Dalai Lama says no problem with gay marriage
The celibate Dalai Lama has thrown his considerable moral weight behind gay marriage, condemning homophobia and saying sex was fine as long as it was consensual.
Pope popular in US but sex scandals cast long shadow
A year after being chosen Pope Francis is very popular with American Catholics though his handling of the pedophile priests' scandal left many underwhelmed, a new study found.
Carnival crown to samba champions honoring Senna, Bolt
Rio on Wednesday elected the Unidos da Tijuca samba school as its Carnival champions, a 40-strong jury crowning a program which paid homage to late Brazilian Formula One racer Ayrton Senna.
British Museum shows Vikings' softer side
The Vikings are renowned as bloodthirsty warriors, but a new exhibition at the British Museum aims to show the cultural achievements and trading skills that spread their influence far and wide.
Smoking in France, losing its puff?
It was banned in restaurants and al fresco eating became all the rage. It was banned in offices, and business started getting done in huddles on the sidewalk.
05 March 2014
China's premier 'declares war' on pollution
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he is "declaring war" on pollution, describing it as a "red-light warning" against inefficiency as he sought to address public concerns on issues from acrid smog to food safety.
World's oldest woman turns 116 in Japan
The world's oldest woman was celebrating her 116th birthday on Wednesday in a Japanese nursing home with a cake and candles.
05 March 2014
Malaysia's highest court takes up use of 'Allah' by Catholics
Hundreds of Muslims demonstrated Wednesday outside Malaysia's highest court as it took up the Catholic Church's bid to be allowed to refer to God as "Allah" in a case that has increased tensions in the multi-ethnic nation.
05 March 2014
Rejoice spring is here: Snowdrops
Not only the calendar announces the arrival of long awaited warmth, but also lovely blooming of snowdrops in South Kazakhstan Oblast signals the beginning of Spring.