Pak president’s powers to be `massively clipped`: Report
The president`s sweeping powers are expected to be "massively clipped" in an upcoming constitutional amendment package in Pakistan, a media report said on Sunday,

Sarkozy faces heavy defeat in French regional poll
French President Nicolas Sarkozy`s centre-right party faces heavy losses in regional elections on Sunday that could affect the pace of reform as manoeuvring begins before the 2012 presidential campaign.

Mani Shankar Aiyar back in House from the cold: The Indian Express
The former Union minister who lost the Lok Sabha election from Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu has been rehabilitated through the unusual route of a Presidential nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

Iran jails former vice president, reform activist
An Iranian appeals court has upheld the conviction of a former vice president on a charge of spreading propaganda against the ruling clerical establishment during the post-election turmoil.

Obama to host Mexican leader for second state dinner
After hosting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, US President Barack Obama will host the second state dinner of his presidency for his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon in recognition of their "deep ties and strong relationship".

Brazil`s president fined for early campaigning
Brazil`s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was fined for campaigning for his chosen successor well before such promotional activities were permitted.

Cyprus President won`t seek 2nd term if talks fail
Cyprus` president said on Thursday that he would not seek re-election in 2013 if ongoing talks to reunify the ethnically-split island fail.

Guatemala court OKs ex-president`s extradition to US
A Guatemalan criminal court authorised the extradition of ex-president Alfonso Portillo to the United States, where he faces money laundering charges.

Nigeria`s acting President dissolves Cabinet
Nigeria`s acting president dissolved the Cabinet Wednesday more than a month after taking over the highest office in Africa`s most populous nation, the country`s information minister said.

Pakistan President Zardari donates all body organs
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday announced that he would be "donating his whole body" after his life, thus becoming the first President of Pakistan to make such a decision.