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18 Arakanese Among 170 Wounded in Bomb Blasts at Rangoon Water Festival

Rangoon: 18 Arakanese were among the 170 people injured in bomb blasts during the New Year's water festival in Rangoon on 14 April, reports an Arakanese community leader from Rangoon.

China earthquake kills hundreds in Qinghai

At least 300 people have died and thousands are feared hurt after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck China's Qinghai province, officials say. The powerful tremor hit remote Yushu county, 500km (310 miles) south-west of provincial capital Xining, at 0749 (2349 GMT), at a shallow depth of 10km. Chinese TV showed wrecked buildings and people scrabbling through debris. Officials ordered rescue crews and supplies to Yushu, but the area is hundreds of miles from an airport.

Red shirts abandon Phan Fa to bolster Rajprasong ground

By The Nation Decision made to bolster force and for safety measures. Relocation expected to be completed Thursday. The red-shirt protesters have decided to abandon the Phan Fa rally ground to join their fellow demonstrators at the Rajprasong Intersection. The decision to leave Phan Fa was announced by Natthawut Saikua at 10:30 am Wednesday. He said red-shirts leaders at Rajprasong and Phan Fa reached a decision to abandon the Phan Fa site to so that the red-shirt force could be bolstered and have more efficiency.

Toyota suspends US sales of Lexus GX 460

The GX 460 has been on sale for about three months in the US Japanese carmaker Toyota has announced that it will suspend sales in the US of one of its luxury vehicles. The move came after a US consumer organisation warned customers not to buy the Lexus GX 460 four-wheel drive because of fears it could roll over. The last time it judged a vehicle's performance unacceptable was in 2001.

Dozens Killed in Powerful Earthquake in China

The 6.9 magnitude quake struck the area around Tibet early Wednesday Chinese state-run media say 67 people are dead after a strong earthquake struck the area around Tibet in China early Wednesday. Xinhua news agency says it has learned from local and military officials that many people are buried under the debris in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

Quake kills 67 people in remote Chinese Qinghai region

Chinese media say at least 67 people have died and others are trapped under rubble in Qinghai province after an earthquake said to be magnitude 6.9. The quake struck at 0749 (2349 GMT) 380km (240 miles) south-south-east of the city of Golmud, at a depth of 10km, according to US Geological Survey data. It appears that at least some of the deaths occurred in Qinghai's ethnic Tibetan town of Yushu.

PM Abhisit's minefield

In the midst of the political chaos - a situation closer to anarchy, in fact - the Election Commission has dropped a bombshell. The decision to seek the dissolution of the ruling Democrat Party could not have come at a worse time, from half the nation's perspective at least, but that was probably what the other half of Thailand felt late in 2008, when the People Power Party (PPP) was dissolved right in the middle of the Suvarnabhumi Airport crisis.

Democrat front-runner wins Fla. US House race

By BRIAN SKOLOFF Associated Press Writer BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) -- Democratic state Sen. Ted Deutch has handily won the first U.S. House race since Congress passed President Barack Obama's massive health care overhaul. With 43 percent of precincts reporting, Deutch had 62 percent of the vote compared to 36 percent for Republican Ed Lynch late Tuesday. The Associated Press called the race about two hours after polls closed. The 44-year-old Deutch had faced underdog Lynch in the special election to replace retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler.

Boy 'suffered' after Pembrokeshire council 'delay'

The report found the child had "suffered" because of delays Serious shortcomings have been found in the way a council dealt with concerns about the welfare of a child. A father complained about delays in Pembrokeshire County Council's response to concerns he raised about his son, now nine, while in his mother's care. He said his son suffered from neglect and was at risk of harm. The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales found the council had been "tardy". Pembrokeshire council has been asked for its response.

Huckabee likens gay marriage to incest, polygamy

By NATASHA METZLER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mike Huckabee, a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2012, says the effort to allow gays and lesbians to marry is comparable to legalizing incest, polygamy and drug use. Huckabee also told college journalists last week that gay couples should not be permitted to adopt. "Children are not puppies," he said.

