BP robots assemble more of undersea oil cap as Gulf Coast residents watch warily

BP reports progress on oil cap; Gulf Coast waits

NEW ORLEANS – BP underwater robots steadily assembled heavy metal pieces in what could be the most significant progress yet toward containing the gushing Gulf of Mexico oil well, watched warily by residents onshore.
The oil giant was ahead of schedule as it went into the 83rd day …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BP robots assemble more of undersea oil cap as Gulf Coast residents watch warily.

Rights group: Afghan civilian deaths rise with surge of violence, but NATO causes fewer deaths

Afghan civilian deaths rise, but NATO kills fewer

KABUL, Afghanistan – Escalating violence in Afghanistan is now the worst since the early months of the nearly 9-year-old war, killing 1,074 civilians so far this year as international forces struggle to establish security, an Afghan rights group said Monday.
However, the share of civilians killed by international forces …. Read the original article  : Rights group: Afghan civilian deaths rise with surge of violence, but NATO causes fewer deaths.

Five students hurt as bus overturns in Delhi (Lead, superseding earlier story)

NEW DELHI – Five school students were injured Monday when the overcrowded mini-bus they were travelling in overturned in north Delhi, police said.

The accident occurred around 7.30 a.m. near the Wazirabad bridge when the driver of the privately run RTV (mini-bus) lost control while taking a U-turn. The students were on their way to school. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Five students hurt as bus overturns in Delhi (Lead, superseding earlier story).

Koda scam may be handed over to CBI

RANCHI – Jharkhand is likely to hand over investigation in the Rs.2,500 crore money laundering scam involving former chief minister Madhu Koda to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an official source said Monday.

The state government wrote to CBI last month asking it to take over the investigation. “CBI has given its consent. The letter … Read more »»».

Pakistani spy had licence, voter ID and PAN card: police

CHANDIGARH – Kashif Ali, the suspected Pakistani spy who was arrested here two days ago, had duped government departments and banks during his over two-year stay here. He had a driving licence, voter ID card and even a PAN card – all procured on the basis of fake documents, police said Monday.

Ali’s rented accommodation in … Original article on : Pakistani spy had licence, voter ID and PAN card: police.

North Korea, US-led UN Command to meet this week to discuss South warship sinking

NKorea, US-led UN Command to meet over sinking

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea and the American-led U.N. Command will meet this week to discuss the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on Pyongyang, the U.N. Command said Monday.
The announcement came three days after the U.N. Security Council approved a statement that condemned the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : North Korea, US-led UN Command to meet this week to discuss South warship sinking.

Five students hurt as mini-bus overturns in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Five students were injured Monday when they were hit by a mini-bus that overturned in north Delhi, police said.

The accident occurred around 7.30 a.m. near the Wazirabad bridge when the driver lost control while taking a U-turn. The students who were hurt were walking to school when the vehicle hit them.
“The … Read more : Five students hurt as mini-bus overturns in Delhi.

AP Interview: New offshore drilling chief says he may rile industry, environmental groups

AP Interview: New drilling chief promises balance

WASHINGTON – The former federal prosecutor who now heads the government agency that oversees offshore drilling says he is not afraid to fine lawbreaking oil companies or even put some executives in jail.
But Michael Bromwich says he is not an anti-drilling zealot and will probably take actions that upset … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Interview: New offshore drilling chief says he may rile industry, environmental groups.

Two held in train with cache of firearms

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested with a huge cache of firearms from a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district, police said Monday.

Sajid and Shahzad were arrested late Sunday from the New Delhi-bound Vikramshila Express. A total of 11 pistols and 22 magazines were recovered from them during a joint operation by the Uttar … Read more : Two held in train with cache of firearms.

11 killed as late monsoon wreaks havoc in Nepal

KATHMANDU – At least 11 people were killed as a late monsoon brought misery in Nepal, triggering landslides and fears about a possible breach in the Kosi barrage that two years ago wreaked havoc in Nepal and India.

Police said 10 people, mostly women and children, died in western Nepal after landslides swept villages, reducing shacks … Original article on : 11 killed as late monsoon wreaks havoc in Nepal.

Twin explosions hit crowds in Uganda watching World Cup final; 64 killed including 1 American

Blasts hit World Cup watchers in Uganda, kill 64
KAMPALA, Uganda – Explosions tore through crowds watching the World Cup final at a rugby club and an Ethiopian restaurant, killing at least 64 people including an American aid worker, officials said. Police feared an al-Qaida-linked Somali … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Twin explosions hit crowds in Uganda watching World Cup final; 64 killed including 1 American.

BP says cost of dealing with Gulf of Mexico oil spill reaches $3.5 billion

BP says oil spill costs climb to $3.5 billion

LONDON – BP PLC said Monday that the cost of dealing with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has risen to $3.5 billion.
The oil company said this includes nearly $165 million paid to settle individual claims. BP said that by Saturday, it had received 105,000 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BP says cost of dealing with Gulf of Mexico oil spill reaches $3.5 billion.

Rescue work on in Punjab, Haryana to plug breaches

CHANDIGARH – Rescue work was on in flood-hit areas of Punjab and Haryana Monday as the army joined efforts to plug breaches in the Ghaggar river that had inundated scores of villages the day before.

“Due to breaches in Ghaggar river and heavy flow of water, various villages submerged in Mansa (in Punjab). Hundreds of …. Source  : Rescue work on in Punjab, Haryana to plug breaches.

Haryana wants joint patrolling of canals, rivers with Punjab

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government, which blames farmers in Punjab for diverting flood water from the Ghaggar river into the dry Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal leading to flooding in some districts, wants joint police patrolling of canals and rivers in both states.

Advisor to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda R.N. Prashar Monday said cuts in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haryana wants joint patrolling of canals, rivers with Punjab.

Drag racing driver dies after crash at NHRA event outside Seattle

Driver killed in crash at Washington raceway

KENT, Wash. – A 60-year-old drag racing driver became the third person to die at an NHRA event this year when he crashed after crossing the finish line during his semifinal heat at the Northwest Nationals on Sunday.
Mark Niver of Phoenix was competing in the Top Alcohol dragster class …. Original article  : Drag racing driver dies after crash at NHRA event outside Seattle.

Clinton condemns Uganda bombings, promises US help tracking down perpetrators

Clinton condemns Uganda bombings, promises US help
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is “strongly condemning” the explosions that killed more than 60 people, including at least one American, in Uganda on Sunday.
Clinton says the United States will work with the Ugandan government “to bring the perpetrators of this crime to … Read : Clinton condemns Uganda bombings, promises US help tracking down perpetrators.

23 die in Guatemala violence

Guatemala City, July 12 (IANS/EFE) At least 23 people, including six women, have been killed in separate incidents of violence in Guatemala, police said.

The incidents that left nearly two dozen dead across the country took place Saturday, a media report said Sunday.
Twelve people were killed in the province of Guatemala, which includes the capital, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 23 die in Guatemala violence.

6.2-magnitude quake jolts Chile

SANTIAGO – An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale jolted the northern part of Chile, but there was no report of damage or casualties, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has said.

