Indian-American spying on gay roomie to face more charges

NEW YORK – US prosecutors are considering whether to bring additional charges against two students, one of them an Indian-American, accused of driving a third student to suicide by posting his secretly streamed gay encounter on the Internet.

Indian American Dhanur Ravi, 18, accused of spying on his roommate Tyler Clementi, 18, who … Read more : Indian-American spying on gay roomie to face more charges.

NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September

NATO says it captures Afghan insurgent leaders

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO forces said Friday they have detained two insurgent leaders in Afghanistan’s east and in the south where troops are battling deeply dug-in militants, and that more than 430 suspected militants have been detained over the last month.
Afghan and coalition forces also killed at least 15 … Read more : NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September.

Indian-origin dentist used dead man’s disabled badge on car

LONDON – An Indian-origin dentist, who is a millionaire, has admitted using a dead man’s ‘disabled person’ badge on his Ferrari car in Britain, a media report said.

Chirag Patel, 32, is the founder of a chain of cosmetic dentists and owns a 2-million pounds house in a London suburb and a fleet of luxury … Original article on : Indian-origin dentist used dead man’s disabled badge on car.

NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September

NATO says it captures Afghan insurgent leaders

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO forces said Friday they have detained two insurgent leaders in Afghanistan’s east and in the south where troops are battling deeply dug-in militants, and that 430 suspected militants have been detained over the last month.
NATO said Afghan and international forces captured a senior Taliban leader … Read : NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September.

Drenching rainstorm takes aim at New England after flooding; 5 dead in trek up the East Coast

5 dead as drenching rains take aim at New England

RALEIGH, N.C. – Torrential downpours from a faded tropical storm marched into New England after claiming five lives, washing out roads and dousing some East Coast cities with more rain in hours than they normally get in months.
The massive rainstorm drove up the Eastern Seaboard from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drenching rainstorm takes aim at New England after flooding; 5 dead in trek up the East Coast.

Aman ragging-to-death case: Court gets anonymous letter

DHARAMSALA – In a new twist to the Aman Kachru ragging-to-death case, a Himachal Pradesh court here has received an anonymous letter, purportedly written by a police official, saying the victim talked to his girlfriend on phone before his end.

The letter suggested that the girl, who is based in Delhi, should also be … Read more : Aman ragging-to-death case: Court gets anonymous letter.

UN chopper crash lands in southern Pakistan, 3 on board suffer minor wounds, official says

UN chopper crash lands in Pakistan; 3 hurt

ISLAMABAD – Officials say a U.N. helicopter has crash-landed in southern Pakistan while delivering food for flood victims.
Three people of the 13 on board suffered minor injuries.
The forced landing occurred Friday morning when the chopper, which was loaded with high-energy biscuts from the U.N.’s World Food Program, got … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN chopper crash lands in southern Pakistan, 3 on board suffer minor wounds, official says.

Israeli cyber unit unleashed Iran computer virus

LONDON – An Israeli military unit that undertakes cyberwarfare is responsible for creating a virus that attacked Iran’s computer systems and stopped work at a nuclear power station, an expert has said.

A Biblical reference has been detected in the code of the computer virus that points to Israel as the origin of the cyber … Read more »».

Typhoon leads to blockage in China rivers

BEIJING – Tonnes of debris – including dead animals, trash and logs – left behind by Typhoon Fanapi are now blocking rivers in a province in China, leading to concerns about the safety of drinking water.

About 1,000 soldiers have been pressed into service and are racing against the clock to clear the debris from … Read more »».

Woman wins China’s first cyber homosexual harassment case

BEIJING – A 34-year-old woman has won 80,000 yuan ($12,000) in compensation after being harassed online by a lesbian, in what is being termed as China’s first case of cyber homosexual harassment.

Huang Xiaoyan, a resident of Nanjing, sued the other woman claiming three years of online lesbian torment, China Daily reported citing the Jinlin …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Army frees Ecuadorian president from police mutineers

QUITO – Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was freed by soldiers from mutinying police late Thursday, Ecuadorian television reported.

He later appeared at the presidential palace in the capital Quito and addressed celebrating supporters.
Soldiers took Correa from a military clinic, where he had spent much of the day amid a mutiny by police over a … Read more >>>.

Police officer breaks down describing mayhem inside Oregon bank after bomb blast

Policeman tearfully describes carnage of blast

SALEM, Ore. – A police detective broke down in tears Thursday as he told jurors in a murder trial about finding the bodies of two officers after a bomb went off in a bank.
“I knew he was dead,” Detective Nick Wilson testified, referring to his police captain, who had been … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police officer breaks down describing mayhem inside Oregon bank after bomb blast.

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 5 die in hard-hit NC, 4 from same family on slick roads

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 5 killed

RALEIGH, N.C. – A massive rainstorm drenched the East Coast from the Carolinas to Maine on Thursday, causing at least five deaths, flooding roads and washing away months of dry weather.
The worst of the rain fell in North Carolina, where Jacksonville picked up 12 inches – nearly … Read more »»».

Owners of Missouri group home where 11 died in 2006 fire convicted of health care fraud

Group home owners convicted of health care fraud

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A husband and wife who owned a Missouri group home where 11 people died in a 2006 fire have been convicted of federal health care fraud.
Prosecutors announced late Thursday that Robert and LaVerne DuPont were each found guilty of one count of fraud and one …. Original article  : Owners of Missouri group home where 11 died in 2006 fire convicted of health care fraud.

Another hill collapses in southern Mexico, as death toll from landslides climbs to 32

Death toll in southern Mexico mudslides up to 32

OAXACA, Mexico – A rain-soaked hillside crumbled and crushed an elderly couple in their home Thursday, and rescuers found more bodies buried by earlier landslides, raising the death toll from a series of slides in southern Mexico to at least 32.
In the worst disaster, a mudslide surged … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Another hill collapses in southern Mexico, as death toll from landslides climbs to 32.

Ore. officer describes aftermath of bank bomb during testimony at dad-son murder trial

Ore. officer describes aftermath of bank bombing

SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon police detective broke down in tears as he testified about finding the bodies of two officers and a police chief whose leg was nearbly blown off in an explosion at a bank.
Detective Nick Wilson described the muffled explosion during the first day of testimony …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2 CN freight trains collide near Two Harbors, some workers hurt

2 freight trains collide in northeast Minn.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Canadian National Railway Co. says two freight trains have collided on a track in northeast Minnesota, injuring crew members.
CN spokesman Patrick Waldron says the trains collided about 4 p.m. Thursday about 13 miles north of Two Harbors. The Lake County sheriff’s office says the collision … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2 CN freight trains collide near Two Harbors, some workers hurt.

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 4 family members die on wet highway in hard-hit NC

Massive storms blamed for 4 deaths in the East

RALEIGH, N.C. – A massive rainstorm drenched the East Coast from the Carolinas to Maine on Thursday, causing at least four deaths, flooding roads and washing away months of dry weather.
The worst of the rain fell in North Carolina, where Jacksonville picked up 12 inches – nearly … Original article on : Storms drench much of the East Coast; 4 family members die on wet highway in hard-hit NC.

16 die in Venezuela prison violence

Caracas, Oct 1 (IANS/EFE) Sixteen prisoners were killed and 35 others hurt when clashes broke out between rival gangs at a prison in northern Venezuela, an official said.

However, the situation was brought under control at the Tocoron prison by Thursday morning, prison service chief Consuelo Cerrada told reporters outside the jail.
Clashes started … Read more »».

Officials say initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill finished but work continues on river floor

Initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill completed

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Initial cleanup of southwestern Michigan waterways and riverbanks from a July oil spill has been completed and most of the 820,000 gallons that leaked from a ruptured pipeline recovered, officials said Thursday.
Crews continue removing contaminated sediments from the Kalamazoo River bottom and searching out isolated … Read more : Officials say initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill finished but work continues on river floor.

In 2nd tape in 24-hours, bin Laden accuses Muslim nations of poor response to Pakistan floods

In 2nd tape, bin Laden urges Pakistan flood relief

CAIRO – In a second audio recording in 24 hours, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden says Muslim nations haven’t done enough to support relief efforts in flood-hit Pakistan.
In a copy of the recording provided by the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group on Saturday, bin Laden also accuses the …. Source  : In 2nd tape in 24-hours, bin Laden accuses Muslim nations of poor response to Pakistan floods.

Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40, 2 seriously

Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40

STOCKHOLM – Police say a train has derailed on the Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40 people.
Norwegian police spokesman Trond Sulen said Saturday that the first two carriages behind the locomotive derailed and flipped over. The train from Oslo to Stockholm was carrying about 300 passengers when the accident happened near …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40, 2 seriously.

Sobhraj flays court for punishing his girlfriend, lawyer

KATHMANDU – From his tightly guarded cell in Kathmandu’s Central Jail, yesteryear’s “Bikini Killer” Charles Sobhraj has lashed out at a court verdict against his Nepali girlfriend Nihita Biswas and her mother Shakuntala Thapa, four days after the two were sentenced to prison and fined for contempt of court.

However, the 66-year-old convicted killer’s tirade … Read : Sobhraj flays court for punishing his girlfriend, lawyer.

Train slams into another at station in central Indonesia; at least 36 killed, dozens injured

Train crash in central Indonesia kills at least 36

PETARUKAN, Indonesia – A train crashed into another parked at a railway station in central Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 36 people and injuring dozens, many seriously, officials and witnesses said.
Rescuers spent hours searching through the mangled wreckage for trapped survivors of the accident, which occurred …. Source  : Train slams into another at station in central Indonesia; at least 36 killed, dozens injured.

35 killed in Indonesia train crash (Second Lead)

JAKARTA – At least 35 people were killed and 13 others injured Saturday when two passenger trains collided in Indonesia’s Central Java province, hospital staff said.

The Argo Anggrek train was going from Jakarta to the East Java capital of Surabaya when it ploughed into the stationary Senja Utama before dawn in Pemalang district.
“All … Read more »»».

Indonesian train crash kills 36, injures dozens

Indonesian train crash kills at least 36
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia on Saturday killed at least 36 people and injured dozens, several with severe burns and broken bones, officials and witnesses said.

As most passengers slept on the train, which was sitting idle at the station in Petarukan, a northern coastal city … Read : Indonesian train crash kills 36, injures dozens.

Man suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists held

LUCKNOW – A man, who is suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists, has been arrested with over 50 detonators near Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Saturday.

Jeewan Bahadur, who is in his mid-30s, was arrested late Friday from Rupaideeh town, about 300 km from here.
“We definitely cannot rule out the …. Original source  : Man suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists held.

Riyadh-bound flight lands in Kochi after smoke alarm

KOCHI – An Air India flight bound for Riyadh and Muscat landed here Saturday morning as it was diverted after a smoke alarm went off, officials said. All passengers were safe.

The plane first took off from here to Kozhikode, from where it was headed to Riyadh and Muscat, A.C.K. Nair, director of the Cochin …. Read the original article  : Riyadh-bound flight lands in Kochi after smoke alarm.

Italian church welcomes legal action in sex abuse cases

Vatican City, Oct 2 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s catholic church has welcomed civil suites against priests for alleged sexual abuse, said Monsignor Mariano Crociata, secretary-general of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

“There will be no obstacles to civil proceedings. On the contrary, they would be viewed favourably,” he told reporters Friday following a meeting of the Episcopal Conference.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Italian church welcomes legal action in sex abuse cases.

33 killed in Indonesia train collision

JAKARTA – At least 33 people were killed and a dozen injured early Saturday when two trains collided in Indonesia’s central Java province, officials said.

According to rescuers, three coaches were derailed and several passengers trapped in a coach which was badly damaged in the accident, Xinhua reported.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when … Read more : 33 killed in Indonesia train collision.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 43, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 43
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 43 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred at a station in Petarukan, a city … Original article on : Indonesian train crash kills at least 43, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 31, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 31
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 31 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred near Petarukan, a city on the northern … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian train crash kills at least 31, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

25 killed, 30 hurt in Indonesia train collision

JAKARTA – At least 25 people were killed and 30 others seriously wounded early Saturday when two trains collided in Indonesia’s central Java province, Xinhua reported.

Rescuers were working to evacuate those still trapped in the coaches, said Rindang Krisnoputro, official with the provincial search and rescue office.
“The number of victims may increase …. Read the original article  : 25 killed, 30 hurt in Indonesia train collision.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 28, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 28
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 28 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred near Petarukan, a city on the northern … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian train crash kills at least 28, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 26, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 26
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 26 people and injured dozens Saturday, many suffering burns and broken bones, hospital officials and witnesses said.

Some bodies were still trapped in the wreckage.
The accident occurred near a station in Petarukan, a city on the northern coast …. Source  : Indonesian train crash kills at least 26, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Media report: Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash

Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 25 people and left many others injured Saturday, many with burns and broken bones, witnesses told local television.

Some bodies were still trapped in the wreckage.
The accident occurred at a station in Petarukan, a city on the northern coast … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Media report: Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash.

Microsoft sues Motorola over Android phones

WASHINGTON – Microsoft Corp has filed a lawsuit against Motorola, saying the smartphone maker had infringed on nine patents in its Android-based devices.

The nine patents that Motorola allegedly violated involve essential smartphone functions, including “synchronizing e-mail, calendars and contacts; scheduling meetings; and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power”, Microsoft said.
… Read more : Microsoft sues Motorola over Android phones.

25 Russians charged in US banking fraud

New York, Oct 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Twenty-five Russians have been charged in a banking fraud case in the US, the attorney\’s office for the southern district of New York said Friday.

The Russians are believed to have been involved in a global cyber crime scheme that resulted in over $3 million being stolen from US bank … Read more : 25 Russians charged in US banking fraud.

37 die in Mexico mudslides

Mexico City, Oct 2 (IANS/EFE) Thirty-seven people have died in mudslides in southern Mexico, authorities said Friday.

The southern mountainous states of Oaxaca and Chiapas have been hit by massive mudslides, triggered by heavy rains over the last few days, burying people and destroying homes. Three people are missing.
Roads were damaged, and electricity …. Source article  : 37 die in Mexico mudslides.

Man who led police on chase that resulted in Ariz news helicopters crash sentenced to 25 years

Man sentenced over deadly news helicopters crash

PHOENIX – A man who led authorities on a chase through midtown Phoenix which resulted in a deadly crash involving two news helicopters is headed to prison.
Christopher Jermaine Jones was sentenced to 25 years Friday after he pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated assault, which prosecutors say stem …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man who led police on chase that resulted in Ariz news helicopters crash sentenced to 25 years.

Iran arrests ‘nuclear spies’

LONDON – Iran has arrested several “spies” who were involved in an attempt to sabotage the country’s nuclear programme, said Iranian intelligence minister Heydar Moslehi.

The arrest followed an attack on Iran’s industrial computer network by a software bug Stuxnet that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, including its main Bushehr power plant, British newspaper The Guardian …. Read the original article  : Iran arrests ‘nuclear spies’.

Building under construction collapses in northwestern China, killing 8

Building in northwest China collapses, killing 8

BEIJING – A state news agency says a four-story building under construction has collapsed in northwestern China, killing eight workers and injuring three others.
Xinhua News Agency says the residential building fell Saturday in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province. More than 300 firefighters, police and medical workers were sent … Original source on Gaea Times at : Building under construction collapses in northwestern China, killing 8.

Goan serial killer’s day out

PANAJI – In a state known for well toned bikini-clad bodies on the beach, Goa’s alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik, 43, used a more conservative clothing appendage to snuff out 16 lives – all of them women.

A ‘dupatta’, a longish scarf, which he slipped around the neck of most of his victims who [..] Read the original article: here.

Six killed in tourist plane crash in Peru

LIMA – A small plane carrying tourists on a sightseeing flight crashed in Peru Saturday, killing all six people on board.

The propeller plane operated by Air Nasca was carrying four British travellers and two crew members, when an engine problem cause the crash some 350 km south of Lima, radio RPP reported, citing police …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six killed in tourist plane crash in Peru.

14 killed in Mexico shooting

MEXICO CITY – A shoot-out between two rival gangs in northern Mexico has left 14 people dead, officials said.

The shoot-out occurred Friday in the village of Jose de la Cruz in Durango state and was likely part of a power struggle among drug cartels, officials said Saturday.
The cartels have fought for years over …. Original source  : 14 killed in Mexico shooting.

Flood-hit Pakistan says it needs West’s trade, not just aid, to recover and to stop militants

Pakistanis push trade, not just aid, after floods

FAISALABAD, Pakistan – This eastern Pakistani city is known for the roar of its power looms and the buzz of its sewing machines. Now, following massive floods that devastated the cotton crop, another noise is threatening to drown those out: the pleas of a struggling textile industry begging … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Flood-hit Pakistan says it needs West’s trade, not just aid, to recover and to stop militants.

Three brothers lynched, buried alive for witchcraft

La Paz, Oct 3 (IANS/EFE) At least four men, including three brothers, were lynched and buried alive for practicing witchcraft as part of “community justice” by a group of people in Bolivia, media reports said.

On Friday, police found the body of a man who was beaten up and buried alive Aug 20 in a …. Original source  : Three brothers lynched, buried alive for witchcraft.

Indonesia probes deadly train crash that highlights poor infrastructure, lax safety standards

Indonesia investigates train crash that killed 36

PETARUKAN, Indonesia – Police were investigating a train crash Sunday that killed 36 people and injured dozens, putting a spotlight once again on Indonesia’s aging infrastructure and poor safety record.
The pre-dawn accident occurred Saturday as many passengers were sleeping.
A train from the capital, Jakarta, plowed into the rear of … Read more »»».

La. official known for criticizing BP and federal government over spill cruises to re-election

Official known for criticizing BP, feds re-elected

POINTE A LA HACHE, La. – A local official who emerged as a leading critic of efforts to clean up the oil spilled from BP’s well in the Gulf of Mexico has easily won re-election as president of his coastal Louisiana parish.
With all precincts reporting, Republican Billy Nungesser had … Original article on : La. official known for criticizing BP and federal government over spill cruises to re-election.

Attempted assassination part of unrest, claims Correa

QUITO – Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa claimed that a police mutiny earlier this week was an attempted coup with plans to assassinate him and other members of the government, media reports said Saturday.

The death toll in the unrest rose to eight with 278 injured, officials said.
Correa told foreign ministers from the South American … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Attempted assassination part of unrest, claims Correa.

USGS says minor, magnitude 3.0, earthquake is reported north of Richmond, Va.; no injuries

Minor earthquake is felt north of Richmond, Va.

RICHMOND, Va. – The U.S. Geological Survey says a minor earthquake has hit Virginia.
Dale Grant, a geophysicist with the USGS, said the magnitude 3.0 earthquake happened at 4:17 p.m. Saturday. Its epicenter was about 20 miles north of Richmond.
Grant said there were no reports of injuries or damages.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : USGS says minor, magnitude 3.0, earthquake is reported north of Richmond, Va.; no injuries.

IOM: Engineer supervising shelter-building killed outside Haiti relocation camp

IOM: Engineer killed outside Haiti relocation camp

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Gunmen killed an engineer supervising the building of shelters at a relocation camp for Haitian earthquake survivors, forcing construction to be suspended on part of the site, the International Organization for Migration said Saturday.
The body of 42-year-old Pierre Richard Denis was found Friday on the outskirts …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IOM: Engineer supervising shelter-building killed outside Haiti relocation camp.

Peru police say plane carrying British tourists crashes near famed Nazca Lines, 6 dead

Peru: Tourist plane crashes near famed Nazca Lines

LIMA, Peru – A small plane carrying British tourists crashed near the famed Nazca Lines in Peru on Saturday, killing all six people on board, police said.
The victims were listed as four Britons – three men and a woman – and the pilot and co-pilot, both Peruvian.
The Cessna …. Read the original article  : Peru police say plane carrying British tourists crashes near famed Nazca Lines, 6 dead.

Searchers find body of missing NY woman swept away by floodwaters from Northeast storm

NY woman is 7th person killed in Northeast storm

BRADLEY, N.Y. – The rainstorms that caused flooding up and down the East Coast in recent days have claimed another life – this time in New York.
State police say they have recovered the body of a 55-year-old woman whose car had been swept off the road Friday … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Searchers find body of missing NY woman swept away by floodwaters from Northeast storm.

Osama bin Laden surfaces with humanitarian appeal for Pakistani floods in 2nd tape in 24-hours

Osama bin Laden softens tone, but to what end?

CAIRO – Softening his tone, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden issued a humanitarian appeal on Saturday urging Muslim governments to do more to help Pakistan’s flood victims and expressing worry about climate change. It was his second purported audiotape in as many days.
The less aggressive approach contrasted …. Original source  : Osama bin Laden surfaces with humanitarian appeal for Pakistani floods in 2nd tape in 24-hours.

Pall cast over international balloon fiesta as search continues for missing American pilots

Missing pilots cast pall over balloon fiesta in US

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Hundreds of balloonists in New Mexico lifted off Saturday at dawn amid a somber mood, opening the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta while search crews on the other side of the globe scoured the seas for two of the sport’s most acclaimed pilots.
Richard Abruzzo of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pall cast over international balloon fiesta as search continues for missing American pilots.

Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over car bombings that killed 12 in nation’s capital

Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over bombings

LAGOS, Nigeria – South African authorities have arrested an ex-leader of a militant group that claimed responsibility for a dual car bombing that killed 12 people in Nigeria, a Nigerian secret police spokeswoman said Saturday.
The arrest of Henry Okah, a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the …. Original source  : Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over car bombings that killed 12 in nation’s capital.

Two teenaged sisters held for cousin’s abduction

GHAZIABAD – Two teenaged sisters and two others in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district were taken in custody Saturday for kidnapping their uncle’s three-year-old boy for ransom, police said.

The two sisters, aged 17 and 18, abducted the boy from his home in Rafiqpura area, police said.
Firdaus’ boyfriend Abdul Qadir and Anisa’s husband Akram … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two teenaged sisters held for cousin’s abduction.

UAE to create national register of sex offenders

Abu Dhabi, Oct 2 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates is considering creation of a national register of sex offenders and a centre for children protection to combat crimes against the younger generation.

A meeting for this purpose was held by a legislative body of the higher committee for protection of children under the ministry … Original source on Gaea Times at : UAE to create national register of sex offenders.

Death toll in Nigeria car bombings rises to 12 as investigators hunt for oil-region militants

Nigeria: Death toll in bombings rises to 12

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s president on Saturday criticized the group claiming responsibility for setting off two car bombs during the oil-rich nation’s 50 anniversary of independence, calling them terrorists who used the struggles of his homeland to “camouflage criminality.”
President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments came as the death toll for …. Source  : Death toll in Nigeria car bombings rises to 12 as investigators hunt for oil-region militants.

UN says floods in Pakistan have interrupted Afghan food aid, cutting aid to 1 million people

UN: Pakistan floods curb food aid to Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Pakistan’s devastating floods have interrupted delivery of food aid to neighboring Afghanistan that would have fed about a million people this winter, the U.N. World Food Program said Monday.
Many people in rural areas of impoverished, war-ravaged Afghanistan risk starvation, and the poorest subsist on bread … Read more >>.

La Martiniere principal, 3 teachers held for boy’s suicide

KOLKATA – The principal and three teachers of Kolkata’s prestigious La Martiniere for Boys school were arrested Monday in connection with the suicide of Class 8 student Rouvanjit Rowla after he was caned and mentally harassed earlier this year, police said.

School principal Sunirmal Chakroborty and three teachers — Gunian, Partho Dutta and David Ryan … Read more >>.

NATO troop killed in bomb blast in southern Afghanistan; 8th coalition death in October

NATO troop killed in south Afghanistan bomb blast

KABUL, Afghanistan – A NATO service member was killed Monday by a bomb in southern Afghanistan, the eighth coalition member to die in the first four days of October.
The NATO statement on the death did not specify where the bombing occurred or the service member’s nationality. A U.S. …. Original source  : NATO troop killed in bomb blast in southern Afghanistan; 8th coalition death in October.

Federal panel looking for information about safety culture, other issues during spill hearings

US investigative panel meets for 5th time on spill

METAIRIE, La. – Federal investigators will be looking for key information about pressure tests, decision making and BP’s safety culture when the next round of hearings begins Monday to determine the cause of the Gulf of Mexico rig explosion and oil spill.
The weeklong hearings near New Orleans …. Source article  : Federal panel looking for information about safety culture, other issues during spill hearings.

NATO soldier killed in bomb blast in southern Afghanistan; 8th coalition death in 4 days

NATO soldier killed in Afghanistan bomb blast

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO says one of its service members was killed by an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan.
An alliance statement says the bomb attack occurred Monday. NATO did not provide further details.
It is the eighth coalition death since the beginning of the month, according to an Associated …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Huge fire in Hyderabad cracker shop

HYDERABAD – A huge fire broke out in a firecracker shop here early Monday, damaging the three-storey building and triggering panic. No casualties were reported.

Police said the fire was put off after five fire tenders battled the blaze for several hours. A short circuit is believed to have caused the fire.
The fire … Read more »»».

Bombing strikes convoy of Iraqi government official, kills 1 guard

Bomb hits convoy of Iraqi official, kills 1

BAGHDAD – Police officials say a roadside bombing has targeted the convoy of a deputy minister in Iraq’s government, killing a bodyguard and injuring seven people.
Baghdad has been hit by a wave of apparent Sunni insurgent attacks against security personnel and government workers.
Police officials say the blast struck …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bombing strikes convoy of Iraqi government official, kills 1 guard.

La Martiniere principal held over schoolboy’s suicide

KOLKATA – The principal of Kolkata’s prestigious La Martiniere for Boys School was arrested Monday in connection with the suicide of Class 8 student Rouvanjit Rowla after he was caned earlier this year, police said.

Sunirmal Chakroborty, the school principal who had caned Rouvanjit, was arrested in the morning from his home by Kolkata Police.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : La Martiniere principal held over schoolboy’s suicide.

Pakistani boy dies as kite string slices neck

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani boy was killed when the string of a kite sliced through his neck in Karachi city.

Three-year-old Abdul Wasil was playing outside his home in Jehangirabad. Suddenly, a kite string cut his neck. He was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital but he was declared dead, the News International reported Monday.
…. Original source  : Pakistani boy dies as kite string slices neck.

Homeless after summer floods, Pakistanis and their precious livestock share life in tents

Flood victims _ human and animal _ share tent life

SUKKUR, Pakistan – The call to prayer echoes through the tent village at dawn.
Muhammad Mosa wakes up and checks on Tikry and Baghee, his buffalo and goat. They are prized possessions, one of the few reminders of the home he fled more than seven weeks ago …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Homeless after summer floods, Pakistanis and their precious livestock share life in tents.

Man stabbed over baseball game debate

NEW YORK – A baseball fan in the US state of Connecticut was stabbed over an argument with another man over a rivalry between two teams, police said.

Police in Branford, 128 km from New York, were investigating the Saturday night stabbing of a man, reportedly sparked off by an argument over the rivalry between … Read : Man stabbed over baseball game debate.