FACT CHECK: Obama skips fine print in nuke speech

By ANNE GEARAN AP National Security Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama laid out a nightmare scenario on Tuesday - a terrorist with atomic bomb materials no bigger than an apple who could launch an attack killing hundreds of thousands of people. In doing so, Obama skimped on details that make that kind of attack a more remote danger than he implied in his brief opening remarks to more than 40 world leaders, even as he got the broad picture right.

Obama: China joining UN talks on Iran sanctions

By ROBERT BURNS AP National Security Writer WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama, wrapping up a 47-nation nuclear security summit, said Tuesday he is confident China will join other nations in pressing for tough new sanctions on Iran for continuing to defy the international community in seeking nuclear weapons. "Words have to mean something. There have to be some consequences," Obama told reporters at a news conference at the conclusion of the two-day gathering. He was asked about China's reluctance in the past to join other major nations in backing tough sanctions.

Obama: China Considering New Iran Nuclear Sanctions

Photo: AP President Barack Obama meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, 12 Apr 2010  While 47 nations attended Tuesday's Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, much of the day's attention focused on two countries which were not invited-Iran and North Korea.  U.S. President Barack Obama says China, which has opposed furthe

Obama to Attend Kaczynski Funeral in Krakow

Photo: AP President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, leads a moment of silence for Polish President Lech Kaczynski during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, 13 Apr 2010  The White House has announced that President Barack Obama will attend Sunday's state funeral for Polish President Lech Kaczynski, killed last

US, Russia Finalize Plutonium-Disposal Accord

Photo: AP Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after signing the Plutonium Disposition Protocol, during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Tuesday, April 13, 2010 The United States and Russia Tuesday finalized an agreement committing them to eliminate a total of 68 tons of weapons-grade plutonium. The deal was signed on the

Summit agrees to secure nuclear materials in four years

04/13 | 22:08 GMT ©AFP / Jewel Samad US President Barack Obama answers a question during a press conference after the Nuclear Security Summit at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. A 47-nation summit in Washington agreed Tuesday to lock up the world's most vulnerable nuclear materials within four years to prevent terrorists from setting off a global "catastrophe." ©AFP / Jewel Samad Barack Obama answers a question during a press conference after the Nuclear Security Summit WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama declared the world safer Tuesday after a 47-nation summit agreed to a four-year deadline on securing vulnerable nuclear materials from terrorists.

Gates: No Iranian Nuclear Weapon for 'At Least a Year'

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he does not expect Iran to have a capacity to produce nuclear weapons for at least a year. Gates made the comment Tuesday on a flight to South America.  He was responding to a declaration by a top Iranian nuclear official that Iran will join the "world nuclear club" within a month to deter possible attacks on the country.

The world’s major news players adopt IPTC G2 for news exchange

Five of the largest global news agencies have agreed to endorse and support the International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) G2 family of news exchange standards. Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, dpa, the Press Association, and Thomson Reuters will support standards developed by the IPTC, that will provide news agencies, vendors, and customers around the world with a uniform method of exchanging multimedia news content.

Nations Commit to Strengthen Nuclear Security

Photo: AP President Barack Obama answers questions during a news conference at the conclusion of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, April 13, 2010 President Barack Obama says the 47-nation Nuclear Security Summit that concluded in Washington Tuesday is an important step toward shared effective leadership in securing vulnerable nuclear materials over the next four years.

Poland's president and first lady lie in state

The first couple's only child, Marta, led mourners The bodies of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and First Lady Maria Kaczynska are now lying in state in the capital, Warsaw. Maria Kaczynska's body arrived earlier from Moscow amid emotional scenes after Saturday's plane crash in Russia that killed the couple and 94 others. Parliament has held a special session to honour those killed in the disaster. The first couple are to be buried on Sunday, a day after a memorial service for the victims in the Polish capital.

Cameron: Tory manifesto will change Britain for better

David Cameron: ''The Labour way assumes that only big government can solve our problems'' Conservative leader David Cameron has launched his party's election manifesto, which he says is a "plan to change Britain for the better". He said the "optimistic" plan would bring a "new kind of government" with less state and more "people power".

