Japan police chief to quit over Abe death
Japan's National Police Agency chief says he will resign to take responsibility for the murder of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, citing the need for a "fresh start" for the organisation.
International News
Global COVID-19 deaths drop 15 pct: WHO
The number of coronavirus deaths reported worldwide fell by 15 per cent in the past week while new infections dropped by nine per cent, the World Health Organisation says.
Fighting erupts in Ethiopia’s Tigray area
Fighting between forces from Ethiopia's rebellious northern region of Tigray and central government forces has erupted around the town of Kobo, residents and both sides say, ending a months-long ceasefire.
Pakistan govt steps up pressure on Khan
The Pakistan government has stepped up pressure on former prime minister Imran Khan, with an Islamabad court poised to launch contempt proceedings over his verbal threats to a judge at a weekend rally.
Kyiv scraps national day amid Russia fears
Ukraine's capital Kyiv has banned public celebrations commemorating independence from Soviet rule, citing a heightened threat of Russian attack in a war the United Nations says has killed nearly 5600 civilians, including many children.
Imran Khan handed Pakistan terror charges
Pakistan police have filed terrorism charges against former prime minister Imran Khan, escalating political tensions in the country as the ousted premier holds mass rallies seeking a return to office.
Zelenskiy voices Ukraine national day fear
Volodymyr Zelenskiy has warned Ukrainians to be vigilant in the coming week as they prepare to celebrate their independence day, after fresh blasts hit Crimea and a missile wounded 12 civilians near a nuclear power plant.
NZ Labour renegade labels Ardern a liar
Jacinda Ardern is refusing to blink in a steely stand-off with a mutineer Labour MP who accuses her of lying and covering up a culture of bullying in her government.
Ukraine forces say fighting ‘deadlocked’
Ukrainian forces say they have beaten back a Russian attack in the southern region of Kherson, while shelling by Kremlin forces in Kharkiv in Ukraine's north killed seven people as the near six-month war grinds on with no let up in fighting.
Wuhan lab leak theory is dead says COVID academic
The Huanan market was the pandemic epicentre. From its origin there, the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly spread to other locations in Wuhan in early 2020 and then to the rest of the world.
Ukraine targets Russians at nuclear plant
Russians who shoot at or from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant are making themselves a target for the Ukraine army, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says.
More US politicians arrive in Taiwan
Five American lawmakers are visiting Taiwan nearly two weeks after a visit by Speaker Nancy Pelosi prompted an angry response from China.
Russian forces pound Ukraine’s Donetsk
Ukraine's armed forces are reporting Russian shelling of more than a dozen towns on the southern front.
Dozens die in fire at Egypt church
At least 41 people are dead and 14 others injured after a fire ripped through a church in Cairo.
Ukraine nuclear plant needs protection -UN
As Ukraine and Russia blame each other for shelling near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the UN calls for all military action around the plant to cease.
Aussie detained in Myanmar testifies
Australian academic being tried with ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi testifies in court for the first time.
Images show devastation at Crimea air base
Pictures released by an independent satellite firm show three near-identical craters that precisely struck buildings at Russia's Saki air base in Crimea.
Race to save Antarctica’s sleeping giant
The world's largest ice sheet is called a 'sleeping giant' for good reason and Australian scientists say the race is on to prevent a horrible awakening.
Russia accused of using ‘nuclear shield’
At least 13 people have been killed in a rocket attack on a town near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukraine authorities say.
Russia ‘using nuclear plant for attacks’
Russia has been accused of using a captured nuclear plant as a shield for launching attacks, while China has backed the rationale behind the Ukraine invasion.
Marape government confirmed after PNG poll
Papua New Guinea's national elections have delivered a win for James Marape, who will lead a coalition of at least 17 parties in government.
Moscow steps up assault in east Ukraine
Russia pressed on with a fierce military offensive in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv called for a travel ban on Russians.
Alarm over Ukraine power plant attacks
Ukraine and Russia are blaming each other for the shelling of a nuclear power plant, which has sparked global alarm and been branded "suicidal" by the UN chief.
Israel, Palestinians set for Gaza truce
A ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants has taken effect in a bid to end three days of violence that has killed dozens of Palestinians.
Ukraine nuclear power plant shelled again
Ukraine says Europe's largest nuclear power plant has again been hit with shelling as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy rails against "Russian nuclear terror".
Russian offensive pressures Ukraine’s east
Ukraine says a Russian push in the east looks like an attempt to force it to divert troops as Amnesty criticised Ukraine for basing troops in residential areas.
Russia must not win in Ukraine: NATO chief
The head of the NATO military alliance has said Russia must not be allowed victory in what he called the most dangerous moment for Europe since World War II.
Global cases dip, Germany plans measures
Parts of a Chinese city have been locked down as German officials announced new measures for later in the year to deal with COVID-19.
Azerbaijan says Armenian attack crushed
Russia's government says the situation in and around the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating amid clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Iraq parliament sit-in will continue: Sadr
Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has urged his supporters to continue their sit-in at parliament until demands for early elections are met.
Iran, US, EU envoys eye new nuclear talks
Iran's top nuclear negotiator and a senior US envoy will travel to Vienna this week for talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear pact, officials say.