In Brief

* WARNED – The United States renewed its warning for Americans worldwide to be on guard against terrorist attacks by al Qaeda and other extremist groups.

The US State Department renewed for six months its “worldwide caution” message issued previously on March 8, advising Americans to particularly take care on public transportation in the wake of recent subway bombings in London. * LEADER – Iran’s new President Mahmood Ahmadinejad took office as the country’s hardline regime said it hoped to resume some nuclear activities despite the risk of triggering an international crisis.* NUCLEAR – Tough six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear program seemed to be nearing a close as the parties tried to finalise agreement on the basic principles for ending a three-year standoff with the Stalinist regime.* SUSPECTS – Up to 60 Islamic militants are operating in terror cells in Australia and an attack is inevitable, a former intelligence officer warned, sparking controversy by saying racial profiling was unavoidable at such a time.* FAREWELL – World leaders joined ordinary Saudis in bidding farewell to King Fahd after a simple funeral for the man who ruled the wealthy oil powerhouse for more than two decades.* RIGHTS – Nepal’s use of vigilante groups to protect villages from Maoist rebels has led to increasing civilian casualties, Amnesty International said in a report which also alleged “systematic and routine” torture by troops.- Nampa-AFP* LEADER – Iran’s new President Mahmood Ahmadinejad took office as the country’s hardline regime said it hoped to resume some nuclear activities despite the risk of triggering an international crisis.* NUCLEAR – Tough six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear program seemed to be nearing a close as the parties tried to finalise agreement on the basic principles for ending a three-year standoff with the Stalinist regime.* SUSPECTS – Up to 60 Islamic militants are operating in terror cells in Australia and an attack is inevitable, a former intelligence officer warned, sparking controversy by saying racial profiling was unavoidable at such a time.* FAREWELL – World leaders joined ordinary Saudis in bidding farewell to King Fahd after a simple funeral for the man who ruled the wealthy oil powerhouse for more than two decades.* RIGHTS – Nepal’s use of vigilante groups to protect villages from Maoist rebels has led to increasing civilian casualties, Amnesty International said in a report which also alleged “systematic and routine” torture by troops.- Nampa-AFP