Up to 11 dead in Japan snow storms: reportsUp to 11 people are now reported to have died in a winter snow storm gripping much of Japan, as forecasters warned bad weather would continue.
Kazakh railways head holds talks with his Chinese counterpartPresident of Kazakhstan's national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Askar Mamin held bilateral talks with Director General of Chinese Railways Sheng Guangji. Two cooperation documents were signed.
China's mountain hermits seek a highway to heavenHis unheated hut is half way up a mountain with no electricity, and his diet consists mostly of cabbage. But Master Hou says he has found a recipe for joy.
16 December 2014
Australia mourns after tragic end to cafe siegeGrieving Australians eulogised the victims of the Sydney cafe siege as authorities investigated why its Iranian-born perpetrator had remained at large despite a history of violence.
#illridewithyou supports Muslims amid Sydney siegeAustralians came out in solidarity with the Muslim community following a siege at a Sydney cafe, as tens of thousands tweeted the hashtag #illridewithyou.
15 December 2014
X Pin to desktop X Teen killed by shark in AustraliaA teenager was killed in a shark attack at a reef off Australia's northeast coast, with ambulance officials saying he was dead by the time he reached shore.
15 December 2014
Indonesian landslide death toll rises to 51Indonesian rescuers dug through mud with shovels and their bare hands for a third day in the hunt for dozens of people still missing after a landslide.