In-focus

Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting, says 'help is on its way'

US President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting and said help was on the way, without giving details

Hamas to elect first leader since Sinwar killed by Israel, sources say

Khalil Al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal are seen as frontrunners

Air India facing UK lawsuit from estates of some deceased in 2025 plane crash

A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost height seconds after taking off from the western city of Ahmedabad on June 12

Trump's Iran tariff threat risks reopening China rift

Iran became a flashpoint in US-China ties during Trump's 2017-21 first term as president

Denmark, Greenland to meet Vance, Rubio on Wednesday amid Trump's takeover threat

Trump first floated the idea of a US takeover of Greenland in 2019 during his first term in office

People inside Iran describe heavy security and scattered damage in first calls to outside world

People inside Iran describe heavy security and scattered damage in first calls to outside world

Malaysia will take legal action against Musk's X and xAI over misuse of Grok chatbot

There is growing scrutiny of generative AI tools that can produce realistic images, sound and text, and concern that existing safeguards are failing to prevent their abuse.

Top Australian writers' festival cancelled after Palestinian author barred

The novelist and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah said the move to bar her was "a blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism and censorship"

BBC seeks to have Trump's $10 billion lawsuit dismissed

In a filing late on Monday, the broadcaster argued that the court in Florida lacked personal jurisdiction in the case because it did not broadcast the programme in Florida

Taliban ambassador to India takes charge, holds talks with foreign ministry officials

Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor, a senior member of the Taliban, arrived in Indian capital the other day and assumed the role of Charge d’Affaires at the Afghan mission in Delhi

Canadian prime minister visits China after nearly a decade of tense relations

It is the first visit to Beijing by a Canadian prime minister since 2017 and could mark a critical shift in ties between the two countries as Canada seeks new trade and security partnerships

US lawmakers plan Denmark visit as Trump threatens Greenland takeover

The delegation will be led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and will include Republican Senator Thom Tillis, Democratic Jeanne Shaheen, Dick Durbin along with some members of House of Representatives

In 'big trouble'? The factors determining Iran's future

The demonstrations moved from protesting economic grievances to demanding a wholesale change from the clerical system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution that ousted the shah

US revokes 100,000 visas amid immigration crackdown: State Department

The Trump administration revoked over 100,000 visas, including 8,000 student and 2,500 specialized visas, citing criminal charges. The 2025 revocations double those under Biden in 2024

Ukraine toils to restore power and heat, Zelenskiy warns of new attack

Officials said hundreds of apartment blocks in the capital remained without heat despite round-the-clock efforts by the crews

Four migrants die in US immigration custody over first 10 days of 2026

The deaths included two migrants from Honduras, one from Cuba and another from Cambodia, and occurred from January 3-9, according to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Brooks Koepka returns to PGA Tour under stiff financial penalty just 5 weeks after leaving LIV Golf

Koepka plans to resume his PGA Tour career in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of the month.

Trump has options on Iran, but first must define goal

Trump has options to intervene in protest-hit Iran that range from low to high risk, but choosing his course depends on him deciding his ultimate goal

Iran protest toll mounts as government stages mass rallies

The government's call for rallies in support of the Islamic republic drew thousands on Monday, a turnout supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed as proof that the protests had been defeated.

Rohingya 'targeted for destruction' by Myanmar, ICJ hears

Myanmar deliberately targeted the Rohingya minority with "horrific violence" in a bid to destroy the community, Gambia's justice minister told the International Court of Justice

Trump says US will take Greenland 'one way or the other'

Trump says controlling the mineral-rich Danish territory is crucial for US national security given increased Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic.

NATO, Greenland vow to boost Arctic security after Trump threats

NATO and Greenland's government on Monday said they intended to work on strengthening the defence of the Danish autonomous territory.

