TOKYO -- A no-confidence motion against the Cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was voted down Tuesday in the lower house, with the ruling bloc fending off opposition camp criticism about the government's handling of a pension report before an upper house election.

The motion was submitted earlier in the day jointly by four Japanese opposition parties and a group, condemning the Cabinet for continuing to "deceive the public on domestic and foreign affairs, and is jeopardizing people's lives and security." (Japan-PM-Motion)

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SYDNEY -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament on Tuesday that he wants to sever ties with Australian security contractor in charge of operations at the Manus Island Province Regional Processing Center, a facility which the Australian government uses as offshore immigration detention.

With Paladin Security Group's lucrative 423-million-Australian dollar (294 million U.S. dollars) deal awarded to it by Australia's Department of Home Affairs set to come to an end at the end of this month, PNG's newly appointed leader made it clear he does not want the contract renewed.(PNG-Australia-Security)

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NEW DELHI -- At least 17 people were killed and 19 others injured in rain-related incidents in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the state-run broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) said Tuesday.

The deaths have taken place during the past 36 hours after monsoon rains lashed several parts of the state.(India-Rain-Deaths)

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SYDNEY -- An upcoming eco-tourism experience on Australia's Great Barrier Reef will allow visitors to sleep up to three meters beneath the ocean surface in a sustainable floating hotel.

Plans for the three-level, multi-use pontoon to be located off Lady Musgrave Island were revealed on Tuesday by Queensland State Minister for Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones who said the project will attract thousands of additional visitors to the reef. (Australia-Floating hotel) Enditem

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