Asia
Bus strikes roadside bomb in Afghanistan, 32 killed
Kabul, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — A roadside bomb tore through a bus in western Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people, including children, a provincial official said.
Sri Lanka gives free visa to boost tourism after bomb blasts
Colombo, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Sri Lanka announced Wednesday it will give a one-month free visa on arrival to visitors from nearly 50 countries in its latest effort to revive the island nation's lucrative tourism industry that was badly hit by the Easter bomb attacks that killed 263 people.
Seoul: North Korea launches 2 short-range ballistic missiles
Seoul, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — South Korea's military said North Korea conducted its second weapons test in less than a week Wednesday, firing two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast in a move observers said could be aimed at boosting pressure on the United States as the rivals struggle to set up fresh nuclear talks.
Police find body of Indian coffee shop chain owner in river
Bangalore, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Fishermen on Wednesday found the body of an Indian coffee shop founder in a river, two days after he disappeared, police said.
More than 20 charged with rioting appear in Hong Kong court
Hong Kong , Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Charges were read Wednesday against more than 20 Hong Kong protesters who have been accused of rioting — the most serious charge brought since mass demonstrations began in the city last month.
Thailand seeks deeper cooperation as ASEAN ministers meet
Bangkok, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers opened their annual meeting Wednesday with a call from host Thailand for deeper integration to expand trade and bolster prosperity in the region amid rising global challenges.
44 charged with rioting to appear in Hong Kong court
Hong Kong, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — Supporters rallied outside a court in Hong Kong on Wednesday ahead of an appearance by more than 40 fellow protesters who have been charged with rioting.
Seoul: North Korea launches 2 short-range ballistic missiles
Seoul, Jul 31 (AP/UNB) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast Wednesday, South Korea's military said, its second weapons test in less than a week. North Korea is angry over planned U.S.-South Korean military drills and may be trying to boost pressure on the United States to win concessions as the rivals struggle to set up talks over the North's nuclear weapons.
Heavy rain triggers floods in Pakistan's Karachi, killing 6
Karachi, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — Heavy monsoon rains have lashed Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, triggering floods and killing six people. Authorities closed schools.
Malaysia's new king calls for racial unity at coronation
Kuala Lumpur, Jul 30 (AP/UNB) — Malaysia's sports-loving Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah called for racial unity as he was installed Tuesday as the country's 16th king under a unique rotating monarchy system.