» The world's 10 most admired nations

The United States has been ranked as the world's most admired country. With the best overall brand ranking, the US has moved up to the top slot, up from seventh last year, states a survey by GFK Roper Public Affairs & Media.

» Obama threatens to bomb Pak; they say 'we are not a banana republic'

Even as the Pakistani political and military leadership has reacted strongly to the proposed US drone strikes inside the country, President Barack Obama has warned that America would launch missile attacks inside Pakistan if it gets actionable intelligence about the presence of top al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders in a particular area.

» US deficit 'hits record $1.4tn'

The US budget deficit more than tripled to a record $1.4 trillion in the year to 30 September, the US Congress estimates.

» Florida : Man kills fiancee 1 day before wedding

A man who thought there was an intruder in his house shot and killed his fiancee the day before they were to be married, police said Friday.

» The Decade in Review

Like every other decade, the last 10 years were filled with highs and lows. What may make this decade stand out more than others are the extremes.

» Somali pirates hijack carrier with 24 Indian crew

Pirates on Thursday hijacked a Panamanian-flagged carrier in waters off Somalia, taking 26 crew hostage, 24 of them Indian, a NATO spokeswoman said.