The most surprising cozy game trend this year was the desktop pet renaissance
Desktop pets are back, bigger than ever, and surprisingly vibrant.
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Iranian protests sparked by economic woes quickly spread across country
The demonstrations, triggered by a collapse in Iran’s currency, started with shopkeepers and phone vendors before drawing in students, workers and others.
Berlin’s wild New Year’s Eve fuels constant debate over banning fireworks
A night to let loose or an uncontrolled moment of dangerous mayhem? Germans debate a ban on the New Year’s Eve tradition.
A tiny U.S. territory in the Pacific doubles down on a giant Chinese casino
Supporters of a casino project say it’s an economic lifeline for Saipan; detractors raise questions about money laundering and ties to Chinese criminals.
Africa: AU Endorses Sudan Peace Initiative Presented to UN Security Council
[Capital FM] Nairobi -- The African Union has endorsed a peace initiative presented by Sudan's transitional authorities to the United Nations Security Council, amid a protracted and devastating war between rival military generals whose power struggle has torn the country apart
Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens in tit-for-tat move
The two states say they are taking reciprocal measures after the US announced full-entry restrictions on their citizens.
US or China: Whose bubbles will loom larger in 2026?
TOKYO — US President Donald Trump’s unusual fixation on criticizing the Federal Reserve is alarming policymakers and investors worldwide. However, here in Asia, it’s a uniquely personal threat, given that this region is the largest holder of US Treasury securities. The
Hundreds of thousands mourn Bangladesh's ex-PM at state funeral
A sea of mourners have gathered in Dhaka to pay final respects to Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday aged 80.
Bangladesh’s Islamist party open to unity government after February vote
Jamaat-e-Islami had been banned from elections since 2013.
Bangladesh's Islamist party open to unity government after February vote
DHAKA, Dec 31 - A once-banned Bangladeshi Islamist party, poised for its strongest electoral showing in polls in February, is open to joining a unity government and has held talks with several parties, its chief told Reuters on Wednesday.
Six injured in Russian drone strikes on Odesa
Six people, including three children, were injured in Russian strikes on Odesa, officials said.
China says to impose extra 55% tariffs on some beef imports
The extra tariffs apply for three years – until Dec 31, 2028.
China’s factories return to growth after eight-month slump
Factory activity expanded in December for the first time since early 2025, offering a tentative boost for the world’s second-largest economy after months of weak demand.
World's oldest professional football player signs for one more season
Japan's Kazuyoshi "King Kazu" Miura, who turns 59 in February, joined third-division Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC.
FAO officially launches 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially launched The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, a global campaign aimed at recognizing women’s indispensable yet often overlooked contributions to global agri-food systems and to galvanize
AFCON 2025: Nigeria perfect as knockout picture sharpens
The Africa Cup of Nations group stage moved closer to its conclusion as Groups C and D wrapped up decisive final matches, with qualification places and knockout pairings taking shape across Morocco.
The Mystery of How a Samurai Ended up in 17th Century Venice
It wouldn’t surprise us to come across a Japanese person in Venice. Indeed, given the global touristic appeal of the place, we could hardly imagine a day there without a visitor from the Land of the Rising Sun. But things were different in 1873, just five years after the end of
Whales can get lost in noisy oceans, Australian/ Italian scientific report
The following piece by Derek Davis, an Earth.com staff writer was based on a research undertaken by the University of Melbourne and the Politecnico di Torino on how whales are reacting to noisy oceans.
China slams countries that criticised drills around Taiwan as ‘irresponsible’
Beijing said it appreciated Russia, Pakistan and Venezuela expressing their support for China.
Philippines challenges Chinese vessel off northern province amid Taiwan tensions
MANILA, Dec 31 - The Philippines Coast Guard said it deployed an aircraft on Tuesday to challenge a Chinese research ship that serves as a base for submersible vessels after it was spotted about 19 nautical miles off the coast of northern Cagayan province.
China will push more proactive macro policies in 2026, Xi says
China's economy is expected to have grown to about 140 trillion yuan (US$20 trillion) in 2025, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (Dec 31).
Japanese women MPs want more seats of the toilet kind; 58 including Japan PM submit petition
There is only one lavatory with two cubicles for the Lower House’s 73 women to use near the Diet’s main plenary session hall.
German influencer on New Year's fireworks: 'We're collectively causing animal suffering'
The year is coming to an end, and many people in Germany traditionally celebrate with fireworks. What looks like harmless fun at first glance has serious consequences for wild animals and pets. German influencer Malte Zierden explained why he is in favour of a ban on fireworks.
Crowds gather early at Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve fireworks
People crowded Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve, with some lining up from Tuesday to get the best views.
Falklands, reminder of new embarkation tax for passengers departing by air, £40
As agreed in the Budget for 2025/26, the rate of embarkation tax payable by passengers departing the Falkland Islands by air, in accordance with the Embarkation Tax Regulations Ordinance 1999, will increase from £32 to £40 per passenger, with effect from Thursday 1 January 2026.
Has China gone soft on drugs? Law on keeping drug use records confidential divides netizens
Some believe that this will protect the rich and powerful.
Scientists are publishing more than ever with AI. But not all papers measure up, study finds
Large language models such as ChatGPT are boosting paper production, particularly for scientists who are not native English speakers. However, many AI-written papers are less likely to pass peer review.
South Korea set for icy cold start to 2026, with low of minus 15 deg C expected on Jan 1
The icy weather is expected to continue until Jan 2.
Jailed HK tycoon's 'teeth rotting and fingernails falling off', daughter tells BBC
The daughter of Jimmy Lai tells the BBC that her father's health is deteriorating in prison.
Fallout Season 2 Episode 3 recap: 'All that remains of America is its overwhelming failure'
Every faction's worst enemy is itself.
CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources say
The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels. That's according to two people familiar with details of the operation.
Notable deaths 2025
Pope Francis, Ozzy Osbourne and Diane Keaton are among those who died this year.
'You can have tattoos all over your face and still be an angel': Inside South Korea’s underground 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.
Tove, Frida and Schiaparelli: The 10 unmissable exhibitions and art events of 2026
Next year brings blockbuster shows from the Venice Biennale to a Frida Kahlo retrospective, plus the Middle East's most exciting new art fair.
Tourists only want one thing from these tiny European villages - and locals have had enough
In these Insta-famous villages, photo-hungry tourists are taking more than they’re giving back.
The Moon, Mercury and the magnetosphere: Top 5 space missions to watch in 2026
2026 promises to be an exciting year for space missions. From the ‘year of the Moon’ to discovering ‘the history of the entire solar system,’ here is what to look out for.
The elections that will shape Europe in 2026
Voters across the continent have huge choices to make at the ballot box in the upcoming year. Euronews takes a look at the key electoral tests awaiting the EU - and beyond - in the year ahead.
Deadliest climate disasters of 2025 revealed as experts warn women and the poorest ‘hit the hardest’
Women carry an “unequal burden” of the world’s deadliest extreme weather events, a new report warns.
Europe is training more doctors than ever - yet patients struggle to access one
Doctor shortages persist across Europe, driven by an ageing workforce and graduates avoiding general practice.
Indonesia's new criminal code requires public oversight, minister says
JAKARTA, Dec 31 - Indonesia's new criminal code, which will make crimes of premarital sex and insulting the state when it takes effect on January 2, will need public oversight to help prevent abuse of the law, a government minister told Reuters.