Brazil heads for vote on impeaching Rousseff

BRASILIA • Brazil faces noisy protests and rowdy debates in Congress as the country heads for a vote on whether to drive President Dilma Rousseff from office.

The vote today could topple the 68-year-old leftist leader, in a political crisis threatening to destabilise Latin America's biggest economy as it struggles through a recession.

Ms Rousseff's supporters and opponents planned rival rallies over the weekend as lawmakers debate a motion to send her to an impeachment trial in the Senate.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

India and France close to deal on fighter jets

NEW DELHI • Negotiations for India to buy 36 French Rafale fighter jets are nearing the finish line, the Indian Defence Ministry said, with sources saying the price will be around US$9 billion (S$12.2 billion).

Both sides had hoped to wrap up the strategic order during President Francois Hollande's visit to India in January, but hard bargaining on price stalled a final result.

REUTERS

Afghan troops push back Taleban from city

KUNDUZ (Afghanistan) • Afghan security forces drove back Taleban insurgents attacking areas around the northern city of Kunduz, officials said yesterday, after heavy fighting overnight in which dozens were killed and wounded.

Kunduz, Afghanistan's fifth-biggest city, fell briefly to the Taleban last year and the militant Islamist movement has stepped up the pressure since announcing the start of its annual spring offensive this week.

REUTERS