IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Superstitions face backlash

From exorcisms to spirit houses and amulets claiming to make wearers bulletproof, Thailand is a culture soaked in superstition - an obsession critics say is holding the nation back.

President goes on offensive against online detractors

Far from laughing along with those who poke fun at him on social media, President Rafael Correa has created a website and Twitter account to marshal digital counterattacks by his supporters against the "defamers".

Affordable tuna cited as key need in Pacific

Allocating sufficient tuna for local consumption and keeping it affordable could significantly improve people's health in the Pacific region, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community said on Monday.

Snowstorm heads to New England

A major winter storm swept through parts of the US Midwest on Sunday, dumping more than 30 cm of snow in the Chicago area before tracking toward New England, closing schools throughout the US Midwest and east.

4 original Magna Cartas reunited

The four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta went on display together for the first time on Monday, as Britain began 800th-anniversary celebrations for a document that forms the basis for legal systems around the world.

Around the world

South Korea's agricultural ministry confirmed on Monday that a dog at a duck farm has been infected with avian influenza.

Japan commits to fight against terror

Japan must work with the international community to fight terrorism and boost ways to ensure the safety of its people, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday, a day after Islamic State militants said they had beheaded a Japanese journalist.

Obama weighs in on IS captive

The US is doing everything in its power to rescue a 26-year-old woman held by the Islamic State group, President Barack Obama said on Sunday.

Al-Jazeera journalist freed from jail

Al-Jazeera journalist Peter Greste was released from a Cairo jail on Sunday and left Egypt after 400 days in prison on charges that included aiding a terrorist group, security officials said.

Govt steps up security after pipe bombs in Bangkok mall

Thailand's junta vowed to tighten security on Monday after two homemade pipe bombs detonated near a Bangkok shopping mall, the first major disruption to an uneasy peace imposed under martial law since May's coup.

ROK renews call for dialogue as offer fails

The Republic of Korea renewed its call on Monday for resuming dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea after its offer to hold talks in January failed amid disputes over various issues.