomb detonated by Kurdish rebels.
The Thursday report by the Iran daily says Gen. Faramarz Hosseinzadeh, the local chief of border police, and two other policemen were killed after members of [..] Read the original article: here.

Four Chinese journalists robbed on Johannesburg street

BEIJING – Four Chinese journalists covering the football World Cup in South Africa were robbed of a camera and cash on a Johannesburg street, a news report said Thursday.

The four scribes were approached by a “several armed black people” after they pulled over to the side of the road en route to an interview in … Read : Four Chinese journalists robbed on Johannesburg street.

Suicide attack on a wedding party kills 40 in Afghanistan; suspicion falls on Taliban

Suicide attack kills 40 at Afghan wedding party

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A suicide bomb ripped through a wedding party for a family with several members in the police force in the Taliban’s heartland in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 40 people and wounding dozens more, officials said Thursday.
The blast occurred late Wednesday in a housing compound [..] Read the original article: here.

New Zealand minister watched porn using official credit card

AUCKLAND – A former minister in the New Zealand government used his official credit card for watching pornographic movies while he stayed in hotels during his tenure, a media report said Thursday.

Shane Jones, former minister for building and construction in 2007-08, admitted using his ministerial credit card to charter a plane and buy wine, … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand minister watched porn using official credit card.

Five tourists drown in Orissa pool

BHUBANESWAR – At least five tourists, including three children and a woman, drowned while taking a bath in a sacred pool at a pilgrimage site in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district Friday, police said.

The accident occurred at Bhimkund – a natural 1,000-foot-deep water tank that the river Baitarani flows into, about 200 km from here.
“The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Five tourists drown in Orissa pool.

Woman techie found dead in Delhi flat

NEW DELHI – A 22-year-old woman, working with a renowned software company in Gurgaon, was Friday found dead in her south Delhi home with injury marks on her body, three days before she was to get married.

Monica Jaiswal, who belonged to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, was found dead in her rented flat in Madangir …. Original article  : Woman techie found dead in Delhi flat.

Death of Mandela’s great-granddaughter casts shadow over World Cup opener

Mandela family death casts shadow over opening day

JOHANNESBURG – The death of Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter cast a shadow over the opening day of the World Cup on Friday, dampening the spirits of a nation proud and excited to be hosting the world’s most popular sporting event.
Zenani Mandela, the 13-year-old great-granddaughter of the former South African … Read more »»».

Stripping case: Delhi Police to get rights panel notice

NEW DELHI – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will issue notice to the Delhi Police on a woman being allegedly forced to strip before her son at a west Delhi police post last month, an official said Friday.

Three constables, including a woman head constable, were Thursday suspended and an assistant sub-inspector was transferred pending … Original source on Gaea Times at : Stripping case: Delhi Police to get rights panel notice.

Roadside mine kills 9 civilians in southern Afghanistan, underscoring security concerns

9 Afghan civilians killed by mine blast in south

KABUL, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb blast hit a minivan in southern Afghanistan on Friday, killing nine civilians and wounding eight others, officials said.
The spokesman for the Kandahar provincial government, Zalmai Ayoubi, said four women and three children were among those who died in the blast in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Roadside mine kills 9 civilians in southern Afghanistan, underscoring security concerns.

15 leopards rescued in Dubai

Dubai June 11 (IANS/WAM) Fifteen leopards smuggled from Somalia have been rescued in Dubai, a top official said.

Dubai’s ministry of environment and water made the seizure at the Aweer quarantine as the consignment did not bear any official documents or health certificates, Abdullah Salem Al Jana’n, executive director at the ministry’s agricultural affairs and livestock …. Read the original article  : 15 leopards rescued in Dubai.

Teen sailor feared lost at sea found alive and well, adrift in southern Indian Ocean

Teen sailor found alive and well
LOS ANGELES – A 16-year-old California girl who was feared lost at sea while sailing solo around the world has been found alive and well, adrift in the southern Indian Ocean with rescue boats headed toward her, officials said.

After a tense 20 hours of silence, a Qantas Airbus A330 search … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Teen sailor feared lost at sea found alive and well, adrift in southern Indian Ocean.

Woman gangraped in Hindu group’s Nepal office

KATHMANDU – A Hindu organisation that triggered a controversy five years ago when it supported the army-backed bloodless coup by King Gyanendra has run into fresh controversy after a 52-year-old woman was gangraped inside its office here.

The 70-year-old caretaker at the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh (VHM) office in Kathmandu’s Bansbari area, another employee and three of …. Source article  : Woman gangraped in Hindu group’s Nepal office.

Metra Train Accident Kills Woman

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- A South Side woman aged 86 died after being hit by a Metra train adjacent to the Beverly Hills-95th Street station. The incident took place Wednesday night. The woman named Nina P. Neely belonged to the Riverdale community of Chicago. She was actually moving a wheelchair across the tracks. At that time, … Original article on : Metra Train Accident Kills Woman.

Bomb hidden among trash at Baghdad marketplace kills 3; death toll rises from earlier blast

Bomb hidden in trash at Baghdad market kills 3

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a bomb hidden in a pile of trash has killed three people at a market in southern Baghdad.
Police and hospital officials say the explosion took place in a market in the Dora neighborhood on Friday morning. The blast also wounded 10 people.
Officials … Original article on : Bomb hidden among trash at Baghdad marketplace kills 3; death toll rises from earlier blast.

As spill drags on, oil staining highly regarded admiral’s reputation as disaster guru

Adm. Allen in hot seat over spill
WASHINGTON – The oil spoiling the teeming marshes and white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast is also threatening the pristine image of the burly, take-charge leader who has become the federal government’s go-to guy in a disaster.
Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, one of the few federal …. Source article  : As spill drags on, oil staining highly regarded admiral’s reputation as disaster guru.

Numbers of oil spill flow keep looking worse, may have passed 100M gallon mark in worst case

With each look at oil flow, the numbers get worse

HOUSTON – With each new look by scientists, the oil spill just keeps looking worse.
New figures for the blown-out well at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico show the amount of oil spewing may have been up to twice as much as previously thought, according …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Numbers of oil spill flow keep looking worse, may have passed 100M gallon mark in worst case.

An Afghan official says a roadside mine blast in southern Afghanistan has killed 9 civilians

9 Afghan civilians killed in mine blast
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan official says a roadside mine blast in southern Afghanistan has killed 9 civilians.

A spokesman for the Kandahar provincial government, Zalmai Ayoubi, says four women and three children were among those who died in the blast early Friday morning.
Eight other people were wounded and taken … Read more >>.

Without a Hazmat suit, there’s little for clamoring volunteers to do as oil hits Gulf Coast

Plenty of Gulf volunteers, not enough work to do

NEW ORLEANS – The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has brought out thousands of people who just want to help – though there isn’t much for them to do unless they own a Hazmat suit.
Directors of charities and BP PLC – the company responsible for cleaning up …. Source  : Without a Hazmat suit, there’s little for clamoring volunteers to do as oil hits Gulf Coast.

Searchers contact teen sailor lost at sea, saying she’s alive and well

Searchers contact teen sailor lost at sea
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – A family spokesman says searchers have contacted a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was feared lost at sea and she is alive and well.

William Bennett said late Thursday night that searchers aboard an Airbus A330 spotted Abby Sunderland’s boat in an upright position and made … Read : Searchers contact teen sailor lost at sea, saying she’s alive and well.

Four severed heads found in Guatemala

Guatemala City, June 11 (IANS/EFE) Four severed human heads have been found in different parts of this city, Guatemala’s interior minister said.

The heads were found Thursday, Interior Minister Carlos Menocal told reporters.
Several notes addressed to Menocal were found by the heads.
While one note demanded an end to impunity for corrupt officials, another …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

UK leader cancels visit to military base in southern Afghanistan because of security fears

Security fears divert UK leader in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Security fears forced Britain’s leader to cancel a visit to a military base in southern Afghanistan, where skepticism about foreign forces and a spike in bloodshed has slowed planning for a key NATO operation.
British Prime Minister David Cameron’s planned visit to a frontline base in volatile …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UK leader cancels visit to military base in southern Afghanistan because of security fears.

Searchers contact teen lost at sea, says she’s alive and well

Searchers contact teen lost at sea
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – A family spokesman says searchers have contacted a 16-year-old Southern California girl who was feared lost at sea and she is alive and well.

William Bennett said late Thursday night that searchers aboard an Airbus A330 spotted Abby Sunderland’s boat in an upright position and made contact …. Read the original article  : Searchers contact teen lost at sea, says she’s alive and well.

Mandela’s great-granddaughter killed in car crash

JOHANNESBURG – Former South African president Nelson Mandela’s great-granddaughter Zenani Mandela was killed in a car crash while returning home from the World Cup kick-off concert here Friday.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement that the car in which the girl, who had turned 13 two days ago, was travelling was the only vehicle … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mandela’s great-granddaughter killed in car crash.

Searchers hope to radio US teen sailor in distress midway between Australia and Africa

Searchers hope to radio US teen sailor in distress

CANBERRA, Australia – Searchers aboard a jet flew Friday to the southern Indian Ocean hoping for radio contact with a 16-year-old California girl who sent distress signals from mountainous seas between Africa and Australia while sailing solo around the world.
The Qantas Airbus A330 chartered by Australian rescue … Read more : Searchers hope to radio US teen sailor in distress midway between Australia and Africa.

Relative driving in crash that killed Mandela’s great-granddaughter after World Cup concert

Relative driving in crash that killed Mandela girl

JOHANNESBURG – Nelson Mandela’s office says a relative was driving the car in which the anti-apartheid leader’s great granddaughter was riding when she was killed in a crash.
Sello Hatang, spokesman for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said Saturday the man was a relative, but that he could not be … Read more : Relative driving in crash that killed Mandela’s great-granddaughter after World Cup concert.

Crews face daunting search for dozens missing after Ark. campground flood kills at least 16

Dozens missing in rugged terrain after Ark. flood

CADDO GAP, Ark. – Floodwaters that tore through an Arkansas campground, killing at least 16 people, also washed away records of who was there, making the daunting search for dozens of missing in heavily wooded forest even more difficult as anguished families waited for word of their loved …. Original article  : Crews face daunting search for dozens missing after Ark. campground flood kills at least 16.

Obama to discuss oil spill with British prime minister as tensions rise over criticism of BP

Obama, Britain’s Cameron to talk about oil spill
WASHINGTON – With a British company the villain, the Gulf oil spill is raising tensions on both sides of the Atlantic.
President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron plan to discuss the environmental catastrophe Saturday by telephone. They hope to ease what has become a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama to discuss oil spill with British prime minister as tensions rise over criticism of BP.

Oil from Gulf spill could soon become gas fueling cars once BP sells the crude for charity

Spill oil to seep into supply chain as BP sells it

NEW ORLEANS – Oil from nation’s worst spill could soon end up at gas stations, construction sites and even grocery stores once BP sells the crude taken from a ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico to raise money for wildlife protection.
Energy giant BP PLC … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oil from Gulf spill could soon become gas fueling cars once BP sells the crude for charity.

Gulf oil spill increases the price and demand for shrimp from outside oil-slickened waters

Gulf oil spill upping price for domestic shrimp

RALEIGH, N.C. – U.S. shrimpers who comb seas unaffected by the oil-slickened Gulf are raising prices as demand for their catch rises, bringing a potential – but bittersweet – respite from some tough years.
“We are getting calls from buyers who haven’t bought from us in awhile and who … Read more >>>.

Greenpeace wants nuclear liability bill reviewed

NEW DELHI – Greenpeace is collecting signatures to force the government to review the nuclear liability bill which it says allows foreign corporations to get away by paying a meagre compensation in case of a nuclear accident.

With already over 1.8 lakh signatures online, the petition will be forwarded to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, requesting him …. Source  : Greenpeace wants nuclear liability bill reviewed.

Policeman kills three civilians in China

BEIJING – A policeman Saturday shot three civilians dead and injured a senior police officer in China.

The incident took place in Taipusi Banner in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Wang Fengliang, the suspect, is a detective in the public security bureau, Xinhua reported. He has been detained.
… Read more »»».

Jimenez overcomes weather in helping Rockies beat Blue Jays 5-3 in rain-shortened game

Rockies’ Jimenez weathers storm for 12th win

DENVER – Ubaldo Jimenez pitched through rain and problems with his command to become baseball’s first 12-game winner as the Colorado Rockies beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 on Friday night in an interleague game twice stalled by bad weather before being called after six innings.
Jimenez (12-1) allowed a … Original article on : Jimenez overcomes weather in helping Rockies beat Blue Jays 5-3 in rain-shortened game.

Arkansas Flooding Kills 16

CADDO GAP (GaeaTimes.com)- On Friday, the flash flood in the low-lying campground in western Arkansas led to the death of at least 16 people who were swept away by the flood in their sleep. Reports claim that more than a dozen people are still reported missing and that the officials fear that death toll … Original source on Gaea Times at : Arkansas Flooding Kills 16.

Six Colombian soldiers convicted for killing activist

Bogota, June 12 (IANS/EFE) Six Colombian soldiers have been convicted for killing an activist in southwestern Cauca province in 2008, officials said.

Edwin Legarda, husband of indigenous leader Aida Quilcue, was shot dead in December 2008.
A court in the provincial capital Popayan, where Legarda was killed, handed down the verdict Friday. One soldier was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Six Colombian soldiers convicted for killing activist.

Man surrenders pipe bomb, weed outside Mass. VA hospital; police detonate device, no injuries

Pipe bomb, weed found outside Mass. VA hospital

BEDFORD, Mass. – Police detaining a man on an outstanding warrant outside a Massachusetts veterans affairs hospital got a surprise when the man’s friend handed them a pipe bomb.
Police Sgt. Michael Cloutier says Sean Carney and Christopher McDonald arrived at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man surrenders pipe bomb, weed outside Mass. VA hospital; police detonate device, no injuries.

20 killed in Mexico drug violence

Mexico City, June 12 (IANS/EFE) Twenty people were shot and killed in Ciudad Madero town in northeastern Mexico in drug-related violence, officials said.

Six bodies were found in El Chipus neighbourhood of the town in Tamaulipas state, a spokesperson for the state attorney general’s Office told EFE Friday.
Four more bodies were discovered in Francisco I. …. Source  : 20 killed in Mexico drug violence.

Ark. call center has received reports about 73 people possibly missing from flooded campground

Ark. center gets calls about 73 people after flood

CADDO GAP, Ark. – Officials say a call center set up for people to report loved ones who may be missing from a flooded Arkansas campground has received inquiries about 73 people.
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management spokesman Chad Stover says the agency hasn’t confirmed that all the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NKorea vows to blow up SKorea propaganda equipment, says it can turn Seoul into ’sea of flame’

NKorea vows to blow up South propaganda facilities

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea vowed Saturday to launch an all-out attack against South Korean loudspeakers and other propaganda facilities along their heavily fortified border, warning it could even turn Seoul into a “sea of flame.”
The rival Koreas ended decades of propaganda campaigns in 2004 as their …. Source article  : NKorea vows to blow up SKorea propaganda equipment, says it can turn Seoul into ’sea of flame’.

Poacher held with over 300 tortoises in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A poacher has been arrested with 335 tortoises in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur district, police said Saturday.

Iqbal Ahmad, 45, was nabbed late Friday from Amethi railway station, about 150 km from Lucknow, with 335 tortoises while his accomplice managed to escape during a joint operation carried out by the government railway police (GRP) of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Blast on rail track in Tamil Nadu, narrow escape for passengers

CHENNAI – Passengers of Chennai-bound Rockfort Express had a miraculous escape Saturday morning when the driver stopped the train immediately after receiving a warning about a blast on the track near Perani station, 160 km from here.

The blast damaged three feet of tracks and caused a four feet crater, Vellupuram police officials told IANS.
The … Read more »»».

Police: Search for dozens still missing in Ark. campgrounds flooding suspended for the night

Search for missing in Ark. floods ends for night

CADDO GAP, Ark. – Authorities say the search for dozens of people still missing after floodwaters tore through an Arkansas campground has ended for the night.
State police spokesman Bill Sadler says rescue teams will resume the search by land and air at daylight Saturday.
At least 16 people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

16 killed in US flash floods

WASHINGTON – Heavy rains overnight triggered flash floods in the US state of Arkansas, killing at least 16 people at a popular camping area and leaving dozens more missing, state officials said Friday.

“There are some children among the deceased,” said Tommy Jackson of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, but he couldn’t provide an exact … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 16 killed in US flash floods.

Families, first responders holding candlelight vigil for victims of Arkansas flooding

Candlelight vigil planned for Ark. floods victims

LANGLEY, Ark. – Family members and first responders are holding a candlelight vigil for victims of the flooding that tore through an Arkansas campground and killed at least 16 people.
Dozens of people still were missing Friday evening.
Floodwaters that rose as swiftly as 8 feet an hour destroyed the campground …. Original source  : Families, first responders holding candlelight vigil for victims of Arkansas flooding.

Gov. Beebe says portable cell phone towers being brought to flooded area to help reception

Beebe: Cell towers being brought to flooded area

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe says portable cell phone towers are being dispatched to flooded areas of the state so people still stranded can have better reception.
Beebe tells CNN that cell phone service where flooding occurred has been nearly nonexistent. Officials hope the cell phone …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Recent Earthquakes In Southern California

BORREGO SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Parts of southern California, especially the Borrego Springs community was hit by two successive earthquakes on Saturday night. As per the latest reports, the magnitude of the tremors has been put at 4.9 for the first earthquake which was soon followed by a tremor measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale.

Seismologists of … Read : Recent Earthquakes In Southern California.

Eight killed in Philippines bus accident

MANILA – Eight people were killed Sunday when a tourist bus carrying foreign students plunged into a ravine in the central Philippines, police said.

The bus was en route to Balamban town in Cebu province, 585 km south of Manila, when the accident occurred, Police officer Arden Trocio said.
Trocio said eight bodies had been retrieved …. Source article  : Eight killed in Philippines bus accident.

Series of quakes hit Andaman

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI – A string of earthquakes jolted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over a 12-hour period Sunday but there were no casualties. The tremors were also felt in southern and eastern India.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the first quake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale took place at 00.56 a.m., followed by … Read : Series of quakes hit Andaman.

Pastor consoles anguished relatives of those missing after Ark. flash floods kill at least 18

Crews search for victims after Ark. floods kill 18
LODI, Ark. – A preacher whose church has cared for survivors of the flash floods that ripped through an Arkansas campground and killed at least 18 people anguished over what he would tell them Sunday as rescue teams searched for nearly two dozen people.
“You want … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pastor consoles anguished relatives of those missing after Ark. flash floods kill at least 18.

Philippine bus accident kills at least 10 people, mostly Iranian tourists

Philippine bus crash kills 10, mostly Iranians

MANILA, Philippines – A tourist bus packed with Iranian nationals plunged into a ravine Sunday while negotiating a mountain road in the central Philippines, killing at least 10 people, a police official said.
The bus carrying dozens of mostly Iranian tourists apparently lost its brakes then plummeted into a 100-foot …. Original source  : Philippine bus accident kills at least 10 people, mostly Iranian tourists.

