US Federal Reserve head: ‘Challenging’ months until vaccine comes

Federal Reserve chairman Powell says effects of coronavirus vaccines on the US economy remain difficult to assess.

Nepal’s female soldiers break taboos to tackle COVID crisis

Female soldiers have been tasked with carrying corpses in Kathmandu - a task considered taboo in the Himalayan nation.

China recovery boosts Asian factories, but trouble seen ahead

Chinese manufacturing expands at fastest rate in a decade, new data show; South Korean, Japanese firms stabilise.

Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan tests positive for COVID-19

The 51-year-old Indonesian politician says he does not have symptoms and will self-isolate for the next two weeks.

Australia, US to develop hypersonic missiles to counter China

Australia's defence minister says 'game-changing' project with US will help deter aggression against its interests.

Facebook, YouTube accused of complicity in Vietnam rights abuses

Amnesty says 69 of the 170 "prisoners of conscience" in Vietnam are in jail because of their online activism.

Big gulp: S&P to add Tesla to key US share index in one shot

Data firm S&P considered adding the electric carmaker's shares to its main index in two tranches but opted for one.

China refuses to apologise over gruesome Australia soldier post

Officials double down on Australia, saying country should be ashamed of alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.

Controversial Trump COVID-19 pandemic adviser resigns

Dr Scott Atlas clashed repeatedly with other experts on coronavirus task force during his four months in the job.

Biden wins over Trump in Arizona, Wisconsin confirmed

Two battleground states certify presidential election results in favour of Joe Biden as Donald Trump refuses to concede.

Dozens of rights groups denounce US arms sales to UAE

Groups raise concern about the UAE's role in Libya, Yemen conflicts in attempt to halt $23bn in arms sales.

Saudi Arabia allows Israeli commercial planes to use its airspace

Riyadh gives approval night before low-cost Israir due to fly its first planned route to the UAE, using Saudi airspace.

East Med: Turkish research ship back in port ahead of EU summit

Oruc Reis returns to port before EU summit where the bloc will evaluate possible sanctions against Ankara.

Iran buries slain nuclear scientist, promises retaliation

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh buried as top Iranian security official accuses Israel of killing him remotely.

India farmers vow to intensify protests, reject gov’t talks offer

Thousands of farmers continue to block highways connecting the capital as they demand gov't repeal farms laws.

Hong Kong tightens COVID-19 curbs as dance club cluster grows

New curbs come after Hong Kong records biggest jump in daily cases since August, most linked to ballroom-dancing venues.

India investigates alleged AstraZeneca vaccine ‘adverse reaction’

A trial volunteer has claimed he suffered serious 'neurological' symptoms after receiving the vaccine.

S Korea’s ex-president handed suspended jail term for defamation

Chun, 89, was found guilty of defaming a former democracy activist who was involved in protests in the 1980s.

China’s factories crank up output, but jobs, debt remain concerns

Official factory data show output rose to highest level in more than three years in November on strong domestic demand.

What is behind India’s ‘love jihad’ legislation?

This proposed legislation could not only further marginalise Muslims but also undermine women's agency and rights.

Is Emmanuel Macron pandering to the far right?

French president faces tough balancing act, pressured to appeal to the right, but not so far as to abandon the left.

Burundi refugees forcibly disappeared, tortured in Tanzania: HRW

New report says at least 18 Burundians were forcibly disappeared from refugee camps in Tanzania over the past year.

COVID-19 surge triggers deadly prison riot in Sri Lanka

At least eight inmates dead after unrest broke out at a high-security prison near Colombo over rising infections.

Yemen: Houthis claim killing of several Saudi soldiers in Marib

No comment from Saudis but its media reported death of a military official on the battlefield in Yemen.

Old and young, Chinese vent anger at move to raise retirement age

China’s retirement age has remained unchanged for four decades at 60 for men and 55 for women white-collar workers.

Biden names all-female senior White House communications team

Biden and Harris have sought to emphasise diversity in their appointments ahead of their January 20 US swearing-in.

Brexit deal in sight? UK urges EU to move on fishing rights

The UK's foreign secretary says he sees a deal on competition rules and state aid as likely if the EU is 'reasonable'.

Trump to blacklist two more Chinese firms: Report

The move would hinder access that chipmaker SMIC and oil firm CNOOC have to US investors, worsening tensions with China.

Tigray forces say they shot down Ethiopian plane, retook Axum

TPLF leader says his forces captured pilot and retook Axum a day after Ethiopia declared an end to Tigray offensive.

Australia demands China apology over ‘repugnant’ Twitter post

Australia demands removal of fake photo of soldier posted by official government spokesman, as ties deteriorate.

New Zealand charges 13 parties over White Island eruption

Workplace regulator files charges over volcanic eruption that left 22 dead and dozens more injured.

EU to seek new post-Trump global alliance with US: FT

Draft EU plan calls for US cooperation on tech, COVID-19, deforestation and challenges posed by China, report says.

Malaria gains at risk from COVID-19 pandemic: WHO

World Health Organization says disruptions to treatment could lead to tens of thousands additional deaths.

Twitter suspends Thai royalist account tied to influence campaign

Account thought to be part of effort to boost royalist messages after months of anti-establishment protests.

The romance of Hong Kong past: In the Mood for Love – 20 years on

The story of unrequited love set in 1960s Hong Kong, romanticised the image of a city in constant flux.

Wisconsin recount confirms Joe Biden victory over Donald Trump

Second Wisconsin county finishes recount, confirming that Biden beat Trump by more than 20,000 votes in the US state.

Brazil polls open in municipal runoff elections

The elections include races for mayor of Brazil's two largest cities and come as the coronavirus continues to rage.

Plan to boost Swiss firms’ global liability fails in referendum

Switzerland rejects extending corporate liability over rights abuses and environmental harm caused abroad.

Argentine prosecutors investigate death of football star Maradona

Officials order search of properties of Maradona's personal doctor days after the football legend's sudden death.

At least 110 civilians killed in ‘gruesome’ Nigeria massacre

Men and women harvesting crops assaulted by armed attackers on motorcycles, UN says.

Indonesian volcano erupts, forcing residents to flee

Local airport closed as Mount Ili Lewotolok erupts in a remote part of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

Condemnation after photojournalist wounded during Paris protest

Ameer Alhalbi was covering Saturday's demonstrations opposing police violence.

Darth Vader actor Dave Prowse dies aged 85

British actor who played arch-villain Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy passed away after a short illness.

The personal is political: A journey through Palestinian exile

As a Palestinian, I constantly find myself asking where I belong. The answer is that there is no space for me.

US Election Fallout: Behind the Scenes

“Election week was a blur. We never had time to plan.”

Eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah part of Israeli policy

Israeli military and judiciary work hand in hand on dispossession and displacement of Palestinians, activists say.

Iran parliament demands end of nuclear inspections after murder

Hardliners in parliament are gearing up to revitalise Iran’s nuclear programme after scientist’s assassination.

Trump loses another election court challenge

Republican lawsuit sought to invalidate mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania where President-elect Biden won by 81,000 votes.

COVID-19: 10 million Iraqi children back to school

Elementary students to attend class one day a week, while older children will be required to go twice.

Afghanistan: 34 people killed in two suicide bombings

Dozens of soldiers killed and wounded after attackers detonate vehicles full of explosives.

Singaporean mother gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies

A woman who was pregnant when infected with COVID has reportedly given her child antibodies against the virus.

Sudan forces seize large weapons haul near Ethiopia

Mortar rounds and assault weapons seized in Kassala state as fighting rages in neighbouring Ethiopia.

In Pictures: French protesters clash with police

Tens of thousands took to the streets against a security law restricting the filming of police officers.

Elite runners brave Delhi half-marathon dubbed ‘suicidal’

The race was scaled back as the city experiences a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and dangerous air quality.

Rockets hit Eritrea capital after Ethiopia declares victory

The attack marked the third time Asmara has come under fire from Tigray since military operations began in November.

North Korea toughens rules of entry to sea to fight coronavirus

State media says Pyongyang is acting against 'uncivilised and unhygienic elements' that could help spread an epidemic.

Severe fire danger for Australia as temperatures smash records

Rural Fire Service forecasts 'very high to severe fire danger' in parts of New South Wales, issues total fire ban.

‘We are fed up’: Guatemalans continue anti-government protests

Guatemala's Congress annulled a contentious budget this week, but protesters are still calling for president to resign.

Pro-democracy protests can help bring peace to Thailand’s south

The success of the continuing struggle for democracy in Thailand is crucial for securing peace in its southern regions.

Killing of Iranian scientist a ‘violation of human rights’: Qatar

Qatar's deputy PM says assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh 'will only contribute to pouring more fuel on the fire'.

Ethiopian army takes ‘full control’ of Tigray capital, Abiy says

PM says military operations in Tigray 'completed and ceased' after army seizes Mekelle; no immediate comment from TPLF.

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassination: How the world reacted

Turkey describes Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing as 'act of terrorism' while EU calls it 'criminal' and urges 'restraint'.

Police hunt suspects after four killed on Indonesian island

Attackers also torched homes in Lembantongoa village in Central Sulawesi, including one used for regular prayers.

Pope Francis appoints first African American cardinal

Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, DC, made headlines this year for criticising US President Donald Trump.

Iran may retaliate in Iraq for killing of scientist: Analysts

Analysts say the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh may trigger a violent response in Iraq.

In Biden’s hometown, election win brings some hope amid COVID-19

Residents of Wilmington, Delaware say they hope Joe Biden's presidential victory will spur much-needed help.

UN says Sudan needs $150m to help Ethiopian refugees

Sudan hosting more than 43,000 refugees fleeing fighting in Tigray into one of its most impoverished regions.

France gears for more security law protests amid police violence

Dozens of rallies planned against new law that would restrict sharing images of police.

