Australia's top court overrules gay marriage in capitalAustralia's High Court on Thursday struck down gay marriage in the nation's capital where dozens have wed under a landmark law, ruling that parliament must decide whether to approve same-sex unions.
Hit like ton of BRICS: 2013 tough year for emerging marketsOnly recently hailed as the saviours of the world economy, emerging markets had a tough year in 2013, hit by slow growth, market instability and social unrest that have worried investors -- though some analysts say the fear is overblown.
12 December 2013
North Korea may be set for 'Cultural Revolution': JapanThe recent purge of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's once-powerful uncle could herald a period of radical upheaval comparable to China's Cultural Revolution, Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera said Thursday.
12 December 2013
Russia court orders review of Pussy Riot verdictsThe Russian Supreme Court has ordered a review of the guilty verdicts handed to two members of punk band Pussy Riot, three months before the pair are due to be released from prison, it said Thursday.
Kenya celebrates 50 years of freedom with challenges aheadKenyans mark half a century of independence from Britain on Thursday, celebrating progress of the regional economic powerhouse but also struggling to shake off a legacy of corruption, inequality and ethnic violence.
Apple wins court battle against SamsungSouth Korea's Samsung on Thursday lost its latest claim in a long-running global copyright battle against bitter rival Apple, a surprise blow to the electronics giant in its home market.
US House votes to get tough on child abductionThe US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to punish countries that do not promptly return abducted children, upping pressure in an issue that has soured relations with Japan and other allies.
12 December 2013
Bailout over but suffering goes on for Ireland's most needyIreland will receive plaudits this weekend when it exits its financial bailout but advocacy groups warn that the most vulnerable in society will still suffer from lingering austerity measures.
12 December 2013
Kerry marks 70th birthday with return to IsraelUS Secretary of State John Kerry was marking his 70th birthday Wednesday leaving again for Israel, in his dogged quest for an elusive Middle East peace deal.
12 December 2013
Boko Haram leader claims Dec. 2 attack in new videoBoko Haram's leader said in a video obtained by AFP on Thursday that the group was behind a daring raid on military installations in the north Nigerian city of Maiduguri earlier this month.
12 December 2013
Golden Globe nominees to be unveiled, in crowded raceGolden Globe organizers unveil nominations for their annual movie awards show Thursday, as Hollywood's honors season gets into full swing with a bumper cast of hotly-tipped contenders.
12 December 2013
One in three kids have no birth certificate: UNOne in three children worldwide cannot have their existence legally verified with a birth certificate since their birth was not registered, UNICEF warned Wednesday.
12 December 2013
Italy's Letta wins parliament vote, vowing to fight 'chaos'Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta on Wednesday won a parliamentary confidence vote triggered by the fall of Silvio Berlusconi, promising to push through a pro-European reform agenda and fight populism.
12 December 2013
Twitter adds photo sharing to direct messagesUpdated mobile software rolled out Tuesday by Twitter lets smartphone users send pictures in direct, personal messages seen only by recipients instead of being shared publicly on the social network.