Somalia ends port deals and security cooperation with UAE

Last month, Israel became the first country to officially recognise Somaliland's independence, a diplomatic breakthrough that was facilitated by Abu Dhabi

Trump declares himself acting president of Venezuela

United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela on January 3

As Canada tries to reduce its dependence on the US, its leader will visit China to rebuild ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sought to repair ties with China since his Labour Party ousted the Conservatives in 2024.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reaches Morocco on two-day official visit

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reaches Morocco for a two-day visit, where Pakistan and Morocco are set to sign an MoU to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

Germany's Merz floats possibility of EU-India trade deal by end of January

Top EU leaders would travel to India to seal the deal if negotiations wrap up in time

French farmers target food imports as Mercosur protests continue

Farmers in France have been protesting for weeks over grievances including the proposed trade pact with Mercosur bloc

Indian rocket carrying earth surveillance satellite, went off track

Indian rocket carrying earth surveillance satellite, went off track

India left red-faced as ex-Navy commander arrested again in Qatar

Former Indian Navy Commander Purnendu Tiwari has been rearrested in Qatar after a court verdict, months after being freed from death row following diplomatic intervention by India.

Swiss court keeps bar owner in custody after deadly fire

As many as 40 people were killed in the incident

Top UN court to hear Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar

The Gambia brought the case accusing Myanmar of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention during a crackdown in 2017

Same fate befall Trump that befell Pharaoh, Nimrod and Reza Shah: Ayatollah Khamenei

The Supreme Leader said on social media that a person intoxicated with arrogance is making decisions for the entire world

Trump says weighing tough response to Iran crackdown, Tehran says ready for war but also dialogue

"We are ready for war but also for dialogue," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday in a briefing to foreign ambassadors in Tehran via English translation

Russia calls Ukraine's drone attacks a 'terrorist act'

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Kyiv has once again demonstrated its “ruthless and Nazi mindset,” targeting Russian civilians after failures on the military front

International law applies to everyone, including US, says German finance minister

"It is solely up to Denmark and Greenland to decide about Greenland's future. Territorial sovereignty and integrity must be respected," Klingbeil said ahead of his departure to Washington

Homeland Security to send hundreds more officers to Minnesota, Noem says

The officers would be deployed to bolster the safety of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officials already in Minnesota, Noem said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" programme

UN chief urges Iran to refrain from using 'disproportionate force' against protesters

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Iranian authorities to show restraint and respect citizens' rights to peaceful protest, condemning violence against demonstrators

Some US senators skeptical about military options for Iran

US President Donald Trump in recent days has left open the possibility of American intervention in Iran. But at least two US senators sounded notes of caution during interviews on TV networks

Cuba defiant after Trump says island to receive no more Venezuelan oil or money

Venezuela is Cuba's biggest oil supplier, but no cargoes have departed from Venezuelan ports to the Caribbean country since the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces

Iran's Pezeshkian pledges action on economic woes amid spiralling protests

Iran’s president accuses the US and Israel of fuelling unrest, urges public to prevent ‘rioters’ from wreaking havoc.

Demonstrators in London, Paris, Istanbul back Iran protests

Demonstrators rallied in London, Paris and Istanbul on Sunday in support of protests in Iran that have been countered with a deadly crackdown by the country's security forces.

Syria govt forces take control of Aleppo's Kurdish neighbourhoods

Syria's government was in full control of Aleppo on Sunday after taking over the city's Kurdish neighbourhoods and evacuating fighters there to Kurdish autonomous areas.

Trump tells Cuba to 'make a deal, before it is too late'

Trump remarks come a week after US forces seized Venezuela's authoritarian leader Maduro in a nighttime operation in Caracas that killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security forces.

Danish PM says Greenland showdown at 'decisive moment' after new Trump threats

Denmark's Prime Minister said that her country faces a "decisive moment" in its diplomatic battle over Greenland after Trump again suggested using force to seize the Arctic territory.

Death toll in Iran protests reaches more than 500, rights group says

Iran has not given an official toll and Reuters was unable to independently verify the tolls. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if force is used on protesters

Israeli fire kills three people in Gaza, three months on from truce

Fighting has largely abated since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October

Hamas says it will dissolve its Gaza government when new Palestinian body takes over

The ceasefire began with a halt in fighting and the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for thousands of Palestinians held by Israel.

Japan PM Takaichi may call early election, coalition partner says

Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first female prime minister

Human remains found amid Australia bushfires, police say

Authorities have said the fires are the worst to hit the southeast since the 2019-2020 Black Summer blazes

Millions of Venezuelans scattered across Latin America cautiously watch what comes next

Alexander Leal, 66, who arrived with his wife in 2018, expressed hope as he sold homemade ice cream in the southern hemisphere summer.