Brexit talks restart in person in London as clock ticks down

Negotiators meet in last-ditch bid to secure deal before the UK's transition period with the EU ends on December 31.

Malaysia will hold elections after coronavirus crisis is over: PM

Muhyiddin promises to hold polls after he averts showdown by winning parliamentary support for his administration's budget.

Six dead in clashes between rival protesters in southern Iraq

Members of October 2019 anti-government protest movement and Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr's supporters clash.

Poison gas, firing squads: US approves more execution methods

Outgoing Trump administration paves way for additional methods of executing prisoners sentenced to death.

Kashmiris vote in local elections, first since autonomy revoked

First of eight-phase polls to elect members of District Development Councils begins amid tight security.

Ethiopian forces to take Tigray’s capital ‘in a few days’: Army

Federal forces say they have seized control of Wikro town, 50km north of Makelle, as they march to the region's capital.

Rouhani accuses ‘mercenary’ Israel of killing top Iran scientist

Iranian president accuses Israel of assassinating high-ranking nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Indian farmers continue anti-farm bills protests

Television images show some of them moving to the capital while thousands still remain on the outskirts of the city.

As China tightens its grip on Hong Kong, could Taiwan be next?

Beijing has held military drills near the Taiwan Straits and has deployed marines and missiles to its southern coast.

German far-right holds congress with COVID ‘hotspot potential’

About 600 members of AfD due to meet Saturday at an unused nuclear plant in Kalkar city defying pandemic warnings.

US sanctions Chinese, Russian firms over Iran dealings

US accuses the four firms of 'transferring sensitive technology and items' to Iran's missile programme.

Honduras ex-President Zelaya stopped at airport with bag of money

Manuel Zelaya says he had been 'unjustly' detained at Toncontin airport and denies he owned the $18,000 cash.

French officers detained after camera caught beating of Black man

Three of the four are being questioned on suspicion of 'violence with a racist motive' after beating of music producer.

In Pictures: Angry India farmers march against ‘pro-market’ laws

Tens of thousands of farmers defy police barriers to march on the capital saying new laws will hurt them.

Nigeria gets back 600-year-old artefact from the Netherlands

The 'priceless' terracotta head was smuggled through Ghana to the Netherlands, officials said.

Poland’s abortion protests: A fight for democracy?

We debate Poland’s controversial abortion ruling and discuss environmental rights with activist Winona LaDuke.

France’s Macron ‘very shocked’ by police beating of Black man

The alleged victim, identified as Michel, says he was jumped on by police at his music studio.

Occupied West Bank enters lockdown amid coronavirus surge

Two-day lockdown imposed as the occupied Palestinian territories report more than 91,000 coronavirus cases.

Iraq training US-sanctioned militia leader for army job: Reuters

Reuters report says ex-member of Iran-backed paramilitary group sent to Egypt for training to become a military officer.

A new Belt and Road? US, Taiwan hook up to counter China’s effort

Taiwan and the US plan to fund infrastructure projects in developing markets in response to China's growing influence.

Stocks hold near record highs but vaccine concerns cloud outlook

Doubts about efficacy of AstraZeneca's vaccine raise fears of approval delay and economic consequences.

Scotland’s Sturgeon puts UK on independence warning

The past 14 opinion surveys have suggested Scots support independence.

Russia says India to produce 100 million doses of Sputnik vaccine

Apart from India, the RDIF says Sputnik V will also be produced in Brazil, China and South Korea.

Lessons learned from COVID-19 can help us fight climate change

Just like COVID-19, climate change is destroying lives and ruining livelihoods on a daily bases across the world.

Tigray conflict: Sudan refugee camp nearly doubles its capacity

Umm Rakouba camp was meant to house 5,000 people, but UN refugee agency says it is now almost double that capacity.

India police use tear gas, water cannon to stop farmers’ march

Thousands of farmers scuffled with police during a march against new laws, which they fear will benefit corporations.

China to impose anti-dumping measures on Australian wines

As political tensions rise between Canberra and Beijing, China has been blocking wide range of Australian imports.

S Korea foils N Korea attempt to hack COVID-19 vaccine makers

Parliament member says it was unclear how many and which drugmakers were targeted adding that there was no damage seen.

Australia special forces troops face sack for unlawful killings

A four-year inquiry released last week found evidence Australian soldiers may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

UK to hit Google and Facebook with tougher competition rules

Concentration of power in small number of tech firms is curtailing growth and innovation, says UK's digital secretary.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro says he will not take coronavirus vaccine

Right-wing leader adds that Congress was unlikely to require Brazilians to take a vaccine.

South Korea, China agree on North Korea talks, early Xi visit

China's top diplomat visited South Korea and Japan as the two US allies prepare for change under a new US president.

Iran detained Moore-Gilbert because of Israeli partner: Report

Sydney Morning Herald says British-Australian academic was arrested after Iran found out her partner was Israeli.

Ethnic tension, conflicts key concern for Myanmar’s incoming MPs

Another landslide victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's party means it has a chance to push through reforms - if it wants.

Trump says he will leave office if Biden electoral win certified

Donald Trump's latest comments are the closest he has come to conceding the US election as hopes for victory fade.

On eve of Black Friday, Amnesty pushes Amazon on workers’ rights

Amnesty International urges online retail giant to respect workers' rights before busy holiday shopping season.

Turkey sentences dozens to life in prison over 2016 failed coup

Court hands down dozens of life sentences for some of the nearly 500 defendants, including army commanders and pilots.

India farmers brave tear gas as they protest against ‘black laws’

Police use tear gas and water cannon to disperse farmers who are protesting against new farm laws.

What foreign policy challenges await Biden?

Can the US revitalise its presence abroad without first healing and rebuilding at home?

Diego Maradona: Italy’s Naples remembers its ‘barrio boy’

Italian city mourns the death of the Argentinian football legend, who once described it as his 'home'.

Transgender Pakistanis find solace in a church of their own

For transgender Christians shunned by their own community, the new church is a refuge from a lifetime of pain.

Stocks push higher on vaccine hopes but gains lose steam

US markets fell after second weekly rise in jobless claims raised concerns about strength of economic recovery.

Not the happiest place: Disney to lay off 32,000 workers in 2021

Disney says the layoffs will come in the first half of next year as virus measures limit theme park customer numbers.

UN warns of ‘very critical’ shortages in Ethiopia’s Tigray region

Fuel and cash are running out while food for nearly 100,000 refugees from Eritrea will be gone in a week, the UN says.

Flydubai launches first scheduled Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

UAE and Israel are hoping for rapid dividends from the normalisation deal, including an influx of tourists.

Argentina mourns as Maradona’s coffin reaches presidential palace

Fans pay their respects to the football icon as President Alberto Fernandez declares three days of national mourning.

Palestinian man shot dead after alleged car-ramming attack

Israeli forces shot a man at a checkpoint near occupied East Jerusalem after trying to flee an inspection, police said.

Ethiopia to begin ‘final phase’ of Tigray offensive: PM Abiy

In statement hours after an ultimatum for TPLF to surrender expired, Abiy asked Makelle's residents to 'stay indoors'.

Crypto crash: After nearing record, Bitcoin plunges

Bitcoin slumped as much as 8.7% while other digital coins like Ether posted double-digit percentage declines.

Six Pakistani cricketers touring New Zealand test COVID positive

New Zealand officials say players would be moved into quarantine, throwing preparations for the series into turmoil.

Leader of S Korea ‘sextortion’ ring jailed for 40 years

The discovery in March of the Nth Room, which operated on the encrypted Telegram platform, shocked the country.

Virus cases at world’s top glove maker imperils Malaysia economy

Malaysia ordered Top Glove to close factories after jump in COVID-19 cases among workers, threatening economic recovery.

Sudan’s former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi dies of COVID-19

Said al-Mahdi was Sudan's last democratically elected prime minister before he was toppled in a 1989 coup.

India: Cyclone Nivar makes landfall bringing rains, flood

The powerful cyclone hurtled into southern India packing strong winds and rains as tens of thousands left their homes.

Dozens in court as Cambodia puts opposition on trial for treason

121 defendants, all tied to the banned opposition party CNRP, were summoned, but many are already in exile.

South Korea confirms most COVID-19 cases since March

Defence ministry announces temporary ban on holidays and off-installation trips after outbreak at an army boot camp.

Money, money, money: Thais rally in Bangkok over royal fortune

Protesters want king to relinquish control of assets valued at at least $30bn.

‘He only gave us joy’: Argentinians pay tribute to Diego Maradona

Crowds gather in the Buenos Aires neighbourhood Maradona once called home to pay respects after footballer's death.

Biden urges holiday precautions, unity amid coronavirus surge

'We're at war with a virus, not with one another,' US President-elect Biden said in a pre-Thanksgiving holiday address.

Amazon takes on India giant Reliance in court fight over retailer

Case has renewed debate about foreign ownership of Indian companies; Amazon accused of wanting to crush local firm.

Israel attacks southern Damascus from occupied Golan Heights

Syrian state media reported Israeli warplanes hits locations south of the capital in the second such attack in a week.

India: Tributes pour in after death of Shia scholar Kalbe Sadiq

Sadiq, who advocated for Shia-Sunni unity, has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes.

Iran conservatives score key victory in battle over cash handouts

Cash aid for struggling citizens could win hearts and minds for conservatives before presidential elections.

Tesco accused of racism with Romanian anti-shoplifting posters

UK's largest retailer used signs in Romanian to fend off would-be thieves, prompting allegations of racial profiling.

City to city, camp to camp: Afghan refugees struggle to find home

As Afghanistan's neighbours shut their doors, many make the treacherous journey to Europe. But few find a welcome there.

Trump plans to pardon former aide Michael Flynn: Reports

Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about interactions he had with Russia’s ambassador.

China’s Wang meeting Suga in first high-level talks with Japan PM

Japan and China have agreed to cooperate on trade and the pandemic while skirting territorial disputes.

