The collision of a passenger ferry and a boat during a fireworks display in Hong Kong’s Lamma Island has killed at least 36 people. Hundreds were rescued from the water and taken to hospital.
Taking control
African Union troops have entered the Somali port city of Kismayo. Islamist militants Al Shebaab announced a “tactical withdrawal” from their last stronghold after a sea attack. Troops reportedly took control of key facilities on Monday.
Gay conversion
Gay “conversion” therapies have been banned in California. Governor Jerry Brown said any counselling service aimed at trying to alter a person’s sexual orientation had been “relegated to the dustbin of quackery”.
Ikea under fire
Swedish home accessories giant Ikea has come under fire at home for removing women from its catalogues and website in Saudi Arabia in deference to strict gender segregation rules. Ikea says it will review the decision.
PM’s insult
Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has gone to ground after a Sydney radio host said her father died last month “of shame” over her political “lies”. Alan Jones later offered a qualified apology, but she has refused to speak to him or the media.
Costly clean-up
The owners of a wrecked ship which spilled 300 tonnes of fuel off New Zealand’s coast last year have agreed to pay $22.8 million damages. The Rena’s sinking is the country’s worst environmental disaster. The operators also face criminal charges.
Deadly blast
A suicide bombing in a marketplace in eastern Afghanistan has killed 21 people. Monday’s blast in Khost killed mainly civilians, however three international soldiers and an interpreter were among the dead. About 60 were wounded.
No women
Saudi Arabian officials turned away more than 1,000 Nigerian female pilgrims who arrived for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It initially sparked a diplomatic incident last week when about 100 were detained because they were unaccompanied by a male.
Support fades
Three witnesses who initially supported a disabled Pakistani girl’s denial of blasphemy charges have changed their statements. Rimsha Masih, a 14-year-old Christian, is accused of burning the Koran. Witnesses no longer blame a Muslim cleric.
Power tussle
Both of Georgia’s major parties have claimed victory in the country’s closely run parliamentary elections on Monday. The opposition coalition Georgian Dream said exit polls showed it won more votes.
Hostages safe
Two British and Australian women kidnapped in the Ecuadorian jungle say their hostages were preparing to kill them. They were taken last Friday by a suspected Colombian criminal gang. They were rescued by security forces on Saturday.
Cyber threat
The White House has denied any classified data was stolen in a cyber-attack. Sources confirmed the recent attack on the military office from hackers linked to the Chinese government. Such attacks are increasingly frequent.
Post published in: World News