Son of Iran's toppled shah seeks a role as protests expand

Reza Pahlavi has sought to speak as a national leader despite living outside Iran since before his father was toppled in the 1979 revolution

Nepalese royalists demand monarchy restoration ahead of March elections

The interim government, headed by Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge, took over following protests by Gen Z activists complaining of corruption

Myanmar holds second round of voting in first general election since military takeover

Myo Aung, a chief minister of the Mandalay region, said more people turned out Sunday to vote than in the first phase.

China voices support for Somalia after top diplomat postpones visit

Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the phone call during his visit to Africa

Why Southeast Asia's online scam industry is so hard to shut down

Scam compounds are often sprawling complexes in rural areas, complete with sleeping quarters, shops and entertainment venues for workers.

Confronting protests, Iran vows to strike back if US attacks

Qalibaf, speaking in parliament, warned the US against "a miscalculation. In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories (Israel) and all US bases and ships will be our legitimate target”

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against US military operation in Venezuela

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the US Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife

Iran warns Washington it will retaliate against any attack

Iran warned President Trump that any US attack would lead to Tehran striking back against Israel and regional US military bases as "legitimate targets", Speaker Baqer Qalibaf told parliament

US military says it carried out strikes across Syria targeting Islamic State

A US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes and ground operations in Syria targeting Islamic State suspects in recent months, often with the involvement of Syria's security forces

Iran authorities signal intensified crackdown as unrest grows

There were fresh reports of violence across Iran, although an internet blackout made it difficult to assess the full extent of unrest

Last Kurdish fighters leave Syria's Aleppo city after days of clashes

The departure marks removal of Kurdish forces from pockets of Aleppo they have held since Syria’s war began in 2011, while Kurdish forces continue to run zone across large parts of northeastern Syria

'Racing against time': Death toll rises after Philippines trash site collapse

About 50 sanitation workers were buried when refuse toppled onto them Thursday from what a city councillor estimated was a height of 20 storeys at the Binaliw Landfill

'American? No!' says Greenland after latest Trump threat

"We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders," the leaders of five parties in Greenland's parliament said in a joint statement

Tens of thousands protest in Minneapolis over fatal ICE shooting

Minneapolis police estimate tens of thousands present at protests on Saturday.

Trump orders army chiefs to draw up plan to invade Greenland

‘They want to move quickly to seize the island before Russia or China makes a move’

Malala announces grant to support education, relief efforts

The grant will benefit girls affected by the ongoing war in Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

India threatens to deport 224,000 Bangladeshi nationals

Dhaka has expressed concern that the Indian system is increasingly replacing Bangladesh’s electoral process, casting shadows over upcoming elections

Trump says US 'ready to help' as Iran unrest grows

Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social

Fact-finding mission urges Iran to end crackdown, restore internet

“It underscores that threats or acts of unilateral military intervention by third states are contrary to international law”

New Pakistani Consulate building inaugurated in Jeddah by Ishaq Dar

Deputy PM Dar inaugurated Pakistan’s new consulate building in Jeddah, highlighting improved consular services and praising collaboration with Saudi authorities for overseas Pakistanis.

Russian elite drone unit hits US-made armoured vehicle and Ukrainian positions in Donbas

Russia releases new footage showing FPV drone strikes by its Rubicon unit on Ukrainian armoured vehicles and military targets near Krasny Liman in Donbas.

How the US could take over Greenland and the potential challenges

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO, and Greenlanders say they don’t want to become part of the US.

Iran's Guards declare 'red line' on security as Tehran seeks to quell unrest

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declare security a red line as state media airs funerals of fallen forces, while the US voices support for Iran’s people amid rising tensions.

China, Russia, Iran start 'BRICS Plus' naval exercises in South African waters

The expanded BRICS group also includes Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Birmingham sky turns pink amid snowstorm, sparking panic and curiosity

Birmingham residents were startled as the night sky turned pink during heavy snowfall. Later, experts confirmed the eerie glow was caused by stadium LED lights.

No. 1 Indiana adds to CFP dominance with 56-22 Peach Bowl win over No. 5 Oregon, Miami up next

The Hoosiers showed why they entered the College Football Playoff as the favorite to win the national championship.

