Asia

Gaza

'No progress' on second ceasefire phase in Gaza, says Hamas

The U.N. food agency, the World Food Program, said in a post on social media on Saturday that it reached 1 million Palestinians across Gaza during the deal’s first phase. “The ceasefire must hold,” it said. “There can be no going back.”

01/03/2025

Sport

Judo Grand Slam 2025: Incredible Uzbek spectacle as Japanese women do the clean sweep

The 2025 OTP Group Tashkent Grand Slam kicked off with an unforgettable showcase. Japanese women secured multiple golds, while Ayub Bliev and Ramazan Abdulaev delivered stunning performances.

28/02/2025

Israel

Israeli army inquiry reveals failures over 7 October attack by Hamas

The probe, which found Israel's military had misjudged Hamas' intentions, is likely to put further pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

28/02/2025

Thailand

Thailand criticised for deporting at least 40 Uyghurs to China

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move 'runs counter to the Thai people's longstanding tradition of protection for the most vulnerable'.

28/02/2025

Israel

Israeli army won't withdraw from Gaza-Egypt border, says official

Israel's refusal to leave the Philadelphi Corridor threatens to collapse a fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas.

27/02/2025

Travel News

Could a steep increase in Bali’s tourist tax deter unwanted visitors?

Other destinations, including Venice and Barcelona, have seen mixed results from raising tourism taxes.

27/02/2025

South Korea

North Korea has sent more troops to Russia, says Seoul

Thousands of North Korean soldiers are said to have already been killed or injured fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region.

27/02/2025

Gaza

Israel releases prisoners as Hamas hands over bodies of four hostages

Israel had delayed the release of the prisoners until Hamas ended its 'humiliating ceremonies.'

27/02/2025

The Exchange

Shaping tomorrow's connectivity

In partnership with Media City

Advancements in global telecom solutions are underway, with 5G technology improving connectivity and paving the way for the future of 6G, benefiting communities worldwide.

26/02/2025

East-West Connect

Astana's smart city initiatives lead Kazakhstan's tech-driven future

In partnership with MDQ

In this episode of East-West Connect, we explore how smart city innovations are transforming Astana into a model for urban sustainability, smarter living and economic growth in Central Asia.

26/02/2025

North Korea

Western tourists enter North Korea for first time in five years

Besides a number of Russian tourists last year, few sightseers have been allowed into North Korea since the Covid-19 pandemic — until now.

26/02/2025

Israel

Israel and Hamas strike hostage exchange deal, preserving ceasefire

The first phase of a three-part ceasefire began to look fragile when Israel accused Hamas of cruel treatment of hostages and the militant group returned a misidentified body.

26/02/2025

Europe News

Syria holds national dialogue as war-torn nation looks to rebuild

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa called for unity, but scepticism remains over the new rulers' promises of inclusive governance.

25/02/2025

Destinations

Why an unusual mountain in China has become a tourist sensation

Tourists are flocking to Yichang in China to witness the viral rock formation sensation of 'Puppy Mountain'.

25/02/2025

Money

Bybit closes $1.5bn gap after ‘largest crypto heist of all time’

A Dubai-based crypto exchange lost $1.5 billion to hackers in what is being called the biggest digital heist of all time.

25/02/2025

China

Son of jailed Chinese journalist urges his release

Dong Yuyu, known for advocating political reform and democracy, was sentenced in November 2023, with prosecutors citing eight meetings with Japanese diplomats as evidence of participation in espionage.

25/02/2025

Business

Coca-Cola's loses its fizz for Palestinians as drinkers seek local pop

Chat Cola, with a red tin and sweeping white script bearing remarkable resemblance to the iconic American soft drink's logo, has seen its products explode in popularity across the occupied West Bank in the past year.

25/02/2025

No Comment

Aid enters Gaza through Rafah as Palestinians struggle to access supplies

Aid continues to enter Gaza but many Palestinians struggle to access supplies. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may end on Saturday, with no clear next steps.

25/02/2025

Israel

Israel denies entry to two visiting EU lawmakers

The expulsion follows a new Israeli law barring entry to individuals who support the prosecution of Israeli soldiers or deny Hamas’ 7 October attack.

25/02/2025

Afghanistan

British couple arrested by Taliban to be freed 'as soon as possible'

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who run education and training programmes in central Afghanistan, were detained by the Taliban earlier this month.

25/02/2025

Scenes

Watch: The Indian martial arts instructor keeping guard on tradition

In partnership with Media City

Sonali Kadu began learning the ancient armed martial art of Mardani Khel almost a decade ago.

24/02/2025

Earth News

Key talks on next landmark IPCC climate report begin in China

The IPCC assessment summarises the latest climate research from around the world, taking hundreds of experts years to produce.

24/02/2025

Lebanon

Huge crowds attend mass funeral of ex-Hezbollah leader Nasrallah

The funeral in Beirut, attended by Hezbollah officials and allies, aimed to show the group's strength despite conflict with Israel resulting in a significant loss of leadership.

24/02/2025

Business

Low-cost carrier sees record profits as Europeans seek sun in Dubai

Dubai is a popular winter destination for European tourists looking for some mid-season warmth, with an average temperature of around 25 C.

24/02/2025

Philippines

France and the Philippines stage joint naval drills in South China Sea

The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea.

24/02/2025

Culture news

Syria's iconic Queen Zenobia faces removal from school curriculum

Syria's Ministry of Education has announced sweeping changes to the school curriculum, including the removal of any reference to symbols of the former regime, including the national anthem. Syrian Queen Zenobia is also one of the casualties.

23/02/2025