Small plane crashes just after takeoff from California island, injuring 3, sparking fire

Plane crash near Calif. island airport burns 3

AVALON, Calif. – A small plane crashed Sunday near the airport on California’s Santa Catalina Island, sparking a small fire and leaving the three people on board with burn injuries.
The twin-engine Cessna 310 crashed at about 3:40 p.m. near the island’s airfield, Airport in the Sky.
The 54-year-old pilot …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lightning kills five in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – At least five people were killed by lightning and many were missing due to floods triggered by torrential rains in different parts of Sri Lanka, officials said.

Pradeep Kodippily, national co-ordinator of the disaster management centre said five people were killed by lightning in Moneragala, Gampaha and Ratnapura districts during the weekend.
The … Original article on : Lightning kills five in Sri Lanka.

3 burned, 2 critically, as small plane crashes near airport on California island

3 burned as Cessna crashes near Calif. airport

AVALON, Calif. – Authorities say a small plane has crashed near the airport on California’s Santa Catalina Island, leaving three people with burn injuries and starting a small grass fire.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the Cessna 310 crashed at about 3:40 p.m. Sunday near the island’s …. Read the original article  : 3 burned, 2 critically, as small plane crashes near airport on California island.

US journalists found growing marijuana

WASHINGTON – Two American journalists have been arrested after police found 11 marijuana plants growing in their yard, a media report said.

CBS Radio News correspondent Howard Arenstein, 60, and his wife Orly Katz alias Orly Azoulay, 57, a Washington correspondent for Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, were charged with possession of marijuana with an intent …. Source  : US journalists found growing marijuana.

Blast in Turkey leather factory

ANKARA – At least three people died and five were injured in a blast at a leather factory in Turkey Sunday, a media report said.

Two workers were killed when the blast occurred in the boiler room of the workshop in Guzelburc town in Hatay province, the Anatolia news agency reported, adding that a truck …. Original source  : Blast in Turkey leather factory.

Blast at plaza in Mexico injures 15, authorities blame drug cartels trying to create ‘chaos’

Explosion at plaza injures 15 in northern Mexico

MONTERREY, Mexico – An explosion at a plaza in northeastern Mexico injured 15 people, an attack authorities blamed Sunday on drug cartels targeting the civilian population to cause chaos.
Police believe the attackers threw a grenade Saturday night at the main square in the town of Guadalupe, but were …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blast at plaza in Mexico injures 15, authorities blame drug cartels trying to create ‘chaos’.

Police in Nigeria name 2 suspects in the dual car bombings that struck during celebrations

Nigeria: Police name suspects in dual car bombings

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s federal police force named two men Sunday night as the “masterminds” behind the bombings that struck the West African nation’s capital during its independence celebrations.
Meanwhile, a lawyer in South Africa confirmed that an ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official: 400 police killed over 5 years in a single Russian southern province

400 police killed in 5 years in Russian province

MOSCOW – More than 400 police officers and other law enforcement agents have been killed by militants over the past five years in just one of Russia’s restive southern provinces, its leader says.
Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the president of the province of Ingushetia west of Chechnya, said at a …. Source  : Official: 400 police killed over 5 years in a single Russian southern province.

Indonesian police arrest engineer of train in crash that killed 36 people

Police arrest engineer in Indonesian train crash

PETARUKAN, Indonesia – Police arrested the engineer of a train that plowed into another at a station, killing 36 people – the latest in a string of accidents in Indonesia blamed on aging infrastructure and poor safety standards.
Halik Rudianto was driving a first-class train as it crashed early Saturday …. Source  : Indonesian police arrest engineer of train in crash that killed 36 people.

3 dead, 6 missing after red sludge from alumina plant floods towns in western Hungary

Death toll rises to 3 in Hungary sludge flood

DEVECSER, Hungary – A third person has died in flooding caused by the rupture of a red sludge reservoir at an alumina plant in western Hungary, rescue services said Tuesday. Six people were missing and 120 injured in what officials said was an ecological disaster.
The sludge, a …. Source article  : 3 dead, 6 missing after red sludge from alumina plant floods towns in western Hungary.

Goan, once endorsed by BJP leaders, accused of contract killing

PANAJI – An alleged Goan drug dealer, who was onced backed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, has now been accused by police of orchestrating a contract killing from Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail.

Police here say Tukaram Savlo Salgaonkar, 31, has confessed to giving a contract to a sharp shooter to kill a rival, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Goan, once endorsed by BJP leaders, accused of contract killing.

Three girls buried alive in a pit in Bihar

PATNA – Three girls were buried alive in a Bihar village early Tuesday while digging a pit when the soil suddenly collapsed on them.

The girls were digging a pit near a river on the outskirts of Maksudpur village under Minapur police station in Muzaffarpur district, police said.
The victims were identified as Abhilasha … Read more >>.

Insurgent rocket attack kills 2 civilians, wounds 6 others in eastern Afghanistan, gov’t says

Rocket attack kills 2 civilians, wounds 6 others

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan government spokesman says a militant rocket attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed two civilians.
Ismail Jahangir, spokesman for the governor of Ghazni province, says rockets fired by insurgents hit Monday afternoon in Andar district, killing two Afghan civilians and wounding six others.
The United Nations … Read more »».

Baby dies in baking hot car in Florida

LONDON – A 14-month-old girl died after being left in a baking hot car for over three hours in Florida while her father attended church, a media report said Tuesday.

Kimberly James is believed to have been in the vehicle with sweltering temperatures in Florida reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38c), Daily Mail reported on …. Original article  : Baby dies in baking hot car in Florida.

Andhra police gun down criminal, family cries foul

HYDERABAD – A notorious criminal was killed in a shootout with police in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district Tuesday, but his family alleges he was murdered in cold blood and claims it had earlier complained of a threat to his life from a top cop.

According to police, Adapa Venkanna was killed when a police team … Original source on Gaea Times at : Andhra police gun down criminal, family cries foul.

Jury to return for Day 2 of deliberations in Conn. home invasion that left woman, 2 girls dead

Jury: No verdict yet in Conn. home invasion trial

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Jurors who deliberated for about two hours without reaching a verdict in the trial of a man charged with killing a woman and her two daughters in a 2007 home invasion were told to return Tuesday.
The jury spent much of Monday receiving instructions … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jury to return for Day 2 of deliberations in Conn. home invasion that left woman, 2 girls dead.

Car bomb blast damages businesses in Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no injuries

Car bomb damages businesses in Northern Ireland

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – A car bomb explosion has damaged businesses in Northern Ireland, but no injuries have been reported.
The attack early Tuesday in Londonderry has been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.
Police say the bomb exploded an hour after a telephone warning. The explosion damaged …. Read the original article  : Car bomb blast damages businesses in Londonderry, Northern Ireland; no injuries.

Unable to meet Patnaik, displaced villagers attempt suicide

BHUBANESWAR – At least four people attempted to kill themselves here after being denied an appointment with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. They were among hundreds of protesters from Koraput district who have been displaced from their lands by a tribal outfit.

Although police managed to foil their suicide bids Monday evening, the protesters said … Original article on : Unable to meet Patnaik, displaced villagers attempt suicide.

Heavy rains unleash flash floods in remote corner of Indonesia, killing at least 29

Flash floods in eastern Indonesia kill at least 29

TELUK WONDAMA, Indonesia – Heavy rain unleashed flash floods and mudslides, killing 29 people in a remote corner of Indonesia that rescuers were still struggling to reach days after the storms began, officials and witnesses said Tuesday.
With dozens still missing, residents in West Papua province’s hillside village … Read : Heavy rains unleash flash floods in remote corner of Indonesia, killing at least 29.

Five killed in Bengal road accident

KOLKATA – Five people were killed Tuesday when the bus they were travelling in overturned in West Bengal’s Burdwan district, police said.

The driver lost control over the privately-owned bus near Charul village in Debpur in Bhatar block, about 130 km from here, and it fell in a ditch around 8 a.m.
“Three … Original article on : Five killed in Bengal road accident.

Pakistanis make a beeline for aircraft crash site

ISLAMABAD – Pakistanis are still visiting the site in the Margalla Hills, located near this Pakistani capital, where an aircraft crashed with over 150 people onboard on July 28.

On July 28, the aircraft carrying 152 people crashed amid heavy rain in the lush green Margalla Hills that ring this city. The plane, flying …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistanis make a beeline for aircraft crash site.

Apex court clears way for verdict in builder’s murder case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday cleared the way for the pronouncement of a special TADA court’s verdict in the 1995 murder of real estate builder Pradeep Jain. Underworld don Abu Salem is the prime accused in the case.

The judgment was given by Justice R.M. Lodha.
The apex court had earlier asked …. Original source  : Apex court clears way for verdict in builder’s murder case.

Teen killed for honour in Lahore

ISLAMABAD – A man shot dead his 19-year-old sister in Pakistan’s Lahore city as she didn’t have “good character”, police said.

Zubaida, a resident of Manga Mandi, had a quarrel with her brother Mukhtar Monday, The News International reported.
Mukhtar then opened fire, killing her instantly.
He later fled from the spot.
A case …. Source article  : Teen killed for honour in Lahore.

Pakistani held for killing wife in Italy

Modena (Italy), Oct 5 (IANS/AKI) A Pakistani was arrested near this northern Italian city after he allegedly killed his wife when she defending their daughter for refusing an arranged marriage.

Ahmad Khan Butt, a 53-year-old manual worker, allegedly killed his 46-year-old wife Begm Shnez during a violent quarrel after she tried to stop him from …. Read the original article  : Pakistani held for killing wife in Italy.

Teenagers shot after refusing to pull up pants

NEW YORK – A 45-year-old man in New York shot at two teenagers after they refused to pull up their baggy pants when he had asked them to, a media report said.

Kenneth Bonds from Memphis area was charged with assault after he fired shots using a semi-automatic pistol at two teenagers – aged 16 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Teenagers shot after refusing to pull up pants.

Indonesian flash floods kill at least 26; hundreds of homes destroyed

Flash floods in eastern Indonesia kill at least 26

WONDAMA, Indonesia – Days of torrential rain triggered landslides and flash floods in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 26 people and destroying hundreds of homes, officials and witnesses said Tuesday.
Residents in Wasior, a village in a hilly corner of West Papua province, combed the mud in search …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian flash floods kill at least 26; hundreds of homes destroyed.

26 killed in Indonesia floods

JAKARTA – Flash floods in Indonesia have left at least 26 people dead, while many people were missing, officials said.

As many as 61 people were injured and 31 houses were damaged in the floods in West Papua province during the weekend, Priyadi Kardono, spokesman of the Disaster Management Agency, was quoted as saying by …. Read the original article  : 26 killed in Indonesia floods.

4 NATO troops die in Afghan south and east; blasts in Kandahar kill up to 4 Afghan policemen

Blasts kill 4 NATO troops, up to 4 Afghan police

KABUL, Afghanistan – Three explosions just minutes apart rocked southern Kandahar city, killing as many as four Afghan police officers, while four NATO service members died in attacks that increased the coalition’s death toll to 11 in the first week of October.
Two policemen were killed and …. Original article  : 4 NATO troops die in Afghan south and east; blasts in Kandahar kill up to 4 Afghan policemen.

British Columbia coroner’s office: Independent safety audit needed of Whistler luge track

British Columbia coroner: Luge audit needed

Nodar Kumaritashvili’s “relative lack of experience” on challenging tracks played a significant role in his death during a training run hours before the start of the Vancouver Olympics, according to a coroner’s report released Monday.
The long-awaited report, issued 235 days after Kumaritashvili crashed, declared the Georgian’s death accidental and revealed …. Source  : British Columbia coroner’s office: Independent safety audit needed of Whistler luge track.

Powerful roadside bomb kills 3 fruit farmers on the way to market in southeastern Afghanistan

Bomb kills 3 civilians in southeast Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – A government spokesman says a powerful roadside bomb has struck a civilian vehicle, killing three people in southeastern Afghanistan.
Mohammad Jan Rasoulyar, spokesman for Zabul province’s governor, says the blast occurred Wednesday as the fruit farmers took their produce to market. He says the explosion in Mizan …. Read the original article  : Powerful roadside bomb kills 3 fruit farmers on the way to market in southeastern Afghanistan.

Bombs rock Kandahar city killing 9, including 5 children; 2nd day of blasts targeting police

5 Afghan children among 9 killed Kandahar blasts

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai condemned the “enemies of Afghanistan” on Wednesday after a series of roadside bombs in southern Kandahar city killed nine people, including five children, as insurgents fight back against intensified NATO-led operations.
Bombs targeting a police vehicle ripped through an intersection Tuesday night, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bombs rock Kandahar city killing 9, including 5 children; 2nd day of blasts targeting police.

Phoenix Weather Created Turbulence In The City

PHOENIX, (GaeaTimes.com)- The dreadful weather that passed over Phoenix this Tuesday afternoon, created a great deal of inconvenience for the people in every possible way. The Thunderstorm couple with dust was a result of deep low-pressure system dropping into California. The storm developed in the South East valley and reached the down town Phoenix area. …. Source article  : Phoenix Weather Created Turbulence In The City.

Dismayed by Priyadarshini verdict, CBI must intervene: activists

NEW DELHI – Activists who fought for justice in the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case Wednesday voiced disgust after the Supreme Court reduced the killer’s death sentence to life imprisonment, and asked the CBI to submit a review petition.

“We are dismayed,” Aditya Raj Kaul, who led a campaign in the case since 2006, said after …. Source  : Dismayed by Priyadarshini verdict, CBI must intervene: activists.

Death toll from flooding in Asia tops 100; tens of thousands evacuated

Death toll from Asian floods tops 100
TELUK WONDAMA, Indonesia – Helicopters dropped food to isolated villages and security forces helped search for survivors as the number of people killed by floods and landslides across Asia climbed Wednesday to more than 100.

Three-quarters of the deaths were in eastern Indonesia, where days of torrential downpours caused tons … Original article on : Death toll from flooding in Asia tops 100; tens of thousands evacuated.

Govt lacks copies of emergency response plans developed by natural gas pipeline operators

Natural gas pipeline crisis plans kept from public

WASHINGTON – The emergency plans for companies operating natural gas pipelines like the one that exploded in San Bruno, Calif., killing eight people and destroying a neighborhood, are effectively off-limits to the public and industry watchdogs because the federal pipeline safety agency doesn’t keep copies in its offices.
The … Original article on : Govt lacks copies of emergency response plans developed by natural gas pipeline operators.

Saddest day, I will fight on, says Priyadarshini’s father

JAMMU – Retired Kashmiri chief engineer Chaman Lal Mattoo Wednesday felt “completely shattered” by the Supreme Court verdict that commuted the death penalty for his daughter Priyadarshani’s killer to life sentence and vowed to “fight the case till his last breath”.

It is “the saddest day in my life as the apex court has not … Original source on Gaea Times at : Saddest day, I will fight on, says Priyadarshini’s father.

Driver convicted in rape, murder case

BANGALORE – A sessions court here Wednesday found driver Shivakumar guilty of the December 2005 rape and murder of call centre employee Pratibha Murthy.

The quantum of sentence was not announced. Shivakumar was the driver of a cab hired by the call centre.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Driver convicted in rape, murder case.

Saudi prince sexually abuses servant, batters him to death

LONDON – A Saudi prince has beaten his manservant lover to death in a sexually motivated attack at an exclusive London hotel, a media report said Wednesday.

Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasir Al Saud, the grandson of the billionaire king of Saudi Arabia, murdered Bandar Abdulaziz after subjecting him to weeks of physical and sexual … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Saudi prince sexually abuses servant, batters him to death.

Life sentence means freedom in India: Neelam Katara

NEW DELHI – Reacting to the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case, Neelam Katara, mother of another murder victim Nitish Katara, Wednesday said life sentence in India “means freedom for the culprits”.

“I know how it feels to lose one’s child. Life sentence in our country means freedom for the culprits, soon …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Life sentence means freedom in India: Neelam Katara.

Australian gets 11-year jail for raping daughter

SYDNEY – A Melbourne man, who has repeatedly drugged and sexually abused his daughter, has been jailed for more than 11 years, a media report said Wednesday.

He also threatened to kill his 12-year-old daughter if she told her mother, The Age reported on its website.
The father, 35, who cannot be named, told … Read more >>.

Priyadarshini’s father ‘disappointed’ with verdict

JAMMU – Expressing disappointment with the Supreme Court verdict in the 1996 Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case, the victim’s father Chaman Lal Mattoo Wednesday said reducing the death penalty for the killer to life imprisonment was a “concession” and should not set a precedent.

“After fighting for 14 long years, with the entire civil society watching, … Read : Priyadarshini’s father ‘disappointed’ with verdict.

Death toll from floods in eastern Indonesia climbs to 75; rescue operations pick up steam

Flash floods in eastern Indonesia kill at least 75

TELUK WONDAMA, Indonesia – A navy warship arrived in a remote corner of eastern Indonesia carrying tents and medical supplies Wednesday after flash floods and mudslides tore through mountainside villages, killing at least 75 people and leaving thousands homeless.
The disaster in West Papua province – triggered by …. Source  : Death toll from floods in eastern Indonesia climbs to 75; rescue operations pick up steam.

Death reduced to life in Priyadarshini Mattoo case

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday commuted the death sentence of Santosh Kumar Singh, the son of a senior police officer, to life imprisonment in the 1996 rape and murder of Delhi University student Priyadarshini Mattoo. Singh, her senior, had been given death sentence by the Delhi High Court.
…. Source article  : Death reduced to life in Priyadarshini Mattoo case.

200,000 affected by floods in Mexico

Villahermosa (Mexico), Oct 6 (IANS/EFE) Some 200,000 people have been affected by floods in southeastern Mexico, authorities said.

Floods triggered by heavy rains have devastated the Mexican state of Tabasco where some 200,000 people have been affected, officials said Tuesday.
Thirteen of the state’s 17 municipalities have suffered extensive damage from the flooding. … Original source on Gaea Times at : 200,000 affected by floods in Mexico.

Blasts rock Kandahar city killing 9, as Afghan militants fight back against coalition pressure

9 killed, 26 wounded in 2nd day of Kandahar blasts

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Two explosions killed nine people and wounded two dozen others in Kandahar, the second day of deadly blasts in the southern Afghan city where Taliban insurgents are fighting back against U.S. and Afghan forces pushing into areas long held by insurgents.
A car bomb …. Source article  : Blasts rock Kandahar city killing 9, as Afghan militants fight back against coalition pressure.

Heavy rains unleash flash floods in remote corner of Indonesia, killing at least 68

Flash floods in eastern Indonesia kill at least 68

TELUK WONDAMA, Indonesia – A navy warship arrived in a remote corner of eastern Indonesia carrying tents and medical supplies Wednesday after flash floods and mudslides tore through mountainside villages, killing at least 68 people and leaving thousands homeless.
The disaster in West Papua province – triggered by …. Source  : Heavy rains unleash flash floods in remote corner of Indonesia, killing at least 68.

Massive floods kill 26 in central Vietnam; helicopters drop aid to isolated villages

Massive floods kill 26 in Vietnam; 9 missing

HANOI, Vietnam – Helicopters dropped food aid Wednesday to people in villages cut off by high water as the death toll from flooding this week in central Vietnam rose to 26, with nine people missing, disaster officials said.
In the worst-hit province of Quang Binh, 11 people were dead … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Massive floods kill 26 in central Vietnam; helicopters drop aid to isolated villages.

Storms cause flooding in Arizona, Nevada; 2 teens hospitalized after Utah lightning strike

Storms cause flooding in Arizona, Nevada
PHOENIX – Strong storms on Tuesday pounded portions of the West, dropping record-setting rain in northern Nevada, flooding roads and disrupting flights in Phoenix, and dumping enough snow at the top of the Sierra to close a mountain highway pass.

Meanwhile, a lightning strike in Utah left two teenage boys hospitalized … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Storms cause flooding in Arizona, Nevada; 2 teens hospitalized after Utah lightning strike.

3 men survive night in churning seas off Australia after whale strikes, sinks their boat

3 survive after whale sinks boat off Australia

PERTH, Australia – Three men survived four hours floating in rough seas off the northwest Australia coast after their boat collided with what they believe was a whale and sank, officials said Wednesday.
The men were on a 46-foot (14-meter) wooden boat off Exmouth in Western Australia state when … Read : 3 men survive night in churning seas off Australia after whale strikes, sinks their boat.

National Hurricane Center: Subtropical Storm Otto not moving much in the Atlantic

Subtropical Storm Otto not moving much in Atlantic

MIAMI – The National Hurricane Center says Subtropical Storm Otto isn’t moving much as it swirls over the Atlantic.
Otto has maximum sustained winds Thursday near 60 mph (95 kph). The storm could transition to a tropical storm later in the day and could become a hurricane over the …. Read the original article  : National Hurricane Center: Subtropical Storm Otto not moving much in the Atlantic.

China warns mine bosses not to flout new rule ordering them underground; fines, bans possible

Bosses who don’t enter China’s mines may be fined

BEIJING – Mine bosses in China who don’t go underground with their workers will be severely punished under a new regulation that took effect Thursday in the latest bid to improve safety in the world’s deadliest mines.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in July ordered mine managers to spend … Read more >>.

Sohrabuddin killing: high court sends cop’s plea to CBI court

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Thursday referred back to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court the question of the constitutional validity of jailed police officer N.K. Amin turning approver in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case.

A division bench of Justices Jayant Patel and H.B. Antani observed that “the co-accused have no … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sohrabuddin killing: high court sends cop’s plea to CBI court.

Assam militants hiring students to spread terror

GUWAHATI – Separatist groups in Assam are outsourcing terror by hiring students to carry out kidnappings and seek ransom to fund militant activities, police said.

Assam has, of late, witnessed a series of abductions – most of them blamed on militant groups like the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
The disturbing trend is …. Original article  : Assam militants hiring students to spread terror.

China warns mine bosses not to flout new rule ordering them underground

China’s mine bosses ordered to go underground

BEIJING – Mine bosses in China who don’t go underground with their workers will be severely punished under a new regulation that took effect Thursday in the latest bid to improve safety in the world’s deadliest mines.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in July ordered mine managers to spend some time …. Read the original article  : here.

Trucker held in Italy for ‘radioactive’ cargo

Catanzaro (Italy), Oct 7 (IANS/AKI) A Romanian truck driver was arrested after police uncovered 3,000 kg of radioactive material hidden in his vehicle in southern Italy.

The 52-year-old man was transporting spare parts for aerials and mobile phones that tested highly radioactive, police said Wednesday.
He was arrested near the Lamezia Terme town …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Trucker held in Italy for ‘radioactive’ cargo.

Dwight Clark Body Found

BELLINGHAM (GaeaTimes.com)- Dwight Clark, a college student, who was good in studies and also used to send thousands of text messages to his family suddenly disappeared on September 26. The law enforcement officials left no stones unturned to search for the missing student of Western Washington University and yesterday his body was found in …. Source article  : Dwight Clark Body Found.

42 Orissa villagers missing in Bay of Bengal rescued

BHUBANESWAR – At least 42 villagers in Orissa who went missing in the Bay of Bengal were rescued Thursday, police said.

The residents of Nuagaon village had gone in a new motorised country boat to visit some nearby temples Monday. They were missing since Tuesday evening.
“Local trawler association members and fishermen managed to locate … Original article on : 42 Orissa villagers missing in Bay of Bengal rescued.

US aluminum mining plants employ different methods, sludge flood like Hungary’s unlikely

Sludge flood like Hungary’s unlikely in US

HOUSTON – Images like those from Hungary of homes surrounded by red mud and cars floating through toxic sludge from a nearby metals plant would be unlikely in the U.S., where only two states have similar facilities, according to industry officials and regulators.
Texas and Louisiana are the only states …. Source  : US aluminum mining plants employ different methods, sludge flood like Hungary’s unlikely.

Five Indian fishermen held in Pakistan

KARACHI – Five Indians were arrested for fishing in Pakistani territorial waters, authorities here said.

The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) arrested the five Indian fishermen for being within the Pakistani territorial waters, Daily Times reported Thursday.
MSA spokesperson Lt. Commander Naeem was quoted as saying that the Indian fishermen were arrested while they were fishing …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Five Indian fishermen held in Pakistan.

CBI to file charge sheet in IFFI scam by year-end

PANAJI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will file a charge sheet by the year-end in the multi-crore scam in infrastructure creation for the 2004 International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, police said Thursday.

Superintendent of Police S.S. Gavli told reporters that investigations in the 2004 scam were over. Former chief …. Read the original article  : CBI to file charge sheet in IFFI scam by year-end.

Flood death toll nearly doubles in Vietnam as more rain continues to punish region

Floods continue to punish Asia, killing nearly 140

HANOI, Vietnam – Asia’s death toll from vicious rains spiked Thursday to nearly 140 as disaster officials reached previously isolated areas in Vietnam, while the worst flooding in parts of southern China in nearly a half-century forced 130,000 villagers to evacuate.
Security forces tried to speed recovery efforts in …. Read the original article  : here.

Troops to combat mafia in Italian city

Reggio Calabria (Italy), Oct 7 (IANS/AKI) A top government representative wants to deploy soldiers in this southern Italian city after a portable rocket launcher was sent to the city’s chief prosecutor.

Luigi Varratta in a meeting of security officials Wednesday proposed using troops to regain control of areas with a strong presence of the Calabrian … Original source on Gaea Times at : Troops to combat mafia in Italian city.

Woman sexually assaults baby, boyfriend takes photos

LONDON – A woman in Britain sexually assaulted a five-month-old baby and allowed her paedophile boyfriend to take photographs from his mobile phone, a media report said Thursday.

Tracy Dawber, 44, allegedly let Colin Blanchard take the indecent images as she sat the youngster on her lap at her home in Southport, Merseyside, Daily Mail … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman sexually assaults baby, boyfriend takes photos.

Floods force evacuation of 130,000 in China, death toll in Asia flooding climbs to nearly 140

Floods force evacuation of 130,000 in China

BEIJING – The worst flooding in southern China in nearly half a century forced the evacuation of 130,000 villagers, state media said Thursday, as the number of people killed this week by floods and landslides across Asia climbed to nearly 140.
Heavy rains lashed the island province of Hainan, forcing …. Original article  : Floods force evacuation of 130,000 in China, death toll in Asia flooding climbs to nearly 140.

Haryana’s home secretary shifted after CBI graft case

CHANDIGARH – Haryana Home Secretary Krishna Mohan has been removed from his post, officials said Thursday, two days after he and two others were booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a graft case.

Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Samir Mathur will be the new home secretary of the state, a state government … Original source on Gaea Times at : Haryana’s home secretary shifted after CBI graft case.

Utah medical examiner rules child actor Gary Coleman’s death an accident, authorites say

Authorities rule Gary Coleman’s death an accident

SALT LAKE CITY – Police confirmed Wednesday that “Diff’rent Strokes” actor Gary Coleman’s death has been ruled an accident.
Santaquin Police Chief Dennis Howard said an autopsy found Coleman died of natural causes after an accidental fall. The finding matches the evidence police found at Coleman’s Santaquin home on May … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Utah medical examiner rules child actor Gary Coleman’s death an accident, authorites say.

CMA donates record $2.9 million to Nashville-area flood relief and music education programs

CMA donates $2.9 million for flood relief, music

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Country Music Association is donating more than $2.9 million to Nashville-area flood relief and music education programs.
The record donation comes from the net proceeds of this year’s CMA Music Festival held June 10-13 in Nashville.
The money will be split evenly between CMA’s “Keep the …. Source article  : CMA donates record $2.9 million to Nashville-area flood relief and music education programs.