Hollywood stars gather for an all-winners celebration at the American Film Institute Awards

AFI President Bob Gazzale spoke in front of star-filled room, ensuring there were no losers with only shared recognition.

North Korea says another South Korean drone entered its airspace

The drone, which originated from an island in the South Korean city of Incheon, flew 8 km (5 miles) before it was shot down inside North Korean airspace.

Trump urges US oil giants to repair Venezuela's 'rotting' energy industry

U.S. forces have continued to apprehend Venezuelan oil tankers at sea to enforce an embargo.

Vivek Ramaswamy's family bodyguard arrested on drug trafficking charges

Salsburey is being held in the Franklin County jail in Columbus, according to the facility’s website. Rankin was held and later released.

Recalled Ndiaye takes Senegal past 10-man Mali into AFCON semis

Iliman Ndiaye scored in the first half to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over 10-man Mali in Tangiers on Friday in the first Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.

New Trump warning as Iran cuts internet with protests across country

Trump, who had said the US could come to the protesters' aid, issued another warning on Friday, saying: "You better not start shooting because we'll start shooting too."

Yemen separatists in Riyadh announce disputed 'dissolution'

The statement follows a failed UAE-backed separatist offensive in southern Yemen that deepened tensions between Saudi Arabia and its Gulf ally.

EU top diplomat says Iran authorities 'afraid of own people'

Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief, has spoken out on X against Iranian authorities' response to protests in the country.

Israel army says struck Hezbollah targets in 'several areas' of Lebanon

Under US pressure and amid fears of expanded Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming the Iran-backed group, which was weakened by more than a year of hostilities with Israel.

Russia joins Chinese, Iran warships for drills off South Africa

A Russian warship arrived off South Africa's main naval base Friday to join Chinese and Iranian vessels for military exercises.

Wall Street rises toward records following mixed data on the job market

Builders FirstSource, a supplier of building products, jumped 11.6% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 after Vistra.

Malala Yousafzai announces $300,000 donation for girls' education in Gaza and beyond

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai announced a $300,000 donation through the Malala Fund to support girls’ education in Gaza, Sudan, and Congo.

Russia fires hypersonic missile at target in Ukraine near NATO border

Russia fires an Oreshnik hypersonic missile at western Ukraine near the NATO border, hitting critical infrastructure, causing power outages and killing at least four as peace talks take place in Paris

Mound of garbage collapses at Philippine landfill, killing 2 and leaving 36 others missing

The body of a 25-year-old engineer, who worked in the facility, was recovered Friday afternoon, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said in a statement.

Iran supreme leader signals crackdown coming as protesters are 'ruining their own streets' for Trump

There was no immediate response from Washington, though Trump has repeated his pledge to strike Iran if protesters are killed

Snow sweeps English town, stranding car and slowing commuters

A video showed commuters making their way through snowy streets and a car stuck in snow outside a parking lot

Iran's Supreme Leader urges Trump to address domestic issues

President Trump warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities resorted to violence against protesters, saying Washington was watching the situation “very closely”

Protest erupts outside ICE facility in Portland after federal agent shot two people

A US Border Patrol agent shot and wounded a man and a woman in Portland, authorities said, leading city and state officials to call for calm given public outrage over the ICE shooting death of a woman

Israeli strikes kill 11 in Gaza after failed rocket launch

Medics said an Israeli airstrike killed at least four people and wounded three others, including children, in a tent in the western area of Khan Younis

Storm Goretti batters UK with heavy winds and snow

The winter storm brought 99mph winds and a rare red warning was issued by the Met Office for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the south-west.

'If it expires, it expires,' Trump tells NYT about US-Russia nuclear treaty

Arms control advocates fear the world's two biggest nuclear powers will begin deploying strategic warheads beyond the pact's limits after it expires, hastening an erosion of global arms control regime

We are free to carry out military action in any country, Trump says

In an interview to The New York Times, he made it clear that his decisions are not constrained by international laws. “I am free to take action in any country to protect America’s national interests"

With tension high in Minnesota, border agent shoots two in Oregon traffic stop

Protests intensified in Minnesota following Wednesday's fatal shooting of a 37-year-old mother by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer

Internet and phones cut in Iran as protesters heed exiled prince's call for mass demonstration

Witnesses in the capital Tehran and major cities of Mashhad and Isfahan told Reuters that protesters gathered again in the streets

Bangladesh closes visa sections at three missions in India over security concerns

Visa sections at the Bangladesh missions in Chennai and Mumbai remain operational, however.

