Airborne laser fails 2nd shootdown test in row

WASHINGTON: A converted Boeing Co 747 equipped with a powerful laser failed to shoot down a mock enemy ballistic missile, the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said on Thursday, the system's second botched flight test in a row.

Qatar Airways captain dies on flight

DOHA: The captain of a Qatar Airways flight from the Philippines to Qatar died as it was in the air on Wednesday, forcing the plane to be diverted to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the carrier said.