Baby dies after monkey, possibly attracted by female pet, snatches it from Malaysian home

Baby dies after monkey snatches it from M’sia home

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A newborn baby died after being snatched by a monkey from her family’s living room in central Malaysia, an official said Thursday.
The body of the four-day-old girl was found outside the family’s home in Negri Sembilan state Wednesday, said a Wildlife Department official …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Baby dies after monkey, possibly attracted by female pet, snatches it from Malaysian home.

Anti-whaling activists trade claims over sinking of protest boat in Japanese whaler collision

Sea Shepherd, whaling protester in NZ public spat

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Sea Shepherd deliberately sank its own high-tech protest boat after a January collision with a Japanese whaling ship to gain sympathy, the former skipper alleged Thursday in a public spat with the conservation group’s founder.
New Zealander Peter Bethune said the futuristic trimaran Ady Gil [..] Read the original article: here.

Woman poses as boy to seduce teenage girls

LONDON – An American woman who posed as a teenage boy so she could seduce a teenage girl has been sentenced to six months in jail, a media report said Friday.

Patricia Dye, 31, from Franklin, Ohio, cut her hair and used a false name to fool teenage girls into having sex with her, … Read more >>.

Bangalore cabbie gets life term for Pratibha murder (Second Lead)

BANGALORE – Bangalore taxi driver Shiva Kumar was Friday sentenced to “life imprisonment till death” for the 2005 rape and murder of Hewlett Packard (HP) India employee Pratibha Murthy, prompting her mother to say tearfully that her daughter’s soul would now rest in peace.

Judge B.V Guddali of the 11th fast track court pronounced … Read : Bangalore cabbie gets life term for Pratibha murder (Second Lead).

Man armed with syringe robs woman

MELBOURNE – A man robbed a woman after threatening her with a syringe in this Australian city.

The man brandished the syringe and stole money from the woman’s handbag in Keysborough, a suburb.
Dandenong Leader reported that the woman was walking on a path near a gymnasium Thursday when she was approached by the man.
… Original article on : Man armed with syringe robs woman.

Official: US helicopter fire kills 6 Afghan militiamen who opened fire in eastern Afghanistan

Official: 6 Afghan militiamen killed in US strike

KABUL, Afghanistan – An official says six Afghan militiamen who fired on a U.S. helicopter have been killed in retaliatory fire in eastern Afghanistan.
Youqib Khan, deputy police chief of Khost province, says the local security force members in Khost province fired their weapons at the American chopper early … Read more »»».

Warmer, wetter weather means farmers can plant some crops in regions once too cold and dry

Warmer, wetter weather has crops on the move

DES MOINES, Iowa – Warmer and wetter weather in large swaths of the country have helped farmers grow corn, soybeans and other crops in some regions that only a few decades ago were too dry or cold, experts who are studying the change said.
Bruce Babcock, an Iowa State … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Warmer, wetter weather means farmers can plant some crops in regions once too cold and dry.

Knotts Berry Farm Accident Leaves 10 Injured

BUENA PARK (GaeaTimes.com)- The Knotts Berry Farm theme park in the city of Buena Park in Southern California was witness to an accident on Thursday evening which left as many as ten people injured. According to the Orange County Fire officials, the injuries which were sustained by the riders during the accident were minor … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Knotts Berry Farm Accident Leaves 10 Injured.

Pratibha murder: Bangalore cabbie sentenced for life

BANGALORE – A fast track court here Wednesday sentenced Bangalore taxi driver Shiva Kumar to “life imprisonment till death” for the 2005 murder of Hewlett Packard (HP) India employee Pratibha Murthy.

Pronouncing the judgment in a packed court room, Judge B.V Guddali of the 11th fast track court sentenced him under Section 302 of the …. Original source  : Pratibha murder: Bangalore cabbie sentenced for life.

Toxic Sludge Hungary In Danube Now

COLONTAR, HUNGARY (GaeaTimes.com)- The images and footages of the Hungary Toxic sludge that has wrecked the lives and properties in a number of villages in the country have shocked the web users in recent times. The toxic sludge damaged the area and got into waterbodies after devastating the villages. The officials and the … Read : Toxic Sludge Hungary In Danube Now.

Taxi driver sentenced for life in Pratibha murder case

BANGALORE – Bangalore taxi driver Shiva Kumar was Friday sentenced for life by a court here for the rape and murder of Hewlett Packard (HP) India employee Pratibha Murthy five years ago. Shiva Kumar was convicted for the gruesome crime Wednesday.

The shocking incident took place in the wee hours of Dec 13, 2005 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Taxi driver sentenced for life in Pratibha murder case.

Goods train derails in Jharkhand, services affected

RANCHI – Coal-laden 28 wagons of a goods train derailed in Jharkhand’s Latehar district Friday morning, disrupting services of more than a dozen trains, a railway official said.

“The wagons jumped the track between Richugatta and Demo railway station. The railway services have been affected on both up and down lines,” Dhanbad railway division public …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Powerful earthquakes south of the Aleutians; no tsunami alert

Powerful quakes in Aleutians; no tsunami alert

PALMER, Alaska – Officials say a magnitude 6.4 earthquake followed by a series of smaller temblors struck in a remote area of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands late Thursday.
Geophysicist Guy Urban at the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer says that while the quakes might have been felt …. Source article  : Powerful earthquakes south of the Aleutians; no tsunami alert.

Actress Juliette Lewis injured in hit-and-run crash in Burbank, Calif.

Actress Juliette Lewis injured in Calif. crash

dBURBANK, Calif. – Actress Juliette Lewis has been injured in a hit-and-run crash in Burbank, police said.
Lewis was a passenger in the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car Wednesday night when a driver ran a stoplight, smashed into Lewis’ vehicle and kept going, Sgt. Sean Kelley said.
The car …. Original article  : Actress Juliette Lewis injured in hit-and-run crash in Burbank, Calif..

10 people injured in roller coaster accident at Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County

10 injured in Knott’s rollercoaster accident

BUENA PARK, Calif. – Authorities say 10 people have been injured in a rollercoaster accident at Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County.
Fire Authority Capt. Greg McKeown says the accident happened Thursday night on the Pony Express but the injuries were minor.
He says two rollercoaster trains collided in the station where …. Source article  : 10 people injured in roller coaster accident at Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County.

Obama visit will be a celebration of diversity: Pranab Mukherjee

WASHINGTON – Downplaying their row over outsourcing, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said US President Barack Obama’s upcoming India visit would be a coming together of the world’s largest and oldest democracies in a celebration of diversity.

“In any growing relationship there will be issues which are to be addressed through dialogue,” he said in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama visit will be a celebration of diversity: Pranab Mukherjee.

Actress Juliette Lewis injured in hit-and-run crash in Burbank

Actress Juliette Lewis injured in Burbank crash

dBURBANK, Calif. – Actress Juliette Lewis has been injured in a hit-and-run crash in Burbank, police said.
Lewis was a passenger in the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car Wednesday night when a driver ran a stoplight, smashed into Lewis’ vehicle and kept going, Sgt. Sean Kelley said.
The car …. Source article  : Actress Juliette Lewis injured in hit-and-run crash in Burbank.

Kingfisher flight makes emergency landing in Mumbai

MUMBAI – A Kingfisher Airlines Mumbai-New Delhi flight made an emergency landing after a suspected bird-hit here Friday morning, an official said.

The flight IT-331 had taken off and was into flight for nearly 15 minutes when the incident occurred and the aircraft returned as “a precautionary measure”, the official said.
There were 120 … Original article on : Kingfisher flight makes emergency landing in Mumbai.

It pays to be a thief in Canada!

TORONTO – It pays to be a thief in Canada – unless you are caught red-handed.

A poor Chinese-origin shopkeeper David Chen is on trial here for chasing a shoplifter in May 2009 and tying him till the cops came.
His fault: he did not catch Bennett red-handed, but about an hour after he had …. Original article  : It pays to be a thief in Canada!.

Plane with six people goes missing in Mexico

Veracruz (Mexico), Oct 8 (IANS/EFE) A small plane with six people onboard disappeared after taking off from a Mexican airport, officials said.

The Cessna-Citation aircraft, belonging to the Alfe air taxi company, was reported missing minutes after taking off from the Canticas airport in Minatitlan, 578 km from Mexico City.
The plane was heading from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Plane with six people goes missing in Mexico.

Iran hangs eight drug traffickers

TEHRAN – Iran has hanged eight men charged with drug trafficking, a media report said.

The eight drug traffickers were hanged in a prison Thursday in the southeastern city of Kerman, near the Pakistan and Afghanistan borders, Xinhua reported citing the Mehr news agency.
Iran’s border areas with Pakistan and Afghanistan have seen deadly clashes … Read more : Iran hangs eight drug traffickers.

Pirates seize fishing boat off Mauritius

NAIROBI – A fishing boat with 14 crew members onboard has been captured by pirates off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, an African maritime agency has said.

The boat was hijacked 200 nautical miles north of Mauritius, the East African Seafarers’ Assistance Programme said, according to Xinhua.
The last report of a …. Source article  : Pirates seize fishing boat off Mauritius.

Obama urges China to free Nobel laureate Liu

LONDON – US President Barack Obama has called on China to free Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, a media report said Saturday.

The 54-year-old activist was sentenced last year to 11 years in prison for subversion.
Liu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, sparking a furious diplomatic row as China accused the Norwegian awards …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Driver killed as school van falls into canal

LUCKNOW – A driver was killed and 10 students were injured Saturday when a school van they were travelling in overturned and fell into a canal in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district, police said.

The accident took place in Holagarh town, some 200 km from Lucknow, when the driver of the speeding van of Patanjali Vidya …. Original source  : Driver killed as school van falls into canal.

New Zealand TV anchor’s future uncertain after ‘racial slur’

WELLINGTON – A New Zealand TV station that has been hit by controversies over on-air “racial slur”, said it will consider show host Paul Henry’s future over the weekend as pressure mounts to axe the presenter, a media report said Saturday.

The state broadcaster’s head, Rick Ellis, Friday night suggested Henry’s future was far from …. Original article  : New Zealand TV anchor’s future uncertain after ‘racial slur’.

NATO: 2 senior Taliban among 4 insurgents killed in operation in eastern Afghanistan

NATO: 4 Taliban killed in gunbattle in the east

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO and Afghan forces killed two senior Taliban leaders and two other fighters after raiding a compound in eastern Afghanistan, the military alliance said Saturday.
Mullah Hezbollah, who operated in Wardak province, died in a gunbattle during an operation Thursday night, NATO said. Another Taliban …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drill nears escape shaft breakthrough for Chile’s 33 miners as a world awaits their rescue

A way out, at last, for Chile’s 33 trapped miners

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile – Sixty-six agonizing days after their gold and copper mine collapsed above them, 33 miners anxiously awaited a way out early Saturday as a drill carved into the last layers of rock above their underground purgatory.
Outside the mine, relatives staying in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hungarian town of Kolontar being evacuated on fears of new sludge flood from reservoir

Hungary town evacuated, fears of new sludge flood

AJKA, Hungary – The Hungarian town of Kolontar near the toxic red sludge reservoir that flooded the area and killed at least seven people was evacuated Saturday over fears of a new leak of the dangerous heavy metal waste, officials said.
Experts fear the walls of the reservoir may …. Source article  : Hungarian town of Kolontar being evacuated on fears of new sludge flood from reservoir.

20 policemen deployed at Games sites suspended

NEW DELHI – Twenty policemen, who were on duty at various Commonwealth Games sites, have been suspended for alleged indiscipline and non-performance of duties, Delhi Police said Saturday.

“Some policemen have been suspended. Disciplinary action will be taken against them as per the rules for not performing their duties, indiscipline and laxity,” a senior …. Read the original article  : 20 policemen deployed at Games sites suspended.

Racist email scandal hits Australian police

SYDNEY – Police officers in Australia’s Victoria state have been caught joking about the electrocution of a train passenger in India in a racist email, a media report said.

The officers circulated video footage of the man being killed and suggested it could be a way to fix Melbourne’s Indian students’ problem, The Herald … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Racist email scandal hits Australian police.

Floods continue to devastate Vietnam, 62 dead and 100,000 without food

Floods claim 62 in Vietnam, 20 still missing

HANOI, Vietnam – The death toll in devastating floods in central Vietnam rose to 62 as authorities rushed aid to about 100,000 people facing food shortages, officials said Saturday.
Fourteen additional bodies were recovered over two days, and authorities were searching for 20 people still missing, the national floods … Original article on : Floods continue to devastate Vietnam, 62 dead and 100,000 without food.

5.9-magnitude earthquake shakes Costa Rica; no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage

5.9-magnitude earthquake shakes Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Authorities say a 5.9-magnitude earthquake has shaken Costa Rica. There are no immediate reports of casualties or serious damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake’s epicenter was 26 miles (41 kilometers) north of the capital, San Jose. Its depth was 61 miles (98 kilometers).
The Costa Rica …. Original article  : 5.9-magnitude earthquake shakes Costa Rica; no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.

Powerful earthquakes continue in Alaska’s Aleutians; no tsunami alert

Powerful quakes continue in Aleutians
PALMER, Alaska – Strong aftershocks continue to follow a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck a remote area of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.

Earthquake monitors said there were no immediate reports of injury or damage from any in the series of quakes that began Thursday night and continued Friday afternoon. No tsunami warnings were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Powerful earthquakes continue in Alaska’s Aleutians; no tsunami alert.

Ill. police officer’s father says son wasn’t responsible for shootings, couldn’t handle gun

Ill. officer’s father: Son couldn’t handle gun

LYNWOOD, Ill. – An Illinois police officer’s father says his son couldn’t be the person who killed one man and wounded two others this week in shootings on the Illinois-Indiana border.
John Dorian told the Associated Press on Friday that his son Brian “is not going to walk up and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ill. police officer’s father says son wasn’t responsible for shootings, couldn’t handle gun.

Chile miners to be evacuated soon

Copiapo (Chile), Oct 9 (IANS/EFE) Euphoria prevailed Friday among relatives of 33 miners trapped for more than two months in northern Chile, after authorities said their evacuation will start Tuesday at the earliest.

Health Minister Jaime Manalich set the date of the rescue for Tuesday, though another government official, Mining Minister Laurence Golborne, struck … Read more »».

Ill. couple: Officer’s arrest in shootings brings up memories of accident that killed son

Couple: Officer’s arrest brings up bitter memories

CRETE, Ill. – The parents of a teenager killed in a 2006 traffic accident involving police officer Brian Dorian say the officer’s arrest in another death is dredging up bitter memories.
Dorian was arrested Friday on a murder warrant in connection with a series of apparently random shootings along the …. Original source  : Ill. couple: Officer’s arrest in shootings brings up memories of accident that killed son.

Report: Sochaux striker Charlie Davies caught speeding nearly 1 year after accident

Report: Striker Charlie Davies caught speeding

PARIS – A French newspaper is reporting that American forward Charlie Davies, who nearly died in a car crash last year, was caught speeding at 125 miles per hour last weekend.
The website of Le Progres newspaper reported Friday that Davies was driving an Audi Q7 last Sunday when he was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Sochaux striker Charlie Davies caught speeding nearly 1 year after accident.

Oil spill lawsuit judge chooses 15 lawyers for lead roles in multibillion-dollar case

Oil lawsuit judge picks 15 lawyers for lead roles

MIAMI – The judge overseeing hundreds of lawsuits arising from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill has chosen 15 attorneys for lead roles in the multibillion-dollar case.
Among the chosen is former Agriculture Secretary and U.S. Rep. Mike Espy, now a lawyer in Mississippi. One prominent name omitted …. Read the original article  : Oil spill lawsuit judge chooses 15 lawyers for lead roles in multibillion-dollar case.

Excitement and anxiety in Chile as escape shaft drill nears 33 trapped miners

Escape shaft nearly reaches Chile’s trapped miners

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile – Drillers neared the lower reaches of a gold and copper mine where 33 men have been trapped for more than two months, preparing for a breakthrough Saturday that would unleash a national outpouring of joy.
Engineers had just the last 128 feet (39 meters) of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Excitement and anxiety in Chile as escape shaft drill nears 33 trapped miners.

Records show Mississippi Gov. Barbour out of state a lot _ often campaigning for GOP

Miss. gov’s frequent travels raise ire back home

JACKSON, Miss. – Where’s Haley? It’s not an easy question to answer these days.
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who is head of the Republican Governors Association and considering a 2012 presidential run, was out of state for all or part of 48 days during July, August and September, according …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Records show Mississippi Gov. Barbour out of state a lot _ often campaigning for GOP.

Tests show big drop in toxicity of red sludge reaching Danube in Hungary; Death toll up to 7

Toxicity of Hungary’s red sludge flow drops

KOLONTAR, Hungary – The concentration of toxic heavy metals where Hungary’s massive red sludge spill entered the Danube has dropped to the level allowed in drinking water, authorities said Friday, easing fears that Europe’s second longest river would be significantly polluted.
Monday’s reservoir break at an alumina plant dumped up …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan governor killed in explosion at mosque in northern Afghanistan where violence is up

Afghan governor killed in rising violence in north

KABUL, Afghanistan – A powerful bomb killed an outspoken Afghan governor and 19 other worshippers in a crowded mosque Friday in northern Afghanistan, where insurgents are trying to expand their influence beyond the embattled south.
A wounded survivor said he believed a suicide bomber praying to the right of … Original article on : Afghan governor killed in explosion at mosque in northern Afghanistan where violence is up.

Helicopter Crash At Blue Mountains

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Six men who were in a chopper and were going to participate in a car race survived after their helicopter came crashing down in Blue Mountains near Bathurst. Peter Heles, a mountain biker said that the men were dressed in the branded clothing of Jack Daniel. They were possibly going to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Helicopter Crash At Blue Mountains.

Bolivian miner trapped in Chile to get new job

La Paz (Bolivia), Oct 10 (IANS/EFE) A Bolivian miner trapped along with 32 Chileans in a mine in Chile for the past 64 days has been promised a new job by Bolivian President Evo Morales.

Morales is also planning to be at the rescue site when the 33 miners, trapped in a copper and gold …. Read the original article  : Bolivian miner trapped in Chile to get new job.

‘Wednesday target day for Chile miners evacuation’

COPIAPO – Wednesday loomed as the target day to begin deploying the escape capsule for 33 Chilean copper miners who have been waiting more than two months 700 metres underground for their rescue.

Mining Minister Laurence Golborne made the announcement Saturday evening, near the San Jose mine in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. The … Read more : ‘Wednesday target day for Chile miners evacuation’.

17 killed in China road accident

BEIJING – At least 17 people were killed and 23 injured when a bus carrying 53 people collided with a truck in east China’s Jiangsu province, authorities said Sunday.

The accident took place Saturday morning on the highway between Hefei, capital of the Anhui province and Nanjing, capital of the Jiangsu province, Xinhua reported.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 17 killed in China road accident.

Four held for Rs.3 mn heist in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – With the arrest of four youths, the Haryana Police Saturday claimed to have cracked a Rs.3 million (Rs.30 lakh) robbery and murder case in Jhajjar district earlier this week.

A security guard of the State Bank of India who was accompanying bank cash in a jeep was killed in the incident which took …. Source  : Four held for Rs.3 mn heist in Haryana.

BPO employee robbed in Noida

NOIDA – A 25-year-old BPO employee was beaten up and robbed by unidentified assailants in the Sector-58 area of Noida, police said Saturday.

Gyaneshwar Singh, an employee of Tech Mahindra Call Centre here was waiting at a bus stop while returning from duty Friday night, when the incident took place, police said.
Gyaneshwar’s brother-in-law Harendra … Original article on : BPO employee robbed in Noida.

UAE, China to cooperate in fighting crime

Abu Dhabi, Oct 9 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China have signed an agreement to cooperate with each other in combating crimes and terrorist activities.

The agreement was signed here Thursday between Chinese Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is … Read : UAE, China to cooperate in fighting crime.

Man held for selling Games’ tickets illegally

NEW DELHI – A 45-year-old man was Saturday arrested for illegally selling Commonwealth Games’ tickets, police said.

Sanjay Singhvi, a resident of Green Park in south Delhi, was arrested outside the Siri Fort sports Complex.
Four of the tickets recovered from him were of Rs.100 denomination and nine were of Rs.250 denomination, police said. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man held for selling Games’ tickets illegally.

Sweeper crushed after being sent to repair lift

RANCHI – A sweeper, sent to repair a technical snag in a lift at a hospital here, died as it crashed on him, police said.

The incident occurred at the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) hospital here killing Deba Lohra.
After the incident, the hospital staff staged a demonstration and charged that non-technical staff was used …. Read the original article  : Sweeper crushed after being sent to repair lift.

Rescue Workers broken through Chilean Miners trapped underground for 64 days

The families and friends of the 33 Chilean miners, who remain trapped into the mine for over two months are now taking a deep breath. The rescue workers have broken through to their underground place and trying to pull them out of the hell.
The success of the rescue workers make the families laugh and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rescue Workers broken through Chilean Miners trapped underground for 64 days.

Woman held for selling Games’ free tickets

NEW DELHI – A woman working in a school was arrested from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for illegally selling complimentary tickets of Commonwealth Games meant for students, police said Saturday.

Rekha, 34, is a resident of Madipur in west Delhi, was arrested Friday, police said.
She was arrested while selling complimentary tickets …. Original article  : Woman held for selling Games’ free tickets.

62 drivers penalised for entering Delhi’s CWG lanes

NEW DELHI – As many as 62 motorists were penalised Saturday for entering road lanes reserved for Commonwealth Games related traffic here, police said.

No notices have been sent today (Saturday) and no vehicles have been impounded, said a senior official of the Delhi Traffic Police.
Till now, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued challans … Original source on Gaea Times at : 62 drivers penalised for entering Delhi’s CWG lanes.

Zimbabwean women raping men for rituals: British report

LONDON – Zimbabwean women are abducting and raping men for ritual purposes, media reports here said Saturday.

Six men have been gang-raped by women in the last 11 months in this deeply conservative society, the Scotsman reported.
Police say the figure could be much higher as the victims are often too embarrassed to [..] Read the original article: here.

Girl who stabbed father gets joint funeral

LONDON – A 16-year-old girl who stabbed her father to death before killing herself has been laid to rest in a joint funeral, a media report said Saturday.

Margaret Pierides knifed Costas, 48, in the chest during a row then stabbed herself in the stomach at their 750,000-pound home last month, Daily Express reported.
Weeping … Read more »»».

Chilean Miners’ Ordeal To End Soon

SAN JOSE MINE, CHILE (GaeaTimes.com)- Rescue crews who have been working relentlessly to bring to safety the 33 Chilean miners who have been trapped in an underground mine for the past two months, received a major breakthrough over the weekend. The drilling of the escape shaft which would be used to rescue the miners …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistan golf course leads to huge loss

ISLAMABAD – A deal to set up a golf course in Pakistan’s Lahore city has caused a loss of Rs.4.82 billion to the exchequer, says a report issued by the National Assembly.

The report on the allotment of Pakistan Railways land for the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club showed there were a number of …. Read the original article  : here.

Shane Hmiel Crash Video Making Rounds

TERRE HAUTE (GaeaTimes.com)- The web was abuzz with the news of USAC driver Shane Hmiel sustaining critical injuries due to a crash on the Terre Haute Action Track on October 10. The USAC has said that further details on the condition of the former NASCAR racer will be available later on Sunday and the …. Source article  : Shane Hmiel Crash Video Making Rounds.

Three lynched for alleged theft in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Three men, who were among the seven caught allegedly attempting to commit a theft in a house, were beaten to death in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district early Monday, police said.

The residents of the Gunjasahi village, about 270 km from here, thrashed the seven men and left them in a nearby forest.
… Read more »»».

Rajasthan hotel owner held for assaulting foreigner

JODHPUR – A hotel owner in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district has been arrested for allegedly molesting and assaulting a tourist from Netherlands who had to spend the night in the bathroom to fend off his advances, police said Monday.

Identified as Narendra Singh, the owner of the hotel in Bap sub-district, some 170 km from this … Read more >>.

14 die as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – At least 14 people were killed and 19 critically injured Monday when the bus carrying them fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police said.

“The accident took place along the bridge of the Choiya river in Dibai town,” Deputy Superintendent of Police J.R. Joshi told IANS on phone from Bulandshahr, …. Source  : 14 die as bus falls into river in Uttar Pradesh.

35 dead as boat capsizes in Bihar

PATNA – As many as 35 people, mostly women and children, were killed when a boat capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Buxar district, police said Monday.

There were around 80 people in the boat when the accident took place late Sunday near Dallupur bank, about 125 km from Patna. At least 15 people …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 35 dead as boat capsizes in Bihar.

Moderate quake jolts Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale jolted Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and northwest region of the country early Monday, but there were no reports of casualties.

The earthquake took place at about 2:45 a.m. local time and the tremor lasted only for a few seconds, Xinhua reported.
The epicentre of the quake [..] Read the original article: here.

Blast at US hotel forces evacuation

LOS ANGELES – A hotel in the US state of California was forced to evacuate Sunday after police received reports that a parked vehicle was bombed.

The incident occurred at 7:30 a.m. (1430 GMT) at a garage beneath Clarion Inn, a two-storey hotel in the port city San Pedro, Xinhua reported.
However, the reported …. Original article  : Blast at US hotel forces evacuation.

40 missing in Bihar boat accident

PATNA – At least 40 people were missing and feared drowned when a boat capsized Sunday in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Buxar district, police said.

The accident occurred late Sunday when the passengers, all of them labourers, were returning after their day’s work, police said.
Rescue and search operations are on.
…. Source  : 40 missing in Bihar boat accident.

Two held in Himachal, fake currency seized

SHIMLA – Two people, both belonging to Bihar, were arrested Sunday in Himachal Pradeshs Shimla district for being involved in a fake currency racket, police said.

Counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs.186,000 were recovered from them.
Acting on a tip-off, police arrested the accused from Rohru town, some 120 km from here.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three held for betting on Games

GHAZIABAD – Three bookies involved in betting on the Commonwealth Games were arrested here Sunday, police said.

Gang leader Yogesh Kumar Gupta and Ravi Kumar, both residents of Muzaffarnagar, and Rahul, of Meerut, were arrested from Aditya Mega City, police said.
Acting on a tip, police raided a residential complex where the three men ran …. Read the original article  : Three held for betting on Games.

Disabled suffer most in aftermath of Pakistan floods

TANGI – Brittle bone disease has left 19-year-old Zakia completely dependent on her parents and siblings since childhood.

But the worst floods in Pakistan’s history, which uprooted the entire family, have made it even more difficult to cope with the everyday challenges of her disorder, officially known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
At home, for example, she … Read : Disabled suffer most in aftermath of Pakistan floods.

Maoists kill two CPI-M supporters

KOLKATA – Two brothers who were supporters of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) were killed by suspected Maoists in West Bengal’s Purulia district, police Sunday said.

