Long-awaited EU-Mercosur trade pact set for signing
The European Union and South American bloc Mercosur are set to sign an agreement, more than 25 years in the making, to create one of the world's largest free trade areas. [Continue Reading]
BTS fans in Malaysia ecstatic over comeback concerts but fear scalpers
The announcement that BTS will return to Malaysia after more than a decade has sent K-pop fans into a frenzy, with many calling it a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The South Korean supergroup will stage two concerts in Kuala Lumpur on December 12 and 13, marking its first appearance in the country since 2015, when it performed its Red Bullet Tour at Mega Star Arena. This will also be BTS’ first-ever concert in Kuala Lumpur as its previous Malaysia performance was held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong, Shenzhen ‘to deepen’ ties in finance and AI to build world-class fintech hub
Hong Kong and Shenzhen can work closely to empower finance with artificial intelligence, delegates said on Thursday at the China Conference: Greater Bay Area, an event hosted by the South China Morning Post. Joseph Chan Ho-lim, undersecretary for Financial Services and the Treasury in the Hong Kong government, said Hong Kong and Shenzhen were seeking deeper cooperation between finance and technology. Chen said at the event in Qianhai, a bonded zone in Shenzhen, that Hong Kong, as a... [Continue Reading]
Musk’s Grok barred from undressing AI images after global backlash
Elon Musk’s platform X on Wednesday announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised photos of women and children. The announcement comes after California’s attorney general launched an investigation into Musk’s xAI - the developer of Grok - over the sexually explicit material and multiple countries either blocked access to the chatbot or launched their own probes. X said it will “geoblock the... [Continue Reading]
Games Inbox: Is the PS5 Pro console still worth getting?
The Thursday letters page wonders how a game as bad as Code Violet can come to be, as one reader muses on the surprisingly short glory years of Halo and Gears Of War. [Continue Reading]
Two Palestine Action protesters end 73-day hunger strike
The BBC understands that one of the protesters was taken to hospital earlier on Wednesday in a poor condition. [Continue Reading]
Trump’s 500% tariff push raises risk of India-US trade freeze
US President Donald Trump’s backing for a Senate bill that would allow tariffs of up to 500 per cent on goods from countries buying Russian oil has raised the prospect of a near-freeze in trade between India and its largest export market, as New Delhi continues to absorb steep US duties imposed last year. Trump last week gave the green light to the proposal, which targets any country that continues to buy Russian oil, petroleum products or uranium, a move seen as part of Washington’s effort to... [Continue Reading]
Why WA's controversial fishing ban has hit a nerve like no other
Western Australia's ban on demersal fishing has left fishers frustrated. Will the government be able to soften the blow for an angry industry? [Continue Reading]
NASA conducts first-ever medical evacuation from space station
NASA carried out its first medical evacuation from the International Space Station after an astronaut required care, bringing four crew members back to Earth earlier than planned. The early return temporarily reduces the station crew, limiting spacewalks until a replacement team arrives. [Continue Reading]
The junior tennis champ who beat Sinner and an AFL star to win $1m
Jordan Smith comes from a tennis-mad family in Sydney and is now a millionaire thanks to a couple of days' work at the Australian Open. [Continue Reading]
US Senate defeats war powers resolution designed to rein in Trump
Only three Republicans joined with Democrats to vote in favour of the resolution, resulting in a tie broken by JD Vance. [Continue Reading]
Boeing Knew About Flaws in UPS Plane That Crashed in Louisville, N.T.S.B. Says
In a report Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board said fractures that appeared to have led the left engine to separate from the plane’s wing had occurred at least four other times. [Continue Reading]
Stunned Albanese says Coalition ‘playing politics’ as Ley calls hate speech reforms ‘pretty unsalvageable’
Opposition leader says government took ‘a month to deliver this bad bill’ as Labor criticises Liberal ‘hypocrisy’ on proposed hate lawsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe opposition leader, Sussan Ley, has said the Albanese government’s proposed hate speech and anti-vilification legislation appears “pretty unsalvageable” and rejected suggestions of hypocrisy by the Coalition after weeks of calls for new laws to tackle antisemitism.After demanding parliament be immediately recalled in the wake of the Bondi beach terror attacks on 14 December, Ley on Thursday morning flagged the Coalition would... [Continue Reading]
Twenty one English councils ask for election delays
Nearly a third of eligible authorities have want to postpone local polls scheduled for May. [Continue Reading]
Portland man shot by Border Patrol pleads not guilty to assaulting agent
