World

U.S. election news: Trump vows to appoint pro-life judges while Clinton demands funds for top abortion service provider
Donald Trump vowed to protect the "sanctity and dignity of life" while Hillary Clinton demanded more funding for Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion service provider that sources say kills an average of 887 unborn babies a day.

Islamic State claims bombings near Shi'ite shrine in Damascus
The ultra-hardline Sunni militants of IS, whose many foes are advancing on a number of fronts in both Syria and Iraq, are avowed enemies of Shi'ites, whom they consider a heretical group within Islam.

Iraqi forces attack ISIS positions south of Mosul
Iraqi troops attacked Islamic State positions south of Mosul on Sunday as the US-led coalition intensifies its campaign against the militants on multiple fronts across their self-proclaimed caliphate.

Almost 9 in every 10 Americans consider birth control as 'highly acceptable,' survey shows
Although some Christians are worried that it might lead to a culture of promiscuity especially among the youth, the use of condoms, pills and other contraceptives seems to be a non-issue for a huge number of Americans.

Scottish Episcopal Church takes first step towards allowing same-sex marriage as sanctions loom
If it approves same-sex unions, the Scottish Episcopal Church may face sanctions from the Anglican Communion, of which it is a member.

WHO recommends delaying pregnancy for couples living in areas hit by Zika virus
In its interim guidance update released earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised people living in areas affected by the Zika virus to consider delaying pregnancy to avoid having babies with birth defects, such as deformed heads.

Scientists claim to have solved mystery of why ancient 'hobbits' from Indonesia are so small
Researchers however claimed that they have already unlocked the secret of the hobbits, and it has something to do with the conditions of the environment they lived in.

Top scientist claims proof that God exists, says humans live in a 'world made by rules created by an intelligence'
A respected figure in the scientific community recently said he found evidence proving that there is a Higher Being, which he described as the action of a force "that governs everything."

'Together 2016': July 16 D.C. event to see Evangelicals, Catholics forging 'historic unity' to 'pray for a reset for our nation'
An ecumenical event will take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on July 16 that will bring together Evangelical and Catholic speakers and musicians.

New York City launches major ad campaign to promote use of public bathrooms based on gender identity
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has launched a campaign to tell the public to use bathroom consistent with their gender identity, regardless of their biological sex.

Former Stanford star swimmer convicted of sexual assault sentenced to just 6 months in jail, drawing protests
A former Stanford University student and star swimmer was sentenced to just six months in jail for his sexual assault of an unconscious woman at a frat party last year, drawing protests from the public for the apparent leniency of the judge.

Doctor opens right-to-die practice in California as End of Life Option Act takes effect
California's End of Life Option Act went into effect on Thursday, allowing terminally ill patients to seek prescription for drugs to end their life. A doctor promptly opened a practice dedicated to the procedure.

Iowa governor under fire from atheists for urging public to join 4-day Bible reading marathon
The governor of Iowa is being targeted by atheist groups for signing a proclamation that encourages the public to join the Iowa 99 County Bible Reading Marathon that will start at the end of the month.

Libyan forces claim port in ISIS stronghold of Sirte
Forces aligned with Libya's unity government said on Friday they had taken control of the port of Sirte, making further gains in Islamic State's North African stronghold.

ISIS claims stabbing of Hindu monastery worker in Bangladesh
Police said unidentified assailants attacked Nitya Ranjan Pandey, 60, while he was walking in the northwestern district of Pabna early on Friday morning.

Chile: Church attacked as student protest turns violent
A student march in Chile's capital on Thursday ended with violent confrontations with police and the sacking of a Catholic church as the radicalization of the country's politically powerful student movement intensified.