The quake occurred at 0011 GMT Monday, with the epicentre 80 km northeast of Calama in the Atacama desert, Xinhua reported quoting the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 6.2-magnitude quake jolts Chile.

Twin bombings strike crowds in Uganda watching World Cup final; 64 people killed

Bombs strike World Cup watchers in Uganda, kill 64

KAMPALA, Uganda – In simultaneous bombings bearing the hallmarks of international terrorists, two explosions ripped through crowds watching the World Cup final in two places in Uganda’s capital late Sunday, killing 64 people, police said. One American was killed and several were wounded.
The deadliest attack occurred at [..] Read the original article: here.

64 killed in bomb attacks in Uganda as people watched World Cup; Americans among victims

64 die in bomb attacks in Uganda during World Cup

KAMPALA, Uganda – In simultaneous bombings bearing the hallmarks of international terrorists, two explosions ripped through crowds watching the World Cup final in two places in Uganda’s capital late Sunday, killing 64 people, police said. One American was killed and several were wounded.
The deadliest attack occurred … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 64 killed in bomb attacks in Uganda as people watched World Cup; Americans among victims.

Honour killings have no place in Canada: Minister

TORONTO – After recent incidents of alleged honour killings in the Indian and Pakistani communities here, the Canadian minister for women affairs Monday warned that these gruesome acts have no place this country.

Visiting the Punjabi Community Health Services in Mississauga on the outskirts of Toronto, Rona Ambrose, who is the Canadian minister for the status … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Honour killings have no place in Canada: Minister.

Fear of floods haunts Bihar

PATNA – With water entering dozens of villages and water levels rising in several rivers, the fear of floods is back in Bihar where people have started fleeing their homes in panic, officials said Tuesday.

Water levels in the Kosi, Gandak, Bodhi Gandak and Bagmati rivers increased after heavy rains in the state and the catchment …. Read the original article  : Fear of floods haunts Bihar.

As BP prepares to test new cap on oil leak, Gulf region’s residents wonder what comes next

BP prepares to test new cap installed on oil leak

NEW ORLEANS – After securing a new, tight-fitting cap on top of the leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico, BP prepared Tuesday to begin tests to see if it will hold and stop fresh oil from polluting the waters for the first time in nearly …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : As BP prepares to test new cap on oil leak, Gulf region’s residents wonder what comes next.

BP Video Assures Gulf Residents

GULF OF MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- If the recently uploaded video on the BP site is any indication then the Louisiana residents plagued by the Gulf oil spill can heave a sigh of relief. A footage that is now available in the web shows a giant underwater robot placing a cap on the well under the … Original article on : BP Video Assures Gulf Residents.

Injured Uttar Pradesh minister is out of danger

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh minister Nand Gopal Gupta alias Nandi, who was critically injured in a bomb blast in Allahabad, is “conscious and out of danger”, doctors said here Tuesday.

Nandi, the minister for finance (stamps and registrations), was late Monday flown in a state plane from the Jeevan Jyoti Hospital in Allahabad to the Sanjay … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Injured Uttar Pradesh minister is out of danger.

State media: 17 dead, 44 missing after landslides slam mountain towns in China

17 dead, 44 missing as landslides hit China towns

BEIJING – Landslides slammed into three mountain hamlets in western China early Tuesday, killing 17 people and leaving 44 missing, while crews drained a fast-rising reservoir in another part of the country following heavy rains.
The landslides swept through three different areas before dawn, state media said. In … Read more : State media: 17 dead, 44 missing after landslides slam mountain towns in China.

17 dead, 44 missing in China landslides

BEIJING – Seventeen people were killed and 44 went missing Tuesday after rains triggered landslides in southwest China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, authorities said.

In Yunnan, four people were killed and 42 went missing early Tuesday after landslides and floods hit Xiaohe township in Zhaotong city; 53 people were injured.
The provincial government has sent …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 17 dead, 44 missing in China landslides.

Gov’t hopes new offshore drilling moratorium can survive legal challenge

Gov’t hopes new drilling moratorium can survive

WASHINGTON – Rebuffed twice by the courts, the Obama administration is taking another crack at a moratorium on deep-water drilling, stressing new evidence of safety concerns and no longer basing the moratorium on water depth. But those who challenge the latest ban question whether it complies with a judge’s …. Original article  : Gov’t hopes new offshore drilling moratorium can survive legal challenge.

Denver air crash probe focuses on crosswinds, questions actions by pilot and controller

Denver air crash probe focuses on crosswinds

WASHINGTON – Strong crosswinds are the focus of an investigation into why an airliner with 110 passengers ran off a runway in Denver, but the actions of air traffic controllers and the flight’s captain have also been questioned, National Transportation Safety Board documents show.
The board is scheduled to meet … Read : Denver air crash probe focuses on crosswinds, questions actions by pilot and controller.

Man On Fire Is ‘Mysterious’, Says Police

BELLEVUE (GaeaTimes.com)- A man on fire was seen walking the streets in the 14000 block of Southeast 36th Street in Bellevue this weekend. The bystanders in that part of the street quickly helped to put out the fire and immediately called the 911 for help, however their efforts were in vain after it was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man On Fire Is ‘Mysterious’, Says Police.

Man kills brother, sister-in-law over property dispute

HISAR – A man shot dead his elder brother, the additional advocate general of Haryana, and sister-in-law over a property dispute, police here said Tuesday.

Ankur Sura killed Sanjiv Sura, 36, and Sunita Sura, 32, late Sunday. Their mother Ginni Devi was the only eyewitness. She registered a complaint against her younger son, who was arrested …. Source  : Man kills brother, sister-in-law over property dispute.

Nepal Maoist guerrilla gets gangster rap

KATHMANDU – The ‘People’s Liberation Army’ (PLA) under Nepal’s opposition Maoist party, which helped the guerrillas wage a 10-year war but now is preventing them from forming the new government, has come into fresh controversy with the suspected involvement of a senior fighter in criminal activities.

Ironically, while the Maoist leadership has been trying to get …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal Maoist guerrilla gets gangster rap.

Nashville Rising benefit concert led by Faith Hill, Tim McGraw raises $2.2M for flood victims

Hill, McGraw-led flood benefit raises $2.2M

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Nashville Rising benefit concert led by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw has raised over $2.2 million for flood victims in middle Tennessee.
The total came from sold-out ticket sales, donations and sponsorships. It will be distributed through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
Last month’s all-star concert included … Read more »»».

Wildlife Officials Hunt Killer Alligator

FLORIDA (GaeaTimes.com)- In a recent development a man was attacked by a large alligator in a canal in Florida which chopped off one of his hands. Gabriella Ferraro the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission representative said that Timothy Delano, the 18 year old guy is now recuperating at a hospital. The good thing … Read more : Wildlife Officials Hunt Killer Alligator.

State media: 3 dead, 50 missing after landslide slams mountain town in SW China

3 dead, 50 missing after landslide hits China town

BEIJING – A landslide slammed into a mountain town in southwest China early Tuesday, killing three people and leaving at least 50 missing, while crews drained an engorged reservoir in another part of the country following heavy rains.
Rescuers tried to locate the 56 missing people after a … Original source on Gaea Times at : State media: 3 dead, 50 missing after landslide slams mountain town in SW China.

