Japan's pursuit of cute spawns $30 billion industry
Police forces use them; shops can't do without them; power companies have them -- and sack them when they become unpopular.
Church of England set to vote on women bishops
The Church of England is set to take a final vote on Monday on whether to ordain women bishops, after years of wrangling between traditionalists and liberals.
Obama hails Americans, military on Fourth of July
President Barack Obama hailed the selfless dedication of the US military's "9/11 generation," on a scorchingly hot July 4 holiday Wednesday as Americans gathered to celebrate Independence Day.
Russia accuses West of distorting Syria deal
Russia accused the West on Tuesday of seeking to distort an agreement for a political transition in Syria, after international peace envoy Kofi Annan said a ceasefire was imperative.
Toshiba fined in US antitrust case
Japanese electronics giant Toshiba said Tuesday a jury has ordered it to pay $87 million in a price-fixing case on LCD displays, but that it ultimately may not end up paying damages.
Spain's disco island toils to make partying pay
Sunburnt and full of beer and rum, thousands of Britons cheer as their national treasure Elton John takes the stage, in a glittery purple jacket under a Spanish sunset.
Conflict, economic woes, in tough first year for South Sudan
The world's youngest nation South Sudan has had a rough first year: border wars with the North, internal violence and shutdown of the oil production its economy depends on.
New Greek government pins hopes on privatisations
Greece's new government formally takes office this week and looks set to push privatisation so as to win favour and funds from EU-IMF creditors who are inspecting the country's strained finances.
Electricity flows from restarted Japan reactor
Electricity generated from nuclear fission began flowing in Japan on Thursday, ending a nearly two-month hiatus in the aftermath of the Fukushima meltdowns.
France issues final report on mid-Atlantic air crash
French investigators will release on Thursday a final report into what caused the mid-Atlantic crash of a Rio to Paris Air France flight that killed 228 people in 2009.
'Black widow' hot dog champ eats age in dogs
World champion hot dog eater Sonya Thomas crushed her previous record Wednesday in the annual showdown, wolfing down 45 dogs and buns in 10 minutes, to the cheers of an entranced crowd.
Kissing marathon to be held in Astana
The first Kissing Marathon is going to be held in Astana on July 13.
South Korea to start 'scientific' whaling
South Korea said Wednesday that it planned to start whaling through a loophole that allows the killing of whales for scientific research, following the lead of Japan's controversial expeditions.
There are Kazakhs in Cirque du Soleil
There are 1,300 employees in total and around 20 percent of them speak Russian: Cirque du Soleil representative.
Algeria celebrates anniversary with musical, fireworks
Algerian celebrations to mark 50 years since gaining independence from France kicked off on Wednesday with a giant open air performance inspired by the liberation struggle, followed by nationwide fireworks displays.
Cuba's Castro set to meet China's leaders
Cuban President Raul Castro begins talks with China's leaders on Thursday during which he is expected to win backing from his country's longtime ally in helping to implement historic economic reforms.
Taiwan's HTC pleased with UK court victory over Apple
Taiwan's leading smartphone maker HTC Thursday hailed as a victory a British court ruling that it did not infringe on a patent owned by the US technology giant Apple.
Kazakhstan miners and metallurgists ask to suspend emission sanctions until 2015
Kazakhstan Association of Mining and Metallurgical Companies has asks to give new companies time until they get on their feet.
Almaty Zoo is baby-booming
Albino porcupines, fawns, ponies, moufflons, a colt, wolf cubs and gannet cheepers have been born in Almaty Zoo since the beginning of this summer.
Nazarbayev opened Kazakhstan Equestrian President’s Cup
Nursultan Nazarbayev has officially opened one of the stages of Equestrian World Cup - Kazakhstan President's Cup.