Syrian government air strikes on rebel-held neighbourhoods of divided second city Aleppo killed at least 15 civilians today, a monitor said.
	The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 10 of the dead came in raids just outside the Al-Bayan hospital in the Shaar neighbourhood.
	Two children were among four people killed in strikes on the Al-Marja district using barrel bombs -- crude explosive devices packed with shrapnel and usually dropped from helicopters, the Observatory said.
	One person was killed in a strike on the Al-Maadi neighbourhood.
	Rescue workers -- known as the White Helmets -- gave a higher toll of 23 dead.
	Al-Bayan hospital said a member of its staff had been wounded in the strikes and that the building had been evacuated.
	An AFP photographer said the hospital entrance had been damaged but the rest of the building was intact.
	Aleppo was once Syria's commercial powerhouse, but it has been a battleground since 2012 when rebels seized the east of the city ...

At least 15 civilians dead in raids on Syria's Aleppo: monitor

PTI Automatic

Beijing accused Washington of "hype" today after the US said two Chinese jets conducted an unsafe intercept of one of its spy planes over the East China Sea.
	The spat came soon after the world's two largest economies concluded an annual dialogue overshadowed by disagreements over maritime issues.
	US Pacific Command spokesman Commander David Benham said two Chinese J-10 fighter jets flew close to an American RC-135 reconnaissance plane that was on a routine patrol.
	The Pentagon downplayed the encounter and blamed it on shoddy piloting.
	"One of the intercepting Chinese jets had an unsafe excessive rate of closure on the RC-135 aircraft," Benham said, without specifying exactly where the incident occurred.
	"The US once again is deliberately hyping this issue," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular briefing today.
	"The relevant Chinese military personnel have always acted professionally and in accordance with law."
	He also called on the US to stop carrying out .

China says US 'hyping' spy plane intercept

Three people were killed and dozens injured in a car bombing today at a police station in southeast Turkey, a day after 11 people were killed in an attack on police in Istanbul.
	Prime Minister Binali Yildirim blamed the attack on the "killer PKK", referring to the outlawed rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party.
	"We will fight them both in urban centres and rural areas with determination," he vowed.
	Turkey remains on high alert after multiple attacks on its soil that have killed well over 200 people in the past year and have been blamed on, or claimed by, Kurdish militants and Islamic State (IS) jihadists.
	Images carried by Turkish media showed a massive plume of black smoke rising from the rubble of the severely damaged police station in the town of Midyat near the Syrian border.
	The windows of houses in the neighbourhood were shattered by the force of the blast.
	Yildirim said one police officer and two civilians have been confirmed dead so far while 30 people were injured.
	The police 

Three dead in Turkey bombing blamed on Kurdish rebels

Cosmetics giant Lancome closed some of its outlets in Hong Kong today as protesters gathered at a major mall after the company cancelled a concert featuring a local singer critical of China.
	Many Hong Kong residents believe the promotional gig by pro-democracy activist Denise Ho was cancelled after China's state-run media criticised the French company for allowing her to perform.
	Ho was a leading activist during mass rallies in 2014 calling on Beijing to allow fully free elections.
	The row comes as fears grow in the semi-autonomous city that Beijing is tightening its grip.
	Dozens of protesters gathered at the central Times Square shopping mall this afternoon shouting: "Boycott Lancome!" and "Shame on self-censorship!"
	Carrying cardboard cut-outs of Ho, they entered the mall and stuck posters all over the Lancome counter, which had shut for the day ahead of the demonstrations.
	In the same building, a Lancome beauty centre and the offices of parent company L'Oreal were also ...

Lancome faces growing anger and protests in Hong Kong

Two police officers were killed in a car bomb attack today in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast, a day after 11 people were killed in an attack on a police bus in Istanbul.
	The car bomb ripped through the main police station in the town of Midyat near the Syrian border, said state-run Anatolia news agency, which blamed "terrorists" in a reference to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
	The explosion left two police officers dead and several other people wounded, the privately owned Dogan news agency said.
	Images carried by Turkish media showed a massive plume of black smoke rising from the rubble of the severely damaged police station.
	The windows of houses in the neighbourhood were shattered by the force of the blast.
	Ambulances and fire engines were dispatched to the scene after the powerful explosion.
	The attack comes a day after a bombing in the heart of Istanbul killed 11 people including several police officers.
	Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin yesterday said seven ..

