Indian Maharaja ‘stole’ gold from treasure trove

An Indian Maharaja has been accused of stealing gold from what is believed to be the world’s greatest treasure trove discovered in an ancient Hindu temple earlier this year. The head of the Travancore royal family Maharaja Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma regularly stole priceless jewellery and coins from the temple’s treasure trove, which is estimated to be worth 14 billion, according to former temple employees and Kerala’s former chief minister.

Full Story

Taiwan evacuates 8,000 as typhoon makes landfall

Taiwan evacuated thousands of people, closed down schools and halted rail services on Monday as Typhoon Nanmadol swept across some of the island's most densely populated areas.

Full Story

Al-Qaeda ‘responsible’ for Algeria bombing

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb on Sunday claimed responsibility for deadly twin suicide attacks in Algeria, accusing the regime there of supporting Moamer Kadhafi in neighbouring Libya.

Full Story

China artist Ai Weiwei calls Beijing a ‘nightmare’

Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has called Beijing a “nightmare” and said China’s justice system cannot be trusted, in his first article for a foreign magazine since his release from detention in June.

Full Story