Protests erupt over Pakistan NWFP name change

Many among the non-Pashtun community oppose the name change Security has been tightened in parts of northern Pakistan after violent protests over moves to rename North West Frontier Province (NWFP). At least five people have been killed since trouble broke out in the Hazara region on Monday. Hazaras in NWFP are part of a different ethnic group from majority Pashtuns and oppose calling it Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa.

Israel warns citizens to leave Sinai amid terror fears

Tens of thousands of Israelis routinely holiday in the Sinai Israel has issued an "urgent" warning to its citizens to leave Sinai in Egypt amid fears of a terrorist plot. The prime minister's office said it had "concrete evidence" that terrorists were planning to attempt to kidnap Israelis in the peninsula. Israel took the unusual step of calling on families of the Israelis who are visiting Sinai to contact them. It fears that Palestinian militants will transfer hostages to Gaza through tunnels under the border.

US First Lady Michelle Obama makes surprise Haiti visit

The visit is intended to underscore US commitment to rebuilding Haiti The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, is making an unannounced visit to Haiti. It is her first official trip overseas without US President Barack Obama since he took office last year. She is expected to spend several hours in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, visiting projects set up in the wake of the devastating earthquake in January.

Pakistan 'army air strike kills dozens of civilians'

The injured have been taken to hospitals in Peshawar At least 73 civilians were killed when an army jet bombed a remote village in Pakistan's tribal region of Khyber, a local official has told the BBC. He said the incident took place on Saturday but news was slow in being reported because of the inaccessibility of the region. The jet was involved in operations against Taliban militants in the nearby Orakzai tribal region. Officials have reportedly already paid compensation to families of victims.

Summit agrees to protect nuclear stocks 'in four years'

Barack Obama: "We've made real progress in building a safer world" The leaders of almost 50 countries have pledged to secure all vulnerable nuclear material within four years. US President Barack Obama said the joint action plan agreed at a summit in Washington would make a real contribution to a safer world. The plan calls for every nation to safeguard nuclear stocks and keep material out of terrorists' hands. Earlier, Russia and the US signed an agreement to dispose of 68 tonnes of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. Terrorist networks such as al-Qaeda have tried to acquire the material for a nuclear weapon and, if they ever succeed, they would surely use it Barack Obama The combined stockpiles - 34 tonnes from each country - are said to be enough to ma

Kyrgyz President Bakiyev 'will resign if safe'

Mr Bakiyev has been trying to rally support in his home city Kyrgyzstan's ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has said he will be willing to step down in return for security guarantees for him and his family. Mr Bakiyev fled to the south of the country following last week's uprising. The interim government has yet to give a response to his offer. Its leaders held a late-night meeting in Bishkek, the capital, but made no announcement.

Radovan Karadzic faces first trial witnesses

Radovan Karadzic insists he needs more time to prepare his defence Former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic is facing the first prosecution witnesses as his trial for genocide resumes at The Hague. The first witness is Ahmet Zulic, who was a prisoner in a Serb detention camp in north-western Bosnia. Mr Karadzic, who has been conducting his own defence, is expected to cross-examine him. Mr Karadzic denies 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Kyrgyzstan White House Site of Mass Memorial

Photo: S.Herman Kyrgyzstan mourners in front of the country's White House, 13 Apr 2010 A steady stream of mourners can be spotted in front of Kyrgyzstan's seat of government, where a violent clash last Wednesday between government forces and demonstrators left more than 80 people dead and led to the ouster of the Central Asian nation's president.

Thai Government Under Pressure to Dissolve

Photo: AP Anti-government protesters kick at a security guard at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, 07 Apr 2010 Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is under increasing pressure to step down and call new elections after deadly clashes between soldiers and anti-government protesters.

Israel Observes Holocaust Remembrance Day

Photo: AP Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lays a wreath during a ceremony marking the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, April 12, 2010  Sirens wailed across Israel Monday morning, as Israelis stood in silence in memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust.

