For India, the worst possible fallout from US-led strikes on Afghanistan would be an Islamic fundamentalist takeover in Pakistan, placing nuclear weapons in radical hands.

Pope John Paul II added seven people to the ranks of those on the road to possible sainthood today, beatifying victims of Nazi and Ottoman rule and five founders or members of religious orders.

Russian officials today confiscated nine tons of explosives found on a cargo plane on a flight from Vienna to Kazakstan flying via Moscow, the Russian State Customs Committee said.

Pope John Paul II has defiantly answered concerns over his health.

Lance Armstrong played cat-and-mouse with his main rival Jan Ullrich in the 12th stage of the Tour de France.