Drenching rains have pounded communities across northeastern Australia, flooding major highways and prompting hundreds of evacuations.

Israeli archaeologists claim that they may have found the earliest evidence yet for the existence of modern man.

Heavy snow and strong winds slammed the northeastern United States on Sunday, cancelling hundreds of flights and causing travel chaos.

Scuffles have erupted between Israeli soldiers and pro-Palestinian demonstrators who tried to breach a West Bank checkpoint.

Crew members of super-maxi yacht Wild Thing gesture before they collide with a media boat at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race in Sydney Harbour December 26, 2010. REUTERS/Daniel...

Bomb disposal experts have defused an explosive package at the Greek embassy in Rome.

A Russian judge has found jailed ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky guilty of laundering stolen oil funds.

Forest officials have rescued a leopard that had fallen into a well after straying into a village in India's western Gujarat state.

A leopard has injured seven villagers, including two minors, in northern India.

An Indian rocket trying to launch a communication satellite has exploded spectacularly just after liftoff

Locals and tourists have made the most of the perfect weather in Sydney by enjoying Christmas Day on Australia's famous Bondi Beach.

Pope Benedict has led Christmas celebrations by holding mass at the Vatican.