Asia

Gaza

Militant group Hamas announces dissolution of Gaza governing body

The move marks a significant political shift by Hamas, which has run Gaza since its fighters seized control from rival Palestinian movement Fatah in 2007.

06/07/2026

Sri Lanka

At least 26 killed and more than 100 wounded in Sri Lanka prison riot

The wounded were rushed to the Negombo hospital, north of the capital Colombo, following overnight clashes between inmates from two drug gangs, police said.

06/07/2026

Business

AI chip tax windfall in South Korea could support housing and jobs

South Korea plans to channel a surge in tax revenue from its booming AI chipmakers into a new state fund, backing everything from semiconductor infrastructure to housing and jobs for young people.

06/07/2026

No Comment

Ali Khamenei's coffin carried through the streets of Tehran

Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran as Iran began funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

06/07/2026

Residences

This Hokkaido lakeside retreat has open-air bathing and stunning décor

For a peaceful escape in northern Japan, WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection offers guests a scenic night’s sleep overlooking Lake Tōya. There are also Japanese and Thai delicacies to choose from, made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as a spa and indoor hot baths.

06/07/2026

Yemen

Cargo ship reports being attacked in the Red Sea, maritime agency says

"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," the agency said.

05/07/2026

No Comment

Iranians mourn as Khamenei funeral ceremonies begin

Large crowds gathered in Tehran as Iran began six days of funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the US-Israeli conflict.

04/07/2026

Travel News

Silk Road destination targets long-haul tourists

Tourist trips to Uzbekistan rose from 6.63 million in 2023 to 11.7 million in 2025. Authorities are linking that growth to new air routes, Central Asian travel packages and higher tourism revenue.

04/07/2026

Business

EBRD backs Kazakhstan's move up the minerals value chain with €255m

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is financing Kazakhstan's first large-scale refractory gold ore processing facility, helping the country unlock previously inaccessible reserves while expanding domestic mineral processing.

03/07/2026

Iran

Iran FM confirms reports Israel planned to target Tehran's negotiators

Iran's foreign minister corroborated US media reports that Washington warned Tehran Israel may have had its chief negotiators on a target list during April talks in Islamabad, the same talks that produced the framework deal signed on 17 June.

03/07/2026

No Comment

Humanoid robots showcase football skills

Humanoid robots compete in football matches at RoboCup in Incheon, South Korea, showcasing advances in robotics as spectators watch the action.

03/07/2026

Pakistan

At least 40 killed after bus plunges into ravine in southwest Pakistan

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash, offered condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

03/07/2026

Culture news

Strictly dancing: How tango found an unexpected home in Azerbaijan

You might not expect to feel the pulse of Argentinian music echoing through the narrow streets of Baku, but the Azerbaijan capital's inner city, Icherisheher, has been transformed by a Tango-loving dance troupe

03/07/2026

Thailand

Video shows moment 11-year-old drives pickup truck into Buddhist procession

Ten people were killed after an 11-year-old boy drove a pickup truck into a Buddhist procession in northeastern Thailand.

03/07/2026

Iran

Foreign leaders gather for Khamenei's funeral, Western nations absent

Russia's Medvedev, Pakistan's prime minister and Taliban officials are among roughly 30 country delegations expected as Iran buries slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei this week.

03/07/2026

Tech News

What is GLM 5.2? The new Chinese AI model that’s rivalling Anthropic

China's GLM-5.2 rivals Claude and GPT-5.5 and was released a day after the US export ban on Anthropic models.

03/07/2026

No Comment

Israelis mark 1,000 days since 7 October attack

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to mark 1,000 days since the 7 October 2023 attack, as former hostages and bereaved families addressed the crowd.

03/07/2026

Business

Central Asia’s power expansion becomes a major investment test

In Uzbekistan, EBRD-backed solar and battery projects are helping finance rising electricity demand. Grid upgrades and a first nuclear plant are also reshaping the country's future energy mix.

03/07/2026

Indonesia

6.2 earthquake hits eastern Indonesia

The tremor hit at a depth of 120 kilometres, roughly 58 kilometres west of Tobelo in North Maluku province, and officials confirmed there is no tsunami threat.

03/07/2026

Iran

Iran renews Hormuz threats as Doha talks end with cautious progress

Tehran threatened a "forceful response" against vessels straying from its approved Hormuz routes, even as mediators said indirect US-Iran talks in Doha concluded with "positive progress". The next round of talks will wait until after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, which begins on Saturday.

02/07/2026

Culture Series

Meet Jamila Musayeva, the UK certified etiquette coach

In partnership with Azpromo

Jamila Musayeva is an international UK certified etiquette consultant, helping professionals build confidence, trust and stronger business relationships through the power of good manners.

02/07/2026

Syria

Nine killed in central Damascus cafe bombing, Syrian state TV says

The explosion comes a day after the first parliament since the fall of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad began to take shape.

02/07/2026

Iran

Iran deal is 'a pause before the next war,' Pahlavi tells Euronews

In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Reza Pahlavi said the framework agreement would allow the Islamic Republic to regroup and rearm, with the only winner from the deal being the regime in Tehran.

02/07/2026

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan starts living by new Constitution, sets date for parliamentary elections

Kazakhstan's new Constitution entered into force on July 1, prompting the Kazakh President to set August 23 as the date for parliamentary elections required under the new constitutional framework.

02/07/2026

Qatar

US-Iran parallel talks in Qatar end with pledge to keep talking

Holding separate meetings in Qatar, the US and Iran made progress and agreed that the next meeting would be after Khamenei's funeral, host Qatar confirmed.

02/07/2026

Azerbaijan

EU looks to South Caucasus for solutions as von der Leyen meets Aliyev

Von der Leyen begins her South Caucasus tour in Baku as the EU steps up engagement on regional stability, energy and connectivity.

01/07/2026