Japan election: Voting in Shinzo Abe's snap poll

Millions of Japanese people are voting in a snap election called by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to boost support for his economic reforms.

US Senate backs further defence spending for anti-IS fight

The US Senate has approved a new annual defence bill expanding the military campaign against Islamic State (IS).

Congress narrowly averts government shutdown

Washington (CNN) -- Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown that was slated to take effect at midnight. The House approved a $1.1 trillion spending bill that keeps the government open through September. The Senate agreed to a two-day extension of current funding levels to give itself time to approve the House bill.

Six Afghan soldiers killed in Kabul suicide bombing

At least six Afghan soldiers have been killed by a suicide bomber on the outskirts of the capital Kabul, police and officials say.

Hong Kong protests: Authorities begin site clearance

The authorities had warned protestors to leave ahead of the operation, but some vowed to remain.

China urges U.S. to “correct ways” after torture report

China urged the United States on Wednesday to “correct its ways”, after the U.S. Senate said in a report the CIA misled the White House and public about its torture of detainees and acted more brutally and pervasively than it acknowledged.

Malala to star in Nobels ceremony

Malala Yousafzai picks up her Nobel Peace Prize today, but the youngest ever laureate already has an even more startling memento from her young life: the blood-soaked school uniform she wore when shot by the Taliban.

Putin hopes to expand ties with India

Russian president Vladimir Putin has voiced hope for expanding ties with India during his visit there and sought to assuage New Delhi’s concern about Moscow’s ties with Pakistan.

Delhi bans Uber cabs after rape

US online ride-hailing service Uber has been banned from operating in the Indian capital after a female passenger accused one of its drivers of rape, a case that has reignited a debate about the safety of women in the South Asian nation.Uber, which had employed the driver even though he had been arrested on allegations of sexual assault three years ago.