Global executions at lowest level in a decade: Amnesty

Executions fell worldwide by nearly a third last year to their lowest levels in at least a decade, but several countries recorded a rise, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
Modi favourite as India's incredible election begins
India's gargantuan election, the biggest in history, kicked off on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a second term from the South Asian behemoth's 900 million voters.
Indian general election to begin on Thursday
Modi's ruling party has pledged to put a major focus on strengthening national security as military tension continues between India and neighboring Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region. India also has a border dispute with China.
Abe appoints new Olympics minister
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he plans to reappoint Shunichi Suzuki as minister in charge of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Netanyahu on path for victory in Israeli election
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on path for victory in Israel's elections on Wednesday after nearly complete results put him in position to form a right-wing coalition and further extend his long tenure in office.
Pearls of wisdom: Japan's cultured farms still glisten
In Japan's picturesque Ago Bay, a couple sits in a little hut picking out oysters from a net, cleaning them carefully one-by-one before replacing them gently back in the water
Israel votes with Netanyahu's future at stake
Israelis began voting Tuesday in a high-stakes election that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long right-wing tenure despite corruption allegations or to replace him with an ex-military chief new to politics.