Would-be Yemeni terrorists were planning to use an underwear bomb to blow-up a jet, it has been revealed. United States authorities found the device, which is believed not he have contained any metal parts, during early stages of development.
Back to the future
Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as Russian president for the third time amid protests across the country. Hundreds were arrested during rallies against Putin’s election victory. His first act was to reinstate former president Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister.
Reporters out
Arab-funded English-language news network Al Jazeera has been forced to shut its Beijing bureau after China refused to grant any of its reporters a visa to work in the country. Authorities told the network they did not like its coverage.
Prince awarded
Britain’s Prince Harry has been honoured with an award by a think-tank in Washington for his humanitarian work. The work himself and brother, Prince William, have done for injured war veterans was singled out.
French revolution
French voters have voted for Francois Hollande to lead the country for the next five years. He secured about 52 percent of the votes over incumbent president Nicolas Sarkozy. It is the first time a socialist has won in almost 20 years.
Killer tornado
More than 20 people were injured and a boy was killed when a tornado ripped through eastern Japan. Hundreds of homes had their rooves removed during the wild weather. Powerlines were also brought down and cars flipped over.
Freedom call
Columbia’s president Juan Manuel Santos has called for rebels to release a French journalist taken hostage. His bid came after a video of Romeo Langlois was released by his captors. He was taken by a group known as FARC late last month.
Clinic fire kills
A fire in a drug rehabilitation centre in the Peruvian capital has killed 14 people. The blaze in east Lima broke out in the early morning leavingpatients trapped in locked rooms. A fire at another clinic in January killed 29, prompting calls for new laws.
Heritage burns
Islamist rebels in Mali have burned UNESCO world heritage-listed library in Timbuktu. Elderly men have stood guard at the site to prevent any further damage. The country has experience civil unrest since a military junta seized control.
Gaddafi death probe
The daughter of deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has called for an international investigation into her father’s death. He was killed shortly after his capture in October. A coroner ruled he died after being shot in a gun fight.
Israel poll looms
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a coalition with opposition party Kadima, avoiding early elections. The country was tipped to go to the ballot box in September – well ahead of late 2013, as was scheduled.
Jailed man dies
A man in his 60s, sentenced to 20 years’ jail last year for sending a text message insulting the royal family, has died. Lawyers for Ampon Tangnoppakul said he was hospitalised with stomach pains last week. His cause of death is being investigated.
Post published in: News