Culture news Ties that bind: Ancient Greece exhibition continues tour of China Athens and Beijing are seeking to strengthen cultural ties as 'Journey to Ancient Greece' opens at one of China's most important archaeological museums. 'Journey to Ancient Greece' explores the prehistoric period and classical antiquity, up to the years of Alexander the Great. 01/02/2026
Iran Explosions reported in Iran, Israel denies involvement A powerful explosion rocked the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas earlier today. Reports are coming in of more explosions. 31/01/2026
Gaza Israeli strikes kill at least 29 people in Gaza, hospital sources say The strikes hit locations in northern and southern Gaza, including an apartment building and a police station in Gaza City and a tent in Khan Younis, officials at hospitals that received the bodies said. 31/01/2026
Kazakhstan Central Asia outpaces advanced economies with growth above 6% Economic activity accelerated across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan in 2025, driven by investment, exports and consumption. Azerbaijan remained closely linked, through energy and trade corridors connecting the region to Europe and global markets. 30/01/2026
Gaza Gaza's border crossing with Egypt to open on Sunday, Israel says Although Gaza has four other border crossings, the rest are shared with Israel and only Rafah links the territory with another country. 30/01/2026
Syria Kurdish SDF forces say comprehensive agreement with Damascus reached Syria's new leaders, since toppling former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, have struggled to assert full authority over a country devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war. 30/01/2026
China Donald Trump warns it is 'very dangerous' for UK to deal with China Downing Street said that the White House had been aware of Starmer's trip and its objectives in advance and pointed out that Trump himself is due to visit China in April. 30/01/2026
Gaza Trump says Hamas set to disarm as Gaza peace deal moves forward The US said last week that it was moving into the next phase of the ceasefire plan that includes rebuilding Gaza and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs. 29/01/2026
Yemen World Food Programme terminates staff contracts in rebel-held Yemen An estimated 4.8 million people remain internally displaced across Yemen, the WFP says, in what the UN says is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. 29/01/2026
Kazakhstan Israel and Kazakhstan sign visa-free agreement in tourism boost Israel and Kazakhstan plan to exempt its citizens from touristic visa requirements, marking a new step in strengthening bilateral relations. 29/01/2026
Qatar Web Summit returns to Doha as attendance doubles and impact grows Following an estimated €185 million in economic returns from last year’s event, the four-day summit is positioning Qatar as a growing hub for technology, startups and international collaboration. 29/01/2026
India Euroviews. Europe's 'India bet' is finally real, and it is bigger than trade After years of faltering talks, the EU and India have struck a landmark free trade deal that goes far beyond tariffs. In an era of weaponised interdependence, it signals a new geoeconomic logic: openness on negotiated, strategic terms, writes Daniela Schwarzer in an opinion article for Euroviews. 29/01/2026
Vietnam EU and Vietnam elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership The EU and Vietnam have upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," aligning the EU with the US, China, and Russia in diplomatic status. 29/01/2026
Markets Oil climbs as Trump warns Iran 'time is running out' for nuclear deal Markets priced in fresh geopolitical risk as Washington escalated rhetoric against Tehran, with analysts warning supply disruptions could push prices higher. 29/01/2026
No Comment Record snowfall triggers chaos across parts of Japan Weather officials in Japan warn of heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast, with up to 70 cm expected in some regions. 29/01/2026
China Starmer meets Xi in Beijing to strengthen UK-China relations The first UK prime minister to visit in eight years, Starmer has sought business deals and a "strategic partnership" to reset ties strained by decades of tensions. 29/01/2026
Travel News Dubai to lure tourists with new street paved with gold The new attraction will be located near the city’s Gold Souk where tourists can buy gold and other jewellery. 29/01/2026
Iraq Hundreds protest near US embassy in Iraq over election interference After decades of conflicts and chaos, Iraq has recently regained a sense of stability but it is struggling with weak economic growth and cannot risk punitive measures by the US. 28/01/2026
Voices from Central Asia Inside the restoration lab preserving Central Asia’s past In partnership with MDQ More than a workspace, this restoration laboratory is where Central Asia’s fragile past is uncovered and preserved through science, intuition and patience. 28/01/2026
Iran Trump says 'massive armada' headed to Iran as carrier group approaches The wave of protests in Iran, which broke out on 28 December over the collapse of the rial currency and the rising cost of living, saw between 6,000 and as many as 30,000 people feared killed by the Tehran regime. 28/01/2026
Destinations Tokyo pub bans older customers saying they complain too much The chain claims it merely wants its patrons’ preferences to match its boisterous atmosphere, but the move has sparked controversy. 28/01/2026
Azerbaijan Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa'ar visits Baku amid regional tensions The Israeli foreign minister discussed cooperation in energy, defence and tourism. Israel supports Iranian protesters, while Baku monitors its ethnic Azeri population in Iran. 27/01/2026
Tech News What defence tech is aboard the US carrier now the Middle East? The American Navy describes the USS Abraham Lincoln as ‘the largest warship in the world,’ which can support over 65 aircraft and 97,000 tons of equipment. 27/01/2026
Road To World Government Summit 2026 unveiled in Dubai Dubai has unveiled the World Government Summit 2026, set to be its largest ever. More than 150 government delegations, global leaders, and scientists will gather to tackle AI, climate and economic risks, aiming to move from ideas to action at a critical global moment. 27/01/2026
Iran Analysis: Promises unkept — Iran's protests and global responsibility Analysts agree Iran's regime decided on mass killings to survive protests driven by economic collapse, with clear orders for lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. 27/01/2026
Iran Iran protests death toll could surpass 30,000, reports claim Casualty estimates from Iran's protest crackdown range from 3,100 to over 30,000, with verification hampered by an internet shutdown. Human rights groups report thousands killed, including children. 27/01/2026