Kalipada Chakraborty and Sukumar Chakraborty of Kilia village were dragged out of their house late Sunday and shot dead, said Purulia Superintendent of Police Rajesh Yadav.
“Several …. Read the original article  : here.

Railways to pay Rs.2 lakh each to kin of accident victims

NEW DELHI – Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday announced an ex-gratia payement of Rs.two lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in an accident in Bihar Saturday.

Banerjee expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives and announced the ex-gratia as a special case, said a railway ministry statement.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Railways to pay Rs.2 lakh each to kin of accident victims.

MCI suspends Ketan Desai’s medical licence

NEW DELHI – The Board of Governors of the Medical Council of India (MCI) has suspended the licence of tainted former MCI chief Ketan Desai, a council official said Sunday.

The MCI announced the suspension in a letter to Desai Saturday, ending speculation surrounding his proposed visit to Canada to represent India in a World … Original source on Gaea Times at : MCI suspends Ketan Desai’s medical licence.

Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake currency notes

LUCKNOW – Two men have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district on charges of circulating counterfeit currency notes printed in Pakistan, police said Tuesday.

The two men, in their early 40s, were nabbed late Monday with fake currency notes of Rs.55,000 from Sukhdevpur area, about 250 km from here.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two held in Uttar Pradesh with fake currency notes.

New Zealand man forces kids to have sex

AUCKLAND – A man in New Zealand raped his own daughter and then forced his children to have sex together, a court was told Tuesday.

The man, whose age and name were not disclosed, went on trial in the Palmerston North District Court Tuesday on 34 charges related to three decades of alleged assault and … Original source on Gaea Times at : New Zealand man forces kids to have sex.

Military explosives found in New York cemetery

NEW YORK – A bag containing eight small bricks of military C4 explosives was found in a cemetery in lower Manhattan, New York police said Monday.

Police Chief Ray Kelly said the bag was discovered by a volunteer street cleaner at Marble Cemetery on 2nd Street, between 1st and 2nd avenues. The black garbage bag …. Read the original article  : here.

Five killed as train ploughs through Bangladesh crowd

DHAKA – An angry mob Monday set a train on fire after it crushed at least five people gathering for an opposition rally in northern Bangladesh, officials said.

Witnesses said the Dhaka-bound train ploughed through a crowd of supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on their way to join a rally in Sayedabad, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two civilians killed by police in shootout with Maoists

RAIPUR – Two days after police claimed to have killed eight Maoists in a fierce shootout in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, its claims were mired in controversy with accusations Monday that two of those killed were civilians.

Dozens of state police personnel had Oct 9 fought a gunbattle with Maoists near the Orissa border and claimed …. Read the original article  : Two civilians killed by police in shootout with Maoists.

Armed robbers loot Rs.20 lakh from Mumbai bank

MUMBAI – Three robbers armed with revolvers looted Rs.20 lakh from a branch of Saraswat Bank in the Mumbai suburb of Kandivli- soon after it opened Monday morning, police said here.

“Three masked men, with revolvers, slapped the guard and forced their way into the bank,” said Investigation Officer Dashrath Rathod.
According to bank chairman …. Original article  : Armed robbers loot Rs.20 lakh from Mumbai bank.

Four lynched for alleged theft in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Four men, who were among seven people caught allegedly attempting to commit a theft in a house, were beaten to death in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district early Monday, police said.

The residents of Gunjasahi village, about 270 km from here, thrashed the seven men and left them in a nearby forest.
“After being …. Source  : Four lynched for alleged theft in Orissa.

19 die, 14 injured in Uttar Pradesh bus accident (Second Lead)

LUCKNOW – As many as 19 people, including 11 children and four women, were killed and 14 critically injured when the bus carrying them fell into a river in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district Monday, police said.

“The accident took place along the bridge of the Choiya river in Dibai town. The bus fell into … Read more >>>.

Former Gujarat minister approaches high court for bail

GANDHINAGAR – Former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case, Monday filed a bail petition in the state high court.

Shah in his petition also challenged the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court’s recent order, which denied him regular bail.
Special CBI judge G.K. Upadhyay in … Read : Former Gujarat minister approaches high court for bail.

Delhi policeman commits suicide

MEERUT – A Delhi Police Head Constable deployed for the Commonwealth Games Monday committed suicide by shooting himself in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut district.

Ram Kumar, 37, shot himself with his service revolver at his residence in Ichauli town, over 450 km from Lucknow.
Ram Kumar killed himself in front of his family members,” Superintendent of … Read more »»».

154 candidates in Bihar facing criminal cases: Report

NEW DELHI – As many as 154 candidates in the first round of the six-phase Bihar assembly elections are facing criminal charges, according to a report by NGOs monitoring elections

“There are 154 candidates who have pending criminal cases against them as per their self-attested under oath declarations. Out of these, 97 candidates have got [..] Read the original article: here.

Chilean miners prepare to see daylight

COPIAPO – The final stages of the operation to rescue 33 Chilean copper miners stuck 700 metres underground were put in place Monday, 48 hours before it is hoped they can be winched back to the surface.

Helicopters took part in practice flights over the mine in the Atacama desert overnight so that the miners, …. Read the original article  : Chilean miners prepare to see daylight.

Rs.20 lakh looted from Mumbai bank in armed heist

MUMBAI – Four people armed with revolvers looted cash worth Rs.20 lakh from a branch of Saraswat Bank in suburban Kandivli in a daring heist Monday morning, police said here.

The crime was committed in the morning just as the bank opened. Four masked men, armed with revolvers, forced their way into the bank. They … Read more : Rs.20 lakh looted from Mumbai bank in armed heist.

Hungary Toxic Spill To Be Plugged By Dam

KOLONTAR, HUNGARY (GaeaTimes.com)- Official in Hungary have revealed that an emergency dam is being built to contain the toxic spill that resulted after a reservoir burst last week that is known to have claimed as many as six lives. Disaster management officials have divulged that the emergency dam would be able to prevent … Original article on : Hungary Toxic Spill To Be Plugged By Dam.

Activist arrested for champagne celebration in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – A woman was arrested for spraying champagne at a security guard outside China’s de facto embassy in Hong Kong to celebrate the Nobel prize given to Liu Xiaobo, police said Monday.

The woman was among 20 activists who marked the jailed dissident’s award by drinking champagne and eating Norwegian salmon outside the …. Read the original article  : Activist arrested for champagne celebration in Hong Kong.

Indian-origin teacher admits she had sex with pupils

LONDON – An Indian-origin woman teacher in Britain has admitted that she had sex with two boy-pupils at her home, a court was told.

Thirtyseven-year-old Hina Patel, who worked as a teacher, met the boys at her home where they had intercourse, Daily Express reported Wednesday.
Patel has pleaded guilty to two charges of abusing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian-origin teacher admits she had sex with pupils.

Indian-origin woman cleared of murdering husband

SYDNEY – An Indian-origin woman has been cleared of murdering her husband whom she set ablaze in Australia’s Adelaide city after he scorned her plan to set his penis on fire to save their marriage, a media report said Wednesday.

Fortysix-year-old Rajini Narayan was, however, found guilty of manslaughter at the end of the trial … Original article on : Indian-origin woman cleared of murdering husband.

Hurricane Paula Attains Strength

MIAMI (GaeaTimes.com)- Tropical storm Paula has gained the strength of a hurricane, the Miami-based United States National Hurricane Center has confirmed. The storm is reported to have attained force on Tuesday which might trigger heavy rains in the western part of Cuba from Wednesday evening, weather officials have stated. Before making its way into Cuba, … Original article on : Hurricane Paula Attains Strength.

Loss due to Pakistan floods pegged at $9.5 bn

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has suffered a loss of about $9.5 billion in the floods that ravaged the country, says a report prepared by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

The preliminary Damage Need Assessment (DNA) report says that Pakistan suffered a loss of about $9.5 billion (over Rs.800 billion) in the floods due …. Original source  : Loss due to Pakistan floods pegged at $9.5 bn.

Rs.6 mn bank robbery case solved, three held

BEED – Maharashtra Police Wednesday claimed to have cracked a Beed district bank robbery case with the arrest of three people and recovery of cash worth Rs.6 million.

The police have recovered the entire cash of the Beed District Central Co-Operative Bank, Additional Superintendent of Police Virendra Mishra said.
The police suspect involvement of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rs.6 mn bank robbery case solved, three held.

BCCI lodges complaint against Lalit Modi

CHENNAI – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Wednesday lodged a complaint with the city police against former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi to probe irregularities pertaining to the T20 cricket event.

BCCI Secretary N.Srinivasan lodged the complaint against Modi with Chennai Police Commissioner T.Rajendra, citing misappropriation of funds to …. Read the original article  : BCCI lodges complaint against Lalit Modi.

Chilean Miners’ Evacuation Process Begins

SAN JOSE MINE, CHILE (GaeaTimes.com)- The record-breaking two month old drama finally reached its climax on Wednesday when Florencio Avalos, one of the Chilean miners who had been trapped in the San Jose mine in Chile for the past ten weeks was rescued by the emergency officials. A thundering applause greeted the 33-year-old miner as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chilean Miners’ Evacuation Process Begins.

Underground odyssey: Chile miners defied the odds

COPIAPO – The miners who began emerging late Tuesday after 69 days underground in northern Chile surprised and delighted the world with their unlikely survival.

Even as the men were being hauled up in large cages, in a painstakingly slow and meticulous process, some were looking back on the miraculous story of how 33 men …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Underground odyssey: Chile miners defied the odds.

50 percent of Colombian men admit to abusive behaviour

Bogota, Oct 13 (IANS/EFE) Some 50 percent of Colombian men admit to having abused their wives, and 26 percent have at least once tried to intimidate them, a study in the Andean country prepared by three UN agencies says.

The same study says that 9 percent have punched their wives at least once, and 14 [..] Read the original article: here.

3 men gunned down at Mexican hospital

Ciudad Juarez (Mexico), Oct 13 (IANS/EFE) Gunmen murdered three men at a hospital in Ciudad Juarez, the most violent city in Mexico, police said.

The killings occurred just after midnight Sunday at a public hospital in Ciudad Juarez, the city with the highest homicide rate in the Americas.
The body of one of the victims, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 3 men gunned down at Mexican hospital.

First of 33 miners safe above ground (Second Lead)

COPIAPO – A triumphant Florencio Avalos, 31, emerged safe above ground late Tuesday, the first of 33 miners to be rescued after more than two months of being trapped deep underground.

He stepped out of the Phoenix capsule, the 54-cm-wide tube designed and built by the Chilean Navy that made a safe journey through a …. Source  : First of 33 miners safe above ground (Second Lead).

Rescue of trapped miners begin in Chile

COPIAPO – The first rescue worker was lowered into the Chilean mine late Tuesday, the official beginning of the rescue of 33 trapped miners.

\”Imagine you\’re at the beach,\” said one of the rescue workers who helped enclose him in the 54-cm wide Phoenix capsule for the descent 622 metres into the earth.
On its return … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rescue of trapped miners begin in Chile.

Final preparations begin for rescue of 33 miners

COPIAPO – The final preparations for the rescue of 33 miners in Chile began late Tuesday with the lowering and raising of an empty test-capsule down the escape shaft.

Once the hoist operator has the feel for the operation, a rescue worker will board the 54-cm-wide metal cage called Phoenix – named after the mythical … Read : Final preparations begin for rescue of 33 miners.

Chilean president arrives in mine to witness rescue

COPIAPO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera arrived Tuesday at the San Jose copper mine, where he was to witness the attempt to rescue 33 miners trapped underground for more than two months.

“We always acknowledged that the life of the miners was in the hands of God,” Pinera said in the nearby city of Copiapo.
… Read more >>>.

Rs.60 lakh looted from bank car in Maharashtra

BEED – In a daring operation, two people robbed Rs.60 lakh from a car transporting a bank’s money in Maharashtra Tuesday evening, police said.

The cash, belonging to the Beed District Central Co-Operative Bank, was being taken from Beed to Shirur in a car by three bank officials.
They had withdrawn the cash from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rs.60 lakh looted from bank car in Maharashtra.

Cocaine worth Rs.50 million seized in Pune

PUNE – In one of the biggest seizures, the Pune customs (preventive wing) have seized a cocaine consignment worth around Rs.50 million ($1 million) from courier packets bound for Australia and South Africa, an official said here Tuesday.

A Nigerian national, identified as Ogonna Philip Nwuchukwu, 27, has been arrested for acting as a conduit … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cocaine worth Rs.50 million seized in Pune.

Two foreigners arrested in Iran

TEHRAN – Two foreigners who interviewed the son of a death row convict accused of adultery and killing her husband have been arrested, a media report said Tuesday.

They interviewed the son of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, ISNA news agency reported quoting Prosecutor General Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei.
Investigations showed they are not reporters and entered the country as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two foreigners arrested in Iran.

Convicted thief’s hand cut off in Iran

TEHRAN – An Iranian court ordered the hand of a convicted thief cut off and officials said this kind of punishment would continue, ISNA news agency reported Tuesday.

The hand of a two-time convicted thief was cut off in front of other prisoners in a jail in Mashad, in northeastern Iran, the city’s prosecutor-general was …. Original article  : Convicted thief’s hand cut off in Iran.

Rajasthan woman strangled in suspected honour killing

JAIPUR – In a case of suspected honour killing, a young woman was murdered by her family members in Rajasthan’s Churu district over her love affair, police said Tuesday. The woman’s parents have been arrested.

The killing took place in Tripali Badi Village, over 225 km from here.
“We suspect that the father and mother … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rajasthan woman strangled in suspected honour killing.

61 challans issued against vehicles entering Games lane

NEW DELHI – Delhi Traffic Police Tuesday issued challans against 61 vehicles for entering the lane reserved for Commonwealth Games vehicles, police said.

Also, 16 notices were sent to the vehicles violating the Games lane restrictions. No vehicle has been impounded,” the police official said.
Till Monday, the traffic police had issued challans against …. Source article  : 61 challans issued against vehicles entering Games lane.

Probe into Italy football violence

Nyon (Switzerland), Oct 14 (IANS/AKI) European football’s governing body Wednesday said it will open an investigation into the violence at the Serbia-Italy match in the northwest Italian city of Genoa that prompted referees to end the game after six minutes.

The European Championship 2012 qualifying match ended after visiting fans threw flares and fireworks on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Probe into Italy football violence.

Student beaten up for refusing to beg in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – A first year nursing student of a private college here received multiple injuries after he was ragged by his seniors outside the campus for refusing to collect money from strangers by touching their feet, police said Thursday.

Mayank Kumar, a student of the G.S.R.M Memorial Degree College, was assaulted by four senior students … Read more : Student beaten up for refusing to beg in Lucknow.

Mission accomplished: All 33 miners rescued in Chile

COPIAPO – The ordeal of 33 miners trapped for two months underground in Chile ended late Wednesday as the last miner, Luis Urzua, 54 – the man who guided his men through the ordeal – emerged to safety and ear-splitting cheers above ground.

It took less than 24 hours for the pioneering capsule-and-winch system to … Read more »»».

Last trapped Chilean miner pulled out, rescue completed

SAN JOSE – The last of the 33 trapped Chilean miners, 54-year-old Luis Urzua, the shift foreman, was rescued Wednesday after having stayed 700 metres underground for more than two months.

The atmosphere at the scene exploded when Urzua walked out of the capsule. Waves of horns, sirens and cheers sound for long.
Urzua …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

236,000 killed in disasters in 2010: UN

GENEVA – More than 236,000 people have been killed worldwide in different natural disasters this year so far, the UN has said on International Day for Disaster Reduction.

The latest figures show that 256 million people have been affected by various types of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tropical storms and landslides, Xinhua reported.
According …. Source  : 236,000 killed in disasters in 2010: UN.

World congratulates Chile on miners”glorious’ rescue

COPIAPO – “Glorious”, “historic”, “heroic”: were among the words used by those watching in awe Wednesday as 33 miners trapped 700 metres underground in northern Chile were one by one lifted to the surface after more than two months.

More than two-thirds of the 33 miners have been removed from the San Jose copper mine …. Original article  : World congratulates Chile on miners’ ‘glorious’ rescue.

Shoot-at-sight orders in Uttar Pradesh against booth capturers

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday issued shoot-at-sight orders against booth capturers during the panchayat polls in the state.

“No one howsoever powerful, will be allowed to play with the rule of law and anyone found violating the sanctity of polling booths through acts of violence would be liable to be shot there and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Shoot-at-sight orders in Uttar Pradesh against booth capturers.

Chhattisgarh official owns assets worth millions

RAIPUR – Raids on a junior official of Chhattisgarh’s mining department have revealed assets worth millions of rupeees, an official said Wednesday.

Officials of the Economic Offences Wing carried out the raids at three locations of Ganesh Prasad Kumhare Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rs.3.7 million was recovered in cash besides papers revealing that he owned … Read more >>>.

Gujarat riots panel to quiz former minister

AHMEDABAD – In a surprise move, a panel probing the 2002 post-Godhara riots in Gujarat Wednesday decided to summon former minister of state for home Gordhan Jhadapia for in-camera questioning Oct 20.

The Nanavaty-Mehta commission, consisting of Justice G.T. Nanavati and Justice Akshay H. Mehta, had earlier turned down a plea for summoning Jhadapia. [..] Read the original article: here.

Six hurt in Uttar Pradesh explosion

GHAZIABAD – At least six people were injured in an explosion Wednesday evening in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, a senior official said. Police have ruled out a terror link in the incident.

The explosion took place in a busy area in Babrala town under the Shahpur police station in Muzaffarnagar, some 100-km from New Delhi.
[..] Read the original article: here.

ISRO scientist killed in Himachal accident

SHIMLA – A scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who was on a holiday in Himachal Pradesh, was killed when he slipped and fell into a gorge in Kinnaur district, police said Wednesday.

Scientist Cyriac I.C., who hailed from Kerala, died after falling into a gorge near Bhawanagar in Kinnaur in the early … Read more »»».

Drive against illicit liquor trade in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi’s excise department has launched a special drive to detect cases of transport or possession of illicit liquor that violates provisions of the city’s new Excise Act which came into effect Monday night.

Delhi Finance and Excise Minister A.K. Walia Wednesday said three vehicles carrying liquor were apprehended following inputs given by …. Source article  : Drive against illicit liquor trade in Delhi.

Kidnapper attempts suicide in court

PANAJI – A 24-year-old alleged kidnapper attempted to commit suicide by dramatically slitting his throat in a Goa court Wednesday, seconds after a trial court judge extended his judicial custody.

Sameer Sheikh was charged with kidnapping his nephew — a four-year-old boy from Mapusa town, around 15 km from here. He was subsequently arrested … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kidnapper attempts suicide in court.

Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi held

LUCKNOW – Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi were arrested following a gun battle in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district Wednesday, police said.

Rajesh Chaudhary and Anshu were arrested from Sarnath area in a joint operation carried by sleuths of the special task force (STF) and police.
“The two are involved in several heinous crimes. There …. Original source  : Two aides of gangster Munna Bajrangi held.

Gang of metal thieves busted

NEW DELHI – A gang which specialized in stealing copper, aluminium and brass from factories in the Indian capital has been busted, police said Wednesday.

The gang was blamed for 10 cases of burglaries and robberies from various parts of Delhi. The arrests took place Sunday in Mongolpuri area where the gang was trying to … Read more >>.

Another suicide due to alleged harassment

HYDERABAD – Another person committed suicide Wednesday due to alleged harassment by a micro finance institution (MFI) in Andhra Pradesh, prompting an attack by Communist activists on the office of another MFI.

According to police, a borrower identified only as Balanarsu ended his life by consuming pesticides, alleging that employees of MFI Spandana were … Read : Another suicide due to alleged harassment.

I will cooperate in PDS scam probe: Former Arunachal CM

GUWAHATI – Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, allegedly involved in a public distribution system (PDS) scam, Wednesday said he would cooperate in the investigations to ensure that he comes out clean.

“I am a law-abiding citizen and would surely cooperate in the investigations,” Apang told journalists while being produced in a special court …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : I will cooperate in PDS scam probe: Former Arunachal CM.

Long-pending changes to law on boilers notified

NEW DELHI – The government Wednesday notified a legislation enhancing the safety norms for industrial boilers to avoid the danger of their explosion and guard life and property from destruction.

The legislation, titled Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act, 2007, was notified nearly three years after it was passed by Parliament in December 2007, said a commerce … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Long-pending changes to law on boilers notified.

71 challans issued for Games lanes violations

NEW DELHI – Delhi Traffic Police Wednesday slapped 71 challans against vehicles entering the lanes reserved for the Commonwealth Games vehicles, police said.

Also, six notices were sent to vehicles violating the Games lane restrictions. “One vehicle has been impounded,” a police officer said.
The traffic police have issued a total of 2,139 challans …. Read the original article  : 71 challans issued for Games lanes violations.

Trinamool claims two workers hurt by CPI-M men

KOLKATA – Two Trinamool Congress activists were injured in an attack by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters in West Bengals West Midnapore district Wednesday, a leader of the state’s main opposition party said.

Trinamool MP Subhendhu Adhikary said: Biplab Pal and Ramakanta Mondal were beaten up by CPI-M hooligans near Kantapahari High School …. Original article  : Trinamool claims two workers hurt by CPI-M men.

Australian gets life term for killing three sons

MELBOURNE – A man who killed his three children by deliberately driving them into a dam was sentenced by a court in Australia Friday to life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years, a media report said.

Robert Farquharson, 41, was found guilty of murdering sons Jai, 10, Tyler, 7, and Bailey, 2, by the …. Read the original article  : here.

Five minutes to midnight: Chile shows the way (Comment)

In the last two decades when the world has been plagued by terrorism, violence, war, poverty, disease and natural disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, the pictures of the amazing operation of rescue of 33 miners trapped in the copper and gold mine in Copiapo in San Hose, Chile, will probably go down as this decade’s …. Original article  : Five minutes to midnight: Chile shows the way (Comment).

Eight devotees killed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Eight devotees were killed and 12 critically injured when a speeding bus rammed into a tractor-trolley in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district, police said Friday.

The accident took place late Thursday in the Jagannathpur area, when the private bus collided head-on with the tractor-trolley, carrying devotees from Aligarh heading towards Kadrabad Kali Temple in … Original article on : Eight devotees killed in Uttar Pradesh.

Three rescued miners released from hospital in Chile

COPIAPO – The first three of the rescued San Jose miners were released late Thursday from hospital after routine tests, Chilean media reported.

The three — Florencio Avalos, Juan Illanes and the Bolivian Carlos Mamani — were released just 24 hours after the final miner was hoisted above earth’s crust in the dramatic rescue action.
…. Read the original article  : here.

UN congratulates Chilean president for miners’ rescue

NEW YORK – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Thursday congratulated President Sebastian Pinera of Chile for the successful operation to rescue the 33 miners who survived for more than two months in a collapsed mine.

Ban spoke by telephone with Pinera “to offer his warmest wishes following the safe rescue of 33 Chilean miners and … Read more »»».

Chilean president, miners to play football

COPIAPO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera is to host the miners rescued from a collapsed mine for a football match Oct 25 in Santiago, he said Thursday.

“We are going to play a football match. The winning team stays at (the presidential palace) La Moneda, and the losers go back to the mine,” Pinera joked … Read more >>>.

Nobel prize for dissident is like encouraging crime: China

BEIJING – China Thursday upped its hostile rhetoric against the Nobel Peace Prize for jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo, saying it was “equivalent to encouraging crime”.

“Liu Xiaobo is a convicted criminal who has violated China’s laws,” foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told reporters.
“Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to such a criminal is equivalent to … Read more >>.

Journalist threatened, assaulted by Jama Masjid Imam

LUCKNOW – A local journalist was threatened by Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid, and assaulted by his supporters Thursday after he asked a question that annoyed the cleric.

Addressing a press conference at the Gomti Hotel here, Bukhari condemned the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, … Original article on : Journalist threatened, assaulted by Jama Masjid Imam.

2 killed in poll violence in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two people were killed and at least 20 injured in widespread violence during the second round of the four-phased panchayat election in Uttar Pradesh Thursday, police said.

According to Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal, a 35-year-old woman was shot dead in Firozabad district and a 50-year old man in Muzaffarnagar. “Both … Original article on : 2 killed in poll violence in Uttar Pradesh.

Man hacks three in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district Thursday hacked three of his family members to death after a violent row with them, police said.

Kishan Pal, 30, killed his wife, sister-in-law and mother-in-law with an axe at his home in Kori Hajapur village, some 350 km from Lucknow. The killer escaped.
…. Original source  : Man hacks three in Uttar Pradesh.

Stray protests in Tamil Nadu against Rajapaksa

CHENNAI – More than 100 people were arrested in Tamil Nadu Thursday for protesting against Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presence as the chief guest at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.

Some 100 people, including MDMK general secretary Vaiko, were taken into custody in Coimbatore, police said here.
Vaiko, a long-time supporter of the Tamil … Read more »».

Rape not possible in marriage: Muslim cleric

LONDON – There cannot be rape within marriage, a Muslim cleric in Britain has ruled. A key Muslim leader in the country promptly denounced the views as “misguided” and “inappropriate”.

“In Islamic Sharia, rape is adultery by force. So long as the woman is his wife, it cannot be termed as rape,” The Independent quoted …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rape not possible in marriage: Muslim cleric.

Police inspector jailed for raping minor

HYDERABAD – A police inspector, accused of raping his colleague’s 16-year-old daughter, surrendered Thursday before a city court after evading arrest for over a month.

N.C.H. Rangaswamy, circle inspector of Madannapet police station in the city, surrendered before Ranga Reddy district court, which remanded him to judicial custody till Oct 28. He was taken to … Read : Police inspector jailed for raping minor.

Death of school boy sparks violence, 10 injured

LUCKNOW – At least 10 people were injured in a police baton charge Thursday after a mob indulged in arson and fought pitched battles with them when a teenaged boy was mowed down by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district.

Demanding the arrest of the erring driver, the mob torched the truck, smashed …. Original article  : Death of school boy sparks violence, 10 injured.

Congress leader shot in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants Saturday shot and seriously wounded a Congress leader and a former member of the Legislative Council here, police said.

Musheer Ahmed was attacked near his house in Wazirganj locality. He was said to be in critical condition.
“He has multiple bullet injuries in his stomach and shoulder,” Deputy Superintendent … Original source on Gaea Times at : Congress leader shot in Uttar Pradesh.

Eight killed in Mexican helicopter crash

MEXICO CITY – Eight people were killed when a helicopter in the service of state-owned oil company Pemex crashed on the east coast of Mexico, reports said.

According to witnesses, the helicopter was on fire and came down in the state of Veracruz. The cause of the crash that took place Friday was not yet …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Eight killed in Mexican helicopter crash.

CBI probe okayed into Jharkhand police funds scam

RANCHI – The central government has given its consent for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into a Services Secret (SS) funds scam in which former senior police officials are under the scanner for alleged withdrawal of large sums of money in 2006 and 2008, government sources said Saturday.

“The central home ministry has …. Read the original article  : CBI probe okayed into Jharkhand police funds scam.

20 killed in China mine accident

BEIJING – At least 20 miners were killed in a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China’s Henan province Saturday, authorities said.

