Taiwan and China will 'surely be reunified' says Xi in New Year's Eve address

The Chinese leader's New Year's Eve message comes just weeks ahead of Taiwan's crucial general election.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/47gkVV7

Disney's earliest Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter public domain as US copyright expires

Disney's copyright on the earliest version of the cartoon characters expires in the US on 1 January.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3vgOIzU

John Pilger: Campaigning Australian journalist dies

Throughout his career, the writer was a vocal critic of Western foreign policy.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41GpPcN

DR Congo election: Results due with President Felix Tshisekedi leading

The full results of DR Congo's elections are expected, with President Tshisekedi enjoying a huge lead.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3S1PloL

US warship in Red Sea shoots down two Houthi missiles from Yemen

Two destroyers responded to a distress call from a Danish ship hit by a missile from Yemen, US says.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RILwUX

North Korea says it will launch three new spy satellites in 2024

Setting out his aims for next year, Kim Jong Un also hardened his stance on unification with South Korea.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3vju1mS

Kai Zhuang: Police in Utah say Chinese exchange student kidnapped

Officers in Utah say they believe Kai Zhuang, 17, is being held against his will for ransom.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NLE5LT

Dominic Thiem's Brisbane International victory interrupted by poisonous snake on court

A poisonous snake interrupts play during Dominic Thiem's match against James McCabe at the Brisbane International.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3THSbld

Surf's up in California as massive waves crash Mavericks Beach

Professional surfers race to the famous Mavericks Beach to catch the biggest storm swells seen in years.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3tCgExv

Beachgoers swept away as huge wave crashes over wall in California

Eight people were injured as a rogue wave swamped people and vehicles in the city of Ventura.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48ugy9S

Ukraine war: Russian air strikes reported on Kharkiv and Lviv

Local officials report air attacks on the north-eastern city of Kharkiv and Lviv in the west.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RZNVvV

Mayday: China denies lip-sync investigation into Taiwan band is politically motivated

Reports allege Beijing asked Mayday to make pro-China comments and threatened the band when they refused.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3viIzmN

Teenage boy killed in Australia shark attack

His body was recovered from waters at a holiday and surfing hotspot in south Australia, police say.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3GWQuJ5

Moment Swat team tears open lorry to arrest driver on Texas motorway

Police had stopped the lorry, but the driver refused to get out of the vehicle.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41FNGcz

Israel Gaza war: Israeli minister warns Hezbollah over border fighting

Cross-border exchanges of fire have been escalating since Hamas's attacks on Israel on 7 October.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RYXvPR

Wolfgang Schäuble: Merkel's no-nonsense finance minister dies aged 81

Although never chancellor, Wolfgang Schäuble was one of Germany's most influential politicians.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3H0U19b

Israel issues alert after blast near embassy in India

Authorities say nobody was injured in the low-intensity explosion that took place in Delhi on Tuesday evening.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RW8rxz

Florida shooting: Mum fatally shot over Christmas present row

The 23-year-old mother was shot and killed by her teenage brother, according to the sheriff's office.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3O4KXnN

Apple seeks appeal after US allows smart watch import ban

Imports and sales of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches in the US have halted over a patent dispute.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NJmkfX

Maersk preparing to resume shipping through Red Sea

The announcement follows the deployment of an international military operation to prevent attacks on ships.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48u1ngV

Russia confirms damage to warship in Black Sea

The Ministry of Defence says the ship was struck by Ukrainian aircraft carrying guided missiles.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NIHR8K

Afghan couples marry in mass ceremony in bid to cut costs

Such wedding ceremonies are becoming more common as couples seek to save money.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3H1PSS8

Plane held over trafficking fears leaves France

The plane, carrying about 300 Indian nationals, had been grounded over suspected human trafficking.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3GUf90P

Pope: Free Israeli hostages and end the Gaza war

In a Christmas Day message, the pontiff pleads for an end to suffering of Israelis and Palestinians.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48v61LF

