India keeps close watch on Kosi, `Bihar’s sorrow’

KATHMANDU – With the crisis of 2008 still fresh in mind, when a rain-gorged Kosi river wreaked havoc in southern Nepal and India’s Bihar state, India has begun de-silting the mighty river to avert a fresh crisis this monsoon, the first such effort in nearly 50 years.

India’s Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent H. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India keeps close watch on Kosi, `Bihar’s sorrow’.

Bus bomb kills 6 at Baghdad office of Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya, say police

Bomb kills 6 at Baghdad office of Arab channel

BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber driving a minibus blew himself up in front of the Baghdad office of a popular Arabic-language satellite news channel early Monday, killing six people, police and hospital officials said.
The bomber was apparently waved through the first checkpoint at the Al-Arabiya television station …. Read the original article  : Bus bomb kills 6 at Baghdad office of Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya, say police.

1 family grieves as another clings to hope after Ariz. authorities misidentify women in crash

ID mixup: Family planning funeral now hopeful

PHOENIX – Instead of planning Abby Guerra’s funeral, family and friends hope for her recovery after learning that Arizona authorities misidentified her in an auto accident.
Guerra was initially listed as having died at the scene of the July 18 crash, and her friend, Marlena Cantu, as one who survived, …. Original source  : 1 family grieves as another clings to hope after Ariz. authorities misidentify women in crash.

Teens set fire to chickens in school

LONDON – Three British teenagers set fire to live chickens kept as pets at a primary school, a judge ruled, saying it was “horrific” and the court was “sickened during the trial”.

The three boys – aged 15, 15, 13 – used inflammable liquid to ignite the two birds at the St Peter’s Primary School in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Teens set fire to chickens in school.

Paraglider crashes through bus window in Italy

LONDON – A British paraglider had a miraculous escape after he crashed through the window of a bus in an Italian town.

Matthew Cullen, 43, went off course and smashed through the window of the bus while it was waiting for the traffic lights to turn green in Crespano city in northern Italy, sending shards of …. Original source  : Paraglider crashes through bus window in Italy.

Ousted Thai leader Thaksin marks birthday with tweets from exile amid new political tensions

Divisive ex-Thai leader marks birthday on Twitter

BANGKOK – Thailand’s deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra marked his 61st birthday Monday with tweets from exile that called for peace, a day after a grenade exploded in downtown Bangkok that left one person dead and 10 wounded.
There have been no claims of responsibility for Sunday’s blast at a bus … Read : Ousted Thai leader Thaksin marks birthday with tweets from exile amid new political tensions.

Four killed as car runs over labourers in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Four labourers were killed and four sustained serious injuries when a speeding car ran over the men engaged in road repair work in south Delhi early Monday, police said.

The accident occurred around 1.30 a.m. when a Honda City ran over them near the Safdarjung flyover. The men were working with the public … Read : Four killed as car runs over labourers in Delhi.

Two planes collide mid-air in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – Two planes collided mid-air in New Zealand Monday, one of which crashed while the other landed safely at an airfield. Two people were killed.

Two Cessna 152 planes were involved in the crash near Feilding in the North Island at 3.30 p.m., Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said.
Two people from the plane … Read : Two planes collide mid-air in New Zealand.

Girl dies after being stuffed in sack

MANILA – A six-year-old girl died in the Philippines after her mother allegedly stuffed her into a sack for being stubborn, police said Monday.

Police arrested Melba Gamongan, 34, who tried to flee with her two other children after the incident late Saturday in Tabuk city in Kalinga province, 330 km north of Manila.
Senior Superintendent …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police: Car bomb strikes at Baghdad office of Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya, 4 killed

Bomb kills 4 at Baghdad office of Arab channel

BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber driving a minibus blew himself up in front of the Baghdad office of a popular Arabic-language satellite news channel early Monday, killing four people, police and hospital officials said.
Majid Hamid, a Baghdad-based correspondent for the Saudi Arabia-owned, Dubai-based channel, said the bomber … Read more : Police: Car bomb strikes at Baghdad office of Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya, 4 killed.

21 killed in Afghan bus accident

KABUL – At least 21 passengers were killed and 26 injured when a bus veered off the road in southern Afghanistan Monday, officials said.

The accident happened in the southern province of Kandahar, on the highway from Kabul to the provincial capital Kandahar city.
Two girls, two women and 17 men were killed in the accident, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 21 killed in Afghan bus accident.

Police say 22 people killed in bus accident in southern Afghanistan

Police: 22 killed in Afghan bus crash
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A speeding bus flipped over Monday in southern Afghanistan, killing 22 people who were on board, Afghan police said.

The bus ran off the road in Daman district south of Kandahar city just after dawn and flipped over, said the head of traffic police for the province, … Original article on : Police say 22 people killed in bus accident in southern Afghanistan.

US official: BP CEO Tony Hayward is out; American running spill response could be successor

Could American take over Britain’s BP?
NEW ORLEANS – The man overseeing the much-maligned response by BP PLC to the Gulf oil spill crisis is the likely choice to replace gaffe-prone Tony Hayward to run the company and would become the first American to ever head the oil giant.

A senior U.S. government official said Sunday that … Original source on Gaea Times at : US official: BP CEO Tony Hayward is out; American running spill response could be successor.

Pacheco granted bail in culpable homicide case

PANAJI – Former Goa tourism minister Francisco alias Mickky Pacheco was Monday granted conditional bail by a trial court in a culpable homicide case related to the mysterious death of his alleged lover Nadia Torrado.

After evading arrest for nearly a month, Pacheco was arrested July 5 in connection with the mysterious death of 28-year-old Torrado. … Read more : Pacheco granted bail in culpable homicide case.

Police say 26 people killed in bus accident in southern Afghanistan

Police: 26 killed in Afghan bus crash
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A speeding bus flipped over Monday in southern Afghanistan, killing 26 people who were on board, Afghan police said.

The bus ran off the road in Daman district south of Kandahar city just after dawn and flipped over, said the head of traffic police for the province, …. Original source  : Police say 26 people killed in bus accident in southern Afghanistan.

Man hides 140,000 pounds in aunt’s grave

LONDON – A Briton hid 140,000 pounds in his aunt’s grave to dodge tax sleuths, but the cache was uncovered after the tax inspectors were tipped-off.

The man buried the money so as to fool the Inland Revenue. He planned to leave the cash there for 20 years before digging it up. The 20 year period …. Read the original article  : Man hides 140,000 pounds in aunt’s grave.

Indian-origin man becomes road safety envoy

KUALA LUMPUR – An Indian-origin man who lost his arm in a road accident in Malaysia has turned into a road safety ambassador, urging public to use helmets and drive carefully.

T. Nantha Kumar, 24, had his right arm amputated in May 2009 after a speeding car on the Jelutong Expressway in Georgetown rammed into …. Read the original article  : here.

Six, including three schoolgirls, drown in Assam

GUWAHATI – Six people, including three schoolgirls and three of a family, drowned Monday in Assam’s rain-swollen rivers, police said.

Three school girls drowned and two went missing while they were taking a dip at Mangaldoi river near Mangaldoi town (about 80 km from here), a police spokesperson said.
“As part of the Hindu festival of … Read more >>>.

