News In Brief

China to set up first consulate in Nepal
Ians, Kathmandu

Due to the growing trade between the two neighbours, China will set up its first consulate in Nepal even as the Himalayan nation is preparing to open a third consulate in China.
Nepal has been preparing to set up its consulate general's office in Guangzhou while China has proposed to establish the office in Pokhara, a tourist hub in western Nepal, Xinhua reported.

Iranian pair jailed over Thai bomb plot
Cnn Online

Two Iranians were convicted in a Bangkok court yesterday over a botched bomb plot on Israeli targets last year that resulted in one losing both of his legs as he hurled an explosive device while trying to escape arrest.
Saied Moradi, 29, was found guilty of attempted murder, causing explosions and violating gun laws, and was sentenced to life imprisonment, Thai police spokesman Phanom Chuathong told CNN. Muhammad Khazaei, 43, was sentenced to 15 years jail for causing explosions and causing damage to public and private property.

Pak flood toll hits 139
Ap, Islamabad

Pakistan's government says flooding caused by torrential rains has killed 139 people and affected nearly a million others. A statement on Wednesday on the monsoon season released by the National Disaster Management Authority said 47 of the dead are from Punjab province. Sindh province was the next hardest hit with 34 people killed.

'Taliban call centre' busted in Pakistan
Pti, Lahore

Police in Pakistan have busted an illegal telephone gateway exchange in Lahore allegedly being operated by the Taliban to make ransom calls to families of persons kidnapped by them including the sons of former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani and slain Punjab governor Salman Taseer.
Though Lahore police chief Rai Tahir did not confirm how many arrests were made in Tuesday's raid, police sources say at least five suspects including women have been taken into custody.