Nuclear reactors prepare for restart

A Japanese court has rejected a legal bid to block the reopening of the Sendai nuclear power station on safety grounds, removing one of the last big hurdles to switching reactors back on after the 2011 Fukushima crisis paralyzed the industry.

Thailand reacts to 'yellow card' from EU

Thailand warned on Wednesday that it risked losing nearly $1 billion a year if the European Union makes good on a threat to ban fish imports unless the kingdom does more to halt illegal fishing.

Taliban announces coming offensive

The Taliban in Afghanistan said their annual "spring offensive" will begin on Friday, vowing nationwide attacks in what is expected to be the bloodiest fighting season in a decade as NATO forces pull back from the front lines.

Strikes continue despite declared halt of air war

Fresh airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition were reported in Yemen on Wednesday hours after the air war was due to end.

PM calls for EU action to tackle 'slave' traffickers

The European Union must take a collective stand to tackle migrant trafficking at its source in African countries, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Wednesday.

Drug enforcement chief to quit in sex scandal

The head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration will retire, an official said on Tuesday, following a scandal involving drug agents who participated in sex orgies in Colombia with prostitutes hired by a drug cartel.

Army sent in to quell attacks on foreigners

South African soldiers were deployed overnight to tackle gangs targeting and killing foreigners after at least seven people died in a wave of anti-immigrant violence.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

IHG starts global program to cater to Chinese visitors

Finding a hot cup of Chinese tea or a bowl of congee for breakfast is a delightful surprise for Chinese tourists traveling overseas. Now a hospitality group is offering much more than that as it develops global standards for Chinese visitors to its facilities around the world.

New brand for Plateno

The Plateno Group recently announced the launch of its new H12 hotel brand in Asia, Europe and Africa.

Starwood unveils Tribute brand for independent hotels

In a move that will allow its most-valued customers to gain access to some of the world's best independently owned hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, introduced its Tribute Portfolio on Thursday.

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