Serbia protests: Demonstrators throw rocks at Belgrade City Hall

Riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds protesting at alleged fraud in last week's general election.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41ABERL

Explosion at Indonesia nickel plant kills 13 staff

Dozens of others were injured at the Chinese-funded facility, after a flammable liquid ignited.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48uqKzh

Alabama mother: Joy as babies born to mum with rare double womb

Kelsey Hatcher has given birth in Alabama twice in two days - after a "one in a million" pregnancy.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RSRiVy

Guyana: UK to send warship to South America amid Venezuela tensions

HMS Trent will visit South America as a show of support for the former British colony, the BBC learns.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48pKzHS

Israel vows to continue 'difficult' military operation in Gaza

An Israeli army spokesman says fierce battles are raging at Hamas's new strongholds in the Gaza Strip.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48af19o

Alabama mother with rare double womb gives birth to two babies in two days

An Alabama woman gives birth to a pair of girls after a "one-in-a-million" dicavitary pregnancy.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RyDTAw

Christmas lights around the world's cities

From giant glowing figures in Colombia to spinning projections in Australia the world's cities are embracing Christmas.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41CeDOg

Israel pounds Gaza as UN calls for more aid

An overnight air strike reportedly kills 18 in one refugee camp while another is told to evacuate.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4avW9mQ

Czech Republic mourns victims of Prague university mass shooting

National mourning is being observed after the killing of 14 people at a university in Prague.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48qlNHN

China: Outrage over doctor punching patient during surgery

Authorities are probing an incident where a surgeon allegedly punched the patient he was operating on.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/487TVZk

India's top female wrestler quits over new sport's chief

Sanjay Singh is reportedly an aide of the former chief, who has been accused of sexual harassment.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RU2yRi

Japan: Corruption scandal threatens PM Kishida's government

A scandal over alleged kickbacks has again fuelled public anger at the country's long-ruling party.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/47fGy7T

France split over environmental effects of Christmas trees

The majority of the Christmas tree plantations in Burgundy rely on the use of chemical treatments.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48pLkAS

Australia: Moment house collapses in Perth wildfire

Residents in the Parkerville area of Perth were warned to leave the area, due to a threat to life.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RQpAbN

Social media platform X down for users globally

Users are unable to view posts on the social media site with a message that says"Welcome to X!"

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3TB4WxW

Biologists airlift deer for health check in Utah

Every year, around 1,200 deer are fitted with GPS monitors before being rereleased into the wild.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/489xxii

Death toll rises to at least 131 in Chinese quake

Chinese authorities say rescue operations are wrapping up in order to focus on helping survivors.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41sLrth

End of an era for electronics giant Toshiba

Scandal, near-bankruptcy and uncertainty have plagued the 148-year-old company for almost a decade.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41vjfWu

Kenya fines Carrefour franchise Majid al Futtaim $7m

The competition authority accuses the franchise holder forcing suppliers to accept lower prices.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41q8fKd

Fears of higher oil prices after Red Sea attacks

Analysts warn delays on the key trading route risk pushing up energy prices following missile strikes.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3tfC6Zf

Parliament winter session: India opposition fury as 78 MPs suspended in a day

Overall, 92 opposition MPs have been suspended this parliament session after protests over a security breach.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3tnobjK

EU takes action against Elon Musk's X over disinformation

The EU says it is launching "formal enforcement proceedings" against the social media platform.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3v4tpBl

Twitch U-turns on 'artistic nudity' policy

A flood of AI-generated nudity prompts the streaming giant to abandon new rules after just two days.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3v3FE17

Biden ushered to safety after car crashes into motorcade

US Secret Service staff rush the president into his car after the accident in Delaware.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3TqzSAD

Chileans vote not to replace Pinochet-era constitution

The new constitution would have affected areas including abortions, strike action and indigenous rights.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41taZXh

UK MP says family trapped in church complex amid sniper fire

Layla Moran tells the BBC her relatives are trapped in a church complex as Israeli forces operate nearby.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3Nxr6NE

