Thursday, February 07, 2008
Bank of England cuts UK rates
The Bank of England cut interest rates on Thursday (local time), as widely expected, in an attempt to shore up the British economy in the face of the global credit squeeze.[MORE]
Sumo trainer arrested over death of wrestler
Japanese police have arrested the former head of a sumo gym on suspicion of assault resulting in the death of a 17-year-old wrestler last year, which cast a harsh spotlight on the rigid world of the ancient sport.[MORE]
Kenya opposition accuses govt of arming gangs
Kenya's Opposition has accused the Government of purchasing firearms to equip tribal gangs involved in ethnic cleansing.[MORE]
Moderate elected new Greek Orthodox leader
Greece's Orthodox Church has elected a moderate and popular bishop, Metropolitan of Thebes Hieronymos, as its new head.[MORE]
Govt brokering info-sharing deal with EU: diplomats
European Union diplomats say Australia and the EU plan an anti-terrorism agreement that will give the Federal Government access to private data on air passengers coming from the 27-nation bloc.[MORE]
Egypt warns Palestinians not to breach Gaza border
Egypt has warned Palestinians against trying to break through its resealed Gaza border about two weeks after Hamas militants blew it open to defy an Israeli-led blockade.[MORE]
England complete series win over New Zealand
England beat New Zealand by 50 runs at Christchurch on Thursday to complete a 2-0 series sweep of their two Twenty20 internationals.[MORE]
7 dead in new strikes on Gaza gunmen
Six Palestinian fighters and a teacher were killed in Israeli raids on Gaza on Thursday, the latest deadly strikes on the Hamas-run territory since a suicide bombing in Israel earlier this week.[MORE]
Japanese scientists make paper planes for space
A spacecraft made of folded paper zooming through the skies may sound far-fetched, but Japanese scientists plan to launch paper planes from the International Space Station to see if they make it back to Earth.[MORE]
Israel violating laws of war with Gaza energy cuts: HRW
Israel's move to cut energy supplies to the Gaza Strip violates the laws of war, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Thursday.[MORE]
Two 'terrorists' arrested in Pakistan over Bhutto killing: ministry
Pakistani investigators have arrested two "very important alleged terrorists" in connection with the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, officials said.[MORE]
Khmer Rouge trial taps donors for another $127m
Cambodia's UN-backed "Killing Fields" court has trebled its initial budget, seeking an extra $127 million from international donors to continue its pursuit of Pol Pot's top surviving henchmen, a spokesman said.[MORE]
29 killed in Egypt fog pile-up
At least 29 people, including children, were killed and 16 injured in a traffic pile-up blamed on early morning fog south-east of Cairo on Thursday, police and Egypt's official MENA news agency said.[MORE]
Govt says energy price rise could have been worse
The Queensland Government says a recommended electricity price rise could increase the average household bill by $73 a year.[MORE]
Cahill, Neill declare Australian loyalties
Australia's English Premier League stars Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill say they are prepared to go against the wishes of their clubs and play in the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier in China next month.[MORE]
Martin leaves Nine Network
Veteran journalist Ray Martin quits the Nine Network after three decades.[MORE]
Caceres heading for Gosford
Melbourne Victory utility Adrian Caceres has announced he will leave the 2006/07 A-League champions to take up a two-year deal with the Central Coast.[MORE]
Ball relinquishes Saints leadership
St Kilda star Luke Ball has stepped down as the Saints' co-captain.[MORE]
Hewitt first up in Cup tie
Lleyton Hewitt has been drawn to play first in Australia's Davis Cup tie against Taiwan.[MORE]
Hayden will bolster the slips: Ponting
Australian captain Ricky Ponting says the return of slips specialist Matthew Hayden should fix the team's recent catching problems.[MORE]
Esperance port rejects cargo ship covered in lead dust
The Esperance Port Authority has ordered a cargo vessel out to sea after it was found to be covered with lead dust.[MORE]
Tourism Australia looks beyond 'controversial campaign'
The Government is dropping the "Where the bloody hell are you?" tourism slogan after just two years.[MORE]
Study reinforces kidney disease-blindness link
New research from Kidney Health Australia has reinforced a link between kidney disease and blindness.[MORE]
Firefighters save Northbridge restaurant
Firefighters have saved a building from being destroyed by fire when a blaze broke out at a restaurant in Northbridge.[MORE]
St KildaTriangle protest draws crowds, celebrities
About 1,000 people have marched from the Palais Theatre to the St Kilda Town Hall in Melbourne protesting against the St Kilda Triangle development.[MORE]