Luis David Nino-Moncada, shot the day after Renee Good was killed, denies using vehicle as weapon against officerA man shot and wounded by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration stop in Portland last week has plead not guilty to charges of aggravated assault against a federal officer and damaging federal property.Luis David Nino-Moncada, who was taken into custody after sustaining an injury in the arm from the shooting, was indicted on Tuesday and entered his plea on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Nino-Moncada, who is of Venezuelan descent, entered the US illegally and used his vehicle... [Continue Reading]
Adelaide festival apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah and invites her to participate in 2027 writers’ week
Apology comes as former Adelaide festival board member accuses Louise Adler of hypocrisy after she resigned citing free speech concernsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe new Adelaide Festival board has issued a public apology to Palestinian-Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah, and has promised she will be invited to Adelaide Writers’ Week in 2027.Abdel-Fattah immediately accepted the apology, posting on Instagram that it was a vindication “of our collective solidarity and mobilisation against anti-Palestinian racism, bullying and censorship”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation and tougher enforcement
Recent events in Hong Kong, particularly the tragic blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last November, have focused society’s attention on reforms to the legal system, especially those concerning building management and maintenance. Corruption and improper practices in the tendering process for large-scale building renovation or maintenance have also become a hot-button issue. In response, the government has established an independent committee to uncover the causes of the fire and examine... [Continue Reading]
Without pension reform, China is leaving its rural elderly out in the cold
“Rural heating problems in Hebei cannot wait any longer” declared a recent report in Farmers’ Daily. It described a disturbing reality in parts of northern China: elderly villagers who would rather shiver through freezing temperatures than turn on their heaters, because they simply cannot afford the cost. For many urban readers, this may sound implausible. For millions of rural elderly, it is routine. On the surface, the problem appears to be a side effect of China’s well-intentioned... [Continue Reading]
Calls for Legal Reforms Amidst Rising Climate Challenges
In light of profound legal gaps and shifting climate conditions, a coordinated effort is emerging to address civil rights violations and apartment living standards, especially in the context of rapidly increasing temperatures due to climate change. Recent experiences of residents and legal scholars alike underscore the need for urgent reforms. Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the University of California, Berkeley Law School, and Burt Neuborne, a professor emeritus at New York University, have highlighted a dire issue regarding the accountability of federal officers in the United States. They note that when federal agents violate a citizen's constitutional rights, such individuals... [Continue Reading]
Fire leaves Harcourt family searching for home in tight rental market
Four weeks after unpacking their last box, a Harcourt family fled fire with only their passports and clothes — and now face a difficult search for a new rental. [Continue Reading]
Chelsea Faces Defensive Challenges as Transfer Window Approaches
Chelsea FC must address its defensive shortcomings as the January transfer window approaches, according to former player Jamie Redknapp. After a narrow defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, where Arsenal triumphed 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, Redknapp emphasized the need for a new centre-back to bolster the team's backline. The match featured goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal, while Alejandro Garnacho scored twice for Chelsea, showcasing his potential in a team yearning for stability. Redknapp criticized the current centre-back pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, highlighting their lack of experience at the elite... [Continue Reading]
Trump prevails in US Senate showdown over Venezuela war powers
US President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign to unify his party behind his takeover of Venezuela succeeded Wednesday when all but three Senate Republicans voted to block a resolution opposing further military action in the country. US Vice-President J.D. Vance broke a tie vote in order to stop the resolution. The 51-50 vote followed fiery phone calls from Trump to Republican defectors who last week voted to advance the resolution. Trump’s success in flipping votes effectively ends one of the... [Continue Reading]
Trump praises 'terrific' new Venezuela leader after call
US President Donald Trump said he had held a "long call" with Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. [Continue Reading]
Political Pressure Mounts in Australia Amid Legislative Push
