Indian police arrest 'godman' after violent stand-off

Police on Wednesday arrested a guru after a violent stand-off with thousands of followers at his sprawling ashram in northern India, where the bodies of four women and a child have been found.

Supporters of self-styled "godman" Rampal Maharaj, who is wanted on a series of charges including conspiracy to murder, had guarded the ashram for days armed with stones, petrol bombs and other weapons after a court ordered his arrest.

Police finally detained him late Wednesday, more than 24 hours after they stormed the heavily guarded ashram using water cannon and tear gas.

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US dating guru Julien Blanc barred from entering Britain

Britain on Wednesday barred a self-styled US dating coach from entering the country to conduct seminars on how to attract women after heavy criticism from campaigners who said his methods amounted to physical and emotional abuse.

Julien Blanc had been due to hold events in Britain as part of a global tour promoting a "boot camp" on how to pick up women, but nearly 160,000 people signed an online petition calling for him to be denied a visa.

"Do not associate the UK with a man who chokes women around the world as part of his pick-up game," the petition said, referring to one of the techniques Blanc appears to promote in YouTube videos and via his website.

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Pope raffling off unwanted gifts to help homeless - racing bikes, Fiat car, coffee machine among items up for grabs

Pope Francis is raffling off unwanted gifts including a Fiat Panda, tandem bike and coffee machine to raise money for the homeless.

For just 10 euros (S$16), those hoping to get their clutches on perfume, pens and even a panama hat given to the Pope can enter a draw, the proceeds of which will go to a papal charity set up to help those who bed down nightly around the Vatican.

Tickets are to be sold throughout the upcoming festive season and signs have already gone up around the tiny city state advertising the draw, which will take place on Jan 8.

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Formula One: Jules Bianchi out of artificial coma, say family

Critically injured French Formula One driver Jules Bianchi is no longer in an artificial coma but remains unconscious, his family said in a statement on Wednesday.

Bianchi, who suffered the most serious F1 race injury since Ayrton Senna died in 1994 when he crashed into a recovery tractor in the wet at the Japanese Grand Prix on Oct 5, has been transferred from Yokkaichi to a hospital in Nice.

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Mickey Rourke to return to boxing ring at 62 in Moscow bout

Mickey Rourke will revive his boxing career at the age of 62 and take to the ring with a US professional boxer in Moscow this month, Sovetsky Sport sports website reported Wednesday, citing the promoters.

The American actor was quoted as saying by promoters: "Boxing is a serious part of my life. It taught me respect and determination, patience and concentration. I always dreamed of fighting a match in Russia."

Rourke is set to fight 29-year-old Elliot Seymour on Nov 28.

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