UN voices concern over Iran’s attacks in Syria, Iraq UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- The United Nations is concerned about Iran’s missile attacks against what Tehran called the bases of terrorists and Israel’s intelligence service Mossad in Syria and Iraq, said a UN spokesman on Tuesday. ... More >>>

- UN chief calls for humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza 100 days into conflict
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday again called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza as the conflict turns 100 days. ... More >>>
- Israeli PM vows to continue fighting against Hamas as Gaza conflict hits 100 days
JERUSALEM (Xinhua) -- The bloody Israel-Hamas conflict entered its 100th day on Sunday, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledging to continue the military campaign in the Gaza Strip until “total victory” is achieved.... More >>>
- World witnesses spillover effects from Gaza conflict
(China Daily/ANN) -- The Palestine-Israel conflict that has been ongoing for nearly 100 days may set off a chain reaction and exacerbate instability in the Middle East, experts warned.... More >>>
- Violent riots in PNG leave 16 people dead, as MP calls for PM James Marape to step down
(ABC) -- Sixteen people have died in violent riots in Papua New Guinea after some residents took advantage of police being on strike on Wednesday to set shops and businesses alight in the capital.... More >>>
- WHO says humanitarian, medical situation “dramatically bad” in Gaza
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of a humanitarian and health catastrophe in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday as humanitarian space and access to medical services continue to shrink. ... More >>>
- Central Japan quake death toll tops 200, over 100 unaccounted for
(Kyodo News) -- The death toll from a powerful New Year’s Day earthquake that struck Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas in central Japan has surpassed 200 with over 100 still missing, as a large-scale search operation started at a severely hit area, local authorities said Tuesday.... More >>>
- Boeing jetliner that suffered inflight blowout was restricted because of concern over warning light
PORTLAND, Ore (AP) -- The Boeing jetliner that suffered an inflight blowout over Oregon was not being used for flights to Hawaii after a warning light that could have indicated a pressurisation problem lit up on three different flights, a federal official said Sunday. ... More >>>
- Woman rescued 5 days after Japan quake, as death toll tops 120
(Kyodo News) -- A woman was rescued from a collapsed house in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture on Saturday, five days after a powerful earthquake struck the prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast, as the death toll from the quake topped 120 with over 200 still unaccounted for, according to authorities.... More >>>
- Air traffic controller ‘unaware’ JCG plane entered runway; JAL Crew, passengers also being questioned by authorities
(The Yomiuri Shimbun) -- An air traffic controller told transport ministry investigators that he was not aware a Japan Coast Guard plane had entered a runway at Haneda Airport before it collided with a Japan Airlines jet, it has been learned.... More >>>
- Death toll rises to 64 in Noto Peninsula Earthquake
(The Yomiuri Shimbun) -- The death toll in the powerful earthquakes that hit the Noto Peninsula and other areas of Ishikawa Prefecture had reached 64 people as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. ... More >>>
- 30 confirmed dead in Noto quake as more damage reports come in
(Kyodo News) -- At least 30 people have been confirmed dead in the powerful earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas in central Japan on New Year’s Day as more reports of damage came in and rescuers raced to find survivors on Tuesday.... More >>>
- Two years on, RCEP boosts trade amid protectionism, set to bring greater opportunities
(Global Times) -- Chinese experts hail the significant role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in promoting regional trade and investment cooperation despite rising protectionism, as the agreement celebrates its second anniversary on January 1, 2024. ... More >>>
- Life sentences upheld for three high-ranking officials in “repatriation flight” bribery case
Hanoi (Vietnam News/ANN) -- The High-level People’s Court in Hanoi rejected the appeal and upheld the sentence of life imprisonment handed down at the first-instance trial for three defendants in the “repatriation flights” case on Wednesday during an appeal trial that began this week.... More >>>
- Myanmar and China sign follow-up contract related to Kyaukpyu SEZ Deep Sea Port Project
(Eleven/ANN) -- The signing ceremony of the additional contract (Addendum) related to the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone deep sea port project was held on the evening of December 26 at the Horizon Lake View Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw. ... More >>>
- New COVID variant JN.1 makes nearly half latest infections in US
LOS ANGELES (Xinhua) -- A new coronavirus subvariant JN.1 is spreading fast in the United States, and is now accounting for nearly half of the latest COVID-19 cases in the country, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).... More >>>
- At least 70 killed in Israeli airstrike on refugee camp in central Gaza
GAZA (Xinhua) -- At least 70 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike on the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, reported the state-run Palestine TV. ... More >>>
- Global dengue surge sparks concern as cases top 5 million this year
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) sounded the alarm on the threat of dengue Friday as the mosquito-borne disease has spread to previously untouched countries, infecting over 5 million and killing more than 5,000 this year.... More >>>
- China, Russia hail bilateral ties as strategic choice, stabiliser of intl relations amid Russian PM’s China visit
(The Global Times) -- Maintaining and developing China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both sides based on the fundamental interests of the two peoples, ... More >>>
