
24 killed, 52 injured in China’s coal mine fire
Beijing: At least 24 workers were killed and 52 others injured today when a fire broke out in a coal mine in China’s northeastern Liaoning province soon after a mild earthquake jolted the region. The fire was noticed in the early hours at the coal mine under Hengda Coal, a subsidiary of Fuxin... read more »

Lawmakers in U.S. Push for More Iran Sanctions
Republicans in the U.S. Congress stepped up calls for new Iran sanctions after negotiators extended nuclear talks until July, ensuring an uphill fight next year against opposition from some Democrats and a threatened presidential veto. The American lawmakers were urged to act yesterday by Israeli... read more »

Rajapaksa Wins House Approval for Budget Despite Defection Buzz
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s annual budget for 2015 was passed by parliament on Monday with a majority of 95 votes. The passing of the budget is very significant in the context of rumours that a large number of ruling party MPs would crossover to the opposition to... read more »

Hawks circle over Iran talks extension
WASHINGTON – Buoyed by the failure of the US and five other powers to reach a comprehensive agreement with Iran over its nuclear program after a week of intensive talks, pro-Israel and Republican hawks are calling for Washington to ramp up economic pressure on Tehran even while talks... read more »