Syrian security forces fired live rounds and tear gas at thousands of people marching today in a funeral procession that turned into a protest in Damascus, activists said.

Syrian troops attacked rebel strongholds in Deraa where the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad erupted nearly a year ago, and the UN chief said crimes against humanity had almost certainly been committed in Syria.

Three Chinese astronauts emerged from their capsule today upon a jubilant return to Earth after successfully completing the country’s first-ever spacewalk mission.

China celebrated its first-ever space walk, fuelling ambitions to build a space station and push further into areas of exploration previously dominated by the former Soviet Union and the United States.

A Chinese astronaut today performed the nation’s first-ever spacewalk, the latest milestone in an ambitious programme that is increasingly rivalling the US and Russia in its rapid expansion.

CHINA’s three astronauts spent their first day in orbit yesterday, preparing for a much-anticipated walk outside their craft, as Japan voiced hopes its neighbour had peaceful aims in space.