Three dead, 50 missing in China landslides

BEIJING – Landslides triggered by torrential rains left three people dead and at least 50 missing in southwest China’s Yunnan province, authorities said Tuesday.

Eleven people were injured in the disaster, the provincial government said in a press release.
Heavy rains battered Xiaohe township of Qiaojia county early Tuesday, followed by flash floods and landslides that …. Original article  : Three dead, 50 missing in China landslides.

Dog shoots man in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – A man in New Zealand was shot in the butt when his pet dog jumped on a loaded rifle.

The incident took place Saturday in the Northland region when the dog accidentally stepped on the trigger of the .22 rifle and ended up firing at his 40-year-old owner.
The injured man was among a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dog shoots man in New Zealand.

4 killed in heavy rains in Honduras

4 die in heavy rains in Honduras
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Four people have been killed and another injured following a week of heavy rains in Honduras.

The country’s Permanent Emergency Commission says three men died Monday while trying to cross rain-swollen streams or rivers.
And one teenage boy was killed and an 11-year-old injured when their house partially …. Read the original article  : here.

Teen stabs mother’s boyfriend to death

NEW YORK – A 15-year-old boy stabbed his mother’s boyfriend to death after the man disconnected the cable television connection, police said.

Adruis Ovalles, a resident of the Bronx area, plunged a knife into the chest of 26-year-old Albert Matthew Hartzog three times, despite his mother’s pleas to stop, Fox News reported.
The teen had vanished … Original article on : Teen stabs mother’s boyfriend to death.

Haiti quake victims furious as floods sweep through ’safe’ camp for refugees

Haiti: Summer storm floods ’safe’ refugee camp
CORAIL-CESSELESSE, Haiti – A summer storm ripped through tents and sent solar-powered streetlights crashing down at the government’s primary relocation camp for people left homeless by the January earthquake.
The storm damage on Monday, six months to the day after the disaster, intensified questions about why people were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Haiti quake victims furious as floods sweep through ’safe’ camp for refugees.

Four gangmen run over by train, three die

LUCKNOW – Three railway employees repairing tracks were killed when they were run over by a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district Wednesday. A fourth gangman is critically injured.

The four gangmen were carrying out some repair work on the tracks when they came under the Jammu Tawi-Kanpur Express near Agvanpur railway station in Moradabad, about … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Four gangmen run over by train, three die.

Oil will keep spewing into the Gulf of Mexico while more analysis is done on new cap

Gulf oil to keep flowing while cap is analyzed

NEW ORLEANS – The plan to start choking off oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico was suddenly halted as government officials and BP said further analysis must be done Wednesday before critical tests could proceed.
No explanation was given for the decision, and no date was set … Original article on : Oil will keep spewing into the Gulf of Mexico while more analysis is done on new cap.

Mumbai Port Trust Gas Leak Kills 3

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Mumbai Port Trust witnessed a major gas leak which killed three people on Wednesday. Reportedly, the killings were caused by inhaling chlorine gas which leaked from the cylinders that were kept near the Mumbai Port Trust area.
Besides three deaths, 60 other has been hospitalized out of which six were said to be … Original article on : Mumbai Port Trust Gas Leak Kills 3.

NATO: 3 international troops die in attack on police headquarters in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

3 NATO troops die in attack on Kandahar police HQ

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – NATO says three of its troops and five civilians have been killed in an attack on police headquarters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.
An Afghan official says a police officer also died in the attack late Tuesday night.
A statement from the international …. Read the original article  : NATO: 3 international troops die in attack on police headquarters in Afghanistan’s Kandahar.

Rescue work on in flood-hit Mansa in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Rescue work was on in Punjab’s Mansa district Wednesday where several acres of agricultural land were inundated and many villages submerged as water overflowed from the Ghaggar river.

“The flood situation is grim in Sardulgarh area. Nearly 25 villages are flooded and most of the residents have been shifted to safe locations. We are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rescue work on in flood-hit Mansa in Punjab.

9 killed, 10 fishermen missing as typhoon lashes Philippines, causes outages, cancels flights

9 killed, 10 missing as typhoon lashes Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year killed at least nine people and left 11 others missing Wednesday after flooding streets in the capital and toppling power lines.
Typhoon Conson slammed into northeast Quezon province with winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour …. Source  : 9 killed, 10 fishermen missing as typhoon lashes Philippines, causes outages, cancels flights.

Death sentences commuted for six in Khairlanji massacre case

NAGPUR – The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court Wednesday commuted the death sentences of six people accused in the massacre of a Dalit family in Khairlanji in 2006 and gave them life imprisonment of 25 years each.

The much awaited verdict was given by a division bench comprising Justices A.P. Lawande and R.C. …. Source  : Death sentences commuted for six in Khairlanji massacre case.

Delhi building collapse kills six of family

NEW DELHI – Six members of a family died when their house in Brahmpuri area of northeast Delhi collapsed early Wednesday, police said.

The three-storied building had been in a bad shape after Monday’s heavy rains.
According to the neighbours, the family had noticed some cracks in the wall and was planning to shift …. Read the original article  : Delhi building collapse kills six of family.

A woman killed every two hours in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, July 14 (IANS/EFE) A woman is killed every two hours in Brazil and this average puts the country in 12th place among nations registering the most violent deaths of women, a study has said.

Most of the victims are killed by relatives, husbands, boyfriends, former partners or men they rejected, the 2010 Map …. Read the original article  : here.

The Sobhraj storyline (To go with: No evidence against me: Charles Sobhraj)

KATHMANDU – Charles Sobhraj’s crime history and legal battle in Nepal:

December 1975: The badly burnt bodies of American tourist Connie Jo Bronzich and an unidentified man found in Kathmandu valley. Police later claimed the body to be of Canadian Laurent Armand Carriere.
1976: Charles Sobhraj arrested in New Delhi and Nepal police put together new … Original source on Gaea Times at : The Sobhraj storyline (To go with: No evidence against me: Charles Sobhraj).

No evidence against me: Charles Sobhraj

KATHMANDU – As his sensational seven-year battle against a three-decade-old murder conviction draws closer, Charles Sobhraj, once dubbed various monikers by the press, some flattering, some spine-tingling, remains cool and confident.

“There is no evidence against me,” the 66-year-old son of a Parsi clothes merchant and Vietnamese mother told IANS. “Had they had a shred of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No evidence against me: Charles Sobhraj.

Drug peddler arrested with heroin worth Rs.1 crore

LUCKNOW – A drug peddler, carrying heroin worth Rs.1 crore, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district, police said Wednesday.

Mumtaz Ahmad, 32, was nabbed Tuesday evening from Dakshintola, about 300 km from Lucknow.
“Acting on a tip-off that an illegal consignment of the drug would be handed over to some men in Mau, we intercepted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Death sentence commuted to life for six in Khairlanji masscare case

NAGPUR – The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court Wednesday commuted death sentences to life terms for six accused in the gruesome Khairlanji Dalit family massacre case of 2006.

