Elusive Aussie Bitcoin founder a reluctant identity
Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright, who has revealed himself as the creator of the virtual Bitcoin currency, is an elusive individual.
California Muslims sue over hijab discrimination
Two lawsuits filed in California on Monday claim that Muslim women were discriminated against in separate incidents because of their religion and for wearing the hijab.
All Belgians to get iodine pills in case of nuclear accident
Belgium is to provide iodine pills to its entire population to protect it against radioactivity in case of a nuclear accident.
Tonnes of clams die in Vietnam as toxic leak fears mount
More than 100 tonnes of clams have perished in central Vietnam because of a possible toxic leak into the sea near an industrial zone.
First signs of coral bleaching in Sydney Harbour: scientists
Coral bleaching has been detected in Sydney Harbour. The damaging phenomenon is blamed on warming sea-surface temperatures.
ExxonMobil, Rockefellers face off in climate battle
US energy giant ExxonMobil is facing an onslaught from environmentalists and some shareholders including the Rockefeller Family Fund.
Saudi orders 'kinder, gentler' religious police
Saudi Arabia has stripped its frequently criticised religious police of their powers to arrest, urging them to act "kindly and gently" in enforcing Islamic rules.
Turkmenistan introduces mandatory pre-marital HIV tests
Turkmenistan has passed a law making HIV tests mandatory prior to marriage.
Number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980: WHO
The number of adults estimated to be living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled over 35 years: the World Health Organization
Cholesterol drug fails to improve heart health: study
Experimental drug that greatly increases levels of "good" cholesterol has no effect on heart health, a comprehensive clinical trial found.
France PM warns extreme Islam winning the propaganda war
Prime Minister Manuel Valls said extreme forms of Islam were winning the propaganda war for hearts and minds.
Hungarian teachers stage nationwide walkout
Hundreds of Hungarian teachers held a nationwide walkout in a growing revolt against the government's tight grip on education
British 'invaded' Australia say university guidelines
Language guidelines that advise students to describe British explorer James Cook's arrival in Sydney as an "invasion" rather than a "settlement" were defended by an Australian university.
Religious duel in Japan: Pastor rock vs. Buddhist monk blues
The band Boxi Rocks features Sekino and three other pastors, who don church robes during their raucous performances.
UNESCO adds Kazakhstani site to list of biosphere reserves
A Kazakhstani site has been added to the UNESCO list of protected biosphere nature reserves.
Woman who 'taught France to cook' swept away by Irish food
Did you hear the one about the Irishwoman who taught the French how to cook?
Pope Francis approves sainthood for Mother Teresa
Pope Francis approved sainthood for Mother Teresa, the missionary nun who became a global if controversial symbol of compassion for her care of the sick and destitute.
Rising seas swamp Marshall Islands
Residents in low-lying areas of the Marshall Islands are braced for flooding underscoring the islands' vulnerability to climate change.
The fairytale rise of singer Gavin James
'In Ireland everything happens in pubs,' says Gavin James, widely seen as the next big singer songwriter.
Once extinct, world's last wild horse returns to steppes
The path out of oblivion for Przewalski's horse lies in getting on a plane to China, Mongolia and, most recently, the Russian steppes.