The recent political maneuvers in Australia have sparked intense debate and reflection among opposition leaders and lawmakers. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the parliament would convene for two days to pass crucial laws, the reaction from the opposition has demonstrated a mixture of criticism and regret. This upcoming session follows the tragic Bondi terror attack of December 14, which led to demands for a rapid response to issues of antisemitism and extremism. Initially, the Liberal Coalition was quick to criticize Albanese for not acting sooner, calling for immediate legislative action to address rising antisemitism and perceived threats to national... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine Faces Energy Crisis Amid Severe Winter and Russian Strikes
Ukraine is grappling with an energy emergency, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv, as Russian airstrikes continue to leave thousands without essential services. The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting to around -20°C overnight, have exacerbated the situation for many residents. Following a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a round-the-clock task force will be established to address the dire consequences stemming from both the ongoing strikes and the severe weather. He accused Russian forces of exploiting the harsh conditions to target Ukraine's critical infrastructure, particularly energy distribution facilities, energy plants, and heating systems. In recent weeks,... [Continue Reading]
What Voters Told Democrats About ICE, Rising Costs and Party Perceptions
In focus groups, swing voters gave Democratic politicians some tough feedback on the party. [Continue Reading]
SpaceX Capsule Returns Early from ISS Due to Medical Emergency
A SpaceX capsule, Crew Dragon, has completed an emergency undocking from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the first medical evacuation since the station's inception in 1998. Carrying four astronauts back to Earth, the return was necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of the crew members. This sudden extraction reflects the challenges faced in ensuring astronaut health during prolonged missions in microgravity. The Crew Dragon capsule departed the orbiting laboratory shortly after 9:20 AM AEDT (2220 GMT) and is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. The crew members include NASA... [Continue Reading]
Record crowds for Australian Open's 'Opening Week' but some fans left frustrated
The Australian Open has smashed attendance records in what is being marketed as "Opening Week", featuring fan events and qualifying matches, but the main draw does not start until Sunday. [Continue Reading]
'Heartbroken' farm workers chase $260,000 in unpaid wages
According to court documents, at least 20 workers are owed money for the work they did in late 2023 on Corrigan's Farm in south-east Melbourne, which experts say is part of a bigger problem that sees tens of millions in missing cash disappear into the black economy. [Continue Reading]
Artwork made more than 70 years ago rediscovered hidden in museum
An artwork drawn by a child of the Stolen Generations has been discovered after decades in the trunk of a regional museum. [Continue Reading]
Woman Killed by ICE Agent Seemed at Fault, N.Y. Republican Says
Bruce Blakeman, the likely Republican candidate for governor, said the killing of Renee Good was just one point of disagreement between him and Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat. [Continue Reading]
Four French Men Charged with High-Profile Burglary Appear in Court
The ACT Magistrates Court has heard a case involving four French nationals charged with aggravated burglary and theft, with the total value of allegedly stolen luxury items, including designer watches and jewellery, now contested. This high-profile case revolves around the theft of more than $10 million worth of luxury goods from a residence in Canberra. The defendants, identified as Ilyes Abdelkader, Mohamed Abdelkader, Mohamed Naimi, and Antoni Voisin, remain in custody following their arrest at a KFC restaurant in Sydney only four days after the crime. The case initially attracted attention due to the scale and intricacy of the alleged... [Continue Reading]
Jailed Chinese AI chatbot developers appeal in landmark pornography case
In a landmark case in China, two AI chatbot developers have appealed against their convictions on pornography charges over software that generated sexual content for paid users. The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court began on Wednesday hearing the appeal by the two defendants against an earlier decision by a lower court to sentence one of the developers to four years and the other to 1½ years in prison for “creating pornographic material for profit”. The hearing has been adjourned,... [Continue Reading]
China midwife accidentally severs baby’s middle finger, results in reattachment surgery
Social media in China has been shocked and outraged by a midwife who cut off a newborn baby’s finger when severing his umbilical cord during a caesarean section. The infant boy was born on the morning of December 25, at Xuyi County People’s Hospital in Jiangsu province, eastern China. Two hours later, his father was told by doctors that the child’s left middle finger had been snipped by accident during the surgery, the Red Star News reported. The baby then faced two hospital transfers before... [Continue Reading]