Australia cancels Muslim scholar’s citizenship in a local first

Algerian-born Abdul Nacer Benbrika is the first person to be stripped of his citizenship while still in Australia.

Ahmed Patel: Leader of India’s Congress party dies of coronavirus

The veteran leader, a former MP from Gujarat state, was close to the Gandhi family who did not show off his power.

China weighs legal steps against ‘die-hard Taiwan secessionists’

The move may see Beijing try to take legal steps against Taiwan's democratically elected president, Tsai Ing-wen.

Hong Kong’s Lam vows to restore stability, order after ‘chaos’

Embattled leader of semi-autonomous Chinese city says priority is to restore 'constitutional order' after protests.

Pakistan gives UN a dossier on India, New Delhi dubs it ‘lies’

Pakistan submits 'terror dossier' against India to the UN a day after New Delhi gave a dossier to some UNSC members.

Global shares hit record highs on hopes for COVID vaccines

Formal start of transition from US President Donald Trump to Joe Biden also reassures investors.

What is the Quad and can it contain China?

As the informal group steps up defence ties, analysts question whether it can counterbalance China in the Indo-Pacific.

India’s southeastern coast braces for powerful cyclone

People asked to remain indoors as Cyclone Nivar is set to bear down in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra states.

‘Obelisk’ in US desert draws wild theories from UFO spotters

The shiny, triangular metal pillar was spotted from the air last week by baffled local officials in the state of Utah.

US telecoms regulator affirms China’s ZTE is a security threat

Federal Communications Commission ruled in June that Huawei and ZTE are threats, hindering deals with US firms.

Thailand revives royal insult law ahead of mass rally

Summons issued for seven leaders over lese majeste mark first use of laws in more than two years.

Lebanon’s outgoing PM fears for his life after political fight

Hassan Diab says entrenched interests stymied reform efforts adding that he does not want to stay as caretaker leader.

No dancing, drinking as Hong Kong tightens COVID-19 rules again

New measures to come into force on Nov 26 because of the 'serious epidemic situation' in the territory.

President-elect Biden to receive US intelligence briefings

After weeks of delay, the president-elect will now have access to real-time United States intelligence.

What do Biden cabinet nominees mean for US Middle East policy?

Joe Biden's foreign policy nominees say they will prioritise human rights in relations with Middle East governments.

China’s ‘space dream’ in 500 words

Beijing pours billions of dollars into its space programme with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022.

Bitcoin jumps, shy of all-time high of $20,000

The world's most popular cryptocurrency has gained about 160 percent this year.

Israel’s Netanyahu says he will visit Bahrain soon

Bahrain followed the UAE in normalising ties with Israel in a US-brokered deal that marked alignment against Iran.

India: Case against Netflix over temple kissing scene in show

Hindu nationalists object to Hindu girl kissing Muslim boy against the backdrop of a temple in A Suitable Boy series.

German economy grew at record pace in 3rd quarter but fears mount

Europe's largest economy grew by 8.5 percent in June-September period, but rising COVID infections cloud outlook.

Who is al-Qaeda’s new North Africa chief?

Abu Obaida Yusuf al-Annabi is a well-known veteran among the armed groups wreaking havoc in North Africa.

Vaccine progress, Biden transition news give stocks a boost

Investors say Trump's nod for an official transition to Biden and latest COVID vaccine progress remove some uncertainty.

Inmates killed in Colombia riot shot intentionally: HRW

New evidence sheds light on one of the deadliest prison uprisings in Colombia's recent history.

Ethiopia capturing Tigray capital may not end conflict: Analysts

As federal forces encircle Makelle and TPLF remains defiant, analysts fear capture of the city may not end the crisis.

Why it is wrong to draw parallels between Trump and Mugabe

Such comparisons may appear harmless on the surface, but they have problematic real world consequences.

Saudi Aramco says customers unaffected by Houthi attack on Jeddah

Monday's attack knocked out a tank that contained 10 percent of all fuel stored a the Jeddah plant, Saudi Aramco says.

In Pictures: China’s moon mission milestone

Latest trip to the moon is another milestone in the Asian powerhouse’s slow but steady ascent to the stars.

Making headlines: COVID-19 and gender inequality

Media reports documenting the pandemic’s impact on gender equality are inadvertently deflecting accountability.

Tigray forces: Ethiopia mechanised division ‘completely destroyed

Tigray military vows to 'arm every civilian to defend Mekelle', the capital city with a population of about 500,000.

In India, a vocal Muslim party expands its base

AIMIM makes a foray into Muslim-majority areas, tapping into Muslim frustrations about opposition parties.

China accuses ‘dangerous’ US of ‘creating chaos’ in Asia

Embassy in Manila condemns US after visiting White House envoy pledges support to the Philippines over maritime claims.

UK and Huawei: Proposed law could hit British telecoms firms

New rules would impose tough penalties on UK telecoms firms if they breach ban on gear made by China's Huawei.

China’s top diplomat to visit Tokyo, Korea amid regional tensions

Wang Yi's visit comes amid US presidential transition, concerns about China's regional assertiveness.

Ticket, money, passport, COVID-19 passport: Your new travel list?

Aviation industry developing mobile app for passengers to show COVID-19 jabs and coronavirus status before travel.

Top Glove to shut factories as it screens workers for COVID-19

Malaysian government has ordered staggered closures after surge in COVID-19 cases at world's biggest glove maker.

UK mulls pulling judges from Hong Kong in wake of security law

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab says discussions on whether it is 'appropriate' for them to sit are ongoing.

Where things stand with Trump and the US election

Michigan certifies results as President Trump's legal challenges and vote recounts continue weeks after Election Day.

Trump says transition to Biden can begin

Key federal agency says Joe Biden 'apparent winner' of US election, clearing the way for the start of the transition.

Five killed by gunmen in northwest Nigeria mosque attack: Police

Attack during Friday prayers in Nigeria's Zamfara state kills five worshippers with many others abducted.

FIFA bans African football head for five years over ethics probe

Confederation of African Football head Ahmad Ahmad banned for financial misconduct following investigation, FIFA says.

India’s top court slams states for COVID surge

Supreme Court warns the situation could worsen further as it seeks status reports from four states, including Delhi.

$50bn housing project threatens mangroves on Pakistani island

Environmentalists say proposed real estate project on Bundle Island would trigger an 'environmental disaster'.

Ethiopia accuses Tigray forces of destroying Axum airport

State-affiliated media says the forces of Tigray People's Liberation Front destroyed airport serving the ancient town.

Ice Bucket Challenge activist Patrick Quinn dies at 37

Quinn had helped drive the global phenomenon that raised $220m to tackle a deadly neurodegenerative disease.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can be 90% effective, results show

UK group is the latest drugmaker to unveil positive interim data in a scientific race to curb a global pandemic.

French ex-President Sarkozy stands trial for corruption

Along with his lawyer, Sarkozy, accused of corruption, faces up to 10 years in prison and a 1 million euro-fine.

A better bromance? How a Biden admin could boost India’s economy

Biden’s approach to trade, climate and even the pandemic could bring more benefits to India than Trump's, say analysts. 

Netanyahu met MBS, Pompeo in Saudi Arabia: Israeli media

Reports say Netanyahu secretly flew on Sunday for a meeting with the Saudi crown prince and US secretary of state.

UN calls for continued Afghan aid ahead of donor conference

Donors expected to introduce stringent conditions as they pledge billions of dollars in aid money.

Jamal Khashoggi killing: Turkey’s trial of Saudi suspects resumes

The grisly murder of Jamal Khashoggi sparked international outrage and tarnished the image of Saudi Arabia's MBS.

Women in finance must ask for promotion, unlike men: Survey

Researcher says findings of Australia survey provide 'evidence of that culture that things come to men without asking'.

US to target 89 Chinese firms with military ties: Report

Trump administration plans to restrict some Chinese aerospace, other firms from buying US technology, Reuters reports.

Yemen’s Houthis claim they fired missile at Saudi Aramco site

Houthis say they hit oil facility in port city of Jeddah, while there was no immediate Saudi confirmation of the claim.

Hong Kong’s Joshua Wong remanded in custody over protest charges

Activist faces a jail term of up to five years for organising protest outside Hong Kong's police headquarters last year.

Biden to nominate Antony Blinken as US secretary of state

A 'defender of global alliances', Blinken says the US needs to take an active leadership role in the world.

Vaccine booster: Asian shares gain on hopes of economic recovery

Investors hope that swift rollout of coronavirus vaccines will allow businesses to operate at full capacity.

Border between two biggest Australian states reopens

Movement between New South Wales and Victoria resumes after Victoria stamped out second wave of COVID-19.

China to introduce new policies to tackle ageing population

State media says China will offer extensive financial and policy support to encourage couples to have more children.

Singapore activist in court over one-man ‘smiley face’ protest

Jolovan Wham is facing charges under Public Order Act after posing for a photo with his placard in March.

Politics and pestilence occupy minds at Bangkok Art Biennale

Exhibition, one of few to go ahead thanks to COVID-19, explores idea of 'escape' in a world riven by trouble.

Senior US admiral in unannounced Taiwan visit: Report

Reuters news agency says Rear Admiral Michael Studeman who oversees regional military intelligence arrived on Sunday.

Hundreds gather for funeral of Serbia’s Patriarch Irinej

Relatives, clergy and dignitaries, including president, allowed inside church at funeral held amid COVID-19 surge.

Pakistan: Soldier, four fighters killed in Afghan border attack

The Pakistani military said two soldiers were also injured during the raid in Pakistan's North Waziristan.

In Pictures: Protesters clash with police in Guatemala

Protesters set fire to part of Guatemala’s Congress building amid growing demonstrations against the president.

The time has come for a reckoning on US immigrant abuse

A letter to the UN by four congresswomen renews hope that abuse of detained immigrants will finally be addressed.

