World News

Hundreds of Shi'ite Muslims took out anti-Israel and anti-U.S rallies across Pakistan on Friday, May 16 to express solidarity with Palestinian people on the 60th anniversary of Israel's founding. Palestinians refer to the day as 'Nakba' or 'Catastrophe'.

Chine earthquake survivors are struggling hard to deal with the loss of their homes, family and friends after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit China's Sichuan province on Monday, May 12.

India and Bhutan on Friday, May 16 agreed to double the target of hydroelectricity generation to 10,000 megawatts from 5,000 megawatts by 2020.

By Matt SpetalnickRIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush flew to Egypt on Saturday for talks with Palestinian leaders who will be looking for signs they will not be neglected after he lavished praise on Israel during a visit to the Jewish state.

By Jason LiBEICHUAN, China (Reuters) - A Chinese county near the epicentre of a 7.9 magnitude earthquake was ordered to evacuate on Saturday amid fears a lake had burst its banks, prompting thousands to flee to the hills to escape possible flooding.

Democrats accused John McCain of hypocrisy on Saturday for criticizing Democratic front-runner Barack Obama's stance on negotiating with US foes, as a likely White House battle between the two men heated up even before the Democratic nomination is settled.

Washington, May 17 (IANS) Gay marriage may emerge as a tricky issue in the US presidential elections with a top California court striking down a state ban on union between two persons of the same sex.

New York, May 17(Xinhua) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a grant of $7 million to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Monday's massive earthquake in China.

Ottawa, May 17 (IANS) Canada unveiled its own version of the fabled Victoria Cross at a ceremony in the capital Friday.

Washington, May 17 (DPA) Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama lashed out at President George W. Bush Friday for carrying out an 'appalling attack' by suggesting the Illinois senator would appease terrorists.

London, May 17 (ANI): He was dubbed as the "world's worst poet", but now Scottish Bard William McGonagall has had the last laugh, for his odes have raked in more money than the very famous Harry Potter books at an auction.

Ankara (Turkey), May 17 (ANI): If reports are to be believed, the ancient city of Aizanoi in Turkey might have housed the world's first stock exchange.

London, May 17 (ANI): A majority of kids in Britain believe that playing violent computer games, such as the recently launched Grand Theft Auto IV, are responsible for aggressive behaviour, according to a new survey.

London, May 17 (ANI): During her hunt for a Conservative seat, Margaret Thatcher once tried to seduce Sir Edward Heath, a new BBC drama has claimed.

London, May 17 (ANI): Freed dungeon boys Stefan and Felix Fritzl have taken their first ever steps in the "magical" outside world.

Iraq on Saturday offered cash in exchange for weapons in the main northern city of Mosul, described by US commanders as al-Qaeda's last urban bastion in the country, on the third day of a crackdown against the insurgents.

Tehran, May 16 (RIA Novosti) Iran Friday said it has submitted a package of proposals on nuclear non-proliferation, other international security issues to Russian and Chinese foreign ministers.

Abu Dhabi, May 16 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Britain have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their bilateral cooperation, including in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, WAM news agency reported Friday.

Riyadh, May 16 (DPA) US President George W. Bush arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh Friday for a two-day visit to hold talks with Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdel-Aziz.

Dubai, May 16 (IANS) India has condoled the death of Sheikh Sa'ad AI-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, father of the amir of Kuwait.

Sydney, May 17 (ANI): A new weekly TV comedy show "Salam Cafe," in Australia, depicting the "human side" of the Muslims and providing viewers an insight into the inaccurate perceptions of Islam, has been a hit, even more than "Newstopia" which previously occupied the Wednesday night timeslot.

Sagar Kulkarni Thimphu, May 17 (PTI) Becoming the first world leader to address the Bhutan Parliament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today strongly pitched for a South Asia that is "at peace

Belfast, May 16 (DPA) Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai reiterated Friday that his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) will take part in the presidential run-off but said the date June 27 set for the poll was 'not on the basis of law'.

T V Sriram Colombo, May 16 (PTI) A motorbike-borne suicide bomber rammed into a police bus in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital today killing at least 10 people, including three women, and

Vinay Shukla Yekaterinburg (Russia), May 16 (PTI) Rubbishing claims by western leaders that the current food crisis was caused by the growing consumption in India and China, BRIC Foreign Ministers today sought a "just" global economy keeping in view interests of all nations.

Raghavendra Beijing, May 17 (PTI) Racing against time, China today stepped up further the relief and rescue operation five days after the devastating earthquake rocked its southwest region

Islamabad, May 17 (DPA) Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, abducted around three months ago in the country's restive tribal region, has been released, media reports said Saturday.

Islamabad, May 17 (ANI): After the PML-N walked out of the ruling coalition government, political circles in Islamabad are abuzz with possibility of a new alignment between the PPP and the erstwhile ruling party the PML-Q, to cobble up 2/3 majority for the PPP-led government in the National Assembly.

Beijing, May 17 (ANI): A 46-year-old survivor of the Monday's earthquake of 7.8 magnitude ate cigarettes, paper napkins and drunk his urine to keep himself alive before being rescued after 100 hours of ordeal.

Tehran, May 17 (ANI): A team of archaeologists from the Yazd Cultural Heritage Center (YCHC) in Iran has discovered the Achaemenid era predecessor of the city of Yazd.