Top BP executive gives much-needed pep talk to workers as tensions rise with US over oil spill

BP exec gives pep talk amid US tensions over spill
SCHRIEVER, La. – A top BP executive acknowledged the growing tensions between the oil giant and the federal government but also gave workers at a command center a much-needed pep talk, reminding them of the huge challenge they faced as they try to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Top BP executive gives much-needed pep talk to workers as tensions rise with US over oil spill.

Davidar admits Penguin fired him for sexual harassment

TORONTO – David Davidar, Indian-born president and CEO of Penguin Canada, has admitted he was sacked following a sexual harassment complaint by an ex-employee, after claiming earlier that he voluntarily left the publishing giant.

Joined by Penguin Group chairman John Makinson, Davidar had announced Tuesday that he was leaving the company to “pursue his successful writing … Read : Davidar admits Penguin fired him for sexual harassment.

Tremors in coastal Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Coastal Orissa were rocked by tremors Sunday morning following an earthquake in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

People living in high-rise buildings and apartments rushed out of their homes in Bhubaneswar and nearby Cuttack city.
“Our bed, tables and furniture shook,” said Sudhakar Mohanty, a businessman who lives in an apartment here.
An earthquake … Read more : Tremors in coastal Orissa.

Indian waiter shot before football fans in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – An Indian national working as a waiter here was shot dead in full view of football fans gathered at a restaurant to watch the opening match of FIFA World Cup 2010.

The waiter, in his 30s, identified only as Dash, had just finished work when the incident occurred in Dataran Sunway, Kota …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian waiter shot before football fans in Malaysia.

Three feared dead as Venezuelan aircraft goes missing

Caracas, June 13 (IANS/EFE) A Venezuelan army plane with three soldiers on board went missing just a few minutes before it was to land at an airport here.

The aircraft was scheduled to land at La Carlota airport in central-eastern Caracas at 1205 GMT Saturday, Defence Minister Carlos Mata said.
“All emergency services have been …. Original article  : Three feared dead as Venezuelan aircraft goes missing.

Earthquake In India

PORT BLAIR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- A major earthquake has hit the Indian Ocean along India’s Nicobar Islands on early Sunday morning, according to reports that have surfaced. The U.S. Geological Survey has declared that the magnitude of the earthquake has been measured to be 7.5 on the Richter scale and it struck at a depth of …. Source article  : Earthquake In India.

Pair of moderate quake strikes in desert area east of San Diego

Moderate quakes strikes desert east of San Diego

BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif. – A pair of moderate earthquakes has rattled a desert area east of San Diego. There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-4.4 and magnitude-4.8 quakes struck a minute apart Saturday at 8:08 p.m., in an area about … Original article on : Pair of moderate quake strikes in desert area east of San Diego.

Toll in Kyrgyz violence rises to 80

Moscow, June 13 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Ethnic violence in south Kyrgyzstan, that swept the region in the last few days, claimed at least 80 lives and left over 1,000 injured, a media report said Sunday.

A round-the-clock curfew has been imposed in south Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz news agency AKIpress reported.
The curfew will be in effect in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Toll in Kyrgyz violence rises to 80.

Nine killed in bus-truck collision in Assam

GUWAHATI – At least nine people were killed and about 30 wounded, six of them critically, when a passenger bus collided head-on with a truck in Assam Sunday, officials said.

The packed bus was on its way from Guwahati to Tinsukia when the accident took place near Badulipar on National Highway 37, about 250 km east … Read more >>>.

Restrictions in Srinagar over youth’s death again

SRINAGAR – Strict restrictions were imposed in the old city areas of Srinagar for the second consecutive day Sunday, a day after clashes broke out over a teenager’s death during street protests.

Restrictions were imposed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, S.R. Gunj and Safa Kadal police stations to prevent violence.
As …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ex-JPSC chairman, former members booked in job scam

RANCHI – At least 32 people, including an ex-chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and three former members, have been booked for alleged irregularities in the appointments of 19 administrative officers, officials said Sunday.

A first information report (FIR) was lodged Saturday night against Dileep Prasad, the ex-chairman, and three former members – Radhagovind …. Original article  : Ex-JPSC chairman, former members booked in job scam.

6.2-magnitude quake hits Japan

TOKYO – A 6.2-magnitude earthquake rocked Japan’s Honshu Island Sunday, the meteorological office said.

The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at 0333 GMT, was located about 40 km under the sea off Fukushima prefecture in northeastern Honshu, Xinhua quoted the Japan Meteorological Agency as saying.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 6.2-magnitude quake hits Japan.

Tremors felt in coastal Orissa after Andaman quake

BHUBANESWAR – Tremors were experienced in parts of coastal Orissa Sunday morning, causing some amount panic among residents following an earthquake in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

People living in high-rise buildings and apartments rushed out of their homes in Bhubaneswar and nearby Cuttack city.
“Our bed, tables and furniture shook,” said Sudhakar Mohanty, a businessman … Read : Tremors felt in coastal Orissa after Andaman quake.

Strong earthquake rattles northern Japan, but no tsunami danger

Strong earthquake shakes northern Japan
TOKYO – A strong earthquake rattled northern Japan on Sunday, and authorities said no tsunami was expected in the area. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the afternoon quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.2.
The earthquake occurred off the coast of the eastern …. Original source  : Strong earthquake rattles northern Japan, but no tsunami danger.

Moderate earthquake centered in Southern California desert shakes San Diego

Moderate quake strikes in desert east of San Diego

BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif. – A moderate earthquake centered in a desert area east of San Diego was felt by people in the city, although authorities say there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-4.4 quake struck at 8:08 p.m., about …. Source article  : Moderate earthquake centered in Southern California desert shakes San Diego.

Tigers maul and kill a man who entered an enclosure with son at northern China wildlife park

Tigers maul man to death at China wildlife park

BEIJING – Tigers mauled a man to death after he entered their enclosure with his son at a northern Chinese wildlife park, police and a park spokesman said Monday.
Staff at the Qingling Wildlife Park in the city of Xi’an rescued the son Sunday afternoon after discovering his … Read more »»».

Police: 1 still missing after flash floods sweep through Ark. campsite, kill at least 19

1 still missing after Ark. flash floods kill 19

LANGLEY, Ark. – Like they had time and again, Leslie and Adam Jez packed their camper and headed for Arkansas’ Albert Pike Recreation Area. But instead of leaving Friday, they and their 3-year-old met up with family a day earlier – a decision that proved fatal.
Flash floods … Read more »»».

Anti-Maoist offensive intensified, 10 rebels killed in Jharkhand

RANCHI – The anti-Maoist offensive in Jharkhand has been intensified with security forces gunning down 10 rebels in West Singhbhum district, police sources said Monday.

Police claimed killing 10 rebels Sunday after security forces surrounded around 300 Maoists who engaged them in a gun battle for nearly 28 hours. But no bodies were recovered.
Six …. Source  : Anti-Maoist offensive intensified, 10 rebels killed in Jharkhand.

Toll in Kyrgyz violence rises to 117

Bishkek/Moscow, June 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The toll in Kyrgyzstan’s inter-ethnic clashes has risen to 117, a media report said Monday.

The riots between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbek groups, that broke out in the southern cities of Osh and Jalalabad early Friday, left about 1,500 injured, the AKIpress news agency reported.
The border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan …. Source  : Toll in Kyrgyz violence rises to 117.

Iraq’s new parliament convenes 3 months after inconclusive national elections

Iraq’s new parliament convenes 3 months after vote

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s new parliament has convened, more than three months after inconclusive national elections left the country in political limbo.
It’s the first tangible sign of progress since the March 7 vote, but the sides remain divided over the formation of a new government. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police comb Kenya park as blast toll rises to 6; pastor blames pro-reform group for attack

Police comb Kenya park as blast toll rises to 6

NAIROBI, Kenya – Paramilitary police are combing through a downtown Nairobi park for clues after two explosions ripped through a political rally, killing six people and wounding more than 100.
The blasts happened late Sunday as a political rally against a draft constitution was concluding.
Authorities on Sunday … Read more : Police comb Kenya park as blast toll rises to 6; pastor blames pro-reform group for attack.

PM asks Bhopal GoM to report to cabinet in 10 days

NEW DELHI – Concerned over the uproar on the Bhopal gas leak judgment, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday directed the Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Home Minister P. Chidambaram, to report to the cabinet within 10 days on all aspects relating to the tragedy.

Manmohan Singh directed that the GoM “may meet immediately to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PM asks Bhopal GoM to report to cabinet in 10 days.

Tear gas, rubber bullets against demo at stadium

DURBAN – Riot police used rubber bullets, tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse protestors at Durban’s Moses Mabhida stadium early Monday, just two hours after the Germany-Australia match ended.

Several hundred private security officers who work at the stadium during the FIFA World Cup were demanding more pay at a stadium parking lot.
One woman …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tear gas, rubber bullets against demo at stadium.

Government under pressure to open US skies to unmanned drones despite safety concerns

Feds under pressure to open US skies to drones
WASHINGTON – Unmanned aircraft have proved their usefulness and reliability in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq. Now the pressure’s on to allow them in the skies over the United States.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been asked to issue flying rights for … Original article on : Government under pressure to open US skies to unmanned drones despite safety concerns.

Supreme court refuses to hear Haldiram’s owner’s plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday declined to entertain a petition by Haldiram’s Group owner Prabhu Shankar Agarwal, seeking bail after being convicted for conspiring to kill a tea stall owner in Kolkata.

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Deepak Verma and comprising Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan instead asked the petitioner to …. Source article  : Supreme court refuses to hear Haldiram’s owner’s plea.

Obama sets out Monday for Gulf tour, calls for victims fund as he prepares to address nation

Obama plans fourth tour of Gulf oil spill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is going back to the Gulf of Mexico, this time venturing on to new ground tainted by oil, before he speaks to the nation about what he’s seen in the afflicted states and what to expect in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama sets out Monday for Gulf tour, calls for victims fund as he prepares to address nation.

Apex court refuses to hear Haldiram’s owner petition

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday declined to hear a petition by Prabhu Shankar Agarwal, the owner of the Haldiram Group, seeking bail after being convicted for conspiring to kill a tea stall owner in Kolkata.

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Deepak Verma and comprising Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan instead asked …. Source article  : Apex court refuses to hear Haldiram’s owner petition.

Two convicts escape from Kerala jail

KANNUR – Two convicts have escaped from the high-security jail here in Kerala after leaving behind two dummies in their cell, police said Monday.

Jayanandan, serving a life term for murder, and Riaz, who had been jailed for 35 burglaries, sneaked out Sunday night, an official said.
The two were housed in the same cell …. Original article  : Two convicts escape from Kerala jail.

14 drown as boat capsizes

LUCKNOW – At least 14 people drowned when a boat capsized in the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district Monday, police said.

Around 65 people were in the boat when the accident took place near the Ujwalia bank.
“We have taken out 14 bodies with the help of divers and the river police,” district police chief … Read : 14 drown as boat capsizes.

Shutdown, restrictions hit life in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Restrictions continued in the the Old City areas here for the third consecutive day Monday in view of a shutdown called by separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani to protest against a teenager’s death in clashes between security forces and stone-pelting mobs.

Authorities imposed restrictions in areas covered by five police stations to prevent more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Shutdown, restrictions hit life in Srinagar.

At least 35 feared drowned as boat capsizes in Ganges river in northern India

35 feared drowned as boat capsizes in north India

LUCKNOW, India – At least 35 people are feared drowned after a boat capsized on the Ganges river in northern India early Monday, police said.
The crowded vessel was carrying 60-70 people traveling to a temple for a religious function, according to local police official Shivendra Yadav.
Passengers on … Original article on : At least 35 feared drowned as boat capsizes in Ganges river in northern India.

10 drown as boat capsizes

LUCKNOW – At least 10 people drowned when a boat capsized in the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district Monday, officials said, adding that rescue operations were on.

There were over 50 people in the boat when the accident took place near the Ujwalia bank.
“Several people are still missing. The death toll is likely to … Read more >>.

Five killed in stampede at Kenyan rally

NAIROBI – Two explosions at a rally in the Kenyan capital led to a stampede in which at least five people died and 80 were injured.

The Sunday rally was organised at a park in downtown Nairobi by Christian groups who are against a new draft constitution because it continues to recognize Islamic courts and includes … Read more : Five killed in stampede at Kenyan rally.

Philippine bus accident kills 20 people, mostly Iranian students and doctors

Philippine bus crash kills 20, mostly Iranians

CEBU, Philippines – A bus rented by Iranian medical students plunged into a ravine off a mountain road in the central Philippines, killing 20 people and injuring about 26 others, officials said Monday.
The brakes apparently failed before the bus plummeted into a 100-foot (30-meter) ravine Sunday in Balamban town …. Read the original article  : here.

Ohio man dies of injuries he suffered during tornado, raising toll to 6; wife, son also killed

Ohio tornado claims another victim; toll up to 6

TOLEDO, Ohio – Authorities say a man has died from injuries he suffered when a tornado ripped through northwest Ohio earlier this month, bringing the death toll to six.
Sarah Velliquette, a spokeswoman for Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, says Ryan Walters of Millbury died Sunday … Read more »».

Officials: Rain-triggered landslides kill at least 38 people in southeastern Bangladesh

At least 38 killed in Bangladesh landslides

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – Powerful landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 38 people and left seven army soldiers missing in southeastern Bangladesh.
The mudslides struck early Tuesday in two areas in the southern coastal area of Cox’s Bazar – 185 miles (296 kilometers) south of the capital, Dhaka …. Source article  : Officials: Rain-triggered landslides kill at least 38 people in southeastern Bangladesh.

Soren acquitted in third murder case, is a relieved man

RANCHI – Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren was Tuesday acquitted in a 1974 double murder case — the last of the three murder cases against the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief.

Tuesday’s acquittal has brought great relief to the JMM chief, who has been fighting legal battles for the last 36 years, said a party [..] Read the original article: here.

Seven killed in Pakistan violence

KARACHI – A fresh wave of target killing in Karachi has claimed seven lives, a media report said.

According to police sources, assistant jailor Ishaq Mio was shot by armed men late Monday and he later succumbed to injuries, Geo news reported Tuesday.
Three people were injured till Tuesday morning, the report said.
The target killings … Read more : Seven killed in Pakistan violence.

MiG fighter crashes in Punjab, pilot safe

CHANDIGARH – A MiG-21 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed Tuesday near the Halwara air base in Punjab, but the pilot ejected safely out of the cockpit, said an IAF spokesperson.

The crash, the third this year, took place around 11.15 a.m. just outside Sidhwan Khas range of the Halwara Air Base, nearly 30 …. Source  : MiG fighter crashes in Punjab, pilot safe.

5.7 quake rattles nerves in U.S.-Mexico border region still recovering from deadly April quake

5.7 quake rattles nerves in border region
SAN DIEGO – The U.S.-Mexico border was rocked by a magnitude-5.7 earthquake Monday night, rattling nerves in a region still recovering from the deadly Easter jolt.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered five miles southeast of Ocotillo in Imperial County – about 85 miles east of San …. Read the original article  : 5.7 quake rattles nerves in U.S.-Mexico border region still recovering from deadly April quake.

Afghan officials say 12 police, 6 civilians killed in fighting or attacks in the past 2 days

Afghan government: 12 police, 6 civilians killed

KABUL, Afghanistan – Clashes with militants after a string of attacks in Afghanistan have killed 12 police officers while six civilians died in bombings, authorities said Tuesday.
The Taliban have declared a summer offensive against NATO forces and those allied with the coalition or the Afghan government – ramping up … Read more >>.

British Petroleum In National Spotlight

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- The oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico that is threatening the coastlines in Louisiana and also endangering the lives of the marine animals is in spotlight once again. As everyone knows, the President of USA Barack Obama is quite concerned about the damage being caused to the coastlines and he …. Read the original article  : here.

17 killed in China mountain collapse

BEIJING – At least 17 people were killed Tuesday when a part of a mountain collapsed on work sheds at a construction site in China, authorities said.

Seven others were injured in the accident in southwestern province of Sichuan, Xinhua reported.
…. Source  : 17 killed in China mountain collapse.

Two held with leopard skins in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Two people have been arrested from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region with a pair of leopard skins, police said Tuesday.

The arrests were made Monday from Kumhari village in Kanker district, 210 km south of capital Raipur.
Acting on a tip off, police raided the village and arrested Leeladhar, 19, and Sukhev, 27, with the leopard … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two held with leopard skins in Chhattisgarh.

Geography protects Mississippi from worst of the oil spill, but tourism still hobbled

Miss. beaches largely unspoiled by Gulf oil gusher

LONG BEACH, Miss. – Tracey Winspeare said her Canadian uncle warned her before she traveled to Mississippi: Oil is washing up on the beaches from a ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico. He was wrong.
Winspeare, who lives near Cambridge, England, sunbathed Monday on a clean stretch of …. Read the original article  : here.

MiG crashes in Punjab, pilot safe

CHANDIGARH – A MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed near Halwara in Punjab Tuesday. The pilot ejected safely, an Indian Air Force (IAF) spokesperson said.
… Read more : MiG crashes in Punjab, pilot safe.

SKorea: North raised military readiness but shows no signs of provocation

SKorea: North raised readiness, no activity seen
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea has raised its military readiness though no signs of fresh provocation were visible amid high tensions after the South blamed it for a deadly warship attack, the South’s defense chief said Tuesday.
The U.N. Security Council said late Monday it is “gravely … Read : SKorea: North raised military readiness but shows no signs of provocation.

Rain-triggered landslides kill at least 24 people in southeastern Bangladesh

At least 24 killed in Bangladesh landslides

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – Powerful landslides triggered by heavy rains killed at least 24 people and left seven army soldiers missing in southeastern Bangladesh.
The mudslides struck early Tuesday in two areas in the southern coastal area of Cox’s Bazar – 185 miles (296 kilometers) south of the capital Dhaka …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rain-triggered landslides kill at least 24 people in southeastern Bangladesh.

Gulf Coast residents skeptical of Obama’s promise of life will return to normal after spill

Gulf Coasters skeptical of Obama, BP promises

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. – President Barack Obama promised that life would return to normal for people living on the stricken Gulf Coast, and BP said by the end of the month it would contain more than three times as much oil spewing from a ruptured undersea well.
The pledges didn’t … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gulf Coast residents skeptical of Obama’s promise of life will return to normal after spill.

San Diego Quake

SAN DIEGO (GaeaTimes.com)- The southern San Diego Country along the border of United States And Mexico experienced as many as two dozen earthquakes on Monday night, according to reports that have been available. The tremors which included an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 on the Richter scale, rocked large parts of Southern California while being felt … Read more »»».