The accident took place at about 6 a.m. in Yuzhou city, Xinhua reported.
More than 30 miners were believed to be working in the shaft when the accident occurred, … Read : 20 killed in China mine accident.

Woman kills herself, two kids

LUCKNOW – Upset after her husband refused to give money for treatment of their ailing children, a woman set herself and her two children on fire in their house in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, police said Saturday.

Manju (28) set herself on fire along with her one-year-old daughter Renu and four-year-old son Shivam late Friday … Read more : Woman kills herself, two kids.

Rescued Chile miners not ready to visit mine site

COPIAPO – The 33 miners rescued from the San Jose copper mine in northern Chile are not ready to visit the site in the Atacama Desert where they were trapped for more than two months, the authorities said Friday.

Meanwhile, offers of jobs, free vacations, paid interviews and other inducements were flooding in for all …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rescued Chile miners not ready to visit mine site.

John Abraham to appeal against jail term

MUMBAI – Bollywood actor John Abraham, who has been sentenced to 15 days in jail in a rash and negligent driving case registered in 2006, Friday said he would appeal against the verdict.

“To begin with, I’m a law abiding citizen and I will be appealing this verdict and will go to every length to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : John Abraham to appeal against jail term.

Maoist couple killed in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh Police Friday gunned down two Maoist commanders – a husband and wife duo – when they were about to strike an arms deal, police said.

The incident took place in a village in Durg district, around 30 km from here.
Police fired on three Maoists when they were waiting at Jamul area …. Original source  : Maoist couple killed in Chhattisgarh.

UAE charity sends aid for Pakistan flood victims

Islamabad, Oct 15 (IANS/WAM) UAE charity the Red Crescent Authority has sent 600 tonnes of relief material, including essential food, medicine and shelter equipment, for the flood affected people in Pakistan, it was announced Friday.

The vessel, carrying the supplies, will arrive at the country’s Karachi port in the next few days.
The RCA will …. Source  : UAE charity sends aid for Pakistan flood victims.

Five nabbed with 1,500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Five people involved in trading of illegal arms and ammunition were arrested with 1,500 live cartridges and several country-made pistols in Uttar Pradeshs Etah district Friday, police said.

Of the five men, who were nabbed from Kotwali Dehat area, three were natives of Rajasthan.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the five were involved in …. Source  : Five nabbed with 1,500 cartridges in Uttar Pradesh.

Principal booked for student’s death

LUCKNOW – The principal of a private school here has been booked in connection with the death of a girl student whom he allegedly refused permission to go home in spite of her being ill, police said Friday.

Thirteen-year-old Arundhati Vaish, a Class 7 student of the St. Paul School, in the cantonment area, died … Read : Principal booked for student’s death.

Sohrabuddin case: Court reserves order on voice samples

GANDHINAGAR – A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court Friday reserved till Oct 26 its order on the CBI’s plea for taking voice samples of the five accused in the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A.Y. Dave reserved the order on CBI’s plea after hearing all …. Original source  : Sohrabuddin case: Court reserves order on voice samples.

Uttar Pradesh journalists demand Bukhari’s arrest

LUCKNOW – Journalists of Lucknow Friday urged Chief Minister Mayawati to order arrest of Delhi Jama Masjid’s Imam, Maulana Ahmed Bukhari, who had assaulted a reporter at a press conference called by him here Thursday.

A resolution demanding action against Bukhari was passed at an emergency meeting of Uttar Pradesh Accredited Correspondents Committee here Friday, …. Source article  : Uttar Pradesh journalists demand Bukhari’s arrest.

Man kills four of family in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A man killed four members of his family, including two minor daughters, in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district after a quarrel with them, police said Friday.

Raju Kumar, 40, killed his wife, two daughters – aged 10 and 12 years – and sister-in-law with a sharp-edged weapon Thursday night inside his house in …. Original source  : Man kills four of family in Uttar Pradesh.

‘Gun salute’ to Jharkahd minister lands four in trouble

RANCHI – Cases have been filed against four supporters of Jharkhand Excise Minister Gopal Krishna Patar, who waved rifles and fired shots in the air to “welcome” him at his hometown Jamshedpur, police said Friday.

“An FIR has been lodged against four supporters who were seen waving rifles and firing in the air to welcome …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chennai Police to probe IPL scam, summon Lalit Modi

CHENNAI – Chennai Police will soon issue a summons to former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi, following a complaint lodged against him by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a senior police official said Friday.

“We are consulting legal experts on the complaint lodged by the BCCI against Modi. We … Read : Chennai Police to probe IPL scam, summon Lalit Modi.

Ethnic violence claims 24 lives in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 24 people were killed in overnight clashes between rival ethnic factions in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi, media reported Sunday.

The violence pitted the majority Urdu-speaking population, which migrated from India after creation of Pakistan in 1947, and Pashto-speaking people who have moved from northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to work in Karachi.
…. Source  : Ethnic violence claims 24 lives in Pakistan.

26 killed in China mine

BEIJING – At least 26 miners have been killed in an explosion in a coal mine in China with rescuers battling to reach 11 others still trapped underground, Xinhua reported Sunday.

“Based on past experience, the remaining 11 miners could be buried in coal dust,” an official said.
The incident took place Saturday when … Read more »»».

Police detain Fiza over neighbour’s complaint

MOHALI – The Punjab police Sunday detained Fiza Mohammad, alias Anuradha Bali, the estranged wife of former Haryana deputy chief minister Chander Mohan, after a neighbour lodged a complaint against her.

The neighbour had been complaining to the police for the last six months, alleging that Fiza used foul language against him, threw garbage inside …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police detain Fiza over neighbour’s complaint.

Abductions of Hindu children on the rise in Sindh

ISLAMABAD – Hindu families in remote parts of Pakistan’s Sindh province are planning to relocate following an alarming rise in the number of kidnappings of Hindu children.

Only recently, five-year-old Dheeraj Kumar was freed after 35 days in captivity when police arrested the abductors who had sought Rs.10 million in ransom.
The family was …. Source article  : Abductions of Hindu children on the rise in Sindh.

Violence mars Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Attacks by drunken mobs and even policemen on Hindu devotees and Durga Puja marquees in many parts of Bangladesh marred the festivities of the country’s minority community even as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed on the virtues of secularism.

Reports of violence came from across the country as the biggest religious festival of … Read : Violence mars Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh.

10 killed in Bihar temple stampede

PATNA – A stampede killed 10 people, including four women, at a Durga temple in Bihar’s Banka district where more than 30,000 people had gathered to sacrifice goats on the occasion of Navratri, police said Sunday.

Sixteen people were also injured in the stampede at the Durga temple in Tildiha village, about 200 km …. Read the original article  : 10 killed in Bihar temple stampede.

Ten devotees killed in Bihar stampede

PATNA – Ten people, including four women, were killed and 10 injured in a stampede at a temple in Bihar’s Banka district, police said Sunday.

The stampede took place in Tildiha village, about 200 km from here, late Saturday when about 30,000 devotees gathered in the temple to sacrifice goats on the occasion of ‘Navratri’.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ten devotees killed in Bihar stampede.

13 killed in violence ahead of Karachi by-polls

ISLAMABAD – At least 13 people were killed and 40 injured in various incidents of violence hours ahead of the by-poll being held for an assembly seat in Karachi, capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province, Sunday.

Most of the killings are believed to be the result of political enmity between Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami …. Original source  : 13 killed in violence ahead of Karachi by-polls.

11 dead in Russia flooding

Moscow, Oct 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 11 people were killed due to flooding in southern Russia caused by overflow of rivers after torrential rains, an official said.

“According to the latest information, 11 people are dead and three are missing,” a spokesman for the southern Krasnodar Territory said Saturday.
Torrential rains in the … Read more >>.

10 killed in China road accident

BEIJING – At least 10 people, including two children, were killed and 34 injured after a bus in which they were travelling fell from a bridge in China, police said.

The accident occurred in northwest China’s Qinghai province Saturday morning when the bus was travelling in a mountainous region of Dulan county in Mongolian-Tibetan-Kazak Autonomous …. Source article  : 10 killed in China road accident.

Two Indians among three abducted in Philippines rescued

MANILA – Two Indians and a Filopino abducted in Philippines Thursday were rescued after a shootout in which five kidnappers were killed, police said.

The kidnappers were killed by the law enforcers in a shootout Saturday morning in a province south of Manila, Xinhua reported.
Police identified the hostages as Pavitter Singh and Balvir Singh, …. Source  : Two Indians among three abducted in Philippines rescued.

Fertilizer bags seized from Chhattisgarh farmers

RAIPUR – Twentysix bags of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, which can also be used in explosives, were recovered from farmers in Chhattisgarh Saturday. The farmers found them lying unclaimed on a road, police said.

Police recovered the bags from farmers of Bachhod village in Janjgir-Champa district, some 180 km from state capital Raipur.
The farmers … Read more : Fertilizer bags seized from Chhattisgarh farmers.

Abu Dhabi Police bust fake credit card gang

Abu Dhabi, Oct 16 (IANS/WAM) The Abu Dhabi Police have arrested two members of a gang dealing in fake credit cards, officials said Saturday.

A Malaysian and a Singaporean were nabbed after they bought costly items from a market here using fake credit cards.
The accused confessed to their crime and admitted to be …. Source  : Abu Dhabi Police bust fake credit card gang.

Four killed in Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy

LUCKNOW – Four people were killed and 10 others fell ill after consuming illicit liquor in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district, police said Saturday. Two people have been detained.

Several locals in the Mahewa village consumed the spurious liquor Friday night and their condition started deteriorating Saturday morning. Four of them died later, police said. … Original article on : Four killed in Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy.

Chennai man collapses, dies at Ghaziabad railway station

GHAZIABAD – A 40-year-old man from Chennai, who was here for an interview with a private firm, collapsed and died at the railway station here Saturday after complaining of chest pain, police said.

As Lokesh Krishnan, son of Gopal Krishnan, was climbing the stair of the foot over-bridge, he suddenly sat down and told … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chennai man collapses, dies at Ghaziabad railway station.

China mine blast kills 21, traps 16

BEIJING – Twenty-one miners were killed and 16 others are trapped underground Saturday in a coal mine blast in China, Xinhua reported.

The blast occurred around 6 a.m. in Yuzhou city in central Henan province. Twenty bodies were retrieved by 1 p.m.
A spokesman for the rescue headquarters said 239 of 276 miners escaped … Read more >>.

One killed, 2 hurt in Noida accident

GREATER NOIDA – A 19-year-old boy was killed and two others were injured in a road accident Saturday on the Greater Noida Expressway here.

Sonu Kumar was driving a car with two friends when he lost control and the vehicle hit an electric post near Bhadoli village.
Sonu died on the spot and his …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : One killed, 2 hurt in Noida accident.

Nine cases registered at Games Village: Delhi Police

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Police registered nine criminal cases and 15 non-cognisable offences at the police station set up at the Commonwealth Games Village, said Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal Saturday.

Police registered cases relating to loss of accreditation cards, currency, passports, mobile phone and harassment.
“We have registered nine cases. Except …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nine cases registered at Games Village: Delhi Police.

Pregnant Pakistani woman burnt to death in Britain

LONDON – A 23-year-old pregnant Pakistani woman who came to Britain some nine months ago was burnt to death in her garden, a media report said Saturday.

It was not clear whether Asiyah Khan had set herself on fire or had been set alight by someone else, Daily Mail reported.
Neighbours said Khan arrived …. Read the original article  : Pregnant Pakistani woman burnt to death in Britain.

Congress leader held for sheltering Bangladeshis

AGARTALA – A Congress leader was arrested in Tripura Saturday for sheltering an international terrorist and a smuggler, police said.

Congress leader Shah Alam had been absconding for the past 36 days before he was nabbed, police said.
“Since Sep 10, three people – an international terrorist, a notorious smuggler and a youth (all Bangladeshi … Read more >>.

Jewellery heist and 40 thieves! Did tribal gang do it?

SURAT – A bag with the inscription of a Godhra wheat mill is one of the many clues left behind by a gang of nearly 40 thieves that audaciously struck at a jewellery showroom in Kosamba town near here and walked away with 30 kg of goldware and cash worth Rs.6 crore ($1.3 million), leaving …. Original article  : Jewellery heist and 40 thieves! Did tribal gang do it?.

China coal mine gas leak toll rises to 30

BEIJING – The toll from a coal mine gas leak in central China’s Henan province has risen to 30 after four more bodies were found, authorities said Monday.

The state administration of work safety said that seven miners were still trapped underground.
Rescuers said Sunday that chances of survival for the trapped miners were … Read more >>>.

Thai Air Force jet crashes, pilot dead

BANGKOK – An US-made F16 fighter jet crashed in northern Thailand Monday, killing the pilot, the Royal Thai Air Force said.

“This is the first F16 crash we’ve ever had,” Air Vice Marshal Monton Sanchukorn said.
The jet was flying with three other fighters from Nakhon Sawan province to Chiang Mai when it crashed around … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Thai Air Force jet crashes, pilot dead.

After gang-sodomy, teenager set fire in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A teenager died after he was sodomised by four men who then set him on fire in a village in Pakistan’s Naushahro Feroze district in Sindh province.

Four men sodomised Khalid Mughal and then set him ablaze in village Raheem Chand Sunday, Daily Times reported.
The victim’s relatives took the severely burnt … Read more : After gang-sodomy, teenager set fire in Pakistan.

11 dead, 30 missing in Bihar boat accident

PATNA – At least 11 people, including women and children, were killed when a boat capsized in the Punpun river in Bihar’s Patna district, police said Sunday.

There were around 50 people in the boat when the accident took place late Sunday near Behrampur village, around 25 km from here. Nearly 30 people were …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Security guard at Bansal’s house commits suicide

NEW DELHI – A security guard posted at the residence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal committed suicide, police said Sunday.

Thirty five-year-old Parishan Marak from the Indian Reserve Battalion was posted at 6, Ashoka Road, and was a native of Meghalaya.
The incident took place at around 11 p.m. Saturday night.
…. Source  : Security guard at Bansal’s house commits suicide.

Imam’s beard shaved off in Britain: Report

LONDON – A Muslim cleric who allegedly sexually abused young boys was held down and had his beard shaved off after he was arrested in Britain, a media report said.

Mohammed Hanif Khan, 41, honoured by Buckingham Palace for his work in prisons, was attacked by three men on the day of his arrest, The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Imam’s beard shaved off in Britain: Report.

Hundreds flee powerful typhoon in Philippines

MANILA – Hundreds of residents evacuated their homes in the northern Philippines Sunday as a powerful typhoon barrelling towards the country gained more strength.

Typhoon Megi further intensified as it neared the northern coast, packing maximum sustained winds of 225 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 260 kph.
Authorities warned Megi would … Read : Hundreds flee powerful typhoon in Philippines.

Three boys drown in Yamuna, two bodies recovered

AGRA – The bodies of two of the three boys who drowned in river Yamuna were recovered by divers early Sunday, police said.

Four youngsters of Sita Nagar in Etmauddaula area had gone to the Kabir Ghat on the river bank to play cricket Saturday evening, police said.
When three of them …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fiza arrested on neighbour’s complaint, gets bail

MOHALI – Fiza Mohammad alias Anuradha Bali, the estranged wife of former Haryana deputy chief minister Chander Mohan, was arrested after a neighbour lodged a complaint against her. She was later released on bail.

The neighbour had been complaining to the police for the last six months, alleging that Fiza used foul language against him, …. Original article  : Fiza arrested on neighbour’s complaint, gets bail.

27 killed in Karachi violence (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – At least 27 people were killed and over 60 injured in various incidents of violence that broke out Saturday night, hours ahead of the by-poll being held Sunday for an assembly seat in Karachi, capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province.

Most of the killings are believed to be the result of political enmity between …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman, sons jump before speding train, killed

BOKARO – A woman and her two young sons were killd Tuesday after they jumped before a speeding train in this Jharkhand city, police said.

The accident took place between the Gomia and Dumri stations, around 15 km from here. All three died on the spot, a police official said.
The woman is yet …. Read the original article  : here.

Auto thieves’ gang busted in Ahmedabad

GANDHINAGAR – Ahmedabad police Monday night busted a gang of auto thieves who specialised in fitting second-hand cars with engines of stolen vehicles and selling these off in different parts of Gujarat, officials said.

“We have arrested four persons, and recovered 10 cars and three two-wheelers so far. The list is expected to grow,” said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Auto thieves’ gang busted in Ahmedabad.

British tourist feared drowned in Nepal lake

KATHMANDU – A 48-year-old British tourist is feared to have drowned in a Nepal lake after workers failed to find him even a day after his boat accident.

The tourist police in Pokhara, a sunny city west of Kathmandu and a favourite tourist destination, told IANS that divers were still searching the waters of Fewa … Original article on : British tourist feared drowned in Nepal lake.

The ‘case’ of SP leader’s tricolour birthday cake

LUCKNOW – A tricolour cake cut on the birthday of a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader has not left behind a sweet taste. A case has ben lodged in Kanpur district against unidentified people for insulting the national flag, police said Tuesday.

The case under Section 2 of Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, …. Source  : The ‘case’ of SP leader’s tricolour birthday cake.

Wife kills alcoholic husband

RAIPUR – A 39-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh after she confessed to killing her alcoholic husband who assaulted her daily, police said.

Radheshyam Yadav, 40, was found dead with a rope tied around his neck late Oct 15 at his house in Barpara village.
Initially, Shayam Bai claimed her husband … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wife kills alcoholic husband.

Pakistan’s flood victims reluctant to return home

ISLAMABAD – Many flood victims in Pakistan’s Sindh province, who were displaced by the devastating deluge and shifted to urban centres, are reluctant to go back home, a media report has revealed.

These people consider this displacement a blessing, enabling them to leave the shackles of life in a tribal system, The News International reported.
…. Source article  : Pakistan’s flood victims reluctant to return home.

Lingerie-obsessed Canadian commander exposed as serial killer

TORONTO – A top Canadian commander, who headed the country’s biggest military base at Trenton till his arrest in February, has been exposed as a serial killer with a fetish for lingerie he kept as trophies.

Col Russell Williams, 47, Monday pleaded guilty to raping and killing two women, sexually targeting teen girls and women [..] Read the original article: here.

Dubai foils bid to smuggle pirated games CDs

Dubai, Oct 18 (IANS/WAM) Authorities in Dubai have foiled a bid to smuggle over 48,000 pirated video games CDs.

The seizure was carried out recently when Dubai Customs staff inspected a container heading from the Arab port and found 48 boxes containing the duplicated video games CDs.
–IANS/WAM
… Original article on : Dubai foils bid to smuggle pirated games CDs.

Man abandons daughters at Jammu railway station, arrested

JAMMU – A man whose wife had deserted him abandoned his three small daughters at the Jammu Railway Station on Sunday. He was arrested Monday, an official said.

Jammu’s Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kotwal told reporters Monday evening that police had identified the man as Ram Pal of Uttar Pradesh.
According to Pal, his wife …. Source  : Man abandons daughters at Jammu railway station, arrested.

21 dead in bus collision in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – A fiery crash between a long-distance bus and a truck killed 21 people early Monday on a road in central Mexico, police said in the state of Queretaro.

The cause of accident, which occurred near Queretaro, 220 km northwest of Mexico City, was not immediately known.
The victims included the two drivers …. Source article  : 21 dead in bus collision in Mexico.

Maoists torch road building vehicles

RAIPUR – Dozens of armed Maoists set afire vehicles engaged in road construction in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region Monday, officials said.

The vehicles, mainly ‘tippers’, were engaged in work on national highway 221 in Dantewada district, over 400 km south of state capital Raipur.
“Maoists stopped the road construction work near Kukanar area and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maoists torch road building vehicles.

Two youths drown while immersing idols in Yamuna

NEW DELHI – Two youths were drowned in the Yamuna river Monday while immersing Durga idols in south Delhi, police said.

Search for Ashish (22) and Shailesh (19), who were both residents of Sangam Vihar, has been abandoned, a police official told IANS.
The two came to Jaitpur to immerse the idols around 3.30 p.m. … Read more >>.

Hardline Hurriyat group’s general secretary arrested

SRINAGAR – In a major breakthrough here Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested Masrat Alam, general secretary of the hardline Hurriyat group headed by Syed Ali Geelani.

“He was arrested on a specific tip-off by Srinagar police from an area falling under Harwan police station this evening,” a senior police officer here said.
Alam, the …. Original source  : Hardline Hurriyat group’s general secretary arrested.

Rs.14 lakh looted in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – Robbers looted Rs.14 lakh in two separate incidents here Monday, police said.

A gang of robbers looted Rs.10 lakh from a businessman in Patel Nagar locality here Monday morning.
In another incident, two motorcycle-borne robbers looted Rs.4 lakh from a 60-year-old woman around 2.30 p.m. in the Sand Market Meerut road area …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rizwanur Rehman death: Apex court questions Bengal, Todi

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday questioned the West Bengal government and industrialist Ashok Todi on a petition challenging a Calcutta High Court order directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct fresh investigations into Rizwanur Rehman’s death.

The high court by its May 18 order directed the CBI to register a fresh … Read : Rizwanur Rehman death: Apex court questions Bengal, Todi.

Raj Thackeray’s party office burgled

MUMBAI – The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s head office was burgled Monday and some important documents and some cash taken away, a party official said.

The incident came to light this afternoon when the office head, Harshal Desphande found a small locker in Rajgad office lying open, MNS vice-president V. Saraswat said.
“Some important papers, party …. Source  : Raj Thackeray’s party office burgled.

Reward for absconding Samajwadi Party legislator

LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Police Monday announced a reward of Rs.15,000 for the capture of a Samajwadi Party legislator Vijay Misra, wanted in connection with the murder attempt on state Institutional Finance Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’.

Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal told media persons here that the legislator has been absconding …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Reward for absconding Samajwadi Party legislator.

Tests confirm Navi Mumbai woman was raped by doctor

VASHI – Medical tests conducted on a woman who was allegedly raped by a doctor in a private hospital in Navi Mumbai have confirmed the crime, police said here Monday.

The victim was admitted to Lotus Hospital in Vashi township late Saturday, after she fainted during the Navratri and Durga Puja festivities at a nearby …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rs.30 lakh looted in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA – Armed robbers Monday evening looted Rs.30 lakh from a van carrying cash of the Punjab National Bank here, police said.

The incident took place at Achhe Chowki in Greater Noida Township.
Police said three people, including the cashier, were carrying the cash in the van when the robbers in a Scorpio vehicle …. Original source  : Rs.30 lakh looted in Greater Noida.

Matthews Nkoadi to Investigate the death of Two Bikers in Hummer Accident Case

A Hummer crushed into two bikers, leaving one seriously injured as an 18 year old boy ran over them with the vehicle. According to Warrant Officer Matthews Nkoadi, the accident took place on Saturday in Rachel de Beer Street.
The boy stole the Hummer from his mother and began driving it on the wrong side …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Take a ‘bold leap’ in Indo-US ties: US think tank

WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama prepares for his India trip, a US think tank has advised his team to produce a “bold leap forward” in Indo-US ties that could change the history of the 21st century. It said the US has a “compelling interest in facilitating democratic India’s emergence as a global power”.

The … Original article on : Take a ‘bold leap’ in Indo-US ties: US think tank.

Two coaches of Kolkata Metro derail

KOLKATA – Two coaches of a Kolkata Metro train derailed near the Central Station here Wednesday, triggering panic among passengers, none of whom were injured, an official said.

The accident took place when the Kavi Subhas-bound train got stranded in a tunnel. The passengers were evacuated through an emergency exit, the Metro Railway spokesperson … Read more >>>.

Murder convict inspector promoted in Jharkhand

RANCHI – The Jharkhand police department has promoted an inspector, who was convicted for murdering a school teacher, to the rank of a deputy superintendent of police.

Bhagwan Prasad was convicted by a Central Bureau of Investigation court last year for killing Ranjana Palit. Prasad, who had an illicit relationship with Palit, burnt her to …. Read the original article  : Murder convict inspector promoted in Jharkhand.

Canada shamed by monster commander’s deeds

TORONTO – Canada was stunned and shamed by the graphic accounts of evil deeds of its former top military commander Russell Williams – who Monday pleaded guilty to raping and killing two women and taping their ordeal and breaking into young girls’ bedrooms to steal lingerie – played in court Tuesday.

The courtroom recoiled …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tsunami Exercise In New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND (Gaea Times.com) New Zealand is all set to test its tsunami response skills today in an exercise named Tangaroa. The exercise conducted on Wednesday morning was a valuable exercise for Wanganui’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). More than a 100 agency were supposed to take part in the exercise, which seeks to improve …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two held with 380 liquor cartons in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – As many as 380 cartons of Indian made foreign liquor, which were being smuggled to Gujarat, have been seized and two men arrested, police said Wednesday.

The operation cell of Chandigarh Police laid a trap near suburb Manimajra after a tip-off.
“A truck was intercepted and 380 cartons of Indian made foreign … Read more >>>.

Goa Police keep eye on Sanatan Sanstha ahead of Diwali

PANAJI – Goa Police will maintain vigil on the Sanatan Sanstha (SS) in the run-up to Diwali, especially as some office-bearers of the rightwing Hindu group have warned against “glorifying Narakasur”, a mythical demon, in connection with the festival.

A police spokesperson said the vigil comes in the wake of statements by Sanstha officials …. Source article  : Goa Police keep eye on Sanatan Sanstha ahead of Diwali.

Pakistan tax evaders owe Rs.100 bn to exchequer

ISLAMABAD – Tax evaders in Pakistan owe a whopping Rs.100 billion to the national exchequer, officials said.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is stuck in litigation in courts against thousands of tax evaders.
Revenue officials told National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that they had requested Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to constitute a special …. Original source  : Pakistan tax evaders owe Rs.100 bn to exchequer.

Death toll in Vietnam storms reaches 112

HANOI – At least 46 people were killed in the latest heavy rains to hit central Vietnam, taking the October death toll to 112, authorities said Wednesday.

Most of the victims from Tuesday’s rains were swept away by floods in Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue provinces, the National Steering Committee … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Death toll in Vietnam storms reaches 112.

Fire in firecrackers warehouse, three injured

LUCKNOW – At least three people were injured Wednesday when a major fire broke out in a warehouse storing firecrackers in a densely populated area of Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, police said.

The fire engulfed the warehouse in Chowk area, some 250 km from here.
“It could have resulted in a major mishap, but the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fire in firecrackers warehouse, three injured.

Australian cops use Facebook to curb stalker

MELBOURNE – Now the long arm of the law can reach you through the world wide web too. Australian police have shown the way by using Facebook to restrict a man from contacting his partner after he harassed her via the online social network.

The Victoria Police have served an intervention order via Facebook on …. Source article  : Australian cops use Facebook to curb stalker.

25 hurt in Colombia volcano eruption

BOGOTA – Twenty-five people were injured Tuesday when a volcano erupted in northwest Colombia, Xinhua reported.

It erupted around 8.30 p.m. in Arboletes, said Jose Martinez, Arboletes municipality councilor.
Twhenty-five people were hurt while they tried to escape the lava.
… Read more >>>.

20-year-old student named police chief in Mexican town

MEXICO CITY – A 20-year-old criminology student, the only candidate for the position, was designated as police chief in the violence-plagued town of Guadalupe Distrito Bravo, Mexican media reported Tuesday.

