Asia

Art

New film shines light on underground South Korean tattoo culture

South Korean tattoo culture, long marred by negative associations with prisons or gang activity, has been de facto illegal for over 30 years. A recent law passed now means this underground culture can finally come into the light.

31/12/2025

Sport

From Usyk to Infantino, Dubai summit draws hundreds of sports figures

The inaugural World Sports Summit in the UAE featured Usyk, Pacquiao, Infantino, and other top stars and decision-makers discussing athlete pressures alongside the sport's economic and social future.

30/12/2025

Gaza

Israel says it will halt operations of some aid groups in Gaza in 2026

Earlier this year, Israel changed its registration process for aid groups, which included a requirement to submit a list of staff, including Palestinians in Gaza.

30/12/2025

Afghanistan

Afghan farmers suffer major losses after opium poppy ban, report says

UNODC survey found 85% of families in northern provinces unable to replace poppy income. Production fell 32% to 296 tonnes as synthetic drugs surged.

30/12/2025

Syria

Syria unveils new banknotes removing al-Assad images from currency

President al-Sharaa introduced redesigned bills featuring agricultural symbols, such as oranges and olives, entering circulation 1 January.

30/12/2025

Around Azerbaijan

Baku’s layered history and living culture

In partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board

Baku reveals its old soul and modern spirit through historic streets, revived neighbourhoods and a multicultural identity shaped by centuries of coexistence.

30/12/2025

Cult

Inside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

In partnership with Media City

With players trained in different musical traditions, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is reshaping how orchestral music is performed and experienced in the region.

29/12/2025

Spotlight

Exploring Baku White City and the ideas shaping a city of the future

In partnership with World Urban Forum

Baku White City shows how people-centred planning, sustainability and walkable design are transforming a former industrial zone into a modern district built for everyday urban living.

29/12/2025

North Korea

North Korea says it fired long-range cruise missiles in Sunday test

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim expressed "great satisfaction" over Sunday's launches, which occurred off the country's west coast.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Chinese team operates thousands of drones using a single computer

A drone light show in Chongqing highlights China’s ability to control thousands of drones simultaneously using a single automated system.

29/12/2025

Taiwan

China stages drills near Taiwan in warning to 'separatist forces'

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said in a post on X that rapid response exercises were under way, with forces on high alert to defend the island in case of escalation.

29/12/2025

Economy

Iran’s currency collapse sparks second day of protests

Protesters closed shops for a second day as the rial hit new lows on the free market, amplifying inflation fears and highlighting the widening gap between official and street exchange rates.

29/12/2025

Myanmar

Polls close in first day of Myanmar's general election since 2021 coup

Final results are expected to be announced by February after two more rounds of voting are completed, but the ballot is widely being criticised and dismissed as a sham.

28/12/2025

Azerbaijan

Baku sets peace agenda with Armenia for 2026, highlighting progress on the ground

In his annual end-of-year press conference, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov summed up the progress made in the reconciliation process with Armenia and looked ahead to its future.

27/12/2025

China

China sanctions 20 US defence companies over arms sales to Taiwan

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the sanctions entail freezing the companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organisations from accessing them.

27/12/2025

World News

Thailand and Cambodia agree ceasefire to end weeks of border fighting

The ceasefire, which came into force around noon local time, calls for no further military movements by either side and no violations of either side’s airspace for military purposes.

27/12/2025

Culture news

Kazakh horror series deemed too scary for streaming becomes online hit

Initially deemed too terrifying for streaming platforms, a Kazakh horror series has found big success on the festival circuit where its exploration of exotic folklore and ancient evil has gripped global audiences.

27/12/2025

Japan

At least 15 injured in chemical attack and stabbing at Japan factory

Some of the stabbed victims remain in serious condition. A 38-year-old man was arrested for alleged attempted murder at the factory, authorities said.

26/12/2025

Economy

Japan on track to become world’s third-largest defence spender

A record defence budget and an expanding missile and drone programme mark a decisive shift for Japan, as it clears path to become the world’s third-largest military spender.

26/12/2025

No Comment

Banksy's hotel in Bethlehem reopens after two years

A guest house filled with Banksy's artwork has reopened in Bethlehem after a two-year closure due to the Gaza war.

26/12/2025

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan GDP hits record €123 billion as Mirziyoyev hails reforms

President Mirziyoyev says GDP reached a record high in the Central Asian country's history as exports rose 23% and foreign investment reached €37 billion.

26/12/2025

Changemakers of Uzbekistan

Samandar Tursunaliev leads Uzbekistan’s rise in AI innovation

In partnership with Center for the Production of Content for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

At 25, Samandar Tursunaliev is turning Uzbekistan’s AI ideas into reality. From a small village to a growing startup, his work shows how young innovators are shaping the country’s digital future.

26/12/2025

Israel

Palestinian man kills two in car and knife attack in northern Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the "horrific killing spree" and pledged Israel would reinforce its security.

26/12/2025

Focus

Azerbaijan strengthens environmental action for nature protection

In partnership with Azpromo

Azerbaijan is responding to biodiversity loss and environmental pressures by expanding protected areas and tackling marine threats to safeguard nature for future generations.

26/12/2025

Focus

Doha Forum 2025: Dialogue, Mediation and Global Cooperation

Doha Forum 2025 brought world leaders together to confront rising global tensions, deepen EU–GCC ties and support Syria’s transition. With Qatar’s mediation role in focus, the Forum emphasized moving from dialogue to real results.

26/12/2025

No Comment

More than a dozen people injured in a knife and chemical attack at a factory in Japan

A man was arrested in Japan after a violent attack at the Yokohama Rubber Company, leaving eight people stabbed and others injured by a suspected bleach chemical.

26/12/2025