Maoist rebels seize Indian train

Maoist rebels in eastern India seize a passenger train with hundreds of people and blow up a railway track, police say.

South Africans head for the polls

South Africans are voting in a poll seen as the most important test of the ANC's hold on power since the end of apartheid.

More civilians flee Sri Lanka war

The number of Tamil civilians escaping from the territory held by Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka rises to 77,000, the army says.

‘Pirate life for me’

Somali raider defends career of high seas plunder

Japan reports rare trade deficit

Japan reports its first trade deficit in 28 years, following a precipitous drop in exports amid the global economic downturn.