Marisol Valles Garcia took charge Monday of security in the town, population 10,000, on the US border. The community is around 80 km east of [..] Read the original article: here.

Four arrested for planning to kidnap Delhi doctor

NOIDA – Four people have been arrested in Noida for allegedly conspiring to kidnap a Delhi-based doctor for ransom, police said Tuesday.

According to sources in Special Task Force (STF), four men identified as Sirajuddin, Ravi Kumar, Insha Allah and Pappu were arrested Monday evening for conspiring to kidnap Dr. S. Farooqi, the owner of …. Original source  : Four arrested for planning to kidnap Delhi doctor.

Four killed in Chhattisgarh accident

RAIPUR – Four people were killed Tuesday when their speeding car hit a tree in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur town, police said.

According to the police, five people were inside the car when it hit a roadside tree near the Degree Girls College. Four of them died on the spot while the fifth was battling for life … Read more »»».

Crude bomb found near Lucknow stadium

LUCKNOW – A crude bomb was found lying in a plastic bag near the Chowk Stadium here Tuesday, police said.

“The bomb has been defused. We are yet to ascertain its intensity. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) has started an investigation in this regard,” police inspector K.C. Tiwari told reporters.
The bomb was found …. Source article  : Crude bomb found near Lucknow stadium.

Trinamool supporter killed in clash with CPI-M workers

KOLKATA – One person was shot dead and four people were injured Tuesday as clashes between the ruling Marxist and the Trinamool Congress broke out in the city’s posh satellite township of Salt Lake, police said.

Balai Mondal, a Trinamool Congress supporter, was killed and four supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) sustained … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Trinamool supporter killed in clash with CPI-M workers.

43 die in Benin floods: UN

GENEVA – At least 43 people have died in flooding that has left more than two-thirds of the West African nation of Benin underwater, the UN said Tuesday.

Elisabeth Byrs, a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, said some 360,000 people have been affected, with almost 56,000 … Original article on : 43 die in Benin floods: UN.

Saudi prince found guilty of killing servant

LONDON – A gay Saudi prince on trial in Britain was Tuesday found guilty of beating and strangling his servant to death in a London hotel, a media report said

Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud, a grandson of the billionaire king of Saudi Arabia, was convicted of murdering Bandar Abdulaziz by the Old Bailey …. Original source  : Saudi prince found guilty of killing servant.

CBI books Mumbai realtor for provident fund scam

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Tuesday said it had filed a charge sheet against realtor Hiranandani brothers and 26 others in connection with a Rs.94 million employees provident fund evasion case.

According to CBI’s Deputy Inspector-General of Police Praveen Salunkhe, those named in the charge sheet include Niranjan Hiranandani and his brother … Original article on : CBI books Mumbai realtor for provident fund scam.

Mumbai-bound plane hit by bird, lands safely

MUMBAI – A Mumbai-bound Kingfisher Airlines flight made a safe landing after it was hit by a bird while descending at the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport here Thursday, an airline official said.

Flight IT 3162 from Hyderabad to Mumbai carried 136 passengers and crew, the spokesman said. Engineers inspected the plane and cleared it for the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Woman slices girl’s tongue to attain wealth

LUCKNOW – A woman in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh allegedly sliced off the tongue of her neighbour’s four-month-old daughter Wednesday after a godman told her it would make her rich.

Manju Devi, 35, a resident of the Siswan village, committed the act on the directions of a self-professed godman who was visiting her house …. Read the original article  : Woman slices girl’s tongue to attain wealth.

British tourist’s body found in Nepal lake

KATHMANDU – Three days after a British tourist fell into a Nepal lake from his boat, police Thursday managed to find his body.

Graeme Budge, who had flown to Nepal with his friend William Duncan Monro from Scotland via New Delhi, was declared dead by doctors at the Gandaki regional hospital in Nepal’s tourist city …. Original article  : British tourist’s body found in Nepal lake.

Congress suspends leader for ink assault on minister

RAIPUR – A Congress leader was suspended from the party for a period of six years Thursday for masterminding Tuesday’s ink assault on union Minister of State for Planning V. Narayanasamy outside the state Congress headquarters here.

The assault was planned by a Raipur-based Congress leader Pappu Farishta, police said after initial investigations.
“Congress leader … Read : Congress suspends leader for ink assault on minister.

Seven dead in bomb blast inside Philippine bus

COTABATO CITY – Seven people were killed Thursday in a bombing inside a passenger bus in the southern Philippines, the military and police said.

The bus was travelling along a national highway in Matalam town in North Cotabato province, 930 km south of Manila, when the blast occurred.
Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a regional military …. Original source  : Seven dead in bomb blast inside Philippine bus.

Congress leader paid youths for ink assault on minister

RAIPUR – Two days after some youths poured black ink on union Minister of State for Planning V. Narayanasamy outside the Congress headquarters here, Chhattisgarh Police Thursday confirmed that the assault was planned by a Raipur-based Congress leader.

“It was Congress leader Pappu Farishta who had hired a group of unemployed youths with an advance … Read more »»».

Himachal exam scam: Police hunt for ‘Munnabhais’

SHIMLA – It doesn’t happen only in movies! Himachal Pradesh Police have found that more than 200 students in schools across the state cleared their exams without even appearing for them – just like the protagonist of the film “Munnabhai MBBS”.

The don in the movie played by Sanjay Dutt had cleared a medical … Read more : Himachal exam scam: Police hunt for ‘Munnabhais’.

Indian American indicted for groping sleeping woman on flight

WASHINGTON – An Indian American man accused of sexually assaulting a woman while she slept during a flight has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Ranchhodbhai Lakha, 61, of Alpharetta, Georgia, faces charges of assault and abusive sexual contact for the Sep 28 incident on a Delta Air Lines flight from Dallas to Atlanta, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three bandits killed in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Three bandits wanted in over a dozen criminal cases, including murder, were shot dead in a gunfight with police in a forested area of Uttar Pradesh’s Chitrakoot district early Thursday, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team along with sleuths of the Special Operation Group (SOG) surrounded the bandits in the …. Read the original article  : Three bandits killed in Uttar Pradesh.

Nine killed in China bus accident

BEIJING – Nine people were killed and 20 injured Wednesday when a bus collided with a truck in central China’s Hunan province, authorities said.

The accident occurred at about 12.16 p.m. near Ningyuan county in south Hunan, Xinhua quoted a county government official as saying.
Seven passengers died on the spot while two …. Original source  : Nine killed in China bus accident.

Seven arrested for drug trafficking in Ghaziabad

GHAZIABAD – Seven people, including five students, were arrested for supplying brown sugar in different educational institutes of Ghaziabad, police said Wednesday.

The police recovered 350 gm of brown sugar from their possession.
The students have been identified as Kapil Tyagi, Akash Tyagi of Modinagar-based K.N. Modi Institute of Engineering & Technology and Vikas Tyagi …. Read the original article  : Seven arrested for drug trafficking in Ghaziabad.

Saudi prince sentenced to life for murder

LONDON – A Saudi prince was Wednesday given a life prison term for beating and strangling his aide to death in a luxury hotel in London in what the court described as the final act in a “deeply abusive” master-servant relationship.

The judge at the Old Bailey court in London ruled that Prince … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Saudi prince sentenced to life for murder.

Youth’s decomposed body found in East Delhi

NEW DELHI – The decomposed body of an 11-year-old boy was found near Sanjay Jheel park in East Delhi Wednesday night. Police suspect a case of sodomy and murder.

The body was unclothed. Though it gives an indication of the boy being sodomised and murdered, we will wait for the post-mortem report, said a senior …. Read the original article  : Youth’s decomposed body found in East Delhi.

Student clash: Himachal issues notice to varsity

SHIMLA – The Himachal Pradesh government Wednesday decided to serve a show-cause notice to Eternal University, a private varsity in Sirmaur district, over clashes among students in the hostel last week, an official said here.

The notice will be issued to the university authorities asking why the recognition (given by the state) was not cancelled, … Read more >>>.

Graham Staines killing: Convict’s bail plea hearing adjourned

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday adjourned hearing on a bail plea by Rabindra Kumar Pal alias Dara Singh who is undergoing life sentence for the 1999 killing of Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two children Philip and Timoti in Orissa.

Staines and his two children were killed Jan 22, 1999, after a … Read more : Graham Staines killing: Convict’s bail plea hearing adjourned.

Former JetBlue flight attendant avoids jail

NEW YORK – A former JetBlue flight attendant, who went berserk on a plane and said goodbye to his career in a dramatic exit down an emergency chute, has accepted a plea bargain to stay out of jail, a media report said Wednesday.

In exchange for no jail time, Steven Slater, 38, agreed to …. Read the original article  : Former JetBlue flight attendant avoids jail.

Man booked for raping daughter-in-law

PANIPAT – Almost a month after the complaint was made, a man was finally booked for repeatedly raping his 25-year-old daughter-in-law in this Haryana town, police said Wednesday.

The case was registered following the intervention of NGO All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM). In the complaint, the victim had alleged that her father-in-law Rajvir …. Source  : Man booked for raping daughter-in-law.

Abducted Meghalaya official still untraced

SHILLONG – Twenty-one days have passed but there is no trace of the transport officer kidnapped by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Meghalaya, state Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh said Wednesday.

Five armed men of GNLA Sep 30 kidnapped Rominus Syngkon, district transport officer (DTO) of East Garo Hills district, and his driver from … Read more »».

Two students killed as cop’s rifle misfires

HYDERABAD – Two students were killed and two injured Wednesday as a policeman’s rifle went off accidentally during a demonstration of weapons in Andhra Pradesh’s Khammam district.

A student of Class 8 and another of Class 10 were killed when the accident took place while a constable was showing the children a loaded rifle during …. Read the original article  : Two students killed as cop’s rifle misfires.

Two Kolkata Metro coaches derail, services hit

KOLKATA – Kolkata Metro rail services in the city hub were disrupted after two coaches of a train derailed near the Central Station here Wednesday, triggering panic among passengers, none of whom were injured, officials said.

The accident took place when the Kavi Subhas-bound train developed a mechanical snag and derailed while it was entering …. Source article  : Two Kolkata Metro coaches derail, services hit.

Over 500 tourists stranded in Taiwan due to typhoon ‘Megi’

TAIPEI – More than 500 tourists have been stranded in Taiwan due to heavy rains caused by typhoon “Megi” since Thursday, with 19 being out of contact and a tourist bus being stuck in a caved-in section of road, Taiwan tourism authorities said.

According to Xinhua, of the 559 tourists, 290 were lifted out … Original source on Gaea Times at : Over 500 tourists stranded in Taiwan due to typhoon ‘Megi’.

Government funds siphoned off to Assam terror outfit: NIA chargesheet

GUWAHATI – The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which investigates terror related crimes, has come up with startling revelations indicating that government funds worth millions of rupees have been going to the coffers of a separatist group in Assam.

The findings point to a politician-militant-bureaucrat-contractor nexus in Assam.
NIA, in its second chargesheet submitted in the …. Read the original article  : here.

Pakistani woman killed by grandchildren

ISLAMABAD – A 70-year-old woman in this Pakistani capital was killed by her grandchildren when she tried to intervene in a dispute.

Dolat Bibi’s sons Abdul Jabbar and Muhammad Idris had a verbal altercation with their cousins who began to beat them, Daily Times reported.
As she tried to save her sons, her grandchildren … Original article on : Pakistani woman killed by grandchildren.

Hong Kong man jailed after stabbing girlfriend 200 times

HONG KONG – A 40-year-old man was jailed for life for stabbing his girlfriend more than 200 times after she had sex with another man, a newspaper reported Friday.

A seven-member jury unanimously found Liang Yaoqiang guilty of murdering Yang Xiuyu, 35, in September 2009, the Standard reported.
The judge pointed out the “vicious brutality” … Read : Hong Kong man jailed after stabbing girlfriend 200 times.

Six Nepali kids rescued in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Six children, all hailing from Nepal, were rescued in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district and a man, involved in a human trafficking racket, was arrested, police said Friday.

The children, who are in the age group of 9-13 years, were rescued late Thursday during a vehicle-checking drive by police in Rupaideeh town, near … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Six Nepali kids rescued in Uttar Pradesh.

Canada cracks down on human smugglers

TORONTO – Rattled by public outrage over smuggling of about 500 Sri Lankan Tamils into this country in August, Canada Thursday introduced a bill to tighten its asylum laws and impose tougher penalties on human smugglers.

With more than 80,000 refugee cases pending in the country, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews and Immigration Minister Jason …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Canada cracks down on human smugglers.

Another Australian boy pleads guilty to Indian’s murder

MELBOURNE – Another 16-year-old boy from Melbourne Friday pleaded guilty to being involved in the killing of Indian student Nitin Garg in this city in January.

According to police, Garg, 22, was viciously stabbed when he was going to work at Hungry Jack’s restaurant in Yarraville in January this year. He died later in hospital. …. Source article  : Another Australian boy pleads guilty to Indian’s murder.

Mobile phones seized from former MP in jail

PATNA – Three mobile phones were recovered early Friday from the Siwan jail ward housing former Bihar MP Shahabuddin, who has been convicted in seven criminal cases, police said.

Three SIM cards and two chargers were also seized, a police official said.
A team of district officials carried out the raid in jail in Siwan …. Source  : Mobile phones seized from former MP in jail.

Cyclone Giri Intensifies

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (GaeaTimes.com)- Cyclone Giri has attained extensive momentum on Thursday evening and has been upgraded into category 1 storm, weather officials have stated. Following the strengthening of the storm along the Bay of Bengal, parts of Bangladesh have been put under high alert especially the ports along the coastal regions of the …. Source article  : Cyclone Giri Intensifies.

Three held with nine sacks of coins

AGRA – Three people have been arrested here with nine sacks of coins that were to be melted illegally in Delhi, police said Friday.

The coins were in the denominations of rupees one, two and five. The melted coins would have been mixed with silver for making statues and other items, officials said.
Mukesh, Dheeraj …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rescued miners to take firm, government to court in Chile

SANTIAGO – Many of the miners rescued last week after more than two months trapped underground in northern Chile have decided to take legal action against the firm that owns the mine and against the Chilean government, lawyer Edgardo Reinoso said Thursday.

In a parliamentary investigation of security violation at the San Jose mine, the … Original article on : Rescued miners to take firm, government to court in Chile.

Quake jolts Mexico

MEXICO CITY – An undersea earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale rocked northwest Mexico Thursday, Xinhua reported.

It occurred at 12.53 p.m. in the Gulf of California with its epicentre 105 km from Los Mochis in Sinaloa state, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
Officials said there won’t be a tsunami but there would [..] Read the original article: here.

Ex-jail chief booked for prisoner’s murder

GHAZIABAD – A murder case was Thursday registered against a former Ghaziabad jail superintendent for the death in the prison last year of a serial blast accused.

The case was registered at Masuri police station against V.K. Singh, a former superintendent of Dasna jail, on the direction of Ghaziabad Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) D.D. … Original article on : Ex-jail chief booked for prisoner’s murder.

Four miners dead in Ecuador

QUITO – Four miners who had been trapped in an Ecuadorian gold mine for close to a week were found dead, Ecuadorian media reported Thursday quoting the authorities.

“Rescue efforts have ended with a tragic balance. The four miners have died,” the daily El Comercio quoted Carlos Pareja Yanuzzelli, vice minister for Non-Renewable Natural Resources, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four miners dead in Ecuador.

British MP’s wife faces trial over cat theft

LONDON – A British parliamentarian’s wife Thursday appeared in a court after being charged with burgling the house of her husband’s lover and stealing a cat.

Christine Hemming, wife of the Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, appeared before Birmingham magistrates’ court. She is alleged to have burgled the home of Emily Cox, with whom the …. Source article  : British MP’s wife faces trial over cat theft.

If prosecution case solid, hostile witnesses don’t matter: Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that even if all witnesses turn hostile a trial court can convict and sentence the accused, if the prosecution is successful in establishing their guilt.

If the prosecution case is strong then “eye witnesses turning hostile, do not, in any way, create a dent in the case … Read more : If prosecution case solid, hostile witnesses don’t matter: Court.

Floods kill 15 in Thailand

BANGKOK – Floods in Thailand’s central and northeastern provinces have claimed at least 15 lives this week and caused more than 7.7 billion baht ($257 million) in damages, government and media sources said Thursday.

The floods were caused by heavy monsoon rains that have been lashing central Thailand since the weekend, officials from the National …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Floods kill 15 in Thailand.

Railways begin Kolkata Metro derailment probe

KOLKATA – A four-member team of the Indian Railways Thursday began enquiring into Kolkata Metro’s first ever derailment, where two coaches of a Kavi Subhas-bound train derailed Oct 20, officials said.

The team, accompanied by Kolkata Metro officials, went to Noapara in North 24 Paraganas and inspected the damaged coaches.
“The team did not visit … Read more »»».

150,000 evacuated in China due to typhoon threat

BEIJING – More than 150,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas in the path of typhoon “Megi” which is expected to hit China Saturday, officials said Thursday.
According to Fujian Provincial Meteorological Department, the typhoon is forecast to hit the east cost in Guangdong province, Xinhua reported.
Residents of Fujian province have been evacuated …. Source  : 150,000 evacuated in China due to typhoon threat.

Delhi Police mark Commemoration Day parade

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Thursday held the Commemoration Day parade, observed annually across the country in memory of police and paramilitary personnel killed in action.

“A total of 797 police personnel laid their lives for their country between Sep 1, 2009 and Aug 31, 2010,” Neeraj Kumar, special commissioner (administration), said.
Uttar Pradesh …. Original source  : Delhi Police mark Commemoration Day parade.

Typhoon ‘Megi’ hits China, 270,000 evacuated

BEIJING – More than 270,000 people were evacuated and 79 flights cancelled in China Saturday as typhoon “Megi” hit the country’s southeastern part after lashing Philippines and Taiwan where at least 39 people have been killed.

Megi, the 13th typhoon to hit China this year, made landfall in Zhangzhou city in Fujian province Saturday afternoon …. Read the original article  : Typhoon ‘Megi’ hits China, 270,000 evacuated.

Man kills neighbour’s daughter on tantrik’s order

LUCKNOW – A man killed his neighbour’s six-year-old daughter in Uttar Pradesh after a self-proclaimed godman told him it would make him wealthy, police said Saturday.

Jaswant, 35, a native of Santpur village in Mainpuri district, first kidnapped the daughter of his neighbour Gulab Singh while she was playing in the fields Thursday and later … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man kills neighbour’s daughter on tantrik’s order.

Gang of auto thieves busted in Punjab, three held

ZIRAKPUR – Police Saturday claimed to have busted an inter-state gang of vehicle lifters – active in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh – with the arrest of three people and the recovery of six cars.

Acting on a tip off, we laid a trap and arrested the kingpin of the gang Gursewak Singh from Pabhat [..] Read the original article: here.

Shark Attack At Santa Barbara Results In A Boy Dead

SANTA BARBARA (Gaea Times.com) A surfer enjoying himself at Surf-beach of Vandenberg Air Force Base at Santa Barbara hardly knew that it was going to be his last ride on the waters. The 19 year old unwittingly became the victim of a fatal shark attack. There is not much known about the dead boy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Shark Attack At Santa Barbara Results In A Boy Dead.

Thailand’s flood toll rises to 32, Bangkok threatened

BANGKOK – Widespread flooding in central and north-eastern Thailand caused by heavy monsoon rains claimed 32 lives this week and was threatening Bangkok, government reports said Saturday.

Unusually heavy rains that started Oct 10 have caused flooding in 30 of 77 provinces, affecting up to 1.4 million people and prompting an outpouring of government and … Read : Thailand’s flood toll rises to 32, Bangkok threatened.

Jet-Kingfisher aircraft collide, no casualties

MUMBAI – A Jet Airways aircraft was involved in a “minor collision” with a Kingfisher Airlines plane at Mumbai airport early Saturday, but there were no casualties, an official said. A probe has been ordered.

The collision took place around 2 a.m. when Jet’s Mumbai-Muscat flight 9W540 with 80 passengers was preparing to take off … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jet-Kingfisher aircraft collide, no casualties.

‘Compelling evidence of war crimes’ in leaked Iraq documents

WASHINGTON – Celebrated whistle-blower website WikiLeaks has published some 400,000 classified military documents from the war in Iraq indicating what it calls “compelling evidence of war crimes”, a charge denied by the Pentagon.

The leaked documents Friday provide a new picture of how many Iraqi civilians have been killed, a new window on the role …. Read the original article  : here.

Minor collision at Mumbai airport

MUMBAI – The aircraft of two private airlines were involved in a “minor collision” at the Mumbai airport early Saturday, an official said. No casualties were reported.

There was a “minor collision” between the aircraft of Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines around 2 a.m. when Jet’s Mumbai-Muscat flight 9W540 was preparing to take off, the … Read more >>.

Ehsan Jafri’s widow breaks down as she recalls Gulberg Society carnage

AHMEDABAD – Ehsan Jafri was dragged out of his house by a murderous mob, that stripped him, chopped off his limbs before burning him alive, a sobbing Zakia Jafri told the court here Friday while recounting how her husband, a former Congress MP, was killed during the attack on Gulberg Society in the 2002 riots.

… Read more >>>.

Kolkata Metro boss transferred for derailment

KOLKATA – The Kolkata Metro Railway general manager Amar Nath was Friday transferred, two days after two coaches of the country’s first underground railway system derailed inside a tunnel.

Amar Nath swapped places with P.B. Murthy, who was general manager of the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW). The government order reached the Metro Bhavan Friday evening.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kolkata Metro boss transferred for derailment.

Sohrabuddin case: CBI files supplementary charge-sheet

AHMEDABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday filed a supplementary charge-sheet in the Sohrabuddin staged shootout case before a special CBI court here.

In the charge-sheet filed before Special Judge G.K. Upadhyay, the CBI charged Rajendrakumar Jirawala, at whose farmhouse Sohrabuddin and his wife Kausarbi were kept, for concealing the presence … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sohrabuddin case: CBI files supplementary charge-sheet.

British nuclear-powered submarine runs aground

LONDON – The Royal Navy’s most modern nuclear-powered submarine ran aground during sea trials off the coast of Scotland Friday, its immovable hull sticking out of the water like the legendary Loch Ness monster.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox was quick to reassure the public that there was no nuclear or environmental risk from the accident, … Original source on Gaea Times at : British nuclear-powered submarine runs aground.

Rape probe continues against WikiLeaks founder

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish investigation into alleged rape charges against the founder of whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, was continuing though no decision on charges had yet been made, a public prosecutor said Friday.

The probe was “relatively far in progress”, Marianne Ny, director of public prosecution, said in a statement, adding that “some legal … Read more >>>.

CBI books RPF inspector for graft

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have registered a case against a Railway Protection Force inspector for indulging in corruption, an official said here Friday.

Arvind Kumar Yadav accumulated benami assets in the name of his wife Sushma, mother Kaushalya, cousin Amit Yadav, friend Narendra Kumar Dubey …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Engineer robbed in Noida

NOIDA – A female software engineer was robbed of her belongings in Sector 60 here, police said Friday.

The incident took place Thursday night near Shopprix Mall.
Police said Dharna Pradhan (26) was robbed of her purse and other belongings when she was returning home from the shopping mall in a rickshaw.
Two motorcycle-borne …. Read the original article  : Engineer robbed in Noida.

Ramachandran to lead Indian team to disaster management meet

NEW DELHI – Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran will lead an Indian delegation to the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Management to be held in Injon City in South Korea beginning Sunday.

The four-day meet will deliberate on the topic “Reducing disaster possibilities”, an official told IANS.
This is the fourth … Read : Ramachandran to lead Indian team to disaster management meet.

Worker caught for stealing from CWG office

NEW DELHI – A man, who stole memory sticks from the office of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO Jarnail Singh has been arrested, police said Friday.

“Umesh, who worked as a pantry boy, was caught on CCTV stealing the computer hardware. Investigations revealed that he had been stealing the memory sticks for the past one … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Worker caught for stealing from CWG office.

Two arrested for murder of restaurant manager

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police Friday arrested two people for the murder last month of an assistant manager of a south Delhi restaurant.

Acting on basis of information, we nabbed Rajesh (30) and Chandan Kumar Singh (25), who was a computer graduate, from near Jor Bagh Metro Station for their involvement in the murder of …. Source  : Two arrested for murder of restaurant manager.

Chhattisgarh official owns assets worth Rs.40 mn!

RAIPUR – Raids carried out Friday revealed a government engineer in Chhattisgarh has amassed assets in excess of Rs.40 million, officials said.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) teams carried out raids at various locations in capital Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg and Korba as part of the probe against N.S. Rathor, presently posted as executive engineer at the …. Source  : Chhattisgarh official owns assets worth Rs.40 mn!.

30 missing in Indonesia boat accident

JAKARTA – All 30 passengers aboard a boat are reported missing after the vessel capsized in eastern Indonesia Friday afternoon, Xinhua reported.

The accident occurred at about 17:30 p.m. local time (1030 GMT) in East Nusa Tenggara province, a rescue official said.
Rescuers have been dispatched to the scene, he said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 30 missing in Indonesia boat accident.

Two killed in cylinder blast

HYDERABAD – A security guard and a woman were killed and 10 others were injured when a cooking gas cylinder exploded in a ladies hostel here Sunday, police said.

The death toll could rise as five of the injured were said to be in critical condition.
The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder was possibly … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two killed in cylinder blast.

Archery coach Lenin dies in road accident

HYDERABAD – Indian archery coach Cherukuri Lenin was killed and two Delhi Commonwealth Games silver medallists, Ritul Chatterjee and Chittibomma Jignesh, were injured in a road accident near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh early Sunday. Lenin’s death has left the sports fraternity shocked.

International archer-turned-coach Lenin, his father Cherukuri Satyanarayana, Ritul and Jignesh were returning …. Read the original article  : Archery coach Lenin dies in road accident.

Pakistan set to be one of most corrupt countries

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan seems to be racing to become one of the most corrupt countries in the world, a media report said Sunday.

Pakistan surpassed several corrupt nations in a global watchlist last year. A report on corruption in Pakistan is to be released by Transparency International Tuesday.
Sources in the World Bank and Asian …. Original source  : Pakistan set to be one of most corrupt countries.

Archery coach dies in road accident

HYDERABAD – Indian archery coach Ch. Lenin was killed and two Delhi Commonwealth Games silver medallists were injured in a road accident near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh early Sunday.

International archer-turned-coach Lenin, Ritul Chatterjee and Chittibomma Jignesh were returning to Vijayawada after attending a felicitation function in Hyderabad when the SUV they were travelling in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Archery coach dies in road accident.

50 injured in Bangladesh protests

DHAKA – Over 50 people sustained bullet wounds as villagers protesting the government’s attempt to acquire land for an army housing project clashed with security forces near the national capital.

Angry villagers said they were forced to part with their land and attacked army camps, set a jeep on fire and damaged two other … Read more : 50 injured in Bangladesh protests.

New York man kills woman, sleeps with body for two days

NEW YORK – A 31-year-old man from New York has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a woman and then sleeping for two days with her decomposing body and buying alcohol with her credit card.

