Argentina in the final: Brazil's Cup nightmare deepens
Brazilians might have thought that their World Cup nightmare couldn't possibly get any worse -- and then bitter rivals Argentina reached the final in their own backyard.
Van Dyck discovered by British TV programme fails to sell
A lost Van Dyck painting spotted on a British television programme failed to find a buyer at a Tuesday auction despite estimates it would fetch 1,000 times its original price.
Japan shipping giant plans first regular Arctic route
Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced plans for the world's first regular commercial shipping route through the Arctic Ocean, starting in 2018, in an attempt to reduce sailing times.
Malaysian sentenced to death for French tourist murder
A Malaysian shopkeeper was sentenced to death after a court found him guilty of murdering a French tourist on a popular resort island.
Football: Disaster for Brazil as Germany run riot
Brazil's World Cup dream was smashed into oblivion Tuesday as majestic Germany ran riot to win an extraordinary semi-final 7-1, sending the hosts crashing to the worst defeat in their 100-year footballing history.
Echo of Asia circus festival in Astana
International Circus Festival Echo of Asia was taking place in Astana, Kazakhstan from 1 to 8 July.
Obama, Hollande call on Putin to pressure Ukraine rebels on talks
France and the United States on Monday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pressure pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine to agree a dialogue on reaching a ceasefire with Kiev.
Mother stabs French teacher to death in front of pupils
A primary school in southern France was in shock after a teacher was stabbed to death in front of her young pupils by a student's mother described as having "psychiatric problems".
Anger over reports German double-agent spied for US
German authorities have arrested a suspected double-agent accused of spying for the US on a parliamentary panel investigating NSA surveillance, media reports said.
TV star Rolf Harris jailed for five years over sex assaults
Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris, a household name in Britain and Australia for decades, was jailed for five years and nine months for a string of sexual assaults against girls.
Queen smashes whisky, gives her name to Britain's biggest warship
Queen Elizabeth II smashed a bottle of whisky against Britain's biggest warship as she gave her name to the new aircraft carrier at a ceremony in Scotland.
Football: Neymar injury bombshell rocks Brazil
Brazil striker Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup on Friday, dealing the hosts a crushing blow just hours after they battled through to a semi-final showdown with Germany.
Power cuts in Greece amid anti-privatisation strike
Greece faced nationwide power cuts on Thursday as a rolling strike began against government plans to break up the country's main electricity provider.
French theme park recreates 'Little Prince' universe
A theme park inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupery's timeless classic "The Little Prince" opened this week in France, giving visitors a chance to recall the author's claim that "all grown-ups were children first".
Scarlett Johansson wins French novel lookalike case
Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson won damages against a French author whose novel features a character resembling the starlet who is treated as a sex object.
French to fund and make 3D map of Astana worth €3 million
A French firm will create a 3D map of Astana worth €3 million.
Son-in-law retracts confession in Monaco heiress killing
The son-in-law of a Monaco heiress gunned down in a Mafia-style contract killing has retracted his confession to ordering the shooting, saying he did not fully understand police.
Cousteau grandson resurfaces after 31 days under water
Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, emerged from the deep Wednesday after 31 days in an undersea lab off the Florida Keys.
Toshiba nearing deal on Bulgarian nuclear reactor deal
Toshiba's US unit is nearing a deal estimated at almost $5 billion to build a nuclear reactor in Bulgaria, a report said Thursday, as Japanese firms eye atomic contracts overseas after the Fukushima crisis erased demand at home.
Almaty, Oslo, Beijing remain in bid to host 2022 Olympics
Only three cities remain in the bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics after Lviv withdrew from the competition.