World News: Aussie TV sting sparks fresh fears over security at Games

Just hours after three English athletes announced their withdrawal from the event citing security concerns, Channel 7 claims it has unearthed major lapses in the security cordon around the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium - the main venue for the Games.

According to the channel, one of its journalists, Mike Duffy, was able to gain entry into the stadium with a suitcase allegedly containing crude explosives capable of setting off 200 explosions.

The news comes as a fresh blow to the Organising Committee, still reeling after receiving a "filthy" verdict on the games village by Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper and president Michael Fennell.

Indian officials were quick to slam Channel 7's allegations.

Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said: "There is no lockdown in Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

"When there will be a lockdown there, I can assure you, no-one will be able to make an unauthorised entry."

Vatican Bank boss is probed

The head of the Vatican Bank, Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, is under investigation as part of a money-laundering inquiry, police said.

The Vatican said it was "perplexed and astonished" by the claims, and expressed full confidence in Mr Tedeschi.

Somalian PM steps down

Somalia's prime minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, has resigned amid a power struggle with the country's president.

President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's UN-backed government is battling Islamist group al-Shabab for control of the capital, Mogadishu.

Gay military debate snub

US senators have rejected attempts to open a debate on a bill which included a provision allowing the repeal of the ban on military personnel who are openly gay.

Just 56 senators voted in favour of debating the defence authorisation bill, four short of the 60 required.

Gay people can serve in the military, but face expulsion if they reveal their sexuality. US President Barack Obama has promised to scrap the policy.

Lead poisoning investigated

The UN has sent an emergency environmental team to Nigeria to investigate the deaths of more than 200 children this year from lead poisoning.

Specialists from several agencies are to take water and soil samples from an area in in the north of the country.

13 killed in China after typhoon hits

China:Thirteen people have been killed and at least 34 are missing after Typhoon Fanapi caused flooding and landslides in the south of the country.

The typhoon made landfall in Guangdong province on Monday.

Cyprus: A Canadian mineral exploration company said it was "very encouraged" by test results showing strong potential for gold discovery in Cyprus.