Annus horribilis II? UK’s Queen Elizabeth will reflect on another tough year
When Britain’s Queen Elizabeth addresses her nation on Christmas Day it will mark the end of one of the most difficult years of her long reign.
Sydney trims Christmas tree with bushfire debris in poignant reminder
A Christmas tree made from charred branches and other bushfire debris has been put up in Sydney’s central business district in a poignant reminder of deadly wildfires that have ravaged much of Australia.
Norway PM Solberg to change cabinet line-up
Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will announce changes to the composition of her center-right coalition cabinet at 1045 GMT, her office said in a statement on Wednesday.
Indian court refuses to stop implementation of citizenship law
India’s Supreme Court turned down a plea on Wednesday to stop the implementation of a new citizenship law based on religion that has set off violent protests in the country, but said it would hold hearings next month on the sweeping measure.
Seoul, Washington fail to agree on cost of U.S. troops as deal set to expire
South Korea and the United States failed on Wednesday to reach an agreement over Seoul’s contribution towards hosting some 28,500 U.S. troops, ending two days of talks that were the last before their existing deal expires on Dec. 31.
Blair tells Britain’s Labour: change or face dustbin of history
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Labour’s most successful election winner, on Wednesday urged moderates in the party to grab back control from leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose brand of “quasi-revolutionary socialism” had failed.
Hong Kong soccer fans jeer anthem ahead of China match
Hong Kong football fans greeted the Chinese national anthem with jeers on Wednesday before their team’s clash with China at a tournament in Busan as the political turmoil that has gripped the former British colony spilled over to the sports world.
Car crash, rifts, and scandal: A tough year for the British royals
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth will deliver her Christmas Day address to Britons next week after a tumultuous year for her royal family.
Blair tells UK Labour: Overturn Corbyn’s ‘quasi-revolutionary socialism’
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Wednesday urged moderates in the opposition Labour Party to grab back control from outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn whom he said personified a brand of “quasi-revolutionary socialism” that had failed.
India court dismisses appeal against death penalty over 2012 bus rape
India’s top court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal against the death penalty by one of four men convicted of gang-raping and murdering a woman on a bus in New Delhi, saying it found no reason to review the sentence.
