North Korea's government has further intensified its surveillance of residents, viewing the problem of defectors as a serious threat to its regime stability, a source in Seoul said Sunday.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently issued an instruction demanding that even the "sound of the drop of a needle" be detected and reported to him, according to the source who ask to remain anonymous.Kim, who late last year ordered on-site execution of defectors and severe punishment of their families, agai

North Korea Dec. 9, 2012

The South Korean government is likely to cut its 2013 estimate for economic growth to the 3-percent range as downside risks at home and abroad will weigh on the economy, officials said Sunday.The government earlier forecast that Asia's fourth-largest economy would grow 4 percent next year, much rosier than outlooks presented by the central bank and private think tanks."I think that we have to consider the weak growth in the third quarter (in adjusting the growth forecast). The government is taki

Dec. 9, 2012

A nurse found dead days after she took a crank call about the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was originally from India, British police said Saturday, as details began to trickle out about the woman whose death has sparked anger at the Australian radio DJs behind the hoax.Jacintha Saldanha, 46, was found dead early Friday at nurses' housing provided by London's King Edward VII hospital, where Prince William's wife, the former Kate Middleton, was being treated for acute morning sickness this week.

Television Dec. 9, 2012

North Korea may have decided to reschedule its planned rocket launch apparently due to technical problems, a senior government source in Seoul said Sunday. The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said earlier in the day Pyongyang was considering postponing the dates of its rocket launch, scheduled for between Dec. 10-22, providing few details.The announcement sparked speculation over the latest development as recent satellite images showed that the North has installed all three-stages of t

North Korea Dec. 9, 2012

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is stepping down, the president's office announced Saturday, just hours after the man he replaced, Silvio Berlusconi, said he would run again for head of government.Monti "does not think it possible to continue his mandate and consequently made clear his intention to present his resignation", said a statement from President Giorgio Napolitano's office.The announcement came after Monti met with Napolitano at the presidential Quirinal palace for more than an hour

World News Dec. 9, 2012

Seeking to control global warming, nearly 200 countries agreed Saturday to extend the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty that limits the greenhouse gas output of some rich countries, but will only cover about 15 percent of global emissions.The extension was adopted by a U.N. climate conference after hard-fought sessions and despite objections from Russia. The package of decisions also included vague promises of financing to help poor countries cope with climate change, and an affirmation of a previous dec

World News Dec. 9, 2012

South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said Thursday that his government has been in consultations with China over possible actions to take if North Korea launches a long-range rocket this month. Asked by a lawmaker at a parliamentary session whether Seoul discussed possible sanctions with Beijing against the North's planned rocket launch, Kim replied, "Consultations are under way."Kim said that South Korea and China "have been in consultations over contents in case of North Korea's launch,

North Korea Dec. 6, 2012

A prison superintendent in North Carolina was suspended for allegedly forcing inmates to drink hot sauce and rub it on their genitals, officials said.Lafayette Hall, superintendent of a Sampson County prison, has been suspended pending an investigation into the allegations, The (Charlotte, N.C.) News & Observer reported.In July, six inmates wrote a letter to the U.S. District Court, alleging they were forced to drink hot sauce and pour it on themselves in return for favors such as food, cigarett

World News Dec. 5, 2012

North Korea has assembled all three stages of a long-range rocket on its launch pad, a South Korean official said Wednesday, the latest sign that preparations to fire off the rocket is in full swing."North Korea is believed to have completed the installation of a long-range rocket on the launch pad" at the Dongchang-ri base in the country's northwest, a government official said on condition of anonymity. "Some workers are pulling out of the site."The North is now expected to install support equi

North Korea Dec. 5, 2012

South Korean stocks closed 0.61 percent higher Wednesday, boosted by foreign buying, despite persistent U.S. budget woes, analysts said. The local currency gained against the U.S. dollar.The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) finished up 11.86 points to 1,947.04. Trading volume was moderate at 481.5 million shares worth 4.03 trillion won ($3.73 billion) with losers outpacing gainers 442 to 363. "The main index recently showed a modest relief rally after an urgent Greek bailout i

Dec. 5, 2012