AFP, ROME: The alleged ringleaders of a mafia gang that infiltrated Rome’s City Hall went on trial Thursday on a landmark day for Italy’s battle against organised crime. Massimo Carminati, a convicted gangster with a history of involvement with violent far-right groups, and 45 others are…

AFP, MOSCOW: Russia sent anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria to back up its air campaign, the commander of the air force Viktor Bondarev said in an interview published Thursday. “We sent there not just fighter planes, strike aircraft and helicopters but also anti-aircraft rocket systems,”…

AFP, ABOARD THE USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT: Defence Secretary Ashton Carter on Thursday visited a US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, where he took a jab at Chinese actions that have been blamed for raising tension in the disputed waterway. Carter flew to the USS Roosevelt—an enormous, nuclear-powered…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday launched the first ever 'India gold coin' bearing Ashok Chakra in a move to cash in on the festive season…

AFP, KATHMANDU: The United States warned Thursday of a looming “humanitarian crisis” in quake-hit Nepal which is facing crippling shortages of vital supplies as protesters block a key checkpoint bordering India. Scores of trucks have been stranded at a crossing in the southern town of Birgunj…

AFP, DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s new President John Magufuli was sworn into office Thursday along with the east African nation’s first female vice-president to huge cheers from crowds. Magufuli’s win in the October 25 poll with over 58 percent of votes cemented the long-running Chama…