Russians wanted to ensure that 46-year-old Ravil Mingazov, detained in Pakistan in 2002, was in good health.

Officials say the blast targeted a recruiting centre in central Baghdad.

Retired German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger is the first Germany international to reveal that he is gay.

Schoolgirl was gang-raped twice and then burned to death in Kolkata.

Sri Lanka reaches 132-3 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.

Lafforgue, who moved to Pakistan in 2005, says he has been taken aback by reaction and insists he acted in good faith.

Hearing of the references adjourned to January 18.

Other recent fatal cases have been reported in Indonesia and Cambodia, in November.

Militants gave all communication companies providing web services a 15-day ultimatum to shut down their operations.

Athlete rues Indian flag loss at Sochi Winter Games.