Pakistan to scan all NATO containers

All containers passing through Pakistan to supply NATO troops in Afghanistan are to be scanned to ensure they do not contain lethal supplies, customs officials said Friday. Islamabad reopened overland routes... Full story

No corruption ‘explosion’ on my watch: Indian PM

India’s prime minister has hit back at critics of his graft-tainted government, stressing his own ‘high standard’ of personal integrity and lauding his administration as a beacon of transparency. Full story

Syria violence kills 29

A rights watchdog reported at least 29 people killed across Syria on Friday as protesters took to the streets in several provinces after being urged to call for a ‘People’s liberation war.’ The latest fatalities brought the... Full story

Heavy prison for Argentine dictators

Two former Argentine dictators were handed heavy prison sentences Thursday for overseeing the systematic kidnapping of babies from leftist activists killed during the 1976-1983 dictatorship. Full story

Sharia should be ‘main’ source of Libya legislation: NTC

Libya’s outgoing National Transitional Council said on Thursday that Islamic law (sharia) should be the ‘main’ source of legislation and that this should not be subject to a referendum. ‘The Libyan people are attached... Full story

UN calls for ‘billionaires tax’ to help world’s poor

The United Nations on Thursday called for a tax on billionaires to help raise more than $400 billion a year for poor countries. An annual lump sum payment by the super-rich is one of a host of measures including... Full story

UN soldier dies as DR Congo rebels take Uganda border post

A UN soldier from India was killed in clashes between renegade soldiers and DR Congo troops on the border with Uganda, the United Nations said Friday as the mutineers took a key border post. Full story

Biomechanical legs: a giant step for robot-kind

Scientists in the United States say they have made the world’s most advanced pair of biomechanical legs, bringing the goal of human-friendly household robots a bit closer. Full story

China pledges financial aid to Cuba

China on Thursday pledged financial aid to Cuba as it undertakes historic economic reforms, promising visiting President Raul Castro a new credit line as well as help in health care and technology. Full story

S Korean arrested after trip to N Korea

A left-wing South Korean activist was detained Thursday when he returned home from an illegal trip to North Korea and a meeting with its ceremonial head of state, police said. Security officials held Ro Su-Hui soon... Full story

Gunmen close Libya oil terminals

Armed federalists have forced two oil terminals to shut down in eastern Libya in protest against not being granted more seats in this weekend’s first elections since Moamer Kadhafi was overthrown. Full story