China prepares for more floods as summer rains persist, 3 Gorges Dam reservoir may rise again

China braces for more flooding as rains continue

BEIJING – Troops sandbagged swollen rivers Monday and storm-battered regions across China prepared for more floods and potential landslides as forecasters predicted torrential rains this week.
State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of soldiers using sandbags to patch up breached riverbanks ahead of heavy rains that were expected to continue … Read more >>.

Khmer Rouge torturer sentenced to 35 years

PHNOM PENH – Comrade Duch, the former head of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious torture and execution prison known as S-21, was Monday sentenced to 35 years in jail at the UN-backed war crimes tribunal.

However, in his decision, court president Nil Nonn said Duch would benefit from deductions totalling 16 years, making the effective sentence 19 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Khmer Rouge torturer sentenced to 35 years.

Lufthansa cargo plane crashes in Saudi Arabia, no word on casualties

Lufthansa cargo plane crashes in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A Lufthansa official says one of the airline’s cargo planes has crashed in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh but there was no immediate word on casualties.
A Saudi airport official says the plane caught fire during the crash Tuesday. He spoke on condition of anonymity because … Read more : Lufthansa cargo plane crashes in Saudi Arabia, no word on casualties.

Now, report ragging in Himachal through SMS

SHIMLA – In a move to check ragging-related incidents in educational institutions, the Himachal Pradesh police have extended an SMS facility whereby one can seek police assistance by sending a message.

As part of the facility, a fresher in any school or college can seek help by sending a message on a designated 10-digit number – … Read more : Now, report ragging in Himachal through SMS.

Bihar leader surrenders after mercilessly beating youth

PATNA – After absconding for more than 24 hours, Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Shambhu Saran Rai surrendered to the police Tuesday, a day after he severely thrashed a youth for allegedly attempting to rape a minor girl in Vaishali district.

Rai was produced before the chief judicial magistrate of Vaishali court in the afternoon. [..] Read the original article: here.

Wreckage of Israeli helicopter found in Romania, 7 crew aboard assumed to be dead

7 crew reported dead in Israeli copter crash

BUCHAREST, Romania – The wreckage of an Israeli military helicopter that slammed into a mountain in central Romania has been found and none of the seven soldiers aboard – one Romanian and six Israelis – appear to have survived, officials said Tuesday.
Mircea Opris, Romania’s chief mountain rescue official, … Read more >>.

Three of Dalit family killed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three members of a Dalit family were killed in Uttar Pradesh’s Jyotiba Phule Nagar Tuesday, police said.

Mukhram, 55, his wife Gyanwati, 50, and their son Rahul, 22, were found murdered inside their house in Dhanaura area, about 300 km from here.
“Prima facie it appears the three died of injuries inflicted by a … Read more >>>.

Medical student arrested for mowing down four in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A 25-year-old medical student who allegedly mowed down four workers under his Honda City car in south Delhi early Monday was arrested from Delhi airport while trying to flee the country, police said Tuesday.

Shahid Khan, who is pursuing MBBS from Ukraine, was arrested from the Indira Gandhi International Airport while he …. Read the original article  : Medical student arrested for mowing down four in Delhi.

Man rams car into bar angered by vuvuzela noise

ROME – A man in Italy was so infuriated by the continuous buzzing sound of vuvuzelas at a bar that he fired a rifle and repeatedly rammed his car into the pub.

Exasperated by noise coming from the bar in Vicenza, 413 km from Rome, the man first fired into the air with his rifle. …. Original source  : Man rams car into bar angered by vuvuzela noise.

Officials: wreckage of Israeli helicopter found in Romania, search for 7 soldiers continues

Wreckage of Israeli helicopter found in Romania

BUCHAREST, Romania – The wreckage of an Israeli military helicopter that crashed into a mountain in central Romania has been found, and none of the seven soldiers aboard – one Romania and six Israeli – appear to have survived the crash, officials said Tuesday.
Mircea Opris, Romania’s chief mountain rescue [..] Read the original article: here.

Legal mess from Gulf oil spill likely one of costliest and longest-lasting in US history

Oil spill legal mess likely one of costliest ever
MIAMI – BP PLC and the other companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are faced with fast-multiplying lawsuits that will provoke one of the most drawn-out and costliest legal battles in U.S. history, one that could easily consume the $20 billion set …. Source article  : Legal mess from Gulf oil spill likely one of costliest and longest-lasting in US history.

Man poisons mother’s coffee

WASHINGTON – A 43-year-old man tried to poison his mother with coffee laced with a kitchen cleanser.

Jessie Vasquez walked into a fire station in Dallas and told one of the firefighters: “I just put poison in my mother’s coffee”, Fox News reported.
While one of the firefighters called police, paramedics rushed to the house of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man poisons mother’s coffee.

Bihar leader at large after mercilessly beating youth

PATNA – Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Shambhu Saran Rai was absconding Tuesday, a day after he thrashed a youth for allegedly attempting to rape a minor girl in Vaishali district.

Rajesh Mahto, in his early 20s, was hoisted on bamboo sticks Sunday and beaten up by Rai, the secretary of the JD-U district unit, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bihar leader at large after mercilessly beating youth.

Foodgrain worth millions lost to official apathy

BANI – Everyone in this village in Haryana’s Sirsa district saw flood water entering the area earlier this month but that did not move officials. Not till nearly 200,000 bags of wheat worth millions of rupees were lost to the floods.

The state government’s warehouse at Bani, nearly 300 km from capital Chandigarh, presents a picture …. Read the original article  : Foodgrain worth millions lost to official apathy.

BP CEO Hayward to be replaced in October by Robert Dudley as company makes record loss

BP to replace CEO Hayward with Robert Dudley
LONDON – BP’s embattled Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward will be replaced by American Robert Dudley on Oct. 1, the company said Tuesday, as it reported a record quarterly loss and set aside $32.2 billion to cover the costs of the devastating Gulf of …. Source  : BP CEO Hayward to be replaced in October by Robert Dudley as company makes record loss.

Tornado sweeps through Montana’s rural northeast corner, killing 2 and injuring 1

Tornado touches down in NE corner of Mont, kills 2

HELENA, Mont. – A rare tornado tore through a farmhouse and killed two people inside, leaving nothing but the house’s foundation and a few twisted vehicles as it swept through Montana’s remote and sparsely populated northeastern corner.
A teenage boy and a man in his 40s were … Read more »».

Father of misidentified woman says problem stemmed from miscommunication at Ariz. hospital

Dad cites hospital miscommunication for ID mix-up

PHOENIX – The father of one of two women misidentified after a deadly Arizona traffic crash says the problem stemmed from a communication mistake at a Phoenix hospital.
Frank Cantu said Monday the hospital correctly identified the woman in critical condition following the July 18 crash – but then notified …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Father of misidentified woman says problem stemmed from miscommunication at Ariz. hospital.

Dudley’s path followed unusual turns from Mississippi childhood to become CEO of BP

Dudley’s path followed unusual turns to CEO of BP

Bob Dudley’s sudden rise to the top at BP PLC shows how the Gulf oil spill has dramatically changed the fortunes of people from local fishermen to corporate executives.
Seen as an unlikely candidate just a few months ago, Dudley is set to become the first American to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dudley’s path followed unusual turns from Mississippi childhood to become CEO of BP.

