South Korean and US troops have gone on higher alert after North Korea said it was scrapping the armistice treaty that ended the Korean War 50 years ago.

North Korea says it has staged a "successful" underground nuclear test, prompting international condemnation.The state says it was more powerful than the previous one in October 2006.

Pakistan's army says it has recaptured several areas of Mingora, the main city in the Swat valley, as its offensive against the Taliban continues.

The leaders of India's Congress party have thanked the people for returning them to power with a "massive mandate".

India has entered the final phase of its marathon election, with 107 million voters eligible to cast ballots.

Sri Lankan government forces have shelled a hospital inside the conflict zone killing at least 45 people, Tamil Tiger rebel and hospital sources say.

Pakistan's military is stepping up an offensive against the Taleban, after a weekend in which it said it killed 200 militants in and near the Swat valley.

Sri Lankan government forces have been accused of killing dozens of Tamil civilians in a night of shelling in the country's northern war zone.

A United Nations inquiry into attacks by Israeli forces on UN property during the Gaza conflict four months ago has heavily criticised Israel's army.