Biden announces return to global climate accord, new curbs on U.S. oil industry
A raft of executive orders by the newly sworn-in president mark the start of a major policy reversal on climate change in world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter
How Biden could use his whole government to take on climate change
Biden has promised an "all-of-government" approach to fight climate using federal agencies to advance his agenda
German police bust gang suspected of smuggling Syrians
The suspected smugglers, who face charges of human trafficking, had brought about 140 migrants to Germany since at least April 2019
Japan's suicides jump 16% in COVID-19 2nd wave after fall in 1st wave - study
The pandemic has increased the burden on working mothers, while domestic violence has also risen, a study showed
WHO hopes poorer nations can access Pfizer vaccine "very soon"
The WHO's vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX is set to start rolling out vaccines to poor and middle income countries in February
'Love jihad' law seen trampling women's hard-earned freedoms in India
Anti-conversion laws implemented in three Indian states strip women of their autonomy, romantic freedoms, critics say
Piped water boosts women's health, happiness and income in rural Zambia
With running water close to home, women in two Zambian villages gain four hours per week for other activities, study finds
REUTERS NEXT-U.N. climate chief looks to Biden to boost global action
Incoming U.S. president and wealthy nations could help galvanise action on climate change this year, says U.N. climate boss
Brazil environmental fines fall 20% as deforestation soars
Brazil's rightwing administration has created impunity for illegal loggers, said a factchecking initiative, as fines drop sharply
Coronavirus causes largest U.S. greenhouse gas emissions drop since World War Two -report
The fall means the U.S. will outperform its pledge to reduce emissions 17% by 2020 - but they are due to rebound with economic activity, researchers warned