Elections May Jeopardize Unity, Says One Sudan 'Lost Boy'

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS A Sudanese woman casts her vote as representatives of candidates observe at a polling station during the second day of Sudan's first multiparty elections in decades in Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, April 12, 2010. Sudanese voted in the impoverished country's first multiparty elections in a quarter century, which will determine whether President Omar al-

US Congressional Elections Look to Be Referendum on Obama

Public opinion polls suggest Republicans will make gains in November; 40 seats needed to retake control of House of Representatives Photo: AP US President Barack Obama's ability to pass future legislation will depend on the outcome of November's congressional elections (file photo) President Barack Obama faces a major political test later this year when U.S. voters go t

Thai FM Calls Thaksin a 'Terrorist'

Photo: AP Anti-goverment demonstrators climb over destroyed military vehicles as they celebrate the Thai New Year near Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 Apr 2010 Thailand's foreign minister has lashed out at ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, accusing him of instigating deadly street demonstrations in Bangkok and calling him a "bloody terrorist."

Somali radio stations comply with Islamists' music ban

All but two of Mogadishu's 13 radio stations used to broadcast music Most radio stations in Somalia have stopped playing music, on the orders of Islamist Hizbul-Islam insurgents who say that songs are un-Islamic. The stations said they had to comply with the ban as if they did not, they would be putting their lives at risk. The BBC correspondent in Somalia says this latest order has strong echoes of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

DR Congo rebels seize Red Cross workers

Eight Red Cross workers have been kidnapped in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the aid group says. The team, seven Congolese and one Swiss national, was seized by rebels on Friday in South Kivu as they returned from a trip to help displaced people. A Red Cross source told the BBC contact has been made with the pro-government Mai Mai Yakutumba militia holding them.

Greece bond issue clears test of investors' confidence

Greek firemen took to the streets in protest at Greece's financial crisis Greece has raised 1.56bn euros ($2bn; £1.3bn) in an over-subscribed bond issue that was a key test of investor confidence in the debt-laden country. The issue is Greece's first debt sale since Sunday's agreement by eurozone countries to provide Athens with a financial safety net if it defaults. However, Greece had to agree to pay a higher rate of return to investors to get the latest bond issue away.

At least nine dead in southern Philippines rebel attack

At least nine people have been killed in a militant attack in the southern Philippines, officials say. An army spokesman said men dressed in military uniforms had detonated a series of bombs in Isabela city before opening fire on people trying to flee. Lt Gen Ben Dolorfino blamed the attack on Abu Sayyaf Islamist rebels - one of whom was reported to have been killed.

Palestinian militant killed in clashes in Gaza

A Palestinian militant was killed and three hurt in a strike by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army and Palestinian medics said. The clash took place near the Kissufim border crossing in central Gaza. The Israeli military says it hit a group of Palestinians laying explosives near Gaza's perimeter fence. Islamic Jihad, a radical Islamist group, said the Israeli troops entered the Gaza Strip and fired from a helicopter and tanks.

Polish first lady's body is returned to Warsaw

Poland is in the middle of seven days of mourning over the air tragedy The body of Poland's First Lady, Maria Kaczynska, has been flown to Warsaw to lie in state alongside that of her husband, President Lech Kaczynski. Poland has seen an outpouring of grief since the couple and scores of other senior Polish officials died in a plane crash in western Russia on Saturday. Poland's parliament will hold a special session later to discuss the disaster.

Gaming curfew for South Koreans

Online gaming is hugely popular in South Korea. The South Korean government is introducing policies aimed at curbing the amount of time children spend playing online games. The first involves barring online gaming access to young people of school age between 12pm and 8am. The other policy suggests slowing down people's internet connections after they have been logged on to certain games for a long period of time. The Culture Ministry is calling on games providers to implement the plans.

Faryl Smith is 'youngest' double Classical Brit nominee

Faryl Smith (l) is the youngest artist to receive a double nomination Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and Pope Benedict will compete for a prize at the Classical Brit Awards, which takes place next month. Smith, 14, is the youngest artist to receive a double nomination and is up for the young British performer title, as well as album of the year. Her debut is shortlisted with Alma Mater's Music From The Vatican, which features the voice of Pope Benedict. The event takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on 13 May. Lifetime achievement

Polish first lady's body is returned to Warsaw

Poland is in the middle of seven days of mourning over the air tragedy The body of Poland's First Lady, Maria Kaczynska, has been flown to Warsaw to lie in state alongside that of her husband, President Lech Kaczynski. Poland has seen an outpouring of grief since the couple and scores of other top Polish officials died in a plane crash in western Russia on Saturday. Poland's parliament will hold a special session later to discuss the disaster.

