China

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, was crowned Miss Universe 2012, with contestants from Philippines, Venezuela, Australia and Brazil finishing in the top five

Asian markets decline as the US fiscal cliff talks appear to hit further roadblocks and traders await Bank of Japan's policy decisions.

Global economic slowdown and European debt crisis remain to be major concerns affecting the business sentiments of top companies in the Asian region.

European markets rise firm in the early minutes of trade as concerns on US budget negotiations ease.

Domestic demand expected to boost growth in East Asia and Pacific region despite weak global economy.

Asian stocks extend gains as traders remain positive on US lawmakers reaching consensus on 'fiscal cliff' soon.

Bank of American Merrill Lynch survey shows investors increasingly optimistic about global recovery and China growth potential.

Weather reports across the globe do not give bright outlook for Doomsday on 21 December.

Members of cult Christian group Almighty God among those arrested for fear-mongering over 21 December.

A Judge in California has denied Apple's application for a permanent sales ban on several Samsung products in an "unprecedented" decision.

Illicit financial outflows include corruption money and tax evasion.

Government keen on preventing overheating of market as prices soar.

Asian stocks sway between gains and losses as traders look for signs of progress in the US 'fiscal cliff' talks.

Nicolas Anelka is reportedly in talks over cancelling his contract with Shanghai Shenhua

Despite the iPhone 5 selling more than two million units during its launch weekend in China, Apple's share price dropped almost 4 percent.

European markets remain mixed in the opening minutes of trade as fiscal cliff concerns offset China's economic policy reassurances.

Abe, considered a hawk on China, says he will 'stop challenge'.

Japanese stocks climb as yen dips after pro-stimulus LDP wins elections.

Key economic meeting provides first glimpse of new Communist Party leadership in action.

Deflation, rising currency and perceived threats to national security have driven disillusioned voters to the conservative LDP.

Mother-of-eight forced to share shack with 200kg sow outside Chen Shoutian's house.

The iPhone 5 has been launched in China, but the company has still to reach a deal with China's biggest mobile operator.

The International Telecoms Union suffered a "humiliating failure" as the US led the way in blocking proposed new regulations on how the internet is run.

Sentiments upbeat on China's 14-month high manufacturing figures and hopes of 'fiscal cliff' solution.

PetroChina to buy 49.9 percent stake in project for $2.2bn.

Chinese markets gain after a preliminary manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) showed improvement but Japanese stocks fall on dropping business sentiments.

Population of Gourma elephants in Mali drops to 350 because of war, hunting, drought and climate change.

Eurostat and ONS data shows Britons felt the burn of government austerity, an impending recession and global crises in 2011.

Assault using Cold War-era missiles against rebels in Syria suggests increasing desperation, say military analysts.

Amid UN condemnation of North Korea, US and its allies seek tougher sanctions.