Vote proceeds in E. Ukraine; turnout 'high'

Two independence-seeking regions in eastern Ukraine held "presidential and parliamentary elections" on Sunday amid criticism from Kiev and the West.

Brisbane Airport bans climate ad ahead of G20

A bid by environmentalists to confront world leaders with a digital billboard highlighting climate change has been thwarted by Brisbane Airport authorities, who deemed the message too political.

Singapore to join coalition against IS militants

Singapore said on Monday it will provide military support to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group but would not take part in combat operations, while Canadian jet fighters attacked IS positions in Iraq for the first time on Sunday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Couple builds new life amid ruins of typhoon

Jovelyn Luana and Joel Aradana plan to light candles at a mass grave to mark the first anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan, which stole both their families, but they will do it hand-in-hand, sharing a new love that promises fresh dreams.

Venezuela strives to cap prices ahead of holidays

Venezuela is stepping up efforts to combat shortages and rising prices so families can have a merry Christmas complete with 12-cent sacks of sugar and 50-cent chickens.

Ebola nurse gets shower of licks from 'best friend' Bentley

The Dallas nurse treated for Ebola had an emotional reunion on Saturday with her "best friend", Bentley, a King Charles Spaniel.

'Hunch' led to fugitive's capture

Member of the US Marshals Service say it was just a hunch that led to the capture of a survivalist and marksman charged in a deadly sniper attack outside a Pennsylvania state police barracks who had eluded authorities for 48 days.

Bangladesh court sentences tycoon to death

A wealthy media tycoon who is a key figure in Bangladesh's largest Islamist party was sentenced to death on Sunday for war crimes, just days after the party's leader was ordered to be hanged for similar offenses.

Fears of Islamic State grow in Pakistan, Afghanistan

The Islamic State group is starting to attract the attention of radicals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, long a cradle for Islamist militancy, unnerving authorities who fear a potential violent contagion.

India's PM Modi vows to bring 'black money' back to country

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday he was committed to bring back funds illegally deposited in banks outside the country to avoid tax, widely referred to as "black money".

Inquiry underway into nationwide blackout; first since 2007 cyclone

An inquiry was underway on Sunday into Bangladesh's nationwide blackout, which plunged homes, businesses and even the prime minister's office into darkness.