Trump seeks 50% hike in defence budget to $1.5tr

Trump said the increase is possible due to revenue from the sweeping tariffs he has imposed since returning to office.

Iran state TV breaks silence on protests, claims 'terrorist agents' of US and Israel set fires

Violence around the demonstrations has killed at least 42 people while more than 2,270 others have been detained, said the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency

US Senate votes to curb military action in Venezuela, Trump says oversight could last years

The Senate voted 52-47 on a procedural measure to advance the war powers resolution, as a handful of Republicans voted with every Democrat in favour of moving ahead toward a final vote on the matter

Aleppo clashes between Syria govt and Kurdish forces rage into third night

Both sides have traded blame over who started the violence on Tuesday, which comes as implementation stalls on a deal to merge Kurds' administration and military in the northeast into the government

Turkey will help Syria against Kurdish fighters if asked: defence ministry

And Turkey's top diplomat said Ankara had been working "intensively" with Syrian and American officials in a bid to end the unrest.

Iran forces accused of firing on protesters as death toll mounts

Rights groups accused Iranian security forces of shooting at protesters as the death toll mounted on Thursday from a crackdown on a movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living.

Chinese, Iranian warships in South Africa for exercises

Chinese and Iranian warships were docked off South Africa's main navy base Thursday ahead of exercises that officials said were also meant to involve Russia.

Israeli strikes kill child among four Palestinians in Gaza

Israeli attacks in Gaza killed four Palestinians, including an 11-year-old girl, as ceasefire violations continue.

US Senate votes to advance measure curbing Trump's Venezuela war powers

The vote came days after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a dramatic military raid in Caracas.

Ukraine working to restore power in southeast after Russian strikes

The energy ministry said nearly 800,000 consumers in the region remained without electricity

Northern lights seen in early morning sky over western Greenland

The lights, also known as the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere, are caused by disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere

Iran warns suppliers against overpricing or hoarding goods

Iranians will be given about $7 a month to purchase basic goods in select grocery stores

Lebanese army says it achieved state monopoly on arms in the south in 'effective and tangible way'

The army had set a year-end deadline to clear non-state weaponry from southern Lebanon, which borders Israel, before moving on to other areas of the country

China says US seizure of foreign vessels violates international law

"China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions without the basis of international law and without the authorisation of the United Nations Security Council," ministry spokesperson said

The last Russia-US nuclear treaty is about to expire. What happens next?

The last US-Russia nuclear treaty, New START, is just weeks away from expiring on February 5, and what comes next is uncertain. The two countries have not held any talks on a successor treaty

French farmers block Paris streets in protest against Mercosur trade deal

Farmers called for protest amid fears the planned free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc will flood the EU with cheap food imports, and in anger at the government's handling of a cattle disease

Australia to hold wide-ranging inquiry into antisemitism after Bondi attack

The mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's famed Bondi Beach shocked the country

Yemen separatist leader flees with Emirati help, Saudi coalition says

The drama escalates a row between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Trump withdraws US from key climate treaty, deepening global pullback

A total of 66 global organizations and treaties – roughly half affiliated with the United Nations – were listed in a White House memorandum as "contrary to the interests of the United States"

Fossils discovered in Morocco shed light on our African roots

The oldest Homo sapien fossils, dating from over 300,000 years ago, were found at the Jebel Irhoud of Marrakesh. Our cousins the Neanderthals mostly lived in Europe and the Denisovans roamed Asia

Two die in shooting in Salt Lake City church parking lot, several injured

An initial report of the event in the parking lot outside a chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came in late on Wednesday, a police spokesperson said

US says it needs to control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely to drive change

The comments reflect the importance of crude oil to President Donald Trump's strategy in Venezuela after US forces ousted the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid on the capital Caracas

Venezuela's interior minister says 100 people died in US attack

Caracas have not previously given a number for those killed, but the army posted a list of 23 names of its dead

Rubio to meet Denmark leaders next week, signals no retreat on Trump's Greenland goal

A weekend US military operation that seized the leader of Venezuela rekindled concerns about US intentions toward Greenland, and US officials have done little to allay fears

US seizes Russian-flagged tanker, another tied to Venezuela as Trump widens oil push

After capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a Saturday military raid on Caracas, the U.S. is escalating its blockade of vessels that are under sanctions.

