Atyrau oblast Akim goes off on black hijabsBakytkozha Ismukhambetov, Akim (Governor) of Atyrau Oblast in Western Kazakhstan, went all emotional about women dressed in black hijabs at the recent meeting of the Public Youth Council.
Aluminium giant Rusal posts 1H net loss of $439 mn Rusal, the world's largest aluminium producer, on Monday reported a net loss of $439 million for the first half of 2013, citing falling prices, an excess global supply and economic uncertainty.
Germany considering halting arms exports to Egypt: Merkel German chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday that stopping arms shipments to Egypt would be an appropriate way to put pressure on the country as it is gripped by deadly violence.
Philippine capital shuts down amid floods Heavy rain in the Philippine capital of Manila forced all schools, government offices and the stock exchange to close on Monday, as waist-deep water flooded parts of the city.
Kazakhstan wants to ban gay 'propaganda'Kazakhstan parliament wants to follow in Russia's footsteps and put through a bill banning homosexuality 'propaganda' in Kazakhstan.
Pistorius due back in court for murder of his lover Star sprinter Oscar Pistorius returns to court in South Africa on Monday, when prosecutors will indict him for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and confirm a trial date.
Coastal cities face rising risk of flood losses: study The world's 136 largest coastal cities could risk combined annual losses of $1 trillion (750 billion euros) from floods by 2050 unless they drastically raise their defences.