IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Nigeria and Senegal await vote results

A cloud of expectancy and anxiety is hovering over two West African countries, Nigeria and Senegal, as people eagerly await the election results, following presidential elections last weekend.

Hijacking foiled on Bangladesh flight, suspect killed

DHAKA, Bangladesh - A passenger flight made an emergency landing on Sunday in Bangladesh after an armed man attempted to hijack the plane. He was later killed in an exchange of gunfire with military commandos, officials said. The suspect asked to speak to the prime minister before dying from his injuries.

Bargain auctions offer Istanbul consumers more bang for buck

ISTANBUL - "Going, going, gone!" resonate the enticing chants of auctioneers in the narrow streets of a trendy Istanbul neighborhood, fascinating onlookers who are surprised, not so much by the fast pace of the bidding, but by the prices in such economically troubled times.

India, ASEAN eye mega trade agreement

A successful conclusion of a trade deal between India and the nations of Southeast Asia would overcome the challenges of global trade amid increasing trade tensions and protectionism, Indian commerce minister Suresh Prabhu said Thursday.

Emperor urges Japan to be 'open to the outside'

Retiring Japanese Emperor Akihito stressed the desire for peace and urged his country to be open to the world with "sincerity" at a ceremony marking 30 years of his reign on Sunday.

New Zealand insists China ties still strong

New Zealand's relationship with China remains strong, although recent events and controversies may pose fresh challenges, analysts said.

Referendum held over US military base move

TOKYO - The people of Okinawa voted on Sunday on a plan for a US military base relocation in a referendum that will send a message on how they feel about housing troops of the United States in Japan, who many see as a burden on the group of tiny southwestern islands.

Electric tricycles roll into rural Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwe startup has partnered with Chinese firms to give rural women more transportation choices by providing them with electric tricycles.

Data regulation, US gridlock top global business risks

Data regulation, US political gridlock, weather disruptions, globalization and the trade dispute between China and the United States are the top five risks facing companies this year, according to a new survey by international risk consultancy Control Risks.

Death toll at 156 in India's toxic liquor tragedy

GAUHATI, India - At least 156 people have died and more than 225 people have been hospitalized after drinking tainted liquor in two separate incidents in India's remote northeast, authorities said on Sunday.

Maduro vows to defend nation amid standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vowed to devote his life "to the defense of the country", as other countries including Cuba and Bolivia reiterated their support for the Venezuelan government.