Scientists behind big-screen special effects honored

The scientists and inventors who make big-screen superheroes, spectacular explosions and other only-in-the-movies effects possible have long had their own Oscar ceremony.

Germany, France eye new data network

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday she will talk to French President Francois Hollande about building up a European communication network to avoid e-mails and other data passing through the United States.

Australia says it spied for 'benefit of friends'

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Sunday his government used intelligence material "for the benefit of our friends" and "to uphold our values" following fresh reports it spied on Indonesia.

US diplomatic picks draw criticism

US foreign policy circles are complaining about the record number of political appointees, especially big donors to US President Barack Obama, getting plum postings at embassies around the world.

Morsi's lawyers walk out of espionage trial

The trial of deposed Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi was adjourned on Sunday after his lawyers walked out of the courtroom in protest at a soundproof cage in which he and other defendants were being held.

Kiev protesters conclude occupation of City Hall

Scores of Ukrainian anti-government protesters ended a 2-month-old occupation of City Hall in the capital, Kiev, on Sunday to meet a government amnesty offer.

Pakistan, China to step up energy, trade projects

Beijing and Islamabad will strengthen energy cooperation and speed up development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, said Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday ahead of an upcoming visit to China.

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Street keeps alive Chinese roots

No traveler would want to miss Petaling Street, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, yet few can recite its history.

Activist looks back on cemetery victory

Lee Chun Kong said his biggest achievement was leading the campaign to preserve the century-old Kwong Tong cemetery, which involved more than a decade of negotiations with the Malaysian government in the late 1990s.

Rare ROK-DPRK agreement greenlights family reunions

High-level talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea ended on Friday with a rare agreement to go ahead as planned with a reunion for divided families, despite the DPRK's objections to overlapping ROK-US military drills.

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