Michael Lenahan was sentenced for the 2007 murder of Lorna Santiago, 24, in Confucius Plaza in Chinatown, in …. Source  : New York man kills woman, sleeps with body for two days.

Attacked by ‘devil’, 11 jump out of window

Paris, Oct 24 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Eleven members of a family jumped out of a window at their home in the outskirts of Paris, when they thought they were being attacked by a “devil”. One of the people – a four-month-old girl – died in the incident.

The incident took place in La Verriere town, …. Source article  : Attacked by ‘devil’, 11 jump out of window.

Six killed in Kenya stadium stampede

NAIROBI – At least six football fans died and several were injured in a stampede at the gate of a stadium here in the Kenyan capital.

The incident occurred at the Nyayo National Stadium Saturday night during a Kenya Premier League match between old rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, Xinhua reported.
With only a … Original article on : Six killed in Kenya stadium stampede.

Gunmen kill 15 in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – At least 15 people were killed and eight injured when gunmen attacked a group of partying youths in Mexico, Xinhua reported Saturday.

The massacre happened Friday night in the northern Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez.
The attorney general of the state of Chihuahua, where the town is located, confirmed the death …. Source  : Gunmen kill 15 in Mexico.

Crime Branch to probe Kanpur schoolgirl’s rape

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh police chief Karamveer Singh Saturday announced a probe by the Crime Branch into the brutal rape of a minor schoolgirl in Kanpur, which led to her death.

The nine-year-old girl died on the night of Sep 27 after being subjected to physical assault, including sodomy and rape, and torture.
At a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Crime Branch to probe Kanpur schoolgirl’s rape.

20 Chinese tourists missing in Taiwan

TAIPEI – Twenty Chinese tourists were reported missing in Taiwan after heavy rains and landslides triggered by typhoon Megi hit the island nation, authorities said.

The Chinese were out of contact since Friday night when their bus was hit by mud and rock on a highway in the island’s east coast, Xinhua reported.
Meanwhile, … Read more : 20 Chinese tourists missing in Taiwan.

12 youths shot dead in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – At least 12 people were killed when gunmen attacked a group of partying youths in Mexico, Xinhua reported Saturday.

The massacre happened overnight in the northern Mexican border town of Ciudad Juarez.
Some media reports have put the death toll at 15.
…. Source  : 12 youths shot dead in Mexico.

Jharkhand job scam: Vigilance report after forensic report

RANCHI – The Jharkhand vigilance bureau will submit its final report on illegal appointments in the second Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exam held in 2007-08 after getting a forensic report, said an official Saturday.

“The final report of illegal appointments made in the second JPSC examination will be submitted to the state government after … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jharkhand job scam: Vigilance report after forensic report.

Japanese diplomat robbed in Moscow

Moscow, Oct 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Japanese diplomat was robbed in the Russian capital Moscow, police said Saturday.

The first secretary of the Japanese embassy was attacked Friday night in southern Moscow by three unidentified men, who stole $200, his cell phone and a number of documents related to his work.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
… Read more >>.

Saudi man awarded death sentence for sexual harassment

RIYADH – A judge in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a man to death for sexually harassing a woman — in what is believed to be the first verdict of its kind in the country.

According to a local Saudi news reports Saturday, a judge in the town of Arar found the man guilty of trying …. Source  : Saudi man awarded death sentence for sexual harassment.

16 missing in China boat accident

BEIJING – Sixteen people were reported missing when a boat carrying 18 passengers capsized in China’s Yangtze river Saturday morning, Xinhua reported.

The fishing boat sank at 1:10 a.m. Saturday. The rescuers were searching for the missing passengers.
…. Read the original article  : 16 missing in China boat accident.

RSS leader involved in Ajmer blast conspiracy: Police

JAIPUR – A senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader was present when the conspiracy to carry out a blast at the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer was hatched, according to the charge-sheet filed in the case.

However, the RSS leader Indresh Kumar has not been named as accused in the charge-sheet filed … Original article on : RSS leader involved in Ajmer blast conspiracy: Police.

Rebuked, student commits suicide

LUCKNOW – A Class 5 student of a private school here Saturday committed suicide after being allegedly rebuked by the school authorities for not paying his fees, police said.

Sugreev Kumar, 12, a student of Sanjay Gandhi Public School (SGPS), was found hanging in the basement of a commercial establishment, a few metres away from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rebuked, student commits suicide.

Typhoon Megi Strikes China

TAIPEI, CHINA (GaeaTimes.com)- Typhoon Megi striked the southeastern part of China on Saturday afternoon after wrecking a havoc in Philippines and Taiwan where at least 36 people are already estimated to have been killed. As the storm made landfall at the Zhangzhou city in Fujian province on Saturday, emergency officials in China are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Typhoon Megi Strikes China.

CBI raids Rajdhani Express, 3 railway officials suspended

MUMBAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Saturday swooped on the New Delhi-Mumbai August Kranti Rajdhani Express and detected irregularities which led to the suspension of three railway officials, an official said.

Sleuths of the CBI-Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Western Railway’s Vigilance team cracked down on the train following a tip-off that businessmen used … Read more : CBI raids Rajdhani Express, 3 railway officials suspended.

Bihar policeman held for Maoist links

PATNA – A police constable in Bihar’s Munger district was Monday arrested on charges of supplying “vital information” to Maoist, police said.

Mohammed Saleem, an aide to Munger Superintendent of Police M. Sunil Naik, was held for his alleged nexus with Maoists. He is being interrogated.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bihar policeman held for Maoist links.

18-year-old, parents found dead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – An 18-year-old mentally challenged youth was allegedly poisoned to death and his parents were found dead on a railway track in Delhi Monday, police said.

The youth was found dead inside his Sarita Vihar home in south Delhi after 80-year-old Daljit Singh informed police about his dead grandson Karandeep Arora, a police … Read more »».

Man shot dead inside train

LUCKNOW – Gunmen shot dead a man and left his son critically injured inside an air-conditioned coach of a train in Uttar Pradesh’s Mau district Monday, police said.

The incident took place in the AC three tier coach of the Chauri Chaura Express when two men barged in and started firing at Ram Singh and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Man shot dead inside train.

Blast in fast food outlet in Australia

SYDNEY – A home-made device exploded in the rest room of a fast food outlet in this Australian city. No one was injured in the blast, police said Monday.

The device was detonated in the men’s toilet cubicle at McDonald’s restaurant in Penrith at around 9.10 p.m. Sunday, AAP reported.
“The explosion damaged the toilet … Original article on : Blast in fast food outlet in Australia.

1,500 World War II-era shells found in US

NEW YORK – A team of divers claimed to have found a cache of roughly 1,500 live ammunition scattered in a bay here more than 50 years ago following an accident.

Scattered under only 20 feet of water were eight World War II-era copper artillery shells designed to shoot down airplanes, and about 1,500 … Read more : 1,500 World War II-era shells found in US.

Five killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident

LUCKNOW – Five people were killed and three critically injured when a tempo they were travelling in was hit by a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, police said Monday.

The accident took place late Sunday in Nijahi town, some 80 km from Lucknow, when the truck spun out of control and rammed into …. Original article  : Five killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident.

Six government militiamen killed in Philippines

MANILA – Five government militiamen died in a shooting rampage by a comrade who was later killed by pursuing troops in the southern Philippines, the army and police said Monday.

The militiamen were on duty Sunday evening when the suspect ran amok in their outpost in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, 810 km south … Original article on : Six government militiamen killed in Philippines.

12 survive plane crash in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES – Twelve people had a miraculous escape when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff and caught fire in Argentina Sunday, police said.

The accident occurred around midday (1500 GMT) Sunday, when the Russia-made Antonov AN-2 plane, with 10 passengers and two crew members onboard, took off from an airport in Santa Isabel, 920 … Read more »».

School students injured in China quake

BEIJING – A moderate earthquake that hit China’s Henan province Sunday left 12 students injured, officials said Monday morning.

The quake, measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale, struck Zhoukou city at 4.58 p.m. Sunday, Xinhua reported citing the China National Seismological Network.
Twenty-four houses in Taikang county collapsed while 12 students in a middle school … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : School students injured in China quake.

21 killed in Uganda accident

KAMPALA – At least 21 people were killed Sunday in a bus accident in northwest Uganda, police said.

The accident occurred in Nwoya district when the bus was heading for Kampala, Xinhua reported.
Seventeen people died on the spot.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 21 killed in Uganda accident.

28 Ladakhi kids rescued from NGO, will fly home Monday

JAMMU – Jammu police Sunday rescued 28 Ladakhi children from a room where they were confined to by an NGO here, and arrested five members of the organisation, an official said. The children will fly back to Leh Monday.

The children were brought to Jammu by the Youth Movement for Peace ostensibly for providing …. Original article  : 28 Ladakhi kids rescued from NGO, will fly home Monday.

Man arrested for credit card fraud

NEW DELHI – A man was arrested for allegedly cheating another man of Rs.30,000 by procuring his credit card details and conducting online transactions, police said Sunday.

According to police, Yunus from Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi was arrested recently following an investigation into a complaint filed by Sharad Kumar.
A police said that a …. Source article  : Man arrested for credit card fraud.

German shipping firm says pirates have taken its vessel

BERLIN – Pirates seized another ship near the Somali coast Sunday, a German shipping company said.

Beluga Shipping GmbH, based in the North Sea port-city of Bremen, said it had received an emergency call during the morning from one of its break-bulk carriers in the area and this seemed to be on account of a …. Original article  : German shipping firm says pirates have taken its vessel.

Lovers commit suicide in Jammu village

JAMMU – A teenaged girl and her lover were found hanging Sunday evening from a tree in the jungles of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

According to police, the boy and girl, who belonged to the same village in Rajouri district, were denied permission by their parents to marry. This denial is …. Read the original article  : here.

Murdered Ghaziabad jeweller’s phone record being examined

GHAZIABAD – Investigators were busy Sunday examining the cellphone records of a Ghaziabad jeweller who was kidnapped and killed by three people a day earlier, police said.

Atul Goel, who ran five jewellery shops, was killed in Kavi Nagar area of this district town bordering Delhi.
“After his abduction, he received two phones – one …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Murdered Ghaziabad jeweller’s phone record being examined.

Fire in Punjab bank

MOHALI – Office furniture, computers and files were reduced to ashes in a fire at a HDFC Bank branch here in Punjab Sunday, police said. The cash was safe.

“It seems an electric short circuit in an air-conditioner in the ATM room was the reason for the fire. It spread in the office area on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fire in Punjab bank.

Quake hits central China

BEIJING – An earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit central China’s Henan province Sunday, authorities said.

The quake struck Henan’s Zhoukou City at 4.58 p.m. with a depth of eight kilometers, Xinhua reported. No casualties were reported.
… Read more >>.

Women power calls the shot at Mumbai film fest forum

MUMBAI – When asked if Indian women filmmakers need government subsidies like in Sweden, eight emerging women directors in a unison replied “No”, with an underlying message of “we do fine by ourselves, thank you”, at MAMI’s 12th Mumbai Film Festival Sunday.

There cannot be any more proof of woman power than this, where … Read more >>.

Two killed in Maharashtra truck accident

HINGOLI – Two members of a wedding party were killed and 40 injured in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district when a truck in which they were travelling overturned Sunday, police said.

The accident took place around 10 a.m. in Kurunda village. Those killed were identified as Firoze Shaikh and Irfan Shaikh, police said.
“The driver lost …. Read the original article  : Two killed in Maharashtra truck accident.

Leh children rescued, handed over to parents

JAMMU – Jammu police Sunday rescued and handed over to their parents 28 children, who were confined to a room by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which brought them to Jammu for providing education.

According to police, the children from Leh were brought by NGO Youth Movement for Peace ostensibly to get them admitted to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Leh children rescued, handed over to parents.

Priest arrested on rape charge

RANCHI – Police Tuesday arrested a priest in Dumka district of Jharkhand after a woman inmate at his ashram accused him of rape.

Mahant Babluji was arrested at Sadanand Mission after some women alleged he had misbehaved with them while a young woman hurle rape charges, a police officer told IANS from Dumka, some 400 …. Original article  : Priest arrested on rape charge.

Interlocutors visiting Shopian in south Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The Indian government’s interlocutors Tuesday visited south Kashmir’s rural areas, including Shopian where the alleged rape-murder of two women sparked massive protests across the valley.

The team will interact with youths and some prominent citizens there, informed sources here said.
The team comprises journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and information commissioner M.M. … Read more >>>.

Prostitutes in Spanish town to wear reflective vests

LONDON – Sex workers in a Spanish town have been told to wear reflective vests so that they are clearly visible to traffic, reducing the risk of accidents.

Prostitutes at a rural highway outside Els Alamus town in Catalonia will wear the yellow fluorescent bibs. If they don’t, they would be fined 40 euros (36) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prostitutes in Spanish town to wear reflective vests.

New Zealand boy kills 11-year-old friend

WELLINGTON – A 12-year-old boy in New Zealand shot dead his 11-year-old friend after an argument, a media report said Tuesday.

The boy was 12 when he shot dead his friend last year, New Zealand Herald reported.
The defendant, now 13, from East Coast, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Gisborne High Court Tuesday.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : New Zealand boy kills 11-year-old friend.

11-month boy stolen from Hyderabad hospital

HYDERABAD – An 11-month-old boy has been stolen from a children’s hospital where such incidents have taken place in the past too, police said Tuesday.

The boy’s parents complained to police that a burqa-clad woman who had befriended them took away the child after diverting their attention late Monday evening.
Ajay of Armor town in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 11-month boy stolen from Hyderabad hospital.

Nepal orders probe into Maoist attack on Indian envoy

KATHMANDU – Fearing a diplomatic cold war with India and its fallout, Nepal’s caretaker government finally extended an olive branch to the southern neighbour, ordering an investigation into the attack on the Indian ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, by the opposition Maoist party.

Nepal’s home ministry said Yadav Subedi, the chief district officer of Solukhumbu, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal orders probe into Maoist attack on Indian envoy.

Terrorist-turned-robber nabbed in Punjab

TARN TARAN – A former Sikh terrorist who had turned robber was arrested from a village near this town, police said Tuesday.

The former Khalistan Commando Force terrorist was identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, a resident of Kalah village here, and caught Monday evening. Police have recovered one .315 bore pistol and several live … Original source on Gaea Times at : Terrorist-turned-robber nabbed in Punjab.

Miners lose football match against rescuers in Chile

SANTIAGO – The 33 miners who were trapped for more than two months in northern Chile Monday played, and lost, a football match against the rescue teams who lifted them from the depths of the earth, including Chilean President Sebastian Pinera.

The match in Santiago’s National Stadium, played with 16-man teams and with two halves … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Miners lose football match against rescuers in Chile.

Tornado wreaks havoc in Texas

NEW YORK – A tornado injured many people, damaged several homes and derailed a few trains in the US state of Texas, officials said.

Four people suffered injuries, while many vehicles turned turtle and several homes and a school complex were damaged when a tornado hit Navarro county, 45 miles south of Dallas, late Sunday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tornado wreaks havoc in Texas.

Miners, rescuers hold emotional celebration in Chile

SANTIAGO – A presidential medal ceremony Monday for the 33 miners who were trapped for more than two months in northern Chile provided a chance for a meeting between the freed men and the rescue teams who lifted them from the depths of the earth.

They wept together and shared embraces.
“We always felt the … Read more »».

Pirates seize German freighter, abandon vessel

BERLIN – Pirates, probably Somalis, who seized a German freighter abandoned the vessel without any ransom after the crew went into hiding, the shipping company said Monday.

The pirates had vanished by the time the British frigate Montrose arrived after steaming 15 hours over the Indian Ocean to the aid of the break-bulk carrier Beluga …. Original source  : Pirates seize German freighter, abandon vessel.

Quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted

JAKARTA – A strong quake struck off the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island late Monday but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, prompted a tsunami warning, but the alert was lifted an hour later.
The quake hit the Mentawai islands, off the western coast of … Read more : Quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted.

Three killed in Chicago suburb shooting

WASHINGTON – A 28-year-old woman, her 9-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old boy were shot dead overnight in Chicago in apparent drug-related killings, police said Monday.

According to Xinhua, the woman’s another 4-year-old child was also shot, but is in stable condition in a hospital, police said, adding they were questioning the woman’s partner.
The shooting …. Source  : Three killed in Chicago suburb shooting.

Tihar Jail to lodge terrorist Hawara

DELHI/CHANDIGARH – A Delhi court Monday directed Tihar Jail authorities to lodge Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara in one of its cells.

Hawara, who masterminded the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh at the secretariat complex in Chandigarh Aug 31, 1995, is facing a life term.
Delhi’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate … Original article on : Tihar Jail to lodge terrorist Hawara.

Delhi to host global road safety meet

NEW DELHI – With India accounting for about 10 percent of the 13 million deaths in road accidents around the world every year, around 400 road safety experts from over 20 countries will meet here next month to deliberate on measures to reduce road fatalities.

The two-day global meet “Institutional Arrangements for Reduction of …. Original source  : Delhi to host global road safety meet.

Five bus passengers injured in Noida accident

NOIDA – Five people were critically injured when an Uttarakhand Roadways bus in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck loaded with iron rods in Noida Monday, police said. The truck driver has been arrested.

The accident took place on National Highway-24, police said.
As the bus rammed into the truck, the iron …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Court asks CBI if it can give Nandigram report to Bengal

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) whether it was willing to share the report of its investigations into the 2007 Nandigram police firing with the West Bengal government.

The apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik asked the CBI to state its position … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Court asks CBI if it can give Nandigram report to Bengal.

Cops involved in barbaric acts threat to society: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said some policemen in India still lived with a colonial mindset and perpetrated barbaric acts which were an anathema to a democratic society.

The court said this while hearing a case in which a man’s penis was cut off by policemen in Rajasthan.
“If protector becomes the predator, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cops involved in barbaric acts threat to society: apex court.

Strong quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

JAKARTA – A strong quake struck off the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island late Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.

The quake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, jolted the Mentawai islands at about 9.42 p.m. (1442 GMT), the Meteorology, Geophysics and Climatology Agency said.
It said the epicentre was 78 km …. Original source  : Strong quake hits Indonesia, tsunami warning issued.

27 dead in Myanmar cyclone

YANGON – Cyclone Giri killed at least 27 people when it slammed into Myanmar’s western coast last week, state television reported Monday.

Myanmar TV reported in an evening broadcast that 22 people had died in Myebon township and five others in Minbya, in the Rakhine State, as a result of Giri hitting the coast Friday …. Original article  : 27 dead in Myanmar cyclone.

Bangkok survives flood threat, countryside suffers

BANGKOK – Irrigation officials Wednesday claimed success in protecting Bangkok from floodwaters that have inundated Thailand’s central region, leaving at least 59 people dead.

Unusually heavy monsoon rains since Oct 10 have caused widespread flooding in central and north-eastern provinces, affecting the lives of some 2.5 million people and causing more than 10 billion baht … Read : Bangkok survives flood threat, countryside suffers.

Doctor shot dead in Lucknow

LUCKNOW – Two motorcycle-borne assailants shot dead a senior government doctor here Wednesday morning, police said.

Fifty five-year-old Vinod Kumar Arya, chief medical officer, Family Welfare, was fatally shot in the Vikas Nagar area.
“The assailants shot at the doctor barely 300 metres from his house and escaped,” police inspector Gangesh Tripathi told reporters.
“We … Read more >>>.

100 skeletons found in lake bordering Serbia, Bosnia

Sarajevo, Oct 27 (IANS/AKI) At least 100 skeletons, believed to belong to victims of 1992-95 war, have been discovered in lake Perucac, bordering Serbia and Bosnia, officials said.

Amor Masovic, the head of Bosnian commission for missing persons, told a press conference Tuesday in Sarajevo that 396 “cases” have been discovered during two and a … Read : 100 skeletons found in lake bordering Serbia, Bosnia.

Toll in Indonesia volcano eruption rises to 25

MOUNT MERAPI – The death toll from a volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s central Java island rose to 25 Wednesday, hospital staff said, as rescue workers resumed their search for bodies and survivors.

Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most dangerous volcano, erupted Tuesday evening, spewing clouds of hot ash 1.5 km into the sky and sending hot debris … Original article on : Toll in Indonesia volcano eruption rises to 25.

Rescue teams resume search after Indonesia volcano eruption

JAKARTA – Rescue teams resumed their search for more bodies and survivors Wednesday, a day after Indonesia’s most dangerous volcano erupted, killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens of others, officials and media reports said.

The search was focused on two villages – Kinahrejo and Turgo – located close to the Mount Merapi volcano … Read : Rescue teams resume search after Indonesia volcano eruption.

Communal clash kills 13 in Nigeria

LAGOS – At least 13 people have been killed while several went missing following a communal clash in Nigeria’s Cross River state, police said.

The incident occurred between Nsadop and Boje communities in Boki local government area over a disputed piece of land, state police spokesperson Etim Dickson told reporters in state capital Calabar Tuesday.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Communal clash kills 13 in Nigeria.

Tata Motors recovery agent shot, robbed

GHAZIABAD – Three motorcycle-borne men, one said to be dressed in police uniform, Tuesday shot and robbed a recovery agent of Tata Motors of about Rs.5 lakh in Ghaziabad, police said Tuesday.

The incident occurred in a deserted area near Hindon Bridge under Indirapuram police station.
Krishna Kant, 40, along with two of his [..] Read the original article: here.

Constable commits suicide in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA – A police constable committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle here, police said Tuesday.

His body was found lying next to a tea stall near Sallauddinpur village in Greater Noida.
Police said that Narendra Singh Tyagi, a constable posted at Sector-20 police station in Noida, was on election duty in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police remand for CPI-M supporters in murder case

KOLKATA – A court in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Tuesday ordered police custody for two Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporters arrested in connection with the murder of a party leader.

Police said Lakshindhar Shit and Khagen Patra of Chichira village of West Midnapore district were arrested Monday night in connection with the murder …. Source article  : Police remand for CPI-M supporters in murder case.

15 killed as Indonesia volcano spews hot ash (Second Lead)

JAKARTA – At least 15 people were killed and 13 injured Tuesday after a volcano on Indonesia’s Java island erupted, spewing clouds of hot ash, local television reported.

Metro TV said thousands of people were moved by trucks and cars after Mount Merapi started spewing hot ash and volcanic rocks just before dusk, a day [..] Read the original article: here.

Air Arabia flight makes emergency landing at Kochi

KOCHI – An Air Arabia flight made an emergency landing at the international airport here 15 minutes after it took off for Sharjah after a suspected bird-hit Tuesday, an official said. All passengers were safe.

The aircraft that departed from here returned after flying for 25 nautical miles at 8.15 p.m. following a suspected bird …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Air Arabia flight makes emergency landing at Kochi.

One held for damaging railway track in Bengal

KOLKATA – A possible train derailment was averted in West Bengal as a man was caught while damaging the track on Azimganj-Nalhati section of Eastern Railway’s Howrah division Tuesday.

Trackman Samil Seikh, who was working near a level crossing, saw a person removing pandrol clips — which fix the railway tracks with the concrete … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : One held for damaging railway track in Bengal.

Ranchi court to hear Rahul, Arundhati remarks cases

RANCHI – Complaints against Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy were Tuesday transferred to judicial magistrate court here for a Nov 22 hearing.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Vijay Kumar transferred both cases to Judicial Magistrate Amit Shekhary for a judicial inquiry.
A complaint against Gandhi was filed in the chief … Read more »».

One dies, 13 injured as Indonesian volcano erupts

JAKARTA – Indonesian authorities Tuesday evacuated panicked residents near an erupting volcano on Java island that spewed clouds of hot ash, killing one and causing burn injuries to at least 13 people, officials and media reports said.

Metro TV reported that thousands of people were moved by trucks and cars after Mount Merapi started spewing … Read : One dies, 13 injured as Indonesian volcano erupts.

Amit Shah’s bail hearing adjourned to Wednesday

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Tuesday adjourned for a day the hearing on the bail plea of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah, a prime accused in the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in an alleged staged shootout.

Justice R.H. Shukla adjourned the case as counsel could not complete their arguments even though the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Attempt to kidnap Tamil actress foiled (Lead, Correcting intro)

CHENNAI – In a reel like but real life drama, an attempt to kidnap Tamil film actress Namitha was foiled in Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.

Namitha reached Tiruchy Monday by plane to take part in a function at Karur, around 330 km from here. She was to travel to Karur by car.
At the Trichy …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Attempt to kidnap Tamil actress foiled (Lead, Correcting intro).

84 killed in Indonesian quake

JAKARTA – At least 84 people were killed and 502 were missing a day after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Mentawai islands, triggering a tsunami, officials said Tuesday.

The tsunami hit the islands in West Sumatra after the 7.2 magnitude quake, an official at Disaster and Mitigation Management Agency told Xinhua by phone.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : 84 killed in Indonesian quake.

Plane makes emergency landing after drunken brawl

LONDON – A Britain-bound plane with 468 people on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Canada after a drunken passenger allegedly had a bust-up with his wife and father-in-law, a media report said Tuesday.

The pilot of the Virgin Atlantic jet had to divert to Canada after cabin crew said a male …. Original source  : Plane makes emergency landing after drunken brawl.

BSP legislator, brother booked on murder charge

LUCKNOW – A legislator from Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and his brother were booked for a murder following violent protests by supporters of a candidate killed in the panchayat polls in Sultanpur district Tuesday, police said.

Supporters of Ram Kumar Yadav accused local legislator Sonu Singh and his brother Monu Singh, …. Source  : BSP legislator, brother booked on murder charge.

23 killed, 103 missing after Indonesian quake

JAKARTA – At least 23 people were dead and 103 missing a day after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Mentawai islands, triggering a tsunami with waves up to three metres high, officials said.
Harmensyah, head of the Disaster Management Agency in West Sumatra province, said 10 villages on the Mentawai islands were … Read : 23 killed, 103 missing after Indonesian quake.

Woman who killed her baby will be arrested: Police

MUMBAI – The Mumbai police Thursday said they will arrest the woman who killed her 45-day-old girl, once her premature twin son is stable and discharged from the hospital.

“We will arrest Deepika Parmar, 26, after her twin boy is stable and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. It is important …. Original article  : Woman who killed her baby will be arrested: Police.

Former Kerala cop gets life term for Maoist’s murder

KOCHI – A 40-year-old case came back to haunt a retired Kerala police officer Thursday when he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a CBI Special Court for killing a Maoist leader in cold blood and passing it off as a shootout.

Retired Inspector General of Police K. Lakshmana, now 74, was found guilty of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Former Kerala cop gets life term for Maoist’s murder.

Declan Sullivan Dies After Tower Falls

SOUTH BEND (GaeaTimes.com)- A University of Notre Dame student was killed while he was filming the football practice at the campus when the tower on which he was standing toppled over. University authorities have revealed that 20-year-old Declan Sullivan died after sustaining major injuries after the tower fell although he was taken to a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Auto driver who set cop ablaze arrested

THANE – An auto-rickshaw driver who set ablaze a traffic constable in Maharashtra’s Thane district was arrested Thursday, police said.