Obama surveys Gulf Coast ahead of Oval Office speech on how he’s tackling oil spill crisis

Obama to cap Gulf tour with Oval Office speech
PENSACOLA, Fla. – President Barack Obama is capping two days in the suffering Gulf of Mexico with a solemn, high-stakes address to the nation that will lay out the enormous effort needed to right the multifaceted damage from the country’s worst environmental disaster.
With …. Source  : Obama surveys Gulf Coast ahead of Oval Office speech on how he’s tackling oil spill crisis.

Swift-water rescues from roadways in Okla. flood, but officials say it could have been worse

Okla. flooding leads to dramatic rescues
OKLAHOMA CITY – Record-busting rainfall in Oklahoma led to a day of dramatic rescues from swift floodwaters, but officials and residents acknowledged the outcome could have been far worse.

No one had to be hospitalized Monday, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. There was just one unconfirmed report of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Swift-water rescues from roadways in Okla. flood, but officials say it could have been worse.

Search for victims in Arkansas campground flooding that claimed 20 nears its end

Grim recovery of Ark. flood victims nears its end

LANGLEY, Ark. – The grim recovery of bodies from flash flooding that tore through a western Arkansas campground is coming to a close.
Rescue crews plan a limited search Tuesday of the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Meanwhile, officials are waiting for DNA tests to confirm that a young …. Original article  : Search for victims in Arkansas campground flooding that claimed 20 nears its end.

23 die in landslides in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Landslides triggered by heavy rains in Bangladesh Tuesday left at least 23 people dead and several others missing, officials said.

Nineteen bodies were recovered in Cox’s Bazar district, bdnews24 reported. Another landslide in Bandarban district killed four members of a family.
…. Original source  : 23 die in landslides in Bangladesh.

Shibu Soren acquitted in 1974 double murder case

RANCHI – Former Jharkhand chief minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren was Tuesday acquitted in a 1974 double murder case.

Soren was accused of inciting a mob to kill Chundi Singh and Khirodhar Singh, who allegedly stole two goats and killed them in Kodko village of Giridih district in April 1974.
Ten people were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shibu Soren acquitted in 1974 double murder case.

High-level government involvement in Anderson’s escape: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday alleged there was “high level government involvement” in helping then Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson leave the country after the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

“It is too well known from the beginning, there has been foul play. It (Bhopal gas tragedy) is a non-bailable offence, yet not …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dhoni accuses Kolkata firm of cheating

RANCHI – Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has filed a police complaint against a Kolkata-based sports management company accusing it of cheating him of Rs.10 crore.

“Dhoni has sent a letter asking us to lodge a FIR (first information report) against Game Plan (Pvt Ltd),” said Harichandra Singh, a sub-inspector of the Doranda police station …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Dhoni accuses Kolkata firm of cheating.

Six killed in Himachal accident

SHIMLA – Six people were killed when an overcrowded vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, police said Wednesday.

“Fourteen people were travelling in the Tata Sumo when it met with the accident on Tuesday night. The victims were returning from a religious fair at Kamrunath,” Superintendent of … Read more >>>.

7 killed, 1 injured in blast at Chinese factory dormitory blamed on illegal explosives

Blast at Chinese factory dormitory kills 7

BEIJING – An explosion at a northern Chinese factory dormitory blamed on illegal explosives killed seven workers and injured one, the state news agency reported Wednesday.
The blast ripped through the four-story building located on the grounds of a factory producing slab stone in the village of Niugang near the … Read more »».

Strong earthquakes hit eastern Indonesia, killing at least 3 and collapsing homes

Strong quakes in Indonesia kill 3, collapse homes

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A series of powerful earthquakes rattled Indonesia on Wednesday, killing at least three people, triggering landslides and demolishing dozens of homes. A tsunami warning sent panicked residents fleeing buildings to high ground.
The 7.0 magnitude quake was centered 18 miles (29 kilometers) beneath the ocean floor … Read : Strong earthquakes hit eastern Indonesia, killing at least 3 and collapsing homes.

Strange story of decade-long kidnap of Pak-born UK girl

LONDON – British police are to probe strange claims of a Pakistani-born woman that she was forcibly kept in a slave labour camp in Pakistan for nearly a decade.

Nahida Bi from Glasgow has told the police she was abducted near the airport in Islamabad in 2000 soon afte she landed there on a holiday along … Original source on Gaea Times at : Strange story of decade-long kidnap of Pak-born UK girl.

FACT CHECK: Obama, in Gulf recovery speech, aims higher than facts support and history teaches

FACT CHECK: Obama left blanks in oil spill speech
WASHINGTON – In assuring Americans that BP won’t control the compensation fund for Gulf oil spill recovery, President Barack Obama failed to mention that the government won’t control it, either.
That means it’s anyone’s guess whether the government can, in fact, make BP pay all costs … Original source on Gaea Times at : FACT CHECK: Obama, in Gulf recovery speech, aims higher than facts support and history teaches.

Hit in the wallet and fearing for a way of life, Gulf residents seek more than talk from Obama

Gulf residents seek more than talk from Obama
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Restaurant owner Regina Shipp was near desperation before President Barack Obama’s address on the Gulf oil crisis. The tourists are gone, empty tables fill her dockside dining room, and her business has lost $57,000 after just a few weeks of crude and … Read : Hit in the wallet and fearing for a way of life, Gulf residents seek more than talk from Obama.

Iraqi officials say bombings in Baghdad kill 1, wound 8 people

Iraqi officials say bombs kill 1, wound 8 people

BAGHDAD – Two separate blasts in eastern Baghdad Wednesday killed one person and wounded eight people, Iraqi police and hospital officials said.
The officials said one of the bombs was attached to a civilian car driven by a police officer and it detonated, killing a beggar on the … Read more >>.

10 killed in heavy rains in France

PARIS – At least 10 people have died and four were missing Wednesday after heavy rains lashed parts of southern France, French media reported.

All of the fatalities occurred in the south-eastern region of Var, where some 200,000 households were without electricity early Wednesday.
According to France Info radio, more than 400 people had to be … Original article on : 10 killed in heavy rains in France.

Obama meets BP leaders after calling the company reckless, pushes for fund to help victims

After blasting BP, Obama now faces its leaders
WASHINGTON – Fresh from admonishing BP before the world, President Barack Obama now gets his moment with the oil company’s leaders. It will be on his turf and, he vowed to an angry nation, on his terms.
“We will make BP pay for the damage their [..] Read the original article: here.

Two killed in Indonesia quake

JAKARTA – At least two people were killed Wednesday when an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the easternmost province of Papua, police said.

The powerful quake triggered a tsunami warning but the alert was lifted an hour later.
A mother and her child were killed when their house collapsed in Serui district on …. Source article  : Two killed in Indonesia quake.

North Korea urges UN to handle warship sinking impartially, warns of nuclear war

NKorea warns UN to handle ship sinking impartially

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea urged the U.N. Security Council to impartially handle the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on the secretive state, warning Wednesday ongoing tension over the incident could trigger nuclear war.
The threat came hours after the country’s U.N. ambassador told reporters … Original source on Gaea Times at : North Korea urges UN to handle warship sinking impartially, warns of nuclear war.

Poachers held with 60 tortoises

LUCKNOW – Three poachers have been arrested with 60 tortoises, some still alive, in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district, police said Wednesday.

The men were nabbed late Tuesday evening from Phulpur town while they were on their way to West Bengal to hand over the tortoises to their clients.
Police said the live tortoises were handed over …. Source  : Poachers held with 60 tortoises.

Mumbai Rains Cause Damage, Casualties

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Several areas in the financial capital of the country came to a halt on Wednesday as the city witnessed the rage of the monsoon. The heavy rains lashing Mumbai inundated places like Parel, Dadar and Hindmata throwing life out of gear for the residents. The traffic in the city was the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mumbai Rains Cause Damage, Casualties.

Magnitude-4.3 earthquake in Alaska shakes Anchorage; no reports of damage

Moderate 4.3 earthquake shakes Anchorage
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Earthquake Information Center says a moderate quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.3 has been felt in Anchorage.

The quake was recorded Tuesday at 6:03 p.m. local time. No damage has been reported.
The temblor was centered 45 miles east-northeast of Talkeetna in central Alaska at a depth …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

11 killed as truck, jeep collide in Haryana

KARNAL – Eleven people were killed when a jeep packed with people collided with a truck in a Haryana village, police said Wednesday.

Seven women and four men travelling in a Mahindra jeep were killed near Pacca Khera village in Karnal district around 12.15 a.m.
“About 23 people were travelling in the jeep. Eleven were killed …. Original article  : 11 killed as truck, jeep collide in Haryana.

Strong quake jolts Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

JAKARTA – The Indonesian authorities Wednesday issued a tsunami warning after an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the easternmost province of Papua, causing residents to flee their homes and workplaces in panic.

The quake occurred at 12.16 p.m., with its epicentre about 123 km south-east of Biak district at a depth of 10 … Read more »».

Strong earthquake hits eastern Indonesia; no injuries or damage reported

Strong quake rocks eastern Indonesia; no damage

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Several powerful earthquakes hit eastern Indonesia on Wednesday, triggering a brief tsunami warning and sending panicked residents fleeing from buildings to high ground. There were power blackouts in some areas, but no initial reports of serious damage or casualties.
The largest quake had a magnitude of 7.0 … Read more : Strong earthquake hits eastern Indonesia; no injuries or damage reported.

Over 20 shops gutted in Uttar Pradesh fire

LUCKNOW – There was panic in a market area of Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district early Wednesday when a major fire broke out in a commercial building, gutting over 20 shops. There were no casualties, police said.

The fire broke out in Das Complex of Gopal Katra area, about 300 km from Lucknow. The building houses … Read more : Over 20 shops gutted in Uttar Pradesh fire.

Women’s rights panel seeks report on Delhi honour killing

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Women (NCW) Thursday sought a report from the Delhi Police into the gruesome murders of a 19-year-old girl and her boyfriend by her father and uncle, being described as a case of honour killing.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, NCW chairperson Girija Vyas asked the police to … Original article on : Women’s rights panel seeks report on Delhi honour killing.

Tests being conducted after dead sperm whale found 77 miles south of massive Gulf oil spill

Dead whale found south of Gulf oil spill site

NEW ORLEANS – A dead sperm whale has been found floating 77 miles south of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to a news release, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is conducting tests to determine the circumstance around the whale’s death. It wasn’t … Read more »».

Thai court charges Australian, Briton with crimes during anti-government protests

Australian, Briton charged with Thai protest crime

BANGKOK – A Briton and an Australian who joined Thailand’s anti-government protests were charged Thursday with inciting violence and committing other crimes that could lead to two years in prison.
Both men denied the charges, which allege they violated an emergency decree imposed during the 2-month protests and still in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thai court charges Australian, Briton with crimes during anti-government protests.

Chilly reception from lawmakers expected for BP CEO who says he’s devastated by Gulf oil spill

BP CEO telling Congress he’s ‘devastated’ by spill
WASHINGTON – A day after agreeing to a $20 billion fund to compensate victims of the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, BP’s chief executive expects to tell Congress that he was “personally devastated” by the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chilly reception from lawmakers expected for BP CEO who says he’s devastated by Gulf oil spill.

What next? Gulf oil spill ends life on the water for Alabama fishing boat captain

Oil ends life on the water for Gulf boat captain

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Grounded by oil, the charter boat owner along Alabama’s Gulf Coast known as Capt. Bligh walks past an old first mate.
“Arrrrrrgh,” Bligh growls like a pirate. He has beard like Santa Claus and a belt with saltwater fish embroidered in the webbing. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : What next? Gulf oil spill ends life on the water for Alabama fishing boat captain.

Businessman, family booked for duping bank

CHANDIGARH – A businessman, his wife and their son have been booked on charges of duping the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) of Rs.5.47 crore, police said Thursday.

The three, booked by the Economic Offence Wing of Chandigarh Police Wednesday evening, were identified as Rakesh Kumar Goel, wife Neena and son Vikas. They are … Read more >>.

60 Bangladeshis arrested in UAE

Abu Dhabi, June 17 (IANS/WAM) Sixty Bangladeshi workers have been arrested here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after their employers declared them absconders.

The workers were hiding in an apartment building in the Nadi Siyahi area when they were caught Wednesday on charges of violating labour and residency laws, the ministry of interior said.
–IANS/WAM
…. Source  : 60 Bangladeshis arrested in UAE.

Two minor sisters killed

PATNA – A brick kiln owner battered two minor sisters to death in a rural part of Bihar after one of them picked a piece of a brick to hammer a wood into the ground, police said Thursday.

The gruesome murders took place Wednesday in Birpur Lokhra village in Purnia district, about 350 km from here. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two minor sisters killed.

Twelve die in Bihar accident

PATNA – Twelve people returning home from a marriage were killed when their jeep collided with another vehicle in Bihar’s Begusarai district Thursday, police said.

Ten people were injured in the accident.
… Original article on : Twelve die in Bihar accident.

Internet service company to show ‘The Cove’ in Japan, where protests canceled screenings

Internet service company to show ‘Cove’ in Japan

TOKYO – Japanese will finally get to see “The Cove” – but as streaming video on the Internet, not at movie theaters, as screenings of the dolphin-hunt documentary have been canceled due to loud nationalists’ protests.
Niwango Inc., a Tokyo-based Internet services company, said Thursday the Oscar-winning documentary that … Read more >>.

Human rights groups flay UK anti-trafficking policy

LONDON – Human rights groups have flayed the existing British anti-trafficking policy, saying it was punishing victims of trafficking instead of targetting those behind the crime.

They have found disparities in the successful identification of trafficking victims, leading to fears that officials are overly concerned with immigration issues rather than assisting the victims of traumatic crimes, …. Source  : Human rights groups flay UK anti-trafficking policy.

Double-tanker explosion, fire sends burning fuel into San Diego storm drains, closes roads

San Diego tanker truck overturns, explodes

SAN DIEGO – Authorities say a double-tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline exploded into flames in San Diego’s Otay Mesa area after the truck’s rear tanker overturned, sending streams of burning fuel into storm drains and forcing the evacuation of several nearby businesses.
San Diego fire spokesman Maurice Luque … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Double-tanker explosion, fire sends burning fuel into San Diego storm drains, closes roads.

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 people in Myanmar; northwestern areas being evacuated

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 in Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar – Floods and landslides have killed at least 46 people in northwest Myanmar and rescue workers are evacuating residents affected by the incessant rains, official media said Thursday.
The deaths occurred Tuesday in northern Rakhine state bordering Bangladesh, which had been battered by heavy rain for two days.
Local … Read more : Flooding, landslides kill nearly 50 people in Myanmar; northwestern areas being evacuated.

Australian teenager held for killing Indian

MELBOURNE – A 15-year-old Australian boy was arrested Thursday in connection with the murder of Indian accounting graduate Nitin Garg and sent to police custody till October.

The boy was arrested in Yarraville, five months after Garg, 21, was stabbed Jan 2 as he walked through Cruickshank Park in Melbourne’s west on his way to a … Original article on : Australian teenager held for killing Indian.

Landslide kills seven in Indonesia

JAKARTA – A landslide triggered by hours of heavy downpours buried a family of seven alive in the eastern Indonesian province of Maluku, state media said Thursday.

A torrent of mud slammed into a residential area in Nusaniwe district in the provincial capital of Ambon late Wednesday, flattened a house and heavily damaged four others, the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Landslide kills seven in Indonesia.

Korean man posts suicide note on Twitter

LONDON – A 27-year-old South Korean man committed suicide after posting a suicide note on the social micro-blogging website Twitter.

Police found the body of Lee Kye-Hwa, who was working as a disc jockey in a Seoul bar, hanging from a ferry dock on the Han river in Seoul Tuesday.
His family reported him missing Sunday … Read more >>.

US, South Korea express solidarity over ship sinking blamed on North Korea

US, SKorea express solidarity over ship sinking

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea and the United States expressed solidarity Thursday over the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship they blame on North Korea, with a senior American diplomat saying the allies face Pyongyang from a position of “profound strength.”
Tension is high on the Korean peninsula [..] Read the original article: here.

Taliban attack police in SE Afghanistan; US death toll for June at 31

Taliban attack police in SE Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – The Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing Thursday morning outside a district police headquarters in southeastern Afghanistan that wounded four Afghan policemen, one critically.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the suicide bomber used a stolen police vehicle to conduct the attack in the Andar district of … Read more »».

46 killed in landslide in Myanmar

YANGON – At least 46 people were killed and four injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Myanmar in the past four days, state media reported Thursday.

Heavy rains and strong wind, that swept Myanmar’s western Rakhine state since the weekend, damaged houses, roads and bridges in five major cities, Xinhua reported citing the … Read more >>>.

BP CEO Tony Hayward says he’s ‘devastated’ by Gulf oil spill, understands Americans’ anger

BP CEO to tell Congress he’s ‘devastated’ by spill

WASHINGTON – BP CEO Tony Hayward expects to tell Congress he is “personally devastated” by the Gulf drilling rig explosion and oil spill and understands the anger Americans feel toward him and his company.
The explosion and sinking of the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon rig “never should have happened …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

South Korea’s new army chief vows to bolster readiness to deal with any NKorean provocations

SKorea’s new army chief vows to beef up readiness

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s new army chief of staff vowed Friday to strengthen readiness to deal with any possible North Korean provocations amid heightened tensions after the deadly sinking of a warship Seoul and Washington blamed on Pyongyang.
South Korea has asked the U.N. Security Council … Read this article on Gaea Times at : South Korea’s new army chief vows to bolster readiness to deal with any NKorean provocations.

Jubilant celebration over Los Angeles Lakers win turns rowdy in scattered areas of city

Jubilant celebration turns rowdy in areas of LA

LOS ANGELES – A jubilant celebration over the Los Angeles Lakers dramatic win in the NBA championship turned rowdy in scattered sections of the city, with raucous revelers hurling rocks and bottles at officers, setting fires and jumping on vehicles.
Hundreds of police officers massed around the Staples Center … Read : Jubilant celebration over Los Angeles Lakers win turns rowdy in scattered areas of city.

Greater drilling scrutiny urged as Australia reviews report on oil rig leak similar to Gulf’s

More drill scrutiny urged as Australia gets report

CANBERRA, Australia – The investigative report on an oil rig leak off Australia last year that has strikingly similarities to the Gulf Coast spill likely won’t be public for weeks, but conservationists and experts say it’s clear already such drilling projects need far greater scrutiny.
The government received the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Greater drilling scrutiny urged as Australia reviews report on oil rig leak similar to Gulf’s.

Wadena Tornado Leaves Two Dead

WADENA (GaeaTimes.com)- Wadena witnessed a heavy tornado on Thursday which killed two people at the Cenex station in the northwestern part of Minnesota. Reportedly, it was an all school reunion week in Wadena when the tornado rolled in. People were busy preparing for a grand parade when the tornado ripped off the roof of strong>Wadena … Original article on : Wadena Tornado Leaves Two Dead.

