Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi has compromised on new powers which put his decisions beyond judicial review. Last week’s move prompted widespread protest. After meetings with judges it was agreed the laws relate only to “sovereign matters”.
Toxic medication
A toxic cough syrup sold in the Pakistani city of Lahore has killed 16 people. Police said many were drug addicts seeking a high. Three pharmacies have been shut down and their owners arrested. Faulty medication killed 100 in January.
Factory inferno
Fourteen people have been killed in a blaze at a workshop in Germany used by disabled people. Local media reported the blaze in the three-storey building started from an explosion in a lower level. About 300 firefighters fought the blaze.
Barak quits
Veteran Israeli politician and defence minister Ehud Barak has announced he will not contest re-election in January. The 70-year-old said he made the decision to spend more time with family and allow a new generation of leaders to take over.
UK floods
Parts of northern England and Wales have been devastated by days of flooding. The storms have killed two people and left 800 homes waterlogged. Floodwaters have left roads cuts and railway lines closed, forcing the cancelation of national services.
Death penalty dropped
Ugandan politicians have dropped a death penalty clause from a controversial new anti-homosexuality law. However, penalties for banned homosexual acts will still be increased. Foreign donors threatened to cut aid if gay rights were not improved.
Passport protest
Discord among Asian nations over ownership of the South China Sea has flared again with Vietnamese authorities refusing to stamp new Chinese passports with a map claiming disputed territory. Visas are instead being granted on blank paper.
Cup concerns
The world’s football body has again raised concerns about Brazil’s preparedness for the 2014 World Cup. Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke said while the promised 12 stadiums would be ready on time, hotel and transport projects were lagging.
Church attack
At least 11 people died when a car bomb exploded outside a church after a service in a military base in central Nigeria’s Kaduna State. There have been no claims of responsibility but the region has witnessed violence by Islamist group Boko Haram.
Bangladesh mourns
Thousands have protested in Bangladesh after a fire in a nine-storey factory killed more than 100. Factories shut Tuesday in a day of mourning. The builders were arrested after it was revealed they only had permission for a three-story factory.
Greece deal agreed
Europe Union ministers have agreed on a deal to reduce Greece’s debt level to 124 per cent of GDP by 2020. Tuesday’s agreement comes after three failed attempts. International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde welcomed the agreement.
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