World news and comment from the Guardian | guardian.co.uk

Indian nomadic shepherds on the road - in pictures
More than 130 dolphins beach in Japan
Afrikaner singer chains herself to vandalised South African statue
Malaysia strengthens sedition law in a 'black day' for free speech
Catalonia to say adéu to long working days
Vaccination reminder band tipped to boost global child inoculation rates
The Writers' Building, Kolkata: a history of cities in 50 buildings, day 13
Obama hints at Cuba breakthrough as he flies south for Raúl Castro meeting
White House opens all-gender restroom
Greenpeace bank accounts frozen by Indian government
Exclusive: Hillary Clinton to launch presidential campaign on Sunday en route to Iowa – source
Tourists line up to run North Korea's marathon
I killed 15 prisoners of war in Ukraine, claims Russian fighter
Obama says China bullying smaller nations in South China Sea row
Stephanie Scott: floral tributes pile up at high school – video
Richie Benaud's career highlights - video
Same-sex marriage: The Roast tests the water – video
Australian-based doctor added to Uganda's most-wanted list
Richie Benaud dies aged 84 – rolling reaction
Mad Men star Jon Hamm was charged with hazing in college days

Indian nomadic shepherds on the road - in pictures

Posted: 10 Apr 2015 12:55 AM PDT

A family of shepherds in India trek long distances in search of pasture for their 2,500 sheep, which they make a living from by selling the male lambs and their wool. While the men watch over and milk the sheep, the family's women cook, fetch water and churn butter, and move from camp to camp year-round, stopping for baths and laundry only when they find accessible water. Eventually they will make their way home to the western state of Rajasthan. The family earns approximately 250,000 rupees (£2,700) every six months

More than 130 dolphins beach in Japan

Posted: 10 Apr 2015 12:50 AM PDT

Rescuers battle to stop pod of melon-headed whales from drying out as they lay on beach 60 miles northeast of Tokyo

Afrikaner singer chains herself to vandalised South African statue

Posted: 10 Apr 2015 12:47 AM PDT

As black South Africans rally against symbols of white domination, questions are raised about Afrikaner identity in post-apartheid society, writes Daily Maverick

Malaysia strengthens sedition law in a 'black day' for free speech

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 11:13 PM PDT

Opposition politicians and campaigners say new law will be bad for democracy

Catalonia to say adéu to long working days

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 11:00 PM PDT

Region will be first in Spain to bring working hours into line with the rest of Europe, ending long days and late-night dinners

Vaccination reminder band tipped to boost global child inoculation rates

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 11:00 PM PDT

Ankle band that changes colour to remind parents when vaccines are due comes through trials in Pakistan

The Writers' Building, Kolkata: a history of cities in 50 buildings, day 13

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 11:00 PM PDT

While the skeleton of the original remains, the building's external structures have been extended and remodelled with the changing intentions of the city's rulers for more than 230 years

Obama hints at Cuba breakthrough as he flies south for Raúl Castro meeting

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 10:58 PM PDT

Havana expected to be dropped from list of state sponsors of terrorism, while John Kerry and Cuban counterpart sit down for highest-level talks in decades

Barack Obama is poised to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking another important step toward rapprochement between the former cold war enemies.

The president said on Thursday that the State Department had finished the review of Cuba's status that he ordered in December when he announced moves to normalise diplomatic relations.

White House opens all-gender restroom

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 10:45 PM PDT

Move by Obama administration continues support for LGBT community and takes place as some US states attempt to curb gender identity equality

Greenpeace bank accounts frozen by Indian government

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 10:32 PM PDT

Campaign group accuses authorities of 'attacking democracy' and being angered by questions over India's environmental record

The Indian government has frozen bank accounts of Greenpeace after accusing the international environment campaign group of encouraging "anti-development" protests in the emerging economic power.

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday suspended the official registration for foreign funding of Greenpeace India for six months and froze seven bank accounts connected with the organisation, The Hindu, a local newspaper, reported.