Saudi strikes Yemen after separatist leader skips talks

A Saudi-led coalition struck the home province of Yemen's UAE-backed separatist leader on Wednesday, after he failed to show up for talks in Riyadh

UN accuses Israel of West Bank 'apartheid'

The United Nations said decades-long discrimination and segregation of Palestinians by Israel in the West Bank were intensifying, and called on the country to end its "apartheid system"

Syria govt demands Kurdish fighters leave Aleppo neighbourhoods

Syria's government on Wednesday demanded that Kurdish fighters leave the neighbourhoods they control in Aleppo following clashes between the two sides

US immigration officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis, sparking protests

A US immigration officer shot and killed an American woman on the streets of Minneapolis Wednesday, leading to huge protests and outrage from local leaders

Pakistan to host ninth OIC women ministerial conference this year

Pakistan will host the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women this year, as Ishaq Dar reviewed preparations and stressed coordination to promote women’s rights.

Modi government faces fresh criticism after alleged attempt to demolish mosque

An alleged attempt to demolish a mosque in New Delhi led to protests, police action, and arrests, sparking renewed criticism of the Modi government over minority rights

Russian envoy says Ukrainian attacks killed 60 civilians in December

Russian envoy Rodion Miroshnik said Ukrainian attacks in December killed 60 civilians and injured 311, despite ongoing peace initiatives and calls for negotiations

Russia condemns US seizure of oil tanker as 'piracy', deploys submarine for protection

Russia has condemned the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela, calling it illegal piracy.

Trump's oil push widens with seizure of Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela

Trump announces a 50 million-barrel crude import deal as China criticises US pressure on Venezuela, oil prices dip, and Machado’s election hopes are postponed.

Canada prime minister to visit China next week, spokesperson says

China is Canada's second biggest trading partner

Britain, France announce to deploy troops in Ukraine after peace agreement

The announcement was made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a meeting of Ukraine’s allied countries in Paris

India seeks fare data from airlines as part of IndiGo antitrust scrutiny

Pilot shortages at IndiGo forced it to cancel about 4,500 flights last month

Russia expresses solidarity with Venezuela, welcomes Delcy Rodríguez as interim president

The foreign ministry stressed that Venezuela has the full right to determine its own destiny without any external interference

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas across Russia as President Putin addresses nation

Special prayers, religious services and all-night vigils were held at churches across the country

4 killed in clashes between residents and gold mining company in northern Afghanistan

In 2023, Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government said it had signed seven mining contracts amounting to $6.5 billion in investment, in the biggest such round of deals since seizing power in 2021.

Iran army chief threatens preemptive attack over 'rhetoric' targeting country after Trump's comments

The comments by Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami come as Iran tries to respond to what it sees as a dual threat posed by Israel and the United States

Wall Street reaches more records on gains by Big Tech

AI advances helped propel the broader market to a series of records in 2025. Investors will be watching companies for any updates that could shed more light on the big corporate investments in AI tech

Gen Z protesters in Nepal are angry at the government they installed

Since then, the interim government and its leader have come under criticism from many of the people who took part in the protests and expected major changes in the Himalayan nation.

Taiwan's F-16 fighter jet crashes near eastern coast, pilot missing

The rescue operation was launched immediately after the crash to search for the pilot

Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

Executions of Iranians convicted of spying for Israel have significantly increased this year

Greenland's history as a Danish territory and why Trump wants it

Greenland's history as a Danish territory and why Trump wants it

Trump's former Russia adviser says Russia offered US free rein in Venezuela in exchange for Ukraine

The Trump administration has described its raid in Venezuela as a law enforcement operation and has insisted that capturing Maduro was legal.

Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. are gone from the Commanders after a 5-12 season, AP source says

Quinn and Kingsbury then mutually agreed to part ways, the official said.