Methane in Gulf spill adds new dimension to catastrophe, raises unknown risks to ecosystem

Gulf oil full of methane, adding new concerns

NEW ORLEANS – The crude gushing from the ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico contains vast amounts of natural gas that could pose a serious threat to the ecosystem.
John Kessler is a Texas A&M University oceanographer. He says the oil emanating from the seafloor contains about 40 … Read more »».

2 killed, dozens injured as tornadoes tear through Minn., flattening homes, toppling trees

2 killed, dozens injured in Minn. tornadoes

WADENA, Minn. – When the storm came through, Jay Hotakainen huddled in the basement of his northwest Minnesota home with his 12-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter. The walls shook and everything in the house rattled.
“They say it sounds like a freight train. It does,” Hotakainen said.
Two people were killed … Read : 2 killed, dozens injured as tornadoes tear through Minn., flattening homes, toppling trees.

Two airmen die in South Korean crash

SEOUL – Two South Korean airmen were killed Friday after an air force fighter jet crashed into the sea off the west coast, a media report said.

The F-5F plane went down near the coastal city of Gangneung during a training flight, Yonhap news agency quoted an unnamed official as saying.
“Our rescue team has discovered … Read : Two airmen die in South Korean crash.

Dozens still missing after explosion in Colombian coal mine kills at least 16

Vigil for dozens trapped in Colombian coal mine

AMAGA, Colombia – Dozens of miners were trapped and feared dead after a fiery blast tore through a tunnel in a Colombian coal mine during a shift change, killing at least 16 workers.
Rescue efforts for more than 50 miners believed missing were suspended late Thursday as relatives waited … Original article on : Dozens still missing after explosion in Colombian coal mine kills at least 16.

One held for Ballia boat tragedy

LUCKNOW – A man has been arrested for illegally operating the boat that capsized in the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh Monday, drowning 61 people, police said Friday.

Contractor Banar Dubey had not taken the mandatory approval from the Zila Parishad (district council) to operate the boat from the Ujwalia bank of the river in Ballia district, …. Source article  : One held for Ballia boat tragedy.

Second Australian teenager held for killing Indian

MELBOURNE – A second Australian teenager was arrested Friday for the murder of Indian accounting graduate Nitin Garg in Melbourne over five months ago.

According to police, the 16-year-old from Yarraville has been charged with accessory to murder and has been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a date to be set, the Age … Read more : Second Australian teenager held for killing Indian.

Allegations of deal with Anderson outrageous: Congress

WASHINGTON – India’s ruling Congress party has denied as “outrageous” allegations that there was a deal to give a safe passage to Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson after the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.

“Certainly there is no place for such outrageous allegations because there is absolutely no basis except a certain amount of political sensationalism and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Allegations of deal with Anderson outrageous: Congress.

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 60 people in Myanmar, more than 2,000 people flee the area

Flooding, landslides kill nearly 60 in Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar – Days of flooding and landslides caused by monsoon downpours have killed 57 people in northwestern Myanmar, state media reported Friday.
The torrential rain that started Sunday and ended midweek in Myanmar’s northwestern Rakhine state triggered floods and mudslides that washed away homes, damaged schools and bridges, and [..] Read the original article: here.

South Korean fighter jet crashes into sea during training mission; 2 airmen killed

SKorean fighter jet crashes; 2 airmen killed

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s Air Force says a fighter jet crashed into the sea after a training mission and its two pilots were killed.
The Air Force said the F-5 jet went missing off the east coast early Friday as it was returning to its air base in … Read more : South Korean fighter jet crashes into sea during training mission; 2 airmen killed.

Myanmar landslide kills 56

YANGON – Fiftysix people were killed in a landslide triggered by heavy rains in Maungtaw and Buthidaung townships in Myanmar’s western region.

The downpour destroyed over 120 houses and buildings, damaged bridges and washed away sections of roads, Xinhua reported Friday. More than 2,200 people have been evacuated to safer places.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Myanmar landslide kills 56.

Three killed as bus hits train

HOSHIARPUR – Three people were killed Friday when a mini bus rammed into a train at an unmanned railway crossing in Tanda town here in Punjab, police said.

The accident involving the Jammu-Hemgiri Express took place around 9 a.m., police officer Gurnam Singh told reporters. Hoshiarpur is some 130 km from Chandigarh.
Over a dozen …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Three killed as bus hits train.

How an Andhra cop became a global anti-trafficking hero

HYDERABAD – An Andhra Pradesh policeman, who has just been named by the US among nine anti-trafficking heroes worldwide, says a victim-centric approach, roping in NGOs and strict implementation of laws, are behind his success.

“We adopted a victim-centric approach which helped us secure the convictions of 85 traffickers during the last one and a half … Original source on Gaea Times at : How an Andhra cop became a global anti-trafficking hero.

Officials say firefighters gaining ground on wildfire on Army firing range in New Mexico

Officials: Firefighters gaining on Fort Bliss fire

FORT BLISS, Texas – Officials say firefighters are gaining ground on a wildfire that’s blackened more than 3,800 acres of an Army firing range along the New Mexico and Texas border.
A statement from Fort Bliss, Texas, on Thursday said more than 3,800 acres have been charred by flames within …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Officials say firefighters gaining ground on wildfire on Army firing range in New Mexico.

Strong quake hits Japan

TOKYO – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale hit Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido island at 11.23 a.m. Friday, Xinhua quoted the Japan Meteorological Agency as saying.
… Read more »».

Tornadoes tear across Minnesota, killing at least 2 and injuring dozens as homes flattened

2 dead as tornadoes tear across Minnesota
WADENA, Minn. – Tornadoes ripped across Minnesota on Thursday evening, killing at least two people and injuring dozens more as homes were flattened, trees toppled and a gas station destroyed.

Some of the hardest-hit areas were in the northwest part of the state, where both deaths were reported.
Otter Tail County … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tornadoes tear across Minnesota, killing at least 2 and injuring dozens as homes flattened.

Quake with magnitude of 6.3 rattles northern Japan, no tsunami danger or damage

6.3 quake hits off Japanese coast; no damage seen

TOKYO – An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has rattled northern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said there was no danger of a tsunami. The quake occurred off the coast of the northern main island of Hokkaido at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) at 11:23 … Original article on : Quake with magnitude of 6.3 rattles northern Japan, no tsunami danger or damage.

Turkish jets raid northern Iraq, after Kurdish rebel attack troops near border

Turkish jets raid northern Iraq, clashes kill 20

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkish warplanes launched air raids at suspected Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq Saturday after a rebel attack on a military outpost in Turkey touched off clashes in which eight soldiers and 12 rebel fighters died, Turkey’s military said.
Special forces were also immediately sent to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

One more arrested in Gyaneshwari Express derailment

KOLKATA – A pro-Maoist activist has been arrested for the sabotage that led to the Gyaneshwari Express train derailment in West Bengal last month killing 148 people, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources said Saturday. This is the fourth arrest in the case.

Bholanath Mahato, an active member of Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA), …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : One more arrested in Gyaneshwari Express derailment.

Military: 8 Turkish soldiers, 12 Kurdish rebels killed in clash near Iraqi border

8 Turkish soldiers, 12 rebels killed in clashes

ANKARA, Turkey – Kurdish rebels attacked a military outpost near the Iraqi border early on Saturday, sparking clashes in which at least eight soldiers and 12 Kurdish rebel fighters were killed, Turkey’s military said. Fourteen other soldiers were wounded in the fighting.
The military immediately sent special forces as …. Source article  : Military: 8 Turkish soldiers, 12 Kurdish rebels killed in clash near Iraqi border.

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say gunmen have killed three anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad.
Police and hospital officials say the attackers opened fire on a checkpoint manned by the local group known as an Awakening Council.
The Sunni movement against al-Qaida in Iraq has been key to a sharp …. Source  : Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

Who’s in charge of BP’s Gulf oil spill response? Chairman says CEO on way out, others say no

Questions about who’s in charge of BP oil response

NEW ORLEANS – Who’s in charge? Depends on who you ask.
BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg told Britain’s Sky News television on Friday that CEO Tony Hayward is on his way out as the company’s point man on the Gulf oil spill crisis. He said Hayward “is now handing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chicago Weather: Severe Storms

CHICAGO (GaeaTimes.com)- On Friday, the citizens of Chicago saw a series of severe thunderstorm rip through the city and suburbs. On an otherwise dazzlingly bright Friday, the storms came with heavy rains, high winds and frequent lightning. The storms were organized in a form called ‘bow echo’ and reached up to 70mph speeds. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chicago Weather: Severe Storms.

Officials: Militants believed to be al-Qaida storm intelligence building in Yemen port city

Militants storm intelligence building in Yemen

SAN’A, Yemen – Security officials say armed men, believed to be linked to al-Qaida, have stormed the intelligence service headquarters in Yemen’s port city of Aden.
The officials say the men, armed with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, took over the building’s central courtyard on Saturday morning and have made … Read more >>.

Six railway officials suspended in Bihar

PATNA – Six railway employees have been suspended after it was found that they had shielded those involved in a fake railway ticket racket in Bihar’s Munger district, officials said Saturday.

The officials of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) were suspended late Friday night, a railway official said.
“The officials … Read more »».

Suspected US missile strike kills 13, roadside bomb kills 1 in Pakistan’s northwest

Suspected US strike kills 13 in northwest Pakistan

MIR ALI, Pakistan – A suspected U.S. missile strike killed 13 people Saturday in a Pakistani tribal region where several militant outfits are bent on attacking Western troops across the Afghan border, officials said.
A roadside bomb aimed at police elsewhere in the country’s volatile northwest killed a civilian …. Original article  : Suspected US missile strike kills 13, roadside bomb kills 1 in Pakistan’s northwest.

Bangladeshis raise voice against sexual harassment

DHAKA – Rising incidents of sexual harassment and increasing public anger in protest has prompted the Bangladesh government, headed by a woman, Sheikh Hasina, to take action.

In the latest incident Friday, villagers set fire to houses of some alleged stalkers in Talupara village in Sirajganj district, about 110 km northwest of Dhaka.
The mob …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

UN chief: Security in Afghanistan has not improved, bombings up sharply this year

UN chief: Security in Afghanistan has not improved
KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.N. report released Saturday painted a grim picture of the security situation in Afghanistan, saying roadside bombings and assassinations have soared the first four months of the year amid ramped up military operations in the Taliban-dominated south.
The United Nations’ findings … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN chief: Security in Afghanistan has not improved, bombings up sharply this year.

Death toll in southern China flooding reaches 90 as officials say 1.4M residents evacuated

90 dead in southern China flooding; 1.4M evacuated

BEIJING – The death toll from flooding this week in southern China rose to 90 Saturday, and 1.4 million people were evacuated as the inundated region prepared for more heavy storms.
Fifty people were also missing in nine provinces and regions across China’s south, the state flood control office …. Read the original article  : Death toll in southern China flooding reaches 90 as officials say 1.4M residents evacuated.

Powerful storms hit Midwest, 1 killed, skyscraper damaged, hundreds of thousands without power

Storms nail Midwest, kill 1, damage skyscraper

DEXTER, Mich. – Severe thunderstorms sweeping through the Midwest have killed a motorist in Michigan, shattered windows in an iconic Chicago skyscraper and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people.
Sheriff’s officials say a driver was killed near Dexter, Mich., about 40 miles west of Detroit, when winds … Original source on Gaea Times at : Powerful storms hit Midwest, 1 killed, skyscraper damaged, hundreds of thousands without power.

Intel officials say suspected US missile strike kills 3 in Pakistan’s N. Waziristan region

Intel: Suspected US missile kills 3 in Pakistan

MIR ALI, Pakistan – A suspected U.S. missile strike killed three people Saturday in a Pakistani tribal region where several militant outfits are bent on attacking Western troops across the Afghan border, intelligence officials said.
A roadside bomb aimed at police elsewhere in the country’s volatile northwest killed a … Read : Intel officials say suspected US missile strike kills 3 in Pakistan’s N. Waziristan region.

Landslide claims four lives in Maharashtra

RATNAGIRI – Four people were killed and as many buried in debris early Saturday as the land caved in while they were sleeping in their houses at Harne village near Dapoli, police said.

“A landslide occurred in the wee hours at Harne village,” an official from Dapoli Police Station, around 160 km from here, said. … Read more >>.

One man panel to probe Haryana’s Mirchpur caste killings

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government has set up a one man commission to probe the killings of an elderly man and his physically challenged daughter in an arson attack on the houses of Dalits at Mirchpur village in April.

Retired judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Iqbal Singh, has been appointed and asked … Original source on Gaea Times at : One man panel to probe Haryana’s Mirchpur caste killings.

Bomb hits police vehicle in northwest Pakistan, killing 1 civilian, wounding 8 people

Bomb kills 1, wounds 8 in northwest Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol killed a passer-by and wounded eight people in northwestern Pakistan on Saturday, police said.
The attack in Dera Ismail Khan showed that Islamist militants continue to be active in the Afghan border region despite army offensives aimed …. Original article  : Bomb hits police vehicle in northwest Pakistan, killing 1 civilian, wounding 8 people.

Nine killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Nine people were killed and 20 injured early Saturday when a tractor trolley carrying over 40 people returning from pre-marriage function was hit by a speeding mini-truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri district, police said.

The accident took place along the Etawah-Ferozabad highway in Karhal area on the outskirts of Mainpuri, about 300 km from … Read more >>>.

Bomb hits police vehicle in northwest Pakistan, wounding 6 policemen, 3 passers-by

Bomb wounds 6 policemen, 3 passers-by in Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – Police say a roadside bomb targeting a police patrol has wounded six policemen and three passers-by in northwestern Pakistan.
Senior police official Aslam Khatak says Saturday’s attack happened as the patrol vehicle traveled through the town of Dera Ismail Khan.
He says one of their … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bomb hits police vehicle in northwest Pakistan, wounding 6 policemen, 3 passers-by.

2nd mistrial for surfers accused of attacking man who tried to photograph Matthew McConaughey

2nd mistrial declared in McConaughey surf battle

MALIBU, Calif. – A judge has declared a mistrial for a second time in a misdemeanor battery case against two surfers accused of attacking a photographer who tried to photograph actor Matthew McConaughey on a Malibu beach.
Jurors deadlocked Friday in the case against Skylar Peak and Philip Hildebrand.
Malibu Superior … Read more »»».

Vested interests and musclemen rule khap panchayats: Swami Agnivesh

NEW DELHI – Calling honour killings diabolical, social activist and former Haryana minister Swami Agnivesh says khap panchayats must end violence unleashed in the name of ancestral lineage. He admits that he was backed by caste councils in the past, but at that time these “were credible bodies”.

The Arya Samaj leader said khap panchayats should …. Original source  : Vested interests and musclemen rule khap panchayats: Swami Agnivesh.

2 blasts rock southern Afghanistan in weekend violence across Afghanistan

2 blasts rock S. Afghanistan in weekend violence

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two bombs set up in push carts exploded minutes apart Sunday in a provincial capital in southern Afghanistan, just two in a series of violent attacks across the country.
A young girl and a woman were killed and at least 14 other people were wounded in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Key accused in train sabotage arrested

RANCHI/KOLKATA – A key accused in the Maoist sabotage that derailed a train in West Bengal and killed 148 people was arrested from Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district Sunday, police said.

Bapi Mahato was taken into custody from a guest house in the populated area of Adityapur in Jamshedpur, Senior Superintendent of Police Naveen Kumar told IANS … Read : Key accused in train sabotage arrested.

Fifth man held for train sabotage

KOLKATA – A pro-Maoist activist who was one of the key accused in the derailment of a train in West Bengal that killed 148 people was arrested in Jharkhand Sunday, police said here.

Bapi Mahato, for whom the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had announced a reward of Rs.1 lakh for information leading to his capture, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fifth man held for train sabotage.

Three generations of family crushed to death in roof collapse

BEED – Five members of a family, comprising three generations, were crushed to death in their sleep early Sunday when the roof of their house collapsed following heavy rains in Maharashtra’s Beed district, police said.

The incident occurred around 5.30 a.m. in Teegaon village, around 45 km from here, said Masood Khan, investigating officer of Wadvani …. Read the original article  : Three generations of family crushed to death in roof collapse.

Flagstaff Witnesses Wild Fire

FLAGSTAFF (GaeaTimes.com)- Flagstaff witnessed a wild fire which sprang up on Saturday and provoked the authorities to issue orders for evacuation of the nearby houses and Little America Hotel. Soon after the fire, Flagstaff authorities locked down the Interstate 40 and the traffic was re-routed.
It was in the afternoon when the wild fire in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Flagstaff Witnesses Wild Fire.

3 children killed, at least 23 people wounded after 2 bombings, rocket attack in Afghanistan

3 children killed, 23 people hurt in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two explosions minutes apart rocked a provincial capital in southern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing a child and wounding at least 19 other people.
The young girl was killed and at least 14 other people were wounded in the first blast in front of a bank in …. Read the original article  : 3 children killed, at least 23 people wounded after 2 bombings, rocket attack in Afghanistan.

Civilians among casualties after 2 bombs rock city in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan

2 bombs rock city in southern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – Two explosions minutes apart have rocked a key city in southern Afghanistan, killing one child and wounding at least 19 other people.

Daud Ahmadi, the spokesman for the governor in Helmand province, said Sunday a young girl was killed and at least 14 others were wounded in … Read more »».

Bolivian priest found guilty of sexual assault in Chile

Santiago, June 20 (IANS/EFE) A Bolivian Catholic priest has been declared guilty of sexual abuse by a court in Chile.

He could be jailed up to four years, officials said, after the court proceedings in the Chilean city of Antofagasta Saturday. Sentencing will take place June 23.
The incident took place March 17, 2009, …. Source  : Bolivian priest found guilty of sexual assault in Chile.

China says death toll in southern flooding rises to 132 amid continuous heavy rain

Flooding deaths rise to 132 in southern China

BEIJING – Massive flooding in southern China has killed 132 people and forced 860,000 to flee their homes, and more storms were forecast, the government said Sunday.
Another 86 people are missing and more than 10 million people have been affected since torrential rains began June 13, including those … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China says death toll in southern flooding rises to 132 amid continuous heavy rain.

Thai ‘banquet bandit’ likes to eat and run

BANGKOK – Police arrested a Thai man for allegedly conning luxury car salesmen out of $4,844 in expensive meals at posh Bangkok restaurants, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday.

Chatchawal Ngowkimseng, 28, was arrested June 13 when he attempted to flee the Sui Sian Chinese restaurant after consuming a 28,318 baht ($885) meal, including a $200 abalone …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Thai ‘banquet bandit’ likes to eat and run.

Arizona wildfire burns near downtown Flagstaff, forcing evacuations of homes and businesses

Wildfire burns near Flagstaff, forces evacuations

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A wildfire burning near downtown Flagstaff Saturday prompted evacuations of homes and a hotel feared to be in the fire’s path and has sent smoke through parts of the city, causing traffic to back up on Interstate 40, authorities said.
The fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Arizona wildfire burns near downtown Flagstaff, forcing evacuations of homes and businesses.

