Asia

China is the world's top coal consumer but slow economic growth and pollution concerns are lessening demand. Chinese energy officials say more than 1,000 coal mines will be closed this year.

It's one of the first luxury brands to formally enter the Iranian market since Iran curbed its nuclear program enough to trigger sanctions relief last month.

Jats make up more than a quarter of the 80 million people in the state of Haryana. They want to be included in the official category of "Other Backward Classes," which would bring benefits.

A fungal disease can rob people with HIV of sight and hearing, cause painful headaches, even kill them. A test could detect the disease early enough to wipe it out. So why isn't the test in wide use?

In Pakistan, a stand-up comic is sharing the stage with another comedian from the old enemy, India. The comics believe laughter is the best medicine for their conflict-blighted region.