Japan hangs killer in first execution this year
Japan hanged a man on Thursday, the nation's first execution this year, and the ninth since the conservative government of Shinzo Abe came to power in December 2012.
Jailed Australian journalist Greste 'outraged' at verdict
Australian Al-Jazeera journalist Peter Greste has voiced his "outrage" at being jailed for seven years by an Egyptian court, saying the case was about silencing critical voices.
Samsung, LG launch smartwatches with new Google software
South Korea's Samsung and LG launched rival smartwatches powered by Google's new software as they jostle to lead an increasingly competitive market for wearable devices seen as the mobile industry's next growth booster.
China state copper firm chief jumps to his death: report
The head of a $2.0-billion Chinese copper producer fell to his death from a building, the firm announced Wednesday, and a state-run newspaper said he committed suicide following corruption allegations.
N. Korea says Kim assassination comedy an 'act of terror'
North Korea denounced a new Hollywood comedy about an assassination bid on leader Kim Jong-Un as a "wanton act of terror" and warned of a "merciless response" unless the US authorities banned the film.
Four dead as India train derails, sabotage suspected
A passenger train derailed in eastern India on Wednesday, killing four people after a blast suspected to have been triggered by Maoist rebels, a top railway official said.
Grandson of late Chinese leader Deng promoted: media
The grandson of China's late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping has been given his first low-level leadership post in the area where his grandfather made history, state media said.
China student jumps to death after losing World Cup bets
A college student in China leaped to his death after losing more than $3,000 gambling on the World Cup, state media reported.
Jail sought for Indonesian skipper in Japanese diver deaths
Indonesian prosecutors Tuesday sought a jail term of three years and six months for a boat skipper who lost track of seven Japanese women during a diving trip that left two of them dead.
S. Korean soldier who killed comrades in 'stable condition'
A South Korean soldier who killed five comrades was in a stable condition Tuesday after an apparent suicide bid, doctors said, as details emerged of a final note he wrote regretting his actions.
Taiwan Japan museum row solved
A row between Tokyo and Taipei over the loan of a host of treasured artefacts to Japan has been solved, Taiwanese officials said, with the exhibition set to open on schedule.
Fosun goes to Hollywood with Studio 8 investment
Shanghai-based conglomerate Fosun International said it would take a stake in new US media company Studio 8, marking a rare investment by a Chinese firm in Hollywood.
Eight Bangladesh Islamists to hang for new year bombing
A Bangladeshi court sentenced eight Islamists to death Monday for a 2001 bomb attack that killed 10 people and wounded scores more during the country's main celebrations for the Bengali new year.
Clashes as prominent Pakistan cleric returns to lead 'revolution'
Police fired tear gas at supporters of a Canada-based cleric at Islamabad airport on Monday as he returned to Pakistan to lead what he has called a "revolution" against the elected government.
Honda recalls 2 mn vehicles worldwide for airbag defect
Japan's Honda Motor recalled more than two million vehicles worldwide over an airbag defect that could pose a fire risk.
Christians lose divisive bid to use 'Allah' in Malaysia
Malaysia's highest court on Monday dismissed a bid by Christians for the right to use the word "Allah", ending a years-long legal battle that has escalated religious tensions in the Muslim-majority country.
G20 lagging on growth targets: Australia
Reforms proposed to lift global growth in line with a target set by the world's biggest economies earlier this year are so far falling short, Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said.
China says 13 attackers killed in Xinjiang assault
Chinese police shot dead 13 people in the restive Xinjiang region after they drove into a police building and set off an explosion on Saturday, regional authorities said.
Japan's clubland weathers dancing ban
Famous for its neon lights and wild nightlife, Tokyo's status as one of the world's clubbing capitals looks set to survive a potentially ruinous police crackdown on -- of all things -- dancing.
Rare white whale spotted off Sydney
An extremely rare white humpback whale has been spotted off the coast of Sydney in an event onlookers called a once-in-a-lifetime experience.