Former Vietnam PM Phan Van Khai dies

HANOI • Former Vietnam premier Phan Van Khai, who helped strengthen ties with the United States and drive market reforms, died yesterday at the age of 84, the government said. A
Soviet-trained economist, Mr Khai held office for nine years starting in 1997.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Snow grounds over 100 flights in London

LONDON • A fresh bout of snow yesterday forced the cancellation of more than 100 flights in and out of London's Heathrow Airport, with a forecast of more snow threatening
further disruption.

Transatlantic flights were among more than 115 grounded so far by the icy blast.

REUTERS

Mauritius president quits over scandal

PORT LOUIS • Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned yesterday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

Her resignation will take effect on Friday .

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

One dead, 3 missing in Swiss avalanche

GENEVA • Four people were feared dead yesterday after an avalanche hit the Swiss ski area of Vallon d'Arbi, with one body already recovered and rescue workers searching for
three others.

Police in Valais canton said that search operations continued until 3.30am yesterday, then resumed after a break at 9am.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

US Powerball jackpot swells to $600m CALIFORNIA • An estimated US$455 million (S$600 million) Powerball jackpot was up for grabs yesterday, one of the biggest in the US lottery's history, after 19 straight drawings failed to produce a grand prize winner.

The odds of winning stood at one in 292 million. A grand prize winner could take the US$455 million over 29 years, or a one-time payment of US$269.4 million.

REUTERS