France demands Pakistan ‘rectify’ Macron Nazi comment

Paris' criticism comes after a Pakistani official said President Macron was treating Muslims like Nazis treated Jews.

‘Vote for change’: Polls open in Burkina Faso

President Kabore has promised to secure the country and is vying for another five years against 12 other candidates.

‘Save yourselves’: Ethiopia warns Tigrayans of Mekelle attack

Tigray official denies Mekelle has been surrounded, saying troops could not 'move an inch for more than one week'.

Kill lists: Barack Obama’s blind spot

He opposes the death penalty in the US, but issued kill orders for Muslims overseas with no trial at all.

What’s behind the South China Sea dispute? | Start Here

Why is there talk about war in the South China Sea?

Al-Qaeda in North Africa appoints new leader after killing

Algerian Abu Obaida Yusuf al-Annabi has been on the US 'international terrorist' blacklist since September 2015.

Deadly ISIL attack north of Baghdad sparks anger

Iraq's Salahuddin province in mourning after an attack blamed on ISIL fighters killed 10 people, including civilians.

Europe response ‘incomplete’: WHO COVID envoy fears third wave

Europe briefly enjoyed sinking infection rates that are now surging again as WHO's David Nabarro warns of a third wave.

‘Backward in time’: Israeli scientists claim to reverse ageing

Administering pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber could reverse ageing and illnesses, research finds.

What the US troop withdrawal means for Iraq

Pullout decision likely to shift power significantly in favour of Iran, which Trump has sought to weaken.

Saudi Arabia says it seeks a way to end dispute with Qatar

The Gulf rift dates from 2017 when the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt imposed a blockade on Qatar.

Israeli army launches air raids on besieged Gaza Strip

The Israeli army says it struck Hamas positions after an alleged rocket attack from the Palestinian enclave. 

The prosecutor’s son: ‘The living legacy of Nuremberg’

Don Ferencz's father prosecuted Nazis at Nuremberg and made sure his son understood the depths of their crimes.

Japan’s COVID-19 cases hit record high for fourth day

Japan mulls imposing limits on large gatherings a day after dialling back key domestic travel campaign.

G20 leaders back ‘equitable’ global access to COVID-19 vaccines

Twin crises of COVID-19 pandemic and an uneven global recovery dominate first day of G20 summit.

Hong Kong, Singapore travel bubble delayed by COVID-19 surge

Air travel bubble postponed for at least two weeks after Hong Kong reports 43 new coronavirus cases on Saturday.

COVID-19: FDA authorises Regeneron antibody drug given to Trump

US agency grants emergency-use authorisation for the pilot antibody treatment used to treat President Donald Trump.

Judge dismisses Trump bid to stop Pennsylvania vote certification

In a scathing opinion, judge slams Trump campaign's 'strained legal arguments and speculative accusations'.

Guatemala protesters torch Congress as simmering anger boils over

A contentious budget bill pushed thousands into the streets to call for an end to corruption, among other demands.

Five killed in police chase after mass prison break in Lebanon

Police said so far 15 inmates have been rearrested and four of the escaped prisoners handed themselves over.

Refugee advocates urge Biden to ‘rebuild’ US asylum system

The Biden administration must address curbs to the US asylum system that worsened under Trump, refugee groups say.

Concern grows for safety of Eritrean refugees as Tigray war rages

Eritrean refugees face threats of violence, harassment and food shortages amid conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

Iran imposes nationwide COVID-19 restrictions but no lockdown

Iran has enacted new restrictions but experts say a full lockdown is needed to control COVID-19 infections.

Mike Pompeo to meet Taliban negotiators in Qatar

Visit comes after a rocket attack that struck densely populated areas of Kabul, killing at least eight people.

Turkey’s President Erdogan, Saudi king discuss improving ties

Turkish President Erdogan and Saudi King Salman discussed bilateral ties and agreed to resolve lingering disputes.

Ethiopia says it captured Tigrayan town of Adigrat

Addis Ababa's denial that talks were imminent comes hours after the African Union named special envoys to help mediate.

G20 leaders tackle coronavirus crisis, global recession

Alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change is a main theme that will be discussed in the Saudi-hosted G20 summit.

Iran slams European criticism on expanding nuclear programme

Iran says European concern is unwarranted since nations involved are not fully committed to the nuclear deal.

Twenty-three rockets hit Afghan capital Kabul, 8 civilians killed

At least eight civilians have been killed in the attack and dozens wounded as the Taliban denies involvement.

What to make of more than 70m Americans who voted for Trump?

As of today, 73,781,603 people voted for Trump, which amounts to 47.2 percent of the total votes counted.

Hackers target Premier League giants Manchester United

The football club said it shut down affected systems but confirmed customer and fan personal data was not breached.

Zimbabwe: Three years after Mugabe’s removal in 500 words

Years after his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa took over, the high hopes for change have dissipated into disaffection.

Pandemic in Chicago: Why are more Black people dying of COVID-19?

As coronavirus cases continue to rise in the United States, communities of colour have been hardest hit.

The survivor’s silence: Remembering the Nuremberg trials

Seventy-five years after senior Nazis were tried, a survivor's daughter describes growing up in the Holocaust's shadow.

Andrea Ammon: Did the EU miss the boat on containing COVID-19?

The ECDC director discusses the agency’s role in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

Russia stops UN blacklisting of notorious Libyan militia

Move comes after US, Germany propose asset freeze and travel ban on al-Kaniyat militia and its leader Mohammed al-Kani.

Pompeo to visit UAE to discuss arms sale, Israel normalisation

The Trump administration is trying to secure a $23bn arms sale in advanced weapons systems to the United Arab Emirates.

Philippines ends overseas travel ban on healthcare workers

Labour minister says Philippines will initially allow 5,000 health workers to leave the country every year.

Taiwan voices hope for trade deal after economic talks with US

Taipei, Washington hold talks on issues including science and technology, supply chain restructuring, and 5G networks.

Trump suffers double blow in bid to overturn US election results

Georgia certifies Joe Biden's win as top Michigan legislators pour cold water on Trump play to reverse results.

Teen charged in Kenosha killings released on $2m bond

Kyle Rittenhouse, accused of killing two at a demonstration in August, was released after lawyers posted his bond.

Georgia pours cold water on Trump bid to overturn Biden win

Donald Trump's unprecedented push to contest US election results has suffered a string of legal and political defeats.

Hong Kong to close more schools after spike in coronavirus cases

In-person classes in lower primary schools halted after the city’s top health official says the situation is 'severe'.

Armenian defence minister tenders resignation: Report

Tonoyan's resignation comes after foreign minister quit and as PM is under pressure over Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal.

Peace in Palestine cannot be achieved amid unlawful demolitions

Normalisation efforts will not succeed until Israel ends its 'displace and replace' policies against Palestinians.

What is really behind Trump’s legal challenges?

Trump’s goal is not to overturn the election - it is to undermine the Biden administration.

We need to rethink the concept of genocide

Seeing genocide as less exceptional may help us view war crimes and crimes against humanity in a more serious light.

‘I knew my father would be hanged’: Remembering Nuremberg

The son of a senior Nazi sentenced to death at the Nuremberg trials on growing up in the shadow of his father's crimes.

Climate under Trump: A blip or four lost years?

In one of his last major climate moves, Trump has opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.

Egypt rights group says third member arrested in less than a week

Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights says its executive director Gasser Abdel Razek taken to an unknown location.

Hardline Pakistani religious leader Khadim Rizvi dies

Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who rose to prominence by campaigning on the issue of 'blasphemy' against Islam, died in Lahore.

Ethiopia region accuses Tigray forces of attacking its city

Amhara regional government says TPLF fired rockets on Bahir Dar city, as federal forces move towards Tigrayan capital.

China says has given debt relief of $2bn to developing countries

The poorest countries' official bilateral debt to G20 countries reached $178bn in 2019, with 63 percent owed to China.

Justice for Thailand’s Disappeared

The abduction of a Thai activist in Cambodia has sparked protests and calls for justice for him and others gone missing.

Azerbaijan army enters district handed over by Armenia

Baku takes over one of three districts Armenia has agreed to give back in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

South Australia scraps lockdown after ‘lie’ discovered

Man linked to pizza bar outbreak told contact tracers he had only been there for takeaway when he worked at the outlet.

Senior US official to visit Taiwan in December

Visit by EPA head will be third by a senior US official since August, with China deploying fighter jets in response.

India’s coronavirus cases surpass 9 million

India is the world's second-worst-hit country by the pandemic behind the US though cases have declined in recent weeks.

Why are Kashmiri Muslim nomads being evicted?

A year after Kashmir was stripped of its limited autonomy, Muslim Bakarwal, Gujjars face eviction from forest dwellings.

France calls for international supervision of Nagorno-Karabakh

France is concerned about Turkey's role after Minsk Group was excluded from this month's ceasefire deal.

Japan consumer prices fall at fastest pace in a decade in October

Drop creates concern of a return to deflation as people stay at home and curb spending due to coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Biden declared winner in Georgia after manual ballot count

Joe Biden's victory in Georgia marks the first time a Democratic presidential contender has won the state since 1992.

WHO advises against use of remdesivir for treating COVID-19

Global health agency says there is no evidence that drug improves survival rates or reduces need for ventilation.

Mnuchin won’t extend some Fed COVID-19 emergency loan programmes

End of Main Street and municipal credit lending programmes raises concerns for future stimulus under Joe Biden.

Biden calls for national mask mandate to fight COVID-19

President-elect Joe Biden says he will try to avoid a national shutdown as COVID-19 cases surge in United States.

Ethiopian army accuses WHO chief of supporting Tigray forces

Military chief accuses Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - a Tigrayan - of working to 'get weapons' for the regional forces.

How Kurt Cobain convinced me of the commercialisation of art

Should art be a marketable commodity or simply remain an honourable pursuit?

