WORLD

The leader of the Catholic Church Pope Francis is concerned over Malta's Civil Union bill to allow same-sex couples to wed.

Sophisticated Z-20 helicopter resembles US Black Hawk chopper and boasts improved stealth characteristics.

The coldest place on Earth has been measured by satellite to be minus 93.2 Celsius (-135.8F) in Antarctica.

21 people rescued but more than 20 still feared trapped under rubble after Goa building collapse.

More priests trained as exorcists because of rise in black magic, paganism, Satanic rites and Ouija boards, says Roman Catholic Church.

Five further deaths in Bangladesh as clashes between opposition supporters and police intensify.

Iraqi PM says there will be no withdrawal until 'terrorist groups' are driven out of Anbar.

Jihadist group linked to Al-Qaida lays claim to Fallujah in major security setback for Iraqi government.

Republican senator announces plans to sue President Obama in class action lawsuit.

Twilight co-stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart fail to reunite for New Year, as R Patz spent time with Nettie Wakefield and Dakota Fanning.

Security has been beefed up following two recent suicide bombings.

The bizarre double-headed cow was named Sana Saida, which means 'Happy New Year' in Arabic.

Bulldozer operator killed when he disturbs buried second world war bomb in Germany.

Violence flares again ahead of Sunday's controversial election.

Giant rodents used to detect landmines in ground-breaking project funded by UK taxpayer.

Libya has observed its annual festival of culture and tourism in Ghat.

UN estimates that half of the country's population, amounting to about 2.2. million people, need assistance.

US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (FISA) court renewed the NSA phone collection programme on 3 January.

Drought uncovers ancient stone bridge in China's largest freshwater lake, the Poyang.

Reuters reports that Pentagon waived federal laws to avoid delays in F-35 programme.

Fighting continues, with rival forces claiming they are pushing into each other's territory.

Comic who conceived downward Nazi salute copied by Nicholas Anelka as pathetic buffoon.

Israel Defence Ministry hails anti-ballistic missile testing as a triumph.

X-rated footage goes viral on social media and turned into internet memes.

Credibility of Hong Kong-based Wen Wei Po questioned by experts on Twitter

UN says 20% of Central African Republic's people are internally displaced due to fighting between Muslims and Christians

Over 2,000 flights cancelled as Hercules brings blizzard-like conditions to US.

Iconic statesman, former prime minister and retired general dies after eight years in a coma.

US finishes above Iran, China and Israel as biggest threat to global security in Gallup survey