Scientists keep watchful eye on volcano

Since it awoke in August from a 138-year slumber, Ecuador's Cotopaxi volcano has become one of the most-watched in the world, holding wary locals and fascinated scientists in thrall.

Tax to be levied on overseas online purchases

A goods and services tax will be charged on overseas purchases such as music and e-books from October next year, New Zealand's revenue minister said on Monday.

Tensions with Nicaragua flare over Cubans migrating to US

More than 1,000 Cuban migrants heading north to the United States tried to cross the border from Costa Rica into Nicaragua, causing tensions to soar between the neighbors as security forces sought to turn them back.

UN head said to be planning visit to DPRK

UN chief Ban Ki-moon will visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea this week for a likely meeting with the nation's leader, Kim Jong-un, the Republic of Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Monday.

Obama heads to Asia with 'pivot' plan stymied

US President Barack Obama arrives in the Philippines on Tuesday with his much-vaunted "pivot to Asia" again overshadowed by events in Europe, the Middle East and politics at home.

Iraq warned France about attacks day before assault

Iraqi intelligence officials warned members of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group of imminent assaults by the militants one day before last week's attacks in Paris killed at least 129 people.

Should parents talk to children about carnage?

With saturation media coverage of the Paris terrorist attacks, parents are asking themselves if they should talk to their children about the killings - and how they should go about it.

Cattle dying as drought deepens

In the middle of a desiccated lake bed in South Africa's North West province, a seven-month-old calf is too weak to get up. It is doomed to die from thirst and hunger.

UAE takes 5 Yemenis from Guantanamo

The United States has transferred five detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United Arab Emirates, the Pentagon said on Sunday, another step in a long-delayed plan to close the controversial military prison.

Prehistoric 'sludge' could help implants surgery, Australian scientists say

Australia scientists have found that a "primordial goo", formed billions of years ago and thought to have been the basis for life on earth, could assist the human body in accepting surgical implants.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Self-driving cars face driver distrust

Japanese car manufacturers will have to convince the public that letting go of the wheel in a self-driving car is safe, while also dealing with the biggest threat to the cars' security: the humans using them.