A division bench comprising Justices A.P. Lawande and R.C. Chauhan delivered the much-awaited final verdict in the case, turning down a plea by the Central Bureau …. Source article  : Death sentence commuted to life for six in Khairlanji masscare case.

Camarillo Fire Burns 50 Acres

CAMARILLO (GaeaTimes.com)- On Tuesday as huge plumes of smoke emerged from the forest of Camarillo that lies northwest of Los Angeles, voluntary evacuation have been urged for the residents of the area who are threatened by the wildfire that is threatening the life of around 50 families. The Camarillo wildfire had spread about 50 …. Original article  : Camarillo Fire Burns 50 Acres.

Probe finds 29 Pakistani lawmakers’ have fake degrees

ISLAMABAD – At least 29 Pakistani MPs have been found to have submitted fake degrees in order to contest polls, an official said.

Mehmood Raza, an adviser for the higher education commission, told mediapersons Tuesday: “We received 936 degrees, out of which verification of 511 degrees has been completed and 29 invalid degrees have been found.” …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

16 dead as typhoon batters Philippines

MANILA – At least 16 people were killed and 22 were missing as a powerful typhoon battered the northern and eastern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Typhoon Conson made landfall late Tuesday in north-eastern Quezon province, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to Manila and several provinces in the main northern island of Luzon.
Four people were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 16 dead as typhoon batters Philippines.

Race attack: Indian students’ cars torched in Australia

SYDNEY – A group of international students, mostly Indians, in the Australian city of Adelaide are living in constant fear after a gang fire-bombed three of their cars Tuesday, the latest incident in a series of continuing attacks that have damaged 12 cars in three months.

The students, who live in a block of 13 South … Original source on Gaea Times at : Race attack: Indian students’ cars torched in Australia.

Pacheco to attend assembly with armed escort

PANAJI – In police custody in connection with the suspicious death of his 28-year-old lover, former Goa tourism minister Mickky Pacheco will attend the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly with armed police escorts, authorities said Wednesday.

Pacheco would be escorted by policemen to the legislative assembly complex if he continues to be in police …. Original source  : Pacheco to attend assembly with armed escort.

Police: Man struck by lightning on driving range at Arizona golf course dies in hospital

Man struck by lightning in Arizona dies
TUCSON, Ariz. – A man who was struck by lightning last weekend at an Arizona golf course has died.

Tucson police said Tuesday that the man died at University Medical Center. He was taken to the hospital Saturday after being hit by lightning while golfing at Fred Enke Golf Course.
The …. Original article  : Police: Man struck by lightning on driving range at Arizona golf course dies in hospital.

12 bodies found on Mexico highway

Mexico City, July 14 (IANS/EFE) Bodies of 11 people, including a woman, with bullet wounds at the back of the head, were found near a highway in Mexico, officials said.

Motorists passing through the Las Yescas area in Tamaulipas state spotted the bodies Monday and called police, the Attorney General’s Office said.
The bodies showed signs … Original source on Gaea Times at : 12 bodies found on Mexico highway.

Goa hotel booked for French officer’s drowning

PANAJI – Goa Police Thursday booked authorities of a hotel in the beach village of Anjuna for negligence after a French naval officer drowned in its swimming pool a day earlier.

Orlati Vincent David, 25, a French Naval officer was posted onboard a warship which had docked at the Goa port recently and was holidaying with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Goa hotel booked for French officer’s drowning.

Report: China says angry steel worker set bus fire that killed 24

China says passenger set bus fire that killed 24

BEIJING – An angry Chinese steel worker started the shuttle bus fire that killed 24 people and injured 19 near Shanghai earlier this month, state media reported Thursday.
The official Xinhua News Agency cited police in Wuxi, a city near Shanghai, as saying that a 57-year-old employee deliberately … Read more >>>.

Explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley kills 3, wounds 35

Police: Blast in Pakistani valley kills 3
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – An apparent suicide bombing near a bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley killed three people and wounded at least 35 on Thursday, officials said, a sign that Islamist militants remain active in the northwest region despite a massive army operation against them.

The explosion went off around … Read : Explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley kills 3, wounds 35.

Probe into workers’ death in Jindal plant begins

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh police Thursday began probe into the death of two workers at a Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) plant, police said.

Two workers were killed and one injured critically Wednesday at the plant, owned by Congress MP Naveen Jindal, Raigarh district, some 220 km from Raipur.
“We have sent an additional superintendent … Read more : Probe into workers’ death in Jindal plant begins.

Top Indonesian model detained over sex video

JAKARTA – An Indonesian model and television presenter has been detained for being uncooperative in an investigation into sex videos allegedly involving her and her rockstar boyfriend, police said Thursday.

Luna Maya, one of the country’s most famous celebrities, was picked up by police Wednesday night, said a national police spokesman, Marwoto Soeto.
“She wasn’t being … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Top Indonesian model detained over sex video.

Explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley kills 2, wounds 35

Police: Blast in Pakistani valley kills 2
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – An explosion near a bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley killed two people and wounded at least 35 people Thursday, officials said, a sign that Islamist militants remain active in the northwest region despite a massive army operation against them.

The explosion went off around noon in … Original article on : Explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley kills 2, wounds 35.

Woman posing as Dubai ruler’s daughter held

LUDHIANA – A 40-year-old woman, who posed as the daughter of Dubai’s ruler and tried to dupe the family of one of the 17 Indian youths on death row in the UAE, has been arrested in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, an official said Thursday.

Sarabjit Kaur, a resident of Mahianwala village near Zira town in Ferozepur district, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman posing as Dubai ruler’s daughter held.

Police say explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley wounds at least 7

Police: Blast in Pakistani valley wounds 7

MINGORA, Pakistan – Police say an explosion near a bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley has wounded at least seven people.
Police official Rehmat Khan says the blast went off Thursday around noon in Mingora, the main town in Swat.
The valley was the scene of a major Pakistani military operation … Read : Police say explosion near bus terminal in Pakistan’s Swat Valley wounds at least 7.

Indian-origin doctor appeals conviction in Australia

SYDNEY – Jayant Patel, an Indian origin doctor sentenced to seven years in prison for manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm on patients at an Australian hospital, Thursday appealed against his sentence and conviction.

His lawyers lodged the papers in the Queensland Court of Appeal late Thursday afternoon, Australian news agency AAP reported.
Dubbed “Dr …. Read the original article  : here.

BP works to fix valve leak on cap that could choke off oil leaking into Gulf of Mexico

BP works to fix valve leak before choking oil flow

NEW ORLEANS – BP engineers working to choke the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico found a leak on a line attached to the side of the new well cap and were trying to fix it Thursday before attempting to stop the flow of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BP works to fix valve leak on cap that could choke off oil leaking into Gulf of Mexico.

Case against ‘unknown persons’ in chlorine gas leak

MUMBAI – Mumbai Police Thursday registered a case against “unknown persons” in connection with the chlorine gas leak at the Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) premises that led to 100 people falling sick.

“A First Information Report (FIR) under the Environment Protection Act has been registered against unknown persons. Probe is on in the matter,” said … Read more >>>.

