Japan Cabinet reshuffle prioritizes economy

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday carried out his first Cabinet reshuffle since December 2012 and prioritized the subject of revitalizing Japan's economy.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Ancient markings 'bring Neanderthals even closer to us'

Markings dating back 40,000 years suggest Neanderthals were considerably more sophisticated than previously thought, researchers say.

UN climate chief: Time running out

The UN's top official on climate change, Christiana Figueres, warned on Tuesday that time is running out for meaningful action on global warming, citing the plight of low-lying Pacific nations that face ever-rising seas.

Sharif asserts control of Pakistani parliament

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a joint session of parliament on Tuesday as a deepening crisis over violent protests demanding his resignation prompted fears of an army intervention.

Palmer digs govt out of hole on mining tax

Australia agreed on Tuesday to dump a hotly disputed profits tax on mineral resources after the government struck a surprise deal with senators, including mining tycoon Clive Palmer.

Sailor suicide highlights Japan's violent culture

Japan's navy has admitted that a sailor killed himself aboard ship earlier this year after being persistently bullied by a superior officer. It was the latest incident to come to light related to the country's little-discussed hazing culture.

Modi courts investors during trip to Tokyo

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought to reassure investors that his reformist agenda would translate into better governance for Asia's third-largest economy.

Ebola outbreak threatens food security

The world's worst Ebola epidemic has put harvests at risk and sent food prices soaring in West Africa, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said on Tuesday, warning the problem will intensify in coming months.

EU weighs additional sanctions on Russia

European Union governments will decide on a package of new sanctions against Russia by Friday, incoming EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini told the European Parliament on Tuesday, calling for "the strongest possible response".

More than 1 million displaced

More than 1 million people have been displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, including 814,000 Ukrainians now in Russia, the UNHCR United Nations refugee agency said on Tuesday.

Support grows for Scottish independence

A poll showing support for Scottish independence at its highest ever level threw the fate of the United Kingdom into question on Tuesday, just two weeks before Scots vote on whether to secede.