Nearly six million die from smoking every year: WHO
Despite public health campaigns, smoking remains the leading avoidable cause of death worldwide, killing almost six million people a year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
World Bank invests in online education
Online education service Coursera announced a fresh round of funding from the investment arm of the World Bank and other backers.
Australia's Barrier Reef slips into 'poor' health
Australia hailed "solid" progress on water quality at the Great Barrier Reef Wednesday but admitted that overall conditions were now "poor" as it battles UNESCO threats to downgrade its heritage status.
10 July 2013
Cambodia's Khmer healers get schooled in ancient art
A lizard dipped in wine may not seem like an obvious asthma remedy, but as Cambodian traditional healers strive to turn their ancient wisdom into a professional industry.
Church begins final Philippine birth control battle
A relentless Catholic Church campaign to derail a birth control law in the Philippines begins its final phase at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, with the verdict to have monumental impacts for millions of poor Filipinos.
10 July 2013
Russia fires Bolshoi Theatre director after scandals
Russian officials on Tuesday announced the sacking of Bolshoi Theatre director Anatoly Iksanov following a series of scandals including the horrific January acid attack on its artistic director.
09 July 2013
Nazarbayev cuts 600kg cake on Astana Day
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev took part in the cutting of the 600kg Astana birthday cake baked specially for the anniversary.