More than 100 trapped in world`s biggest observation wheel

More than 100 trapped in world`s biggest observation wheel
A power disruption left more than 100 passengers stranded above ground in the world`s biggest observation wheel for about six hours today, forcing some to abseil down to safety.


Obama transition team releasing Blagojevich report
President-elect Barack Obama`s transition office was ready on Tuesday to release an internal review of all contacts his staff had with the Illinois Governor`s office.

Georgia adopts back door diplomacy to mend fences with Russia
Disappointed with failure to obtain a NATO membership and secure Europe`s support, Georgia has now adopted a back door diplomacy to restore its diplomatic ties with Russia.


Iraq parliament speaker quits
The Iraqi parliamentary speaker resigned on Tuesday, ending a long-running power struggle and allowing lawmakers to authorize British and other non-US foreign troops to remain in the country into 2009.



Hamas leader willing to renew truce with Israel
Leaning towards a compromise, hawkish Hamas leader Mahmud Zahar has said that his Islamist faction is willing to renew the truce arrangement with Israel if its earlier conditions are met with, a media report said.


New Russian sea-based missile fails again in test: Report
A test-firing of a new Russian sea-based missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads ended in failure on Tuesday when the weapon disintegrated after launch, the Interfax news agency reported.



Russia may place nuclear missiles in Belarus: Report
Russia may place nuclear-capable Topol missiles in neighbouring Belarus as a response to a controversial US missile shield in eastern Europe, a Russian defence ministry source was quoted as saying on Tuesday.


Saving world from homosexuality like saving rainforests: Pope
The Pope has said that "saving" humanity from homosexual behaviour is just as important as saving the rainforests, a comment likely to provoke a furious reaction from homosexual groups.


UNICEF says 6,000 child soldiers in Darfur
There are around 6,000 child soldiers in Sudan`s war-torn region of Darfur where about two million children have been affected by conflict, a senior official from the UN`s children fund said.


China considers building aircraft carrier
China on Tuesday said it was "seriously considering" building its first aircraft carrier, in a sign that indicates Beijing is proposing to expand its Navy to give it a blue water capability.