Two police officers killed in Turkey car bomb

Bernie Sanders refused to concede defeat to Hillary Clinton today, vowing to "continue the fight" for the Democratic nomination despite his rival declaring herself the party's flagbearer for the US presidential race.
	"Next Tuesday we continue the fight in the last primary in Washington DC," the senator from Vermont told supporters in California.
	"And then we take our fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice to Philadelphia," where the Democratic convention will be held to formally nominate the party's candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump for the White House.
	Sanders appeared to ignore the political writing on the wall, after Clinton surpassed the number of delegates necessary to clinch the party's nomination.
	Tuesday was the last major date of the 2016 primary calendar, with six states voting.
	The former secretary of state extended her delegate lead with wins in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.
	Sanders won North Dakota and Montana, US ...

Bernie Sanders vows to stay in Democratic nomination race

Two Chinese jets conducted an "unsafe" intercept of a US spy plane over the East China Sea, officials said, but the Pentagon downplayed the encounter and blamed it on shoddy piloting.
	According to US Pacific Command spokesman Commander David Benham, two Chinese J-10 fighter jets yesterday flew close to an American RC-135 reconnaissance plane that was on a routine patrol.
	"One of the intercepting Chinese jets had an unsafe excessive rate of closure on the RC-135 aircraft," Benham said, without specifying exactly where the incident occurred.
	"Initial assessment is that this seems to be a case of improper airmanship, as no other provocative or unsafe maneuvers occurred."
	The East China Sea is part of the Pacific and home to small islands whose ownership is disputed by China, Japan and Taiwan.
	China also claims a string of islets across the South China Sea and its military expansion in the contested waterway has sparked heightened tensions with regional neighbors and the United ...

Chinese jets in 'unsafe' intercept of US spy plane: Pentagon

Chinese prosecutors have charged 74 people in connection with a series of grisly murders aimed at extorting compensation from coal mining firms, state media said today.
	The workers are accused of a killing spree that left 17 dead in six regions across the country, the Global Times said, with the deaths made to look like work accidents.
	The slaughter was all part of a complicated con by participants who posed as the victims' family, and then offered mine-owners their silence in exchange for a big pay day, the paper said.
	"Once paid, they would quietly move on... Since they knew how easy it was to con and extort money out of coal mine owners, they would kill again and again," the paper reported.
	The newspaper cited lawyers as saying that such murders have been common in China's vast mining sector in the past decade.
	The country is the world's largest producer of coal and hundreds die each year in accident-prone mines, though the number of deaths has fallen in recent years.
	"There .

China miners accused of multiple murders in extortion scam

Singapore confirmed today it would cut off Internet access for government work stations within a year for security reasons, a surprise move in one of the world's most wired countries.
	The decision will not disrupt government operations, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) said after local daily The Straits Times reported that some 100,000 computers would be affected.
	"We have started to separate Internet access from the work stations of a selected group of public service officers, and will do so for the rest of the public service officers progressively over a one-year period," the IDA said in a written reply to AFP queries.
	Industry sources said the measure was aimed at preventing cyber attacks as well as the spread of malware that might enter the government email network thought Internet-enabled work stations.
	Singapore is one of the world's most Internet-savvy societies, offering broadband speeds envied by many.
	A wide range of government services are available online, ...

Singapore blocking Internet access on government computers

China's imports decreased at their slowest pace in more than a year-and-a-half in May, official data showed today, in a possible sign domestic demand in the world's second-largest economy may be recovering.
	The country is a key driver of world growth and its demand for commodities has enormous implications for resource-rich nations from Australia to Nigeria.
	China's imports have been shrinking since late 2014 as the country's once blistering expansion lost steam, slowed down by manufacturing overcapacity, a slowing property market and mounting debt.
	But the year-on-year drop of 0.4 per cent in May imports marked the slowest rate of decline since October 2014, when they grew 4.6 per cent, customs data showed.
	The results were also well ahead of the Bloomberg News median forecast of a 6.8 per cent decrease based on a poll of economists.
	"Recovering commodity prices and relatively resilient domestic demand are driving a recovery in import growth," Julian Evans-Pritchard, an analyst .