John Harbaugh is fired as the Baltimore Ravens' coach after 18 seasons, including a Super Bowl win

When Lamar Jackson arrived in 2018, the Ravens became contenders again

Intense heatwave grips Australia's southern states, fans bushfires

Meteorologists said conditions were at their worst in six years, when catastrophic bushfires destroyed wide swathes of southeastern Australia, killing 33 people, in what became known as Black Summer

China strongly condemns US redirecting Venezuelan oil exports to US from China

"I would like to stress that the legitimate rights and interests of China and other countries in Venezuela must be protected," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said

France working with allies on plan should US move on Greenland

A US military seizure of Greenland would send shock waves through the NATO alliance

Octopus, Taj Mahal concepts inspire sculptors at China snow festival

The event, which began on Tuesday, is part of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, a major winter spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors to Heilongjiang province

Nick Reiner to be arraigned in killing of parents Rob and Michele Singer Reiner

Nick Reiner, 32, the youngest of Rob Reiner’s four children, was arrested hours later, and has been held without bail since.

Venezuela to export $2 billion worth of oil to US in deal with Washington

The agreement is a strong sign that the Venezuelan government is responding to Trump's demand hat they open up to U.S. oil companies or risk more military intervention.

Yemen's STC leader al-Zubaidi flees, Saudi-backed coalition says

Zubaidi was set to travel to Saudi Arabia days after Yemen's government said it had asked Riyadh to host a forum on the southern issue

Trump announces plan to sell Venezuelan oil as US signals it is in talks with Caracas

Trump on social media announced that Venezuela would sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil that would be shipped directly to the US under a plan to be executed by Energy Secretary

Trump weighs military option to acquire Greenland

US President Trump is discussing options including military action to take control of Greenland, the White House said on Tuesday

Nine dead in clashes between Syria govt, Kurdish forces in Aleppo

Clashes between government troops and Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria's Aleppo killed at least nine people on Tuesday, mostly civilians

Syria, Israel to set up joint cell under US on de-escalation

Syria's new government and Israel will set up a joint group under US supervision to share intelligence and seek military de-escalation on the ground.

Iran security forces use tear gas in Tehran bazaar as toll rises

Security forces have now killed at least 27 protesters, including five minors under the age of 18, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said.

US forces killed 55 Venezuelan, Cuban military personnel in Maduro raid: tolls

US forces killed 55 Venezuelan and Cuban military personnel during their stunning raid to capture Nicolas Maduro, tolls published by Caracas and Havana showed Tuesday.

Israel approves upgrade to 4G mobile services to Palestinians in West Bank

Approval came as part of a 2022 framework deal between Israel and the Palestinian Authority aimed at allowing 4G and 5G cellular technologies

Russia expands air-ground drone warfare to block Ukrainian troop rotations

Russian forces intensify air and ground drone operations across Ukraine, disrupting troop movements while unmanned systems secure frontline supply routes.

Azerbaijan will not send peacekeepers to Gaza, president says

President Ilham Aliyev says Azerbaijan had been in contact with Donald Trump's administration with a list of questions about the operation of a peacekeeping force in Gaza.

Security forces clash with protesters in Iran's main market as at least 35 killed in demonstrations

Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, while ordering a government investigation into one incident involving the protests

Cuba faces uncertain future after US topples Venezuelan leader Maduro

Maduro’s government was shipping an average of 35,000 barrels of oil daily over the last three months, about a quarter of total demand, said Jorge Piñón

Progress for Ukraine talks in Paris uncertain with US focus on Venezuela and Greenland tension

Macron’s office said the U.S. delegation was initially set to be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who changed his plans for reasons related to the military intervention in Venezuela.

Tourists on remote Yemeni island stranded after Saudi, UAE rift

Air traffic at the island's main airport came to a halt as a deepening crisis between the UAE and Saudi Arabia translated into fresh conflict on Yemen's mainland

Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir, 100, in hospital after hip fracture

Mahathir is expected to remain at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur "for the next few weeks for treatment and observation", his office said in a statement

Venezuela's Machado says she hasn't spoken to Trump since October

She was awarded the prize for her fight against what the Norwegian Nobel Committee called a dictatorship.

Philippines raises alert level at restive Mayon volcano

Phivolcs urged residents within the 6-km no-go zone to evacuate because of risks like lava flows, falling rocks, and other hazards.