Cassette Boy review – Fez meets The Legend Of Zelda in a new indie charmer
A new Japanese indie game demonstrates a Schrödinger-inspired puzzle system where if you can’t see something it suddenly doesn’t exist. [Continue Reading]
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,421
These are the key developments from day 1,421 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Major new developments will need to be assessed on River Murray
Environmental protections along a huge stretch of the River Murray will be boosted, following a decision to officially list the area as "critically endangered", the federal government says. [Continue Reading]
After White House Meeting on Greenland, Trump Remains Unmoved
Denmark’s foreign minister left the White House complex saying that his country had a “fundamental disagreement” with President Trump, as several NATO countries sent troops to Greenland. [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Adelaide Festival Corporation apologises to author Randa Abdel-Fattah
The Adelaide Festival Corporation, which oversees Adelaide Writers' Week, has apologised to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and says she will be invited to speak at its next event in 2027. [Continue Reading]
Two French men to plead guilty over alleged $10m theft in Canberra
Lawyers say the value of the allegedly stolen luxury goods, including a $5 million Richard Mille watch, is disputed as the case returns to court. [Continue Reading]
US Senate kills resolution that would have limited Trump action in Venezuela
Republicans Josh Hawley and Todd Young flipped after receiving ‘assurances’ from Trump administrationUS politics live – latest updatesThe US Senate has voted against a war powers resolution that would have prevented Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without giving Congress advance notice.Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, who had joined three other Republicans to advance the resolution alongside Democrats last week, flipped after they said they received assurances from the Trump administration. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Sick astronaut starts journey to Earth from International Space Station
The Crew Dragon capsule has undocked from the International Space Station carrying four astronauts, one of whom has a "serious medical condition", and is on its way back to Earth. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran executions ‘stopping’ as Tehran signals fast trials and hangings
President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that executions in Iran may have been halted, citing unnamed sources, even as the Iranian government intensified warnings of rapid trials and possible executions for thousands of detainees amid ongoing protests. [Continue Reading]
X announces measures to block Grok from undressing images
Elon Musk's platform X announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised images of women and children. [Continue Reading]
FBI conducts raid on Washington Post reporter’s home, seizes electronics
Press freedom groups warn that the warrant to search reporter Hannah Natanson's home establishes a dangerous precedent. [Continue Reading]
Serial houseplant killer? Here's how to keep them alive
The three easiest plants to keep alive and how to make sure you keep them healthy all year round. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu leads Legco affluence list with 54 properties
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu owns 54 properties at home and overseas, more than any of the other 89 lawmakers, a review of their declaration of interests shows. But Chiu indicated that he is considering selling his properties in the West, citing geopolitical risks and his limited time for managing them. Chiu, the son of the late entrepreneur Deacon Chiu, represents the technology and innovation sector. He is among the five lawmakers who have declared ownership of more than 10 properties, and... [Continue Reading]
China-EU tariff agreement on EVs seen cutting shipments but boosting profitability
A requirement to set minimum prices for their cars in the European Union will reduce sales there for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, but higher profit margins will eventually improve their bottom lines and brand reputations, according to analysts and industry officials. Assemblers of Chinese pure-electric cars from BYD to Leapmotor will avoid a brutal discount war after European authorities accepted price undertakings to replace punitive anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent. Minimum... [Continue Reading]
Why the UAE has incurred the wrath of Somalia
The government in Mogadishu has accused the UAE of undermining its sovereignty. [Continue Reading]
Hearts 'underdogs by long shot' but still setting Premiership pace
If it seemed Hearts made a statement by winning with 10 men at Dundee on Sunday, they upped the ante against St Mirren four days later. [Continue Reading]