Had 'encounter' with Australian navy in South China Sea, says China

Australian Defence Dept confirmed about three ships but declined to comment on 'operational details related to transiting South China Sea'.

North, South Korea open hotline between leaders

The line links the presidential Blue House in Seoul with the Pyongyang office of the nuclear-armed North's State Affairs Commission.

More than 50 injured in train accident in Austria

Around 240 people were on board the two trains, which contain both seated and sleeping compartments.

Trump asks FBI to clarify he wasn't under investigation over Russia ties

It was revealed in memos written by former FBI Director James Comey about his interactions with the President, reported Fox News.

India demands legal action against flag desecration in UK during Modi’s visit

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the matter had been taken up with the UK government and had been regretted at the highest level.

Nepal’s international airport shut down after plane skids off runway

All flights have been cancelled since the accident with thousands of passengers waiting outside the terminal.

Pakistan rejects Modi’s remarks on surgical strikes as 'false, baseless'

In response to Modi’s comments on Pakistan exporting terrorism, Faisal claimed that it was the other way around.

Acid attack on 3 girls in Pakistan for rejecting marriage proposal

The girls suffered burns on their face and arms and were admitted to a hospital, according to police.

4 children among 6 killed in Afghanistan blast; 9 minors injured

The explosion happened near a mosque in Shindand district.

China bolstering army with new equipment to increase border control

Previous reports said guard rails have been set up along the border to prevent terrorists sneaking into China.

China defends Pakistan against Modi's 'terror export factory' remark

'Terrorism is enemy faced by all. The international community should work together to fight against it,' foreign ministry spokesperson said.

Cambodian man kills ex-wife then commits suicide live on Facebook

Ra Chhay Rath, 21, killed his ex-wife at school on Thursday then went to the nearby Tsubasa bridge and jumped into the Mekong river.

Couples caned in front of crowd for showing affection in public in Indonesia

Sharia police wanted to convict them of adultery, which would’ve resulted in a greater number of lashes, but lacked enough witnesses.

Japan to trial 'world's first urine test' to detect cancer

Engineering and IT conglomerate Hitachi developed the basic technology to detect breast or colon cancer from urine samples two years ago.

China cuts smog but health of millions already affected, suggests study

China faces about 1.6 million premature deaths a year as a result of air pollution, the US-based Health Effects Institute said in a report.

Iran responds to 3rd of protests with media blackout, ‘pay the price’ warnings

Videos shared on social media showed thousands marching in towns and cities throughout Iran overnight.

Indian nurse from Kerala jumps to death from hospital's rooftop in UAE

The woman, identified as Suja Singh from Kerala, jumped from Al Ain hospital's building on Sunday afternoon, the Gulf News reported.

Tax-free promiseland disappearing: UAE, Saudi to impose VAT from 2018

Along with higher education in UAE, VAT will apply to food, clothes, electronics, gasoline, phone, water, electricity bills, hotel bookings.

With an eye on UAE: Modi prepares for visit to boost ties

PM Modi will be in the UAE on February 10 and 11 and will address the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai.

Gunmen open fire outside Egypt church, kill 10, injure 8

Egypt's Coptic Christians has been targeted by Islamic terrorists in several attacks since last year that have killed over 100 people.

Trump reduces hurdles for military drone sales to allies majorly India

Trump has established new administration policy on the export of American-manufactured unmanned aerial systems, WH Press secy Sanders said.

US Senate narrowly confirms Bridenstine as NASA’s new chief

Jim Bridenstine, a congressman from Oklahoma, US Navy veteran and former pilot, was confirmed on a 50-49 vote.

Little history made in US: Senator brings first baby on floor during vote

The historic decision enabled young children of senators to be brought onto the floor of the chamber during votes.

British foreign office apologises after Indian flag burning incident

The incident took place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the Indian community at Westminster on Wednesday.

Alabama executes pipe bomb killer, 83, oldest inmate put to death since 2005

A group called Americans for a Competent Federal Judicial System claimed the attacks.

Muslim woman denied French citizenship for refusing to shake hands with officials

The government said her behaviour showed she was 'not assimilated into the French community'.

Queen 'sincerely wants' Prince Charles as heir, intervenes in succession plan

The post of Head of Commonwealth is not hereditary and will not pass automatically to the 69-year-old Prince of Wales on the Queen's death.

Modi in UK: PM meets May for bilateral talks on immigration, counter-terrorism

PM Narendra Modi also met Prince Charles at the London Science museum and is later expected to meet Queen Elizabeth.

Man suffers 'thunderclap' headaches after eating world's hottest chilli

The Carolina Reaper is a cross between Sweet Habanero and Naga Viper chillies and is known to be the hottest pepper on Earth.

Sending Hawking to space: Family, friends bid adieu at private funeral service

Tributes poured in from around the world upon Hawking’s death, from Queen Elizabeth II to NASA.

Even pets are treated better: Morocco's child maids suffer regular abuse

A study carried out in 2010 by non-governmental bodies reported that Morocco had between 66,000 and 80,000 domestic workers aged under 15.

19 killed in Boko Haram attacks in northern Nigeria city

Nigeria's government late last year declared that Boko Haram had been 'crushed' but deadly attacks continue. 

At least 13 killed, 9 missing in Kenya boat accident

The accident happened on Friday when a boat carrying 135 passengers collided with another carrying 63 people.

Boko Haram school attack: More than 100 girls are missing, possibly abducted

Parents in Dapchi, in Yobe state, said had they set up a support group after Monday’s raid.

Freed out of pity: Boko Haram returns abducted Nigerian schoolgirls

'We did it out of pity. And don’t ever put your daughters in school again,' Boko Haram extremists said after returning the girls.

6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea

Just two months ago, a 7.5 quake earthquake struck the same highlands area.

Around 1,500 people evacuated from Papua New Guinea after volcano eruption

After venting ash for several days, the volcano exploded on Friday, blasting out glowing red rocks and sulphur dioxide.

Tonga declares state of emergency as Cyclone Gita intensifies

Acting PM Semisi Sika issued nationwide alert, saying he was 'satisfied that an emergency is happening or about to happen in the kingdom'.

WikiLeaks working with Russia: Hillary Clinton on Trump 'bombshell' tape

The former Secretary of State raised the issue in relation to Harvey Weinstein scandal.

Australia's scandal-hit deputy PM Barnaby Joyce quits

Barnaby Joyce announced on Friday he was quitting and moving to the backbench amid claims of sexual harassment.