Suspected rebels killed in Kashmir gun battle

At least four suspected rebels killed in a gunfight with security forces near Jammu city, officials say.

UK will likely follow the US in cutting Afghan troops: Minister

The comments by the UK's defence secretary comes after the US announced to cut troop size from 4,500 to 2,500.

Austria: Anti-Muslim rhetoric rises after Vienna attack

Some Muslims have experienced death threats, while children have been bullied by teachers, according to activists.

Emmanuel Macron: From celebrated centrist to divisive ruler

Several protests are targeting Macron, who is accused of economic failures, discrimination, and fanning Islamophobia.

India’s Acid Attack Survivors | Close Up

The journey of 3 young Indian women overcoming the trauma and prejudice of acid attacks, as they help inspire others.

In Pictures: Deadly Uganda protests over Bobi Wine’s arrest

Three dead and dozens injured in protests that erupted after police arrest pop star and presidential candidate.

US to label Israel boycott movement as ‘anti-Semitic’: Pompeo

US secretary of state calls pro-Palestinian campaign 'a cancer' as he announces plans to visit occupied Golan Heights.

India: Outrage after Muslim woman ‘burnt alive by molester’

Gulnaz Khatoon, 20, was allegedly burned to death by a Hindu man and his friends, family members say.

US appoints first Venezuela ambassador in a decade amid tensions

The two nations have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010 when relations began to fray under late President Hugo Chávez.

Coronavirus cases in Africa cross two million mark: AU tally

With 2,013,388 cases reported on Thursday, the continent represents less than 4 percent of the world's total cases.

UK announces largest military investment since Cold War

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the increased spending reflects the need to upgrade military capabilities.

Pacific’s Samoa records first case of coronavirus

Island nation says a sailor tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Europe via New Zealand.

Xi touts China’s ‘openness’ at Asia Pacific business leaders meet

Chinese president tells APEC CEOs Beijing will continue to cut its tariffs and expand imports of high-quality goods.

PM Prayuth promises to use ‘all laws’ against Thai protesters

Rallies calling for Prayuth's resignation and reform of once untouchable monarchy began in July.

Pakistan PM Khan headed for his maiden Afghan visit

Imran Khan's trip to the western neighbour comes as peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban have stalled.

Japan on ‘maximum alert’ on COVID-19, Tokyo at highest level

A record 2,201 cases were reported on Wednesday, prompting Tokyo authorities to move city to highest alert level.

‘Five Eyes’ group tells China to end crackdown in Hong Kong

Joint statement from foreign ministers follows move to disqualify popularly elected pro-democracy legislators.

Australia: Troops carried out unlawful killings in Afghanistan

Four-year inquiry finds 25 soldiers, mostly from the SAS, responsible for 39 unlawful killings.

Trump has made no plans to host G7 summit: Report

Diplomatic sources say there has been no outreach by the Trump administration on dates or an agenda for a G7 meeting.

US senators seek to halt Trump’s $23bn UAE arms sale

Senators cited national security and the UAE's 'behaviour' in Yemen and Libya among reasons to halt the sale.

US COVID-19 death toll surpasses 250,000

More than a quarter of a million Americans have died from COVID-19 as cases continue to soar across the US.

The latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC is over

What does the successful fight against Ebola in the DRC teach us about tackling COVID-19 and other future outbreaks?

Rape, abuses in palm oil fields linked to top cosmetic brands: AP

AP investigation on treatment of women workers in palm oil plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia finds widespread abuse.

Different agendas, one goal: How Nigerians united to #EndSARS

Different activist communities came together to create one of the greatest social movements in Nigeria's history.

Mike Pompeo to visit illegal settlement in occupied West Bank

US secretary of state's winery trip marks first time a top American diplomat has visited an illegal Israeli settlement.

Obama’s description of Indian leaders in memoir causes flutter

Obama's blunt impressions of India's leaders in his new book, A Promised Land, has caused ripples in political circles.

Al Jazeera Digital’s The Virus wins at the AIB awards

Documentary series Fly on the Wall wins top prize; Investigations/podcast series, Diplomats for Sale, earns high praise.

Iran urges US’s Biden to lift sanctions, rejoin nuclear deal

Zarif did not insist on any compensation from the US - unlike other Iranian leaders who demanded 'damages'.

Arab music industry new target for global streaming giants

Online platforms to invest in emerging markets in the MENA region to bring the outmoded business into digital era.

Turkish parliament approves troop deployment to Nagorno-Karabakh

President Erdogan says the military force will 'benefit the peace and prosperity of the regional people'.

China’s irritated trade partners push back on COVID-19 food tests

Canada calls China's rejection of food products that had positive tests for COVID-19 'unjustified trade restrictions'.

Taiwan grounds F-16 fighter fleet after jet goes missing in drill

The move involves about 150 aircraft and follows the disappearance of a jet minutes after takeoff on Tuesday.

Hong Kong politicians arrested for causing stink over anthem law

Police arrest three ex-legislators for disruptions to debate on law punishing disrespect for China's national anthem.

Israeli air raids in Syria kill three soldiers, hit Iranian sites

Syrian state media says three soldiers killed as Israeli military says it bombed Iranian and Syrian army targets.

Bojaya: Colombia’s community leaders caught in the crossfire

Undeterred by death threats, Leyner Palacios, a community leader in Colombia, fights for peace and human rights.

Biden, Modi pledge to strengthen US-India ties in phone call

Indian PM Modi, US president-elect agree to further expand Indo-US strategic partnership, India’s foreign ministry said.

South Australia announces six-day ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown

State government says strict measures necessary to get on top of contact tracing and testing.

COVID-19 cases in S Korea exceed 300 for first time since August

Stubborn cluster outbreaks prompt concern that country is on brink of another wave of the coronavirus.

Donald Trump fires cyber-chief who said US election was clean

US president announced on Twitter he was firing top cybersecurity official Christopher Krebs.

Early trial results show Sinovac vaccine triggers immune response

Findings another boost to hope that vaccines can bring an end to accelerating coronavirus pandemic.

US to drop drug charges against Mexico’s former defence chief

Charges against Salvador Cienfuegos to be dropped so he may be investigated in Mexico, says US attorney general.

Roche on track to produce Regeneron’s COVID-19 antibody cocktail

The experimental therapy was used to treat United States President Donald Trump in October.

China to overtake 56 nations by 2025 in per capita income surge

The Asian powerhouse is forecast to have per capita GDP, adjusted for purchasing power, equal to $25,307 in 2025.

Peru’s new president sworn in, calls for calm after protests

Francisco Sagasti was sworn in as interim president after the departure of two presidents over the last week.

Ethiopia’s PM Abiy promises ‘final’ offensive into Tigray

Abiy, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, continues to reject international pleas for de-escalation in the conflict.

EasyJet posts first annual loss in its history amid pandemic

The pandemic has crushed easyJet's finances, forcing it to take on more debt and sell dozens of its aircraft.

Three arrested over spectacular Dresden museum jewellery heist

Suspects forced their way into the Green Vault museum and got away with three sets of early 18th-century jewellery.

What does the 2020 election mean for the Republican Party?

Trump may have lost the election, but it is not all bad news for the Republicans.

What will a Biden presidency mean for US-Pakistan relations?

Biden's election victory could be an opportunity for Islamabad to strengthen its economic and strategic ties to the US.

Trump last week asked for ‘options’ for attacking Iran: NYT

US president asked what 'options were available' to take action against Iran's key nuclear site, New York Times reports.

Pakistan’s governing PTI poised to form gov’t in Gilgit-Baltistan

PM Khan's party, which promised to upgrade the region's status, won 10 of the 23 seats, according to unofficial results.

Coronavirus vaccine: How will poorer countries get a fair shot?

The plan for an equitable distribution of the future COVID-19 vaccine is not perfect, but it may be all we have.

Moderna vaccine results ‘stunningly impressive’: Fauci

Top US scientist says he would have settled for injections that protected 70-75 percent of people from falling sick.

Saudi minister says nuclear armament against Iran ‘an option’

Riyadh reserves the right to arm itself with nuclear weapons if Tehran cannot be stopped from making one, minister says.

US military buys location data of popular Muslim apps: Report

An investigation by online magazine Motherboard found the US military is getting data from several firms.

Lifting of Qatar blockade a ‘priority’: Trump’s adviser

US national security adviser Robert O’Brien says there is 'possibility' for ending the GCC crisis 'in the next 70 days'.

SpaceX capsule with four astronauts docks at space station

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, dubbed Resilience by its crew of three Americans and one Japanese astronaut, docks at ISS.

Facing a ‘crisis’, South Korea moves to tighten COVID-19 curbs

Authorities say tougher distancing measures necessary to limit spread following recent triple-digit jumps in cases.

Bangladesh launches all-female police team to fight online abuse

The move comes as authorities seek to address public concern about gender-based violence.

Top Glove shares drop as worker hostels put under strict lockdown

Two week containment measures affect more than 13,000 workers to the west of Kuala Lumpur.

Peru names Francisco Sagasti as third president in a week

Peru’s political crisis appears on verge of resolution as Congress choses centrist legislator as interim president.

Biden says US and its allies need to counter Chinese influence

US President-elect says US, allies need to be able to set global trading rules, after China-backed regional trade deal.

Wisconsin recount could cost Trump campaign about $7.9m

The amount includes extra funds for larger spaces required for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump expected to order troop reductions in Afghanistan, Iraq

US president is expected to order a further withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, US media reports.

Georgia Democrats challenge Republicans to Senate runoff debates

The races in the southern US state will determine whether Republicans or Democrats lead the US Senate.

Tesla shares up 12 percent as automaker zooms to join S&P 500

The news represents a major win for the electric car maker and its CEO Elon Musk.

US: Nearly 90,000 sex abuse claims filed against Boy Scouts

The influx came before the deadline in the organisation's bankruptcy case.

How will Biden, who called Putin ‘soulless’, stand up to Russia?

