On Friday, Emperor Naruhito appeared on the palace balcony alongside Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family, greeting thousands of well-wishers gathered below. Many attendees waved small flags and shouted “banzai” as the emperor offered his New Year’s greetings. This year’s appearance held special significance, as Prince Hisahito,…
President Donald Trump issued a strong warning on Friday, stating that the United States is “locked and loaded” to respond should Iranian authorities harm protesters, following recent demonstrations over the country’s rising cost of living. Clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in several Iranian cities on Thursday, resulting in…
South Koreans can now access North Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, for the first time in decades, marking a symbolic step in President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to improve relations with Pyongyang. The publication, whose name translates to “Workers’ Newspaper,” has long been regarded as highly incendiary. Packed with propaganda…
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has strongly condemned the arrest of journalist Peter Mwita Maseke, a reporter with Alshifaa Media Group in Mombasa County, calling for his immediate release on free bond. Mwita was detained by police in connection with information he reportedly shared via WhatsApp regarding criminal gangs…
At least 40 people have died and 115 others injured, many critically, after a fire swept through a bar in the popular Crans-Montana ski resort in southern Switzerland during New Year celebrations, authorities said. The blaze broke out at approximately 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) on New Year’s morning at…
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has begun compensation procedures for a 47-year-old farmer, Charles Otieno, who killed a python that attacked and killed his dog in Luoka, Ugunja Sub-County. Otieno confirmed that discussions with KWS officials and Sigomere police officers on January 1, 2026, concluded with the signing of a document…
Israel announced on Thursday that 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza had failed to meet newly imposed “security and transparency standards” and will be required to cease operations by March 1, 2026. The move has drawn international criticism and warnings from the United Nations that the ban could…
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Thursday reaffirmed the island’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and enhancing its military capabilities in response to increased pressure from China, following large-scale Chinese missile and naval exercises. In a New Year’s address broadcast live from the presidential office in Taipei, Lai emphasized that the…
On Thursday, Bulgaria became the 21st country to adopt the euro, nearly 20 years after joining the European Union, marking a historic shift from the lev, its national currency in use since the late 19th century. At midnight (2200 GMT Wednesday), Bulgarian euro coins were projected onto the central bank’s…
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, have submitted a formal petition calling for an increase in women’s restroom facilities within the National Diet building, citing improved female representation in parliament. The cross-party appeal highlights a practical challenge stemming from long-standing infrastructure that no longer reflects…