Israel sends plane to help search for Israeli helicopter that crashed in Romania with 7 aboard

Israelis to help search for downed helicopter

BUCHAREST, Romania – The Israeli air force is sending a transport plane to Romania to help search for an Israeli military helicopter that crashed here with one Romanian soldier and six Israeli ones aboard.
A mountain rescue official said??four bodies??were found Monday, several hours after the helicopter crashed in a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Israel sends plane to help search for Israeli helicopter that crashed in Romania with 7 aboard.

Kid dies after hiding in tumble dryer

LONDON – A four-year-old child in Britain who loved playing hide and seek died after he hid inside a tumble dryer.

Sonny Gibson was locked inside the machine for up to an hour Monday while his family searched for him in the nearby area.
His mother – Anne Shepherd – had gone shopping and returned to …. Read the original article  : here.

Father, son held for duping bank of Rs.54.70 mn

CHANDIGARH – A Chandigarh-based industrialist and his son have been arrested for duping the IDBI Bank of Rs.5.47 crore, police here said Tuesday.

The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of the Chandigarh Police arrested Rakesh Goel and his son Akash Goel, both owners of the Goel Steel Trading Company, late Monday.
Rakesh’s wife Neena Goel, who was … Original article on : Father, son held for duping bank of Rs.54.70 mn.

Australian couple found guilty of child cruelty

MELBOURNE – An Australian couple who left their three children in soiled nappies and raised them in a filthy house have been found guilty of child cruelty.

The man, 25, and the woman, 23, both unnamed, avoided a conviction with the court which gave them an 18-month probation Tuesday, the Age reported.
The Brisbane district court …. Source  : Australian couple found guilty of child cruelty.

Jack Roush’s Plane Crashes at Oshkosh

WISCONSIN (GaeaTimes.com) — The co-owner of Roush racing, Jack Roush was taken a to hospital on Tuesday night following a plane crash at Whittman Air Field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.At around 6.15 p.m. local time, Roush crashed his Hawker Beechcraft premier jet while landing. He was in the town for the annual Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual …. Read the original article  : here.

6 people killed, hundreds injured in powerful explosion at plastics factory in eastern China

Chinese factory blast kills 6, injures hundreds

BEIJING – A powerful blast likely caused by a gas leak rocked a plastics factory in eastern China on Wednesday, killing at least six people and injuring hundreds more, state media reported.
The explosion happened about 10 a.m. in downtown Nanjing, the capital of’ Jiangsu province in eastern China, the …. Source article  : 6 people killed, hundreds injured in powerful explosion at plastics factory in eastern China.

China floods test massive 3 Gorges Dam, as torrential rains smother the country

China floods test massive 3 Gorges Dam
BEIJING – Record-high water levels put the capacity of China’s massive Three Gorges Dam to the test Wednesday after heavy rains raged on across the country, compounding flooding problems that have left more than 1,200 people dead or missing.

Rescuers, meanwhile, searched for 21 missing people after a massive rain-triggered … Original source on Gaea Times at : China floods test massive 3 Gorges Dam, as torrential rains smother the country.

Villagers lynch man on suspicion of being Maoist

RANCHI – One man was beaten to death and two people were injured on suspicion of being Maoists by villagers of Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, police said Wednesday.

“The residents of Gumadi were guarding their village late Tuesday when they saw three people coming. They suspected them to be Maoists and chased them. The three men … Read more >>>.

Sandstorm downs Iraqi helicopter, killing 5; Baghdad bombing kills 6, officials say

11 killed in Iraq helicopter crash, bombing

BAGHDAD – A sandstorm downed an Iraqi military helicopter Wednesday, killing its five-man crew, while a midmorning Baghdad bombing claimed the lives of six people, officials said.
Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari said the helicopter was flying to provide air protection to Shiite pilgrims traveling by road to … Original article on : Sandstorm downs Iraqi helicopter, killing 5; Baghdad bombing kills 6, officials say.

Five survive Islamabad plane crash

ISLAMABAD – Five people survived the passenger plane crash in Margalla Hills close to this Pakistani capital city Wednesday morning, a minister said. Some media reports, however, said that 40-45 people may have survived the air disaster.

The Airblue flight 202, flying from Karachi to Islamabad, suddenly lost contact with the airport here and crashed near …. Read the original article  : Five survive Islamabad plane crash.

At least 25 bodies recovered from plane crash in Pakistani capital, says official

Pakistan: 25 bodies recovered from plane crash

ISLAMABAD – A government official says at least 25 bodies have been recovered from the site of the plane crash in the hills surrounding Pakistan’s capital.
Ramzan Sajid, the spokesman for the Capital Development Authority, has told The Associated Press that rescuers continue to search the wreckage for additional dead …. Original source  : At least 25 bodies recovered from plane crash in Pakistani capital, says official.

At least 100 feared dead in plane crash near Islamabad (Third Lead)

ISLAMABAD – At least 100 people are feared dead when an aircraft of a private airline carrying 159 people crashed amid heavy rain in the wooded Margalla Hills skirting the Pakistani capital Wednesday morning, civil aviation officials and police said.

The Airblue flight 202, flying from Karachi to Islamabad, suddenly lost contact with the airport …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : At least 100 feared dead in plane crash near Islamabad (Third Lead).

Iraqi officials say a bomb explosion in a Shiite slum in eastern Baghdad kills 6, injures 15

Iraq: 6 killed in Baghdad bomb blast
BAGHDAD – Iraqi police and health officials say a bomb explosion has killed six civilians and injured 15 others in a Shiite slum in eastern Baghdad.

The officials say the bomb was planted near a state-run bank in Sadr City where retirees were waiting to get their pensions. It went … Read more : Iraqi officials say a bomb explosion in a Shiite slum in eastern Baghdad kills 6, injures 15.

Court cancels bail for Aman Kachru ragging accused

SHIMLA – The Himachal Pradesh High Court Wednesday cancelled bail given by a trial court to four medical college students accused of ragging to death first year student Aman Kachru last year.

It also directed the accused to surrender in the fast track court at Dharamsala in Kangra district Thursday by 10 a.m.
The order was …. Read the original article  : here.

CBI quizzes Amit Shah in Ahmedabad jail

AHMEDABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday began questioning former Gujarat minister Amit Shah here in connection with the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a staged shootout.

“The CBI has begun questioning Amit Shah,” an official said. The questioning was done at the Sabarmati Jail.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s close aide Shah … Read : CBI quizzes Amit Shah in Ahmedabad jail.

Wildfires burn dozens of homes, force evacuations in California’s Kern County

Wildfires burn dozens of homes, force evacuations

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Two wildfires that erupted and spread quickly in Southern California have destroyed dozens of homes and forced evacuations in remote areas of the state’s Kern County.
The most destructive of the fires was burning about 10 miles southeast of Tehachapi, a city located in a mountainous area … Read more >>.

Punjab Police arrest two in fake currency scam

SANGRUR – An inter-state fake currency racket has been busted with the arrest of two people from Punjab’s Sangrur town, police said Wednesday.