Exclusive: Hillary Clinton to launch presidential campaign on Sunday en route to Iowa – source

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 09:01 PM PDT

• Former secretary of state scheduled to announce presidential run on Twitter

• Video, email, conference calls on plane to precede tour of US primary states

Hillary Clinton is planning to officially launch her US presidential campaign on Sunday while en route to Iowa, a source familiar with the campaign has confirmed to the Guardian.

The former secretary of state is scheduled to declare her second run for president on Twitter at noon eastern time on Sunday, the source told the Guardian, followed by a video and email announcement, then a series of conference calls mapping out a blitzkrieg tour beginning in Iowa and looking ahead to more early primary states.

Tourists line up to run North Korea's marathon

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 09:00 PM PDT

Training was interrupted by doubts about participation, but that didn't deter athletes seeking an alternative running experience

I killed 15 prisoners of war in Ukraine, claims Russian fighter

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 09:00 PM PDT

Head of separatist Sparta Battalion says he shot prisoners following the battle for Donetsk airport, prompting war crimes investigation by Ukrainian government. The Kyiv Post reports

Obama says China bullying smaller nations in South China Sea row

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 08:34 PM PDT

Rapid building on Spratly archipelago risks destablalising the region amid competing claims for territory

Stephanie Scott: floral tributes pile up at high school – video

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 08:03 PM PDT

Flowers are laid for the teacher and bride-to-be allegedly murdered by a school cleaner, Vincent Stanford. At Leeton high school in the Riverina region of New South Wales residents are remembering Stephanie Scott, whose car has been located but whose body is yet to be found. Police are reportedly in possession of a photo of her burnt body and want to hear from people who saw Stanford's white Toyota Hilux dual cab in the Leeton area on Easter Day Continue reading...

Richie Benaud's career highlights - video

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 07:11 PM PDT

One of the world's most loved cricketing personalities, Richie Benaud, has died aged 84. Benaud was the first player to take 200 Test wickets and never lost a series as Australian captain. He took to the commentary box in Australia and the UK and became a household name for the next generation. Benaud is survived by his wife, Daphne Continue reading...

Same-sex marriage: The Roast tests the water – video

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 07:03 PM PDT

With talk of a conscience vote on same-sex marriage hotting up in Australia, the Roast team takes the temperature among the nation's decision-makers. In a country led by a man who has admitted he is 'a bit threatened' by homosexuality, what chance does marriage equality have, and where do our legions of open-minded politicians stand on the issue? Find out here … Continue reading...

Australian-based doctor added to Uganda's most-wanted list

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 06:43 PM PDT

Aggrey Kiyingi, who wants to stand for president in 2016 election, says criminal charges are blatant political harassment

Richie Benaud dies aged 84 – rolling reaction

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 06:33 PM PDT

The former Australia cricket captain and commentator, who played 63 Test matches, has died at the age of 84

11.33am AEST

With that we're going to wind down our rolling coverage of tributes to Richie Benaud and reactions to news today of his death at age 84.

Apart from this blog, you can see pictures from Benaud's storied career as a cricketer and commentator here:

11.21am AEST

Floral tributes laid at the statue of Richie Benaud at the SCG. @2GBNews pic.twitter.com/ZRGUlbU6Mh

11.12am AEST

Here's Bill Lawry, another legendary cricketing voice, speaking to radio 6PR in Perth about Benaud's death.

11.04am AEST

The NSW premier, Mike Baird, has issued this statement on Benaud's death:

The death of Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud will sadden millions of Australians who have never known our national game without him.

Richie was one of the most influential figures in the long and proud history of Australian cricket.

Today, Australia has lost an icon.

Richie Benaud OBE was part of all our lives.

10.57am AEST

Here's Shane Warne, possible the only better spinner Australia's ever produced, reflecting on what Richie Benaud meant to him:

10.55am AEST

Churches, clubs, Australians of all stripes are paying tribute to Benaud today, such was the wide and deep appeal of the man whose voice came to be the soundtrack to summer in Australia, and probably in many places around the world.

Marvellous innings #RichieBenaud pic.twitter.com/RpZfYUVxal

Vale Richie Benaud pic.twitter.com/IelHQGoKvp

10.48am AEST

10.45am AEST

Flags across New South Wales will be at half-mast today, the NSW premier Mike Baird has announced.

