IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Brazilian indigenous groups, police clash before World Cup

Indigenous protesters wearing traditional headdress clashed with police in Brazil's capital on Tuesday, resulting in one officer being shot in the leg with an arrow and the cancellation of a ceremony to open the exhibition of the World Cup trophy.

Malnutrition suspected in whale beachings

A surge in humpback whale strandings in Western Australia is believed to be linked to poor nutrition, veterinary researchers said on Wednesday.

Microsoft shows off prototype real-time translator for Skype

Microsoft Corp showed off a test version of a real-time, spoken-word translation service for Skype on Tuesday, the first time the world's largest software company has demonstrated the breakthrough technology publicly in the United States.

Google goes completely automatic with new car

Google will build a car without a steering wheel. It won't need one because it will drive itself.

South Korean hospital fire kills 21, injures 7

A fire believed to have been set by a man with dementia suffocated 21 people and injured seven others on Wednesday at a South Korean hospital that specializes in dementia and palsy patients, police and fire officers said.

Military rulers in Thailand name anti-Thaksin advisers

Thailand's junta has appointed as advisers two retired generals with palace connections, putting powerful establishment figures hostile toward former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra firmly in the ascendant in the country's long-running power struggle.

Taliban vows to continue fighting US 'occupation'

Taliban insurgents denounced US plans to keep troops in Afghanistan until the end of 2016, threatening on Wednesday to wage war against the "occupation" until the very last foreign soldier pulls out.

Modi govt's account stirs fuss in India-controlled Kashmir

A junior minister in the newly appointed Indian Prime Minister's Office racked up a major controversy on Tuesday, saying the government led by Narendra Modi has initiated a process to repeal special status granted to Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Modi asks Pakistan to hasten probe into 2008 attack

New Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the leader of rival Pakistan on Tuesday and asked that his country "abide by its commitment" to prevent its territory from being used in terrorism against India and speed up investigations into the 2008 attack in Mumbai.

Islamists vow to defeat Libyan general

An al-Qaida-inspired group in Libya vowed on Tuesday to fight renegade former general Khalifa Hifter who is waging an offensive against Islamists, accusing him of being an "American agent" who wants to replicate last year's military overthrow of an elected government in neighboring Egypt.

US deploys assault ship, 1,000 marines

US defense officials said on Tuesday the warship USS Bataan had moved into the Mediterranean Sea and could be used, if needed, for a possible evacuation of American personnel from Libya.