President-elect Joe Biden has promised to confront the Russian leader, who enjoyed somewhat warmer relations with Trump.

Turkey seeks approval to deploy peacekeepers in Azerbaijan

Russia, which is deploying troops to Nagorno-Karabakh, has previously rejected the idea of Turkish peacekeepers.

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5 percent effective

Moderna says preliminary trial data showed its vaccine candidate to be more than 94 percent effective.

Iraq’s decision to shut down IDP camps too hasty, NGOs say

Aid workers say lives of some 240,000 IDPs at immediate risk without a clear plan for the closure of the camps.

French far-right activist on trial after Al Jazeera investigation

Remi Falize was filmed by our undercover reporters assaulting a child and saying he dreamed of killing Muslims.

Iran blasts ‘hate-mongering’ in Saudi king’s comments

Iran criticises Saudi monarch urging global action against Tehran, calling for unity among Muslim nations.

Moldova: Maia Sandu wins vote, beating Russia-backed competitor

Putin-backed Dodon concedes after the presidential election results were published, congratulates Sandu.

Unsilencing sanctions: Iranian musicians launch album in Germany

A Hamburg-based record label aims to help Iranian artists hampered by US sanctions and the pandemic.

Belarus: Will Lukashenko make it to another election?

While protest activity may be declining, analysts say Lukashenko may not last until the next presidential election.

Tsitsi Dangarembga: Life in an ‘ever-narrowing Zimbabwe’

The Booker Prize shortlisted author on being arrested, having more Black characters in fiction and why she writes.

Johnson ‘fit as a butcher’s dog’, self-isolates after COVID scare

British PM says he is well after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19 and will run the government via Zoom.

India to fly in doctors, add ICU beds to fight Delhi COVID cases

Indian health minister says situation in Delhi 'likely to worsen', government boosts resources as cases rise.

UN envoy decries Israel’s move to expand illegal settlement

Nickolay Mladenov 'very concerned' by Israel's decision to resume construction in occupied East Jerusalem.

Protesters to defy gov’t ban of Athens Polytechnic uprising march

Tensions rise, but protesters say they will respect physical distancing measures as they ignore the ban on gatherings.

Macron criticises media over coverage after France attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron says media coverage of France's stance following attacks is 'legitimising' violence.

The automated path to social and ecological destruction

The destruction caused by automation has already started to outweigh its constructive potential.

Top US doctor warns lack of transition ups COVID-19 threat

Trump's refusal to accept election loss means Biden team lacks a clear picture of the mass vaccination campaign.

India’s deadly oil well blaze extinguished after five months

Experts from Singapore, the US and Canada helped in dousing the blaze in Assam state that left at least three people dea

Australia back on COVID-19 alert as cases jump in southern state

Premier of South Australia says the state is in a 'dangerous situation' amid an outbreak linked to a quarantine hotel.

‘Fabricated’: India denies Pakistan ‘terror’ funding allegations

Pakistani foreign minister on Saturday accused India of sposoring 'terrorism' aimed at destabilising the country.

Syria’s veteran foreign minister Walid al-Moalem dies

Al-Moalem was a staunch defender of Bashar al-Assad's bloody crackdown on peaceful protesters that sparked Syria's war.

Maia Sandu on track to win Moldova’s presidential runoff

Preliminary results show opposition candidate ahead with 57 percent of the vote over incumbent Igor Dodon's 44 percent.

Libya talks pause without naming transitional government

Delegates will hold talks online next week to agree on a selection mechanism for a government that will oversee polls.

Brazil municipal elections to signal where country is headed

Analysts say the municipal vote provides a strong signal for where Brazil is headed and where the government stands.

Abiy Ahmed and the future of Ethiopia

As deadly fighting between government troops and Tigray forces intensifies, the country's future balances on knife edge.

Turkey’s Erdogan says Cyprus should aim for ‘two separate states’

Talks previously aimed for reunification of island split between Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking sides.

‘As if nothing happened’: Going to court after sexual assault

I was sure their mother must have heard my screams, but afterwards, she just bathed me - washing away the evidence.

Trump tweets Biden ‘won’ but still falsely claims election rigged

Trump has refused to concede the election and repeatedly said he intends to overturn the results through legal action.

Dozens killed in ‘gruesome’ bus attack in western Ethiopia

No immediate indication assault in Benishangul-Gumuz region is linked to escalating conflict in northern Tigray region.

COVID-19 vaccine eclipses US elections as economic game-changer

Wall Street rallied on hopeful vaccine news this week as investors eye dawn at the end of a 'dark winter'.

Ethiopian refugees flee ‘massacre’ in Tigray

Ethiopian refugees fleeing “massacre” in northern Tigray region describe their ordeal.

Israel advances plans in sensitive East Jerusalem settlement

Settlement watchdog says the Israel Land Authority opened tenders for more than 1,200 new homes in East Jerusalem.

Damage, injuries as Vamco hits Vietnam

The storm made landfall on Sunday with winds of up to 90km/h, according to media reports.

In Pictures: Ethiopians flee war across a river into Sudan

Sudanese officials say they are doing what they can to support the sudden influx of refugees.

Peru president faces calls to resign after protesters killed

Thousands have taken to the streets in protests against Merino following the removal of his predecessor Martin Vizcarra.

Armenia cedes disputed land to Azerbaijan after peace deal

Residents of Armenian origin in Kalbajar district of Nagorno-Karabakh begin a mass exodus as Azerbaijan takes over.

The pipeline that could complicate ‘reset’ of US-Canada relations

Canada is pushing to build the Keystone XL oil pipeline, but US President-elect Joe Biden has vowed to nix the project.

‘Makes no difference’: Saudi minister slams German arms ban

After being extended multiple times, Germany's ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia will be up for debate.

Israel attacks Hamas positions after rockets fired from Gaza

Attacks came after two rockets were fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip.

It is high time Africans start talking conservation

In Africa, the conservation story has long been told from an external perspective. We need to change this.

Moldova torn between Russia and West in presidential run-off

In the first-round vote earlier this month, pro-European Maia Sandu won a surprise victory.

Thousands trapped in Philippines as toll from Typhoon Vamco rises

As deaths mount, aid agency says it fears for safety of thousands of people trapped by floodwaters in Cagayan Valley.

Violence erupts as thousands rally behind Trump in Washington, DC

Videos posted online showed fistfights, projectiles thrown, and club-swinging as demonstrators clashed.

RCEP: Asia-Pacific nations sign world’s biggest trade pact

The China-backed RCEP deal excludes the US and will account for 30 percent of the world's economy and population.

Mexico reaches one million COVID-19 cases, nears 100,000 deaths

Mexico has the world's fourth-highest death toll from the virus behind the United States, Brazil and India.

Rockets ‘fired from Ethiopia’s Tigray region’ hit Eritrea capital

Diplomats say three rockets were fired from Ethiopia's Tigray region, with two of them hitting the Asmara airport.

Thousands rally in Georgia’s Tbilisi against election results

Alleging electoral fraud, opposition renews demands for fresh polls in the wake of October 31 parliamentary vote.

‘I’m so tired of this’: Peru youth vow to remain on the streets

Mass protests have erupted across Peru this week after the country's Congress removed President Martin Vizcarra.

3 years after Mugabe overthrow, many Zimbabweans say life’s worse

Prospects of job creation and economic growth in the post-Mugabe era continue to remain bleak.

Universal healthcare ‘critical’ in COVID-19 pandemic: Experts

Public health experts say universal care, including free COVID-19 testing and treatment, 'makes a big difference'.

Egypt unveils scores of ancient coffins, statues found in Saqqara

Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister says some discovered items date back to the Late Period from 664 to 332 BC.

The post-election media divide in the US

What will fill the space Trump once had in US news? Plus, a look at Ethiopian singer Hachalu Hundessa's last interview.

Pakistan says it has evidence of India sponsoring attacks

This was a rare time officials said they prepared a mountain of evidence to back up the charges against India.

Explainer: Libya‘s war in 500 words

A timeline of events that led to the end of nine years of violence in the war-torn North African country.

Thousands flee as Typhoon Vamco nears Vietnam

Vietnam braces for Typhoon Vamco to make landfall on its central coast as the death toll in the Philippines rises to 53.

Villagers burn houses ahead of Azerbaijan takeover

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for decades.

Iran denies claims al-Qaeda member killed in Tehran

Tehran says Washington and Israel are trying to advance their 'information war' against Iran.

Afghan forces capture ‘mastermind’ of Kabul University attack

At least 22 people were killed when three gunmen rampaged through the university on November 2.

Ethiopia says Tigray forces fired into neighbouring region

Rockets strike two cities in Ethiopia's Amhara state bordering the Tigray region, raising fears of escalation.

A postmortem of a colonial election

After a messy election, a former colony has to come to terms with its past in order to build a truly democratic future.

‘Time will tell’: US President Trump hints at departure

Trump briefly appeared close to acknowledging the likelihood he will be leaving the White House.

Philippines scrambles to rescue thousands from typhoon flooding

Towns and villages in Cagayan Valley in the country's northeast are submerged following Typhoon Vamco.

Israeli agents killed al-Qaeda’s No. 2 in Iran in August: Report

New York Times, citing intelligence officials, says Abu Muhammad al-Masri was gunned down by two men on a motorbike.

South Korea COVID cases above 200, as face mask fines imposed

Health authorities say private gatherings, public events fuelling rise in cluster cases that are complicated to trace.

Cummings gone: UK PM’s top aide leaves with immediate effect

Hardline Brexiteer's exit offers chance for Boris Johnson to reset policy as COVID-19 pandemic mounts, Brexit nears.

AOC warns of big tech’s influence on Biden after Prop 22 win

US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says she is 'very concerned' about Uber's role in Joe Biden's administration.

GOP poll watchers not excluded from Michigan count: Witnesses

Michigan election official and Democratic poll watcher tell Al Jazeera Donald Trump campaign's claims are unfounded.

