Polluted air doesn't deter distance runners

NEW DELHI - People breathing New Delhi's acrid air for the past month have suffered burning eyes and rasping throats, so the notion of thousands of distance runners gulping down lungful after lungful may have seemed strange. But even as the polluted air threatens health, India seems to be embracing physical fitness.

Singapore rolls out drive to keep cars off the roads

SINGAPORE - In the battle against the car, space-starved Singapore has deployed road tolls, massive spending on public transport and a license fee that bumps the cost of an average vehicle to over $80,000.

London buses to be perked up by coffee to reduce emissions

LONDON - A coffee-based biofuel will be used to help power London's public buses from Monday in a bid to reduce transport emission, local media reported.

How noodles led to girl's love of Mandarin

A little girl's interest in wanting to talk about Chinese food put her on a path to study the language.

Heartache for sale at ex-lovers market

HANOI - At Vietnam's Old Flames market, curious customers peruse love letters and pick through perfumes, candles and clothes - relics from failed relationships put on sale by forlorn lovers.

Uncertain future for Germany

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel was left battling for political survival on Monday after high-stakes talks to form a new government collapsed, plunging the country into a crisis that could trigger fresh elections.

Mugabe passes deadline to resign

HARARE - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe ignored a midday deadline set by the ruling party to step down or face impeachment proceedings, as the influential Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association said on Monday it would invite Zimbabweans back into the streets for more protests until Mugabe steps down.

Weather complicates submarine search

MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina - A multinational armada of aircraft and vessels battled high winds and raging seas on Sunday as they intensified their search for a missing Argentine submarine, after apparent attempted distress calls raised hopes the 44 crew members may still be alive.

US military imposes Japan-wide alcohol ban after crash

TOKYO - A Japanese man was killed in a truck collision involving a US marine who was well over the legal alcohol limit for driving, police said of a case that was likely to stoke resentment over the US military presence on the southern island of Okinawa.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Food for thought on future of children

KABUL - Concerns are growing for children in Afghanistan, with poor access to schools and worsening malnutrition becoming increasingly worrying for health agencies.

VR swimming with dolphins aids disabled

APELDOORN, Netherlands - Swimming with wild dolphins is something most can only dream of, and jumping into pools with captive animals has become increasingly controversial with environmentalists condemning it as cruel.