Leader of armed Jundallah insurgent group leader hanged in Iran

Jundallah insurgent leader hanged in Iran
TEHRAN, Iran – Leader of the Jundallah insurgent group, Abdulmalik Rigi was hanged Sunday after months of interrogation and trial, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Rigi, whose insurgency in the southeast had destabilized Iran’s border region with Pakistan, was hanged Sunday morning in the presence of the families his group … Read more >>>.

Tropical Storm Celia strengthens off Mexico’s Pacific coast, expected to stay well off shore

Tropical Storm Celia strengthens off Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Tropical Storm Celia gained strength Saturday night over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Mexico. Forecasters said it was headed farther out to sea.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami warned that large ocean swells from the storm would produce dangerous surf conditions along portions …. Source  : Tropical Storm Celia strengthens off Mexico’s Pacific coast, expected to stay well off shore.

Over 32,000 people displaced in Brazil floods

Rio de Janeiro, June 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Over 32,000 people have been displaced in Brazil’s Alagoas state due to floods caused by heavy rains, the civil defence service said Sunday.

Heavy rains are still continuing for the third week. Residential buildings in 21 localities have been flooded.
Meanwhile, 39 towns in Alagoas have sounded an situation …. Source  : Over 32,000 people displaced in Brazil floods.

Shooter kills two others, self in California restaurant

WASHINGTON – A gunman opened fire in a southern California restaurant Saturday, killing two diners, including a child, local television KTLA reported.

The man shot another man, a woman and her two sons, aged five and eight, who were eating together inside Del Taco restaurant in San Bernadino. He then shot and killed himself.
The man …. Source  : Shooter kills two others, self in California restaurant.

11 killed in Mexican military helicopter crash

MEXICO CITY – A military helicopter crashed in northern Mexico, killing all 11 people on board, the Defence Department said.

Poor weather was blamed for Saturday’s crash of the Bell 412 helicopter in Durango state.
President Felipe Calderon has sent thousands of soldiers to the region in the fight against drug cartels.
Some 300 people were … Original source on Gaea Times at : 11 killed in Mexican military helicopter crash.

Wildfire forces evacuations in Flagstaff, Ariz., burns hundreds of acres

Wildfire forces evacuations in Flagstaff, Ariz.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A wildfire burning near downtown Flagstaff has prompted evacuations of nearby businesses, a hotel and homes feared to be in the fire’s path and has sent smoke through parts of the city, causing traffic to back up on Interstate 40, authorities said Saturday.
The fire broke out at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Wildfire forces evacuations in Flagstaff, Ariz., burns hundreds of acres.

Explosion in Istanbul metro station

ISTANBUL – An explosion was heard in a metro station here in Turkey’s largest city late Saturday, a media report said.

The explosion was heard in Istanbul’s Taksim Square metro station and many people were seen rushing out, even as thick smoke came out from inside the station, Xinhua quoted a local source as saying.
Though …. Original source  : Explosion in Istanbul metro station.

Bear shot dead after it mauls 70-year-old man

WASHINGTON – A grizzly bear was shot dead after it mauled a 70-year-old man near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming state in the US, officials said.

The adult male bear attacked and fatally wounded Erwin Frank Evert, authorities said Saturday.
Officials tracked it down via a radio collar and killed it near the site of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan chopper crash kills four NATO soldiers

KABUL – Four NATO soldiers were killed Monday when their chopper crashed in southern Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.

“Four ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) service members died as a result of a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan today (Monday),” the ISAF said in a statement.
Three of the victims were Australian soldiers.
Troops from the …. Original source  : Afghan chopper crash kills four NATO soldiers.

Chhattisgarh couple commits suicide in Shimla hotel

SHIMLA – A couple from Chhattisgarh allegedly committed suicide at a hotel in the Himachal Pradesh capital here. Police Monday said the man was wanted in a murder case.

“The couple was found unconscious in a hotel in the Lakkar Bazaar area of the city. They were taken to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chhattisgarh couple commits suicide in Shimla hotel.

No arrest yet in Haryana suspected honour killing

BHIWANI – No arrests have yet been made in connection with the suspected honour killing of two teenaged lovers whose bodies were found hanging from a tree in a Haryana village, police said Monday.

The bodies of Monika, 18, resident of Neemdiwala village, and Pinku, 19, of Manheru village, were found Sunday at Neemdiwala village …. Read the original article  : No arrest yet in Haryana suspected honour killing.

BP says it has now spent $2 billion responding to massive oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

BP’s Gulf oil spill costs reach $2 billion

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – BP said Monday it has now spent $2 billion responding to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
And with no end yet in sight, that number is expected to keep rising.
BP PLC agreed last week to set up a $20 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

National Guard, police watch over Billings area devastated by tornado

Montana police guard zone damaged by tornado

BILLINGS, Mont. – National Guard troops and local police were keeping a close eye on damaged property after a tornado barreled through two Billings neighborhoods, tearing the roof off a sports arena and several buildings.
The tornado struck at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday, running through Main Street and damaging about …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : National Guard, police watch over Billings area devastated by tornado.

BP says its Gulf of Mexico spill costs reach $2 billion, says partners are also liable

BP says oil spill costs reach $2 billion
LONDON – BP PLC said Monday that its partners in the leaking Gulf of Mexico oil well must share responsibility for the costs in dealing with the disaster, on which BP said it has now spent $2 billion.

BP hit back at Anadarko Petroleum Corp., which has a 25 … Original source on Gaea Times at : BP says its Gulf of Mexico spill costs reach $2 billion, says partners are also liable.

Flooding death toll rises to 175, with 107 more missing in southern China

Flooding death toll rises to 175 in southern China

BEIJING – Widespread flooding in southern China has caused 175 deaths, with 107 more people missing and more storms expected, the government said Monday.
Thousands of houses have been destroyed and economic losses have topped 14 billion yuan ($2.05 billion), according to the Ministry of Water Resources. The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Congressman’s BP ’shakedown’ remark resonates with conservatives wanting small government

Tea partiers wary of regulation, even in BP spill
JACKSON, Miss. – A tea party favorite running for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky says President Barack Obama is using the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to advance an energy tax.
While Democrats denounce BP for the spill, a Republican congressman from Texas accuses the White …. Source article  : Congressman’s BP ’shakedown’ remark resonates with conservatives wanting small government.

Billings Tornado Wrecks Havoc

BILLINGS (GaeaTimes.com) On Sunday a tornado ripped through Montana casing massive damage to structures in Billings and Lockwood. The tornado struck around 5pm and witnesses who saw the phenomenon said that it hovered over the Rimrock Auto Arena for 15 mins. The tornado was followed by a hailstorm with golf ball sized hail. Residents …. Source article  : Billings Tornado Wrecks Havoc.

NATO says 4 international service members die in helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan

NATO says 4 troops die in Afghan copter crash

KABUL, Afghanistan – A military helicopter crashed during an early morning operation in southern Afghanistan on Monday, killing three Australian commandoes and an American service member, officials said.
The crash was being investigated but there were no indications of enemy involvement, NATO said in a statement.
The Australian government …. Source  : NATO says 4 international service members die in helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.

Will the Gulf oil spill cause any health problems? Experts to weigh in at New Orleans meeting

Oil spill stirs study, debate over health impacts
ATLANTA – When an Associated Press reporter went scuba diving in the oil-streaked Gulf of Mexico this month, people commenting on websites worried about his health. But at the same time, the oil sure didn’t bother some beachgoers in Alabama.
“I was in the water two hours …. Read the original article  : here.

Hundreds of homeowners urged to evacuate ahead of Arizona wildfire

Hundreds urged to evacuate ahead of AZ wildfire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Firefighters in aircraft and on the ground battled the second serious wildfire to threaten the Flagstaff area in two days Sunday, prompting officials to urge hundreds of residents to flee as flames crept within 500 yards of some homes.
Officials said the fast-spreading fire erupted in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hundreds of homeowners urged to evacuate ahead of Arizona wildfire.

Man dies in police custody, three cops suspended

LUCKNOW – The death of a physically-challenged man in police custody sparked mob fury and led to the suspension of three policemen in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district, officials said Monday.

The violence erupted late Sunday in Nawabganj area, about 150 km from here, when a crowd stoned the police and tried to torch police vehicles.
The … Read more : Man dies in police custody, three cops suspended.

Assam’s international airport a hub for smuggling wildlife products?

SHILLONG – Assam’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport appears to have become one of the main transit points for smugglers to transport wildlife products to China and Far East Asia.

In less than a week, customs seized tiger skeletons and pangolin scales worth more than Rs.5 crore (over a million dollars) from the airport.
“From the …. Source article  : Assam’s international airport a hub for smuggling wildlife products?.

16 die in Pakistan accident

ISLAMABAD – At least 16 people were killed when a bus collided with another vehicle in Karak city in northwest Pakistan Monday, police said.

Three people were injured in the accident, a police officer told Xinhua.
The dead included three children and four women.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

46 die in China mine blast

BEIJING – At least 46 people were killed in an explosion in a coal mine early Monday in China’s Henan province, the authorities said.

A total of 72 miners were trapped after explosives went off at the Xingdong Number 2 mine in Pingdingshan city, Xinhua reported. The cause of the explosion is not known.
… Read more »».

Relief operations continue as death toll hits 63 in Myanmar from flooding and landslides

Death toll from Myanmar floods, landslides hits 63

YANGON, Myanmar – The military and humanitarian groups are aiding people in northwestern Myanmar, where days of flooding and landslides killed more than 60 people and affected 15,000 families, state media and the United Nations reported Monday.
In Rakhine state, the torrential rains triggered floods and mudslides that washed … Read more >>>.

State media say at least 46 killed after explosion in central China mine

Media: 46 dead in explosion in central China mine

BEIJING – At least 46 miners were killed Monday when an explosion ripped through a coal mine in central China, state media reported.
The blast hit a mine in Pingdingshan city in the province of Henan, the State Administration of Work Safety said. Seventy-two miners were trapped initially … Read more »».

Hundreds of homes evacuated because of Flagstaff, Ariz., wildfire; search under way for hikers

Hundreds of homes evacuated because of Ariz. fire

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The second wildfire to hit Flagstaff in two days quickly spread Sunday to more than 4 square miles, driving residents from hundreds of homes just north of this forested city, creating a huge plume of smoke and prompting a search for missing hikers.
Also Sunday, evacuation … Read more : Hundreds of homes evacuated because of Flagstaff, Ariz., wildfire; search under way for hikers.

Tornado rips roof from sporting arena, tears apart businesses in Billings, Mont.

Tornado rips businesses, arena in Billings, Mont.

BILLINGS, Mont. – A tornado that ripped the roof off a sports arena Sunday evening also tore through businesses, damaging a bar and a casino and leaving just the walls of an auto glass shop standing.
The tornado struck at about 4:30 p.m. as a big storm system with golf …. Source  : Tornado rips roof from sporting arena, tears apart businesses in Billings, Mont..

BP executive heckled at London oil conference after CEO Tony Hayward pulls out

Hayward’s stand-in heckled at London oil meeting

LONDON – A BP executive has been heckled at an oil conference in London while standing in for embattled chief executive Tony Hayward.
BP chief of staff Steve Westwell was interrupted twice during his address on Tuesday by protesters shouting “we need to end the oil age!” The hecklers were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BP executive heckled at London oil conference after CEO Tony Hayward pulls out.

Handwriting in suicide note was of Nirupama: Forensic report

RANCHI – Delhi journalist Nirupama Pathak, who was found dead in her Jharkhand home April 29, had herself written her suicide note, the forensic report has confirmed.

“The forensic report which has been submitted in the court says that the handwriting on the suicide note was of Nirupama Pathak,” Arun Mishra, lawyer of Nirupama’s mother Sudha, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Handwriting in suicide note was of Nirupama: Forensic report.

Owner of broken Deepwater Horizon rig criticizes Obama’s ban on deepwater drilling

Gulf rig owner criticizes Obama’s drilling halt
LONDON – The owner of the broken Deepwater Horizon rig that is spewing oil into the Gulf of Mexico has criticized the U.S. government’s six-month ban on deepwater drilling in the area.
Transocean Ltd. president Steven Newman said Tuesday on the sidelines of an oil conference in London …. Source article  : Owner of broken Deepwater Horizon rig criticizes Obama’s ban on deepwater drilling.

Abandoning script, ‘Muslim soldier’ details chilling plot to blow up Americans in Times Square

Times Square car bomber details his chilling plot

NEW YORK – Admitted terrorist Faisal Shahzad was so eager to tell how he plotted to kill Americans in Times Square, he went to court with a prepared statement.
U.S. District Judge Miriam Cedarbaum refused to hear him read it Monday, instead challenging the Pakistan-born American citizen to just …. Original article  : Abandoning script, ‘Muslim soldier’ details chilling plot to blow up Americans in Times Square.

Roadside bomb targeting Transportation Ministry official kills 2 civilians in Baghdad

Bomb targeting Iraqi official kills 2 civilians

BAGHDAD – A roadside bomb apparently aimed at a senior Transportation Ministry official on Tuesday missed its target and killed two bystanders instead, officials said.
The blast occurred about 8 a.m. in the mainly Sunni area of Dora, a former insurgent stronghold in southern Baghdad.
It struck near a convoy carrying …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Roadside bomb targeting Transportation Ministry official kills 2 civilians in Baghdad.

Trial set to open for rigger accused in NYC crane collapse that killed 6 workers, Fla. tourist

Trial set to open for rigger in NYC crane collapse

NEW YORK – The crane was a 200-foot-tall, 150-ton metal tower. Its undoing amounted to four polyester straps, prosecutors say.
More than two years after the massive crane collapsed and killed seven people, a rigger was set to go on trial Tuesday on criminal charges of causing … Read more : Trial set to open for rigger accused in NYC crane collapse that killed 6 workers, Fla. tourist.

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 4 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 4 in bombing

ANKARA, Turkey – Suspected Kurdish rebels detonated a remote-controlled bomb in Istanbul Tuesday, killing four people and wounding 12 on a bus carrying military personnel and their families, the governor said.
Gov. Huseyin Avni Mutlu said two of the wounded were in critical condition following the early morning attack. The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 4 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul.

Gulf Coast residents confused _ and frustrated _ over whether claims payouts should be taxed

Gulf residents unsure if oil claims are taxed
NEW ORLEANS – Out-of-work Gulf Coast shrimper Todd Pellegal spent his first $2,500 check from BP quickly, paying off bills and buying groceries for his family.
He never even considered putting some of it away for taxes.
Now he’s among the people up and down the …. Read the original article  : Gulf Coast residents confused _ and frustrated _ over whether claims payouts should be taxed.

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill at least 3 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 3 in bombing

ANKARA, Turkey – Suspected Kurdish rebels detonated a remote-controlled bomb in Istanbul Tuesday, killing at least three people on a bus carrying military personnel and their families, the governor said.
Gov. Huseyin Avni Mutlu said six other people were wounded, two critically, in the early morning attack. The state-run Anatolia … Read more : Suspected Kurdish rebels kill at least 3 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul.

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill at least 3 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul

Suspected Kurdish rebels kill 3 in bombing

ANKARA, Turkey – Suspected Kurdish rebels detonated a remote-controlled bomb in Istanbul Tuesday, killing at least three people on a bus carrying military personnel and their families, the governor said.
Gov. Huseyin Avni Mutlu said six other people were wounded, two critically, in the early morning attack. The state-run Anatolia … Read more >>>.

Youth lynched for murdering shopkeeper

LUCKNOW – A young man was beaten to death in Uttar Pradesh by a group of villagers when he tried to escape after murdering a shopkeeper, police said Tuesday.

The youth, in his early 20s, was killed late Monday in Jandheri village of Muzaffarnagar district, about 350 km from here. He is yet to be identified. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Youth lynched for murdering shopkeeper.

Report: suspected Kurdish rebels kill 3 in bomb attack on military bus in Istanbul

Report: suspected Kurd rebels kill 3 in bombing

ANKARA, Turkey – A television report says suspected Kurdish rebels have killed at least three people in a bomb attack on a bus carrying military personnel in Istanbul.
CNN-Turk television shows the video footage of the bus after Tuesday’s explosion that shattered its windows and damaged its trunk underneath … Read more »».

Authorities say wildfire that’s burned 10,000 acres near Flagstaff now 10 percent contained

Wildfire near Flagstaff now 10 percent contained

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Authorities say a 10,000-acre wildfire northeast of Flagstaff, Ariz., that was started by an abandoned campfire has been 10 percent contained.
However, residents of about 750 homes remain under evacuation orders Monday as 800 firefighters continue to battle the so-called Schultz fire that broke out Sunday. No …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Authorities say wildfire that’s burned 10,000 acres near Flagstaff now 10 percent contained.

Chicago officials say pebbles picked up by high winds broke downtown windows

Chicago officials say pebbles broke windows

CHICAGO – Chicago officials say white pebbles spread on rooftops to reflect sunlight are to blame for some broken high-rise windows in last week’s violent storms.
The white pebbles are put on roofs to lessen the need for air conditioning in the buildings.
Jose Santiago, director of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management, …. Source article  : Chicago officials say pebbles picked up by high winds broke downtown windows.

Celia is upgraded to Category 2 hurricane in Eastern Pacific, still not a threat to land

Celia is upgraded to Category 2 hurricane
MIAMI – Hurricane Celia grew stronger Monday evening in the East Pacific Ocean and was upgraded to a Category 2.

Celia was centered about 505 miles (815 kilometers) south of Manzanillo, Mexico and the storm is not seen as a threat to land.
The hurricane is expected to continue moving west, … Read : Celia is upgraded to Category 2 hurricane in Eastern Pacific, still not a threat to land.

Eight killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Eight people of a marriage party were killed and six critically injured when their vehicle rammed into a roadside tree in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, police said Tuesday.

The accident took place at around midnight in Behlolpur area, about 250 km from Lucknow, when the jeep spun out of control.
“Six people died on …. Read the original article  : here.

US Senate report says Haiti rebuilding has stalled, calls for president and donors to lead

US Senate report says Haiti rebuilding has stalled
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti has made little progress in rebuilding in the five months since its earthquake, because of an absence of leadership, disagreements among donors and general disorganization, a U.S. Senate report says.
Obtained Monday by The Associated Press, the eight-page report is meant to give …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NH man escapes injury after minivan crashes into coin-operated laundry; no charges filed

Minivan crashes into NH laundromat; no injuries

LEE, N.H. – Police in New Hampshire say a man who was loading his clothes into a washing machine narrowly escaped injury when a minivan crashed through the wall of a coin-operated laundry and came to a stop next to him.
John Osambo says he was in the Lee Laundermat … Original source on Gaea Times at : NH man escapes injury after minivan crashes into coin-operated laundry; no charges filed.

No survivors from plane found crashed in Cameroon

SYDNEY – Searchers have found the wreckage of a plane chartered by an Australian mining company in West Africa, former Sundance Resources chairman George Jones said Tuesday.

“We’ve been told by our operatives in Cameroon that the aircraft has been located, there are 11 bodies that have been found, and there are no survivors,” Jones told … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No survivors from plane found crashed in Cameroon.

