Progress made toward women's equality

The Information Office of the State Council, or China's Cabinet, on Tuesday issued a white paper on Gender Equality and Women's Development in China. Following is the full text:

Syriza gets a second chance in national vote

Alexis Tsipras' left-wing Syriza party battered opponents in a snap general election, as Greeks gave the 41-year-old leader a second chance to deal with the country's staggering debt and carry out major reforms aimed at modernizing its government and economy.

Putin, Netanyahu to discuss Syria risks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Moscow on Monday to seek reassurance from Russian President Vladimir Putin about Moscow's military deployment in Syria and to lay out Israel's concerns about the risk of weapons reaching militants on its borders.

Constitution adopted amid threats of violence

Nepal formally adopted a much-anticipated and long-delayed constitution on Sunday that took more than seven years to complete following a decade of political infighting.

Pakistan cites rich field for Chinese businesses

Pakistan offers unique opportunities for Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises, its commerce minister said, citing his country's educated workforce, growing economy, strategic location and enhanced security.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

High-tech collars used to save tusks

As elephant poaching in Africa by organized criminal gangs using high-tech equipment rises, those working to stop their extinction in the wild have turned to technology too.

First Beatles contract sold at US auction

The first recording contract signed by The Beatles, which set the career course for the legendary band, was sold at a New York auction Saturday for a hammer price of $75,000.

Diet backs security bills as protests plague Abe

Japan's parliament enacted a major shift in defense policy on Saturday, which could allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since the nation's defeat at end of World War II 1945.

Saudi Arabian-led coalition airstrikes kill 29 people, hit apartment building

Airstrikes carried out by a Saudi-led coalition against Yemen's Shiite rebels and their allies have killed 29 people, including civilians, in the capital Sanaa, security and medical officials in the city said Saturday.

Controversial charter set to be adopted

Nepal was scheduled to adopt its first full democratic constitution on Sunday, a historic step for a nation that has seen war, violence and devastating earthquakes since a campaign to create a modern state began more than 65 years ago.

Nation to return to civilian rule after coup, mediator says

Burkina Faso will reinstate an interim government led by President Michel Kafando, Beninese leader Thomas Boni Yayi said on Saturday, in what would amount to a victory for the street over army coup leaders.