“We laid a trap. We will produce him in the court and ask for police custody for further questioning,” Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Devraj said.
Late Wednesday, traffic constable Anil Aytodekar, 40, fined auto … Original article on : Auto driver who set cop ablaze arrested.

Moonshine kills 15 in Punjab

HOSHIARPUR – At least 15 people were killed and nearly 15 took ill after consuming spurious country liquor in a village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, police said Thursday.

The liquor was consumed late Wednesday night in Kaalwan village near Tanda town, about 160 km from here. The victims belonged to Kaalwan, Miyani and Giljian villages.
… Original article on : Moonshine kills 15 in Punjab.

Uttar Pradesh lawmaker’s drunk son opens fire, one killed

LUCKNOW – A Samajwadi Party legislator’s son has been arrested for firing indiscriminately in an inebriated state in and outside an automobile showroom in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, killing one and injuring two, police said Thursday.

Atul Kumar, son of Bhagwat Saran Gangwar who represents the Nawabganj assembly seat in Bareilly, Wednesday night opened fire … Read : Uttar Pradesh lawmaker’s drunk son opens fire, one killed.

Moonshine kills 11 in Punjab

HOSHIARPUR – At least 11 people were killed and a few fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in a village of Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, police said Thursday.

Police raided the premises where the liquor was prepared. The incident took place Wednesday night in Miyani village near Tanda town, about 180 km from Chandigarh.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

15 killed in Mexico carwash massacre

MEXICO CITY – Fifteen people were killed Wednesday at a car-washing centre in the western Mexican town of Tepic, in the third such massacre in less than a week in the country.

According to the authorities of the state of Nayarit, where Tepic lies, a group of armed attackers arrived at the Gamboa car wash … Read more »».

Passenger train derails in Assam, militant hand suspected

SILCHAR – Four coaches of passenger train Barak Valley Express were derailed Wednesday after suspected militants triggered a blast on a railway track in southern Assam, officials said. No casualties were reported.

Silchar-bound Barak Valley Express on the Lumding-Silchar metre gauge hill section had an accident apparently because of an explosion on the track in … Read more >>>.

Police probe youth’s death at Chhattisgarh event

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh Police are probing the death of a youth who died mysteriously here at a crowded inaugural function to mark a decade of the formation of the state.

Naresh Kumar Sahu of Raipur district was found dead at the Science College ground Tuesday.
“It appears that the youth was killed by …. Original article  : Police probe youth’s death at Chhattisgarh event.

Sedition complaint filed against Arundhati Roy in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – The All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) has filed a complaint with Punjab police chief demanding registration of a sedition case against Booker Prize winner writer Arundhati Roy.

The AIATF has raised objections over Arundhatis speech during a public meeting at Jalandhar in Punjab Oct 17.
This public meeting was organised by Democratic Front …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sedition complaint filed against Arundhati Roy in Punjab.

Man gets death sentence for raping, killing child

LUCKNOW – A court in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district Wednesday sentenced a man to death for the rape and murder of a minor girl, police said.

Additional Sessions Judge Rajendra Singh handed down the death sentence to Guddu alias Jitendra Kumar, a native of Gajnera village in Bareilly, some 250 km from here.
Kumar had … Read more >>>.

Goa NCP president booked for rioting, assault

PANAJI – Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Goa president Jose Phillip DSouza was booked by the police for assaulting a party legislator and former tourism minister Mickky Pacheco at a restaurant in Goa’s Vasco town, police said Wednesday.

A non-cognizable offence was also registered against Mickky, after DSouza accused him of bribing voters to vote against …. Read the original article  : here.

Delhi student’s fall from school building to be probed

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Wednesday ordered a probe into a schoolboy jumping from the third floor of his school building here after he was allegedly caught with a bottle of alcohol in his bag.

Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said Deputy Director (East) Usha Kumar will probe the case and submit [..] Read the original article: here.

Facts being checked in Mumbai skyscraper scam: Army chief

NEW DELHI – Army chief General V.K. Singh Wednesday said the army is looking into the facts in the alleged role of senior defence officials in the Mumbai skyscraper scam.

At the moment, we are going through the facts of the case, Singh told reporters.
Recently, allegations were made that some top civil and defence …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Facts being checked in Mumbai skyscraper scam: Army chief.

Amit Shah’s bail plea decision Oct 29

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Wednesday reserved till Oct 29 its order on the bail plea of former minister Amit Shah, a key accused in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout killing.

Justice R.H. Shukla reserved the order till Oct 29 after hearing counsel for Shah and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Shah … Read more : Amit Shah’s bail plea decision Oct 29.

Indonesian quake, tsunami toll rises to 272 (Third Lead)

JAKARTA – Rescue workers were searching for hundreds of missing people in tsunami-ravaged villages on Indonesia’s Mentawai islands Wednesday as the death toll rose to 272, officials said.

As many as 4,000 villagers were homeless and staying at temporary shelters after the quake-triggered waves hit their houses, said Febri, an official at the Disaster Management … Original article on : Indonesian quake, tsunami toll rises to 272 (Third Lead).

Over 40 Afghans killed as roof collapses

KUNDUZ – More than 40 people were killed Wednesday when a roof collapsed on a wedding party in the northern Afghan province of Baghlan, a senior police official said.

“A large number of women and children had gathered in a two-storey building for a wedding party in the Jelga district,” said Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the …. Source article  : Over 40 Afghans killed as roof collapses.

Anti-corruption helpline buzzes with complaints

NEW DELHI – The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has received over 230 complaints within two days of the launch of its new helpline where people can register complaints of corruption and harassment against central government organisations.

“We initiated the ‘Speak Out’ helpline Oct 25, during our vigilance awareness week from Oct 25 to Nov 1. …. Original source  : Anti-corruption helpline buzzes with complaints.

Ghaziabad jeweller’s murder case transferred to STF

GHAZIABAD – Four days after a prominent city jeweller was kidnapped and murdered, the Uttar Pradesh police Wednesday assigned the case investigation to its Special Task Force (STF).

“After the local police could not make any breakthrough, it decided to seek assistance from the STF,” Avdesh Kumar Vijaita, Ghaziabad (city) superintendent of police, told IANS.
…. Source  : Ghaziabad jeweller’s murder case transferred to STF.

Startled burglar kills man in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A man who returned home to find he was being burgled was shot dead in front of his wife and son by the startled burglar here, police said Friday.

Sanjay Kumar, 35, was shot from close range Thursday after he raised an alarm after finding that the door of his ground floor …. Read the original article  : Startled burglar kills man in Delhi.

Sleepless Australian escapes car crash in bedroom

MELBOURNE – A sleepless Australian got up to work on his computer late at night shortly before a speeding car crashed into his home and landed right on top of his mattress. He said: “Im very lucky because the bed was completely destroyed.”

Demitrios Bisbelis was switching off his computer at about 2 a.m. when … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sleepless Australian escapes car crash in bedroom.

Mumbai model commits suicide

MUMBAI – A model residing in Goregaon here has committed suicide in her apartment, police said Friday.

“The body of Rinki Chaudhry, a model and TV anchor, was found hanging from the ceiling fan in the kitchen late Thursday,” a police official said.
“One of her male friends was with her when she went … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mumbai model commits suicide.

Australia sacks four police officers for racist emails

MELBOURNE/NEW DELHI – Four police officers in Australia have been dismissed while seven officers have been fined for circulating racist emails, including one that contained footage of a man being electrocuted while travelling on a train in India. Australia’s envoy to India has welcomed the action.

The four Victoria Police officers were dismissed following disciplinary … Read more >>.

Kanishka victims to get ex-gratia before Christmas

TORONTO – Canada is set to disburse an ex-gratia payment to the Air India Kanishka victims before Christmas.

Though Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews in their meeting with families of the victims last week had cited the precedence of up to $25,000 as ex-gratia payment in such cases, sources … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kanishka victims to get ex-gratia before Christmas.

Four Australian police officers dismissed for racist email

MELBOURNE – Four police officers in Australia have been sacked for circulating emails that were racist and sexual in nature, said an official. One of the emails was of a man being electrocuted while travelling on a train in India.

The four Victoria Police officers were dismissed following disciplinary hearings over the circulation of inappropriate …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four Australian police officers dismissed for racist email.

Mentally ill man hacks two kids to death

RANCHI – A mentally-challenged man hacked two children to death with an axe in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, police said Friday.

Sukiya Oraon, 28, killed his cousin’s two sons Thursday evening in Jhatanitoli village in Gumla, some 145 km from Ranchi, a police official said.
Sukiya had been behaving abnormally for the last few days and …. Source  : Mentally ill man hacks two kids to death.

200 cops to guard scrap market in Pakistan city

ISLAMABAD – Two hundred policemen will guard the scrap market in Pakistan’s Karachi city after traders complained they were receiving extortion threats, an official said.

Fayyaz Ahmed Leghari, a senior police officer in Karachi, said orders had been issued for the police deployment at the Shershah Kabari Market.
As many as 15 police posts …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Presidency fire causes major damage (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – A major fire raged for three hours at the Presidency University, housed in the erstwhile Presidency College, here Friday destroying computers, documents and research material.

There were no reports of casualties as the institution was closed for Durga Puja and Diwali holidays, police and university sources said.
Eleven fire tenders battled the fire … Read : Presidency fire causes major damage (Second Lead).

Rescuers race to find tsunami survivors in Indonesia

JAKARTA – Rescue workers were racing against time Friday in their search for hundreds of people still missing on Indonesia’s tsunami-hit Mentawai islands, as an official estimated that the death toll could rise to around 600.

Storms and waves as high as six metres have prevented aid supplies from reaching some areas in the Mentawai … Read more »»».

Sex trade growing in Spain amid ambiguous prostitution laws

MADRID – The massive building with neon lights in the form of two palm trees advertises itself as a “night club”.

Yet the “show girls” dancing inside are no ordinary performers, but prostitutes selling sex in what is being billed as Europe’s biggest brothel.
Located in La Jonquera on the Spanish side of the French …. Read the original article  : here.

Berlusconi dismisses new escort claims as trash

Milan, Oct 29 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s flamboyant Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Thursday dismissed as “media trash” allegations of sexual antics with various women, including a 17-year-old Moroccan girl called Ruby at his Milan villa during what he called “Bunga Bunga” nights.

Berlusconi replied to a question about the news reports during a press conference on the …. Read the original article  : Berlusconi dismisses new escort claims as trash.

Son and lawyer of condemned woman tortured in Iran

Tehran, Oct 29 (IANS/AKI) The son and lawyer of a woman sentenced to death in Iran for adultery and helping kill her husband have been tortured in prison, said human rights groups.

According to a statement on the International Committee Against Stoning (ICAS) website, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s son Sajjad Ghaderzade and lawyer Javid Hutan Kian … Read more >>>.

Fire in Presidency University causes extensive damage

KOLKATA – A major fire broke out early Friday at the famed Presidency University housed in the erstwhile Presidency College here that has a galaxy of luminaries as its alumni, destroying computers, documents and research material.

There were, however, no reports of any casualties as the institution was closed for the Durga Puja holidays that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire in Presidency University causes extensive damage.

Fire breaks out at Presidency University in Kolkata

KOLKATA – A major fire broke out early Friday at the newly formed Presidency University housed at the erstwhile Presidency College here which cradled the Bengal renaissance in the 19th century.

There were no reports of any casualties as the institution was closed for holidays, police and university sources said.
Eleven fire tenders were rushed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fire breaks out at Presidency University in Kolkata.

Kingpin of Himachal’s fake certificate racket arrested

SHIMLA – The kingpin behind the fake university certificate racket and his accomplice were arrested here Thursday, police said.

Gurvinder Singh and his accomplice Nagesh were accused of issuing fake certificates of Himachal Pradesh University, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Barjesh Sood told IANS.
“Three fake certificates were recovered from Gurvinder’s possession. During interrogation he …. Read the original article  : here.

Punjab man gets 10-year jail for wife’s dowry death

CHANDIGARH – A city court here Thursday awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment to a Punjab man for his wife’s dowry death in 2001.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Lalit Batra also slapped a fine of Rs.2,000 on Bhupinder Singh Gill, a resident of Moga town in Punjab.
According to police, Gill, who was working as … Read : Punjab man gets 10-year jail for wife’s dowry death.

Probe ordered into custody death in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – A magisterial probe was Thursday ordered into the death of a man in a police lock-up in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district, police said.

Balistar, who died Wednesday night in the Nababad police station, was picked up by the sleuths of the Special Operations Group (SOG) earlier in the same day in connection with …. Original source  : Probe ordered into custody death in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh to tackle graft, says daily

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh on how to curb corruption as it continued to slip on the global corruption index, while Bangladesh made remarkable progress in weeding out the menace, a Pakistani daily said in an editorial Thursday.

Pakistan went up to 34th place this year from the 42nd position in 2009 on …. Original article  : Pakistan should learn from Bangladesh to tackle graft, says daily.

Court rejects objection to Gujarat cop’s plea to turn approver

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court Thursday dismissed the petition of suspended Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajkumar Pandian and other accused in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Sheikh staged shootout case against a co-accused’s plea to turn approver.

The petitioners claimed that giving pardon to their co-accused and suspended police officer N.K. Amin, who wished to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court rejects objection to Gujarat cop’s plea to turn approver.

Aman Kachru ragging case: Court to pronounce verdict Nov 11

DHARAMSALA – A court in this Himachal Pradesh town Saturday reserved its order in the 2009 ragging-to-death case of medical student Aman Kachru. The verdict will now be pronounced Nov 11.

After hearing the arguments of the prosecution and defence, Additional District and Sessions Judge Purinder Vaidya said that the judgement would be pronounced Nov … Read more »».

Man killed for having sex with donkey

LONDON – A 68-year-old man’s throat was slit by a farmer in Portugal when he found out that the man had sex with his donkey, it was reported here.

Jose Gomes Pinto, 55, slashed the throat of Jaime Pires with a razor after discovering he had sexually violated his favourite donkey named Russo.
Pires was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Airline employee caught fondling passenger in plane

LONDON – A woman employee of Australian airlines Qantas, who was not on duty, was allegedly caught fondling a passenger during a flight. The airlines said the matter is being “dealt with”.

The woman – who was not an air hostess and was travelling on a staff ticket – was ordered to switch seats during …. Read the original article  : Airline employee caught fondling passenger in plane.

Haryana principal booked for harassing student

SIRSA – The principal of a government school in a village in this Haryana district faces a police complaint for harassing a girl student of Class eight, an official said Saturday. The accused is absconding.

“Mam Raj asked the victim to prepare tea for him yesterday (Friday) morning. He caught hold of her hand and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Russia says no to use of weapons by civilians

Moscow, Oct 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A Russian minister has said the country should prohibit the use of non-lethal weapons by civilians, after a woman journalist was shot at with a rubber bullet.

Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov said Friday that the use of such weapons by civilians should be banned.
“I think that non-lethal weapons …. Source article  : Russia says no to use of weapons by civilians.

Labourers trapped in Delhi wall collapse

NEW DELHI – A portion of a wall of an underground multi-level parking under construction collapsed in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area early Saturday. Nine labourers were rescued but a few are still feared to be trapped inside.

“The incident happened early in the morning. The underground parking was under construction,” Surendra Yadav, deputy commissioner of [..] Read the original article: here.

Eight killed in Andhra road accident

HYDERABAD – Eight members of a family were killed and three injured early Saturday when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a truck in Andhra Pradesh’s Medak district, police said.

The accident took place near Ramjol in Medak, about 100 km from here. The dead include two women and a child. The family …. Read the original article  : Eight killed in Andhra road accident.

Three held in Punjab for circulating fake currency

PATIALA – Three people have been arrested here on charges of circulating fake currency notes and documents in Punjab and Haryana over the past few months, police said Saturday.

Fake currency notes with a face value of over Rs.530,000 were recovered from their possession, a police official said.
“We raided a house in Bahadurgarh area … Original article on : Three held in Punjab for circulating fake currency.

Lucknow teacher booked for assaulting student

LUCKNOW – A schoolteacher here has been booked for beating a nine-year-old student who suffered ear injuries and was taken to hospital as he fainted, police said Saturday.

Ashutosh Kashyap, a maths teacher at the Indira Public School, beat up Mohd. Amaan Friday for not taking out his textbook.
A case was registered against Kashyap … Original article on : Lucknow teacher booked for assaulting student.

Indonesia tsunami toll rises to over 400

JAKARTA – The tsunami that devastated the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra, Indonesia, has killed at least 413 people, while over 300 are still missing.

Data released Saturday by the earthquake and tsunami information services said 207 people were seriously injured and 142 people had minor injuries, Xinhua reported.
A total of 517 houses were …. Read the original article  : Indonesia tsunami toll rises to over 400.

Three arrested in Agra

AGRA – Three people have been arrested in Agra on charges of selling fake marksheets, driving licences, bank statements and passports for just a few hundred rupees, police said Saturday.

A team of Special Operations Group arrested the three people late Friday from a shop here and seized rubber stamps, letter heads and mobile SIM … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three arrested in Agra.

Indonesia volcano belches hot ash in new eruption

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Mount Merapi spewed hot ash and other debris early Saturday in a violent eruption, sending residents fleeing to safety, a top vulcanologist said.

The volcano erupted just after midnight for 21 minutes, but there were no reports of casualties, said Surono, head of the Centre for Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation.
“We …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesia volcano belches hot ash in new eruption.

12 killed in Ecuador bus accident

QUITO – At least 12 people were killed and more than 20 injured in Ecuador when a bus plunged into a ravine, police said.

The accident occurred in Cotopaxi, a province in Ecuador’s Andean region Friday, Xinhua reported.
Rescue operations were on, police said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 12 killed in Ecuador bus accident.

Kidnapped Indian woman released in Nigeria

ABUJA – An Indian principal of a school run by an oil company, who was kidnapped in Nigeria Oct 13, has been released, Xinhua reported.

Lakshmi Tombush, a principal of Exxon Mobil Pegasus Schools in Eket city in southeast Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom state, was freed Thursday night, security sources said.
She was abducted from her [..] Read the original article: here.

Youth turn to robbery to pay gambling losses

NEW DELHI – Four youth in Delhi were arrested for burglary, which they turned to recover their heavy betting losses, police said Friday.

“Anil Verma, 25, the gang leader, Vikas Jain, 22, Danish Ahmad, 24 and Sumit Sharma, 23 were arrested in five cases of burglary amounting to more than Rs. 55,000 in cash and … Read more >>>.

Nine police officers killed in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Nine police officers were killed in an ambush in the western Mexican state of Jalisco and at least 10 more were injured, the state public security ministry said in a statement.

It was the fourth massacre this week, and brought the death toll to the week to 52. The dead included drug …. Source article  : Nine police officers killed in Mexico.

Chavan denies Adarsh link, summoned to New Delhi (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – Even as Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan Friday denied any of his immediate family members were involved in the controversial Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society, built on land meant for families of Kargil martyrs, and rejected calls for his resignation, he was called to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

The party has refused … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chavan denies Adarsh link, summoned to New Delhi (Roundup).

After medical license, Desai may lose FRCS title

NEW DELHI – After his medical licence was suspended, tainted former Medical Council of India (MCI) chief Ketan Desai is now likely to lose his membership of the Royal College of Surgeons.

After being notified by doctors group People for Better Treatment president Kunal Saha, Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh said it will take … Original source on Gaea Times at : After medical license, Desai may lose FRCS title.

CBI unearths Rs.1400 crore scam by jewellery traders

MUMBAI – A group of jewellery traders is the prime suspect in a Rs.1,400 crore-plus scam in which the state-owned Mineral Scrap Trading Corporation (MSTC) was defrauded, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said Friday.

Terming it as “a major scam,” CBIs Joint Director (Western Region) Rishi Raj Singh said the role and involvement …. Original source  : CBI unearths Rs.1400 crore scam by jewellery traders.

Contempt case filed against CBI in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A contempt of court petition was filed against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Jharkhand High Court Friday for not filing any case in the service secret funds scam, for which a former state police chief is under scanner.

“A contempt petition has been filed in the court as the … Read more >>>.

A girl uses iPod to prevent kidnapping

WASHINGTON – A quick-thinking 12-year-old girl in the US prevented herself from being kidnapped when she held up her iPod Touch – a music player which looks like a phone – and told the would-be kidnapper she was calling the police.

The quick-thinking girl from Stanton in Delaware state was standing on a sidewalk outside [..] Read the original article: here.

Fire in Delhi shoe factory, no injuries

NEW DELHI – A fire broke out at a shoe factory in Delhi’s Mayapuri area in west Delhi Sunday, an official said. No one was injured.

The fire started at 5 a.m. and was doused around 12 noon. No one was injured, said an official of the Delhi Fire Service.
As many as 16 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fire in Delhi shoe factory, no injuries.

Bengal trawler tragedy: Search operations resume

KAKDWIP – Divers resumed search operations Sunday morning to look for survivors and victims of the trawler tragedy in West Bengal that has claimed 18 lives so far. Over 100 people are still missing.

The search operation has started this morning. Coast Guard, Kolkata Port Trust and the disaster management wing of the state government … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bengal trawler tragedy: Search operations resume.

Four arrested in Punjab for killing NRI

JALANDHAR – Four alleged contract killers have been arrested in Punjab on charges of murdering a US-based NRI in September, police said here Sunday.

Mahinderjit Singh was shot dead Sep 6 when he was to go to Delhi to board a flight back to the US. He had come on a vacation to his village … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Four arrested in Punjab for killing NRI.

New Zealand man would make daughter pray after abusing her

AUCKLAND – A 45-year-old man in New Zealand used to make his minor daughter pray for forgiveness after sexually abusing her and this went on for six years, a court was told.

Christchurch district court judge Stephen Erber said the man was a church official at the time, and it was necessary to highlight the …. Original article  : New Zealand man would make daughter pray after abusing her.

Teenager stabbed in fight organised on Facebook

AUCKLAND – A 16-year-old student from an Auckland school was stabbed in a public fight that was organised through the social networking website Facebook.

A group of students gathered at an underground car park to watch and video the brawl. The fight was over a girl and clips of the “fight club” style event was …. Original article  : Teenager stabbed in fight organised on Facebook.

Two held with contraband in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – Two residents of Himachal Pradesh have been arrested in Chandigarh with 1.5 kg of contraband, officials said Sunday.

On a tip-off, a trap was laid in Sector 22 here late Saturday and Brij Nath, 28, and Raju Malhotra, 32, both residents of Kullu, were arrested, an official of the Narcotics Control Bureau said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two held with contraband in Chandigarh.

Indonesia tsunami toll rises to 450

JAKARTA – The tsunami triggered by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province has claimed nearly 450 lives, while 96 people are still missing, an official said Sunday.

“As of Saturday, the tsunami has killed about 450 people,” said Arief Yuwono, deputy minister for environmental damage control and climate change.
The toll may … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indonesia tsunami toll rises to 450.

Fire in Chandigarh candle factory

CHANDIGARH – A major fire broke out at a candle factory in a Chandigarh suburb Sunday morning, officials said. No casualties were reported.

The blaze at the factory in Hallo Majra suburb was brought under control by fire brigade officials after an over two-hour operation.
“A fire broke out at Sanjeev candle factory here this …. Original article  : Fire in Chandigarh candle factory.

Gunmen kill 14 in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA – At least 14 people were killed when a group of gunmen opened fire during a football match in Honduras, Xinhua reported Sunday.

The attackers, armed with assault rifles, drove into the football field Saturday in the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula and opened fire, authorities said.
Ten people were … Read more »».

Survivors remember huge tide swamping everything

KAKDWIP – A huge tide, and then within a fraction of a second the whole world became dark for Ajmal Sheikh, 23, one of the survivors of the trawler tragedy in West Bengal Saturday.

The vessel capsized near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Muriganga leaving 18 dead and more than 50 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Survivors remember huge tide swamping everything.

Cops facing problem in checking illegal beacon lights

NEW DELHI – A senior Delhi Traffic Police officer Saturday tweeted that his department was facing problems checking illegal use of red beacon lights on vehicles, terming it as a “tendency to look important when one is not”.

Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic), wrote on the Facebook wall of the Delhi Traffic … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cops facing problem in checking illegal beacon lights.

Eight of family killed as van skids into canal

BHUBANESWAR – Eight members of a family, including six minor girls, were killed after their van skidded into a canal in Orissa’s Bargarh district Saturday evening, police said.

The mishap occurred near Sainya village, some eight km from the district headquarter town of Bargarh, when the family was returning from the house of a relative, …. Original article  : Eight of family killed as van skids into canal.

‘Bava’ is packed with mindless sequences (Telugu Film Review)

Film: Bava; Producer: Padma Kumar Choudhary; Director: Ram Babu; Music: Chakri; Camera: Arvind Krishna; Cast: Sidhdharth, Praneetha, Rajendra Prasad, Pavithra Lokesh, Brahmanandam, Thanikella Bharani, Ahuthi Prasad and others, Rating: *1/2

Actor Siddharth has not been getting enough success in Telugu films of late, though he made a good beginning with films like “Nuvvuvasthaananate Nenoddantaana” and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Six murder accused acquitted in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat High Court has acquitted six people convicted in a murder that took place 13 years ago.

Justice Akil Kureshi acquitted all the accused with an opinion that evidence on record couldn’t be stated to be laying proof beyond reasonable doubt and none of the accused could be convicted with the help …. Source article  : Six murder accused acquitted in Gujarat.

4,000 auto drivers challaned in the capital

NEW DELHI – As many as 4,000 auto drivers have been issued challans since Oct 28 when a special drive against errant auto drivers was launched.

According to Satyendra Garg, Joint CP Traffic, the violations included permit violations, overcharging, refusal to ferry passengers, jumping red lights and other misbehaviour.
“In three days, about 4,000 prosecutions … Original source on Gaea Times at : 4,000 auto drivers challaned in the capital.

18 drowned, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – Eighteen people drowned and over 50 were missing in a trawler capsize near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Buriganga in West Bengal Saturday, police said.

The incident occurred around 10.30 a.m. near Ghoramara island of South 24 Parganas district. The trawler was sailing to Kakdwip from Hijli Sarif in … Read : 18 drowned, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize (Second Lead).

16 die, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize

KOLKATA – Sixteen people drowned and over 50 were feared missing after the trawler they were travelling in capsized near the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and river Buriganga in West Bengal Saturday, police said.

“Sixteen bodies have been fished out. The incident occurred around 10.30 a.m. near Ghoramara island of South 24 Parganas …. Read the original article  : 16 die, over 50 missing in Bengal trawler capsize.

Psychologist Rules Ashley Smith’s Death As Accident

KITCHENER, CANADA (GaeaTimes.com)- Ashley Smith’s death was an accident and not a suicide, according to a report by psychologist Dr. Margo Rivera who was employed by the Correctional Service of Canada as the part of an inquiry board to shed some light into the cause of the death of the 19-year-old girl. In the …. Source  : Psychologist Rules Ashley Smith’s Death As Accident.

Mount Merapi Erupts Again

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Its seems unlikely that the havoc due to natural disasters that Indonesia has been witnessing for the last few days is going to end soon. After spewing out hot ash and debris when it erupted earlier this week that claimed as many as 35 lives, Mount Merapi was back in …. Original article  : Mount Merapi Erupts Again.