Japan's emperor and empress to make their first goodwill visit to Vietnam
The royal couple are expected to attend public events in Hanoi during the trip slated for early March.
Judge finds Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof competent to stand trial during his sentencing
In 2015, Roof opened fire on the church's congregation, killing 9 black parishioners.
Fire on Titanic before launch may have been a major cause of its sinking – new research
Rare photos suggest that the ship's hull may have been weakened by the blaze.
Playboy vice president of Equatorial Guinea goes on trial in Paris for embezzling $116m
The son of the country's despot is known for his jet-setting lifestyle and fondness for expensive cars.
Mariah Carey's team cries 'sabotage' after epic disaster during New Year's Eve performance
The singer reportedly complained time and again that her ear piece was not working properly.
Tony Abbott claims Australia's aid to Palestine pays 'pensions to terrorists'
He also opined that the Australian embassy should be moved to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
Anthony Hopkins turns 79: Top quotes from the Silence Of The Lambs and Westworld star
The Oscar-winning Welsh actor celebrates his birthday on 31 December.
China announces ban on ivory trade by the end of 2017
The high demand for ivory in the country has led to an increase in poaching of elephants in Africa.
Merkel defends open-door refugee policy, says Islamist terrorism is Germany's greatest threat
The chancellor said she plans to implement new security laws in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Berlin.
Benedict Cumberbatch says Sherlock becomes 'more of a human being' and 'less of a d**k' in series 4
The show's creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat also talk about the possibility of a fifth series.
Kellyanne Conway wonders if Obama's Russia sanctions were designed to 'box in' Donald Trump
The sanctions were in retaliation against alleged Russian cyberattacks that may have swayed the 2016 election.
Millions to enjoy a happy New Year as 19 US states decide to increase minimum wage
Massachusetts and Washington will offer the highest minimum wage in the country at $11 an hour.
Boko Haram leader releases new video dismissing claims that Nigerian army defeated them
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had said on Christmas Eve that the extremist group had been defeated.
China's Catholic Church vows to run independently and adhere to path of Sinicisation
Pope Francis has been attempting to improve relations between the Vatican and the Asian country.
After string of celebrity deaths, man starts crowdfunding campaign to protect Betty White from 2016
Twitter has come alive expressing concern for the safety of the beloved comedic actress.
Pakistan security forces blamed for close to 1,000 dumped bodies of activists found in Balochistan
For more than a decade, ethnic Baloch groups have been fighting against the government for greater autonomy.
More than 55,000 migrants opt to leave Germany voluntarily rather than be deported
The country also deported more than 25,000 migrants in 2016, most from the Western Balkans.
Duterte says he threw kidnapper out of a helicopter, threatens to do the same to corrupt officials
The president said the anti-corruption campaign would be just as much a priority as anti-drug operations.
Trump plans to write his own inaugural speech after being inspired by Ronald Reagan, John F Kennedy
The president-elect's team said that incoming White House advisor Stephen Miller would help with the speech.
Maggie Smith turns 82: Top quotes by the British veteran actor
Despite a celebrated stage career, Smith is best known for her onscreen roles.
Happy 94th birthday Stan Lee: Check out the top 10 cameos by the Marvel comic book icon
Lee has made appearances in almost all the Marvel hero films apart from the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot.
Delta Air Lines cancels $4bn order for 18 Boeing Dreamliner aircrafts
The company did not disclose the reason for scrapping the order.
Duterte government claims victory in war on drugs, says rising murder rate should be 'put in context'
Malacanang Palace spokesperson said that while murder rates have risen by 50%, index crime rates have dropped.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan turns 51: Top 5 crazy fan moments
Fondly known as 'bhai' (brother), Salman is considered the actor of the Indian masses.
Bollywood film Dangal wrestles its way to a record breaking worldwide opening for Aamir Khan
The Hindi-language sports film has grossed $30.9m in the first 4 days since its release.
Tupac's rap lyrics accidentally printed in Sri Lankan church's Christmas carol booklet
The song was mistakenly listed in place of the traditional Christian prayer.
Hillary Clinton refers to popular vote count in year-end message to supporters
The former secretary of state urged people to continue to work towards a 'fairer future' in her message.
22 Christians in Pakistan die after drinking toxic alcohol during Christmas celebrations
Over two dozen more are receiving treatment for alcohol poisoning.
Pope Francis calls Vatican bureaucracy's resistance to reforms 'inspired by the devil'
The pontiff stressed the need for more women and lay people to be accepted to positions in the Church.
US and New Zealand secure WTO ruling against Indonesia's trade restrictions
The restrictions made it difficult for foreign agricultural and meat products to be sold in the Asian country.