According to the police, fake currency with a face value of Rs.15 lakh was recovered late Tuesday from the accused, identified as Jasvir Singh alias “Jassi” and Akshay Gupta.
“The notes are in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Punjab Police arrest two in fake currency scam.

Plane with 152 passengers crashes near Islamabad (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – An aircraft carrying 152 people crashed amid heavy rain in the thickly wooded Margalla Hills bordering the Pakistani capital Wednesday morning. Four bodies have been recovered from the crash site, an official said.

The plane, flying from Karachi to Islamabad, suddenly lost contact with the airport here and crashed near the popular Damanekoh resort …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Plane with 152 passengers crashes near Islamabad (Second Lead).

State media says at least 6 people killed in explosion at plastics factory in eastern China

Chinese factory blast kills 6
BEIJING – A powerful blast likely caused by a gas leak rocked a plastics factory in eastern China on Wednesday, killing at least six people and injuring hundreds, state media reported.

The explosion happened about 10 a.m. in downtown Nanjing, the capital of’ Jiangsu province in eastern China, the official Xinhua News …. Original source  : State media says at least 6 people killed in explosion at plastics factory in eastern China.

Eight human heads dumped in Mexican city

Mexico City, July 28 (IANS/EFE) Eight severed human heads were found in the Mexican city of Durango, authorities said.

Police were directed to some of the heads by a series of anonymous telephone calls that began shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday, the Durango state attorney general’s (AG) office said.
The eight heads were scattered among various …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official says forestry guards report at least 5 killed in plane crash in Pakistan, 152 onboard

Plane carrying 152 crashes in Pakistan; 5 dead

ISLAMABAD – An official says forestry guards are reporting at least five people have been killed in a plane crash in Pakistan. That toll is likely to rise significantly.
The Airblue passenger jet that crashed into the Margalla Hills surrounding Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, was carrying 152 people. Rescuers were … Read more : Official says forestry guards report at least 5 killed in plane crash in Pakistan, 152 onboard.

Woman charged with sending daughter to work in brothel

SYDNEY – A woman has been charged with sending her 16-year-old daughter to work as a prostitute at a brothel in this Australian city. The school-going teenager ended up providing services to over 18 clients in 13 hours.

The teenager was taken by her mother to Liaisons Executive Retreat, a brothel in the eastern inner-city suburb … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Woman charged with sending daughter to work in brothel.

Plane with 150 on board crashes near Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – An aircraft carrying 150 passengers crashed in the Margalla Hills near this Pakistani capital amid heavy rain Wednesday morning.

The private airlines that was flying from Turkey to Islamabad via Karachi, the south port city of Pakistan, suddenly lost contact with the control tower of Islamabad airport, TV channel ARY News reported. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Plane with 150 on board crashes near Islamabad.

State media says unknown number of people killed in explosion at factory in eastern China

Powerful blast rocks plastics factory in China

BEIJING – A powerful blast rocked a plastics factory in eastern China on Wednesday, killing an unknown number of people and injuring hundreds, state media reported.
The explosion, suspected to be caused by a gas leak, happened about 10 a.m. in downtown Nanjing, the capital of’ Jiangsu province in eastern … Read more : State media says unknown number of people killed in explosion at factory in eastern China.

University employee, wife murdered in Kanpur campus

LUCKNOW – The bodies of an agricultural university employee and his wife were found Thursday in the campus in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district, police said.

The bodies of Durga Prasad, 55, and his wife Sharda, 50, were found Thursday outside the employees’ quarters situated in the premises of the Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture University.
“Prima facie, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : University employee, wife murdered in Kanpur campus.

‘Probe Goa home minister’s son in Scarlett case’

PANAJI – Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik’s son Roy should be probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the death of British teenager Scarlett Keeling, her mother Fiona Mackeown said here Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Mackeown, who is in Goa to depose before a trial court in connection with her daughter’s culpable … Read more »»».

US judicial panel asked to consolidate more than 300 oil spill lawsuits before single court

US panel asked to consolidate oil spill lawsuits

BOISE, Idaho – More than 2,000 miles from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a federal judicial panel in Idaho is being asked to consolidate more than 300 spill-related lawsuits against BP and other companies before a single court.
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation holds a hearing …. Source  : US judicial panel asked to consolidate more than 300 oil spill lawsuits before single court.

Pakistan plane crash: 58 bodies identified, DNA tests on others

ISLAMABAD – Only 58 bodies of the 152 killed when an Airbus A-321 crashed in the Margalla Hills near this Pakistani capital have been identified, officials said Thursday, adding that DNA tests would be carried out on the others.

The bodies that could be identified have been handed over to family members, Geo News reported …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan plane crash: 58 bodies identified, DNA tests on others.

Heavy rains trigger floods, killing 28 in northwest Pakistan; dozens still missing

Rivers burst, floods kill at least 28 in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Rivers burst their banks during monsoon rains in Pakistan this week, washing away streets, battering a dam and killing at least 28 people in the northwest, officials said Thursday.
In the Peshawar area, two elderly men clung to a fence post and each other as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Heavy rains trigger floods, killing 28 in northwest Pakistan; dozens still missing.

Cooler temperatures, calmer winds help firefighters gain ground on California fires

Mother Nature helping firefighters battle Cal fire

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Cooler temperatures and calmer winds helped firefighters in their battle against the most destructive of two big wildfires that have burned homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate mountain communities on the edge of the Mojave Desert and in the southern Sierra Nevada.
A 1,436-acre blaze … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cooler temperatures, calmer winds help firefighters gain ground on California fires.

No request from Kerala to ban PFI: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – The central government has not received any request from Kerala on banning radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), Home Minister P. Chidambaram said here Thursday.

“I’ve not got anything,” Chidambaram told IANS outside parliament, when asked whether the state government had requested the central government to ban the PFI.
Suspected activists …. Source article  : No request from Kerala to ban PFI: Chidambaram.

EPA says 1 million gallons of oil may have spilled in Mich. river, governor criticizes cleanup

EPA: 1M gallons of oil may be in Mich. river
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Federal officials now estimate that more than 1 million gallons of oil may have spilled into a major river in southern Michigan, and the governor is sharply criticizing clean-up efforts as “wholly inadequate.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the update … Original source on Gaea Times at : EPA says 1 million gallons of oil may have spilled in Mich. river, governor criticizes cleanup.

Gulf spill lacks transformational punch of 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill

Gulf spill lacks societal punch of Santa Barbara
WASHINGTON – In 1969, Sen. Gaylord Nelson was so moved after seeing the devastation of an oil spill off the California coast near Santa Barbara that he called for a national teach-in on the environment. The resulting “Earth Day” the following year kick-started the modern environmental … Read more : Gulf spill lacks transformational punch of 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill.

Coast Guard may start redeploying cleanup resources once Gulf well is killed permanently

Gulf cleanup will change once oil stops for good

NEW ORLEANS – The government’s point man for the Gulf spill plans to meet with coastal parish officials Thursday to talk about what’s next now that the oil has stopped flowing.
Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said crews are having trouble finding patches of the crude that …. Source article  : Coast Guard may start redeploying cleanup resources once Gulf well is killed permanently.

