ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, April 6 (Xinhua) — An explosive device was found and defused in a residential building in Russia’s St. Petersburg and several suspects have been detained, local media reported Thursday.

ANKARA, April 6 (Xinhua) — Despite serious assurances given by government authorities, Turkey’s once flourishing economy shows signs of weakness ahead of a crucial referendum which would significantly increase President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers. Turkey’s economy grew 2.9 percent in 2016, with 3.5 percent in the last quarter, despite negative outlooks by credit rating agencies. […]

DAMASCUS, April 6 (Xinhua) — Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Thursday that the Syrian airstrike on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun struck a rebel depot containing chemical materials, denying claims that the air force fired toxic gas during the attack.

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, April 6 (Xinhua) — Incessant rains and snowfall in Indian-controlled Kashmir Thursday triggered fear of floods among residents. The rains that are continuing from past three days have pushed water level up in the rivers and streams. Authorities have ordered closure of schools and college across the region for three days in […]

MANILA, April 6 (Xinhua) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday that developing Asia will continue to perform well this year even as recovery in the major industrial economies remained weak, predicting the region’s economy to expand by 5.7 percent in 2017 and 2018. Asian Development Outlook 2017, the ADB’s annual economic publication, said […]

YANGON, April 6 (Xinhua) — Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw left Nay Pyi Taw for Beijing on Thursday morning to begin a six-day state visit to China. The visit is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendly relations and cooperation between Myanmar and China, according to official sources. U Htin Kyaw is expected to […]

CANBERRA, April 6 (Xinhua) — The female head of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has expressed her disappointment at the lack of women in high ranking positions within the organization, saying there has never been a female ambassador in major cities such as Jakarta, Washington and London. Speaking at a conference discussing […]

NEW DELHI, April 5 (Xinhua) — At least six members of a family were killed Wednesday after a stockpile of fireworks exploded in their house in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, police said. The blast took place at Seondha in Datia district, about 439 km north of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. […]

MOSCOW, April 5 (Xinhua) — Six Central Asian nationals were detained Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, on suspicion of facilitating terrorist activities and recruiting their compatriots for terrorist groups, Russian authorities said. “The suspects had been recruiting Central Asian natives for the Nusra Front and the Islamic State since November 2015. They also tried to […]