Brazil man jailed for murdering nun Dorothy Stang

Dorothy Stang was shot six times and left lying in the mud A Brazilian rancher has been convicted of murdering US nun Dorothy Stang in 2005 and jailed for 30 years, at his third trial over the case. Vitalmiro Bastos Moura was sentenced to 38 years in jail at a first trial in 2007, but acquitted on retrial the following year. Suspicions he had bribed a witness to change his testimony led the court to keep him in prison. The killing in Para state caused an outcry in Brazil and internationally.

His Eminence Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche passes away

The Buddhist Channel, April 12, 2010 Dharamsala, India -- His Eminence Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche, passed away today at 5:45am April 12th, India time, in Dharamsala, India. Lati Rinpoche was 88 years old. << His Eminence Kensur Kyabje Lati Rinpoche (1922 - 2010) The renowned Rinpoche,  passed away peacefully in his residence unexpectedly with only slight stomach trouble as a symptom. He was not hospitalized. It was reported that he had circumambulated His Holiness the Dalai Lama's temple just prior to his passing.

Buddhist temple in land/tax dispute with New Hartford

By DAVID HUTTER and MIKE AGOGLIATI, The Register Citizen, April 11, 2010 Litchfield County, CT (USA) -- A Buddhist congregation finds itself with a distinctly worldly problem — the temple is being taxed on a piece property members say they use for a holy purpose. << A monk at New Hartford’s International Buddhist Zen Do satnds in front of a prayer shrine. The Buddhist congregation is struggling to meet a tax bill of $13,589.52 levied on a property they say should be tax exempt. International Buddhist Zen Do Inc. owes $13,589.52 in overdue taxes, New Hartford tax collector records show.

Dalai Lama expresses grief over death of Polish president

IANS, April 12, 2010 Dharamsala, India -- Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed sorrow over the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in an air crash in Russia last week. Kaczynski was an admirer of the Dalai Lama and had met him a number of times. “In a letter to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk April 10, His Holiness the Dalai Lama offered his condolences to the people of Poland for the loss of President Kaczynski, and all the others who died in a tragic air crash,” according to a post on the official website of the Tibetan government-in-exile Monday.

US boy Jordan Romero, 13, in Mount Everest bid

A 13-year-old American boy is set to attempt to climb Mount Everest, in an effort to be the youngest person to scale the world's highest peak. Jordan Romero has set off from Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, to the base camp on the Chinese side of the mountain. He will begin his ascent there, along with his father and stepmother. Jordan climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania aged 10 and wants to be the youngest person to climb the highest mountains on seven continents.

Japan annual whale hunt 'halved by activists'

By Roland Buerk BBC News, Tokyo Anti-whaling activists aim to prevent the hunt from going ahead Japan's whaling fleet has revealed how much anti-whaling activists disrupted the annual hunt off Antarctica. The ships have returned to port with just over half as many whales - 507 - as they had set out to catch. Whalers said they were angry, and blamed what they described as "violent interference" from the anti-whaling Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Iran urges UN inquiry into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

By Barbara Plett BBC News, UN, New York Iran is preparing a disarmament conference to rival Washington's Iran's president has urged the UN to launch an investigation into the aims of Western military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The office of Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said that it was studying the letter from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad but had no comment.

Tories say they will give people more control

The Tories say they want to include everyone in government The Conservatives will launch their election manifesto on Tuesday by saying they will enable people to take greater control of their own lives. The 130-page document with a plain blue cover is entitled "Invitation to join the government of Britain". Pledges include enabling voters to sack MPs, cutting stamp duty for first-time house buyers and the creation of directly-elected police chiefs.

