Pakistan airstrikes

Islamabad, April 24 (Reuters): Pakistani fighter jets pounded suspected militant hideouts near the Afghan border today in response to a spate of attacks around the country, the army said.

“Terrorist hideouts were engaged by fighter jets in Khyber agency early (in the) morning today,” the army’s press wing said.

China curbs

Beijing (Reuters): China on Thursday passed amendments to an environmental protection law imposing tougher penalties on polluters in the most sweeping revisions to the law in 25 years.

US backing

Tokyo (Reuters): President Barack Obama assured ally Japan on Thursday that Washington was committed to its defence.

Israel talks

Jerusalem (Reuters): Israel on Thursday suspended US-sponsored peace talks with the Palestinians in response to President Abbas’s unexpected unity pact with the rival Hamas group.