UN chief launches campaign to end FGM
Afp, Nairobi

UN chief Ban Ki-moon yesterday launched a global campaign to end the often deadly practice of female genital mutilation within a generation. FGM ranges from the hacking off of the clitoris to the mutilation and removal of the entire female genitalia. More than 125 million women have been mutilated in 29 countries in Africa and Middle East, according to WHO, which condemns the practice as a "violation of the human rights" of women.

Laden-killer's identity to be revealed
Afp, Washington

The US Navy Seal commando who fired the shots which killed al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden is to reveal his identity in a Fox News television documentary next month, the network announced Wednesday. "The Man Who Killed Osama Bin Laden" will air in two segments November 11-12, with the commando recounting his role in the raid that killed Bin Laden at his Pakistani compound in 2011.

Sex Case: Polanski briefly detained
Afp, Warsaw

Film director Roman Polanski was questioned by Polish prosecutors yesterday on a US arrest warrant for sex offences, but allowed to walk free. The maker of "The Pianist" and "Chinatown" has been sought by the American police since 1978 after he fled the country before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Dylan to release new album in 2015
Afp, New York

Rock legend Bob Dylan will release a new album in 2015, he has confirmed, after he unexpectedly put out a cover of a Frank Sinatra song. There was no further word on the nature of the album, which would be the 36th studio recording for the now 73-year-old rocker who maintains an active touring schedule.