News

Fake Muslim flyer row flares in Australia election

A fake letter linking Muslim extremists to Australia's opposition Labor Party and blamed on conservative supporters on Thursday entangled Prime Minister John Howard in a damaging row two days before a national election.

Teaching on the frontline in Gaza and Israel

Working in a classroom on the frontline of the conflict between Israel and Hamas Islamists requires a lot more than good teaching skills.

Philippines evacuates thousands as typhoon nears

The Philippines began evacuating tens of thousands of people from coastal areas in the central Bicol region as typhoon Mitag gathered strength, officials said on Thursday.

Karzai says Taliban make contact for Afghan peace

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Wednesday Taliban insurgent leaders were increasingly contacting him to try to find ways of making peace.

Sports retailers slump after Euro flop

Shares in sporting goods retailers slumped on Thursday, after the England football team's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 Championship finals sparked fears of a plunge in sales of replica kits.

Full roll-out for controversial HIPs

The controversial home information packs scheme is to be extended to all homes from next month, the government said on Thursday.

Watchdog condemns film's violent gun ads

The advertising watchdog on Wednesday upheld complaints that images used to promote an action film glamorized guns amid growing public concern about youth violence.

Fashion retailer Topshop plans China stores in 2008

Fashion retailer Topshop plans to open its first China store early next year, following rivals such as Inditex's Zara and Hennes & Mauritz AB in setting up shop in the world's fastest growing major economy, sources familiar with the situation said on Thursday.

Nationwide profits and savings jump

Nationwide, the country's largest building society and second biggest-mortgage lender, said it continued to fund its business through normal channels as it unveiled a 29 percent rise in half-year profits on Thursday.

Jellyfish attack wipes out Ireland salmon farm

An invasion of jellyfish has wiped out Northern Ireland's only salmon farm, with more than 1 million pounds' worth of stock massacred in the attack.

Ofcom proposes easing radio ownership rules

Ofcom proposed a reform of radio regulation on Thursday, seeking to give operators more scope to compete with the BBC and potentially clearing the way for more consolidation in the industry.

Darling on white-knuckle ride

After five rollercoaster months in the job, Chancellor Alistair Darling could well be wondering what's next.

Christians appeal to China over trial of North Korean refugee

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is appealing on behalf of a North Korean activist, Mr Yoo Sang-joon, who is facing trial in China next Monday. Mr Yoo was arrested near the Chinese-Mongolian border and is due to stand trial in Inner Mongolia at 9 am on 26 November 2007.