Tiny cube to tackle space debris
March 28, 2010
UK researchers have developed a device to drag space debris out of orbit.
They plan to launch a demonstration of their “CubeSail” next year. It is a small satellite cube that deploys a thin, 25-sq-m plastic sheet.
Farc rebels poised to free Colombian soldier
March 28, 2010
Relatives of a kidnapped Colombian soldier have arrived in the city of Villavicencio ahead of his planned release.
Colombia’s main leftist rebel group, the Farc, said it would proceed with its plans to unilaterally free Private Josue Daniel Calvo, 22, on Sunday.
Gujarat minister Modi questioned at riots inquiry
March 28, 2010
The chief minister of India’s Gujerat state, Narendra Modi, has appeared for the first time before a panel investigating deadly riots in 2002.
Gujarat authorities have been criticised for not doing enough to prevent the violence in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died.
Israel’s Netanyahu downplays tensions with US
March 28, 2010
Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to ease tensions with the US, describing the two countries’ relations as those of “allies and friends”.
Mr Netanyahu also dismissed reports one of his confidants called US President Barack Obama a “disaster” for Israel.
Jenson Button wins dramatic Australian Grand Prix
March 28, 2010
Jenson Button won an incident-packed Australian Grand Prix after the leading Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel slid out of the race with brake failure.
An early swap to dry-weather slick tyres proved crucial in a race dominated by changing weather, crashes and breathtaking racing.
Sunk South Korea naval ship Cheonan ’split in half’
March 28, 2010
The force of Friday’s mysterious explosion which sunk a South Korean naval ship appears to have split the vessel’s hull in two, officials say.
The two halves are lying on the sea bed but bad weather has prevented military divers from reaching the wreckage.
Missing Chinese dissident lawyer Gao Zhisheng ‘alive’
March 28, 2010
Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, missing for more than a year after being detained by police, has spoken to Western journalists.
“I want to live a quiet life for a while,” said Mr Gao by telephone.
Thailand PM begins negotiations with Red-Shirts
March 28, 2010
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is holding face-to-face talks with leaders of the protesters demanding that he resign and call new elections.
Mr Abhisit’s spokesman said he had “accepted the request to negotiate” in an effort to “restore peace and minimise the chance of violence”.
Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood to open Cannes
March 27, 2010
British director Ridley Scott’s new film Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe, has been selected to open the annual Cannes Film Festival in May.
The film, about the birth of the Robin Hood legend, also stars Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, and William Hurt.
Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood to open Cannes
March 27, 2010
British director Ridley Scott’s new film Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe, has been selected to open the annual Cannes Film Festival in May.
The film, about the birth of the Robin Hood legend, also stars Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, and William Hurt.