Ariz. officials: Abandoned campfire sparked latest wildfire near Flagstaff, now at 10K acres

Ariz. wildfire near Flagstaff now at 10,000 acres

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Fire crews battling the so-called Schultz fire that has threatened homes in Flagstaff, Ariz., have made some progress.
Authorities declared the 10,000-acre wildfire 10 percent contained by Monday night.
Incident commander Dugger Hughes says the flames reached the back yards of some homes while coming within a …. Source article  : Ariz. officials: Abandoned campfire sparked latest wildfire near Flagstaff, now at 10K acres.

50,000 Bangladesh workers booked for violence

DHAKA – As many as 50,000 to 60,000 garment industry workers have been booked for violence over the last weekend in Ashulia, a suburban industrial township on the outskirts of the national capital.

Four cases were lodged at the Ashulia police station by Wednesday evening — one was against 50,000 to 60,000 unnamed people while … Read more >>.

Indonesia’s president hopes high-profile arrest cripples new cell accused of plotting attacks

Indonesia’s president hopes arrest cripples cell

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s president said he hoped the arrest of the country’s most-wanted terrorist would help cripple a cell accused of plotting a Mumbai-style attack targeting foreigners at luxury hotels and several high-profile assassinations.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, reportedly a target of the plot, urged people to remain vigilant, however, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesia’s president hopes high-profile arrest cripples new cell accused of plotting attacks.

Nudge from robot mile undersea foils oil containment system for day; dozen of subs operating

Robot nudge foils Gulf oil collection for a day

NEW ORLEANS – One nudge by a deep-sea robot, and BP had to back off its most effective method so far for containing the Gulf of Mexico oil leak.
After being removed for much of the day Wednesday, engineers using remote-controlled submarines repositioned a cap that had captured … Read more >>>.

China says terror group uncovered that plotted attacks after last year’s Xinjiang unrest

China says terrorist group broken up in Xinjiang

BEIJING – China said Thursday it had crushed a gang of Muslim terrorists that plotted attacks in the wake of deadly ethnic violence in the northwestern region of Xinjiang last year.
Public Security Ministry spokesman Wu Heping said the “hardcore terrorists” had assembled pipe bombs, molotov cocktails, knives and … Original source on Gaea Times at : China says terror group uncovered that plotted attacks after last year’s Xinjiang unrest.

Afghan government: 7 civilians working on road construction killed in bomb attack

7 Afghan construction workers killed in bombing

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan government says seven private construction workers have been killed in a roadside bomb attack in central Afghanistan.
The Interior Ministry says in a statement that Wednesday’s blast in Uruzgan province came from a remote-controlled bomb. It was detonated just as a vehicle belonging to Qaher … Read more : Afghan government: 7 civilians working on road construction killed in bomb attack.

Indian arrested for murder in Italy

Anzio (Italy), June 24 (IANS/AKI) An Indian man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a fellow Indian whose headless body was found on a beach in a town south of Rome, an official said.

The suspect, whom police have only identified as “G” Singh, is the second man arrested for the murder of 46-year-old …. Read the original article  : here.

Afghans relieved at choice of Gen. Petraeus to lead war

Afghans relieved at choice of Gen. Petraeus
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan officials expressed relief at the choice of Gen. David Petraeus to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal as the top U.S. and NATO commander, believing the U.S. strategy aimed at minimizing civilian casualties and bolstering the Afghan government would continue.
Afghans had warned that the dismissal …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NATO says 4 of its service members killed in a vehicle accident in southern Afghanistan

Auto accident kills 4 NATO troops in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO says 4 of its service members have been killed in a vehicle accident in southern Afghanistan.
The international military coalition said the accident happened Wednesday but did not provide further details, and did not identify the nationalities of the dead.
U.S. military spokesman Col. … Read : NATO says 4 of its service members killed in a vehicle accident in southern Afghanistan.

Carnegie Heroes Fund awards 23 people medals, money for courageous acts that saved others

Carnegie Heroes Fund honors 23 with medals, money

PITTSBURGH – Two men who died while saving a 5-year-old girl and her mother who had fallen through ice into a pond and two others who subdued a church gunman are among 23 people being honored with Carnegie medals for heroism.
Willard Van Fleet Jr., of Factoryville, Pa., and …. Original article  : Carnegie Heroes Fund awards 23 people medals, money for courageous acts that saved others.

Hurricane Celia weakens but still Category 2 storm in the Pacific; TS Darby changes little

Hurricane Celia weakens but still Category 2 storm

MIAMI – Hurricane Celia has weakened a bit in the Pacific but is still a Category 2 storm.
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm’s maximum sustained winds decreased Wednesday night to near 105 mph (165 kph) and were expected to weaken further.
Celia is located about … Read : Hurricane Celia weakens but still Category 2 storm in the Pacific; TS Darby changes little.

12 killed in Spain train accident

BARCELONA – At least 12 pedestrians were killed in a train accident on the Spanish coast near Barcelona, rescue workers said early Thursday.

The victims were killed by an express train near the coastal town of Castelldefels, officials said. They were trying to cross the tracks on their way to the beach to participate in a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Containment cap reattached, again collecting Gulf oil; will take time for system to ramp up

Cap again collecting oil from Gulf of Mexico leak

NEW ORLEANS – Oil had spewed uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico for much of the day Wednesday before engineers reattached a cap being used to contain the gusher and direct some of the crude to a surface ship.
The logistics coordinator onboard the Discoverer Enterpriser, the ship …. Original article  : Containment cap reattached, again collecting Gulf oil; will take time for system to ramp up.

Justice Department seeks delay in ruling that overturned drilling moratorium in Gulf

Government seeks delay in moratorium ruling

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration on Wednesday night asked a judge to delay a court ruling that overturned a moratorium on new drilling in the Gulf.
In court papers filed with the U.S. District Court in New Orleans, the Justice Department said that it is seeking the delay while appealing the … Original article on : Justice Department seeks delay in ruling that overturned drilling moratorium in Gulf.

Small-scale flooding reported in Gonaives, northwest Haitian city housing quake refugees

Small-scale flooding reported in northwest Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian civil protection officials say rains have caused small floods in the northwestern city of Gonaives.
Civil protection director Marie Alta Jean-Baptiste said Wednesday night there had been no reports of injuries or damage to property.
Much of the country is under an “orange alert” for more serious floods … Read more >>>.

Oil again spewing in Gulf after undersea robot bumps cap that had been containing some

Oil spews again in Gulf after robot bumps cap

NEW ORLEANS – Oil spewed uncontrolled into the Gulf of Mexico again Wednesday after an undersea robot bumped the cap being used to contain it, forcing BP engineers to remove the device and then scramble to reattach it.
The latest setback left nothing to stem the flow of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil again spewing in Gulf after undersea robot bumps cap that had been containing some.

Labor secretary: Time to replace federal mine safety agency’s process for ID’ing trouble spots

Labor secretary faults mine scrutiny process

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on Wednesday said her department needs to scrap and replace its “badly broken” process for identifying the nation’s most dangerous mines.
An alert from the Labor Department inspector general’s office questions why the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration between 2007 and 2009 … Read more : Labor secretary: Time to replace federal mine safety agency’s process for ID’ing trouble spots.

54 bodies found in Colombian coal mine

Bogota, June 24 (IANS/EFE) Bodies of 54 people killed in Colombian coal mine blast last week have been recovered, sources in Colombia’s Geology and Mining Institute said Wednesday.

Around 20 more bodies are still trapped inside the San Fernando mine in northwestern town of Amaga, the sources said.
The explosion, apparently due to an accumulation of …. Source  : 54 bodies found in Colombian coal mine.

Fed report confirms underwater ‘cloud’ of oil extends up to 6 miles from ruptured well in Gulf

Fed report confirms underwater oil cloud near well

NEW ORLEANS – A federal report confirms what independent scientists have been saying for weeks about the Gulf oil spill: Undersea oil plumes extend for miles from the ruptured well.
The report may help measure the effectiveness of spreading chemicals to break up the oil.
Government researchers released a summary … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fed report confirms underwater ‘cloud’ of oil extends up to 6 miles from ruptured well in Gulf.

NASA: Easter Baja California earthquake moved border city of Calexico

NASA: Easter quake moved border city
PASADENA, Calif. – The strong Easter earthquake physically moved the border city of Calexico.

NASA data released Wednesday revealed the magnitude-7.2 quake shifted the Calexico region up to 2 1/2 feet in a southerly direction.
The quake, centered in Baja California, caused $100 million in damage to California, primarily in Calexico.
It’s not … Original article on : NASA: Easter Baja California earthquake moved border city of Calexico.

Coast Guard: 2 Gulf cleanup workers die; no apparent direct connection to oil spill

Admiral: 2 spill workers die; no direct oil links

WASHINGTON – Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says two contract workers helping with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup have died. Neither death appears to have a direct connection to the spill.
Allen said Wednesday in Washington that one man was killed by what investigators later called … Read : Coast Guard: 2 Gulf cleanup workers die; no apparent direct connection to oil spill.

Delhi Police seek custody of murder accused

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police Friday approached a court seeking a warrant to take custody of the three men arrested in Ghaziabad on charges of killing a couple and another woman in the capital.

“We have sought a production warrant. After getting the court orders, we will approach the Uttar Pradesh Police,” Delhi Police [..] Read the original article: here.

Sangma hurt in Bangladesh road accident

SHILLONG – Former Lok Sabha speaker Purno A. Sangma, his wife and former Rajya Sabha MP B.B. Dutta were injured in a road accident in Bangladesh, Sangma’s son Conrad K. Sangma said here Friday.

“They are on the way to Shillong (India) and they will be taken to North East Regional Institute of Medical Sciences …. Original article  : Sangma hurt in Bangladesh road accident.

Fire in Lucknow building

LUCKNOW – A fire enveloped a commercial building near the Raj Bhawan here Friday, but there were no casualties and everyone in the complex was evacuated to safety, an official said.

The fire broke out in the office of stockbroking firm Karvy and spread to other commercial outlets in the building in Hazratganj area.
“We controlled …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nine held for poaching

RAIPUR – Nine Chhattisgarh villagers were arrested Friday for poaching a sambar and eating it, an official said.

The animal’s skin was recovered from a house in Taldadar village. The men were arrested by the forest department for poaching inside the Barnawapara sanctuary, 85 km from here. The nine are aged 21 to 45 years.
The …. Source  : Nine held for poaching.

Conn. city surveys damage from powerful storm that knocked down buildings, tore off roofs

Conn. city surveys damage from powerful storm

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Some parts of the city looked untouched. And then there were the sections that in the words of the mayor looked like Godzilla came in and ripped off roofs, knocked down buildings, toppled trees and shattered windows.
“This was a very powerful storm,” Mayor Bill Finch said. … Read more »».

No Gulf seafood means no po-boys, anything else at shuttered Louisiana cafe; others hurting

No Gulf seafood, no po-boys; owner shuts La. cafe

GHEENS, La. – Vicki Guillot has served her last seafood po-boy.
The local bounty of fresh shrimp and oysters that once kept the only restaurant in this rural Louisiana town bustling can no longer be culled from the Gulf of Mexico because of the massive oil spill that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No Gulf seafood means no po-boys, anything else at shuttered Louisiana cafe; others hurting.

More dirty signs of massive Gulf spill wash ashore; latest cap setback has residents skeptical

More dirty evidence of Gulf oil spill wash ashore
NEW ORLEANS – More dirty evidence of the massive oil spill washed ashore along the Gulf Coast for residents who don’t need anymore reminders of their frustration over failed efforts to stop the crude gushing from a blown-out undersea well.
In Florida, officials on Thursday closed … Read this article on Gaea Times at : More dirty signs of massive Gulf spill wash ashore; latest cap setback has residents skeptical.

India to push for extradition from United States of ex-Union Carbide chief for Bhopal leak

India to try to extradite ex-Union Carbide head

NEW DELHI – India’s Cabinet has approved pushing for the former head of Union Carbide to be extradited over the toxic gas leak in 1984 that killed an estimated 15,000 people.
Public ire over the world’s worst industrial disaster in the Indian city of Bhopal resurfaced this month after …. Source article  : India to push for extradition from United States of ex-Union Carbide chief for Bhopal leak.

Spain official says 13 summer solstice train crash victims caused their own deaths

Spain blames victims in train crash that killed 13

CASTELLDEFELS, Spain – Spanish officials blamed summer solstice partygoers for crossing the tracks into the path of an express train that killed at least 13, but others said a new underground exit was poorly marked and an old crossing was blocked off, leaving travelers confused.
In addition to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Workers begin repairs on breached river as China struggles with widespread flooded areas

Workers begin repairing dikes after China’s floods

BEIJING – Workers and soldiers began repairing two breached areas on a river Friday after widespread flooding killed more than 200 people and caused $6.4 billion in damages across southern China.
Rescuers worked along on the Fuhe river near Fuzhou city in Jiangxi province, said a report posted on the …. Source  : Workers begin repairs on breached river as China struggles with widespread flooded areas.

Eight killed in Himachal wall collapse

SHIMLA – Eight labourers were killed when a wall of their temporary hutment caved in early Friday due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, an official said.

The labourers, mostly from Uttar Pradesh, were sleeping in their hutment when the wall collapsed around 3 a.m. at Sataun village, some 250 km from here, Deputy …. Original article  : Eight killed in Himachal wall collapse.

South Korea says North set no-sail zone off western coast, but no unusual military moves seen

SKorea: NKorea set no-sail zones off west coast
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea banned boats off its west coast, a South Korean official said Friday, in a possible indication the country may hold an artillery drill or even conduct missile tests.
The official with the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that South Korea is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : South Korea says North set no-sail zone off western coast, but no unusual military moves seen.

Sharapova helps Chernobyl disaster victims

UNITED NATIONS – Russian tennis star Maria Sharopova will visit Belarus to take part in a UN project aimed at helping youth affected by a massive explosion in Chernobyl nuclear reactor 24 years ago.

Sharapova, 23, who is also a goodwill ambassador of the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), will travel to the area near the … Read more : Sharapova helps Chernobyl disaster victims.

Severe storm tears through Bridgeport, Conn., shredding buildings, toppling trees, power lines

Severe storm shatters largest city in Connecticut

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – A severe storm packing ferocious winds tore through Connecticut’s largest city Thursday, toppling trees and power lines and collapsing several buildings as a powerful line of storms swept across parts of the Northeast. Remarkably, no serious injuries were reported.
Hundreds of bricks shook loose from buildings, trees … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Severe storm tears through Bridgeport, Conn., shredding buildings, toppling trees, power lines.

Celia churns into powerful Category 5 hurricane over open Pacific waters; no threat to land

Celia now powerful Cat 5 hurricane in open Pacific

MIAMI – Hurricane Celia has grown into a power Category 5 storm, but it’s swirling far out over the Pacific Ocean and doesn’t immediately threaten land.
The U.S. Hurricane Center in Miami says Celia was packing winds at 160 mph (260 kph) as it churned up seas Thursday … Read more >>.

Firefighters making progress on northern Arizona forest fire; containment now at 40 percent

Northern Arizona forest fire 40 percent contained

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Firefighters were making progress Thursday containing a wildfire that has burned more than 23 square miles of scenic northern Arizona forest.
U.S. Forest Service spokesman Willie Begay said the Schultz fire burning near Flagstaff was 40 percent contained after charring 14,800 acres, or more than 23 square …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Teens held for running sex racket in China

BEIJING – Police have detained four teenage girls who allegedly coerced their peers into prostitution in central China’s Henan province.

The detained girls, aged 16 to 17, were among six people detained after police broke up a teenage prostitution ring, Xinhua reported.
The suspected procurer of the teenage girls, Zhang Junli, had turned himself in, … Read more »»».

Emergency crews find bodies of 2 workers at scene of central Kansas grain elevator collapse

2 dead after grain elevator collapses in Kansas

RUSSELL, Kan. – Crews have found the bodies of two workers who were killed when a portion of a grain elevator collapsed in central Kansas, burying them in wheat.
Russell police 911 supervisor Greg Rose said part of one of the Agco Inc. elevators collapsed Thursday afternoon. Russell is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Emergency crews find bodies of 2 workers at scene of central Kansas grain elevator collapse.

Bomb disguised as gift explodes at Greek public order ministry; kills aide

Bomb rocks Greek law enforcement ministry, 1 dead

ATHENS, Greece – A bomb disguised as a gift exploded inside the Greek law enforcement ministry on Thursday night, killing a close ministerial aide in Greece’s highest profile attack in years.
Public Order Minister Michalis Chryssohoidis, who was in his office a few yards (meters) away from the blast, …. Source article  : Bomb disguised as gift explodes at Greek public order ministry; kills aide.

BP enlists former FEMA chief James Lee Witt to help in Gulf oil spill

BP gets help from former gov’t disaster expert
WASHINGTON – BP says it has enlisted the help of James Lee Witt, the former FEMA director in the Clinton administration who has become known as an expert on disaster response.
Bob Dudley, BP’s new point man for the oil response, says he asked Witt to go … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BP enlists former FEMA chief James Lee Witt to help in Gulf oil spill.

Over 12,000 vehicles seized in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, June 26 (IANS/WAM) In an effort to prevent accidents in Abu Dhabi, police have seized 12,605 faulty vehicles.

Tyre bursts in faulty vehicles have caused serious accidents leading to the death of 20 people in 2009, especially on highways, the department of traffic and patrol said.
“Seventy-six tyre burst accidents occurred last year across …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama’s point man on the Gulf oil spill cleanup will visit the region next week

Cleanup czar to tour Gulf region next week
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s point man for the clean up and recovery of the area affected by the Gulf oil spill will tour the region next week.
According to a statement from his office, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will begin a five-day visit on … Read more : Obama’s point man on the Gulf oil spill cleanup will visit the region next week.

NATO: US troop dies, Taliban commander, disguised as woman, killed in southern Afghanistan

NATO: US troop dies, Taliban commander killed

KABUL, Afghanistan – A senior Taliban commander disguised as a woman was killed by Afghan and international forces after he opened fire with a pistol and tried to throw a grenade south of the capital Kabul.
NATO reported a U.S. troop died in a roadside bomb attack Saturday in southern …. Original article  : NATO: US troop dies, Taliban commander, disguised as woman, killed in southern Afghanistan.

Tropical weather could be latest blow to containing massive Gulf spill; forecasters watch path

Weather could be latest problem in spill cleanup

NEW ORLEANS – Tropical weather gathering strength in the Caribbean could be the latest bad news for BP crews trying to contain and clean up the massive oil spill in the Gulf, an effort that has been plagued with setbacks for more than two months.
It is still too …. Source  : Tropical weather could be latest blow to containing massive Gulf spill; forecasters watch path.

Honour killing suspects in police custody

NEW DELHI – A court here Saturday sent three men arrested on charges of killing a couple and another woman in a case of suspected honour killing to five days police custody.

