They're soaking in it

Tourists take a dip yesterday in a Japanese spa's hot mountain spring coloured red with France's Beaujolais Nouveau, which is traditionally released from vineyards of France's Beaujolais region at the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday in November. The Beaujolais service, in which patrons also sip the wine, has struck a cord with Japanese people, who highly value seasonal events, spa official Mika Okitsu said. Beaujolais Nouveau sales have sharply declined in France but producers are finding new opportunities in Japan, of the world's biggest markets for French wine producers.

Ottawa aiding India in Mumbai massacre probe

New Delhi authorities seek information on Canadian charged in Danish plot, a man they believe was also involved in deadly bombing

Canadian operation targets Taliban command post

One of the biggest Canadian operations of the entire Afghanistan mission launched this week with barely a shot fired.

Currency rift casts shadow on Obama's hopes for strengthening U.S. trade with China

Increasing global frustration over China's currency waffling threatens to overshadow U.S. President Barack Obama's trade agenda as his first presidential visit to Asia gets under way.

Two is the loneliest number

Talk of a U.S.-China G2 ignores previous flawed attempts by the two economic superpowers to sort their differences out on their own

Men charged in Danish plot probed for roles in Mumbai massacre

Indian officials suspect two North Americans of Pakistani origin may also have scouted out targets for the terrorists

Bubble trouble: Policy makers strike warning note

IMF, World Bank advise caution over risks posed by emerging equity, property and commodity markets

China's links to Africa grow, with pledge of $10-billion in preferential loans

In the latest dramatic boost to its African expansion, China is pledging $10-billion (U.S.) in preferential loans to Africa, along with 100 clean-energy projects and lower customs duties on up to 95 per cent of African exports.

Learning on a jet plane: Taiwanese find a vehicle for global success

Mandy Chun leaned forward in seat 5A of her flight from Taipei to Vancouver and considered her options. "I like chicken please," she said, slowly pronouncing each word as she peered over her oval glasses at the flight attendant.

UN slashes Afghanistan contingent

A deadly attack on its staff and a fraudulent presidential election prompt the world body to withdraw half of its international workers

CHINA'S WILD, WILD WEST

By one measure, the new ChiNext is an expensive place to find earnings

India's bitter harvest

India expects its summer harvest will fall at least 10 per cent this year after devastating floods and the direst monsoon since 1972. The government plans to import massive amounts of sugar, vegetables and, for the first time, rice. Pictured is a sugar cane vendor in the northern city of Jammu

WORLD REACTION

International leaders were quick with congratulations and advice once Hamid Karzai was declared re-elected.

Ottawa's ally is 'damaged goods'

Layton argues tainted election throws 'goals into question,' while MacKay focuses on institutions, not individual

ENERGY / GAZPROM'S MAN IN HOUSTON

There's not much in John Hattenberger's corner office on the 25th floor of the Bank of America tower to indicate that he's Gazprom's man in America's oil and gas capital.

Oligarch's IPO attempt plods on

Oleg Deripaska's Rusal stock sale fighting headwinds as the final details slowly emerge

Asian nations feel heat from low yuan

Keeping a lid on its currency is both boosting exports and resentment among China's neighbours in the region

Peshawar blast signals switch to civilian targets

Increasing pressure on government to abandon its Taliban offensive, extremists waging 'battle of nerves'

Health Care

Indians suffer in a land awash with painkillers

Drugs are cheap but patients can't get them due to complex laws and lack of training on opiate use

Health Care

India touts expertise in 'medical tourism'

Many patients seek to avoid long wait times; others want cutting edge treatments not available at home