Strongest typhoon in quarter century hits Japan

TOKYO - The strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years made landfall on Tuesday, with at least six people killed and more than 1 million people urged to evacuate to escape violent winds and heavy rainfall.

Thorny trade, defense issues await US diplomats in India

WASHINGTON - Two of US President Donald Trump's top officials are finally heading for talks in India this week, after Washington twice pulled the plug on the meeting.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Shuttle diplomacy to solve Idlib crisis

DAMASCUS - Days after visiting Turkey, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Damascus on Monday as part of shuttle diplomacy to resolve the situation in Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold in Syria.

Beer-mad Belgium moves to save historic drinking dens

BRUSSELS - Belgians are famous for taking their beer seriously, but authorities are now moving to preserve some of the historic cafes where drinkers have been quaffing since the early 20th century.

Investigation under way after fire

RIO DE JANEIRO - Forensic investigators and researchers awaited access on Tuesday to the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, gutted in a fire, to find out how the blaze began and what remains of the 20 million artifacts that made the museum one of the most important in Latin America.

Drug-resistant superbug spreading, study says

PARIS - A superbug resistant to all known antibiotics that can cause "severe" infections or even death is spreading undetected through hospital wards across the world, scientists in Australia warned on Monday.

UK universities seeking longer visa for overseas students

A group representing British universities has called on the government to reintroduce a discontinued visa allowing overseas students to remain in the country for up to two years after graduation so the country does not miss out on their skills.

Pentagon scraps $300m aid to Pakistan

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said it has made a final decision to cancel $300 million in aid to Pakistan that had been suspended over Islamabad's perceived failure to take decisive action against militants, in a new blow to deteriorating ties.

Johnson calls May's Brexit proposal a 'disaster' for Britain

Former British foreign secretary Boris Johnson has launched his most outspoken attack yet on Prime Minister Theresa May's proposals for Britain's exit from the European Union - Brexit - calling them a "disaster".

Firefighters try to save relics as fire engulfs 200-year-old museum in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO - A huge fire engulfed Brazil's 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, lighting up the night sky with towering flames as firefighters and museum workers raced to save historical relics from the blaze.

Khamenei says war unlikely but urges boosting Iran's defenses

TEHERAN - Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out the possibility of military attacks by the country's enemies, but called on Iran's armed forces to boost their defense capacities, according to his official website, as the country faces increased tension with the United States.