Six Bombs Defused at New Delhi Rly Station

          NEW DELHI: Timely action by the railway police averted what could have been a major tragedy in the Capital on Friday. They defused as many as six untimed bombs kept in a plastic bag at the New Delhi Railway Station. The bombs detected by a passerby a little after 3.00 pm were defused without causing any damage. (Details)

Muharram Observed Across India Amid Tight Security

          NEW DELHI: Muslims across India on Friday observed Islamic day of mourning or Muharram, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, amid tight security. The day marks an event in the 13th century in which Imam Hussain was attacked and killed by his enemies at the battleground of Karbala, which is now in Iraq. (Details)

Robin Cook Threatens to Quit over UK's Iraq Policy (Go To Top)

          LONDON: Robin Cook, Leader of the House of Commons, has hinted at resignation in case the UK opts for war against Iraq without a clear green signal from the UN. If he does so, he may be joining Clare Short, MP and a vocal critic of the British strategy who is also worried about an "unauthorised" war. Cook, who was speaking at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday decrying possible military action rather passionately, has always been a strong supporter of the UN and wants Hans Blix, chief UN arms weapons inspector, to be given the extra time he wants, reports the Independent. The Prime Minister's official spokesman conceded that there were divisions in the Cabinet after a 45-minute discussion on Iraq.

US War Ships Moving to Red Sea (Go To Top)

          WASHINGTON: The United States is moving 10 ships armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea, a report said on Friday. The move indicates weakening US confidence that Turkey will grant over-flight rights for US planes and missiles. From the Red Sea the cruisers, destroyers and submarines would be able to launch their Tomahawks - typically fired in the opening hours of a war - for flights over Saudi Arabia to targets in Iraq. The ships are part of the USS Harry S Truman and USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier battle groups, which have been operating in the eastern Mediterranean for weeks in anticipation of war against Iraq.

Hezbollah Warns US of Suicide Attacks (Go To Top)

          BEIRUT: The head of Lebanon's Hezbollah has warned Washington of suicide attacks if it invaded Iraq. "Don't expect the people of this region to receive you with flowers and perfume," Dawn quoted Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah as addressing a sea of people who filled the streets of Beirut's southern suburbs for an Ashura meeting. "The people of this region will receive you with rifles, blood, arms, martyrdom and martyrdom operations," he said. Nasrallah's comments came in response to remarks from officials in Washington that Iraqi citizens would welcome a US invasion to topple President Saddam Hussein. They also came as the UN Security Council remained deeply divided over a new resolution to disarm Iraq and the prospect of war grew.

Inter-state Fake Currency Racket Busted (Go To Top)

          HYDERABAD: Police in Hyderabad on Thursday busted a huge inter-state fake currency racket, seizing counterfeit Indian rupees and Saudi riyals amounting to 80,000 rupees. Fourteen people have been arrested. The gang was booked after two of its members were caught trying to use fake riyals at an upmarket hotel. Hi-tech gadgetry ranging from computers, laser printers, scanners and cellular phones were also recovered from the gang's hideout. (Details)        

Daughter Brings Eminem, Ex-wife Together Again (Go To Top)

          WASHINGTON: Eminem has decided to get back with ex- wife Kim for the sake of their daughter Hailie. Eminem, whose hits include 'The Real Slim Shady', is devoted to his little girl. He even raps about her on Hailie's Song from the Grammy-winning Eminem Show. His divorce was finalised last year but he and childhood sweetheart Kim have got back together for the sake of their little girl, reports Sun.

           They now all live in his new four-million-dollar mansion in the city - a far cry from the trailer parks where Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers III, grew up. He has admitted that "divorce is the hardest thing I've ever worked through." Friends say he is determined to make a go of his new relationship with Kim. A source said: "Eminem lives for his daughter. He loves her and is desperate for her to have a better childhood than his.

Mel B Patches Up with Beesley (Go To Top)

          WASHINGTON: Ex-Spice Girl Mel B has reportedly patched up differences with on-off lover Max Beesley. The couple were spotted in Los Angeles with Mel's daughter Phoenix Chi - dubbed Mini B because she looks so much like her mum. Max looked on as Mel kissed Phoenix at the trendy Urth Cafe in Beverly Hills. He later drove off with the four-year-old while Mel followed separately, reports Sun. Mel dated Max for nearly two years until last April. They got together again at the end of the year but failed to patch up their differences. A source close to the couple - who are both pursuing movie careers in LA - was quoted as saying: "There was bad blood between them when they split but they still have feelings for each other. They get on really well and Max is great with Phoenix. She adores him."

Alleged Bid to Abduct Natalie Imbruglia (Go To Top)

          SYDNEY:   Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia reportedly escaped an attempt to abduct her in London. According to a photographer, just as Imbruglia was moving out of a night spot in West London, a mysterious man grabbed her. "We don't think it was a stunt," a spokesman for the picture agency that snapped the incident was quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph. Neither Imbruglia nor her fiance Daniel Johns could be contacted. However, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said it was unusual for there not to have been any report of the incident, given the singer's profile.