Rest in peace, Ritchie. A great player, captain, commentator and gentleman. I've asked for flags to be lowered to half-mast today.

Flag at half mast near SCG #Richie pic.twitter.com/yX4KWT6FkB

10.41am AEST

From my colleague Nick Evershed, a collection of Benaud's best utterings:

10.39am AEST

From my colleague Jonny Weeks, a photo gallery of Benaud's life:

10.37am AEST

Richard Cooke has penned this tribute to Benaud, whom he calls cricket's "permanent witness":

Of all the words used to pay tribute to Richie Benaud, "inimitable" shouldn't be one of them.

Cricket's greatest commentator was unique in a way that made people want to copy him, and the tribute of imitation – what Coco Chanel called "the homage of the street" – has been paid for decades.

10.34am AEST

As the Nine Network reports the flags at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be flown at half mast today, tributes continue to roll on from Benaud's cricketing colleagues.

Very sad news about Richie Benaud. A legend of Australian cricket & the commentary box. We've lost a true Aussie icon RIP Richie

Growing up the summer of cricket had only one voice. Richie RIP, you will be missed mate #Legend #RIPRichie #VoiceOfTheGame

Very sad to hear the news that the great Richie Benaud has passed! #truelegend #RIP

I've never been around a more revered person! A true LEGEND! RIP Richie.

10.21am AEST

Another former Australian captain, Ian Chappell, also spoke about Benaud this morning to Melbourne radio station 3AW.

10.19am AEST

Here's Steve Crowley, the boss of Nine Network Sport, discussing Richie Benaud's life on Australian radio a little earlier:

10.16am AEST

My colleague Daniel Hurst has passed along this statement from the Australian opposition leader, Bill Shorten:

Today Australian Cricket has lost a legend, Australia has lost an icon and Australians have lost a dear friend.

The most decent of men and the voice of all our summers has left us.

10.13am AEST

Richie Benaud's commentary made him famous wherever cricket is played, including in the UK, where he got his start with the BBC. His last spell in the commentary box in England was during the 2005 Ashes series. A few minutes of that session are captured below:

10.10am AEST

Here more's of what the Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, has had to say about Benaud's passing:

Richie Benaud passed away overnight. Richie Benaud has been the voice of cricket. There would be very few Australians who have not passed a summer in the company of Richie Benaud. He was the accompaniment of an Australian summer. His voice was even more present than the chirping of the cicadas in our suburbs and towns and that voice, tragically, is now still.

But we remember him with tremendous affection. He hasn't just been the voice of cricket since the early 1960s, he was an extraordinarily successful Australian cricket captain. He led our country for 5 years in 28 Tests and he never lost a test series. He was the first cricketer to achieve the remarkable double of 2,000 test runs and 200 test wickets. This is the greatest loss for cricket since the loss of Don Bradman and for that reason I'm pleased to have offered the Benaud family a state funeral. But this is a sad day for everyone who loves cricket and it's a sad day for everyone who has felt that Richie Benaud is a part of his or her life.

10.08am AEST

BREAKING: PM Tony Abbott says a state funeral will be offered for Richie Benaud (@NinaBStevens)

10.05am AEST

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke has told the Nine Network Benaud was a gentleman who played cricket in the right spirit.

"He was a great player and a great captain; a wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field," Clarke said.

10.03am AEST

The Guardian's obituary for Richie Benaud, who died this morning, Australian-time, is now live:

Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84, was perhaps best known latterly for his work as a global cricket commentator, with his distinctive voice, familiar fixed stare, prominent bottom lip and carefully tended coiffure. But he had been a distinguished performer for Australia on the cricket field himself, playing for his country for 12 years until 1964.

The best of his career hung principally on the special Test series of 1960-61, when he captained Australia against the visiting West Indies side led by Frank Worrell. Some tedious contests had been inflicted on the watching public, with more to follow in the 1960s. But that extraordinary five-match encounter produced electrifying batsmanship, and bowling that was less concerned with shutting the game down than keeping it moving.

