Why has South Korea's president suddenly declared martial law?

The move - invoking temporary military rule - has been roundly condemned by opponents and some within his own party.

Afghan women 'banned from midwife courses' in latest blow to rights

Women at training colleges across the country were told they are not allowed to return to class.

Replica Harry Potter swords recalled over Japan’s strict weapons laws

The decorative Gryffindor swords, sold by Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, fell foul of Japan’s weapons laws, which are among the strictest in the world.

Washington Post: World • 1h

Bank boss takes pay cut after employee 'tried to kill clients'

The bank apologised after the former worker was charged with robbery of clients, attempted murder and arson.

BBC: World • 2h

Live updates: South Korea president declares martial law; parliament votes it down

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol blamed the opposition party for “unprecedented” impeachment attempts of various government officials.

Washington Post: World • 2h

Cambodia jails 13 pregnant Filipino surrogates

The women were found when police raided a villa near the capital Phnom Penh in September.

BBC: World • 2h

Trump appears to threaten Hamas with 'all hell to pay' over hostages

The US president-elect vows a response if captives in Gaza are not released by the time he returns to the White House.

BBC: World • 3h

Woman admits drink-driving crash that killed bride

Samantha Miller was fatally hit while travelling in a golf cart and still wearing her wedding dress.

BBC: World • 5h

Parthenon Sculptures deal 'close', ex-Greek official says

Sir Keir Starmer met the Greek PM for talks at Downing Street - but it was not clear if the issue was discussed.

BBC: World • 5h

Revenge, fire and destruction: A year of Israeli soldiers’ videos from Gaza

The Post verified more than 120 photos and videos of the war in Gaza - providing an uncensored view of one of the most deadly and destructive wars in this century.

Washington Post: World • 5h

Watch: How Jaguar's shifted gears with its concept car

The company has been at the centre of a media storm as a result of its radical revamp.

BBC: World • 6h

Starbucks and Nestlé face scrutiny over labor practices in China

‘Ghost’ coffee farms in Starbucks’ and Nestle’s supply chains in China are overworking farmers and allowing underaged labor, China Labor Watch has found.

Washington Post: World • 6h

Vietnam court says tycoon must repay embezzled billions to avoid execution

An appeals court upheld Truong My Lan’s death sentence for bank fraud but suggested she could avoid execution by repaying three-quarters of the money she stole.

Washington Post: World • 6h

Damaged cables appear to be accident, Finland says

Damaged fibre-optic cables appear to have been cut by mistake, Finland's transport agency says.

BBC: World • 6h

Inside Aleppo: Family reunions, nervousness at rebel rule and fear of war

Syria's second city has been captured by the armed rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from government forces.

BBC: World • 7h

Replica Harry Potter swords broke Japan weapons law

The Japanese police say the tip of the blade is sharp enough for it to be classified as an actual sword.

BBC: World • 8h

Live Briefing: Rebels and government battle in Syria; Lebanon ceasefire fraying

The ceasefire in Lebanon appears to be coming apart after Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon and Hezbollah fired rockets. In Syria, Russia and Iran have pledged to back President Bashar al-Assad.

Washington Post: World • 8h

Michelin chef appeals to Christmas spirit of thieves who stole 2,500 pies

“I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas,” said British chef Tommy Banks, after thieves stole a van full of pies.

Washington Post: World • 10h