Putin and Trump's envoy set for key Ukraine talks in Moscow
Steve Witkoff will hold talks at the Kremlin, after the White House said it was "optimistic" about a breakthrough.
US Navy commander ordered second Venezuela boat strike, White House says
The strike has raised fresh legality questions, but the White House insists a US Navy commander worked "within his authority and the law".
India tells smartphone makers to put state-run cyber safety app on new devices
India wants all smartphone makers to pre-install new devices with a state-owned cyber security app.
Honduras presidential candidates locked in 'technical tie', official says
Right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura leads former TV host Salvador Nasralla by just 515 votes, according to country's electoral authority.
Mangione in court as lawyers seek to rule out notebook, gun and other key evidence
A legal expert explains how the defence could stand to gain even if their longshot bid fails this week.
Hong Kong leader orders investigation into deadly fire that killed 151
The fire is the deadliest the city has seen in more than 70 years.
Italian town freezes Pavarotti statue knee-deep in Christmas ice rink, angering widow
The opera legend's widow said the town had made an "absurd decision" after it also encouraged skaters to high five the statue.
Appeals court disqualifies ex-Trump lawyer Alina Habba as New Jersey prosecutor
An appeals court disqualified Alina Habba, Trump's former personal attorney, from serving as US Attorney for New Jersey.
Death toll in Indonesia floods passes 600
Another 500 people are missing, while thousands more have been injured after a cyclone hit the region.
Shock in Cameroon as 74-year-old opposition firebrand dies in detention
Anicet Ekane's lawyer says the family was given little explanation - "his wife was just presented the corpse".
WW1 toxic compound sprayed on Georgian protesters, BBC evidence suggests
Anti-government demonstrators are likely to have been targeted with camite, our investigation finds.
Drug lord El Chapo's son pleads guilty in US drug trafficking case
Joaquín Guzmán López's guilty plea comes after US prosecutors pledged last May to not pursue the death penalty against him.
Dozens missing as deadly landslide hits two boats in Peru
Rescue efforts in Peru's central Ucayali region are being hindered by strong currents on the river, one official said.
Pastor and new bride abducted in latest Nigeria attacks
A church is raided in central Nigeria and a wedding party in the mostly Muslim north.
Trump releases fraudster executive days into prison sentence
The former investment manager was convicted of defrauding thousands of investors.
South African radio DJ among five charged over Russia recruitment plot
The group has been charged under a law which prohibits people from joining foreign armies.
MP Tulip Siddiq says Bangladesh jail term is 'unfair'
The MP, and niece of Bangladesh's ousted former leader, received a two-year sentence in her absence over corruption allegations.
More than 120,000 home cameras hacked for 'sexploitation' footage
The cameras were located in private homes, karaoke rooms, a Pilates studio and a gynaecologist's clinic.
Japanese 'One Piece' singer stopped mid-show after China-Japan feud
The sudden cancellation of Japanese events in Shanghai have sparked criticism and fanned nationalist sentiment.
Husband and wife accused of using spycam and earpieces to win almost £600k at Australian casino
The husband and wife are alleged to have used a range of devices - including earpieces - to cheat card games over a number of weeks.
Benjamin Netanyahu seeks pardon from Israel's president
He denies any wrongdoing in three ongoing trials over allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Dignitas founder dies by assisted suicide aged 92, group says
Ludwig Minelli founded the group in 1998, which has since helped thousands of people to die.
Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 146 as thousands pay respects
Authorities say they have completed searches of four of the seven towers as part of a criminal investigation.
Ukraine hits tankers in Black Sea in escalation against Russia
The two ships struck by drones were thought to be used to bypass Western sanctions on Russia.
Three children among four killed in shooting at children's birthday party in California
Officials say 11 others are injured in what they believe is a "targeted" shooting at a children's birthday party.
Venezuela condemns Trump airspace closure warning
The US says it is fighting drugs smuggling, but Venezuela says Donald Trump's aim is to topple President Nicolás Maduro.
More than 70,000 killed in Gaza since Israel offensive began, Hamas-run health ministry says
Two young brothers were among the latest killed - reportedly in an Israeli air strike as the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile.
Will Australia's social media ban actually work?
Australia is banning social media for everyone under the age 16 - here's everything you need to know in 60 seconds.
Devastating toxic spill seen as test of whether African countries will stand up to China
Chinese companies provide jobs and much needed revenue in Zambia, where the disaster took place.
Is the US preparing for war with Venezuela?
BBC Verify has tracked US assets in the Caribbean Sea, after military strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats.
'I saw them driving over injured people' - the terrifying escape from war in Sudan
The BBC visits a camp where people are taking refuge after the fall of el-Fasher city.
How Pope Leo transformed from 'quiet man' to vocal peace messenger on first foreign trip
We are learning a little more about how Pope Leo intends to carry out his duties, writes Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool.
Why 2026 will be a year like no other for India's Sun mission
For the first time Aditya-L1 will be able to watch the Sun in its maximum activity cycle.
Greek sheep and goat cull raises fears of feta cheese shortage
Livestock is being culled across the country due to an infectious disease outbreak.
Nigerian villagers 'too scared to speak' after hundreds of schoolchildren kidnapped
Parents of kidnapped children know where the bandits hide out, but are too scared to inform the authorities.
Drinking is a way of life in Ireland - can a warning label change that?
From sober curious to dedicated pint-lovers, 20-somethings tell us about their outlook on drinking.
Watch: Melania Trump reveals White House Christmas decorations
This year's theme is "Home Is Where the Heart Is" and features Lego portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington, and 3D-printed ornaments.
Will Australia's social media ban actually work?
Australia is banning social media for everyone under the age 16 - here's everything you need to know in 60 seconds.
Climate protesters in kayaks disrupt operations at Australian port
Dozens have been arrested during climate protests at one of the world's biggest coal export ports.
Watch: Moment huge fireball destroys Sydney waste facility
A large chemical tank was blown into the air by the inferno at North St Mary's in western Sydney, Australia.
Watch: Pope struggles to remove cloth covering plaque
It took several attemps for Pope Leo and church clergy to unveil a plaque covered by a white sheet at an Istanbul cathedral.
Video shows speed fire spreads in Hong Kong tower block
Footage geolocated by BBC Verify show the blaze taking hold in Wang Cheong House.
Scores killed as floods sweep several Asian nations
At least 80 people have died in Indonesia with another 56 dead in Sri Lanka in a week of extreme weather.
Watch: Dawn aerial footage reveals scale of Hong Kong apartment blaze
More than 800 firefighters were still tackling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court this morning.