IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Females take the lead in Bollywood

For Bollywood, 2014 is the year of the woman. Some of the biggest hits in India's prolific movie industry have female leads in female-oriented stories.

Australia abuzz over bee threat

Scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization have warned that a significant decline in European honeybee populations across Australia could cost its economy up to $5.1 billion.

WWII spy receives France's top honor

A World War II heroine who parachuted behind German lines on "perilous" spy missions, but was so modest she told her children about it only 15 years ago, was presented on Tuesday with France's highest honor.

Wine acquires Scandinavian bouquet

On one of the world's northernmost frontiers, grapevines are growing on hillsides, and talk among some farmers is about climate and aroma as global warming and new technology push the boundaries of wine growing.

Pakistan defense minister blasts US policy in region

Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that US policies have failed in the region, and called for solutions to problems in the region from regional countries.

Japan's young fret as recession hits the country again

When Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded to Japan's surprise recession by delaying a sales tax increase, it was a cause for worry, not celebration, for many young Japanese.

Policymakers divided on extra stimulus

Policymakers were sharply divided over expanding the Bank of Japan's huge monetary easing plan last month, with opponents warning that the risks far outweighed the possible benefits, minutes from the meeting showed on Tuesday.

Security measures annoy Indian PM's wife

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's estranged wife has questioned the government's decision to provide her with gun-toting bodyguards around the clock, even when she travels in rickety three-wheeled taxis.

Leader in row over 'power abuse' of spy unit

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was accused on Tuesday of being involved in an abuse of power after an independent watchdog found the political neutrality of the security services had been compromised to embarrass an opposition leader.

Video 'clear' of officer shooting boy

A police officer was less than 3 meters away when he fatally shot a 12-year-old boy carrying a pellet gun near a playground, and video of the shooting is clear about what happened, the police said on Monday.

Hagel resignation comes at tough time for US defense policy

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's resignation comes at a particularly tough time for the country's foreign and defense policy, with one war ending, another just beginning and the Pentagon struggling with the prospect of deeper budget cuts.