Britain will hold a ceremonial funeral for its first woman prime minister Margaret Thatcher after she died on Monday after suffering a stroke. She was 87. A divisive figure at home and abroad, the “Iron lady” is remembered for her forthright approach.
Flu fears
The World Health Organisation has called for calm as concerns grow about an avian influenza outbreak in China which has killed at least seven people. WHO says there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
On strike
Thousands of North Korean workers have not reported for work at a joint industrial complex run by South Korean companies, escalating tensions on the peninsula. The move comes as Pyongyang threatens war with the South and the United States.
On the offensive
About 1000 French forces have launched a fresh offensive against militants in northern Mali. Islamists who took charge of large swathes of the country have been driven out since forces arrived in January. The new attack is thought to be the last.
Putin picketed
Protest rallies have greeted Russian president Vladimir Putin on his trip to western Europe for meeting. Gay rights protesters picketed him in Amsterdam as bare-chested women confronted him Germany, demanding free speech.
Holiday questioned
A romantic holiday to Cuba by pop star Beyonce and her rap producer husband Jay Z is to be probed by the US congress. Visits by Americans to Cuba breaches sanctions against the Socialist state. Republicans queried if they had permission.
Death confirmed
An Indonesian high court has upheld the death sentence handed to a 56-year-old British grandmother convicted of trafficking cocaine onto the holiday isle. Lindsay Sandiford’s lawyers argued she should be given a jail sentence, like her co-accused.
Permission denied
Syrian officials have rejected a UN bid to investigate allegations the Bashar Al Assad regime has used chemical weapons against opposition forces near Aleppo last month. Rebels and the government have blamed each other for the incident.
Musharraf on treason charge
The former military ruler of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf has been summoned to face court on treason charges over the arrest of judges in 2007.The summons came a day after he was confirmed as eligible to run in elections to be held next month.
Company protection
New Chinese president Xi Jinping has vowed to protect foreign companies operating in China, in a bid to attract foreign investment. He told an regional business forum in China that days of double-digit growth are probably over.
Flood disaster
Floods in Argentine have killed dozens of people and left hundreds more homeless. The death toll stands at 57, with many people dying while scrambling from raging floodwaters or from electrocution. Twenty people remain missing.
Deadly clashes
Sectarian violence has killed two people outside the main cathedral in Cairo, again raising questions about religious freedom in Egypt. The people died among clashes between mourners from the funeral of four Coptic Christians and nearby residents.
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