Metropolitan Magistrate Satish Kumar gave the ruling after the three – Mandeep Nagar, 23, Ankit Chaudhury, 22, and Nakul Khari, 21 – were presented … Read more >>.

Industry, government spend little on oil spill clean-up technology

Little spent on oil spill cleanup technology

ON BARATARIA BAY, La. – While oil companies have spent billions of dollars to drill deeper and farther out to sea, relatively little money and research have gone into finding new, improved ways to respond to oil spills in deepsea conditions like those in the Gulf of Mexico.
Experts say …. Read the original article  : here.

Nirupama Pathak’s mother denied bail

RANCHI – A Jharkhand court Saturday rejected the bail plea of Sudha Pathak, the mother of Delhi journalist Nirupama Pathak who was found dead in her home April 29.

Additional District Judge Nitynanad Singh in Koderma town rejected the appeal for bail, her lawyer Arun Mishra told IANS over telephone, adding he would move the high …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Crime cloud over Shimla worries government, tourists

SHIMLA – Is the popular hill resort of Shimla, crowded at this time of the year, turning into a crime zone for tourists? There have been two suicides and two murders, all involving tourists, in the past six months.

The alleged suicide by a Chhattisgarh couple who reached this town June 19 is the most recent … Read more : Crime cloud over Shimla worries government, tourists.

6.9 quake hits Solomon Islands

HONG KONG – An earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale hit Solomon Islands Saturday but there was no reports of casualties.

The quake struck at 1.40 p.m. (0540 GMT) Saturday, Xinhua reported citing the Hong Kong Observatory. The epicentre was determined to be about 220 km southeast of Honiara in Solomon Islands in the Pacific … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 6.9 quake hits Solomon Islands.

Strong quake hits in Pacific near Solomon Islands

Strong quake hits in Pacific near Solomon Islands

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – A powerful earthquake struck underwater off the Solomon Islands, but there was no immediate word of damage and no tsunami alert was issued.
Saturday’s quake had a magnitude of 6.9, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It was centered 35 miles (55 kilometers) west-southwest of San …. Original source  : Strong quake hits in Pacific near Solomon Islands.

10 killed in Brazil accident

Sao Paulo, June 26 (IANS/EFE) At least 10 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a Brazilian city when two cars collided with a truck that had overturned a few moments before, police said.

The two cars ran into the overturned truck carrying steel coils and had turned turtle only minutes earlier in Belo Horizonte …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 10 killed in Brazil accident.

Forecasters: Tropical depression in Caribbean headed west; unclear if it will hit oiled Gulf

Tropical depression in Caribbean headed west

MIAMI – The first tropical depression of the Atlantic hurricane season has formed in the Western Caribbean and is headed west, but forecasters can’t yet say if it will pass over the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Saturday …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Forecasters: Tropical depression in Caribbean headed west; unclear if it will hit oiled Gulf.

Two die in China mine blast

BEIJING – At least two people were killed and 10 injured in an explosion in a coal mine in China’s Ningxia Hui region Saturday, Xinhua reported.

The explosion occurred in the Hongyuan coal mine in Shikong town.
…. Source  : Two die in China mine blast.

Indian remanded in custody for murders in New Zealand

AUCKLAND – An Indian fruit packer indicted for killing a woman and his two-year-old daughter has been remanded to custody and asked to reappear in a New Zealand court next month.

Deepak Nagpal, 23, appeared in the Tauranga District Court Friday for the second time after he was charged with the murder of Anna and …. Read the original article  : Indian remanded in custody for murders in New Zealand.

4 US troops killed in Afghanistan; 11 bodies found in field in south, some beheaded

Bodies found beheaded in Afghanistan; 4 troops die

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four American troops were reported killed and the bodies of 11 Afghan men, some beheaded, were found in rising violence across Afghanistan.
Mohammad Khan, deputy police chief in Uruzgan province, said a villager in the Bagh Char area of Khas Uruzgan district spotted the bodies Friday …. Read the original article  : here.

Two workers killed in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Two workers were killed and six critically injured when a boiler at a soft drink manufacturing plant exploded in Orissa’s Khordha district, police said Saturday.

The accident took place Friday at the plant of Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages at Khordha town, about 50 km from here.
The two workers succumbed to their injuries … Read more »»».

15 killed in Bihar accident

PATNA – Fifteen people were killed early Saturday when a bus in which they were travelling collided with a truck in Bihar, police said.

Over 10 people were injured after the accident took place near Chenati village in Bihar’s Patna district, a police officer said.
“All the injured have been admitted to a hospital for treatment,” … Original article on : 15 killed in Bihar accident.

Wildfire burning north of Flagstaff now at estimated 15,000 acres but 50 percent contained

Wildfire near Flagstaff now 50 percent contained

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A wildfire burning in Arizona that threatened homes in Flagstaff and has charred an estimated 15,000 acres has been declared 50 percent contained.
U.S. Forest Service officials said Friday night that full containment of the so-called Schultz fire isn’t expected until at least July 2.
Four air tankers, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wildfire burning north of Flagstaff now at estimated 15,000 acres but 50 percent contained.

Hurricane Darby still Category 3 storm in the Pacific; Celia continues to weaken

Hurricane Darby still major storm; Celia weaker

MIAMI – Hurricane Darby is still Category 3 strength, making it the second major hurricane of the eastern Pacific season.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Darby’s maximum sustained winds Friday night were near 115 mph (185 kph).
The hurricane is located about 265 miles (425 kilometers) southwest of Acapulco, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hurricane Darby still Category 3 storm in the Pacific; Celia continues to weaken.

Six drug traffickers killed in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Six drug traffickers were killed and two arrested by the Mexican marine soldiers in a raid in Mexico, media report said.

The shootout began near a customs office on a road that links Matamoros to Brownsville, a city in US state of Texas, after the marines spotted the armed men riding on their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six drug traffickers killed in Mexico.

Nepal Terai tense after Hindu leader’s murder

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s main hub for trade with India, Birgunj, simmered with tension Sunday as traders and Hindu groups erupted in protests following the murder of the chief of a newly-formed militant Hindu organisation that had become involved in anti-Maoist vigilante activities.

Kashinath Adhikari, the 45-year-old chief of Hindu Yuva Sangh, was attacked Saturday evening while … Read more >>>.

Tropical storm Alex not aiming at Gulf spill area for now, but change could come rapidly

Alex not aiming at Gulf spill area – for now

NEW ORLEANS – Forecasters say a tropical storm slamming into parts of Mexico isn’t taking aim at the massive Gulf oil spill – for now. Although storms can rapidly change course, the forecast could be a rare piece of good news for crews trying to control … Original article on : Tropical storm Alex not aiming at Gulf spill area for now, but change could come rapidly.

Afghan and NATO officials say airstrike in northern Afghanistan killed local Taliban commander

Northern Afghan airstrike kills 8 militants
KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.S. airstrike killed eight militants including a local Taliban commander in northern Afghanistan, NATO and Afghan officials said Sunday.
The battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan has been expanding increasingly to the whole country, with insurgent cells operating and launching attacks in the west and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Afghan and NATO officials say airstrike in northern Afghanistan killed local Taliban commander.

Tropical Storm Alex heads for Gulf after drenching Belize, Mexico; could become hurricane

Tropical Storm Alex sets sights on Gulf of Mexico

BELIZE CITY – Tropical Storm Alex headed overland toward the Gulf of Mexico early Sunday, drenching Belize, northern Guatemala and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with torrential rains.
Meteorologists project Alex, which made landfall on Belize’s coast late Saturday, will weaken as it passes over the Yucatan Peninsula but will … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tropical Storm Alex heads for Gulf after drenching Belize, Mexico; could become hurricane.

Floodwaters begin to recede in hard-hit southern China, workers still fixing dike breach

Floodwaters receding in hard-hit southern China

BEIJING – Floodwaters receded in hard-hit southern China on Sunday and workers nearly finished repairing a dike breach that forced the evacuation of 100,000 people.
Torrential rains pummeled a wide swath of China’s south and more than 3 million people had to be evacuated from their homes over the past two …. Original source  : Floodwaters begin to recede in hard-hit southern China, workers still fixing dike breach.

10,000 protesters run riot at G-20 summit (Lead)

TORONTO – Thousands of protesters rampaged through Canada’s largest city and its financial capital, unleashing an unprecedented fury of violence as world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gathered here for the G-20 summit Saturday.

Four police cruisers were set on fire, storefronts smashed, windowpanes sprayed with anti-police and anti-G-20 slogans as more than …. Original source  : 10,000 protesters run riot at G-20 summit (Lead).

American service member killed by bomb attack in southern Afghanistan

US service member killed in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – The U.S. military says an American service member has been killed by a bomb in southern Afghanistan.

U.S. forces spokesman Col. Wayne Shanks said Sunday the American died Saturday. He did not provide further details because family members had not been notified.
June has been one of the deadliest … Read : American service member killed by bomb attack in southern Afghanistan.

Sporadic violence as 10,000 protesters march in Toronto

TORONTO – There was sporadic violence in the streets of Canada’s largest city Saturday as at least 10,000 otherwise peaceful demonstrators fumed at the world’s 20 leading powers gathered for a summit on the global economy.

Dozens of windows were smashed in the city centre and at least three police cars were set on fire. Police …. Read the original article  : Sporadic violence as 10,000 protesters march in Toronto.

Boats ferrying tourists collide near popular Thai beach; 42 hurt, 2 missing

Tourist boats collide in Thailand, 42 injured

BANGKOK – Forty-two passengers were injured and two were missing after two boats carrying Thai and foreign tourists collided in the Gulf of Thailand on the way to a popular island beach party, police said Sunday.
The speedboats were ferrying tourists to Pha-ngan island for a “full moon” party, a … Read : Boats ferrying tourists collide near popular Thai beach; 42 hurt, 2 missing.

District attorney: 4 found stabbed to death in home in northeastern Pa.; suspect in custody

DA: 4 found fatally stabbed in Pa.; man in custody

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – Four people were found stabbed to death Saturday in a house in northeastern Pennsylvania and a suspect was in custody, authorities said.
Police discovered the bodies after responding to a car crash about a half-mile from the house, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli …. Original source  : District attorney: 4 found stabbed to death in home in northeastern Pa.; suspect in custody.

News report: Boats ferrying tourists collide at popular Thai beach; 39 hurt, 2 missing

Tourist boats collide in Thailand, 39 injured

BANGKOK – Thirty-nine passengers were injured and two were missing after two boats carrying Thai and foreign tourists to a popular island beach party collided in the Gulf of Thailand, a news report said Sunday.
The boats were ferrying tourists to Pha-ngan island to attend a “full moon” party, a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Stop drug trafficking to wipe out poverty: UN

UNITED NATIONS – Fighting drug abuse, trafficking and other social evils must be parts of the battle against poverty, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said.

“Our work to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and fight drugs must go hand-in-hand. In seeking to eradicate illicit crops, we must also work to wipe out poverty,” Ban said … Read more : Stop drug trafficking to wipe out poverty: UN.

Two Pakistani sentenced to death in Yemen

SANAA – Two Pakistanis were sentenced to death by a Yemeni court Saturday after being convicted of drug trafficking, state media reported.

“Salim Dawod Abdulrahim and Imam Bakhsh Eyepub Yakoub received death penalty after the court convicted them of smuggling 1,695 kg of hashish into Yemen through its coastal territories,” official Saba news agency cited the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two Pakistani sentenced to death in Yemen.

Children feared among multiple dead in house fire in upstate New York

Children feared among several victims of NY fire

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. – Children were feared to be among the victims of a house fire that killed several people in am upstate New York village on Saturday, authorities said.
The blaze happened about 6:05 a.m. in a single-family home in Fort Edward, about 45 miles north of the …. Read the original article  : Children feared among multiple dead in house fire in upstate New York.

Ind. auction for ex-financier who tried to fake death in plane crash, hid motorcycle to flee

Auction for Ind. financier who tried to fake death

INDIANAPOLIS – Auctioneers are selling off items owned by a former Indiana money manager who tried to fake his death in a plane crash, including the motorcycle he used to flee after parachuting from his plane.
Hundreds of people turned out as Marcus Schrenker’s belongings went up for … Read more »»».

Tropical Storm Alex drenches Caribbean coast of Belize, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Tropical Storm Alex soaks Belize, Mexico’s Yucatan

BELIZE CITY – Tropical Storm Alex made landfall late Saturday on Belize’s coast, where hundreds of tourists and residents fled low-lying islands ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Besides Belize, Alex’s torrential rains were drenching Guatemala and Mexico’s resort-studded Caribbean coast, where beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water …. Original source  : Tropical Storm Alex drenches Caribbean coast of Belize, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Some oil spill events from Saturday, June 26, 2010

Some oil spill events on Saturday, June 26, 2010
A summary of events Saturday, June 26, Day 67 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 … Read more >>>.

Girl, 6, scratched, bitten by coyotes who attacked as she played in front yard in NYC suburb

Girl, 6, scratched, bitten by coyotes in NY suburb

RYE, N.Y. – Police say a 6-year-old girl was scratched and bitten by a pair of coyotes who charged her as she played with friends in the front yard of her suburban New York City home.
The girl was treated and released from the hospital. She had bites … Read more >>>.

Tropical weather could put BP’s oil containment system out of commission for a week or more

Tropical weather is new reason to worry in Gulf

NEW ORLEANS – The logistics of containing the oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico are mind-boggling even in ideal conditions. Add a tropical storm like the one swirling in the Caribbean and things get even more complicated.
Any system with winds over 46 mph could force BP …. Read the original article  : Tropical weather could put BP’s oil containment system out of commission for a week or more.

Obama, South Korean leader say North Korea must face consequences for alleged ship sinking

Obama, Lee criticize North Korea on ship sinking
TORONTO – President Barack Obama said Saturday that North Korea must be “held to account” for its alleged sinking of a South Korean warship, a tough statement of support for an ally made at its leader’s side.
After talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on the …. Original article  : Obama, South Korean leader say North Korea must face consequences for alleged ship sinking.

Oil falls slightly to near $78 in Asia as traders eye possible Gulf of Mexico hurricane

Oil falls toward $78 as traders eye Gulf storm

SINGAPORE – Oil prices dropped slightly to near $78 a barrel Monday in Asia as traders kept a close eye on damage a possible hurricane could cause rigs in the Gulf of Mexico this week.
Benchmark crude for August delivery was down 25 cents to $78.61 a barrel … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil falls slightly to near $78 in Asia as traders eye possible Gulf of Mexico hurricane.

Truck carrying chemicals accidentally explodes in Pakistan, killing 18, say police

Accidental truck blast kills 18 in Pakistan

KARACHI, Pakistan – A truck carrying chemicals accidentally exploded Monday in southern Pakistan after pressure built up in its storage tank, killing 18 people and wounding 40, police said.
Hundreds of people rushed to the truck depot in Hyderabad city to search through the rubble of destroyed shops for dead …. Original source  : Truck carrying chemicals accidentally explodes in Pakistan, killing 18, say police.

Delhi shootout accused to be produced in court

NEW DELHI – A Delhi Jal Board (DJB) employee, accused of shooting a man and injuring two others when denied entry to a brothel in the national capital, will be produced in court Monday, Delhi Police said.

Inebriated Kanta Prasad tried to enter the brothel on G.B. Road Sunday to meet his sister-in-law but was denied …. Read the original article  : here.

Gas truck accidentally explodes in southern Pakistan, killing 18, say police

Accidental gas truck blast kills 18 in Pakistan

KARACHI, Pakistan – Police say a gas truck accidentally exploded in southern Pakistan, killing 18 people and wounding 40.
Mohammad Ali Baloch said the truck exploded Monday at a depot in Hyderabad city after gas pressure built up in a storage tank. Baloch is the top police official in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tropical Storm Alex gaining strength over Gulf of Mexico; could become hurricane

Tropical Storm Alex gaining strength over Gulf

BELIZE CITY – Tropical Storm Alex was gaining strength as it swirled across the Gulf of Mexico Monday on a path toward Mexico’s northeastern coast – well clear of a massive oil spill.
The storm could become a hurricane by Tuesday and its heavy rains are expected to begin lashing …. Source  : Tropical Storm Alex gaining strength over Gulf of Mexico; could become hurricane.

Eight injured in clash with police at Tata Steel

RANCHI – Eight labourers were injured in a clash with the police at the main entrance of the Tata Steel plant at Jamshedpur near here Monday, police said.

According to a company official, the clash occurred after the security guards of the steel plant sought gate pass from a group of labourers.
“An altercation between contract …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Eight injured in clash with police at Tata Steel.

Oil giant may turn to Bill Clinton’s disaster chief to improve its response and public image

Ex-FEMA director could help BP out of its disaster
WASHINGTON – James Lee Witt, America’s go-to guy for disaster response, knows how to take an unpopular organization and turn it around. If BP hires the former Federal Emergency Management Agency director to help with community relations, it could further a makeover of the oil …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oil giant may turn to Bill Clinton’s disaster chief to improve its response and public image.

Indian toddler drowns in jacuzzi on Nepal holiday

KATHMANDU – A summer vacation in Nepal turned into bleak tragedy for an Indian couple from Bihar with their three-year-old daughter drowning in a jacuzzi in an upmarket resort.

Vikash Agrawal, a Marwari trader based in Raxaul town in India’s Bihar state, had planned to take a summer break in Nepal with his family and friends. …. Source  : Indian toddler drowns in jacuzzi on Nepal holiday.

NATO says Taliban leader killed in Kandahar operation; residents claim troops killed civilians

NATO, civilians give 2 accounts of fatal operation

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – NATO said Monday that a Taliban commander was among several armed individuals killed during a search operation in Kandahar, but residents claim the troops killed eight innocent civilians, including two elderly men.
NATO said in a statement that coalition and Afghan troops went to a compound …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NATO says Taliban leader killed in Kandahar operation; residents claim troops killed civilians.

Admiral to check on Gulf oil response in person; visit comes as oil washes ashore in Miss.

Admiral back on the Gulf Coast for spill
NEW ORLEANS – The admiral in charge of the spill response was headed back to the Gulf Coast a day after Mississippi’s governor said he would press BP and the federal government for more help because oil started washing up on the shoreline of his state.

On Sunday, oil …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Economic damage caused by oil spill may not go beyond the Gulf region

Oil spill’s economic damage may not go beyond Gulf
WASHINGTON – The BP oil spill has hammered the fishing and tourism industries along the Gulf of Mexico. But it appears the economic damage to the rest of the nation will be limited.
Analysts say the spill will reduce economic growth by only about one-half of … Original article on : Economic damage caused by oil spill may not go beyond the Gulf region.

Flotilla of barges _ ‘the Cajun navy’ _ to serve as oil barricade off Louisiana coast

Flotilla of barges used as oil barricade
GRAND ISLE, La. – Mired in a daily battle against the oil soiling Louisiana’s shorelines, marshes and wetlands, locals in this barrier island town are pushing ahead with a novel plan to block the crude’s path with a flotilla of barges.

