Research conducted in China has discovered 22 percent of Chinese urban housing is unoccupied, an amount that adds up to about 50 million empty houses.

Holiday homes and empty properties of migrants seeking work elsewhere are contributing factors to the empty homes but the market has been impacted most by increases in investment property purchases.

Vacant homes have put economic pressure on the Chinese housing market, with a drag on supply, increased housing prices, and young buyers becoming crowded out of the market.

The three-year long war between the Yemen government and the Houthi rebels may be turning a corner, as the United Nation facilitates the first face to face meeting between the two sides in Sweden.

An agreement has been struck to allow 6,000 prisoners, including several high ranking commanders, to be exchanged over the coming months.

The talks are one of many confidence-building measures aimed at ending the fighting that has killed more than 56,000 people.

Progression on international women’s rights continues to stall, according to a new study by the Social Institutions and Gender Index.

Despite new laws prohibiting under age marriage in many countries, the study finds one in six girls continue to be married before the age of 18.

Global advisors warn progression has been so slow over the past ten years it could take over a century before child marriage is eradicated.

Australians with severe eating disorders can soon access a medicare subsidy for psychological and nutritional care for the first time.

Health Minister, Greg Hunt, says the 110.7 million dollar project will help up to 30,000 people annually and assures the public the program will remain regardless of which party is in government.

National Rugby League player Jarryd Hayne intends to plead not guilty to alleged sexual assault claims from November.

Hayne was charged with aggravated sexual assault and inflicting actual bodily harm after he handed himself in to Ryde police station last month.

Hayne faced Burwood Local Court this morning for his first appearance since being charged.