Tour boat catches fire and sinks in Mediterranean, leaving 3 injured and 1 missing

Tour boat sinks off Turkey, Spaniard missing

ANKARA, Turkey – A Spanish tourist is missing at sea after a Turkish tour boat caught fire and sank in the Mediterranean.
Turkish officials say 18 tourists and five crew jumped into the water after flames engulfed the Kayhan-9 on its way from the Turkish resort of Marmaris to Fethiye …. Source  : Tour boat catches fire and sinks in Mediterranean, leaving 3 injured and 1 missing.

Al-Qaida-linked group claims responsibility for bombing of Al-Arabiya TV in Baghdad

Al-Qaida-linked group claims TV bombing in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – An al-Qaida-linked group claimed responsibility Thursday for a bombing earlier this week targeting the Baghdad offices of a pan-Arab television station, describing the deadly attack that killed six people as a victory against a “corrupt channel.”
A statement posted on the website of the Islamic State of Iraq … Read : Al-Qaida-linked group claims responsibility for bombing of Al-Arabiya TV in Baghdad.

Minibus driven by suicide bomber explodes near Saddam’s hometown, killing 4 Iraqi soldiers

Minibus bomb hits Iraqi base, killing 4 soldiers

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police say a suicide attacker has driven a bomb-laden minibus into the entrance of an Iraqi army base near Saddam Hussein’s hometown, setting off an explosion that killed four soldiers and wounded 10 others.
Dr. Samir Issa said two of the soldiers died while they were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Minibus driven by suicide bomber explodes near Saddam’s hometown, killing 4 Iraqi soldiers.

Man assaulted for listening to rap music

NEW YORK – In an apparent case of racial abuse, a 22-year-old white man was assaulted by a black teenager because he was listening to rap music.

Joshuah Lamb, 14, allegedly punched David McKnight in Palm Bay, Florida, because he did not think white people should listen to that type of music, the Herald Sun reported. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man assaulted for listening to rap music.

CBI summons IPS officer Johri in Sohrabuddin case

GANDHINAGAR – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday summoned Geetha Johri, the first woman IPS officer of Gujarat, by Aug 10 for questioning in connection with the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a staged shootout.

Johri was a part of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by R.K. Raghavan to probe the …. Read the original article  : here.

Australian teacher avoids jail due to cancer

MELBOURNE – A teacher at a school for deaf in Melbourne who allegedly made students expose themselves in class has avoided prison because he has cancer.

The unnamed man, 55, asked students to expose their genitalia in class in the 1970s, the Victorian county court heard Thursday, Australian news agency AAP reported.
He was found guilty … Read more : Australian teacher avoids jail due to cancer.

Rescue workers fight heavy rain in search for dead, clues in Pakistan’s worst ever plane crash

Relatives search for corpses at Pakistan air crash

ISLAMABAD – Relatives desperate to find the bodies of their loved ones joined emergency teams battling thick mud, rain and slippery hillsides on Thursday at the scene of Pakistan’s worst-ever plane crash.
The Airbus A321 operated by local carrier Airblue crashed into hills overlooking the country’s capital, Islamabad, during …. Original source  : Rescue workers fight heavy rain in search for dead, clues in Pakistan’s worst ever plane crash.

Tucson News: 3 Dead In Helicopter Crash

TUCSON (GaeaTimes.com)- All three people aboard in a medical helicopter that crashed on the north side of Tucson, Arizona have died. The helicopter that was owned by the Colorado-based Air Methods was carrying no patients at the time of the crash. However, the crash has led to the death of a flight nurse and …. Source article  : Tucson News: 3 Dead In Helicopter Crash.

Close shave for JetLite flight in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A New Delhi-bound JetLite flight with 140 passengers on board had a narrow escape here Thursday after a bird hit just as it was about to take-off, an official said.

“The plane was hit by the bird on the runway itself when it was about to take-off from the Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport,” Airport … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Close shave for JetLite flight in Lucknow.

Cargo plane crashes at military base in Anchorage, Alaska, with 4 on board; no word on deaths

Cargo plane crashes at Alaska base; 4 on board

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – A board of military officers plans to investigate a plane crash that witnesses say sent a fireball rising hundreds of feet over an Air Force base near downtown Anchorage.
The plane was on a local training run Wednesday when it crashed with …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cargo plane crashes at military base in Anchorage, Alaska, with 4 on board; no word on deaths.

Wildfire explodes in rural Los Angeles County hills, forcing hundreds to evacuate

Wildfire explodes in rural LA County hills

PALMDALE, Calif. – Firefighters plan an aggressive air attack at first light Friday against a fast-moving wildfire that exploded in northern Los Angeles County, chewing through more than 7 square miles of dry brush, forcing hundreds of evacuations and burning at least three structures.
There is zero containment, authorities said.
Three …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wildfire explodes in rural Los Angeles County hills, forcing hundreds to evacuate.

ATM catches fire, Rs.3 lakh burnt

LUCKNOW – Currency notes worth Rs.3 lakh were reduced to ashes after an ATM of a public sector bank caught fire in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district Friday, police said.

The Bank of Baroda ATM installed in the Kaushalpuri area was completely destroyed in the fire.
“Though the fire officials managed to control the fire from spreading …. Read the original article  : ATM catches fire, Rs.3 lakh burnt.

Tokyo’s `oldest’ man dead for 30 years

TOKYO – Police are investigating whether the family of Tokyo’s “oldest man” – who appears to have been dead at home for decades – fraudulently received pension money paid to him, news reports said Friday.

City officials went to see Sogen Kato, listed as Tokyo’s oldest man, to congratulate him on his 111th birthday, but …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tokyo’s `oldest’ man dead for 30 years.

Cameras to monitor crime in Noida

NOIDA – Cameras mounted at vantage points in crowded areas that will be monitored 24X7 and other technology-based mapping systems and information systems will make this growing city safer for residents and those who come to work and study here, Noida Authority chairman and CEO Mohinder Singh said here.

“Cameras will be mounted at vantage …. Read the original article  : Cameras to monitor crime in Noida.

Bob Dudley to outline BP’s plans to help the Gulf region recover from massive oil spill

Dudley to outline BP plans to help Gulf recover

NEW ORLEANS – Incoming BP CEO Bob Dudley was set to outline his company’s long-term efforts to help the Gulf of Mexico recover from the oil spill Friday morning, and will be getting help from a Clinton administration-era emergency management official.
The oil giant said Dudley would be … Read more >>>.

History of pipeline problems follows Canadian company at center of huge Mich. river oil spill

Company at center of Mich. oil cited for problems

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – A Canadian company at the center of a huge oil spill in southern Michigan has a history of pipeline problems, including leaks, an explosion and dozens of regulatory violations.
Enbridge Inc. or its affiliates have been cited for 30 enforcement actions since 2002 by …. Source  : History of pipeline problems follows Canadian company at center of huge Mich. river oil spill.

US gas stations: Stay BP and its tainted image since Gulf oil spill or change name to Amoco?

US gas stations: Stay BP or change name to Amoco?

NEW ORLEANS – BP gas station owners across the country are divided over whether the oil giant stained by its handling of the Gulf spill should rebrand U.S. outlets as Amoco or another name as part of its effort to repair the company’s badly damaged reputation.
Some …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Unable to cope, mother kills baby in Australia

SYDNEY – A newborn baby in Australia died of head injuries after his mother pushed him out of his cot because she found it “hard to cope” with very little money, a court was told.