“The Cajun navy,” Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle calls …. Read the original article  : Flotilla of barges _ ‘the Cajun navy’ _ to serve as oil barricade off Louisiana coast.

Roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan kills at least 2 civilians in minivan

Roadside bomb kills at least 2 Afghans in minivan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Officials say a roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan has killed at least two civilians in a minivan.
The vehicle was traveling down a main road in Ghazni province when it exploded Monday.
Andar district administrator Sher Khan Yasoufzai said two bodies of women were pulled from …. Source  : Roadside bombing in eastern Afghanistan kills at least 2 civilians in minivan.

28 dead, 44 hurt in Bolivia bus accident

La Paz, June 28 (IANS/EFE) At least 28 people were killed and 44 injured when a bus plunged into a ravine in Bolivia, police said.

The bus carrying 70 passengers was travelling from the central city of Cochabamba to the southwestern city of Potosi when it went off the road near the Pongo K’asa area … Original article on : 28 dead, 44 hurt in Bolivia bus accident.

Oil hovers below $79 in Asia as traders eye possible Gulf of Mexico hurricane

Oil hovers below $79 as traders eye Gulf storm

SINGAPORE – Oil prices hovered below $79 a barrel Monday in Asia as traders kept a close eye on damage a possible hurricane could cause rigs in the Gulf of Mexico this week.
Benchmark crude for August delivery was down 6 cents to $78.80 a barrel at early …. Original article  : Oil hovers below $79 in Asia as traders eye possible Gulf of Mexico hurricane.

Man charged in Pa. stabbing rampage that killed 4; confidantes say man briefly dated victim

Man charged in Pa. stabbing rampage that killed 4

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – A man who served prison time for a 1992 murder was charged Sunday with fatally stabbing four people, including a woman described as the suspect’s former girlfriend and her 87-year-old grandfather.
Police charged Michael Eric Ballard, 36, with four counts of homicide for Saturday’s rampage …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man charged in Pa. stabbing rampage that killed 4; confidantes say man briefly dated victim.

Drunk driver injures five in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A drunk youth lost control over his car here and hit five people, injuring four of them critically, police said Monday.

“Siddharth Katwani, 21, was driving a Maruti Zen late Sunday. He first hit a man on Gwyne road. He did not stop and hit four more people, including two minors, while trying to …. Read the original article  : here.

NKorea says it must bolster nuclear capability to deal with ‘hostile’ US policy

NKorea says it must bolster nuclear capability

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea said Monday it must bolster its nuclear capability in a “newly developed way” to cope with what it sees as hostile U.S. policy and military threats amid tensions over the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship.
Separately, the North’s military accused the U.S. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NKorea says it must bolster nuclear capability to deal with ‘hostile’ US policy.

Alex regains tropical storm status over Gulf of Mexico; could become hurricane

Alex grows back into tropical storm over Gulf

BELIZE CITY – Alex strengthened back into a tropical storm as it moved across the Gulf of Mexico late Sunday after dumping heavy rains on parts of Central America and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that left four people dead.
Alex, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph), was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Alex regains tropical storm status over Gulf of Mexico; could become hurricane.

Alex again a tropical storm; may become hurricane as it heads toward Mexico’s east coast

Tropical Storm Alex headed toward Mexican coast

MIAMI – Forecasters say Alex is again a tropical storm as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico and may become a hurricane as it swirls toward Mexico’s east coast.
Forecasters say the storm still is not on track to hit the oil spill on the northeastern end of the … Read more : Alex again a tropical storm; may become hurricane as it heads toward Mexico’s east coast.

Despite severe damage in some places, Gulf’s coastal wetlands mostly unscathed from oil spill

Gulf’s coastal wetlands surviving despite oil

BELLE CHASE, La. – From a seaplane 1,000 feet above Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, the places hit hardest by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are easy to spot – dark slashes marring a vast expanse of marshes and bayous.
Yet, after a recent flight over most of the affected sections, Paul …. Original source  : Despite severe damage in some places, Gulf’s coastal wetlands mostly unscathed from oil spill.

27 children fall ill after consuming mid-day meal

PATNA – At least 27 students of a school at Tajpur in Samastipur district of Bihar fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal in which a lizard was later found, officials said Tuesday.

“They are suffering from food poisoning. But after initial treatment, they are now out of danger,” said a doctor at a hospital.
According … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 27 children fall ill after consuming mid-day meal.

Spy thriller: US picks up 10 Russian agents

WASHINGTON – Less than a week after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and President Barack Obama signalled the end of the Cold War with a burger lunch in Washington, the United States picked up ten people on charges of working as Russian spies. The arrests Sunday capped an almost surreal investigation that extended to the Clinton … Read more : Spy thriller: US picks up 10 Russian agents.

Six killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – At least six people, including two women, were killed and 16 injured after a head-on collision between a jeep and a mini bus in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district Tuesday, police said.

The accident took place on the Allahabad-Rewa road in the Kaundhiyar area, about 200 km from Lucknow.
The injured were admitted to hospital … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Six killed in Uttar Pradesh accident.

Russia seeks explanation from US on spy scandal

Jerusalem, June 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia wants an explanation from the US over the arrest of a group of suspected Russian spies, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

The US Department of Justice said in a statement Monday that 11 people had been charged as “unlawful agents of the Russian Federation within the United States”. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Russia seeks explanation from US on spy scandal.

Oil tumbles below $77 in Asia as fears ease tropical storm Alex will disrupt Gulf supplies

Oil tumbles below $77 as hurricane fears ease

SINGAPORE – Oil prices tumbled below $77 a barrel Tuesday in Asia on signs Tropical Storm Alex would likely miss most of the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, leaving supplies undisrupted.
Benchmark crude for August delivery was down $1.69 to $76.56 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oil tumbles below $77 in Asia as fears ease tropical storm Alex will disrupt Gulf supplies.

Youth Congress leader arrested in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A Youth Congress leader was arrested in the company of a woman in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district, but his supporters said he had been framed.

Sanjay Marethia, who came from New Delhi to conduct Youth Congress elections in the district, about 90 km from here, was arrested after his hotel room was raided Monday night, …. Read the original article  : Youth Congress leader arrested in Jharkhand.

Search for missing airplane with 2 reporters on board focuses on Montana bison range

Search for missing airplane focuses on bison range

MOIESE, Mont. – Authorities focused on an 18,500-acre bison range Tuesday in their search for a single-engine airplane carrying two Montana newspaper reporters who were on a sightseeing tour that disappeared two days ago.
Reporters Melissa Weaver and Erika Hoefer of the Daily Inter Lake of Kalispell were going …. Source article  : Search for missing airplane with 2 reporters on board focuses on Montana bison range.

Man kills girl for crying during World Cup

WASHINGTON – A man beat his two-year-old stepdaughter then suffocated her to death in an American town for crying during a World Cup football match between the US and Ghana which the latter won. To make the killing look accidental, he jammed a screw down her throat.

Hector Castro, 28, has been arrested for murdering in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man kills girl for crying during World Cup.

Rescuers use heavy equipment to search for 107 trapped in China landslide

Rescuers search for 107 in China landslide

BEIJING – Hope of finding survivors was dimishing Tuesday as rescuers used heavy machinery including bulldozers to search for at least 107 people trapped under a landslide in rain-hit southwestern China.
Villagers huddled in tents set up at the site as rescuers searched for their family members.
But there appeared to [..] Read the original article: here.

Police case against Gurgaon pub

GURGAON – Police have slapped a case against a pub here after a Delhi-based businessman alleged that he was beaten up by the staff when he ordered a third drink, police said Tuesday.

Gurbachan Singh filed a complaint against Addiction bar at MGF Mall following the incident Sunday night. “After verifying it, we registered a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police case against Gurgaon pub.

Key incidents and events involving cockpit window fires in some Boeing airliners

Incidents, events involving Boeing cockpit fires

The Federal Aviation Administration has known for at least six years that a loose screw in the cockpit window heaters of some Boeing planes has caused electrical arcing and fires. The agency has been promising for nearly as long to order airlines to fix the problem, but no order has [..] Read the original article: here.

PROMISES, PROMISES: Despite complaints, FAA has yet to order airlines to act on cockpit fires

PROMISES, PROMISES: FAA slow on cockpit fires

WASHINGTON – Federal aviation officials have known for years that cockpit window heaters in some Boeing planes catch fire. But they haven’t required airlines to fix the problem, even after dozens of incidents that unnerved pilots and, in some cases, forced emergency landings.
Pilots have complained about heaters that burned, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PROMISES, PROMISES: Despite complaints, FAA has yet to order airlines to act on cockpit fires.

Priest removed in Italy after confessing to child abuse

Bolzano (Italy), June 29 (IANS/AKI) A 74-year-old priest has been removed from his position in northern Italy after confessing he sexually abused minors.

Alois Kranebitter, parish priest in the Alto Adige region’s Bolzano-Brixen diocese, will no longer be allowed to celebrate mass in public and will be obliged to live in a place where he has …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Strengthening Alex expected to become hurricane as it moves toward US-Mexico border area

Strengthening Alex expected to become hurricane

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico – A strengthening Tropical Storm Alex was expected to become a hurricane Tuesday as it swirled toward the Gulf coast of northern Mexico and southern Texas, where authorities were readying emergency shelters and distributing sandbags.
Forecasters said the storm’s likely path would take it away from the site of … Original article on : Strengthening Alex expected to become hurricane as it moves toward US-Mexico border area.

China, US open Shanghai field epidemiology center, to train disease sleuths, boost prevention

China, US open disease study center in Shanghai

SHANGHAI – American and Shanghai health authorities opened an epidemiology center in the Chinese city Tuesday to train experts in sleuthing out ways to prevent chronic and epidemic diseases.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is helping with training and technical assistance at the center that will …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China, US open Shanghai field epidemiology center, to train disease sleuths, boost prevention.

Wrestler pins down burglar in Britain

LONDON – A burglar got more than he bargained for when he broke into a wrestler’s home in Britain. When he saw the heavily muscled home owner, the thief begged for mercy.

Adam Kalinowski, a 37-year-old former professional wrestler from Poland, caught Lee Christie stealing a laptop.
An angry Kalinowski grappled with the thief, gripped …. Original article  : Wrestler pins down burglar in Britain.

Oil falls below $78 in Asia as fears ease that tropical storm Alex will disrupt Gulf supplies

Oil falls below $78 as hurricane fears ease

SINGAPORE – Oil prices fell below $78 a barrel Tuesday in Asia on signs Tropical Storm Alex would likely miss most of the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, leaving supplies undisrupted.
Benchmark crude for August delivery was down 53 cents to $77.72 a barrel at midday Singapore time … Read more >>>.

Catholic priest shot at in Bihar

PATNA – An unidentified man shot at a Catholic priest and seriously injured him in a Bihar town, police said Tuesday.

Father Michael Ignatius was shot at late Monday near Nazarath Hospital at Mokama, about 100 km from here. He was shifted to a hospital here.
“A person has been arrested in this connection. We are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Catholic priest shot at in Bihar.

Chandigarh to have tourism police

CHANDIGARH – With Chandigarh fast turning into a favourite of tourists, authorities of the union territory are planning to have a special tourism police with knowledge of English and some other foreign languages to help the visitors.

Chandigarh, considered as the gateway to Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, got nearly one million tourists …. Source  : Chandigarh to have tourism police.

20 hurt as garment workers clash with police in Dhaka

DHAKA – Twenty people were hurt Wednesday morning as industrial violence erupted at a factory here which was closed for five days after an official slapped a woman employee for faulty work.

Police charged with batons on the workers, lobbed teargas shells and also used a water cannon to disperse them.
The workers pelted brick …. Original article  : 20 hurt as garment workers clash with police in Dhaka.

Magnitude 6.5 quake reported in southern Mexico

Magnitude 6.5 quake hits southern Mexico
MEXICO CITY – A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca Wednesday, and was felt at least as far away as Mexico City.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered in a sparsely populated, mountainous area of Oaxaca near the southern Pacific coast.
Gilberto Lopez of the … Read more : Magnitude 6.5 quake reported in southern Mexico.

12-year-old killed in firing at wedding

NEW DELHI – A 12-year-old boy has been killed in celebratory firing at a wedding party here, police said Wednesday. The accused has been arrested.

People from the groom’s family began firing in the air at Shahbad area at around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
A bullet hit Amit Singh, who had come to attend his … Original article on : 12-year-old killed in firing at wedding.

Australians who blinded Indian get away lightly

MELBOURNE – None of the Australians who thrashed an Indian student leaving him partially blind has got custodial sentences, with the last of the teenagers getting a suspended jail term Wednesday.

The teenagers who viciously attacked the Indian in March 2008 outside a Melbourne suburban train station have not even been locked up, the Herald Sun … Original article on : Australians who blinded Indian get away lightly.

Skimming, booming, other spill work idled by Gulf storms; relief well still being drilled

Wind, waves from hurricane dock oil skimming boats

GRAND ISLE, La. – Dozens of small skiffs, huge shrimp boats and even a swamp tour boat were tied to docks, winds whipping their flags and waves rocking them even in the sheltered marina.
Most days, the fleet would be skimming oil from the Gulf of Mexico and ferrying …. Original source  : Skimming, booming, other spill work idled by Gulf storms; relief well still being drilled.

Alex becomes Atlantic’s 1st hurricane of season as it rumbles toward Mexico, Texas coastlines

Hurricane Alex churns toward Mexico, Texas coasts
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Hurricane Alex churned westward through the Gulf of Mexico early Wednesday, far from oil spill cleanup efforts but on a collision course with Mexico and the southern Texas coastline.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami upgraded the storm to a Category … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Alex becomes Atlantic’s 1st hurricane of season as it rumbles toward Mexico, Texas coastlines.

Canada geese that forced plane’s Hudson River landing still flying near NY airport runways

Geese behind plane’s NY river landing still around

NEW YORK – A year and a half after Canada geese forced an airliner to splash down in the Hudson River, officials are rounding them up in almost every part of the city – but flocks are still free to take off around John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The …. Source article  : Canada geese that forced plane’s Hudson River landing still flying near NY airport runways.

Businessman shot dead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 36-year-old businessman was shot dead here Wednesday by two unidentified motorcyclists as he prepared to enter a park for his morning walk, police said.

Jasbir of Narela was going to the park near his residence when he was killed around 6.35 a.m., a police officer said.
“He had parked his scooter and … Read more »».

Scientists to whisk some 70,000 turtle eggs away from oil spill in rare effort to save species

Some 70,000 turtle eggs to be whisked far from oil

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. – An effort to save thousands of sea turtle hatchlings from dying in the oily Gulf of Mexico will begin in the coming weeks in a desperate attempt to keep an entire generation of threatened species from vanishing.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service …. Original source  : Scientists to whisk some 70,000 turtle eggs away from oil spill in rare effort to save species.

Indian minister held for flouting currency ban

KATHMANDU – In a potentially embarrassing situation for the Indian government, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen was detained here Wednesday for flouting a currency ban that is punishable with a fine and imprisonment.

Imchen was detained at the Tribhuvan International Airport while trying to catch a Jet Airways flight to New Delhi.
Imchen, who won …. Original article  : Indian minister held for flouting currency ban.

8 militants killed in fighting at airport outside Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan

8 militants killed in gunbattle at Afghan airport

KABUL, Afghanistan – Militants set off a car bomb and stormed the entrance to an airport in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday in a failed attempt to enter the air field used by Afghan and international forces, authorities said. Eight insurgents died in the ensuing gunbattle.
The Taliban claimed responsibility … Read more »»».

NRI arrested for suspected honour killing in Punjab

AMRITSAR – A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) will be produced in a court here Wednesday following his arrest Tuesday night for allegedly murdering his teenaged step-daughter in a suspected case of honour killing.

Mehtab Singh was arrested after the police got a tip-off that he had brought his step-daughter Amritpal Kaur, 17, from Brussels, Belgium, earlier this … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NRI arrested for suspected honour killing in Punjab.

Indian American’s death: Three teenagers charged with murder

NEW YORK – The US authorities have charged three teenagers with murder and conspiracy to commit murder after an Indian American professor died of injuries suffered in an attack near his home in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Divyendu Sinha, 49, succumbed to his injuries at 4 a.m. in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick Monday, … Original article on : Indian American’s death: Three teenagers charged with murder.

SKorea’s Defense Ministry seeking sharp budget increase amid tension over warship sinking

SKorea’s military wants budget increased sharply

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s Defense Ministry is seeking a sharp increase in next year’s budget to improve its fighting capability due to tensions over the deadly sinking of a warship blamed on North Korea, an official said Wednesday.
Defense Ministry officials have agreed to request about 31.6 trillion won …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : SKorea’s Defense Ministry seeking sharp budget increase amid tension over warship sinking.

Three arrested for attack on Catholic priest

PATNA – Three people have been arrested in connection with an attack on a Catholic priest in a Bihar town, police said Wednesday.

Father Michael Ignatius was shot at late Monday near Nazarath Hospital at Mokama, about 100 km from here. He was shifted to the Kurji Holy Family Hospital here. His condition is stated to …. Source  : Three arrested for attack on Catholic priest.

Indefinite curfew in south Kashmir after mob violence

SRINAGAR – An indefinite curfew was imposed Wednesday in south Kashmir towns of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama while it continued without any relaxation for the fifth day in north Kashmir’s Sopore town and for the second day in Old City areas here to curb widespread violence.

Following the deaths of three teenagers in Anantnag town Tuesday, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Four people were killed and eight critically injured when a car ran over them in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district while they were attending to a motorcyclist injured in an accident, police said Wednesday.

The Tavera car late Tuesday ran into the group of men attending to the motorcyclist who was hurt after colliding with …. Read the original article  : Four killed in Uttar Pradesh accident.

Police: Fighting erupts in eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, explosions heard at airport

Fighting erupts at airport in eastern Afghan city

KABUL, Afghanistan – Fighting has erupted in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad where police say they heard explosions at the airport.
Ghafor Khan, a spokesman for the provincial police chief in Nangarhar province, said Wednesday that police heard blasts and gunshots from inside the airport. He says international … Read : Police: Fighting erupts in eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, explosions heard at airport.

Amusement park accident in southern Chinese city kills 6, injures 10

Amusement park accident kills 6 in southern China

HONG KONG – An accident on a space-themed ride at a southern Chinese amusement park has killed six people and injured 10.
A statement Wednesday from the city government in Shenzhen said the accident occurred on the Space Journey ride at OCT East theme park Tuesday afternoon. It said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Amusement park accident in southern Chinese city kills 6, injures 10.

As storms rattle Gulf Coast region, crews aboard ships cleaning spill become spectators

Cleanup ships idled as storm rattles Gulf region

GRAND ISLE, La. – The crashing waves and gusting winds churned up by now Hurricane Alex put the Gulf oil spill largely in Mother Nature’s hands Tuesday. Regardless of whether the storm makes things worse or even better, it has turned many people fighting the spill into spectators.
Oil-skimming … Original source on Gaea Times at : As storms rattle Gulf Coast region, crews aboard ships cleaning spill become spectators.