World News: Pakistan braced for more floods as aid need grows

Authorities were warning of more flooding this week in Pakistan while heavy rain lashed victims living in makeshift camps, adding to the urgency of a massive international relief effort under way.

Pakistan's worst floods in recorded history began more than two weeks ago in the mountainous north-west and spread throughout the country.

Around 20 million people and 160,000 square kilometres of land - about one fifth of the country - were affected.

Sindh irrigation minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo said today a dam in Sukkur was facing a major test of its strength as flood waters coursed down the River Indus into Pakistan's highly populated agricultural heartland.

He said: "The coming four to five days are still crucial."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he has never seen anything like the flood disaster, and urged foreign donors to speed up assistance to the 20 million people affected.

"This has been a heart-wrenching day for me," he said, after flying over the hard-hit areas with President Asif Ali Zardari. "I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today."

Gabor 'serious' after surgery

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was today in an "extremely serious" condition after having two blood clots removed at a Los Angeles hospital.

Publicist John Blanchette said the 93-year-old's husband informed him of her condition.

Blanchette said the situation was "very sad".

Israel rejects talk conditions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top cabinet ministers affirmed in a meeting that Israel will not accept conditions for resuming direct negotiations with the Palestinians.

The Palestinians want the agenda of negotiations and framework to be worked out in advance.

Gillard bids for re-election

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and two of her predecessors went before cheering crowds as Australia's governing party launched its re-election campaign today, and an opinion poll showed it leading the opposition in a tight race.

Ms Gillard's launch in Brisbane, only five days before the election on Saturday, was aimed at attracting an 11th hour surge of support for the centre-left Labour Party and deliver it a second three-year term in office.

Oil field found in Afghanistan

A preliminary survey found that Afghanistan may have 1.8 billion barrels of oil in the north of the country, an official said.

The survey by Afghan and international geologists found the possible oil field between Balkh and Jawzjan provinces.

Youth shot dead in gay parade clash

Brazil: A teenager was shot dead in a fight between rival gangs at a gay parade.

Police said the teen was shot as the gangs got into a confrontation en route to the parade in Juiz de Fora.

Thailand: A state of emergency has been lifted in three provinces but is to be maintained in Bangkok and six other provinces.

The state of emergency was declared in April in Bangkok after anti-government protesters broke into the parliament building.