News
Pakistan tests another nuclear-capable missile
Pakistan successfully test fired a short-range nuclear-capable missile on Wednesday as part of its efforts to boost its defence capabilities, the military said.
Malaysia's Anwar faces make-or-break test in poll
Malaysia's next election will be a make-or-break test for opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim, once regarded as a future prime minister, but now hemmed in by his opponents and battling to stay relevant to voters.
Turkey's diehard smokers vow to defy ban
Turkish smokers are vowing to defy a ban in bars and restaurants that will take effect next year, while anti-smoking campaigners accuse global cigarette companies of targeting the country as a key market.
Steven Spielberg quits as Olympics adviser
Oscar-winning film director Steven Spielberg withdrew on Tuesday as an artistic adviser to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing over China's policy on the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.
Venezuela halts oil supplies to Exxon Mobil
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez stopped oil exports to Exxon Mobil Corp on Tuesday, escalating a multibillion-dollar fight with the U.S. company two days after threatening to cut off all supplies to America.
Witnesses say Damascus car bomb kills man
A car bomb exploded in a residential area of the Syrian capital on Tuesday, killing one man and injuring two, witnesses said.
China bus plunge deaths climb to 19
A bus plunge in a Chinese province recently struck by icy weather killed at least 19 people as rescuers continued searching for bodies, state media reported.
Manchester faith groups welcome Government U-turn on super-casino
Manchester-based charity Church Action on Poverty has expressed its delight at the Government's decision to scrap plans for a Las Vegas-style super-casino in Manchester.
Most US evangelical leaders still support Iraq war
Most evangelical leaders still support the war in Iraq and want the United States to "stay until the job is done," according to a survey released Monday.
Archbishop of Canterbury slams casinos in Synod debate
The Archbishop of Canterbury has hit out at Government plans to build large casinos across the country, branding them "human pollution" during a debate on gambling at the Church of England General Synod on Tuesday.
Bible great to read but hard to apply - survey
Nearly three quarters of Christians say the Bible challenges them to live in a way that runs counter to today's culture, a survey commissioned by Bible Society has revealed - but they still struggle to apply that challenge to their daily lives, the organisation warns.
Conservative rabbis concerned over Catholic prayer
Conservative rabbis expressed concern on Monday over a newly released Catholic prayer calling for the conversion of Jews and said they hoped a resolution expressing dismay over the wording would send a message to Pope Benedict.
Indian state to pay for Christians to visit Israel
A south Indian state will subsidise pilgrimage trips for Christians who want to travel to Israel, officials said.
URC comes out in support of Williams over Sharia comments
The United Reformed Church has expressed its support for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, over his comments on Sharia law.
Christian editor's murder trial seen as test for Turkey
Supporters of slain Turkish Armenian editor Hrant Dink demanded justice on Monday at a third hearing in the trial of his suspected killers, in a case seen as a test for democracy and human rights in Turkey.
Mexican electronics workers subject to abuse - CAFOD report
Electronics workers in Mexico are regularly subjected to labour rights abuses, says a new report launched today by the Catholic aid agency, CAFOD.