CIA paid Iranian scientist $5 mn: Report

WASHINGTON – The Iranian nuclear scientist, who returned to Iran early Thursday after claiming he had been abducted by the US, received more than $5 million from the CIA for providing intelligence, The Washington Post reported.

The Post Thursday quoted unnamed officials as saying that Shahram Amiri would not have to give back the money but … Read more »».

Andhra district still tense after police firing

HYDERABAD – The situation in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district continued to be tense Thursday, a day after police firing on villagers protesting against a thermal power project killed two and the ensuing violence left about 150 injured.

People in Sompeta area and surrounding villages of Srikakulam district, around 600 km from here, lived in fear as [..] Read the original article: here.

Domestic violence deaths rise 40 percent in Argentina

Buenos Aires, July 15 (IANS/EFE) A total of 126 women died as a result of domestic violence in Argentina during the first half of this year, 40 percent more than during the same period in 2009, according to statistics published by the organisation La Casa del Encuentro.

The report is based on the cases reported in …. Original article  : Domestic violence deaths rise 40 percent in Argentina.

Wildlife toll mounts in Gulf as oil hits Louisiana’s largest seabird nesting ground

Oil hits Louisiana’s largest seabird nesting area

NEW ORLEANS – Biologists say oil has smeared at least 300-400 pelicans and hundreds of terns in the largest seabird nesting area along the Louisiana coast – marking a sharp and sudden escalation in wildlife harmed by BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The finding underscores that official tallies of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Wildlife toll mounts in Gulf as oil hits Louisiana’s largest seabird nesting ground.

Researchers say 300-400 pelicans oiled in Louisiana’s largest pelican nesting ground

Oil hits Louisiana’s largest pelican nesting area

NEW ORLEANS – Biologists say oil has smeared at least 300-400 pelicans and hundreds of terns in the largest seabird nesting area on the Louisiana coast – marking a sharp and sudden increase in wildlife damage from BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Biologist Marc Dantzker said Wednesday that a … Read more : Researchers say 300-400 pelicans oiled in Louisiana’s largest pelican nesting ground.

BP says leak was discovered in valve and is being repaired as it works to stop oil

BP says isolated leak discovered in valve on cap

NEW ORLEANS – BP says a leak has been detected near the top of a new cap designed to stop the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, but it was isolated and being repaired.
The leak was discovered after the oil giant started shutting off valves … Read : BP says leak was discovered in valve and is being repaired as it works to stop oil.

Power slowly restored after typhoon sweeps through Philippines, killing 26

Power back after typhoon kills 26 in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Electricity was restored in the Philippine capital, flights resumed and schools reopened Thursday after the first typhoon of the season killed at least 26 people and plunged most of the main northern island into darkness.
Thirty-eight people remained missing, mostly fishermen caught by Typhoon Conson’s fury …. Original article  : Power slowly restored after typhoon sweeps through Philippines, killing 26.

‘Abducted’ Iranian scientist back in Tehran

BERLIN – The Iranian scientist who was allegedly abducted by the United States arrived in Tehran Thursday, state media reported.

While showing a victory sign, Shahram Amiri was welcomed at Tehran’s IKIA airport by deputy foreign minister Hassan Ghashghavi as well as his wife, son and parents.
Amiri has said Wednesday that once back in Iran, …. Original article  : ‘Abducted’ Iranian scientist back in Tehran.

NKorea, US-led UN Command meet to discuss deadly sinking of SKorean warship

NKorea, US-led UN Command meet to discuss sinking

SEOUL, South Korea – Military officers from North Korea and the American-led U.N. Command met Thursday for talks on the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship that has been blamed on Pyongyang.
Colonel-level officers gathered at the Korean border village of Panmunjom for about 90 minutes, U.N. Command …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NKorea, US-led UN Command meet to discuss deadly sinking of SKorean warship.

Toll for double Iran mosque bombing rises to 27, may increase further

Death toll for Iran mosque bombing rises to 27

TEHRAN, Iran – The death toll for twin bombings outside a mosque in southeast Iran rose to 27, Iranian media reported Friday, making it one of the deadliest attacks in years.
Iranian Health Minister Marzieh Vahid Dastagerdi told the semiofficial ISNA news agency that another 270 were injured, … Read more : Toll for double Iran mosque bombing rises to 27, may increase further.

Missing girl found after seven years in US

WASHINGTON – A girl, missing for the past seven years in the US, was found by police hidden in a shower under a pile of clothes and towels.

When officials showed up at a house in Arizona looking for the missing California girl, the family inside were “evasive and untruthful”, said Capt Patrick Maxwell of the …. Source article  : Missing girl found after seven years in US.

First family to visit scenic Maine park, hope to leave behind the Obama travel jinx

Obamas head to family weekend on Maine coast
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his family are heading off Friday for the weekend to a spectacular national park on the coast of Maine, no doubt hoping this latest jaunt doesn’t fall victim to the Obama family travel hex.
That would be the one in which …. Source article  : First family to visit scenic Maine park, hope to leave behind the Obama travel jinx.

With Gulf geyser under control, coastal residents watch and wait to see if it holds

Gulf geyser stops gushing, but will it hold?
NEW ORLEANS – Now the wait begins.
BP finally gained control over one of America’s biggest environmental catastrophes by placing a carefully fitted cap over a runaway geyser that has been gushing crude into the Gulf of Mexico since early spring. Engineers, politicians and Gulf residents will … Read more : With Gulf geyser under control, coastal residents watch and wait to see if it holds.

Oil flow stopped, US environment nightmare not yet over

WASHINGTON – For the first time in nearly three months, the gushing oil from BP’s ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico has stopped with a robotic submersible slowly closing a valve, but America’s worst environmental disaster is not yet over.

The technological breakthrough came as BP finally began an “integrity test” Thursday, 87 days …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil flow stopped, US environment nightmare not yet over.

Blaze engulfs hotel in Iraq’s Kurdish north, killing 29 including foreigners, say police

Hotel fire kills 29, including foreigners, in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A fire in a five-story hotel in northern Iraq killed 29 people, including foreigners, police and hospital officials in the city of Sulaimaniyah said on Friday. At least some of the victims appeared to have died as they jumped from the windows to escape the blaze.
Chief …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lebanon is booming 20 years after civil war, but still cannot produce enough power

Lebanon is booming but no end to power outages

BEIRUT – On a typical night out in Beirut, glitzy nightclubs thrum with revelers, tourists pack breezy seaside restaurants and the lights from brand-new, million-dollar skyscrapers dot the horizon.
But beneath Lebanon’s gleaming exterior lies a creaky, third-world infrastructure that is preventing the country from fully emerging from …. Source  : Lebanon is booming 20 years after civil war, but still cannot produce enough power.

Man held for dowry in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – A 30-year-old man was arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of harassing his wife for dowry and threatening to post MMS clips of their sexual relationship on the internet, police said Friday.

The accused, Suraj Chetwani, was arrested here late Thursday while accepting money from his father-in-law.
Suraj had been torturing his wife for … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man held for dowry in Chhattisgarh.

