World News: Pressure grows on India to tackle concerns over Games

Pressure is growing on India to deal urgently with problems concerning its hosting of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, amid increasing criticism and concerns over hygiene and security.

Commonwealth Games Canada's president said that Indian officials had been "indifferent bordering on intransigent" in tackling the issues.

New Zealand has now delayed the arrival of its athletes for the event.

India insists next month's Games will be one of the most successful.

Several participating countries have delegates in the capital urgently checking the facilities at the athletes' village and the arrangements for security.

The president of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), Mike Stanley, said the arrival of its athletes should be delayed until at least September 28 because of problems with accommodation and other issues at the village. The Games start on October 3.

Mr Stanley said: "It's tremendously disappointing.

"The long list of outstanding issues has made it clear the village will now not be ready for New Zealand athletes to move in as planned."

Man held over $1m sketch

A MAN wanted in connection with a stolen drawing believed to be by Vincent van Gogh was arrested.

US authorities said the Texas man, who was arrested in the northern state of Vermont, is wanted for selling the $1 million sketch of van Gogh's painting The Night Cafe.

Soldiers found in mass grave

A MASS grave was found containing the remains of 47 communist commandos killed in the Vietnam War, an official said.

Lu Dinh Phu said eight of the bodies were identified.The commandos were believed to have been killed in 1968 in an attack on a building in Saigon.

Vatican Bank speaks out

The Vatican said the seizure by police of 23 million euros from a Vatican bank account and the investigation of two top bank officials was due to a simple misunderstanding that should be clarified quickly.

The Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano also provided details about the investigation, saying it began when the Bank of Italy tipped off authorities to a possible violation of anti-money laundering norms.

Madonna fan charged over pick

A RETIRED New York City firefighter yearning to meet Madonna was accused of scrawling messages of adoration on the pavement outside her apartment building and possessing a 7.5-inch ice pick.

Robert Linhart, 59, is charged with graffiti and criminal possession of an ice pick.

Unions set for another day of protests

France: Unions are set for another day of damaging strikes and street protests against President Nicolas Sarkozy's plans to overhaul pensions and raise the retirement age from 60 to 62.

The protests are expected to cause disruption to rail, air and urban transport, schools and postal services.

Canada: The minority government has lost a bid to end a rifle and shotgun registry which police say helps to trace guns used in crimes.