30 killed in train fire in southern India

At least 47 people are confirmed dead and another 25 others injured in a train fire in southern India.
The fire broke out on an express train in Andhra Pradesh this morning, it was headed for Chennai.
The death toll is expected to increase as a number of the injured are in a critical condition in hospital.
Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit is the most likely cause of the fire.
China and Russia reach consensus on fishery issue

The detained Chinese fishermen may return home soon as China and Russia have reached an agreement on fishery issues.
Hong Lei, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, says diplomatic departments of the two countries are finalizing procedures to arrange for the detained Chinese fishermen to return home.
Hong says based on the consensus, China and Russia will hold consultations on fishery cooperation.
Car bombing kills 5, injures 15 in eastern Iraqi province

A car bombing has left 5 people dead and 15 others hurt in Iraq.
The attack took place Sunday in Diyala, northeast of the capital Baquba.
The blast ripped through a number of vehicles and damaged some of the nearby buildings.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility.
Iraq has been gripped by increasing violence over the past few weeks, as insurgent groups, including al-Qaeda's affilaite in Iraq, press to try to destablize the government.
Afghan police kill 17 Taliban militants

Afghan Police are reporting clashes with Taliban militants across the country over the last 24 hours.
The Afghan National Police backed by army and the NATO-led coalition forces launched operations in Nangarhar, Kandahar, Logar, Khost and Helmand provinces during which 17 Taliban were killed and 5 wounded. Numerous others were apprehended.
The Afghan government has said that the military suffered no casualties in the offensive.
Syria committed to implementing Annan's peace plan: FM

Syria's Foreign Minister has issued a new statement, saying his government is committed to Kofi Annan's plan for peace.
The comments have come in a joint statment with Iran's foreign minister.
Walid al-Muallem says his goverment condemns the armed opposition groups, and says the rebels are not committed finding peace.
He also says the uprising in Aleppo "will definately be defeated."
Romney: US has "solemn duty" to stop Iran's nuclear weaponry

US Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has made a stop in Israel.
Romney says it's the United States "solemn duty" to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
One of Romney's top aides has said that Romney will support an Israeli military strike if all options have been exhausted.
This has put Romney at odds with President Barack Obama's attempts to press the Israeli goverment to back off any plans for a pre-emptive strike before tough economic sanctions against Iran run their course.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued his customary call for stronger measures to prevent Iran from developing an atomic bomb, despite Iranian assurance that its nuclear program is completely peaceful.
Japan's factory output drops 0.1 pct in June

Japan's industrial output was down 0.1-percent in June from the previous month, marking the third consecutive month of contraction.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the index of output at factories and mines stood at 92.1 against a base of 100 for 2005.
The fall is mainly being attributed to sectors including transport equipment, electrical machinery, and iron and steel, amid a stronger yen and a slowdown in the global economy.
CNOOC -Nexen deal faces inside trading allegation

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a formal complaint against the head of Rongsheng Heavy Industries, accusing him of insider trading.
The SEC is accusing Zhang Zhirong of making some 13-million US dollars through insider information ahead the bid by CNOOC to buy Canadian oil giant Nexen.
The SEC has already frozen some 38-million US dollars controlled by Zhang.
CNOOC announced this past week it is hoping to buy the Canadian oil-sands company for just over 15-billion US dollars.
The deal is still subject to government approval.
Neither side has made comments on the allegations connected to Zhang Zhirong.
Project to ease power shortage in E China

The State Grid has launched a new hydropower project in China's southwest.
The project, worth some 24-billion yuan, is being built in the city of Yibin in Sichuan.
The goal from China's State power providor is to direct the electricty to Zhejiang.
Much of China's eastern regions suffer from electricty shortages, particularly in the summer.
The project is scheduled to be finished in 2-years time.
Pop group goes on trial in Moscow

Three members of a Russian all-female protest group go on trial in Moscow on Monday in a case that has divided many in the country.
The three members of Pussy Riot were arrested after singing an obscene song criticizing President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's main cathedral.
The women have been charged with hooliganism related to religious hatred and could face up to 7 years in jail. However, many in the country have criticized the Kremlin for its perceived intolerance of any criticism.
Over 100 Russian artists, musicians and actors have called for Pussy Riot to be released. The case has also drawn international attention with artists such as Sting supporting the group.