NATO airstrike kills Taliban commander in north

NATO airstrike kills Taliban commander in north

KABUL, Afghanistan – An official says a NATO airstrike killed a Taliban commander responsible for a suicide attack on a U.S. aid program in northern Afghanistan.
The police chief of Kunduz province in the north said Friday that a precision airstrike killed a local Taliban commander who uses the alias …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NATO airstrike kills Taliban commander in north.

Judge recuses himself from hearing Pacheco’s case

PANAJI – A Bombay High Court judge for the second time in a month recused himself from hearing a bail petition filed by former Goa tourism minister Mickky Pacheco, arrested in connection with the suspicious death of his alleged lover.

N.A. Britto, a judge at the Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court, recused himself … Original article on : Judge recuses himself from hearing Pacheco’s case.

Official says bomb at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 6, wounds 15

Official: Bomb kills 6 in Pakistan tribal area

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market in an area along the Afghan border Friday, killing at least six people and wounding 15 others, a Pakistani official said.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the Khyber, a tribal region whose security …. Original article  : Official says bomb at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 6, wounds 15.

Blaze engulfs hotel in Iraq’s Kurdish north, killing 29 people, including Canadian, say police

Hotel fire kills 29, including Canadian, in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A police chief in northern Iraq says a fire engulfed a five-story hotel killing 29 people, including foreigners.
Police Brig. Gen. Najim-al-Din Qadir of the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah says an electrical short caused the fire. The victims include Bangladeshis, several from African countries and at … Read more : Blaze engulfs hotel in Iraq’s Kurdish north, killing 29 people, including Canadian, say police.

Oil flow stopped at BP oil well

WASHINGTON – For the first time in nearly three months, oil has stopped flowing into the Gulf of Mexico as a robotic submersible slowly closed a valve on BP’s ruptured well’s new sealing cap.

The technological breakthrough came as BP finally began an “integrity test” Thursday, 87 days into the crisis, which began with the April … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil flow stopped at BP oil well.

NTPC engineer found dead

LUCKNOW – A senior engineer with power generation major National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar district Friday, police said.

R.P. Pal’s body was found inside the NTPC complex in Tanda town, some 200 km from Lucknow, by some officials.
“The engineer’s body bears injury marks on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NTPC engineer found dead.

Three Uttar Pradesh cops arrested in arms smuggling scam

LUCKNOW – Three policemen have been arrested from Uttar Pradesh for their suspected involvement in what is known here as the cartridges scam which involved smuggling of arms from government armouries and selling them to Maoists, an official said Friday.

The scam was busted in April after the arrest of a retired sub-inspector Yashodanandan Singh from … Read more >>>.

Oil Spill Stopped Temporarily

NEW ORLEANS (GaeaTimes.com)- The oil spill was stopped by BP on Thursday which was gushing from the Gulf of Mexico but the officials warned that the pipes below the ocean floor might be so damaged that it cannot handle a full seal on a long term basis. BP carefully monitored half-turns of a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil Spill Stopped Temporarily.

Official says explosion at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 3, wounds 7

Official: Blast kills 3 in Pakistan tribal area

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A government official says an explosion at a market in a Pakistani tribal area has killed three people and wounded seven.
Umair Khan says the blast occurred in the Tirah Valley, a remote part of the Khyber tribal region. The exact cause of the Friday blast … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official says explosion at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 3, wounds 7.

20 of family kept hostage as robbers ransack home

CHANDIGARH – More than 20 members of a family were kept hostage in Haryana’s Panchkula town Friday morning while robbers ransacked their home and decamped with valuables and cash worth lakhs of rupees.

Police said five-six robbers entered a house here in Sector 10 at around 5 a.m. and kept 20 members of the family …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iranian authorities say toll for mosque boming has risen to 22, may increase further

Death toll for Iran mosque bombing rises to 22

TEHRAN,Iran – An Iranian official says the toll for an explosion outside a mosque Thursday night has risen to 22 and may increase further.
Ali Mohammad Azad, governor general of Sistan-Baluchistan province has told state TV that “some 22 people were killed instantly” in the twin bombing in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Iranian authorities say toll for mosque boming has risen to 22, may increase further.

Army finds mass graves in Mexico

Monterrey (Mexico), July 16 (IANS/EFE) Army troops found five mass graves, barrels containing bones and other human remains at an automotive junkyard outside Monterrey, the capital of the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, and arrested a suspect, the Defense Secretariat said.

An anonymous caller told authorities that “armed people in vehicles” were in the La …. Read the original article  : here.

Villagers lynch suspected thief in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Villagers on patrol duty beat a youth to death with iron rods, sticks and bricks after they caught him sneaking into a house in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, police said Saturday.

Mukesh Kumar, 21, was lynched late Friday in Niyamatpur village, about 300 km from here.
“A group of villagers, who were on patrolling, … Original article on : Villagers lynch suspected thief in Uttar Pradesh.

Sub-divisional magistrate attempts suicide in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) attempted suicide by shooting himself in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district Saturday morning, police said.

Rajiv Gupta, the SDM of the Maant Tehsil, shot himself in his official residence in Mathura, about 300 km from here.
“He (Gupta) used his licensed revolver to shoot himself. He is critically injured and being [..] Read the original article: here.

Iranian police detain 40 people for double mosque bombing in southeast

Police detains 40 after Iran mosque bombing

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian police arrested 40 suspects as funerals were underway for the victims of a devastating twin bombings outside a mosque in the southeastern city of Zahedan, local media reported on Saturday.
Gen. Ahmad Reza Radan, Iran’s deputy police chief, told the semiofficial Fars agency that the suspects … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iranian police detain 40 people for double mosque bombing in southeast.

Ex-US official jailed for spying for Cuba

WASHINGTON – A former US official has been sentenced to life imprisonment for working as Cuban spy for nearly three decades.

Kendall Myers, 73, a former State Department analyst, was sentenced to life in prison Friday. His wife Gwendolyn Steingraber Myers, 72, who was also convicted for being part of the crime, received a sentence of …. Original source  : Ex-US official jailed for spying for Cuba.

Drunk CRPF trooper kills six colleagues, shot dead

RANCHI – A drunk Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable gunned down six of his colleagues, including an assistant commandant, in a security camp in Jharkhand’s Saraikela district late Friday night. He was later shot dead, police said Saturday.

Constable Harpinder Singh started firing indiscriminately from his automatic rifle around 10.30 p.m. Friday and killed six …. Source article  : Drunk CRPF trooper kills six colleagues, shot dead.

Typhoon Conson becomes a tropical storm after leaving dozens dead in Philippines, 2 in China

Typhoon Conson reduces to storm on way to Vietnam

BEIJING – A typhoon that left dozens dead in the Philippines and killed two in southern China wrecked several Vietnamese ships Saturday while churning toward northern Vietnam as a strong tropical storm.
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said several Vietnamese ships had been wrecked off islands in the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Typhoon Conson becomes a tropical storm after leaving dozens dead in Philippines, 2 in China.