- If US can clear way for ‘cease-fire in Gaza’, Red Sea problem would be solved
(The Global Times) -- The US-led joint patrol in the Red Sea following Houthi militia attacks against ships heading toward Israel shows that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza is not only affecting the whole region, but also the international community. Chinese analysts pointed out that the root cause of the trade route problem is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and only a sustainable cease-fire and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza via land and ... More >>>
- Kishida says Japan is ready to lead Asia in achieving decarbonisation and energy security
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to lead efforts to simultaneously achieve decarbonisation, economic growth and energy security in Asia, an ambitious goal he set Monday at a regional climate summit attended by Southeast Asian leaders.... More >>>
- Far North Queensland township evacuation delayed by weather, rain easing in Cairns and Cooktown
(ABC News) -- Authorities have called off today’s planned aerial evacuation of the town of Wujal Wujal as record rainfall and dangerous flooding continues to impact Far North Queensland. ... More >>>
- WHO chief reiterates call for ceasefire in Gaza
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), reiterated his call on Friday for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.... More >>>
- COP28 delivers “historic” consensus to accelerate global climate action: president
DUBAI (Xinhua) -- COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber announced on Wednesday that parties to the UN climate summit have reached a final consensus on a “historic” climate deal.... More >>>
- Biden hosts Zelensky at White House, reiterates need for Congress to approve Ukraine aid
WASHINGTON (Xinhua) -- US President Joe Biden on Tuesday hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, where he reiterated the need for Congress to approve his administration’s request for more money to help Ukraine defeat Russia. ... More >>>
- UN chief urges developed countries to fully honor climate commitments
DUBAI (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged developed countries to fully meet their commitments on addressing climate change.... More >>>
- WHO calls for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board adopted a resolution on Sunday, urging for prompt and unobstructed humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. .. More >>>
- Putin seeks another presidential term in 2024
(China Daily/ANN) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he would run for president again in the 2024 presidential election, a move that could keep him in power until 2030.... More >>>
- Following Pakistan’s Official Application, Laos intends to join BRICS
(Sputnik) -- Laos has demonstrated interest in BRICS and more than 40 nations have also indicated their interest to join the bloc.... More >>>
- Putin to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia for talks
MOSCOW (TASS) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit two Middle Eastern countries - the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia - for bilateral talks on Wednesday.... More >>>
- More bodies found after surprise eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi, raising apparent toll to 23
BATU PALANO, Indonesia (AP) -- Rescuers searching the hazardous slopes of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano found more bodies among the climbers caught by a surprise eruption two days ago, raising the number of confirmed and presumed dead to 23. ... More >>>
- Israel expands ground operation to southern Gaza Strip
JERUSALEM (Xinhua) -- Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi said on Sunday that the military has expanded the ground operation against Hamas to the southern Gaza Strip, an area previously considered as a "safe zone." ... More >>>
- Wang Yi urges full cease-fire as truce between Israel-Hamas set to expire
(China Daily/ANN) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday emphasised the need for a comprehensive cease-fire in Palestine, called for renewed commitment to the two-state solution and urged the United Nations Security Council to take responsible and meaningful actions.... More >>>
- UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Golan Heights — results of vote
UNITED NATIONS (TASS) -- The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling upon Israel to withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights, a TASS correspondent reported. ... More >>>
- Israel, Hamas agree to extend truce, more int’l mediation in place
DOHA/GAZA (Xinhua) -- With the four-day truce expiring on Tuesday, Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend the pause by two days, said a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday.... More >>>
- Hamas releases 3rd batch of hostages, truce extension under discussion
GAZA (Xinhua) -- The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, released on Sunday the third batch of hostages from the Gaza Strip under a temporary ceasefire agreement with Israel.... More >>>
- Asean lobby for green mining
(The Phnom Penh Post/ANN) -- Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rattanak has called for robust cooperation among Asean members in the mining industry. He also urged open dialogue and responsile investment in the sector.... More >>>
- Hamas reveals details of first cease-fire, swap deal since Gaza conflict 
GAZA (Xinhua) -- Israel and the Gaza-ruling Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) confirmed Wednesday a cease-fire agreement in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip for four days,... More >>>
- Israel, Hamas confirm deal on releasing hostages, ceasefire
JERUSALEM/GAZA/DOHA (Xinhua) -- Israel and Hamas on Wednesday confirmed their agreement on a Qatar-mediated proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza. ... More >>>
- The bugs in our beds: insecticide purchases soar in Asia
(The Nation/ANN) -- Bed bugs have been making headlines over the past few months, starting with reports from Europe and spreading to the US. Now they have infiltrated Asia.... More >>>
- Businesses laud new hours, push for similar extension on Thai side
