Drones could save vaccine wastage in rural Rwanda
In parts of Africa almost of quarter of vaccine doses are thrown away because they have not been stored at the right temperature. Research from the University of Birmingham suggests delivery by drone could stop this. In Rwanda, commercial drone delivery is already used to deliver blood and medical »»»
Today in Kuwait's history
KUWAIT, Jan 2 (KUNA) -- 1939 -- Legislative council delivered to the Kuwait Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a draft legislation concerning the country's constitution. 1978 -- Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah eulogized in a speech the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, »»»
U.S. Army squadron in S. Korea deactivated last month amid concerns about potential troop cut - UPI.com
This file photo shows the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, taking part in the Spur Ride event at Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, on Sept. 25, 2025. File Photo by Pfc. Kalisber Ortega/U.S. Army/UPI A U.S. Army squadron tasked with a reconnaissance mission in South Kore»»»
Why South Yemen secession isn't a real possibility
For three weeks, speculation has been rife about the potential secession of southern Yemen from the North after fighters aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) took control of the eastern governorates of Hadramout and Al Mahrah, triggering a wave of commentary in Arab and internationa»»»
Arif Patel announces strategic partnership in Dubai with Preston Trading
Arif Patel's strategic partnership has been announced in Dubai with an international trading firm, Preston Trading, based in the UK, which is a clear sign of the company's ambition to grow its presence in the Middle East and to operate larger global businesses through the UAE. The partnership entai»»»
Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations, prisoners
ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (KUNA) -- Pakistan and India on Thursday exchanged the lists of their respective nuclear installations and prisoners, continuing the annual practice under an agreement signed between the two nations in 1988.Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a »»»
Moving from the UK to the UAE? Healthcare is one change you can’t ignore
Dubai: For many Britons relocating to the UAE, healthcare is one of the most underestimated adjustments. The shift from the UK’s tax-funded NHS to an insurance-led system changes how care is accessed, how quickly treatment is delivered and how much choice patients ultimately have. Sign up for our d»»»
Kim Jong Un’s daughter joins symbolic visit to family mausoleum - UPI.com
A photo by state media released Friday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (front, R), his daughter Kim Ju Ae (front, C) and wife Ri Sol-ju (front, L) visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's daughter made her»»»
Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in Kherson region
Moscow on Thursday said a Ukrainian drone strike killed 24 people and wounded at least 50 more as they celebrated the New Year in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region. Ukraine denied these allegations, claiming that Kyiv's forces exclusively targeted Russian military or energy s»»»
Swiss police say some 40 killed, 115 injured in NYE resort fire
Around 40 people were killed and at least 115 were injured after a fire ripped through a bar during New Year's Eve celebrations in a luxury resort town in southern Switzerland, police said Thursday. A fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort shortly after midn»»»
UK says small boat migrant arrivals approached record levels in 2025
The number of migrants reaching the UK in small boats in 2025 climbed to its second-highest level since records began, official figures showed on Thursday, piling pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer as anti-immigration sentiments gain ground ahead of key local elections in May. The second-highe»»»
Resolution of Ukraine Conflict Requires West on Board — Turkish Diplomat
The West needs to be proactive and support the peace process on Ukraine if any results are to be achieved, a Turkish diplomatic source told Sputnik. There is an understanding that "achieving progress requires joint efforts, with all parties — including the West — showing initiative… this is essenti»»»
Deadly Swiss bar fire: What’s actually known so far
Videos circulating online show the alleged moment a devastating fire broke out during New Yea'rs party inside the Le Constellation bar in Switzerland. What happenedIn the early hours of 1 January 2026, a deadly fire broke out inside the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, »»»
South Korea’s 2025 exports set record, surge past $700bn mark on chip boom
South Korea’s exports climbed to a record $709.7bn in 2025, crossing the $700bn threshold for the first time as a powerful rebound in semiconductors offset weaker trade with the US and China, the nation’s Yonhap News Agency reports. »»»
Taiwan dollar posts strongest annual gain on US dollar since 2020
The Taiwan dollar recorded its strongest annual advance in five years in 2025, rising 4.27% against the US dollar amid sharp swings driven by global policy concerns and volatile capital flows. The currency ended the final »»»
