German growers push into craft beer market with new hops
In a microbrewery in a trendy Berlin neighbourhood, Thorsten Schoppe, one of a wave of beer-makers using new German ingredients to create non-traditional brews, pours hop pellets into a copper vat.
UN urges Thailand to drop charges against website
The United Nations has urged Thailand to drop defamation charges against two Australian and Thai journalists for a report alleging military involvement in people smuggling, warning of a "chilling effect" on press freedom.
27 December 2013
Rescue underway for Russian ship trapped by Antarctic ice
Three icebreaking ships were Thursday hurrying to reach a Russian vessel carrying 74 people on a scientific expedition which is trapped by ice off Antarctica, with Australian authorities coordinating the rescue mission.
26 December 2013
Chilean miracle miners back in spotlight -- on film
At the bottom of a dank salt mine in Colombia, a 200-strong film crew featuring Spanish actor Antonio Banderas is reconstructing the incredible tale of 33 miners buried alive for 69 days in Chile in 2010.
Fukushima operator readies new restructuring plan
Tokyo Electric Power said it would submit a fresh restructuring plan to a Japanese government-backed fund Wednesday, which could see the creation of a special unit to dismantle the crippled Fukushima plant.
Australia gives environmental nod to $5.7 bln coal project
Waratah Coal on Saturday welcomed the Australian government's approval of its $6.4 billion (US$5.7 billion) Galilee coal project, as conservationists warned the decision threatened the environment.
21 December 2013
Explorers reach Mawson's Huts in Antarctica
Two Australian explorers have battled dangerous sea ice to reach the historic Mawson's Huts in Antarctica which have been isolated for years by a giant iceberg blocking the route in, officials said Friday.
Haiyan to hit Philippine coconut oil exports: industry official
Global coconut oil supplies will likely fall next year, an industry official said Friday, after the killer typhoon that struck leading exporter the Philippines last month destroyed millions of trees used to produce the commodity.
China to build two new Antarctic bases: state media
Chinese workers are on their way to build the country's fourth Antarctic research base and a fifth is being planned, state-run media said Thursday as the country expands its imprint on the icy continent.
20 December 2013
Utemuratov opens tennis courts in Kokshetau
Bulat Utemuratov, President of Kazakhstan's Tennis Federation and a well-known businessman, has opened a tennis center in Kokshetau city.