The seven-week-old boy died at a hospital in Newcastle May 6, 2006, having suffered a fractured skull, the New South Wales … Original article on : Unable to cope, mother kills baby in Australia.

13 hurt in clash at Bokaro Steel Plant

RANCHI – At least 13 people were injured Friday as residents protesting the expansion plans of the Bokaro Steel Plant in Jharkhand clashed with security personnel, police said.

The Bokaro Steel Plant, under its expansion plan, was constructing a boundary wall and gate to protect its area near Addakyari in Bokaro district, some 130 km from …. Read the original article  : 13 hurt in clash at Bokaro Steel Plant.

3 US troops die, bringing July toll to at least 63 for US in Afghanistan

3 US troops die, deadliest month of Afghan war
KABUL, Afghanistan – Three U.S. service members were killed in blasts in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year-war.
A NATO statement Friday said the three died in two separate … Read more : 3 US troops die, bringing July toll to at least 63 for US in Afghanistan.

Prosecutors say Ark. doctor sought revenge, but no forensic evidence, witnesses link him bomb

Prosecutors: Revenge pushed Ark. doctor to bombing

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Prosecutors insist that a doctor accused of masterminding a bombing that disfigured the Arkansas State Medical Board chairman was a weapons fanatic bent on avenging the restriction of his medical license.
That image, built over three weeks of trial testimony, will be challenged Friday as Dr. …. Read the original article  : here.

Rescue and government officials say 3 days of floods have killed 313 people in Pakistan

Officials: Floods kill at least 313 in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The death toll in three days of flooding in Pakistan reached at least 313 on Friday, rescue and government officials said, as rains bloated rivers, submerged villages, and triggered landslides.
The rising toll from the monsoon rains underscore the poor infrastructure in impoverished Pakistan, where under-equipped …. Read the original article  : here.

Constable held for supplying cartridges to Maoists

LUCKNOW – Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested a constable from Sonbhadra district for allegedly smuggling cartridges from government armouries and selling them to Maoists, an official said Friday.

Constable Lok Nath, posted at the Churk Police Lines in Sonbhadra, some 350 km from Lucknow, used to operate the racket with the help of some police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three Indians freed of drug charge in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Three people of Indian origin – two of them brothers – have been acquitted by a high court in Malaysia of drug trafficking charges.

Judicial commissioner Ahmad Nasfy Yasin ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the three, a media report said Friday.
Brothers Tivagar Vadivelu, 35, and …. Read the original article  : here.

Sex-for-immigration lands Canadian judge in jail

TORONTO – In an embarrassing case for the Canadian immigration system, a court here Thursday jailed an immigration judge for demanding sex from a South Korean woman to grant her permanent residence in this country.

Fifty-one-year-old Steve Ellis will spend 18 months in jail for pressuring Ji Hye Kim in 2006 to have sex with him … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sex-for-immigration lands Canadian judge in jail.

Over 200 die in Pakistan floods

ISLAMABAD – At least 230 people have died while hundreds of others have gone missing in floods triggered by heavy rains in the past three days in Pakistan’s northwestern region bordering Afghanistan.

Thousands of people have been rendered homeless in Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province, while many houses, bridges and roads have been completely washed away by floodwater due …. Source  : Over 200 die in Pakistan floods.

Mumbai man nabbed in Chandigarh for duping wannabe actors

CHANDIGARH – A Mumbai man has been arrested here for duping nearly 25 wannabe TV and film actors of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of giving them roles in serials, movies and commercials of leading banners, police said Friday.

Sanjay Misra, who owns Tun-Tun promotions and Coordination Services in Mumbai, gave an advertisement in local … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mumbai man nabbed in Chandigarh for duping wannabe actors.

Indian American faces 20-year jail for embezzling $34 mn from company

WASHINGTON – A former Indian-American executive, who “engaged in irrational and excessive buying sprees”, faces up to 20 years in jail after pleading guilty to embezzling $34 million from stereo headphone manufacturer Koss Corporation where she worked as vice president, finance.

Sachdeva, 46, pleaded guilty to all the six counts of wire fraud, for … Read more >>.

Rescue and government officials say floods kill 267 people in Pakistan over last 3 days

Officials: Floods kill at least 267 in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The death toll in three days of flooding in Pakistan reached at least 267 on Friday, rescue and government officials said, as rains bloated rivers, submerged villages, and triggered landslides.
The rising toll from the monsoon rains underscore the poor infrastructure in impoverished Pakistan, where under-equipped …. Original source  : Rescue and government officials say floods kill 267 people in Pakistan over last 3 days.

1,200 homes evacuated in northern hills of LA County; brush fire spreading toward Palmdale

1,200 homes evacuated in LA Co. as fire spreads

PALMDALE, Calif. – A brush fire swept over more than 7 square miles, prompted evacuations and burned structures in rural Los Angeles County Thursday as water-dropping helicopters and crews scrambled to get ahead of the blaze.
Orange flames exploded through dry grasses, jumped roads and sped across the … Original article on : 1,200 homes evacuated in northern hills of LA County; brush fire spreading toward Palmdale.

Official: Workers found ‘black box’ data recorder from Pakistan plane crash that killed 152

Official: Pakistan plane crash ‘black box’ found

ISLAMABAD – An official says recovery workers have found the “black box” flight data recorder from the wreckage of the worst-ever plane in Pakistan.
The crash in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killed all 152 people aboard the Airblue flight on Wednesday.
Ramzan Sajid of the Capital Development Authority, a government agency, … Read more : Official: Workers found ‘black box’ data recorder from Pakistan plane crash that killed 152.

Briton sues prison after fellow inmate slashes throat

LONDON – A British prisoner has sued the prison service for a sum of 100,000 pounds after his throat was allegedly slashed by a fellow inmate.

Ian Huntley, 36, is serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of two 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Cambridgeshire, 70 km from London.
Huntley, a former school …. Read the original article  : Briton sues prison after fellow inmate slashes throat.

Briton’s murder in Dharamsala: Police to seek Interpol help

DHARAMSALA – The Himachal Pradesh Police will approach Interpol to crack the 2006 murder case of a British charity worker in this town and seek extradition of the prime suspect from Scotland, an official said Saturday.

Michael Blakey’s battered body was found in November 2006 pinned beneath boulders in a shallow stream running through an old … Read : Briton’s murder in Dharamsala: Police to seek Interpol help.

Russia begins to localize fires, others rage as country wilts in hottest summer on record

Russia begins to localize fires, others rage
VORONEZH, Russia – About 30 people have died in the last three days alone as Russia’s massive forest fires have wiped out villages and vast areas of woodland, state television reported Saturday. Officials insist some of the worst blazes are under control.
Fires are still afflicting at least [..] Read the original article: here.

Drunk man enters school, hacks to death Class 1 boy

RAIPUR – A drunk 40-year-old man stormed into a government school brandishing a cleaver and brutally hacked to death a Class 1 student in a remote area of Chhattisgarh, police said Saturday.

The incident took place Friday in Bakna Khurd village in Surguja district, some 380 km from state capital Raipur.
The man, Suman Ram, entered …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Drunk man enters school, hacks to death Class 1 boy.

