IN BRIEF (Page 12)

India

13 states on high storm alert

India has put about 13 states and two central government-territories on high storm alert for the next 48 hours. In an advisory, the Indian Home Ministry has said thunderstorms and rains are likely to occur in these areas on Monday and Tuesday, asking local governments to take all necessary precautions. The alert, citing a weather department prediction, came after rains, thunderstorms, dust storms and lightning claimed the lives of over 125 people in five states last week.

Nigeria

45 dead as militia, bandits clash

Fighting between armed bandits and militiamen left 45 dead in northern Nigeria, police and a local militia said on Sunday, amid escalating rural violence often involving cattle rustling, robbery and kidnappings. "The 45 bodies were found scattered in the bush. The bandits pursued residents who mobilized to defend the village after overpowering them," said a vigilante who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

The Philippines

Military drills with US kick off

Troops from the Philippines and the United States kicked off on Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism and humanitarian assistance. About 5,000 marines, sailors and airmen from the Philippines, and 3,000 US troops are participating in this year's 12-day "Balikatan 2018" drills that will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island, authorities said.

Iraq

IS group claims assassination

The Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for the assassination on Monday of a candidate in Iraq's parliamentary election just days ahead of the polls. Faruq Zarzur al-Juburi, a candidate loyal to Vice-President Ayad Allawi, was shot dead by gunmen at his home near Mosul, the former IS bastion in northern Iraq, a local official said. IS had threatened to attack polling stations and voters during the parliamentary election that will be held on Saturday, in a statement last month by its spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir.

United Kingdom

Divorces go digital with online move

Couples may utter those immortal words "I Do" when they marry in churches and registry offices. But a change in the rules has for the first time enabled estranged couples in England and Wales to untie the marital knot online. Fully digital divorce applications have been by launched in England and Wales since May, the Ministry of Justice announced on Sunday. The MoJ said the stress of applying for a divorce could be eased thanks to the new online service that removes the need for any paper forms.

Xinhua - Afp - Ap

(China Daily 05/08/2018 page12)