10.00am AEST

Benaud's voice is the soundtrack to some of cricket's greatest moments, including "that ball" bowled by Shane Warne in 1993 to dismiss Mike Gatting. Benaud's comments on the ball have become synonymous with that dismissal: "Gatting has absolutely no idea what has happened to it."

9.55am AEST

Our sports series The Joy of Six took on the great man in 2013, writer Richard Cooke nominating a half-dozen moments from Benaud's career of the many worth remembering today. Here's a taste:

The legend of Richie Benaud wasn't born overnight, instead it was a long and difficult labour. It's unlikely a player today would be given the chance to overcome such snakes-and-ladders beginnings, but even in his failed performances there was a vein of genius that keep selectors persisting.

9.50am AEST

Very sad to hear the news today of the passing of Richie Benaud. What a legend of a cricketer and broadcaster for @Channel9 @WWOS9 #bestever

9.44am AEST

Cricket writer Gideon Haigh has penned this terrific obituary in the Australian:

Richie Benaud was a stranger to winters, experiencing few as a cricketer in a 63-Test career, and none after 1963 when his life as a commentator and critic began. Instead he became a constant of summers in Australia and England as his era's most celebrated sports broadcaster.

John Arlott has been garlanded as the 'voice of cricket'; Benaud was indisputably the 'face of cricket', being involved in the telecasts of Test matches and one-day internationals by Australia's Channel Nine, the BBC and Channel Four for half a century.

9.36am AEST

A sad day for Australia. We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud

A sad day in cricket. I will sadly miss listening to the legend #richiebenaud 's commentary. His voice IS cricket #RIPRichieBenaud #legend

RIP Richie Benaud. The greatest cricket commentator of them all & a wonderful man. #MourningEveryone

9.29am AEST

My colleague Amanda Meade passes on these comments from staff at Channel Nine, the network with which Benaud became synonymous in Australia throughout his media career.

The chief executive of Nine David Gyngell said Benaud's passing had robbed the nation of a national treasure.

"Richie earned the profound and lasting respect of everyone across the world of cricket and beyond - first as an outstanding player and captain , then as an incomparable commentator and through it all as a wonderful human being," Gyngell said.

9.26am AEST

One of Benaud's early forays into the media: an article in the Sydney Morning Herald in 1949 making light of the fact that Benaud pipped his father, Lou, for a spot in the Cumberland first-grade eleven.

9.26am AEST

Here's our news story on Benaud's death, which we'll be updating throughout the next hour:

Former Australia cricket captain and renowned commentator Richie Benaud has died aged 84. He had been receiving treatment for skin cancer since November.

A veteran of 63 Test matches, Benaud played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s and was one of the world's most recognised commentators. He also captained the Australian national side in 28 Tests from 1958 to 1964.

9.15am AEST

Some early tributes via Twitter:

Vale Richie Benaud. #RIPRichieBenaud We are a grateful nation.

Super innings that. He was the sound of summer. #RIPRichieBenaud #richiebenaud

Sad news to hear of the passing of Richie Benaud - a true Australian cricketing legend and voice of Australian Cricket. #RIPRichieBenaud

9.14am AEST

Though he was gravely ill, one of Benaud's last public acts was to lend his inimitable voice to this tribute to Phillip Hughes, who tragically died in a cricketing accident last November.

9.09am AEST

Good morning. Legendary Australian cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud has reportedly died overnight in his sleep. He was aged 84.

Born in Penrith in New South Wales in 1930, Benaud went on to captain his country in 28 tests and became the first player to complete the test double of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in 1963.

Mad Men star Jon Hamm was charged with hazing in college days

Posted: 09 Apr 2015 06:19 PM PDT

Future actor received probation after University of Texas incident in which Sigma Nu fraternity inductee said he was beaten and set on fire

Jon Hamm, the star of Mad Men, took part in a violent university hazing in 1990 at the University of Texas that led to criminal charges, according to court and school records.

The Emmy-nominated actor had not previously been publicly linked to a lawsuit filed by a member of a fraternal social organization who said he was severely beaten, dragged with a hammer and had his pants lit on fire. In the 1991 lawsuit the inductee said Hamm participated "till the very end".