CURBING air pollution in major European cities could save 19,000 lives per year, add almost two years to local life expectancy and save €31.5 billion in health costs and work absenteeism, an EU-funded study said on Wednesday.

Desperate earthquake survivors fought over relief supplies as the first food convoys reached the devastated city of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan, but the help was far from enough and heavy rains held up some helicopter flights to badly hit areas.

China has suspended the adoption of children by foreigners in a bid to help curb the spread of SARS.

Enthusiastic Indian rock fans bought the last few tickets available today for the Rolling Stones concert tonight in Bombay.