Roadside bomb kills 2 NATO troops in Afghanistan’s volatile south

Blast kills 2 NATO troops in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb killed two NATO troops in southern Afghanistan, the international force said Saturday, adding to a violent summer as coalition forces step up patrols in the Taliban-dominated south.
The NATO-led force did not give details of Friday’s explosion. It said one of the troops … Original article on : Roadside bomb kills 2 NATO troops in Afghanistan’s volatile south.

Clooney testifies in Italy court

Milan, July 17 (IANS/AKI) Hollywood star George Clooney testified before a Milan court as part of a trial of a fraud case involving three men accused of using the actor’s name for a fashion label.

The 49-year-old actor, dressed in an elegant blue suit, responded to Judge Pietro Caccialanza’s questions with the help of an interpreter … Read more : Clooney testifies in Italy court.

Man who held up NY store while attached to oxygen tank dies in Md. accident after police chase

Oxygen-toting robber who fled NY dies in Md. crash

NEW YORK – Authorities say a man who robbed a New York City store while attached to an oxygen tank has died in a car accident in Maryland.
Police say the man, identified as 63-year-old Arthur Williams, of Gadsden, Ala., walked into a Turkish men’s wear store in …. Original article  : Man who held up NY store while attached to oxygen tank dies in Md. accident after police chase.

Seven CRPF men killed in Jharkhand fratricidal shooting

RANCHI – Seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were killed in a fratricidal shooting in a security camp in Jharkhand’s Saraikela district, police said Saturday.

One trooper, who was drunk, started firing indiscriminately and killed six CRPF men late Friday. He was later killed by other troopers who were present in the Kuchai CRPF camp, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Seven CRPF men killed in Jharkhand fratricidal shooting.

12 killed in shootout between soldiers, gunmen in Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo

12 killed in shootout in Mexico border city

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A drug cartel has used a car bomb for the first time in Mexico’s decades-long fight against traffickers, setting a deadly trap against federal police in a city across the border from Texas, the mayor of Ciudad Juarez said Friday.
Mayor Jose Reyes said federal …. Original article  : 12 killed in shootout between soldiers, gunmen in Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo.

NASCAR Trucks race at Gateway postponed by power outage, moved to Saturday afternoon

NASCAR Trucks race postponed by power outage

MADISON, Ill. – A NASCAR trucks race has been postponed because of a power failure at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis.
The race was moved to Saturday at 12:30 Central time. Lights went out in and around the 1.25-mile oval at 7:55 p.m., 23 minutes before the scheduled start … Read more : NASCAR Trucks race at Gateway postponed by power outage, moved to Saturday afternoon.

5,000 people arrested during FIFA World Cup

WASHINGTON – Over 5,000 people were arrested and nearly $10 million seized in an operation across Asia targeting illegal soccer gambling during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Interpol said.

The international police agency coordinated a month-long operation from June 11 to July 11, targeting activities linked to organised crime, in which police raided 800 illegal gambling …. Original article  : 5,000 people arrested during FIFA World Cup.

200 policemen assaulted in Beijing in 2010

BEIJING – Over 200 police officers were assaulted while on duty in Beijing in 2010, and most of the attackers were “jobless and undereducated” people.

Around 89 percent of the attackers were male, and 60 percent belonged to places outside Beijing, Xinhua reported citing a Public Security Bureau statement.
Beijing police authorities are compiling a list … Original article on : 200 policemen assaulted in Beijing in 2010.

2 killed, flights canceled as Typhoon Conson strikes southern China

2 killed as typhoon strikes southern China

BEIJING – A typhoon that left dozens dead in the Philippines and killed two in southern China wrecked several Vietnamese ships Saturday while churning toward northern Vietnam as a strong tropical storm.
China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said several Vietnamese ships had been wrecked off islands in the South China … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 killed, flights canceled as Typhoon Conson strikes southern China.

Four killed in plane crash in Canada

TORONTO – A small plane with six people on board crashed in Canada’s Quebec province Friday, killing four and injuring the other two.

Due to bad weather, the pilot was trying to land the plane near a lake in Maria-Chapdelaine region, north of Lac Saint-Jean, when the accident occurred, Xinhua reported citing the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Four killed in plane crash in Canada.

Haitians pray, party their earthquake troubles away in pilgrimage to sacred waterfall

Quake troubles wash away in sacred Haiti waterfall

SAUT D’EAU, Haiti – Pilgrims, partiers and profit-seekers flocked to a sacred Haitian waterfall Friday where Voodoo and Christian faithful prayed for a better life after six grueling months of post-earthquake trouble.
The annual pilgrimage to Saut d’Eau venerates the site where believers say the Virgin Mary – whom … Read more »»».

June 2010 deadliest month for US army

WASHINGTON – Thirty-two American soldiers killed themselves in June this year, the highest ever in a month for the US army.

Twenty-one of the suicide victims were on active duty, while 11 were on reserve and on the National Guard troops, Prensa Latina reported.
A total of 245 soldiers killed themselves in 2009, with about 70 … Read : June 2010 deadliest month for US army.

Mexican drug gang uses car bomb for 1st time in deadly attack on federal police in border city

Car bomb signals new dimension to Mexican drug war

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A drug cartel has used a car bomb for the first time in Mexico’s decades-long fight against traffickers, setting a deadly trap against federal police in a city across the border from Texas, the mayor of Ciudad Juarez said Friday.
Mayor Jose Reyes said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

BP says no signs that capped Gulf well has started leaking below ground

BP: No signs that capped Gulf well leaking
NEW ORLEANS – BP says there are no signs that its busted Gulf of Mexico well has started leaking underground more than a day after it was capped.
Kent Wells, a BP PLC vice president, said on a Friday evening conference call that engineers are closely monitoring … Read more : BP says no signs that capped Gulf well has started leaking below ground.

‘Drug dealers can meet visitors in Goa jails, legislators can’t’

PANAJI – A drug dealer can meet visitors in the prison, but an arrested legislator is not allowed to meet another legislator in Goa, a Congress leader said Sunday, accusing the police of partisan behaviour.

Agnelo Fernandes, a ruling party legislator from Calangute legislative constituency had gone to meet former tourism minister Mickky Pachecho – …. Read the original article  : here.

Afghan official: Suicide bomb in Kabul kills at least 3 civilians ahead of int’l conference

Suicide bomb in Afghan capital kills 3 civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide bombing in eastern Kabul killed three civilians on Sunday, two days before an international conference that will host representatives from about 60 nations, an Afghan official said.
Police official Abdul Ghafor Sayedzada said the bomber was on foot and his target was unclear. Other … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Afghan official: Suicide bomb in Kabul kills at least 3 civilians ahead of int’l conference.

Afghan official: Explosion in Kabul wounds civilians; witness says attack targeted NATO convoy

Explosion in Afghan capital wounds civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan official says a suicide bombing in eastern Kabul has wounded several civilians.
The blast comes two days before an international conference in Kabul hosting representatives from about 60 nations.
An eyewitness says a suicide bomber on foot targeted a passing NATO convoy. The international force says it … Original article on : Afghan official: Explosion in Kabul wounds civilians; witness says attack targeted NATO convoy.