Three dead after historic Kairouan walls collapse

The stonemasons died while carrying out repairs on the Unesco World Heritage site.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RMG8lg

Notre-Dame Cathedral spire gets new rooster weathervane ahead of 2024 reopening

The rooster - a French national symbol - replaces one damaged in the fire that ravaged the cathedral in 2019.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3TsDKkT

Hostage shooting incident 'against rules of engagement', IDF says

Three hostages were mistakenly killed in Gaza on Friday by Israeli troops in an area of intense fighting.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/470IvFs

Samer Abu Daqqa: Al Jazeera cameraman killed in Gaza drone strike

Samer Abu Daqqa died of wounds after a drone strike while working for Al Jazeera at a school.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RofD4c

Kuwaiti leader Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed dies aged 86

Sheikh Emir Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah had led the country for the last three years.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4aqBKiQ

Coral islands in Australia at risk of disappearing

The disappearance of the islands could affect Australia's maritime borders, a study says.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uW8CQi

Beijing subway crash leaves 102 with broken bones

The impact of the collision, which occurred during heavy snowfall, caused some carriages to detach.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48gp4cH

Taliban sending abused Afghan women to prison - UN

The Taliban says it's done for their "protection", but the UN says it is harmful to the survivors.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4alFzpC

India parliament: Key suspect arrested in security breach case

Lalit Jha surrendered to police a day after two intruders yelled slogans and set off smoke in parliament.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48dlPma

How Israel jails hundreds of Palestinians without charge

Human rights groups say Israel is abusing a security law inherited from the British to strip due process.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RgsoO4

Australian woman charged with stealing van carrying 10,000 doughnuts

It is unclear if the 28-year-old knew the van she is alleged to have stolen contained 10,000 doughnuts.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4anJNNF

Parliament breach: India home ministry opens investigation as opposition protests

Opposition lawmakers have criticised Narendra Modi's government over the security lapse.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RKyaZW

Japan: Four cabinet ministers quit over fundraising scandal

It is yet another blow for Fumio Kishida's government, whose approval ratings have plunged to a record low.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41iWvsR

India parliament: Security scare for MPs on attack anniversary

Lawmakers say two men jumped from the visitors' gallery into the chamber and sprayed a colourful gas.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/48gCNjw

Thai MP jailed for posts insulting the monarchy

Rights groups say round 260 charges have been filed under the lese-majeste law since the 2020 protests.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NqHMWS

Argentina peso: Milei begins 'shock therapy' by devaluing currency

The South American nation's new government is trying to tackle its worst crisis in decades.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uWSLkz

Usman Khawaja: Cricket Australia warns batter against making Gaza message

The Australian batter had planned to wear shoes bearing the words "all lives are equal" during a Test.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3tosB9T

Jack Teixeira: US Air Force punishes 15 officers over top secret leaks

A report says Jack Teixeira's supervisors failed to take action despite "questionable activity".

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/46PVRnD

US toy giant Hasbro making more job cuts

The maker of Transformers action figures and Monopoly will lay off about 1,100 workers globally - close to 20% of its staff.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3GKEgCV

Sikkim: Satellite images show devastating Himalayan floods

Before and after photos reveal the destruction caused by flash floods in India's Sikkim state in October.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uNDr9O

Israel-Gaza: The status quo is smashed. The future is messy and dangerous

Even when the war between Israel and Hamas ends, there is no easy future, the BBC's Jeremy Bowen says.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RbZej4

Article 370: Supreme Court to deliver verdict on Kashmir's special status

In August 2019, the BJP-led government had stripped the state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41fyt1E

Smile Direct Club dentistry aligners firm shuts down

Best known for selling clear aligners remotely, it has shut down months after filing for bankruptcy.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NhPK4L

Explosion and fireball seen as storm sweeps through Tennessee

Tornadoes battering Tennessee leave thousands of people without power.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RjnhMW

Alex Jones: Conspiracy theorist set to return to X after Elon Musk poll

The conspiracy theorist was banned from Twitter - now X - but its owner signals he can be reinstated.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41hlfSf