China’s BYD to leave Tesla in its wake after record EV sales in 2025
China’s largest electric carmaker, BYD, posted a fresh global record for electric vehicle sales in 2025, underlining the shifting balance of power in the world’s fast-evolving auto industry. The Shenzhen-based auto giant s»»»
China’s BYD to leave Tesla in its wake after record EV sales in 2025
China’s largest electric carmaker, BYD, posted a fresh global record for electric vehicle sales in 2025, underlining the shifting balance of power in the world’s fast-evolving auto industry. The Shenzhen-based auto giant s»»»
South Korea’s 2025 exports set record, surge past $700bn mark on chip boom
South Korea’s exports climbed to a record $709.7bn in 2025, crossing the $700bn threshold for the first time as a powerful rebound in semiconductors offset weaker trade with the US and China, the nation’s Yonhap News Agency reports. »»»
Bulgaria becomes 21st eurozone member
Bulgaria joined the Eurozone on January 1, becoming the 21st member of the single-currency bloc, even as the country enters the new year mired in political instability after the collapse of its government and mass street protests. »»»
Solo winner: Indian expat in Dubai wins Dh100K Big Ticket after years of trying
A Dubai-based Indian expat’s patience and perseverance finally paid off as he won Dh100,000 in Big Ticket’s weekly e-draw.Minnaleswaran Sakthi Vinayagam, a 40-year-old accommodation in-charge from Chennai, scooped the prize with ticket number 125483 in Series 282, making his years of hope-filled pa»»»
Former Romanian presidential contender calls for US review of vote annulment
Ex-Romanian presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has urged President Nicusor Dan to share a report on the controversial annulment of the December 2024 election with the US and Israel for independent review. The conservative frontrunner was eliminated from the race by the Constitutional Court over»»»
Zohran Mamdani takes office as first Muslim mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight on Thursday, marking a historic moment with a low-key swearing-in ceremony held deep beneath Manhattan. The Democrat, who at 34 is the city’s youngest mayor in generations, takes office as one of the most closely watched political fig»»»
US health insurance costs to rise by 114% for millions as subsidies expire
More than 20 million people in the United States will face sharply higher health insurance costs as of January 1 after enhanced tax credits that helped enrollees in the Affordable Care Act afford coverage expired overnight. The expiration of the subsidies will mostly affect families, small business»»»
Mamdani vows bold left-wing agenda as he takes office as New York mayor
Zohran Mamdani pledged to prove that left-wing politics can deliver for ordinary people as he was sworn in as New York mayor on Thursday, beginning a term likely to bring confrontation with US President Donald Trump and scrutiny of his ambitious plans for the country’s largest city. Zohran Mamdani »»»
Bolsonaro leaves hospital and returns to prison after being denied house arrest
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been discharged from hospital in Brasília and taken back into custody, a week after undergoing double hernia surgery, as he continues to serve a prison sentence for leading an attempted coup. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro left a hospita»»»
West Continues Tactics of Silencing Kiev's Crimes - Zakharova
Commenting on doubts expressed in some media outlets about casualties from a Ukrainian drone strike on a cafe in Russia's Kherson Region, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the West keeps silencing Kiev's crimes. "I am reading in some media outlets and blogs about 'doubts' th»»»
Buying gold in Dubai this week? Prices edge higher as 2026 trading begins
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved higher at the end of the first trading week of 2026, recovering from a muted start to the year as global markets reopened with a cautious but constructive tone. By 7.50 am on Friday, the price of 24-karat gold stood at Dh524 a gram, up from Dh520.25 the previous da»»»
Israel says it will 'enforce' ban on 37 NGOs in Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens
Dozens of international humanitarian organisations will be banned from operating in the devastated Gaza Strip after Israel said the groups had not complied with a deadline to meet "security and transparency standards". A number of aid groups have refused to submit a list of their Palestinian staff »»»
Togo releases Frenchman detained since June over anti-government protests
A French national detained in Togo last year over his alleged involvement in anti-government protests returned to France on Thursday after his release, the French foreign ministry said. The prosecutor's office in Lome said Steeve Rouyar was one of around 50 protesters arrested on June 6 during»»»
Eye on Africa - 2025 The Year in Review
In tonight's edition, from the heartbreak and uncertainties of the war in Sudan to Africa's wrestling with White House unpredictability to the never-ending stories of creation, community, and innovation. We take a peek back at some of what 2025 delivered.»»»
