EU peacekeepers to arrive in CAR in march
Athens: European Union defense ministers say EU peacekeepers are expected to arrive in the Central African Republic in early March to help stop the sectarian violence that has claimed more than 1,000 lives and forced nearly 1 million people to flee.
Russian court convicts 8 anti-Putin protesters
Moscow: A Russian court found eight people guilty of mass riots and attacking police at a 2012 protest against Vladimir Putin’s third term in office. Two hundred people were also arrested.
Wider inquiry demanded into Op Bluestar
london: British Sikh groups staged a protest outside Downing Street here demanding a public inquiry into the country’s role in Operation Bluestar, days after a probe concluded the UK acted in a “purely advisory” capacity that had little impact in the 1984 assault on the Golden Temple.
Thai farmers scrap stir after govt’s assurance
Bangkok: Thousands of Thai farmers, angry over not being paid under a controversial rice subsidy scheme, called off a plan to blockade main airport after an assurance that they would get their money next week, a relief for the embattled government facing opposition’s wrath.
World’s biggest manta ray sanctuary
Jakarta: Indonesia became home to the world’s biggest manta ray sanctuary covering millions of square kilometres, as it seeks to protect the huge winged fish and draw more tourists to the sprawling archipelago.
China sacks 2 officials over graft charges
Beijing: China’s ruling Communist Party has sacked two provincial officials, including a former |close aide of a top retired leader, over allegations of corruption and ordered investigations against them.