Flawless blue diamond sells for $24 million
A spectacular blue diamond, the largest in its category, fetched a total of $23.79 million (17.35 million euros) at a Christie's auction in Geneva.
Venezuelan police arrest 105 in clashes
Venezuelan police arrested 105 people and fired tear gas at anti-government student protesters who hurled stones and fireworks Wednesday at a ministry building in the capital, officials said.
Cannes film fest opens with 'Grace of Monaco' mauling
The world's biggest film festival opened in Cannes Wednesday with a blast of controversy as critics mercilessly savaged the opening movie about Hollywood-darling-turned-princess Grace of Monaco.
World's oldest sperm found in Australia
The world's oldest and best-preserved sperm, dating back 17 million years, has been unearthed in Australia, scientists said.
Biopic hits and flops: film-makers grapple with great lives
A great or glittering life is no guarantee of a gripping biopic, say film-makers, as the Cannes Film Festival prepares to open Wednesday with the first big screen adaptation of the life of Monaco's Princess Grace.
Crocodile eats boy in PNG
The limbs of an 11-year-old boy have been found inside a huge crocodile and his head discovered nearby after he was attacked in Papua New Guinea, a report said.
China youth suicides blamed on education system: study
China's high-pressure, exam-driven education system is responsible for the vast majority of suicides by schoolchildren in the country, state media said Wednesday, citing a study.
Barnett Newman painting sells at auction for $84 million
A painting by American Barnett Newman, "Black Fire I," went under the gavel for $84 million Tuesday at Christie's postwar and contemporary art auction in New York, a record price for the artist.
Judo: Maxim Rakov wins gold in Baku
Kazakhstan judoka Maxim Rakov has won the prestigious Grand Slam competition in Baku on May 9-11, 2014.
Bakytzhan Abdiraiym appointed Vice-Minister of Justice
Abdiraiym Bakytzhan has been appointed Deputy Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan.
Military brass bands parade to take place in Astana
The second international festival of military brass bands will take place in Astana on May 21-25, 2014.
Samsung promises compensation over cancer claims
Samsung Electronics promised on Wednesday to pay compensation to a number of employees who claim they contracted cancer from working at the company's semiconductor plants.
Strikers on march at S.Africa platinum mine
Hundreds of striking miners marched at a Lonmin platinum mine in South Africa Wednesday, where bosses have been trying to break deadly stoppages that have severely curbed production.
UN condemns killing of French journalist in CAR
The UN Security Council has condemned the killing of a French journalist in the Central African Republic, and stated those responsible "shall be held accountable".
Kazakhstan's economy benefits from devaluation: Kelimbetov
National Bank Chairman Kairat Kelimbetov declared that the economy of Kazakhstan responded positively to the recent 20% devaluation of the Tenge.
Obama meets Syrian opposition leader
President Barack Obama met Syrian opposition leader Ahmad Jarba Tuesday in a show of support for moderate, embattled foes of President Bashar al-Assad.
100-carat yellow diamond fetches $16 million at auction
A 100-carat yellow diamond sold for 14.5 million Swiss francs ($16.3 million,11.9 million euros) at auction in Geneva.
Alec Baldwin rages at NY police over traffic stop
Actor Alec Baldwin took to Twitter to vent his anger on Tuesday after being detained by police in New York for riding his bicycle the wrong way down a street.
Moldova to sign association agreement on June 27: EU
European Union President Herman Van Rompuy Tuesday invited Moldova to sign a key economic and political deal with the EU on June 27, warning against external pressure on the country in remarks aimed at Moscow.
Tokyo to ban sales of incest comic to minors
The Tokyo government is to ban sales to children of a manga comic that depicts incestuous relationships, an official said Tuesday, the first time expanded rules on sexual content have been invoked.
