Briefly World: Obama nominates Indian-American to key position

Zamboanga: Thousands of residents fled as fresh fighting broke out today between Philippine security forces and Muslim rebels,on the third day of a deadly siege in a key southern city,officials said. At least 13,000 people crammed into Zamboanga city sports stadium seeking safety as soldiers and rebels fought street battles in deserted coastal neighbourhoods nearby. People began fleeing the siege areas early Monday when about 180 Moro National Liberation Front guerrillas poured into 6 coastal neighbourhoods of the city. PTI

FIs to be allowed to transact with marijuana trade

Washington: The Justice Department and federal banking regulators will help clear the way for financial institutions to transact business with the legitimate marijuana industry without fear of prosecution,Deputy Attorney General James Cole told Congress on Tuesday. ap

2 killed in Papua New Guinea attack

Sydney: Machete-wielding men have attacked a group of Australian and New Zealand tourists hiking a popular track in the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea,killing two porters and injuring several hikers and locals. Papua New Guinea national police spokesman Dominic Kakas says the six attackers were armed with machetes,spears and guns when they descended on the group Tuesday. ap

Japan boosts security near disputed isles

Tokyo: Japan has increased security around a group of disputed islands it nationalised one year ago amid strong protests from China,which also claims them and has been stepping up patrols of its own as tensions rise between the two nations. ap