Berlin revels on culture of renewal

Berlin, the cash-strapped capital of Europe's top economy, has long tried to turn alternative culture into gold, but ambitious new bids to present underground art in museum settings could break new ground.

People drink donkey milk for respiratory ills

The cold cuts to the bone and little puffs of steam escape from the mouths of people stopping on their walk to work to drink a glass of fresh donkey milk, believing it will fight respiratory problems during the raw winter of the Bolivian Andes.

'Ugly' snails become a prized catch

The sea creatures, once ignored, are in demand in China

Child contortionists stretch their abilities far and wide globally

Nine-year-old Mongolian schoolgirl Suvd-Erdene spends four hours a day perfecting the art of doing a headstand on a pole clenched with her teeth and push-ups without her feet touching the ground.

100 million people face weather danger

El Nino and La Nina forecast to cause floods, drought, famine

Islamic State tightens grip on captive Yazidi girls, women sold as sex slaves

The advertisement on the Telegram app is as chilling as it is incongruous: A girl for sale is "Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old ... Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon."

New South Wales bans dog racing after abuse, scandals

Australia's greyhound industry was reeling on Thursday after the country's most populous state banned the sport following a string of scandals including "live baiting" and the slaughter of tens of thousands of dogs.

Families depend on coca paste production

In bright green Andean mountains wrapped in clouds, a country family produces the coca paste that is used to make cocaine at a humble home in territory controlled by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or the FARC.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Govt to bolster rape law after Cologne incident

The German parliament was scheduled to pass a new law on Thursday broadening the definition of sex crimes and making it easier to deport foreigners who commit them.

4 die in blast, gunbattle during Eid prayers

Islamic extremists in Bangladesh hurled homemade bombs and engaged in a gunbattle with police guarding a large Eid prayer at the end of the holy Muslim month on Thursday morning. Two officers, a woman and one suspected militant were killed, while at least 12 other people were injured, officials said.

PM Turnbull wins key support, edges closer to forming government

Embattled Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull appeared likely to retain power after gaining the support of a key independent on Thursday, although the closeness of the vote signaled more tough political and economic times ahead.