Debris linked to tropical storm found in relief well, setting back work on stopping gusher

Debris in relief well sets back work on gusher
NEW ORLEANS – Tropical Storm Bonnie left crews working to plug the Gulf oil gusher a little memento that is expected to push their work back about a day.
Crews found debris in the bottom of the relief well that ultimately will be used to plug … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Debris linked to tropical storm found in relief well, setting back work on stopping gusher.

Air tanker drops fire retardant, slows blaze’s march toward homes in high desert outside LA

Air tanker drops fire retardant, slows LA wildfire

PALMDALE, Calif. – Water-dropping aircraft slowed the progress of a wildfire that was bearing down on hundreds of homes in the high desert north of Los Angeles.
The blaze had consumed 20 square miles of brush, jumped an aqueduct and menaced power lines that deliver electricity to Southern California.
Winds …. Source  : Air tanker drops fire retardant, slows blaze’s march toward homes in high desert outside LA.

House approves offshore drilling bill, but Senate dispute could delay final action until fall

House approves oil spill bill; stalled in Senate

WASHINGTON – The House has approved a bill to boost safety standards for offshore drilling and remove a liability cap for oil spills, but a partisan fight in the Senate will likely delay action on a response to the Gulf oil spill until Congress returns from its summer …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : House approves offshore drilling bill, but Senate dispute could delay final action until fall.

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader’s wife murdered

LUCKNOW – The wife of a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator was found strangled to death inside her house in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district Saturday, police said.

The body of Revti Singh, wife of Hukum Singh, was found in the morning in the legislator’s residence in the posh Gandhi Colony in Nai Basti area, some …. Source  : Uttar Pradesh BJP leader’s wife murdered.

Broken bridges, washed-out roads: Rescuers struggle to reach flood victims in Pakistan

UN says deadly floods affect 1 million Pakistanis

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Rescuers trying to reach thousands of Pakistani flood victims were hampered by deluged roads and damaged bridges Saturday, though there were signs that waters were receding in parts of the country.
Floods killed more than 430 people in one week, left some 400,000 people stranded in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Broken bridges, washed-out roads: Rescuers struggle to reach flood victims in Pakistan.

Women torture friend for having sex with ex

LONDON – Two women in Britain allegedly kidnapped and tortured a friend, scalding her with boiling water and kicking her, after they found out she had sex with one of their ex-boyfriends.

Lucy Viner-Mood, 22, and Lois Gibson, 18, locked Georgia Fenn in a flat in Langton Green in Kent March 28, and assaulted her for … Read : Women torture friend for having sex with ex.

Cleanup of Mich. river oil spill to take months, damage to wildlife to last much longer

Cleanup of Mich. river oil spill will take months

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Officials investigating the cause of a huge oil spill along a major river in southern Michigan say it will take months to clean up the mess, and damage to wetlands and wildlife may last considerably longer.
Enbridge Inc., the Canadian owner of the ruptured …. Source article  : Cleanup of Mich. river oil spill to take months, damage to wildlife to last much longer.

United Nations says devastating floods affect 1 million people in Pakistan; 430 people killed

UN says floods affect 1 million Pakistanis

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The United Nations says devastating floods have affected 1 million people in Pakistan.
Officials say floods have killed 430 people in the deadliest such disaster to hit the region since 1929.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the cost of damage from floods was … Original article on : United Nations says devastating floods affect 1 million people in Pakistan; 430 people killed.

Four-year-old boy shoots three-year-old girl

NEW YORK – A four-year-old boy in US’ Indianapolis city picked up a gun lying on a kitchen table and fired a shot that killed the three-year-old daughter of his father’s girlfriend.

After finding the .45-calibre handgun, the boy pointed it at the girl’s head and fired, police officer Jeff Duhamell of the Indianapolis metropolitan police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Student commits suicide for Telangana, Osmania University tense

HYDERABAD – Osmania University here was tense Saturday as yet another student committed suicide in the campus, demanding the formation of separate Telangana state.

The charred body of Ishan Reddy, an engineering student, was found near the university library. In his hand-written suicide note found near the body, the student said he was fulfilling his “wish” … Read : Student commits suicide for Telangana, Osmania University tense.

Three killed in Thane road accident

THANE – Three people from Rajasthan, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed when a passenger bus rammed into a stationery truck on the outskirts of Maharashtra’s Thane district early Saturday, officials said.

The luxury bus was on a trip from Rajasthan to Mumbai when the accident took place on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway around 5.30 a.m., said … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three killed in Thane road accident.

Huge fire in plywood factory in Kanpur

LUCKNOW – A massive fire broke out in a plywood factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district Saturday morning, destroying goods worth lakhs of rupees, police said. No casualties were reported.

The blaze engulfed the plywood factory in Jhakarkati area, which houses a series of commercial establishments.
“Twelve fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the … Read more : Huge fire in plywood factory in Kanpur.

Toll in Kashmir violence rises to four

SRINAGAR – The toll in Friday’s violence in the Kashmir Valley rose to four after another youth succumbed to his injuries here, police said Saturday.

“Nazir Ahmad Mir, 23, who was critically injured in yesterday’s (Friday’s) violence in north Kashmir’s Pattan town died in hospital late at night,” a senior police officer here said.
“A large … Read more : Toll in Kashmir violence rises to four.

Explosion at coal mine kills at least 15 in northern China known for mining disasters

Explosion at coal mine kills at least 15 in China

BEIJING – An explosion ripped through a workers’ dormitory area and killed at least 15 people Saturday at a coal mine in a city in northern China notorious for mining disasters.
The cause of the 2 a.m. blast at the Liugou mine in Linfen city in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Explosion at coal mine kills at least 15 in northern China known for mining disasters.

15 die in China coalmine blast

BEIJING – Fifteen people were killed in a blast at a coalmine in northern China Saturday, Xinhua reported.

The blast took place around 2.40 a.m. at the Liugou coalmine in Shanxi province’s Yicheng county, an official of the provincial government said. The rescue work is currently underway.
… Read more »».

Authorities struggle to save over 27,000 trapped by floods in Pakistan; death toll over 900

Thousands trapped by Pakistan floods; 900 dead

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Rescue workers struggled Sunday to save more than 27,000 people still trapped by massive flooding in Pakistan’s northwest that has killed over 900 people and destroyed thousands of homes, officials said.
The effort has been aided by a slackening of the monsoon rains that have caused the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Authorities struggle to save over 27,000 trapped by floods in Pakistan; death toll over 900.

Congressman: Coast Guard let BP use too much toxic chemical dispersant in Gulf oil spill

Congressman: too much dispersant used in oil spill

NEW ORLEANS – As BP inched closer to permanently sealing the blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico, congressional investigators railed the company and Coast Guard for part of the cleanup effort, saying too much toxic chemical dispersant was used.
The investigators said the U.S. Coast Guard routinely approved … Read more »».

Chinese army officer drowns while retrieving chemical barrels

BEIJING – A senior Chinese army official was swept away by floodwaters while trying to retrieve chemical-filled barrels from a swollen river in China’s Jilin province. His body was found a day later, military officials said Sunday.

