US Secretary of State John Kerry apologises to gay employees for discriminatory firings
'I apologize to those who were impacted by the practices of the past,' said Kerry.
Thai officials convicted of graft might face death penalty under new proposal
Analysts say such a stern punishment for graft is another way for the ruling junta to control its opponents.
Former UN chief concerned over Iran's possible violation of arms embargo, says report
Ban Ki-moon in the second bi-annual report said Tehran might have supplied weapons to Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah.
Four inmates dead after another round of rioting in Brazilian jail
Officials at the Raimundo Vidal Pessoa prison said three of the inmates were decapitated.
At least 6,000 more workers fired under emergency rule in Turkey
The emergency was extended on 3 January following the Istanbul nightclub massacre.
California becomes the first state in US to pay for gender-reassignment surgery of a prison inmate
Shiloh Quine, who is serving life imprisonment, underwent the surgery on 5 January.
Charleston church shooting: Jury to decide Dylann Roof's fate next week
Roof, 22, is accused of killing nine black parishioners in Charleston in June 2015.
One of the masterminds of Dhaka cafe attack found dead, says Bangladesh police
Bodies of Nurul Islam Marzan and another suspected extremist were found in Dhaka's Rayer Bazar.
Israeli police question PM Benjamin Netanyahu for second time over corruption claims
Netanyahu was investigated for allegedly accepting 'improper gifts' worth thousands of dollars from businessmen.
Four Guantanamo inmates from Yemen reach Saudi Arabia amid Trump's objection
The Pentagon said there are 55 inmates in the military detention centre in Cuba.
Myanmar accused of covering up Rohingya Muslim 'genocide' and abuse in anti-terror operations
Human rights groups slam government report on treatment of Rohingya Muslims in terror crackdown.
South Korea's Constitutional Court starts President Park Geun-hye's impeachment trial
Park was impeached on 9 December after 234 lawmakers voted against her.
Canadian woman wins $4m lottery with numbers she dreamt of in 1989
The win is an incentive for the cancer stricken woman, who has had to sell her home to fund her treatment.
Colombia asks UN to safeguard neutrality after video of officials dancing with Farc rebels leaked
Maria Emma Mejia, Colombia's ambassador to the UN, said the film was a source of 'great worry and surprise'.
State of emergency extended in Turkey following Isis nightclub massacre
Under the emergency rule, security forces can arrest terror suspects for up to 30 days without charges.
North Dakota governor advises pipeline protesters to vacate ahead of possible March flooding
The site of the $3.7bn project was the scene of demonstrations by Native Americans and environmentalists.
Former Chinese drug regulatory official jailed for accepting bribes from vaccine companies – report
Yin Hongzhang was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined 500,000 yuan.
Russia seeks maritime drills with Philippines, sends two warships to Manila
Russian warships Admiral Tributs and Boris Butoma arrived on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit.
Hong Kong's former leader Donald Tsang denies allegations of bribery related to China penthouse
The graft charges that Tsang currently faces were allegedly committed between 2010 and 2012.
South Korea to proceed with extradition of Park Geun-hye aide's daughter
Chung Yoo-ra was arrested for staying illegally in Denmark.
Myanmar authorities to investigate video showing police atrocities on Rohingya Muslims
Heads of security forces had previously stated that armed personnel were following the rule of law.
Japan Emperor Akihito in his possible last appearance as ruler wishes for peace in New Year address
This was the emperor's first address since he announced his possible retirement in August 2016.
Nobody is allowed to use Hong Kong as a subversion base against mainland China, Beijing warns
However, a top official said China would not interfere in matters that purely affect Hong Kong's autonomy.
First school for transgender pupils opens in Indian state of Kerala
More than 2 million transgender people live in India.
Iraq: At least 28 people killed as two bombs strike Baghdad market
54 others have also been injured in the attack at a busy market in central Al Sinak neighbourhood.
Outgoing UN head Ban Ki-moon bids adieu to colleagues
Ban described his two-term period at the helm of the global body as something of a fairy tale.
Australian pub apologises following backlash over suggestive banners used to promote 'frat party'
The Brass Monkey Hotel drew criticism for putting up messages like, 'You teach her morals, we'll teach her oral'.
China formally accuses former senior official responsible for Taiwan affairs of bribery
Gong Qinggai was put under investigation by the ruling Communist Party in January.
Poland buys famous art collection with a Leonardo da Vinci painting at bargain price
The collection was acquired for €100m despite being estimated at about €2bn.
South Korea's special prosecutor team seeks warrant to arrest pension fund chief
Moon Hyung-pyo is under emergency detention on charges of abuse of power.
