Israel PM heads to Berlin as settlement row grows
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due in Berlin on Wednesday for talks likely to focus on the growing crisis over settlement plans that could torpedo the viability of a Palestinian state.
Hollywood sign unveiled after major makeover
The refurbished Hollywood sign was presented in all its freshly painted glory Tuesday after its biggest makeover in 35 years, in time for 90th birthday celebrations next year.
Thais pack Bangkok for king's birthday celebration
Tens of thousands of Thais crowded central Bangkok on Wednesday for a rare address by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, as part of celebrations for his 85th birthday.
N. Korea completes installing rocket: report
North Korea has completed installing a long-range rocket on its launch pad, ahead of its planned launch this month in defiance of widespread international condemnation.
NASA to send new rover to Mars in 2020
NASA plans to send a new rover to Mars in 2020 as it prepares for a manned mission to the Red Planet, the US space agency said Tuesday.
HSBC to sell stake in China insurer Ping An for $9.4 bn
Britain's HSBC said Wednesday it would sell its stake in China's second largest life insurer Ping An for $9.4 billion, as it looks to shift its focus back towards its traditional banking business.
No-hoper steals S. Korean presidential debate
A far-left candidate polling at around one percent in South Korea's presidential candidate stole the campaign's first TV debate with a scathing attack on conservative front-runner Park Geun-Hye.
Japan eyes reduced emission cut target: official
Japan may backpedal on its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter, an official said Wednesday, dealing a further blow to already deadlocked global warming talks in Doha.
US goes gaga over Britain's royal baby-to-be
News that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka Prince William and wife Kate, are having a baby lifted Americans' fascination with the British royal family to new heights on Tuesday.
115 killed in Philippines typhoon
The death toll from a powerful typhoon that struck the Philippines has risen to 115, as confirmation of more victims filtered in from isolated areas.
Sperm count of French men falls by one-third: study
The sperm count in French men dropped by nearly one-third between 1989 and 2005 and the quality of sperm also declined.
World's oldest person dies in US, at 116
The world's oldest person, American Besse Cooper, died on Tuesday at the age of 116.
Greece launches bond buyback programme
Greece's PDMA national debt agency said on Monday it had begun a voluntary buyback of the country's bonds at heavily discounted prices, a condition for receiving its latest instalment of EU-IMF bailout funds.
India warns Maldives over airport deal row
India warned its neighbour the Maldives on Monday that it might freeze annual aid worth $25 million amid anger over an attempt to kick out the Indian firm managing the main airport in the country.
Italy's new centre-left leader Bersani faces test: press
Democratic Party chief Pier Luigi Bersani won primaries on Sunday to lead Italy's centre-left but now faces the challenge of uniting different currents in his party.
Egypt protesters encircle presidential palace
Tens of thousands of Egyptian demonstrators encircled the presidential palace Tuesday after riot police failed to keep them at bay with tear gas, in a growing crisis over President Mohamed Morsi's decree widening his powers.
Software mogul slams S. Korean presidential politics
South Korean software mogul Ahn Cheol-Soo formally ended his popular independent presidential campaign Monday with a withering criticism of the country's entrenched left-right political divide.
Russian shareholder drops $9 bn BP suit: report
A minority shareholder in BP's Russian joint venture TNK-BP has dropped a long-running $9.3 billion suit against the British oil giant.
Kuwait opposition to stage post-poll demo
The Kuwaiti opposition is to stage a demonstration at the weekend to protest against the new parliament which was elected amid a huge boycott.
Ukraine's government, PM resign: presidency
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Monday accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and the entire government.