[World] French forces advance in Mali against radical Islamists, face 'acts of harassment'

French forces advance in Mali against radical Islamists, face 'acts of harassment'
http://www.euronews.com/2013/01/26/french-and-malians-close-in-on-gao/
French forces took control of the airport and a key bridge in the radical Islamist stronghold of Gao under cover of darkness early Saturday, making a significant inroad into territory held by the Al Qaeda-linked extremists.

30 die in Egypt protests over soccer massacre verdicts
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/27-killed-in-Egypt-clashes-over-soccer-riot-death-sentences/articleshow/18200123.cms
Death toll reaches 39 in three days of violent protests after judge announces death penalty for 21 soccer fans on trial for 2012 stadium disaster, in which 74 people died; Egypt's national defense council calls for dialogue.

Satellite images reveal North Korea ready for nuclear test
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/North-Korea-threatens-third-nuclear-test-more-rocket-launches/articleshow/18166462.cms
WASHINGTON - North Korea could be almost ready to carry out its threat to conduct a nuclear test, a U.S. research institute said, pointing to recent satellite photos.

Dozens reported killed in Venezuela prison riot
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/26/venezuela-prison-riot-inmates-killed
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuelan authorities promised a high-level investigation Saturday into a deadly prison riot that reportedly left dozens of people dead when National Guard soldiers clashed with armed inmates.

Violence mars anniversary of January 25 Revolution
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/01/25/egyptians-mark-revolutions-two-year-anniversary-with-protests-denouncing-president-mohammed-morsi/
CAIRO - A sunny afternoon of flag waving and chanting in Cairo's Tahrir Square degenerated into plumes of tear gas and violent rioting for the second anniversary of the January 25 Revolution.

Former Prime Minister Is Elected President of Czech Republic
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21210495
PRAGUE - Milos Zeman, a burly former leftist prime minister and economist known for his outspoken populism, was elected president of the Czech Republic on Saturday, becoming the country's first popularly elected president.

President Pranab Mukerjee's Republic Day 'At Home' with a difference
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/president-pranab-mukerjee-s-republic-day-at-home-with-a-difference-322688
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee's first Republic Day 'At Home' at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening knew no boundaries as he freely mingled with one and all.

Russian anti-smoking bill backed by lawmakers
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/25/russian-gay-activists-detained-propaganda-bill
By Sonia Elks. MOSCOW | Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:38am EST. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian lawmakers on Friday backed a law which would ban smoking in bars, cafes and other public spaces to promote healthier living in the world's largest tobacco market after ...

Suicide Bombers Kill 12 in Afghanistan
http://www.news.com.au/world/ten-police-killed-in-afghanistan-suicide-attack/story-fndir2ev-1226562710141
KABULâ€"Suicide bombers targeting law-enforcement authorities killed at least 12 people in two separate incidents in Afghanistan on Saturday, underscoring the precarious security situation in the country as U.S.

Venezuela threatens to sue El País over fake Hugo Chávez surgery picture
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/25/venezuela-el-pais-hugo-chavez
The Venezuelan government has said it will sue a leading Spanish newspaper for running a fake picture on its front page of Hugo Chávez undergoing surgery.

Syria conflict: UN says refugee crisis in Jordan 'critical'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21179835
The UN says there has been a huge leap in the numbers of Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan, putting a considerable strain on resources.

MP 'sorry' over Israel criticism
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21216801
A Liberal Democrat MP who accused "the Jews" in Israel of "inflicting atrocities on Palestinians... on a daily basis" has apologised for the "unintended offence".

Crew believed to be dead as plane lost in Antarctic spotted on side of mountain
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rescuers-find-antarctic-crash-site-canadian-crew-presumed-dead/article7894385/
The wreckage of a Twin Otter aircraft missing for several days in Antarctica was found late Friday night and the three-member Canadian crew is believed to be dead.

Iraq Parliament Votes to Keep Maliki From Seeking New Term
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/world/middleeast/iraq-parliament-votes-to-keep-maliki-from-seeking-new-term.html
BAGHDAD - In the bloody aftermath of street protests that turned violent on Friday in Falluja, Iraq's Parliament passed a law on Saturday intended to prevent Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki from seeking a third term.

South African crocodiles hunt 'continues by night'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21200664
The hunt for thousands of crocodiles which escaped from a farm in South Africa on Sunday is continuing, mainly at night, one of the farmers has said.

With Burma in Mind, China Quietly Supports Wa Rebels
http://www.voanews.com/content/chinese-support-for-wa-rebels-designed-to-counter-burma/1590718.html
BANGKOK - While Burma's military steps up battles against Kachin rebels along the border with China, security analysts say Beijing has been quietly selling advanced weapons to another insurgent group on its border, the United Wa State Army.

Rahul Gandhi Gets Applause, Sort of, at Litfest
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/01/26/rahul-gandhi-gets-applause-sort-of-at-litfest/
The biggest round of applause during a Saturday morning session at the Jaipur Literature Festival came after Rahul Gandhi's name was mentioned, but the claps weren't in praise of the Congress party's new vice president.