[World] Top Syrian diplomat holds talks in Russia on conflict

Top Syrian diplomat holds talks in Russia on conflict
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-27/199983-syrian-deputy-fm-muqdad-begins-talks-in-russia.ashx
MOSCOW, Russia: A Syrian government delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad on Thursday held talks at the Russian foreign ministry as Moscow denied the existence of a joint plan with the United States to end the crisis in the country.

Japan's Nikkei share index hits 21-month high
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/27/japan-nikkei-share-index-high
The Nikkei share average ended at a 21-month high on Thursday, led by exporters and financial stocks, as the new Japanese prime minister's vow to battle deflation and a strong currency buoyed investor risk appetite.

Russian Parliament's Upper House Approves US Adoption Ban
http://www.rttnews.com/2029138/russian-parliament-s-upper-house-approves-us-adoption-ban.aspx
Russia's Upper House of Parliament, the Federation Council, on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that bans adoption of Russian children by Americans.

Nelson Mandela leaves hospital for 'home-based high care'
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/nelson-mandela-leaves-hospital-for-homebased-high-care-8431698.html
Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital after being treated for a lung infection and having gallstones removed. The former South African President, 94, will receive continued medical care at home.

India Lowers GDP Growth Goal as Singh Signals Higher Fuel Prices
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/pm-manmohan-singh-for-shifting-farmers-to-non-agri-jobs-to-raise-income/articleshow/17780579.cms
India cut the goal for economic growth in the five years to 2017 and signaled further fuel-price increases to limit subsidies that have stoked a budget deficit.

China seizes TVs, satellite equipment in Tibetan area
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Dec-27/200003-china-seizes-tvs-satellite-equipment-in-tibetan-area.ashx
BEIJING | Thu Dec 27, 2012 3:46am EST. BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese authorities have confiscated televisions from 300 monasteries in a heavily Tibetan part of the west of the country and dismantled satellite equipment that broadcast "anti-China" programs, ...