Brazil rose two places to fifth in this month's FIFA rankings, ending a downward trend after hitting an 18-year low in September.

Argentina lifted the gloom from a poor Copa America by routing Chile 4-1 in their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier on Friday, while Uruguay also scored four to get their campaign off to a good start.

United States President Barack Obama has identified 22 countries, including India, Pakistan and Afghanistan as major drug transit or illegal drug producing countries.

The Miss Universe 2011 pageant is fast approaching on September 12. In a countdown to D-Day, we'll be introducing you to all 89 contestants from around the world.

Argentina's failure to win the Copa America as hosts and end an 18-year wait for a major title cost coach Sergio Batista his job on Monday.

After cautioning Indian markets about possible money laundering and terror-funding risks from Iran and North Korea, market regulator Sebi has issued a warning for funds from eight more countries, including Turkey and Ethiopia.

Striker Radamel Falcao scored twice as Colombia beat Bolivia 2-0 to win Group A at the Copa America on Sunday.

Teenage striker Joel Campbell shone as Costa Rica's second string team beat nine-man Bolivia 2-0 to push hosts and tournament favourites Argentina into third place in Group A at the Copa America on Thursday.

Argentina's hopes of making the quarter-finals of Copa America suffered a huge setback when they were held to a goalless draw, this time by Colombia, on Wednesday.

The 'Elephants Graveyard' has played host to a string of major upsets through the years and Argentina are determined not to become the next giant to fall there when they face Colombia in the Copa America on Wednesday.

Defending champions Brazil were held 0-0 by Venezuela in their opening Copa America Group B match on Sunday after being denied a possible penalty and seeing Alexandre Pato hit the bar.

Argentina, bidding to end a trophy drought, kicked off the 43rd Copa America with a disappointing 1-1 draw with minnows Bolivia at La Plata outside Buenos Aires.

Competitiveness helps states catch up with each other.

FIFA is investigating six match officials over possible match-fixing in two friendly internationals in Turkey that produced a total of seven penalties last month.

The minister was addressing a session of Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2011.

Rajeev Srinivasan on one of the best film festivals in India.

They are snapping up ore and coal abroad, as their availability is stuck at home.

'Neither India nor China are ready to convert national actions into international commitments.' Senior environmental journalist Darryl D'Monte will cover the annual climate change conference in Cancun for Rediff.com

Rediff.com features the best sports images from the last 24 hours.

The Climate Change conference in Copenhagen last year yielded the contentious and non-binding Copenhagen Accord.

United States President Barack Obama has identified India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and 17 other countries as major drug transit or a major illicit drug- producing nations of the world.

China is using the crisis in the West to secure natural resources around the globe.

Argentina and Germany set off for the World Cup with huge doubts about their prospects but they meet in Saturday's quarter-final in hot form with a great chance for the winners to go all the way to the final.

'Maradona, who had the unique 'privilege' of having been expelled by his federation as a player and as a coach, seems to be doing well with his players. And they have a genius amongst them. It makes the difference.'

Dunga's Brazil have often looked at a loss when trying to break down packed defences and facing the mystery men from North Korea in their opening Group G game at Ellis Park on Tuesday could be their worst nightmare.

Bolivia has said that the multi-billion dollar contract it signed with India's Jindal Steel to develop an iron ore mine has not been rescinded, but the steel company would have to pay a penalty for not fulfilling the terms of the agreement.

Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho will learn on Tuesday whether or not his impressive season with AC Milan will be enough to earn him a place at his third World Cup.

Savitri Jindal, Asia's richest woman and the widow of the founder of steel and power conglomerate O P Jindal Group, is the richest billionaire mother with a net worth of $12.2 billion.

The Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports can issue this visa.

Brazil coach Dunga is coming under increasing pressure to include Santos youngsters Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso in his World Cup squad after the pair's electrifying performances for Santos this season. With Brazil heavily dependent on out-of-form Kaka for creativity, many feel the pair should be given a chance by Dunga after scoring 10 goals apiece in helping Santos top the Paulista championship.

Wednesday's impressive, albeit unexciting 1-0 friendly win away to Germany showed Argentina coach Diego Maradona's team is at last taking shape.

Some of the world's biggest polluters, the US, China, European Union and India, have reiterated their previous pledges of cutting emissions by 2020 that were widely regarded as weak, especially the 17 per cent reduction of carbon emissions from 2020 levels proposed by the US.

Criticising the Copenhagen Climate Summit for being "limited to a group of countries", Bolivia will organise an alternative international talks in April on the issue.

The climate accord secured for India a place at the high table in recognition of its importance for the rest of the world, says Subir Roy.

Lionel Messi became the first Argentine to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award on Monday. The 22-year-old forward, who also landed the European Footballer of the Year prize earlier this month, picked up the accolade after collecting four major titles with Barcelona -- the Champions League, the Club World Cup, La Liga and the King's Cup.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Monday that UN climate summit in Copenhagen was 'held to ransom' by a small group of countries, as his climate secretary accused China of hijacking the talks to block a legally binding treaty.

Alleged Hawala kingpin Naresh Kumar Jain, arrested by the the Narcotics Control Bureau, was booked on Tuesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by the Enforcement Directorate. The Directorate, which had in September booked Jain under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, is likely to seek his remand soon.

Brazil continued their dominance over England with a 1-0 friendly win on Saturday but 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa's troubles persisted with a 0-0 draw at home to Japan on coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's second debut. Spain added to Diego Maradona's worries by beating his Argentina side 2-1 thanks to two Xabi Alonso goals, including a late penalty, as the teams already qualified for South Africa began their preparations.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona feels mistreated and persecuted but says he is focussing on his job, family and the support of "ordinary people."

Argentina coach Diego Maradona will appear before a FIFA disciplinary committee on Sunday over his foul-mouthed outburst last month, soccer's world governing body said on Tuesday. Maradona could be sidelined from matches in next year's World Cup if FIFA decide to hand him a stadium ban for his rant at the end of the 1-0 win in Uruguay that guaranteed his team a place at the finals in South Africa.