Asia

Israel

Hamas releases three Israeli hostages hours after ceasefire starts

The three were met by their mothers in Israel, the military announced on Sunday, hours after the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold.

19/01/2025

Israel

Three far-right ministers quit Israel's cabinet over ceasefire deal

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and two other ministers from the religious Jewish Power party have resigned.

19/01/2025

Gaza

Israel-Hamas ceasefire begins, raising hope that war will now end

Celebrations erupted across the war-ravaged territory and some Palestinians began returning to their homes in Gaza, despite a bloody three hour delay.

19/01/2025

Israel

Stabbing attack in Israel seriously injures one man in Tel Aviv

One person was seriously wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv on Saturday afternoon, Israel police said.

18/01/2025

Iran

Two judges linked to mass executions in 1988 shot dead in Irann

Both men were named by activists and exiles as taking part in the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988 on the orders of Iran's Supreme Leader.

18/01/2025

Health news

Swede dies in South Korea after being rejected care by 21 hospitals

The sexagenarian was denied medical intervention due to the high costs of the required surgery and concerns over how his treatment would be paid for.

18/01/2025

Israel

Israel's security cabinet votes to approve Gaza ceasefire deal

The deal, which has been held back after several delays, now passes to the country's full cabinet for signoff.

17/01/2025

Europe News

Macron to discuss continued support for Lebanon under new leadership

Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Lebanon, his first in more than four years, follows a 60-day ceasefire deal that aims to end the Israel-Hezbollah war.

17/01/2025

Pakistan

Pakistan's ex-leader Imran Khan given 14 years in jail for corruption

The 72-year-old, who has been imprisoned since 2023, says the latest ruling is politically motivated and that he will appeal the decision.

17/01/2025

Economy

Strong exports help China hit economic growth targets for 2024

Exports have surged as companies and consumers rush to beat potential US tariff hikes. However, some economists say China's economy is growing at a slower pace than official estimates show.

17/01/2025

Pakistan

PIA says flights to France ad not meant to be evocative of 9/11

A spokesperson for PIA said the ad, which has more than 21.2 million views on X, was only ever meant to celebrate that the airline was resuming flights to Europe.

17/01/2025

Israel

Israeli hostages to be released Sunday if ceasefire deal approved

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has paved the way for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas pending his cabinet's approval.

17/01/2025

Cinema

Bollywood star 'out of danger' after attack at Mumbai home

The 54-year-old Indian actor underwent surgery after suffering six stab wounds when an intruder entered his home in the early hours of Thursday.

16/01/2025

No Comment

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 72 as ceasefire delayed

Gaza's Health Ministry reports 72 dead from Israeli airstrikes despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas reportedly agreed on Wednesday.

16/01/2025

No Comment

Watch bereaved families of Israeli soldiers oppose ceasefire deal

On Thursday, families of soldiers killed during the war displayed coffins in Jerusalem to protest against a proposed ceasefire deal.

16/01/2025

No Comment

Gaza celebrates as Israel and Hamas reportedly reach ceasefire deal

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas brings hope to end 15 months of conflict, with phased release of hostages and humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.

16/01/2025

Europe News

Israel-Hamas reach ceasefire deal, Biden says as Netanyahu stays quiet

Key mediators, including US President Joe Biden, in a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel say that a landmark agreement has been reached to pause the 15-months of war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli has said its cabinet is yet to agree.

15/01/2025

The Exchange

Smart cities powered by renewable energy

In partnership with Media City

Smart cities use technology and sustainability to improve city life. Data collection enhances services, lowers environmental impact and boosts economic growth. As urban populations grow, the priority is on better transportation links and community involvement to meet residents' needs.

15/01/2025

East-West Connect

Kazakhstan’s digital economy: Fintech growth, cashless payments, and cybercrime prevention

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of East-West Connect, we look at Kazakhstan’s fintech growth, its shift toward cashless payments, and efforts to combat cybercrime through international collaboration.

15/01/2025

Iran

Why Italy's release of wanted Iranian is a win for Tehran

The linked cases of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini and Italian reporter Cecilia Sala are the latest flashpoint between Tehran and Washington.

15/01/2025

No Comment

The haunting legacy of Sednaya prison

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk visited the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus, describing it as "haunted by the memories of utmost cruelty."

15/01/2025

South Korea

South Korea's anti-corruption agency arrests President Yoon Suk-yeol

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol becomes the first sitting president to be arrested in the country’s history after weeks-long standoff.

15/01/2025

No Comment

Syrians are beginning to rebuild their homes

Activity is picking up in Homs, the war-torn city of Syria. Returning residents have started repairing their homes and businesses.

14/01/2025

Travel News

Thailand gambles on casinos to bring in more visitors

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft bill that seeks to legalise casinos in a bid to boost tourism and the economy.

14/01/2025

No Comment

Demonstration in front of the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem to demand agreement on Gaza hostages

The demonstrators chanted the names of the hostages and “come back” in Hebrew, while holding 98 photographs of the hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks, 466 days ago, by Hamas militants.

14/01/2025

Vietnam

Vietnam and Russia sign agreement to boost nuclear energy cooperation

Hanoi is seeking to revive its nuclear programme in order to achieve energy self-sufficiency and meet its 2050 greenhouse gas emissions goals.

14/01/2025