Police officers stand in line in front of protesters during a demonstration outside the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 in Copenhagen

World leaders try to save troubled climate talks

World leaders took the stage at the largest ever climate talks on Wednesday as ministers scrambled to rescue troubled negotiations on a pact to avoid dangerous global warming.

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VP Bank highlighted five key themes to watch for in 2010

VP Bank highlight five factors will shape the world economy in the wake of the crisis: government debt levels, emerging markets, private consumption, inflation and corporate earnings. ...

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Chinese Mexican with two wives exposed by network

A Chinese Mexican has been arrested on a charge of bigamy after his wives discovered each other on a popular social networking site, reported Beijing police reported. ...

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Facebook, Twitter top list of weird stories in 2009

From the German town that unwittingly advertised pornography on its website to the American who interrupted his wedding to update his Facebook and Twitter accounts, the world was full of weird stories in 2009. ...

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Singapore

Singapore, European Union agree to start trade talks

Singapore and the European Union have agreed to start talks for a free trade pact, reviving a plan to forge a closer trade link between Southeast Asia and Europe which was halted earlier this year, Singapore said on Tuesday.

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SE Asia

Thai police vow crackdown on Buddha statue thieves

Thai police promised to get tough with criminals who steal historic artefacts for the international market after a spate of thefts from the old capital of Ayuthaya outraged the public in the Buddhist country.

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Asia Pac

At Taiwan beauty contest, it's all about the men

Swimwear, evening wear and polished lines will decide the winner of an international beauty pageant in Taiwan this weekend, but dresses, eyeshadow and long hair are out -- this contest is only for men.

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World

Britain bounces cheques after 300 years

After more than three centuries, the humble cheque is set to become a historic relic after British banks voted to phase it out in favour of more modern payment methods.

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Business

Renewables to supply one-third China's energy by 2050

China's renewable energy strategy through 2050 envisions renewable energy making up one-third of its energy consumption by then, the China Daily said, as the upcoming Copenhagen conference on climate change highlights the world's dependence on fossil fuels.

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Entertainment

Battling pre-Christmas bulge? Wrap yourself in shapewear

Struggling to hide the love handles or muffin top for that holiday party? Underwear makers are finding the desire for a snap svelte silhouette has created a booming line for women, and now men, in shapewear.

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Sport

Soccer-Four detained in China matchfixing probe - Xinhua

Chinese police have detained four soccer officials on suspicion of bribery in the crackdown on match-fixing in the country's troubled professional game, state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

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Tech

YouTube looks at subscriptions, more ad dollars

YouTube is considering offering users the option to pay for subscriptions in a bid to encourage more media companies to license premium TV shows and movies to the popular online video site, a senior executive said.

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Features

Q+A-What's on the agenda at the Asian leaders' summit?

Leaders of 16 Asia-Pacific countries will meet in the Thai seaside town of Hua Hin this week for the ASEAN and East Asia Summits, a forum twice postponed because of political unrest.

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Interviews

INTERVIEW-ANZ eyes commodities growth as India, China recover

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group aims to expand its commodities trading in China, confident that Beijing's push to boost growth will revive the country's appetite for energy and metals and boost prices, the head of its Asian commodities trading said.

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