IN BRIEF

Syria

CIA is halting support for rebels

The US Central Intelligence Agency is shutting down its program to support rebels fighting against the Syrian government, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday. Citing unnamed US officials, the Post said the four-year-old covert operation has had limited impact. President Donald Trump made the decision to drop the program nearly a month ago, according to the Post.

India

At least 30 killed in bus accident

At least 30 people were killed and more than nine others injured after a private passenger bus plunged off a mountain road and rolled into a gorge in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, police said. A probe has been ordered into the incident. Road accidents in the hilly state are common.

United States

McCain diagnosed with brain cancer

Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee known for political independence during more than three decades in the Senate, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, his office said on Wednesday. The 80-year-old lawmaker and former US Navy pilot has been recovering at home in Arizona since undergoing surgery last week to remove a blood clot from above his left eye.

United Nations

AIDS claimed 1 M lives last year

AIDS claimed a million lives last year, almost half the 2005 toll that marked the peak of the deadly epidemic, said a UN report on Thursday, proclaiming "the scales have tipped". Not only are new HIV infections and deaths declining, but more people than ever are on lifesaving treatment, according to data published ahead of an AIDS science conference opening in Paris on Sunday.

Thailand

'Jet-set monk' back after extradition

A former monk wanted on charges including child molestation and fraud is back in Thailand after being extradited from the United States, where he fled in 2013. Wirapol Sukphol became known as the "jet-setting monk" when a YouTube video showed him wearing his orange robes aboard a private jet. He had a designer bag and wore aviator sunglasses.