Officer praises laser, electromagnetic guns

Lasers that shoot down drones with precision and electromagnetic cannons that fire more than 160 kilometers are part of the future of naval warfare, promising to be cheaper to use than conventional weapons, a US admiral said on Tuesday.

World powers urged to seal nuke deal

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that world powers must "seize the opportunity" of a landmark nuclear deal, saying Teheran had taken "the necessary steps" for an accord.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Love Commandos help couples find own destiny

Vandna left everything behind when she fled her parents' home in India to be with the man she loved, giving up family, friends and the studies she hoped would help her become a teacher.

Water-insulated house proposed as energy saver

As UN climate negotiators gather in Geneva this week, a Japan-inspired Hungarian inventor believes he has found a revolutionary and inexpensive way to construct buildings that could slash humanity's energy needs.

Shark attack kills another tourist

A Japanese surfer was killed on Monday after both his legs were bitten off by a shark in eastern Australia, a day after another man suffered serious injuries in the same area.

Women promote pride in their curls

Hundreds of women are using Brazil's Carnival season to flaunt their curls in a party-time promotion of black pride.

Germans to plead guilty to vandalism

Two young German men will plead guilty to vandalism, an offense punishable by caning, after spray-painting a metro train in Singapore, their lawyer said on Monday.

Around the world

FARC rebels have invited the newly crowned Miss Universe, Paulina Vega, to attend their peace negotiations with the government, a bid to end 50 years of fighting. Vega, a 22-year-old from the northern city of Barranquilla, was named Miss Universe in late January, and has said that she is willing to travel to the talks.

City police probe online death threat against PM

Singapore police said on Monday an investigation was under way after Facebook posts showing photographs of bullets were addressed to the prime minister of the city-state, which prides itself on its stability and security.

US scales down joint military exercise

The United States said on Monday its relationship with Thailand was going through a "challenging" period as the two sides began a major military exercise, scaled down over Washington's concerns about the junta leadership.

Abbott vows to change after party rejects bid to unseat him

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott vowed on Monday to change after surviving a confidence vote on his leadership, while urging an end to the disunity that has seen the government's popularity plummet.