China's Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday closer ties with Russia were of 'crucial importance' for global peace, as the two nations seek to resist international action on Syria and Iran.

The Thames pageant, with its 1,000-boat flotilla, will have 70 Britons of Indian origin playing Bollywood and Scottish tunes to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee.

Twelve-year-old Kevin John, an Indian-origin boy from Kerala on Tuesday sang in the choir at the thanksgiving service to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at St Paul's Cathedral.

Queen Elizabeth II joined an armada of over 1,000 boats down the Thames on Sunday afternoon, past London Eye and Westminster, to celebrate her 60-year-long reign.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's most-populated island on Monday, seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Five-time champions India came from behind to stun Great Britain 3-1 and clinch the bronze medal in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.

Contestants of the Miss USA pageant were unable to name the Vice President of their country when they were quizzed in the contest.

Maria Sharapova of Russia in action in her second-round French Open match against Ayumi Morita of Japan in Paris on Friday. Sharapova won in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. — AP

Lawyers representing Pakistani doctor Shakil Afridi, who was sentenced to 33 years imprisonment on charges of treason, have appealed against his conviction.

A judge sentenced former Egyptian Pesident Hosni Mubarak to life in prison on Saturday after convicting him of involvement in the murder of protesters during the uprising that ousted him last year.