London’s Tower Bridge gets stuck in open position

London: London’s famous Tower Bridge, which crosses the River Thames in the heart of the British capital, was stuck open on Saturday, leaving traffic in chaos and onlookers amazed at the sight. The historic bascule-and-suspension bridge failed to close after opening to allow ships to pass underneath on the Thames. AP

China launches optical remote-sensing satellite

Beijing: China successfully launched a new optical remote-sensing satellite from its Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China on Sunday. The satellite, Gaofen-9 05, was sent into orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket. A multifunctional test satellite and another satellite named Tiantuo-5 were also launched via the rocket. Sunday’s launch was the 343rd mission of the Long March rocket series. PTI

Pakistan declares Nawaz Sharif as absconder

Islamabad: The Pakistan government has declared former PM Nawaz Sharif, currently in London for treatment, an “absconder” and approached the UK government for his extradition. Adviser to the Prime Minster on accountability and interior Shahzad Akbar said Sharif’s four-week bail on medical grounds expired in December last year. PTI