Minister criticises Clooney's fast-tracked French passport as 'double standard'
A junior minister on Wednesday said the French citizenship granted to Hollywood star George Clooney despite his poor level of French suggested a "double standard". The Clooney family became citizens just days before language requirements were toughened under new rules from January 1. France's junio»»»
Kim hails North Korea's 'invincible alliance' with Russia in New Year's letter
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un heaped praise on Pyongyang's forces supporting Russia's war in Ukraine in a new year's message, hinting at the "remarkable feats" the country's troops will perform on overseas battlefields in years to come. Thousands of North Korean troops were deployed in Russia's K»»»
Cost-of-living protests turn deadly as Iranian demonstrators clash with police
Protesters and security forces clashed in western Iran for the fifth day in a row on Thursday, with six civilians killed, according to the Fars news agency. A member of Iran’s security forces was also killed overnight during protests in the western city of Kouhdasht, state television reported. Prot»»»
Taiwan vows to defend its sovereignty after Chinese military drills
In a live New Year’s address, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te highlighted the need for increased defence spending and warned of a critical year ahead following a major Chinese military exercise that saw rockets fired towards Taiwanese territory. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday »»»
Forensic Bureau in Kherson Releases List of Those Killed in Ukrainian Attack - Authorities
The Kherson Regional Forensic Bureau has released the list of those killed in the deadly terrorist attack by the Ukrainian armed forces on civilians in the settlement of Khorly, with seven of them identified, the regional authorities said on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Kherson Region Governor Vla»»»
Policy of Escalation Around Iran's Nuclear Program Erroneous - Russian Foreign Ministry
The policy of escalating the situation around Iran's nuclear program is erroneous, Oleg Postnikov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, told Sputnik in an interview. "Last year, considerable efforts were made to reach sustainable agreements th»»»
Daughter of North Korea's Kim pays tribute at family mausoleum for first time
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's teenage daughter Ju-ae has paid tribute at the family mausoleum for the first time, accompanied by her father, the North's state media images showed on Friday. Kim, his wife and Ju-ae, as well as key party and government officials, visited the family mausole»»»
Disney worker injured after stopping 180-Kg boulder to save audience
During a live Indiana Jones show at Disney World in Florida, a giant prop boulder suddenly broke free from its track and began rolling straight toward the audience. What happened next turned a routine theme park performance into a real-life act of heroism. As the 400-pound (180-kg) rubber boulder b»»»
BYD surpasses Tesla in 2025 EV sales, claiming global lead for first time
China's BYD has zoomed past Elon Musk's Tesla to become the world's top electric vehicle (EV) seller in 2025, achieving annual sales dominance over its US rival for the first time. BYD announced on Thursday that its battery-powered vehicle deliveries climbed nearly 28% last year to over 2.25 millio»»»
Kiev targets Moscow with new wave of drones – mayor
More than two dozen long-range drones were intercepted as they headed toward Moscow overnight, Russian capital’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has announced. The Russian air defense forces destroyed 26 UAVs between 7pm Thursday and 1am Friday, according to a series of Sobyanin’s posts on Telegram. The mayo»»»
Donald Trump blames bruised hand on aspirin, denies falling asleep
Washington: US President Donald Trump blamed aspirin for large bruises on his hand and denied falling asleep while attending public meetings in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published Thursday. In the interview defending his health, Trump also changed his previous statement about receiv»»»
Japan PM joins fight for more female toilets in parliament
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among some 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women's toilets in the parliament building to match their growing representation in the legislature. A record 73 women were elected into the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, exceeding the previous high»»»
Maduro elusive on US attack, open to dialogue
President Nicolas Maduro Thursday dodged a question about an alleged US attack on a dock in Venezuela but said he was open to cooperation with Washington after weeks of American military pressure. "Wherever they want and whenever they want," Maduro said of the idea of dialogue with the United State»»»
UAE to see stable Friday before unsettled weekend weather
Dubai: The UAE is set to see generally stable but cool winter weather on Friday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and a slight rise in temperatures, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Daytime temperatures are expected to range between 20°C and 25°C in coastal and island areas, while i»»»
Trump labeled Ukraine envoy ‘idiot’ for backing Zelensky – NYT
US President Donald Trump has branded his special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, an “idiot” over his public support for Vladimir Zelensky, the New York Times has reported, citing unnamed officials. Reuters claimed in November that Kellogg plans to step down from his post sometime this month. The»»»
Trump says health is 'perfect' amid aging concerns
US President Donald Trump said in a lengthy interview about his health that he takes more aspirin than doctors recommend, uses makeup to cover bruising on his hands, and does not get regular exercise because he finds it "boring". Trump also told The Wall Street Journal that he underwent a CT scan i»»»
'You're invisible, you don't exist' - life without a birth certificate
Many people may take their birth certificate, or similar official papers, for granted - hidden in a drawer and rarely seeing the light of day - but for those without one, it can lead to a shadow life or an uncertain existence. This is thought to affect millions of people around the world, described»»»
China's BYD set to overtake Tesla as world's top EV seller
China's BYD is set to overtake Elon Musk's Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), marking the first time it has outpaced its American rival for annual sales. On Thursday, BYD said that sales of its battery-powered cars rose last year by almost 28% to more than 2.25 million.»»»
Why Sudan’s war cannot end without confronting the Muslim Brotherhood
The Muslim Brotherhood remains a formidable force in Sudan, fighting and contributing to the country’s destruction while operating from within the security apparatus and exerting influence over decision-making in pursuit of its own interests rather than those of the nation. After 33 months of fight»»»