Toxin warning as Bangladesh eases ship-breaking rules

Ship-breaking is a major business in Asia Environmental campaigners in Bangladesh have condemned a decision by the government to ease restrictions on ship-breaking in the country. Ship-owners now no longer need to prove their vessels are free of toxic substances. Ship-breakers says the move will benefit the Bangladeshi economy. But environmentalists warned that tens of thousands of shipyard workers and people living on the coast were now at risk of exposure to toxic substances.

India and Pakistan leaders meet at nuclear summit

The two leaders have identified terrorism as a common threat The prime ministers of rivals India and Pakistan have met at a nuclear security summit in Washington. Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilani spoke to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh at a reception hosted by the US President Barack Obama, reports said. A Pakistani embassy spokesman said it was "not a formal meeting".

Nuclear security summit hears of terror risk

The US and Russian presidents are at the summit fresh from a new treaty World leaders at a summit on nuclear security in Washington have heard dire warnings of the danger of nuclear material falling into the wrong hands. President Barack Obama, opening the biggest international meeting hosted by the US since 1945, greeted leaders from nearly 50 countries. Officials said more should be done to prevent theft or smuggling.

Palestinian militant killed in clashes in Gaza

A Palestinian militant was killed and three hurt in a strike by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army and Palestinian medics said. The clash took place near the Kissufim border crossing in central Gaza. The Israeli military says it hit a group of Palestinians laying explosives near Gaza's perimeter fence.

Kyrgyzstan's ousted President Bakiyev's immunity lifted

Mr Bakiyev has insisted he is still the legitimate leader of Kyrgyzstan The interim government of Kyrgyzstan has said President Kurmanbek Bakiyev no longer has presidential immunity and has called on him to surrender. Interim security minister Azimbek Beknazarov said the country would use force to arrest Mr Bakiyev if he does not give himself up. Mr Bakiyev was removed from office following violent protests.

Burmese Kyat Rises in Value on Western Border

By Takaloo, Maungdaw: The value of the Burmese Kyat has been gradually rising since the beginning of this year in exchange with the Bangladesh Taka on the western border, with the exchange rate on Monday set at 13.00 Kyat per 1.00 Taka, said a Burmese black market exchange agent from Maungdaw on the western Burmese border.

Somalia fighting leaves 19 dead in capital Mogadishu

Government forces were marking a military anniversary At least 19 people, many of them civilians, have been killed in an outburst of fighting in the divided Somali capital Mogadishu. Thirteen people died when African Union peacekeepers and government forces hit back after a militant attack on a military ceremony.

Traditional Rakhine Water Festival - Rakhine Thungran

By Kyaw Tha Hla Traditional Rakhine Thungran is celebrated on 13-17 April every year, it''s also known as the Water Festival. Traditionally there is a festival for each of the twelve months. Thungran is on Tangu, the first lunar month of Rakhine calendar. Thungran means passing from one year to another. The New Year, Thungran Celebration, symbolizes the feast of washing away the old year clean.

Desperate Housewives actress Dixie Carter dies

Carter made her stage debut in a 1960 production of Carousel in Memphis Actress Dixie Carter, who received an Emmy nomination for her guest role in Desperate Housewives, has died at the age of 70. Publicist Steve Rohr told the AP news agency that Carter died in Houston of complications of endometrial cancer. Carter had a star role in TV drama Designing Women, which ran on the CBS network between 1986 and 1993.

World nuclear summit confronts 'growing' threat

04/12 | 22:54 GMT ©AFP / Jewel Samad US President Barack Obama holds a bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Washington Convention Center during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC. Ukraine renounced its bomb-grade uranium on Monday in a boost for President Barack Obama's summit on securing the world's nuclear materials, as a US official warned of the "growing" risk of nuclear terrorism. ©AFP / Jewel Samad Barack Obama WASHINGTON (AFP) - Ukraine renounced its bomb-grade uranium on Monday in a boost for President Barack Obama's summit on securing the world's nuclear materials, as a US official warned of the "growing" risk of nuclear terrorism. Obama called the 47-nation summit in Washington, the biggest hosted by a US leader since 1945, to try to secure loose materials in military and civilian stockpiles worldwide within four years.