China imports fall slows in May

Thailand has become the first Asian country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, the World Health Organization said today, a milestone in the fight against the disease.
	The announcement is a boost for a generation of Thai health workers who have transformed the nation from one of Asia's most HIV-ravaged societies to a pin-up for how to effectively tackle the crisis.
	Describing the elimination as a "remarkable achievement", the WHO said Thailand was "the first (country) with a large HIV epidemic to ensure an AIDS-free generation."
	Belarus and Armenia were also declared free of mother-to-baby HIV transmissions today but both nations have a much lower prevalence of the virus.
	Previously Cuba was the only other country to have eliminated mother-to-child transmission under the WHO's criteria back in July 2015.
	The global health body said Thailand's routine screening and universal free medication for pregnant women with HIV was crucial in stopping the virus being passed to 

Thailand first in Asia to eliminate mother-to-baby HIV: WHO

French sprinter Jimmy Vicault posted a season-best 100m time of 9.86 sec to equal his own European record in Montreuil on Tuesday.
     The 24-year-old had clocked 9.99 sec at Rome's Diamond League last Thursday, enough to qualify for the August 5-21 Rio Games.
     He became co-holder of the European 100m record on July 4, 2015 in Paris when he matched the mark set by Portugal's Francis Obikwelu at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
     "I thought I'd put in a big time today. I'm really satisfied with that," said Vicault.
     His time is the quickest 100m run anywhere in the world this year, ahead of Qatari Femi Ogunode (9.91), veteran Kim Collins (9.93) and Justin Gatlin (also 9.93).
     Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, set to defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m Olympic titles in Brazil, has run the blue riband distance this year in 9.98 last month in Ostrava.
     The six-time Olympic gold medallist owns the 100m world record at 9.58.

French 100m sprinter Vicault posts season best 9.86s

European champions Spain suffered a shock first defeat since March 2015 losing 1-0 at home to Georgia in their final warm-up friendly before Euro 2016 in Madrid on Tuesday.
     Georgia, ranked 137 in the world, hadn't won a game since defeating minnows Gibraltar in Euro qualifying in October.
     However, they defended resolutely and took full advantage of their one real attack when Tornike Okriashvili tapped home at the far post six minutes before half-time.
     Spain begin their quest for a third consecutive European Championship against the Czech Republic on June 13 in Toulouse.
     Vicente del Bosque had named a stronger side than in Spain's comfortable wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Korea in the past week with the Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid contingent returning after their duties in the Champions League final.
     The hosts were camped in the Georgia half for almost the entire match, but paid for a lack of creativity in breaking down the visitors' mass ranks 

Spain slump to shock Georgia defeat ahead of Euros

Colombia became the first side to reach the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario on Tuesday, while the United States thumped Costa Rica 4-0 to get their campaign back on track.
     Goals from AC Milan's Carlos Bacca and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez secured a 2-1 win for Colombia over Paraguay in front of a vocal crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in California.
     Victor Ayala gave Paraguay hope after pulling a goal back on 71 minutes but Colombia held on for three points which means they are assured of a top two finish in Group A and a place in the last eight.
     Colombia need only to draw against Costa Rica on Saturday to assure themselves of first place, leaving them a potentially easier quarter-final against the runner-up from Group B, which contains Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti and Peru.
     In Tuesday's other game, US striker Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal as the host nation bounced back from their 2-0 loss to Colombia on Friday with a convincing rout 

Colombia into last eight, US bounce back at Copa America

Police in Papua New Guinea opened fire on students protesting against the prime minister today, with witnesses saying at least four people had been shot.
	Students have been locked in a month-long standoff with authorities and have been boycotting classes as they demand Prime Minister Peter O'Neill step aside over corruption allegations.
	Witnesses said the clashes broke out in the capital Port Moresby as students prepared to march from the University of PNG to parliament, where O'Neill was due to face a no confidence vote. Anti-corruption campaigner Noel Anjo Kolao, who helped organise the protest, said police had set up road blocks and pointed their guns at students.
	"Then they started shooting at them," he told AFP by phone, saying that he saw several students were injured.
	"We have two sets of laws in Papua New Guinea, one for the prime minister and one for ordinary citizens."
	PNG broadcaster EMTV said on Twitter that four people had been shot, after earlier reporting that ...

Papua New Guinea police open fire on protesting students

A climber has died after plummeting from a mountain in New Zealand, with police today identifying him as French national Victor Roucher.
	The 25-year-old plunged to his death on Mount Taranaki in the North Island yesterday with a companion, also French, who sustained only minor injuries, police said.
	They said Roucher, who had been in New Zealand for six months, was near the summit of the 2,518-metre peak when he fell.
	Taranaki area commander Inspector Keith Borrel told Fairfax New Zealand that it appeared Roucher had lost his footing in icy conditions on the dormant volcano.