Guan Xizhi, chief of staff in an engineer corps at Shenyang military command, was swept away by floodwaters on … Read : Chinese army officer drowns while retrieving chemical barrels.

Teenager falls during romp on roof

LONDON – A teenaged student in Britain, who got hurt after she plunged through a city centre roof while having a sex romp with her lover, says “I don’t regret a minute of it. I might even do it all again.”

The couple had climbed onto the 30 feet building in Aberdeen Saturday morning and were … Read more »»».

Pakistan flood toll reaches 1,300

ISLAMABAD – Floods triggered by torrential rain have claimed about 1,300 lives in Pakistan so far, while over one million people have been affected across the country, officials said Sunday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been the worst hit in the floods, with over 500 houses washed away by floodwaters. Over 90 highways were damaged and many … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pakistan flood toll reaches 1,300.

Pakistanis criticize government response to flooding that has killed more than 800 people

Pakistanis criticize government response to floods

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Residents of Pakistan’s northwest have criticized the government’s response to devastating flooding that has killed more than 800 people.
Hakimullah Khan, a resident of Charsadda town, said Sunday that he hasn’t received any help in tracking down his missing wife and three children.
Sehar Ali Shah, who returned to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistanis criticize government response to flooding that has killed more than 800 people.

Kids can accompany mothers to New Zealand jails

AUCKLAND – Children up to two years old will now be allowed to live with their mothers behind bars in New Zealand.

Women’s prisons in Christchurch and Auckland are upgrading their facilities to comply with the law passed in 2008. Babies less than nine months, however, will not be allowed to be kept in prison cells …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kids can accompany mothers to New Zealand jails.

Japanese TV journalists covering chopper crash found unresponsive in pool of water on mountain

Missing Japanese journalists found unresponsive

TOKYO – Two Japanese journalists reported missing by their television network were found unresponsive on a mountain Sunday, though police said an official declaration of death would have to wait until they could be taken to a hospital.
Nippon Television reporter Yuji Kita and cameraman Jun Kawakami had been on their way …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Japanese TV journalists covering chopper crash found unresponsive in pool of water on mountain.

To save themselves, New Zealand police can now bite attackers

AUCKLAND – Police in New Zealand have been allowed to do anything to protect themselves from attackers – including bite, gouge out eyes or even growl at offenders.

Policemen are being told “anything goes”, and whatever action they choose to take – as long as it saves their lives – they will be backed by police …. Source article  : To save themselves, New Zealand police can now bite attackers.

17 held in Poland for child pornography

Warsaw, Aug 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti) In a massive crackdown against paedophile nexus in Poland, 17 people have been arrested for distributing child pornography via internet, Polish Radio External Service reported.

Warsaw police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said the suspects were found searching for pornographic materials by the interpol Office in Wiesbaden, Germany via a P2P social networking … Read : 17 held in Poland for child pornography.

Waterbomber plane battling wildfires crashes in Canada

Firefighting plane crashes in Canada
VICTORIA, British Columbia – A Canadian waterbombing plane battling wildfires deep in British Columbia’s interior crashed on Saturday, search and rescue officials said.

Capt. Marguerite Dodds-Lepinski, the public affairs officer at the province’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Victoria, said it was believed that the plane had two crew members on board. …. Read the original article  : Waterbomber plane battling wildfires crashes in Canada.

Minibus full of civilians strikes roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan; 6 killed, 9 wounded

6 Afghans killed when minibus hits roadside bomb

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – A minibus full of civilians struck a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan early Sunday, killing six on board, officials said.
Another nine people were wounded in the explosion in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district, said provincial spokesman Zalmai Ayubi.
The civilian death toll has climbed along with military … Original article on : Minibus full of civilians strikes roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan; 6 killed, 9 wounded.

Spike Lee screens film that includes Gulf oil spill; says ‘nobody’ from BP speaking to him

Spike Lee screens film that includes oil spill
SAN DIEGO – Spike Lee screened some of his new HBO documentary that includes a look at the massive BP Gulf oil spill and says no one from the oil giant is speaking to him.
The director showed about 90 minutes of “If God Is … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Spike Lee screens film that includes Gulf oil spill; says ‘nobody’ from BP speaking to him.

Land mines wash up on SKorean shores, apparently swept by rains from North; 1 man killed

Land mine swept ashore from NKorea kills SKorean

SEOUL, South Korea – Dozens of land mines have washed up on South Korean shores in recent days, apparently swept from North Korea by torrential rains. One killed a man and wounded another, the military said Sunday.
Two men discovered two mines in wooden boxes floating in a river …. Read the original article  : Land mines wash up on SKorean shores, apparently swept by rains from North; 1 man killed.

24 trapped after coal mine flood in NE China, day after 17 killed in mine explosion

24 remain trapped in flooded coal mine in NE China

BEIJING – Two dozen workers were trapped in a flooded mine in northeast China on Sunday, the latest accident in the country’s notoriously dangerous coal industry.
The State Work Safety Administration has dispatched a team to investigate the Saturday afternoon flood at a mine in Jixi city …. Original article  : 24 trapped after coal mine flood in NE China, day after 17 killed in mine explosion.

Coast Guard routinely approved use of toxic chemical to break up Gulf oil despite EPA rule

Coast Guard allows toxic chemical use on Gulf oil

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Coast Guard has routinely approved BP requests to use thousands of gallons of toxic chemical a day to break up oil slicks in the Gulf of Mexico despite a federal directive that the chemicals be used only rarely on surface waters, congressional investigators … Read more >>.

Spike Lee screens oil spill documentary in San Diego, says ‘nobody from BP’ is speaking to him

Spike Lee screens oil spill film in San Diego
SAN DIEGO – Spike Lee has screened his new four-hour documentary on the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and says no one from the oil giant is speaking to him.
The director showed “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spike Lee screens oil spill documentary in San Diego, says ‘nobody from BP’ is speaking to him.

Fire crews gain ground in high desert north of Los Angeles as hills smolder from 2-day blaze

Crews gain ground on wildfire north of Los Angeles

PALMDALE, Calif. – A wildfire smoldered in the high desert north of Los Angeles Saturday, spewing plumes of thick smoke that promted air quality warnings as hundreds of firefighters worked to contain the 2-day-old blaze.
The fire has charred nearly 22 square miles of brush in the Antelope …. Read the original article  : Fire crews gain ground in high desert north of Los Angeles as hills smolder from 2-day blaze.

Divers recover another plane crash victim from waters Lake Michigan; 1 still missing

1 killed in plane crash pulled from Lake Michigan

LUDINGTON, Mich. – Authorities have recovered another victim of a small plane crash in Lake Michigan more than a week ago.
The Mason County, Mich., Sheriff’s Office says the victim’s body was recovered Saturday night. One of the four missing passengers still has not been recovered.
All of the … Read more : Divers recover another plane crash victim from waters Lake Michigan; 1 still missing.

Document says agency repeatedly told company at heart of Mich. oil spill of pipeline concerns

Feds warned company in Mich. spill about pipeline

DETROIT – U.S. regulators earlier this year demanded improvements to the pipeline network that includes a segment that ruptured in southern Michigan, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil into the Kalamazoo River, according to a document released Saturday.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the U.S. … Read more »»».