(The Nation/ANN) -- In a bid to streamline trade operations and reduce logistical expenses, the Thai-Laos border checkpoint in Nong Khai has now started opening at midnight. ... More >>>
- Xi, Biden hold historic summit, charting course for improving bilateral ties
SAN FRANCISCO (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden on Wednesday held a positive, comprehensive and constructive summit, charting the course for improving and developing bilateral ties.... More >>>
- Summit meeting between Xi, Biden sees candid talks
(China Daily/ANN) -- President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden agreed on Wednesday to resume the high-level military-to-military communication between the two countries on the basis of equality and respect, as part of the consensus they reached during their meeting in San Francisco.... More >>>
- Xi arrives in San Francisco for talks with Biden, APEC meeting
SAN FRANCISCO (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday arrived in San Francisco for a summit with US President Joe Biden, and to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. ... More >>>
- Former UK PM David Cameron makes shock comeback as Sunak reshuffles cabinet
LONDON (Xinhua) -- Former British Prime Minister David Cameron made a shock return to government on Monday as he was appointed foreign secretary in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle. ... More >>>
- Collapse of healthcare system adds to Gaza’s suffering
GAZA (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Palestinians were killed in the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza in the past 24 hours, amidst a collapse of the healthcare system in the enclave.... More >>>
- Improved a little more, but Delhi air remains ‘poor’
(The Statesman/ANN) -- Delhi’ites woke up to a relatively pleasant weather on Saturday with a little more improvement in the quality of air as a result of yesterday’s rain. However, after the drop in air pollution levels, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) level remained at 220, which falls under the ‘poor’ category.... More >>>
- G7 ministers back up humanitarian pauses in Gaza and two-state solution
(China Daily/ANN) -- Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven called for urgent actions to respond to the... More >>>
- One month into conflict, Israeli troops reach “heart of Gaza City”
JERUSALEM (Xinhua) -- Israeli troops were fighting on Tuesday “in the heart of Gaza City,” a senior Israeli commander said, on the 32nd day of the Israel-Hamas conflict that has claimed the lives of 10,328 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.... More >>>
- China, Australia embark on right path of improving ties: Xi
BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing on Monday, saying China and Australia have embarked on the right path of improving relations.... More >>>
- US, Arab states at odds on truce
GAZA/JERUSALEM (Xinhua) -- The United States and Arab countries disagreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as Israeli military strikes killed civilians at a United Nations shelter and hospitals. ... More >>>
- Xi-Scholz talk highlights pragmatic cooperation
(Global Times) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held a video meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during which he noted that China and Germany, both responsible major countries, should not only develop bilateral relations and serve as examples of win-win cooperation, but also defend the international order and multilateralism, and work together to address global challenges.... More >>>
- Chinese authorities discover hundreds of illegal foreign-related meteorological detection sites
(Global Times) -- Chinese authorities discovered hundreds of illegal foreign-related meteorological detection sites which are widely distributed across more than 20 provinces nationwide,... More >>>
- Israel sends more troops ‘deep in Gaza’, conducts deadly airstrikes on refugee camp
JERUSALEM/GAZA (Xinhua) -- Israel intensified its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, sending troops deep into the Palestinian territory and clashing with Hamas militants in fierce battles. ... More >>>
- Concerns mount for elderly as fewer Japanese donate blood
(The Japan Times/ANN) -- The number of people under the age of 40 who have donated blood in Japan in the last decade has declined 33 percent, according to data from the Japanese Red Cross Society, posing a concern as the country’s population rapidly ages.... More >>>
- Survey shows 60 percent of Japanese wrongly believe antibiotics can treat a cold
(The Japan Times/ANN) -- Nearly 60 percent of people erroneously believe that antibiotics are effective in treating a cold, according to a recent survey in Japan, with medical experts warning their misuse and overuse can increase antimicrobial resistance. ... More >>>
- China vows to provide more benefits to neighbours through modernisation
Beijing, China: China will continue to promote the development of principles in the new era, hoping that the Chinese style of modernisation will deliver more benefits to its neighbours and contribute to Asia’s modernisation, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said.... More >>>
- Extreme heatwave warnings grip Australia’s north as the south-east prepares for a cold front
(ABC) -- Extreme and severe weather warnings are gripping Australia this week, all the way from the north-west to the south-east.... More >>>
- UN warns of clear violations of international law in Gaza
United Nations (Prensa Latina) -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday warned of clear violations of international humanitarian law in the Israel-Palestine conflict. ... More >>>
- Accelerating switch to renewables could put fossil fuel peak in sight this decade: IEA
(ABC) -- Almost half of the world’s electricity could come from emissions-free sources such as wind, solar and nuclear by the end of the decade according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). ... More >>>
- A large demonstration in Brussels calls for ceasefire in Gaza
BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- A large demonstration rallied on Sunday afternoon in Brussels, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaze Strip. ... More >>>