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Russia says Ukraine attacked Putin's home, Kyiv calls this 'lie'
Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of having fired dozens of drones at one of President Vladimir Putin's homes, an accusation that Ukraine called a "lie" aimed at undermining US-led efforts to end the war.
World stocks sluggish as precious metals drop
Global stock markets were sluggish Monday on the back of a mixed Asian showing, as investors awaited fresh clues on the outlook for US interest rates.
Tehran shopkeepers shut stores over economic conditions
Some shopkeepers in Tehran shut their stores for the second day in a row Monday in protest against economic hardships and sharp swings in Iran's embattled currency, media reports said.
Debris hit Nigerian hotel, wounded staff, after US strikes: owner
A Nigerian hotel owner said Monday three of his staff were hospitalised after munitions debris fell on his hotel following the US strikes targeting militants in the country's northwest.
New year, new mayor for New York City
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to become the US city's first Muslim mayor, and the youthful optimism of his Democratic Socialist platform will be put to the test as he takes office Thursday with high expectations.
World stocks mark time as precious metals drop
Global stock markets marked time Monday after a mixed Asian showing, as investors awaited fresh clues on the outlook for US interest rates.
US offered Kyiv 15 years of security guarantees, Zelensky says
The US has offered Ukraine "solid" security guarantees for 15 years with a possibility of an extension but Kyiv is seeking a longer period, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday after meeting Donald Trump.
China holds military drills around Taiwan simulating ports blockade
China launched live-fire drills around Taiwan on Monday that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation".
Myanmar pro-military party claims huge lead in junta-run poll
Myanmar's dominant pro-military party claimed an overwhelming victory in the first phase of the elections, a senior party official told AFP, after democracy watchdogs warned the junta-run poll would entrench military rule.
Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for talks on Gaza, Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of his fragile Gaza truce plan.
Thai army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones
Thailand's army on Monday accused Cambodia of violating a newly signed ceasefire agreement, reached after weeks of deadly border clashes, by flying more than 250 drones over its territory.
Myanmar pro-military party claims huge win in first phase of junta-run poll
Myanmar's dominant pro-military party claimed an overwhelming victory in the first phase of the country's junta-run elections, a senior party official told AFP, after democracy watchdogs warned the poll would entrench military rule.
Stocks mixed, precious metals slip in quiet trade
Equities were mixed Monday in quiet post-Christmas trading as investors look ahead to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's policy meeting this month, while precious metals retreated from record highs.
Myanmar pro-military party official says 'winning' junta-run poll
Myanmar's dominant pro-military party is "winning a majority" in the first phase of junta-run elections, a party source told AFP on Monday, after democracy watchdogs warned the poll would entrench military rule.
Stocks mixed, precious metals slip in quiet Asian trade
Asian equities were mixed Monday in quiet post-Christmas trading as investors look ahead to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's policy meeting this month, while precious metals retreated from record highs.
New year brings new mayor for New York City
New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to become the US city's first Muslim mayor, and the youthful optimism of his Democratic Socialist platform will be put to the test as he takes office Thursday for a four-year term that faces high expectations.
Netanyahu to meet Trump in Florida for crucial Gaza talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Monday, with the US president pushing to move to the next stage of the fragile Gaza truce plan.
China launches military drills simulating blockade of Taiwan ports
China launched live-fire drills around Taiwan on Monday that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation".
Myanmar pro-military party 'winning' junta-run poll first phase: source
Myanmar's dominant pro-military party is "winning a majority" in the first phase of junta-run elections, a party source told AFP Monday, after democracy watchdogs warned the poll would entrench military rule.
Bondi victims' families demand national probe into antisemitism
Families of the victims of Australia's Bondi Beach mass shootings called Monday for a national inquiry into antisemitism and alleged failures in policing, intelligence and policy they blame for the attack.
Sudanese trek through mountains to escape Kordofan fighting
For eight days, Sudanese farmer Ibrahim Hussein led his family through treacherous terrain to flee the fighting in southern Kordofan -- the latest and most volatile front in the country's 31-month-old conflict.
South Korea's ex-first lady accused of taking over $200,000 in bribes
South Korea's former first lady was alleged by prosecutors Monday to have accepted lavish bribes totalling over $200,000, including fine art, jewellery and a handbag, as well as meddling in state affairs.
China announces 'major' military drills around Taiwan
China announced "major" military exercises around Taiwan on Monday, saying it would conduct live-fire drills the following day across five zones in waters and airspace near the island.
Stocks mostly rise, precious metals slip in quiet Asian trade
Asian equities mostly rose Monday in quiet post-Christmas trading as investors look ahead to the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's policy meeting this month, while precious metals retreated from record highs.
North Korea tests cruise missiles in show of 'combat readiness'
North Korea test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles, state media reported on Monday, hailing the drill as a show of "combat readiness" against foreign threats.
Trump says Ukraine deal closer but no talks breakthrough
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that a deal was closer than ever to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine but reported no apparent breakthrough on the flashpoint issue of territory after new talks with the warring countries' leaders.
Serbia's students gather signatures for early elections goal
Protesting students in Serbia on Sunday swapped massive street demonstrations for a push to collect citizens' signatures, to gauge whether they had support to demand snap parliamentary elections.
Somaliland recognition prompts celebrations, condemnation
People gathered in several towns in the breakaway region of Somaliland on Sunday to celebrate its recognition by Israel -- a decision condemned by the Somali president as a "threat" to stability in the Horn of Africa.
Trump says Zelensky and Putin 'serious' in war talks sprint
US President Donald Trump said Sunday he believed the leaders of Ukraine and Russia were serious about peace as he spoke with them both in what he called the final stages of his efforts to end the war.
Guinea junta chief headed for victory in presidential vote
Guineans voted in a presidential election Sunday with Mamady Doumbouya, a general who led the junta that seized power four years ago, the clear favourite, and the main opposition leaders barred from standing.
Central African Republic president tipped to win third term
The Central African Republic's incumbent president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, was widely expected to win a third term in an election Sunday in which he touted his efforts steadying a nation long plagued by conflict.
Trump says has 'productive' talks with Putin before Zelensky meet
Donald Trump said Sunday he had "productive" talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin hours before the US president meets Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, in a year-end sprint to seal a deal to end the war.