32 people killed in Syria bombings
Damascus: At least 32 people were killed and 90 others were injured as twin bombings rocked Syria’s Al-Zahra’ district of Homs city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based watchdog.
Milan bans cars to curb pollution
Rome: The Italian city of Milan has banned cars until Wednesday in an attempt to reduce the high levels of pollution, while other cities have opted for measures such as encouraging the use of public transport.
Putin abolishes space agency
Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to abolish the Federal Space Agency, the Kremlin’s website said. A state-run space corporation will be created instead, Tass news agency cited the decree as saying.
In first, Russia closes Red Square for NY’s Eve
Moscow: Moscow’s Red Square, traditionally a place where people gather to ring in the New Year, will be closed to revellers on December 31, city authorities said, amid mounting security concerns.
Extremists recruiting in British jails: official
london: A top UK prison official warned of a terror threat emerging from jails, saying extremists are attempting to recruit inmates as potential terrorists.
Tornadoes, storms kill 11 in Texas
Houston: At least 11 people have died, while dozens were injured in strong tornadoes that swept through the Dallas area and caused substantial damage this weekend, while 12 people died in flooding in the Midwest.
‘China trying to muzzle media'
Paris: A French reporter about to be thrown out of China after being accused of supporting terrorism said the Chinese authorities were trying to “muzzle the international press”. “This is not about me, this is about a very violent attempt to muzzle the international press,” said Ursula Gauthier, the China correspondent for France’s l’Obs news magazine.