Powerful quake strikes Afghanistan

KABUL • A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan yesterday, the US Geological Survey said, with tremors felt as far away as Islamabad and New Delhi.

No casualties were immediately reported, Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority told 1TV.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

6 jailed for burning Thai kings' portraits

BANGKOK • A Thai court yesterday sentenced six people to jail for setting fire to portraits of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen last year.

The six, aged 18 to 20, were also found guilty of arson and organised crime.

One was jailed for 11-1/2 years, while three got terms of seven years and eight months each. Two 18-year-olds who set fire to only one portrait were jailed for three years and four months each.

REUTERS

Hong Kong to ban the sale of ivory

HONG KONG • Lawmakers in Hong Kong voted yesterday to ban ivory sales in the world's largest ivory retail market, a move wildlife activists hailed as vital towards halting the slaughter of elephants.

The vote came a month after China banned their sale. More than 90 per cent of people buying ivory in Hong Kong are from mainland China.

REUTERS