Restrictions on junk food advertising come into force in the UK
Adam Peaker Advertisements for foods deemed unhealthy will not be allowed before 9pm on TV and banned outright online in…
International
US strikes in Venezuela spark UN Security Council emergency session
Angelica N. Hall In the wake of the United States’ large-scale military strikes in Caracas on Saturday, the United Nations (UN)…
Angelina Jolie oversees relief efforts for Gaza Strip as Israel restricts entry of aid
Jacinth Banite Award-winning Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie embarked on a humanitarian trip to Egypt on January 2 to oversee the…
Turkey set to intensify diplomatic role with numerous international summits in 2026
Hyacinth Estrada Turkey is ramping up its bid to position itself as a hub for ‘peace diplomacy’ by hosting a…
Guinness recognises Rio de Janeiro for hosting largest NYE celebration
Ciara Mina After police confirmed that over 2.5 million people gathered on Copacabana Beach to welcome the year 2025, Rio…
Bulgaria officially joins the Eurozone
Zdravko Yazhikov On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro, becoming the 21st Member State of the Eurozone amid…
Massive cut in US aid spells further uncertainty for UN-led humanitarian programs
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui The year 2026 may be a bleak period for the United Nations (UN) and its affiliated agencies as…
Thai communities revive vibrant brocade weaving in Vietnam
Diana Mae Y. Cleto Thai people in Vietnam's Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces have improved their brocade weaving techniques to produce…
Philippine telecom tests robotic technology to remotely adjust mobile network antennas
Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez Philippine telecommunications firm PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have begun pilot testing robotic arm technology…
China bans Tesla-style retractable door handles in EVs over safety concerns
Citing safety concerns, all new electric cars in China will no longer be allowed to feature Tesla-style retractable…
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland in strategic bid
Israel has become the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland, a move that signals a…
Pope Leo speaks of Gaza, calls for world peace in maiden Christmas Day sermon
Pope Leo XIV has made his inaugural Christmas Day sermon in front of a crowd in the Vatican,…
Philippine environment, animal rights advocates renew call for firecracker-free New Year
Through an "Iwas PapuToxic" campaign, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and environmental group EcoWaste Coalition reiterated their…
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘immediate’ ceasefire, Cambodian soldiers to return
Hazel Camba Thailand and Cambodia finally reached a consensus on Saturday for an immediate ceasefire and the return of 18…
Germany’s birth rate falls as more delay parenthood
Jheruleene Anne Ramos Germany’s birth rate has significantly declined over the past three years, according to a recent study by the…
Temperatures in Malaysia continue to soar as climate crisis worsens
Malaysia’s average surface temperatures continue to rise as the country grapples with the intensifying effects of the global…
Myanmar heads to polls amid ongoing political crisis
Ren Azrack Escosio Myanmar will conduct its nationwide elections on Sunday, almost five years since the country's military regime took over…
Japan to restart the world’s biggest nuclear plant
Lucia Caporalini The Niigata Prefecture, located in central Japan, voted on Monday for the world’s biggest nuclear power plant to…
Hollywood mourns power couple Rob and Michele Reiner
Vivien Bernardino Hollywood has been plunged into mourning with the tragic passing of two of its legendary fixtures, Rob and…
Finland, Denmark announce closure of embassies in Myanmar
Finland and Denmark have both announced the closure of their respective embassies in Myanmar by 2026, ending the…
Philippine authorities arrest corruption-linked contractor Sarah Discaya
Philippine authorities on Thursday night arrested public works contractor Sarah Discaya over her alleged involvement in the PHP96.5-million…
South Korea emerges as global leader in musical theatre, Playbill reports
Anna Ferraz Long known for its global influence in K-pop and television dramas, South Korea is now becoming a major…
Former UN chief Ban Ki-Moon calls for UN reform, stronger accountability
Elan Castanares Former United Nations Secretary-General and member of The Elders, Ban Ki-moon, has issued a compelling call for reform…
Not over yet: Thailand-Cambodia clashes continue post-Trump ‘ceasefire’
Mary Mae Balasanos The clashes between Thailand and Cambodia are not yet over, even after the ceasefire claimed by United States…