Presence of rat meat in Kazakhstan airlines' meals impossible: Healthcare Ministry
There is no way Chinese rat meat could have gotten into flight meals of Kazakhstan airlines.
Commodity prices hit by weak global outlook
Global commodity markets were hit this week by weaker-than-expected manufacturing data in key consumers China and the United States.
Author Murakami sends message to Boston
Japanese author and keen runner Haruki Murakami sent a "personal message" to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and said he also felt wounded by the attack on his favourite race.
Penfolds pops cork on 'perfect' 2008 Grange
Nestled in Australia's Adelaide hills, Penfolds Magill Estate has opened its double cellar doors to launch global sales of one of the most hyped "new world" wines in recent history.
South Africa government in crisis over wedding scandal
South Africa's government announced the suspension of a slew of officials and military personnel Friday, as it tried to limit the political and diplomatic fallout from a lavish Indian wedding.
Bangladesh building disaster death toll passes 500
The death toll from last week's collapse of a garment factory complex in Bangladesh passed 500 Friday as the country's prime minister said Western retailers had to share some of the blame for the tragedy.
Two teens take lives over unfinished homework: media
Two teens in eastern China committed suicide after "failing to complete homework assignments" state-run media said on Friday, in an extreme case highlighting the immense pressure schoolchildren can face.
Bollywood marks India's century of cinema
India's movie industry toasted its 100th birthday on Friday with the release of two films celebrating its humble origins in the silent era and the influence of glamorous modern-day Bollywood.
As war games end, N. Korea cools fiery rhetoric
After weeks of soaring tensions over US-South Korean war games that ended this week, North Korea has toned down its warlike rhetoric in what observers say is a sign that it may now be ready to talk.
US study sees China 'coercive power' on Japan
China will likely use its growing power to try to force its way with Japan but it is doubtful that Beijing will enter a Cold War-style confrontation with the United States.
China nabs 900 over rat and other meat scandals: official
China has detained 900 people for meat-related crimes including selling rat and fox meat as beef and mutton, the public security ministry said, in another blow to the nation's food safety.
Oil takes breather in Asia after strong rally
Oil prices took a breather in Asian trade Friday as investors locked in profits after a strong rally following the European Central Bank's decision to cut interest rates.
Cambodia unveils statue of slain union boss
A statue of a Cambodian union boss gunned down on a Phnom Penh street in 2004 was unveiled Friday in a rare public recognition of a champion of workers' rights in the impoverished kingdom.
S. Korean toddler gets first windpipe transplant
An international team of surgeons has successfully given a South Korean-Canadian toddler a life-saving windpipe transplant made from plastic fibers and some of her own stem cells.
China controls almost 40 percent of Kazakhstan's hydrocarbons: media
China already controls almost 40 percent of Kazakhstan’s hydrocarbon assets: Indian media.
Japan, France firms win Turkey nuclear contract: report
Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and France's Areva have won a multi-billion dollar contract to build a nuclear power plant on the Black Sea.
N.Korea could start nuclear reactor soon: study
North Korea could be ready within weeks to start operating a light-water reactor that has triggered growing concern amid the regime's vows to build more nuclear weapons.
China bans forced mental hospital detentions: media
A new law has taken effect prohibiting Chinese from being committed to mental hospitals without their consent in an attempt to prevent "forced detentions".
S. Korea vows aid for firms hit by Kaesong exit
South Korea on Thursday pledged about $270 million in financial aid for firms hit by the withdrawal from a joint industrial zone in North Korea that has fallen victim to military tensions.
Disputed islands covered by US-Japan accord: Hagel
Islands at the center of a territorial row between Japan and China are covered by a military protection accord between Washington and Tokyo.