Earnings reality sinks US investor hopes
A reality blast of disappointing earnings from a clutch of US business heavyweights wiped out midweek gains Friday as US markets suffered another poor week.
World pledges more money to protect biodiversity
Efforts to reverse the worrying loss of Earth's dwindling natural resources received a substantial boost on Saturday when a UN conference in India agreed to double biodiversity aid to poor countries.
Family sues Monster Energy makers over teen's death
The family of a 14-year-old Maryland girl is suing the California makers of Monster Energy, alleging Friday that too much caffeine in the popular energy drink led to her death.
US backs call for Eid truce in Syria
The United States on Friday backed a call by the United Nations, the Arab League and their special envoy to Syria for a ceasefire by both sides in the conflict over this month's Eid al-Adha holiday.
Up to 200 potential abuse victims in BBC star Savile probe: police
British police investigating the late BBC star Jimmy Savile said Friday they were now dealing with up to 200 potential victims, and had launched a full criminal probe into other suspects who are still alive.
British cabinet minister quits after swearing at police
British cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell resigned on Friday after launching a foul-mouthed tirade at police officers guarding the gates of Prime Minister David Cameron's Downing Street office.
Twitter 'to remove anti-Semitic posts' after legal threat
Twitter, a day after saying it blocked a neo-Nazi account in Germany in a global first, made another major concession Friday by agreeing to remove anti-Semitic posts in France.
US still undecided on no-fly zone for Syria
The United States is still mulling ways to stop the fighting in Syria, including a no-fly zone, as the Syrian regime is "ratcheting up the brutality of their tactics" .
Russian protest leader placed under house arrest
Russia placed a leader of mass protest rallies against President Vladimir Putin under house arrest on Wednesday after questioning him in a criminal probe into allegations he was plotting a violent uprising.
Judge rejects new bid to pull anti-Islam video
A federal US judge rejected Thursday a new legal attempt to force YouTube to withdraw an anti-Islamic film that triggered violent protests across the Muslim world.
Eurozone leaders see 'good progress' in Greece: statement
Eurozone leaders on Friday hailed Greece's achievements in carrying out reforms aimed at getting its economy back on track and urged Athens to keep up efforts to stay in the eurozone.
Gangnam fever 'just the beginning' for new Korean wave
The phenomenal success of "Gangnam Style" is just the start of a new surge of attention for Korean entertainment, according to the man responsible for some of South Korea's biggest films.
Pope to name seven saints including first Native American
Pope Benedict XVI will name seven new saints on Sunday including the first Native American, marking the start of a "Year of Faith" aimed at countering the rising tide of secularism in the West.
N. Korean leader's nephew labels him a 'dictator'
Kim Jong-Il's teenage grandson has labelled his uncle, North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-Un, a "dictator" in an interview that offers a rare glimpse into the world's most secretive ruling dynasty.
Bodyguard-free, ex ETA target enjoys new life
For 11 years, town councillor Joseba Markaida lived with a bodyguard, for fear of Basque separatists who hurled petrol bombs at his home and poisoned his dog.
Libya economy boosted by oil pending reconstruction
Libya's economy has made a swift recovery after the 2011 conflict, with oil production returning to near normal levels: but insecurity is holding up reconstruction and keeping foreign companies at bay.
Kazakhstan needs to train professional negotiators: expert
We have to be ready amid the escalating terrorism, extremism and kidnapping activities: Zhangeldy Zhakulov.
Jewish gravestones desecrated in New Zealand
Vandals defaced Jewish gravestones in central Auckland with graffiti including Nazi swastikas, New Zealand police said Friday, in a crime the Israeli embassy condemned as "vile desecration".
Woman critical after elephant attack at Sydney zoo
A female keeper was rushed to hospital in a critical condition on Friday after being crushed against a bollard by an Asian elephant at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.
Muslims trapped in ghetto of fear in Myanmar city
Barbed wire and armed troops guard the Muslim quarter of a violence-wracked city in western Myanmar, a virtual prison for the families that have inhabited its narrow streets for generations.