Tennessee: At least six dead as tornadoes rip through state

Severe storms brought devastation to parts of the southern US state on Saturday.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3Th8Sn4

First look at McDonald's new restaurant CosMc's

The chain, opening its first location in Illinois this week, will offer coffee and other specialty drinks.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/46Sg0JY

AI: EU agrees landmark deal on regulation of artificial intelligence

The proposed rules cover the use of AI in systems like ChatGPT and by law enforcement.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/476zjPX

Hunter Biden says Republicans 'trying to kill me' to hurt president

The president's legally embattled son says his father's critics want him to relapse on drugs.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3Tcx4Hn

Israel Gaza: Palestinians mourn controversial writer killed in air strike

Writer and literary scholar Refaat Alareer was killed in an air strike on Wednesday, his family say.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/47JyqxC

Rivals attack Haley and other GOP debate takeaways

Time is running out for DeSantis, Christie, and Ramaswamy to break away from the pack

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/485yszD

Republican candidates largely duck Trump attacks in final debate

Only former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie sought to attack the Republican frontrunner.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3t7Y8wJ

Wieambilla shootings: US arrests man over Australian religious terror attack

The 58-year-old is being probed over a rural Queensland shooting ambush last December that left six dead.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NfZtID

UAE extradites British trader Sanjay Shah to Denmark

The money Danish authorities are seeking to recoup over fraud charges amounts to nearly 0.5% of the country's entire GDP.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3Tg2Umv

Blackpink sign new contract ensuring K-pop group will stay together

The K-pop girl band have been negotiating terms with YG Entertainment for months.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3NevvF1

Watch: Maori MP performs haka before swearing oath to King

Rawiri Waititim, an advocate for Maori rights, broke protocol as he was inducted into New Zealand's parliament.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uLl1qt

World Mullet Championships: Army doctor wins in Australia

Army GP Alastair Bush wins the international category at the World Mullet Championships in Australia.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uKCIGr

Spread of gang violence wrecks Sweden's peaceful image

Several passers-by are among those killed in gangland shootings and bombings beyond the big cities.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41okCqd

Ukraine war: Soldier tells BBC of front-line 'hell'

A Ukrainian soldier on the east side of the Dnipro river tells the BBC about life on the front line.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4a1Osod

Essequibo: Venezuelans vote to claim Guyana-controlled oil region

Over 95% of voters approve a territorial claim to oil-rich Essequibo, electoral officials say.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/4ahZFRR

Mount Marapi eruption: Indonesia volcano spews ash 3km into sky

Sped-up footage shows a huge tower of ash rising into the air as 11 hikers are found dead.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uJOh0E

Video 'shows armed police approach Paris suspect'

Video posted on social media shows a man dressed in black who appears to be carrying a knife.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3RrepGo

Nelson Mandela's granddaughter slams "climate apartheid" by rich nations

Social activist Ndileka Mandela says "the global north is using economic and legal power to subjugate poor nations".

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/482fRo4

Philippines accuses China of swarming reef in South China Sea

The coast guard said the growing numbers of Chinese military boats in the area was "alarming".

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3GsTJYm

'A very desperate situation for the population of Gaza'

The BBC's Hugo Bachega describes the situation in the south as Israel's bombardment continues.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/3uG3L5V

Ex-gang member charged with stabbing Derek Chauvin 22 times

The prisoner allegedly said he attacked Chauvin on Black Friday as a symbolic link to Black Lives Matter.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/47GnYqC

'Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!' - Home Alone actor gets Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Macaulay Culkin unveils his Hollywood star and says the honour is meaningful to him as a father.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/41caVLd

Watch: Musk attempts Cybertruck window stunt again

The pickup truck - Tesla’s latest offering - had its windows smashed during a demonstration in 2019.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/49YPvVT

Israel-Gaza war: Explosions heard and smoke rises as combat resumes

Video shows plumes of smoke rising from Gaza City, Rafah and Khan Younis after pause in fighting ends.

from BBC News - World https://bbc.in/47Ck9mt