Snow cripples air, train and road traffic in Amsterdam and Paris

Amsterdam Schiphol airport, one of Europe's busiest hubs, cancelled about 700 flights on Monday as the airport closed to incoming traffic until 1200 GMT due to the snow, a spokesperson said

Flash floods in Indonesia's North Sulawesi kill 14, four still missing

Heavy rain early on Monday triggered flash floods on the island of Siau, located in the region of Siau Tagulandang Biaro, said Nuriadin Gumeleng, a spokesperson for the local rescue agency

UN chief Guterres raises concerns about instability in Venezuela, legality of US operation

"I am deeply concerned about possible intensification of instability in the country, potential impact on the region, and precedent it may set for how relations between and among states are conducted"

US capture of Maduro tests limits of China's diplomatic push

China follows a policy of non-intervention and routinely criticises military activity conducted without the UN Security Council's approval

Iran's leaders struggle to end protests, US action in Venezuela stokes fears

The US president warned in a social media post that if Iran's leadership killed protesters who have taken to the streets since December 28 the US "will come to their rescue"

Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges, saying he was 'kidnapped'

"I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country," Maduro said through an interpreter, before being cut off by US district judge. His wife also pleaded not guilty

Trump administration sets meetings with oil companies over Venezuela

The meetings are crucial to the administration's hopes of getting top U.S. oil companies back into the South American nation.

Israel says targets Hezbollah, Hamas in Lebanon strikes

The Israeli military launched strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, Lebanese state media reported.

Bangladesh says at least 287 killed during Hasina-era abductions

A Bangladesh commission investigating disappearances during the rule of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina said on Monday at least 287 people were assumed to have been killed

Where's next? Trump eyes new targets after Venezuela

An emboldened US President Donald Trump has hinted that he has other countries in his sights after toppling Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro.

Eyeing its own security, Europe muted as Trump ousts Maduro

European leaders have given a low-key response to US President Donald Trump's military intervention in Venezuela as they seek to avoid riling him on other critical issues.

African nations condemn 'clear violation of UN Charter' by US in Venezuela

African nations and institutions have strongly reacted to the capture of Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro by the United States at the weekend.

China and South Korea pledge to bolster ties as regional tensions rise

China and South Korea maintain robust trade ties, with bilateral trade reaching about $273 billion in 2024.

President Maduro pleads not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism at US court

Venezeula's President Nicolas Maduro is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network.

Iran's chief justice orders strict action against rioters as protest escalates

It is worth noting that protests against inflation have affected 25 out of Iran’s 31 provinces

Man who broke windows at Vance's Ohio home is detained, the Secret Service says

The home, in the Walnut Hills neighbourhood, on hills overlooking the city, was unoccupied at the time, and Vance and his family were not in Ohio.

Israeli airstrike kills two in Gaza including girl

Gaza's health ministry says 422 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect.

Palestinian embassy in UK officially inaugurated

The official upgrading of the mission to embassy status came after the UK announced it would recognise the State of Palestine in September 2025, along with several other countries.

Mexico's Sheinbaum rejects US intervention in Venezuela and Mexico

President Sheinbaum's statement follows comments by Trump hinting at military action in Mexico to combat drug cartels

Uganda bans live broadcasts of riots and 'unlawful processions' ahead of vote

The authorities have detained hundreds of opposition supporters ahead of the January 15 election

Maduro arrives for first New York court appearance after capture by US forces

The Venezuelan President is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network in the South American country.

Russia warns citizens against travel to Venezuela

Russia has long maintained close ties with Venezuela

10 convicted for cyber-bullying France's Brigitte Macron

The couple's 24-year age gap has also drawn criticism and barbs

India's top court denies bail to 2 Muslim activists after 5 years in jail without trial

While bail was granted to the other five accused in the same case, the court noted that Khalid and Imam had a “central role in the conspiracy.”

South Korean movie star Ahn Sung-ki, dubbed 'The Nation's Actor,' dies at 74

“We feel deep sorrow at the sudden, sad news, pray for the eternal rest of the deceased and offer our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members,” the Artist Company said in a statement.

Pressure builds for answers over Swiss bar fire after victims identified

The Alpine getaway of Crans-Montana in the canton of Valais united in mourning on Sunday with condolences coming in from leaders ranging from Pope Leo to Chinese President Xi Jinping