News
MP asks why detective on murder charge was bailed
A politician called on the government's top legal adviser on Monday to examine how a police inspector who was facing trial for the murder of his wife had been allowed to go free on bail.
Russia restrict visas for British Council staff
Russia announced on Monday it will not issue new entry visas to staff working in the British government's cultural offices in two regions, sharpening a row that has soured already-poor relations.
Trial of suspected Ipswich killer to start
A forklift truck driver appeared in court on Monday, accused of murdering five prostitutes during a killing spree carried out at a pace never seen before in Britain.
Indian nuns mobilise to empower women religious
Catholic nuns in India mobilised earlier in the month in Mangalore with the vision of opening a new theology research institute to empower women religious and redress the gender disparity in religious studies.
Malaysian Christians disappointed over government flip-flop on 'Allah' ban
Malaysian Christians have expressed deep disappointment after the Malaysian Government appeared to backtrack on an earlier decision to allow non-Muslims to use the word "Allah".
Spanish Government, Catholic Church spar over liberal policies
The confrontation between the Spanish Government and the Roman Catholic Church took a bitter turn after the government said it "cannot go back in time" on social liberal policies.
Pope turns back on congregation in old mass ritual
Pope Benedict celebrated parts of Sunday's Mass with his back turned on the congregation, re-introducing an old ritual that had not been used in decades.
Conservative summit could push Anglican Communion to 'danger point'
Religious broadcaster fears that the decision by conservative leaders in the Anglican Communion to hold a separate summit may lead to schism.
Bush to reaffirm strong ties with Saudi Arabia
U.S. President George W. Bush heads to Saudi Arabia on Monday to encourage active support for Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking by the Arab powerbroker and seek help in maintaining American pressure on Iran.
US missionary held in Chad to be freed soon - group
A US missionary kidnapped in Chad last October is to be released, according to a member of the organisation he was working for.
Israel-Palestinian final status talks start Monday
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the most serious peace talks in seven years would begin on Monday and the final deal must address all the sensitive issues including Jerusalem.
Love, hope for shunned kids in India AIDS school
In a smart blue tunic and red ribbons in her hair, 12-year-old Komal's laughing eyes hide a fear of death that stalks every student in her village school.
In Iran, some women pursue rights despite pressure
Nahid Keshavarz says two weeks in an Iranian jail didn't deter her from helping try to collect one million signatures for a petition urging more women's rights and, if anything, prison showed the cause was worth fighting for.
Eight soldiers killed in Thai Muslim south ambush
Eight soldiers were killed and six wounded in ambushes by suspected separatist militants in Thailand's rebellious Muslim south on Monday, army and police spokesmen said.
Doctors battle to save Indonesia's Suharto
Doctors battled on Monday to save the life of former Indonesian President Suharto, who remains critically ill, while another of Southeast Asia's long-serving leaders visited his bedside.
Manila creates green courts for environmental cases
The Philippine Supreme Court will designate special courts to speed up a backlog of environmental cases and ensure polluters are penalised for breaking the law, a spokesman confirmed on Monday.