UK: ‘One in four’ Muslims experience Islamophobia in Labour Party

Report finds anti-Muslim sentiment within party ranks, with members and supporters called 'terrorists' and 'foreigners'.

Trump offers update on COVID-19, not on election challenges

In his first public remarks in eight days, Donald Trump still is not conceding the US election to Joe Biden.

For Facebook, South and Southeast Asia is only a market

The social media giant seeks to capture lucrative markets but deflects its social responsibilities in the region.

Ethnic minorities disproportionately hit by coronavirus: Lancet

Black and Asian at increased risk of COVID-19 infection compared with whites, according to The Lancet medical journal.

The Philippines’ Queen of Extortion

We investigate how a lucrative online sex scam empire in the Philippines blackmails men around the world.

‘Painful’: Delhi sets new COVID-19 deaths record amid third wave

Delhi reported 104 deaths and 7,053 cases - a daily record - as the city suffers from the worst phase in the pandemic.

‘No evidence’: US election officials reject Trump claims of fraud

President Donald Trump and his Republican party allege that voting fraud and lost ballots led to his loss to Joe Biden.

Tensions persist as Libya’s warring sides debate road to peace

Tripoli-based government warns last month's ceasefire could be 'in peril' after rival forces stage live fire exercises.

Cardi B Apologizes for Posing as Hindu Goddess

Cardi B's latest magazine cover did not go over well, and the rapper is now apologizing. She posed as the Hindu goddess Durga for Footwear News (the Hindu has a picture), with eight arms surrounding her, including one that holds a shoe, promoting Cardi B's new Reebok footwear line. As...

On Day Agency Declares Election Most Secure Ever, Heads Are Rolling

Election 2020 wasn't just secure—it "was the most secure in American history," according to a joint statement from a group of what the New York Times calls "top government security and election officials." The statement from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security,...

Aung San Suu Kyi’s party confirmed winner in Myanmar election

The comfortable win will be a boost for Aung San Suu Kyi.

Bangladesh extends school shutdown over second COVID-19 wave

Most COVID-19 restrictions lifted but schools and educational institutions to remain closed until December 19.

Philippines typhoon death toll rises as clean up begins

Police say 26 people have been confirmed dead with dozens still missing after Vamco triggered floods and landslides.

Measles surges to 23-year high as children left unvaccinated

Declining levels of immunisation allow highly infectious disease to spread as WHO looks to close gaps in vaccination.

Stimulus boost: India gives more help to firms hit by coronavirus

Latest measure brings India's total coronavirus relief package to 15 percent of GDP.

‘More sophistication, more backbone’: Biden’s approach to China

Most expect a more measured ‘competent’ approach to US-China foreign policy under a Biden-led administration.

Indonesia’s ‘Jurassic Park’: Construction begins despite concerns

Indonesia has begun work to transform the habitat of the unique Komodo dragon into a tourist destination.

Activists, Journalists Try to Figure What Trump's Up To

Because he'd said as much—joking or not—many activist groups have prepared for the possibility that President Trump wouldn't willingly leave office after losing the election. They've seen worrying signs, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's declaration that "there will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration...

Oldest Member of Congress Says He Has COVID-19

Rep. Don Young—the oldest member of either chamber of Congress—has announced that he tested positive for COVID-19. The Republican, 87, revealed the test results Thursday, a day after winning his 25th term in the US House. "I am feeling strong, following proper protocols, working from home in Alaska...

Russia Floats New Theory on Navalny Poisoning

Russia added a twist Thursday to its pushback against suspicions that it poisoned Alexei Navalny. Maybe the opposition leader was poisoned, as Navalny and Germany contend, but not in Russia. "We have all grounds to believe that everything which had happened to him from the point of view of warfare...

Ahmaud Arbery’s killer sent racist messages: Prosecutor

Travis and Gregory McMichael face murder charges for the killing of Arbery, 25, in February.

After Trump gains, Latino groups say Dems need economic populism

Trump made election gains among Latinos, but outreach and economic populism could win them back, organisers say.

Canada announces new pathway to residency for Hong Kong youth

Canada's new immigration programme for Hong Kong residents comes amid strained ties between Ottawa and Beijing.

Neonatal Nurse Accused in Multiple Murders

A 30-year-old British nurse appeared in court Thursday to face horrific charges: Lucy Letby is accused of murdering eight babies in her care and attempting to murder 10 more, reports the BBC . Letby worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, England, where the deaths occurred in 2015 and...

KKK Leader Who Wanted Civil War Dies

Tom Metzger, the notorious former Ku Klux Klan leader who rose to prominence in the 1980s while promoting white separatism and stoking racial violence, has died at age 82. Metzger died Nov. 4 at a skilled nursing facility in Hemet, the AP reports, of Parkinson's disease. The former grand dragon...

Guinea arrests opposition leaders after disputed election

Vice president of Guinea's leading opposition party and others held as President Conde wins controversial third term.

Surge in India’s pollution levels explained in 500 words

Air quality has descended to near 'emergency' levels as a haze of toxic smog envelopes vast swaths of northern India.

Amazon Delivery Van Gets Stuck in Golf Cart Tunnel

In yet another example of GPS leading a driver seriously astray, an Amazon driver got his van stuck in a golf cart tunnel last week in a Detroit suburb. USA Today has the "must be seen to be believed" photo. And in what may be the understatement of the month,...

Food Network Star Sorry for 'Flippant' Holocaust Joke

Alton Brown stepped in it Tuesday night with a Twitter comments about the Holocaust that he has since apologized for. In a since-deleted tweet that will live on forever in screenshots , he wrote, "Do you think the camp uniforms will be striped, like the ones at Auschwitz or will plaid...

ASEAN summit gets under way amid ‘major power rivalries’

COVID-19, the South China Sea and trade are expected to dominate discussions between the Southeast Asian nations.

Manila paralysed after Typhoon Vamco sweeps across Philippines

Southeast nation pummelled by sixth storm in five weeks, adding more pain to devastated communities.

Vaccine bets push Asian shares higher, but risks remain

Questions about effectiveness of possible vaccines could keep a lid on any economic and market recovery, analysts say.

Arnab Goswami: India’s controversial TV presenter freed on bail

The founder of Republic TV channel granted bail by the top court a week after he was arrested in a suicide case.

Biden names longtime adviser chief-of-staff in first key hire

Ron Klain will become Chief of Staff as Biden moves forward with transition ahead of January inauguration.

Australia appoints special investigator over alleged war crimes

Investigator will decide whether to prosecute members of military over crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan.

Hong Kong legislators to resign, US threatens more sanctions

US, UK, Europe condemn removal of legislators on national security grounds as pro-democracy camp abandons LegCo.

Biden Picks His Chief of Staff

And the second-hardest job in Washington goes to ... Ron Klain. The Washington Post reports that Joe Biden has tapped Klain, a longtime confidant with an impressive resume, to be his White House chief of staff. "Ron has been invaluable to me over the many years that we have worked together,...

Saudi king urges world to take ‘decisive stance’ against Iran

Tensions in the region have risen since Donald Trump pulled the US out of the international Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

Why is Taiwan’s Kuomintang on the ropes?

The China-friendly party is struggling to reinvent itself as Taiwan changes, and the coffers are running dry too.

Facebook extends ban on political ads amid misinformation blitz

Facebook says the measure to combat misinformation will continue, even as US state Georgia prepares for Senate runoffs.

‘Last chance’: New York issues new COVID-19 restrictions

Coronavirus infections, hospitalisations and deaths have surged across the United States.

Cohen: Trump Will Just Stay in Mar-a-Lago After Christmas

President Trump's Christmas vacation could be a long one, according to his former lawyer. Michael Cohen predicts that the president will go to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the holidays and not return to the White House afterward, the Hill reports. "After Christmas, he usually comes back January 5th,...

Hamilton Wasn't Quite the Man We Thought He Was

Alexander Hamilton, "uncompromising abolitionist"? Not according to a new research paper that depicts the celebrated Founding Father as a slaveholder for much of his life, the Guardian reports. "When we say Hamilton didn't enslave people, we're erasing them from the story," the paper's author, Jessie Serfilippi, tells the New York...

Company Says It Has Better Way to Spot Past COVID Infection

Scientists believe millions of people have been infected with the coronavirus and recovered without ever knowing for certain whether they had it. Antibody tests have been used to spot past infections, but researchers say a new test detecting immune cells called "T cells" could be far more effective, the New...

Development banks pledge climate action but keep fossil fuels

Public development banks pledged to fight climate change but shied away from phasing out fossil fuel investments.

India: Freezer scarcity, patchy power temper COVID vaccine hopes

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine needs to be stored at temps matching Antarctic winter - a logistical nightmare for India.

Trumpers File 15 Suits in One State Alone

During a Pennsylvania court hearing this week on one of the many election lawsuits brought by President Trump, a judge asked a campaign lawyer whether he had found any signs of fraud from among the 592 ballots challenged, the AP reports. The answer was no. "Accusing people of fraud is...

Jeffrey Toobin Gets the Ax

Looks like Jeffrey Toobin's days of exposing himself at the New Yorker are done. The magazine fired him Wednesday after investigating his behavior during a Zoom meeting last month with staffers of the New Yorker and WNYC radio, Deadline reports. "I was fired today by @NewYorker after 27 years as...

Democrats Clinch Control of House

Democrats clinched two more years of controlling the House but with a potentially razor-thin majority, a bittersweet finale to last week's elections that has left them divided and with scant margin for error for advancing their agenda. The party on Tuesday nailed down at least 218 seats, according to the...

China’s tech clampdown wipes $260bn off share values

Beijing says it wants to root out monopolistic practices in tech industry, shortly after blocking Ant Group's giant IPO.