French climber dies in New Zealand

Teenager Taylor Fritz earned the chance to face his hero Roger Federer after the American defeated an unranked French qualifier on Tuesday to reach the second round in Stuttgart.
     Federer will be playing his first match in nearly a month after recovering from back pain and skipping the French Open, as he ramps up his preparations for Wimbledon.
     Number 65 Fritz has had time on court with the Swiss legend -- a Wimbledon training session a year ago -- but booked his place into the match of his life with a 3-6 7-6 (8/6) 6-1 win over Fabrice Martin on the grass at the Weissenhof Club.
     Fritz, 18, said he will not worry with nerves when he faces one of the best players on the planet.
     "I have nothing to lose, there is no pressure on me, I don't think there will be any nerves."
     The teenager said he had watched and admired Federer as a boy aged 11.
     "I never thought then that I'd be playing Federer in singles and teaming with (Juan Martin) Del Potro in doubles (this .

Federer to face fearless American teen Fritz

Oil prices held above USD 50 in Asia today as traders awaited US inventory data and the dollar remained weak, boosting demand for the commodity.
	"The WTI crude oil price closed above the USD 50 mark for the first time in eight months, resulting in a cheerful rally in energy stocks," said Margaret Yang, an analyst at CMC Markets in Singapore.
	The market is expecting US Department of Energy weekly crude inventory numbers to drop further after recent losses, with an anticipated fall of 3.25 million barrels, she added in a note.
	At about 0930 IST today, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for July delivery was up 11 cents at USD 50.47 a barrel while Brent North Sea for August delivery was up three cents at USD 51.47.
	Oil has mounted a dramatic rebound since it fell to historical lows in January and February when crude was in free fall to nearly USD 25, prices not seen since 2003. But the commodity is still far short of peaks of over USD 100 in mid-2014, before an economic ...

Oil holds above USD 50 on tight supply, weak dollar

England have knack of coming unstuck as they chase a Test series whitewash but they will hope to complete the job against Sri Lanka at Lord's this week -- despite clear signs of improvement from the tourists.
     England are 2-0 up with one Test to play, but the match starting on Thursday has more riding on it than it might appear for the hosts after recent series victories ended on a low note.
     Last year, having won the Ashes, England suffered an innings and 46-run defeat by Australia in the fifth Test at The Oval. There was a similarly heavy reverse in South Africa in January when, 2-0 up with one to play, England lost the fourth Test at Centurion by 280 runs.
     Although they won the second Test against Sri Lanka in Chester-le-Street by nine wickets, there were warning signs for England during that success.
     Sri Lanka, having become the first team since New Zealand in 1958 to be dismissed for under 120 in three successive Test innings, made 475 in the second knock in ...

England reach for the whitewash against Sri Lanka

A Donald Trump victory in the US Presidential elections could scupper America's chances of mounting a successful bid for the 2026 World Cup, the country's top soccer official told US media outlets on Tuesday.
     US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said Trump's election could adversely affect international opinion of the United States, potentially dealing a fatal blow to hopes of gathering enough votes to land the tournament.
     The US Soccer Federation has not formally announced a bid for the 2026 tournament but is already seen as the popular frontrunner.
     Gulati was quoted by USA Today as saying that the USA, beaten by Russia and Qatar in bids for 2018 and 2022, would only chase the 2026 World Cup if victory was possible.
     "We are going to bid for a World Cup if we think we can be successful," Gulati was quoted as saying during a briefing to US journalists in Chicago.
     "Being successful in a World Cup bid or an Olympic bid for Los Angeles (in 2024) is affected by the ...

Trump presidency could scupper US World Cup bid: Gulati

Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal as the United States reignited their Copa America campaign to ease the pressure on coach Jurgen Klinsmann with a 4-0 win over Costa Rica here Tuesday.
     The host nation, beaten by Group A rivals Colombia in the tournament opener on Friday, produced a devastating first half goal blitz to sink their rivals from the CONCACAF region on a warm night at Soldier Field.
     Dempsey opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood struck just before half-time to effectively settle the contest. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth three minutes from time.
     The win came as a welcome relief for Klinsmann, whose tenure has faced mounting criticism over the past 18 months after a series of disappointing performances in competitive matches.
     United States Soccer Federation chief Sunil Gulati had fueled fresh speculation about Klinsmann's position only hours before kick-off, telling journalists: "No-one has ...

AFP

AFP

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