Berlin - European economic sentiment slumped to an historic low in November, a key indicator released Thursday showed, amid signs that the slowdown in the global economy is gaining momentum.

The European Commission's closely watched economic sentiment indicator for the 15-member eurozone fell more-than-forecast by 5.1 points to 74.9 in November from
80.4 in October.

The indicator now stands at its lowest level since August 1993.

Its release follows the commission's announcement Wednesday of a 200-billion-euro (259-billion-dollar) stimulus package aimed at helping the European economy to limp through the current economic downturn which has been triggered by the world's financial crisis.

Seoul- South Korea on Thursday reported a record current account surplus of 4.9 billion dollars for October as imports shrank faster than exports, thanks to falling prices for oil and raw materials.

The surplus came after the central bank reported a deficit of 1.4 billion dollars in September. The Bank of Korea expected another surplus of 1 billion dollars for November.

The current account is the broadest measure of a country's trade with measures of its goods, services and investment income.

Kabul, Nov 27: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reportedly criticised the US and other foreign countries for creating a “parallel government” in the countryside during an overview of Afghanistan’s problems before a UN Security Council delegation.

He said every effort to defeat the Taliban had failed because of the “parallel government”.

London, Nov 27: Popstar Beyonce Knowles took New York by storm when she performed a free for all concert in the city.

Brussels - Switzerland is to join the European Union's free movement Schengen area a

Hemant Karkare, Maharashta Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad chief, who was probing the Malegaon blast case was among 11officials killed on Wednesday night in encounters with terrorists who struck late at night in India's financial nucleus.

Karkare, 54, was leading an operation at hotel Taj against terrorists who had taken 15 people, including seven foreigners, as hostages when he was shot by terrorists.