Potter author's first grown-up novel 'best I can do'
Harry Potter author JK Rowling spent the day "trying to avoid newspapers" as her first novel for grown-ups hit the bookshops, but she is confident the book is "the best I can do", she told fans.
Heineken takeover of Tiger Beer maker approved
Shareholders in the parent company of the Singapore-based brewer that makes Tiger Beer on Friday approved the firm's takeover by Dutch giant Heineken.
Spain tightens austerity screw in 2013 budget
Spain's government unveiled Thursday a 2013 budget that tightens austerity even in the teeth of growing protests, easing the path to a widely expected sovereign bailout.
World's smallest state, Vatican holds one-of-a-kind trial
The trial of Pope Benedict XVI's former butler and a Vatican computer technician for leaking secret papers starting on Saturday has no precedent since the Holy See became a sovereign state in 1929.
Ecuador says ready to shelter Assange for years
Ecuador said Wednesday it is prepared to shelter Julian Assange inside its London embassy for years if necessary as it negotiates the WikiLeaks founder's fate with Britain and Sweden.
Czech government to ease ban on liquor sales
The Czech government said Wednesday it would ease a ban on liquor sales in force since September 14 following a wave of methanol poisoning that has claimed at least 25 lives.
'Earlier version' of da Vinci's Mona Lisa to be unveiled
A Swiss foundation was set to unveil Thursday what it says is an earlier version of the "Mona Lisa" painted by Leonardo da Vinc, although some experts said the claim was unlikely.
New protest as bailout spectre returns to haunt Spain
Thousands of protestors rallied near the Spanish parliament for a second straight night Wednesday after a rough day on the markets again raised the spectre of a full bailout and deeper economic pain.
British minister predicts long showdown over Assange
Britain and Ecuador face a prolonged showdown over the asylum bid by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the South American nation's London embassy.
Britain pledges £1 million to stop rape in war zones
Britain on Tuesday unveiled a £1 million pledge ($1.6 million) to help stop sexual violence against women in war zones, where thousands of women and girls are raped every day.
Vatican readies for historic trial of pope's butler
Pope Benedict XVI's former butler goes on trial on Saturday for leaking secret papers in the Vatican's biggest court drama in decades, revealing intrigue at the heart of the Catholic Church.
Deficit-cutting French budget to test Hollande credibility
France will present its 2013 budget Friday with President Francois Hollande's credibility on the line as he seeks to rein in public finances and reassure financial markets without stirring public anger.
Hockey: Victor Hedman joins Barys club
Victor Hedman, Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman, has signed a contract with Astana hockey team.
Police fire rubber bullets at Madrid protest
Spanish riot police fired rubber bullets and baton-charged protesters Tuesday as thousands rallied near parliament in Madrid in anger at the economic crisis, in clashes that left more than 60 people injured.
Britain faces more floods as hundreds evacuated
Britain was bracing for more torrential rain on Wednesday as hundreds of people spent the night away from their flooded homes following two days of heavy downpours.
Danish sperm donor passes genetic disorder to five children
A Danish sperm donor has passed a potentially severe genetic disorder to five children after a screening test failed to catch that he had the disease.
Delays have left Greece with finance gap: Lagarde
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said Monday that delays in implementing Greece's bailout program, including privatization, have expanded the country's financing shortfall.
Sex, drugs and village politics in Potter author's new novel
Harry Potter author JK Rowling bids goodbye to the boy wizard on Thursday when she releases her first novel for adults, a gritty tale of poverty and politics in an idyllic English village.
Poland supports Kazakhstan's bid to host EXPO-2017
Our government has reiterated its support to Kazakhstan's bid to host EXPO-2017: Poland's Minister of Economy Waldemar Pawlak.
Swiss voters say no to tightening of smoking ban
Two-thirds of Swiss voters rejected a referendum Sunday to tighten a smoking ban, to the relief of hotels and restaurants, while two cantons split in a vote over keeping tax breaks for rich foreigners.