Crazy sale! China’s Singles’ Day bags record shopping revenues

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba records $56bn in first post-virus Singles' Day sales, beating 2019 high.

Hong Kong disqualifies legislators for ‘endangering security’

Move comes after China parliament passes motion allowing Hong Kong executive to expel legislators without court review.

India’s ruling BJP, allies win regional polls in a boost to Modi

PM Modi’s BJP and its ally win 125 seats in Bihar state, while opposition alliance manages to win 110 seats.

China’s ByteDance challenges Trump’s TikTok divestiture order

ByteDance says US claim that TikTok represents a security threat is unlawful and violates its rights under constitution.

Philippines orders thousands to evacuate ahead of Typhoon Vamco

Vamco is 21st to hit the Philippines this year, and comes with communities still trying to clean up after Typhoon Goni.

Vanuatu records first COVID-19 case in man who returned from US

The Pacific nation was one of the few countries in the world that was still free of the coronavirus.

Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to begin on November 22

New scheme will begin with one flight a day into each city, with a quota of 200 travellers per flight.

Newly discovered primate in Myanmar ‘already facing extinction’

Scientists say only 200 to 250 individuals of the newly discovered Popa langur exist in the wild today.

Britney Spears 'Won't Perform While Dad Controls Career'

Britney Spears' hiatus from performing will continue for as long as her father continues to run her affairs, the star's lawyer warned in a court hearing Tuesday. "My client has informed me that she is afraid of her father. She also stated that she will not perform as long as...

US postal worker and vote ‘whistle-blower’ recants allegations

The Trump campaign had seized on the Pennsylvania worker's allegations, but he told investigators they were made up.

Singles’ Day: Alibaba shoppers ready to mingle on ‘Double Eleven’

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd turned China's anti-Valentine's Day into an enormous global shopping event.

Radio journalist shot dead outside home in the Philippines

Sixty-two-year-old Virgilio Maganes survived a previous attempt to kill him by playing dead.

US Surpasses 1M Virus Cases in November

The US has surpassed 1 million new confirmed coronavirus cases in just the first 10 days of November, with more than 100,000 infections each day becoming the norm in a surge that shows no signs of slowing. The 1 million milestone came as governors across the nation are making...

LSU Player: I Was 'Violated Numerous Times' in Police Stop

Police in Baton Rouge say three officers have been placed on administrative leave following a Saturday night incident in which LSU Tigers player Koy Moore said he was "violated." "Last night, I was approached by a policeman. They pulled guns on me assuming I had a gun and drugs (screaming...

US states resume lockdowns as COVID-19 hospitalisations skyrocket

The US reports more than 100,000 new daily COVID-19 infections for six straight days as 59,000 people are hospitalised.

NBC Reporter Swears on Air, Blames #2020

When NBC correspondent Ken Dilanian started swearing during a live segment Tuesday, some viewers initially thought he had shocking news to share. "Oh s---. F---," Dilanian said after MSNBC host Craig Melvin asked him to deliver some breaking news. Deadline reports that Melvin remained "poker faced" as he cut away...

Brazil Halts Vaccine Trial After 'Serious Incident'

Brazil's health regulator has halted clinical trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine CoronaVac, citing an "adverse, serious event." Adversaries of President Jair Bolsonaro said they feared the decision was motivated not by science but by the leader's political hostility to the country and state involved in producing the vaccine candidate,...

Guatemala ends rescue operations at deadly landslide site

Dozens of people are believed to have been killed by a landslide during Tropical Storm Eta last week.

Vatican says McCarrick’s rise fault of many, but spares Francis

Two-year Vatican investigation into former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick finds warnings of sexual misconduct were ignored.

Biden: Trump's Refusal to Concede an 'Embarrassment'

Joe Biden spoke to several world leaders Tuesday—but President Trump was not among them. The president-elect described Trump's refusal to concede the election as an "embarrassment" and warned that it would tarnish the Republican's legacy, Politico reports. "I just think it's an embarrassment, quite frankly," Biden told reporters following...

Suspect in 1972 Murder Kills Himself Hours Before Verdict

After evading justice for 48 years in the 1972 murder of 20-year-old Jody Loomis, Terrence Miller didn't live to hear the guilty verdict against him. Police in Snohomish County, Washington, say the 78-year-old killed himself Monday morning, around three hours before a jury that started its deliberations Friday found him...

In Pictures: Yemen’s ‘Manhattan of the Desert’ risks collapse

Ancient city of Shibam, a World Heritage Site, was largely spared by war but remains at the mercy of natural disasters.

ISIL-linked attackers behead 50 people in northern Mozambique

Witnesses say the assailants herded victims onto a football pitch in the village of Muatide where they were killed.

Buy now! COVID-19 sparks Southeast Asian e-commerce boom

Many consumers in region used mobile shopping for first time this year but lockdowns hammered spending on trips: Survey.

NBA Settles on Start Date

It’s official: The NBA is coming back Dec. 22. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced Monday night that they’ve struck a deal on rules for this coming season, setting the stage for what will be a frenzied few weeks before games resume, the AP reports. Teams will...

What Fauci Thinks About Pfizer Vaccine

Anthony Fauci isn't mincing words when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine Pfizer has on the horizon . "The results are really quite good, I mean extraordinary," said the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He added that that might also be good news for the vaccine...

Barr's Memo to Prosecutors on Election Fraud Is Controversial

Attorney General William Barr has authorized federal prosecutors across the US to pursue “substantial allegations” of voting irregularities, if they exist, before the 2020 presidential election is certified, despite no evidence of widespread fraud. Barr’s action comes days after Joe Biden defeated President Trump and raises the prospect that Trump...

Brazil halts trials of Chinese COVID-19 vaccine

Trials stopped after 'adverse' incident involving vaccine that has become political football in Brazil.

Barr tells US prosecutors to probe claims of vote irregularities

Attorney general authorises election inquiry, but urges prosecutors not to pursue 'fanciful or far-fetched claims'.

Booster shot: Asian shares extend rally on vaccine hopes

Pfizer's announcement of progress with its COVID-19 vaccine sent US stocks surging.

US sanctions more officials over China’s crackdown in Hong Kong

Washington places sanctions on four more Hong Kong and mainland officials over a China-imposed national security law.

Turmoil threatens Peru as Congress votes to impeach president

Martin Vizcarra says he will not challenge decision, as protesters take to streets to condemn impeachment.

US aviation regulator in final stages of approving Boeing 737 MAX

Federal Aviation Administration says it sees its review of grounded jet being completed in the "coming days".

US allows emergency use of Eli Lilly’s COVID-19 antibody drug

Treatment is meant for mild-to-moderate coronavirus cases but is not suitable for hospitalised patients, regulator says.

Myanmar’s ruling party claims new landslide in general election

Party of Aung San Suu Kyi says it expects to get even more seats than in its historic victory in 2015.

Fox Cuts Away From McEnany's Accusations

As Donald Trump has risen to president, and throughout his term, Fox News has provided a largely unconditional forum, airing his point of view at press conferences and rallies no matter what was being said. Not Monday. The network cut away from a press conference, the Hill reports, in which...

'Death to All Marxist Democrats' Post Ends Police Chief's Reign

An Arkansas police chief has stepped down after being called on posts urging violence against "Marxist Democrats" he said are keeping President Trump from being declared the winner of the presidential election. "Death to all Marxist Democrats. Take no prisoners leave no survivors!!" one of Lang Holland's posts said. Marshall...

Trump campaign sues to stop Pennsylvania certifying Biden win

US President Donald Trump's campaign files suit against secretary of state and some county boards of elections.

Christmas Catalog for the Rich Is a Little Different This Year

This year's Neiman Marcus catalog of "Fantasy Gifts" for the super-rich has been released—and while there's no shortage of items for the 1% to splurge on, the 2020 book's focus is largely on staying home comfortably, and all the jet-setting trips available are within the US. The "curated experiences"...

South Florida Quickly Floods as Eta Lands

A deluge of rain from Tropical Storm Eta caused flooding Monday across South Florida's most densely populated urban areas—stranding cars, flooding businesses, and swamping entire neighborhoods with fast-rising water that had no place to drain. The system made landfall in the Florida Keys and posed a serious threat across...

Injection prevents women from contracting HIV, study finds

Results so far suggest injectable cabotegravir may be 89 percent more effective than pills at preventing HIV infection.

Trump’s ‘voter fraud’ hotline faces rush of prank calls

The Trump campaign's voter fraud hotline was reportedly overwhelmed with strange calls after it was launched.

GOP Senators Slam Georgia's Republican Secretary of State

Georgia’s secretary of state is firing back at the state’s two US senators for calling on him to resign over the handling of the election, which has President-elect Joe Biden leading President Trump in the state. Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue took the extraordinary step Monday of calling...

David Bossie, Leader of Vote Fight, Has Virus

President Trump's legal battle to overturn the election results has suffered a loss. David Bossie, who was picked last week to coordinate the effort, has tested positive for the coronavirus, Bloomberg reports. Bossie took the test Sunday at the White House; visitors are checked for the coronavirus before being allowed...

Germany reportedly considers softening the EU’s US tariffs threat

EU is set to impose tariffs on $4bn worth of US goods this week, but Germany wants to de-escalate tensions: Bloomberg.

Egypt: Shifting tactics by armed groups curb Sinai development

An armed uprising spread in northern Sinai after the military overthrew President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Graham Imagines Dark Future for GOP If Trump Concedes

There's a whole lot more than the next four years riding on President Trump's concession or lack thereof, according to Lindsey Graham. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, the senator said, per the Hill : "If Republicans don't challenge and change the US election system, there will never be another Republican president...

Questions raised over French plan to ban ‘virginity tests’

Doctors and feminists condemn practice, but some say women who are denied the tests could face violence.

Australia’s New South Wales unveils $23bn renewable energy push

Australia is one of the world's biggest carbon emitters per capita and has fallen short of its Paris accord promises.