Officials say death toll in suicide bombing in district near Baghdad rises to 43

Death toll in Iraq suicide bombing rises to 43

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say the death toll in the suicide bombing near Baghdad has risen to 43.
The bomber blew himself up Sunday morning, targeting security personnel in a mostly Sunni district southwest of Baghdad.
The dead were mostly members of an anti-al-Qaida security force known as Sahwa …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brothers arrested for killing sister’s boyfriend

RANCHI – Enraged over their sister’s love affair with a classmate, four brothers thrashed the boy badly and killed him in Jharkhand’s steel city Bokaro, police said Sunday. The four accused have been arrested.

Virat, a Class 12 student of Bokaro Public School, Saturday went to meet his girlfriend Nupur.
The girl’s brothers, who were … Read more >>.

Interrogation into Briton murder case re-started

DHARAMSALA – The Himachal Pradesh Police has re-started interrogation into the murder of British charity worker Michael Blakey in Dharamsala, an official said Sunday.

Blakey, part of an Indian charity, was murdered in November 2006. His body was found beneath boulders in a shallow stream running through an old British cemetery. His post-mortem reports confirmed that …. Original source  : Interrogation into Briton murder case re-started.

Snake charmer held for selling endangered cobras

MORINDA – A snake charmer was arrested from this Punjab town for selling endangered black cobras and bird species. He would sell the venom to representatives of pharmaceutical companies in several states, police said Sunday.

Ramesh Nath Feroze, a resident of a slum rehabilitation area in Morinda town of Ropar district, about 40 km from …. Original article  : Snake charmer held for selling endangered cobras.

Bus falls into river in southwestern China; 27 feared dead, 11 rescued

Bus falls into river in SW China, 27 feared dead

BEIJING – A bus plunged into a river in southwestern China early Sunday, leaving 27 people on board missing and feared dead, state media reported. Rescuers were able to save 11 others.
The official Xinhua News agency said the accident occurred in southwestern Sichuan province when the …. Source article  : Bus falls into river in southwestern China; 27 feared dead, 11 rescued.

2 killed, 11 prisoners escape as bomb, Taliban attacks aid jailbreak in western Afghanistan

11 escape as Taliban attacks aid Afghan jailbreak

KABUL, Afghanistan – A smuggled bomb exploded at a western Afghan prison just as Taliban fighters staged coordinated attacks on four police checkpoints early Sunday, allowing 11 inmates – including suspected insurgents – to escape, officials said.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the brazen jailbreak in Farah province, …. Source  : 2 killed, 11 prisoners escape as bomb, Taliban attacks aid jailbreak in western Afghanistan.

27 missing after bus falls into China river

BEIJING – Twenty-seven people were missing after a bus they were riding in fell into a river in southwest China’s Sichuan province Sunday, authorities said.

The emergency response center with Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture said that 11 passengers were saved.
The bus, registered in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous prefecture, fell into Dajin river inside … Original article on : 27 missing after bus falls into China river.

Strong earthquake shakes distant island region of Alaska; no tsunami danger

Strong earthquake shakes Alaska island region

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A powerful earthquake shook a remote Aleutian Island region of Alaska late Saturday, but there were no reports of damage or injury and no threat of a tsunami, officials said.
The 6.7-magnitude temblor struck at 9:56 p.m. and was centered in the Bering Sea about 155 miles southwest …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Strong earthquake shakes distant island region of Alaska; no tsunami danger.

Major fire in Delhi showroom

NEW DELHI – A major fire broke out in a shoe showroom in central Delhi Sunday morning, an official said.

The fire broke out around 11.15 a.m. in the Baluja showroom in Connaught Place.
“The fire is still on. We are trying to control it. Six fire tenders have been sent to douse the flames,” the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Major fire in Delhi showroom.

Scientists get another day to study cap that is bottling up busted oil well in Gulf of Mexico

Scientists get another day to study Gulf spill cap

NEW ORLEANS – Scientists got an extra day to evaluate whether the giant cork bottling BP’s busted well in the Gulf of Mexico will hold, while officials overseeing the disaster pondered their next step.
After days of watching, engineers still saw no signs of any leak in the … Read more »».

Zsa Zsa Gabor hospitalized with broken bones after falling out of bed in her Bel Air home

Zsa Zsa Gabor hospitalized with broken bones

LOS ANGELES – Zsa Zsa Gabor’s publicist says the 93-year-old actress has been rushed to a hospital after falling out of bed and breaking several bones.
John Blanchette says Gabor was watching television in her Bel Air home Saturday evening when she reached to answer the phone and tumbled to [..] Read the original article: here.

State media says bus falls off a cliff in southwestern China, killing 23 people on board

Bus falls off cliff in southwest China, killing 23

BEIJING – State media says a bus has fallen off a cliff in southwestern China, killing 23 people on board.
The official Xinhua News agency says the bus was traveling from Ma’erkang County in Sichuan province to the provincial capital of Chengdu when it plummeted off a mountain … Read more >>>.

2 killed, 11 prisoners escape after smuggled explosives used in western Afghanistan jailbreak

Taliban claim blast that freed 11 from Afghan jail

KABUL, Afghanistan – A blast from smuggled-in explosives at a prison in western Afghanistan killed a guard and allowed 11 inmates to escape early Sunday, officials said. One prisoner was shot and killed while fleeing.
A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the jailbreak, saying it freed insurgent comrades … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2 killed, 11 prisoners escape after smuggled explosives used in western Afghanistan jailbreak.

Typhoon Conson dies down, leaves 8 missing in Vietnam after slamming Philippines and China

Tail end of Typhoon Conson hits Vietnam; 8 missing

HANOI, Vietnam – Eight people were missing in Vietnam on Sunday as the tail end of Typhoon Conson blew ashore after battering the Philippines and China and killing dozens.
The storm made landfall on Vietnam’s northern coast Saturday night. Six fishermen remained missing after their boat sank as …. Original source  : Typhoon Conson dies down, leaves 8 missing in Vietnam after slamming Philippines and China.

Wildfire knocked down near Ronald Reagan’s former ranch in mountains north of Santa Barbara

Wildfire out near Reagan Ranch near Santa Barbara

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Authorities say a brush fire near the California ranch of former President Ronald Reagan has been knocked down after burning 10 acres and sending thick smoke over mountains north of Santa Barbara.
U.S. Forest Service spokesman Eric Garcia says firefighters using water-dropping helicopters fully surrounded … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Wildfire knocked down near Ronald Reagan’s former ranch in mountains north of Santa Barbara.

28 killed in China mine accident

BEIJING – At least 28 miners were killed when an underground cable caught fire inside a coal mine in China’s Shaanxi province, officials said Sunday.

The incident occurred at around 8.10 p.m. Saturday at the Xiaonangou coal mine in Hancheng city, Xinhua reported citing a provincial government statement.
… Read more »».

28 miners killed in electrical fire triggered inside coal shaft in northern China

28 miners killed in accident in northern China

BEIJING – An electrical fire inside a coal shaft in northern China left 28 miners dead, a government official said Sunday.
An official with the State Administration of Work Safety said the accident, triggered when an electrical cable caught fire, happened Saturday evening at the privately owned Xiaonangou coal … Original article on : 28 miners killed in electrical fire triggered inside coal shaft in northern China.