News in Brief

Iran, P5+1 talks to be held next week
Afp, Tehran

Iran is to hold new talks with major powers on its nuclear programme next week, buoyed by a landmark interim deal reached last month, the foreign ministry said yesterday.
"The expert-level talks between Iran and the P5+1 will be held in Vienna on December 9 and 10 with the aim of paving the way to implement the joint plan of action," an Iranian spokesman said.

India tests nuke-capable missile
Pti, Odisha

India yesterday successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha as part of a user trial by defence forces. Prithvi is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines.

Venezuela blacked out by power cut
Afp, Caracas

Caracas and other cities in Venezuela plunged into darkness Monday night as a power cut hit just as the president was speaking on TV and radio, with local elections five days away. President Nicolas Maduro later blamed the backout on the "fascist right." Power started being restored a few hours later.

Somali parliament ousts PM
CNN Online

Somalia's parliament ousted the country's Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon in a vote of no confidence Monday after a dispute between him and the President over cabinet picks.
Shirdon, in office less than 14 months, lost the confidence vote 184-65. Parliament speaker said the current government will remain until a new prime minister takes office.

Bolshoi dancer gets 6-yrs for acid attack
Afp, Moscow

A Russian court yesterday sentenced Bolshoi dancer Pavel Dmitrichenko guilty of an acid attack on the troupe's artistic director Sergei Filin to six years in a penal colony, in the finale to a sensational case.
The January attack left Filin nearly blind. He underwent dozens of operations and is continuing treatment in Germany.

Bolshoi dancer gets 6-yrs for acid attack
Afp, Moscow

A Russian court yesterday sentenced Bolshoi dancer Pavel Dmitrichenko guilty of an acid attack on the troupe's artistic director Sergei Filin to six years in a penal colony, in the finale to a sensational case.
The January attack left Filin nearly blind. He underwent dozens of operations and is continuing treatment in Germany.