asia
Parts of southern India facing acute water shortage
New Delhi, Jul 8 (AP/UNB) — With the government able to meet only 40% of the water requirement, millions are depending on water tank trucks in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu because of an acute shortage caused by drying lakes and depleted groundwater.
Bus crashes on highway in northern India, killing 29 people
India, July 8 (AP/UNB) — A government official says a speeding bus has overturned and plunged into a roadside drain in northern India, killing at least 29 people on board.
Iran steps further from nuke deal, adding pressure on Europe
Tehran, July 7 (AP/UNB) — Iran increased its uranium enrichment Sunday beyond the limit allowed by its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, inching its program closer toward weapons-grade levels while calling for a diplomatic solution to a crisis heightening tensions with the U.S.
Commentary: Closer China-Russia partnership, more benefits for world
Moscow, June 7 (Xinhua/UNB) -- China and Russia agreed Wednesday to lift their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, opening a new stage of bilateral cooperation conducive to global stability and prosperity.
Afghan officials say car bomb kills 12, wounds scores
Kabul, Jul 7 (AP/UNB) — The Taliban carried out a devastating suicide car bombing in central Afghanistan Sunday that killed 12 people and wounded over 150 others, said Afghan officials.
Hong Kong protesters hold vigil ahead of Sunday march
Hong Kong, Jul 6 (AP/UNB) — A vigil is being held in Hong Kong for a woman who fell to her death this week, one of three apparent suicides linked to ongoing protests over fears that freedoms are being eroded in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.
US hails talks with Taliban, denies troop withdrawal window
Kabul, Jul 6 (AP/UNB) — The latest round of talks with the Taliban __ now in their second week __ has been "very productive," a member of the American negotiating team said Friday, while strenuously denying Washington sought a fixed deadline for the withdrawal of its estimated 14,000 troops from Afghanistan as part of a final peace deal.
North Korea says released Australian student was spying
Seoul, Jul 6 (AP/UNB) — North Korea said Saturday that an Australian student who it detained for a week had spread anti-Pyongyang propaganda and engaged in spying by providing photos and other materials to news outlets with critical views toward the North.
China locks down Xinjiang a decade after deadly ethnic riots
Istanbul, Jul 6 (AP/UNB) — A decade after deadly riots tore through his hometown, Kamilane Abudushalamu still vividly recalls the violence that left him an exile.
UN condemns attack on migrants, calls for Libyan cease-fire
United Nations, July 5 (AP/UNB) — The U.N. Security Council on Friday called on Libya's warring parties to urgently de-escalate fighting and commit to a cease-fire, and it condemned a deadly attack on a detention center for migrants near the capital Tripoli.