Russia mourns loss of hockey team in plane crash

YAROSLAVL, Russia : Candles flickered beside mounds of red carnations at the stadium of one of Russia's top ice hockey teams on Thursday after almost the entire team was wiped out in a plane crash that killed 43 people.

Fans and players across the world paid tribute to the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team, the day after the Soviet-designed Yak-42 passenger plane slammed into a river bank just outside Yaroslavl, 250km north of Moscow.

Many fans flocked to the stadium soon after the crash and left team scarves as well as flowers beside the stadium wall. Some were in tears. Others chanted the names of the players before going home late on Wednesday evening.

Under fire over underwear

WARDROBE MALFUNCTION PERHAPS: Robayo denied donning short dresses sans undies

Miss Universe contender Catalina Robayo reprimanded for going commando

SAO PAULO: As the world's most beautiful women are busy preparing for the Miss Universe pageant, controversy has erupted after a contestant was accused of getting her crotch out at official appearances.

Miss Colombia contestant Catalina Robayo raised eyebrows and the attention of pageant officials, after  reportedly donning short frocks without undergarments.

The fashion blunder earned the 22-year-old beauty a strong rebuke from officials who questioned her  inappropriate wardrobe choices during last week's events, FOXNews.com reported.

New crime-busting tools for cops

KUALA LUMPUR: With new crime-fighting toys to play around with, the police will see a smoother operation when carrying out their duties.

In efforts to ease daily police communication and reduce crime, coupled with the government's annual budget for them, the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) is currently exploring a new wave of technology.

The assets, ranging from patrol cars, motorcycles, planes and helicopters, buildings and other entities, were estimated to be worth RM35 billion.

Telcos to charge 6% service tax on prepaid purchases from Sept 15

From Sept 15, telecommunication companies (telcos) will cease to absorb the 6% service tax on mobile prepaid services and customers would have to bear the extra cost.

In a joint statement today, eight telco providers announced that the tax will be applicable to purchases of pre-paid reloads and pre-paid starter/SIM packs and pre-paid customers were informed via SMS starting at noon.

The telcos are Celcom Axiata Bhd, Maxis Bhd, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Tune Talk Sdn Bhd, Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd, Salamfone Sdn Bhd, XOX Bhd and IMEtel.