Australia PM Abbott defends emissions targetPrime Minister Tony Abbott defended Australia's carbon pollution reduction target as in line with those of other countries after the nation's climate change authority criticised the goal as "disappointing".
China's long march to currency reform takes a step forwardChina's currency devaluation is a step in the long march to a more open regime for the yuan, analysts say, but authorities will need to further loosen their controls to promote long-term growth.
Pakistan's answer to 'The Onion' tackles tough topics with satireFrom a mullah who wants a military operation against women wearing jeans to "uncircumcised" Islamic State fighters, a satirical Pakistani website is using humour to shine a light on current affairs in the turbulent nation.
Huge China explosions leave scores dead, hundreds injuredEnormous explosions in a major Chinese port city killed at least 44 people and injured more than 500, leaving a devastated industrial landscape of incinerated cars, toppled shipping containers and burnt-out buildings.
13 August 2015
Iran's FM, Syria's Assad discuss fight against 'terror'Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, and called on regional countries to "fight terrorism and extremism".
Australian PM stymies gay marriage push, for nowAustralian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said his government would remain opposed to gay marriage during the current parliament, but suggested the issue could be put to a popular vote after the next election.