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Hong Kong rings in 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in decades

The territory will ring in 2026 without spectacular and colourful explosions in the sky over its iconic Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people

Thailand releases 18 Cambodian prisoners of war as part of ceasefire pact

The repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers was undertaken as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building, as well as in adherence to international humanitarian principles

Zohran Mamdani set to be sworn in as mayor as NYC rings in New Year

In a statement, Mamdani's office said the choice to be sworn in at the station reflected his commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day

Mali, Burkina Faso impose retaliatory travel ban on US national

The announcements, made in separate statements by the foreign ministers of the two West African countries, marked the latest twist in the frosty relationship

Trump admin freezes child care funds to Minnesota over fraud schemes

The announcement comes after years of investigation that began with the $300 million scheme at the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, for which 57 defendants in Minnesota have been convicted

US commits $480 mn to Ivory Coast health sector under 'America First' pact

The signing in Ivory Coast's capital of Abidjan covers areas such as HIV, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security

Thieves drill into German bank vault, steal property worth millions

Some 2,700 bank customers were affected by the theft in Gelsenkirchen, police and the Sparkasse bank said

Europe to discuss US-led peace push as Ukraine-Russia tensions rise

Russia and Ukraine have throughout the war exchanged accusations about attacks that cannot be independently verified because of the fighting

Russia's nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system enters active service

Russia's missile forces chief has also declared that the Oreshnik, which can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, has a range allowing it to reach all of Europe

China's economy shows resilience, but ordinary citizens feel strain

China's ruling Communist Party is promoting leader Xi's push for high-quality growth and domestic innovation as it shifts investment and policies toward a consumption-driven growth model

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over UAE arms shipment for separatists

A military statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency announced the strikes, which it said came after ships arrived there from Fujairah, a port city on the UAE's eastern coast

China resumes military drills around Taiwan, warns 'external forces'

China's command on Monday deployed destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles, alongside long-range rockets, to the north and southwest of the Taiwan Strait

US pledges $2 bn for UN aid as Trump warns agencies must 'adapt or die'

This humanitarian reset at the United Nations should deliver more aid with fewer tax dollars providing more focused, results-driven assistance aligned with US foreign policy

Trump indicates US 'hit' Venezuelan facility linked to alleged drug vessels

Trump for months has suggested he may conduct land strikes in South America, in Venezuela or possibly another country, and in recent weeks has been saying the US would move beyond striking boats

Trump warns Iran against reviving nuclear programme amid Netanyahu's visit

Trump criticised Iran anew for not making a deal to completely disarm its nuclear program ahead of the US and Israeli strikes earlier this year

Taiwan condemns China's joint military drills, deploys forces to respond

Taiwan on Monday condemned China's joint military drills around the island, disregarding international norms and using military intimidation to threaten neighbouring countries.

6 Islamic State militants, 3 police officers killed in clash in Turkiye

The clash broke out in Yalova province, south of Istanbul, as police stormed a house where the militants were hiding

Fire at Indonesian retirement home kills 16 elderly residents, 15 survive

The bodies of victims were taken to a hospital for identification with the assistance of families, officials said

Bondi Beach victims' kin seek more action on antisemitism, security failure

Seventeen families of Sydney massacre victims urged PM Anthony Albanese to launch a royal commission into rising antisemitism and security failures since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war

US pledges $2 bn for UN humanitarian aid as Trump slashes funding

Critics say the Western aid cutbacks have been shortsighted, driven millions toward hunger, displacement or disease, and harmed US soft power around the world