31 trapped in mine

BEIJING: Rescuers worked to save 31 coal miners trapped underground by a flood early on Monday in northern China, state media reported. Although China’s mine safety record has improved in recent years, it is still the deadliest in the world, with blasts and other accidents common. Rescuers pumped water from the Mt Camel Coal Mine in Wuhai city in the northern region of Inner Mongolia, where the flood trapped the miners earlier in the day, the official Xinhua News Agency said. An initial investigation showed 46 of the 77 miners working in the flooded pit were rescued and 31 remain trapped.

Air power exercise

NEW DELHI: Air force fighter aircraft blasted mock enemy targets in the dusty, desert landscape of western India during an elaborate display exercise over the weekend. Over 100 varieties of combat aircraft, including Mirage 2000s, Jaguars, Sukhois, MiG21s and transport airplanes and helicopters were part of the exercise that showcased the Indian air force’s capabilities during day and night operations, a press statement said late on Sunday. India’s President Pratibha Patil, Defence Minister AK Antony, military attaches of several countries and senior Indian military officials watched the display that also included aerobatic display teams performing maneuvers in formations and aerial stunts.