World News: Qantas jet in emergency landing after engine fails

A Qantas spokesman said the A380 aircraft experienced an engine problem soon after taking off from Singapore on a flight to Sydney. The plane had 433 passengers and 26 crew on board.

Qantas spokeswoman Emma Kearns said one of four engines on the plane shut down.

Ms Kearns said the plane can safely fly on three engines, but that the pilot landed the plane in Singapore to be safe.

She said there have been no reports of injuries and the airline has not received any reports of an explosion on board.

A Qantas statement said: "The aircraft landed safely at 11.45am local time.

"Some media reports suggested the aircraft had crashed.

"These reports are incorrect. No Qantas aircraft has crashed."

Witnesses on the Indonesian island of Batam near Singapore reported hearing a large blast and seeing pieces of debris - including panels painted white and red - falling onto houses and a nearby shopping mall.

Matisse bronze sells for 29m

A six-foot Henri Matisse bronze of a nude woman seen from behind was sold for over $48 million (29.8 million) in New York City, a record auction price for the artist's work.

Christie's said Back IV was purchased by Gagosian Gallery. Matisse created a series of four of the bronze reliefs.

Calls to shun Nobel prize

Several Western diplomats have said that China is pressuring European governments to shun the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, which is taking place next month for imprisoned democracy activist Liu Xiaobo, and not to make any statements in support of him.

23 held over neo-Nazi radio

German police have arrested 23 people suspected of being involved in an illegal far-right internet radio station.

About 270 officers took part in more than 20 raids across ten German states.

Widerstands Radio (Resistance Radio) broadcasts music and ideology reflecting neo-Nazi views - which is illegal in Germany.

Prosecutors say those held face charges of forming a criminal organisation and inciting racial hatred. The suspects are in their 20s and 30s.

Castro blesses new seminary

Cuban president Raul Castro joined Catholic leaders to open a seminary near Havana, the first religious building on the island in more than a half century.

Mr Castro's presence showed just how much relations between the Church and Cuba have improved.

Fears Iceland volcano is set to erupt

Iceland: Scientists are closely monitoring an Icelandic volcano as melted glacial ice pouring from its crater may trigger an eruption.

Grimsvotn last erupted in 2004, when flood waters were at similar levels.

United States: Nasa will try today to launch space shuttle Discovery on its final voyage, although stormy weather could force yet another delay.

Managers last night said the shuttle is safe to fly.