WORLD

Senior politician dismisses Madonna's criticism of Pussy Riot blasphemy 'show trial' while she tours Russia as a lecture on morality.

President moves quickly to replace outgoing premier, while China and Russia sign up for Iranian peace summit.

Orthodox Jewish men who are do not wish to see 'immodestly dressed' women encouraged to buy special blurred-lens glasses.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says talks will be open only to states with 'correct and realistic position' on solving Syrian conflict.

With nearly 300,000 people homeless, government and relief organisations call for more volunteers to distribute food, water and medicine.

Sustained bombardment rains down on Syria's second city while Iran plans diplomatic conference.

Gu Kailai, wife of tainted Chinese politician Bo Xilai, stands accused of poisoning British businessman Neil Heywood - in one of the most sensitive political trials in recent Chinese history.

Woman released a year early from five-year sentence for smuggling arms to Iran after mediation by Oman.

Controversial practice of forcing chicken eggs into suspected homosexuals brings disciplinary action threat by doctors' watchdog.

Gunmen open fire on soldiers outside mosque, one day after killing 19 church worshippers in same town.

Crackdown on illegal migrants, which will see at least 1,500 kicked out of Greece, violates international law, says human rights charity.

Anonymous attacks website of Alex Schwazer, who was excluded from London 2012 Olympics for testing positive for performance-enhancer EPO.

Iran appeals for help in rescuing hostages from rebel hands - and pledges to help Assad overcome Free Syrian Army.

Drone attacks, explosions and suicide attack have been rocking the al-Qaida stronghold in Yemen in recent days.

Egypt's military helicopters fire missiles in Toumah village, a few kilometres from Gaza Strip.

Surrounding countries such as Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala take preemptive measures.

Landslide in Quezon City kills nine members of family, including three-week-old baby, as rains continue.

Images show hundreds of craters

First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs asks for Te’Andrea and Charles Wilson's forgiveness for congregation's whites-only rule on weddings.

In first TV appearance in weeks Syrian president tells Iran's security chief of determination to purge opposition.

Sprint sensation Kirani James, 19, makes history with victory in 400m meaning tiny Caribbean nation is smallest country ever to win a gold medal, says Julian Kossoff.

Attempted self-immolations claim life of woman who dies with hands clasped in prayer but monk in separate protest survives.

Security agencies stepping up search for kidnappers and abducted foreigners.

Riyadh cabinet condemns 'brutal attacks' after reports of 80 dead in sectarian conflict.

Curiosity rover sends low-resolution images of Mars surface, hours after its safe landing.

Oxfam calls for protection of civilians on top of agenda for the regional summit to be held in Uganda.

Punks condemned for 'religious hatred and enmity' as Madonna wades in to support 'political art'.

Flooding comes in the wake of the havoc caused by Typhoon Saola.

Google's latest in its series of Olympic doodles is an interactive doodle on men's 110m hurdles.