Words in the news

Nelson Mandela dies

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95. Mr Mandela led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison for his political activities. He had been receiving intensive medical care at home for a lung..
Feb 07,2014

Croatia voters back same-sex marriage ban

Croatian voters have backed proposals to ban same-sex marriages in a referendum. Two-thirds of those who voted approved proposals to change Croatia's constitution to define marriage as 'a union between a man and a woman'. ..
Feb 07,2014

Iran nuclear deal

Iran has agreed to reduce its nuclear activity and allow greater access for international inspectors in historic talks in Geneva. In return, the world powers will offer some relief from financial sanctions. The agreement creates a six-month trial period...
Feb 07,2014

UN discusses 'killer robots'

Countries are meeting in Geneva to decide whether to consider banning 'killer robots' which can make decisions by themselves about when to kill people. Human rights groups claim weapons like these raise serious moral questions about how we conduct war...
Feb 07,2014

Typhoon Haiyan: Destruction in the Philippines

Officials estimate up to 10,000 people have died in Tacloban city and elsewhere in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Many other people are now struggling to survive without food, shelter or clean drinking water...
Feb 07,2014

Activists go on trial in China

The trial has begun in China of three activists who were campaigning for government officials to reveal how wealthy they are. The case is being watched closely as a sign President Xi Jinping's administration appears to be more rigorous than his predecessor against political activists...
Feb 07,2014

Study shows how genes shape face

Scientists are starting to understand how our genes influence the way we look. A study with mice has shown that small changes to their DNA could alter the shape of their face. The findings are published in the journal Science...
Feb 07,2014

Australian bush fires

A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales in Australia as firefighters continue to battle bush fires. Two hundred homes have been destroyed so far. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate with high temperatures and strong winds forecast in the coming days...
Feb 07,2014

People arrested for attempted nuclear site sabotage

The Iranian media says at least four people have been arrested for trying to sabotage a nuclear site. No details have been given so far of their nationality or which nuclear site they are alleged to have been trying to damage.   ..
Feb 07,2014

FBI shuts down Silk Road website

The hidden internet marketplace for drugs and illegal services, which is known as the Silk Road, has been shut down by the FBI. The owner of the site, which also advertises computer hacking, has been arrested in San Francisco...
Feb 07,2014