Shiites carrying a placard with an image of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr at a protest in Srinagar, in the disputed region of Kashmir, on Saturday. Credit Dar Yasin/Associated Press

Saudi Arabia breaks off Diplomatic ties with Iran over cleric’s execution

Tensions sparked by cleric’s execution raise alarm about growing hostilities in regional battle for influence between two countries Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran as tensions between the two long-time regional... Read more »
People work on the outer wall of a house that collapsed in an earthquake in Imphal. Photograph: Yurreipem Arthur/AP

Six killed, over 100 injured as 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit northeast India

At least six people were killed and over 100 injured as a strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit India’s Manipur region today, causing damage to buildings and triggering panic. The U.S. Geological Survey said... Read more »

Health, Tech, Management top list as Best Jobs for 2016

While many people make promises to eat better or exercise more in new year, others look to land a new job or switch careers. If the latest jobs report is any indication,... Read more »

Pakistan Army Chief vows to eliminate Terrorism-Corruption nexus in 2016

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that that nexus of terrorism, crime and corruption will be completely eliminated from the country this year. GWADAR (Pakistan) – Army... Read more »
The British prime minister visited York last week to meet flood relief workers

British PM announces £40m package to bolster flood defences

UK flooding: Government faces calls to overhaul flood defences in showdown talks with key groups Flood defences “overwhelmed” by recent record rainfall will be fixed and bolstered in a £40m package of... Read more »
Firefighters arrive at the scene of the Saudi Arabian embassy which was torched by members of an angry mob in Tehran. Photo: EPA

Angry Iranian protesters ransack and torch Saudi Embassy after mass execution

Iran leader sees ‘divine vengeance’ for Saudi cleric execution Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in Tehran early on Sunday as Shi’ite Muslim Iran reacted with fury to Saudi Arabia’s execution of... Read more »

With 348 deaths, NSW recorded worst road toll in 3 years

Speed is still the biggest killer on the state’s roads as NSW recorded its worst road toll in three years. By Han Nguyen (SMH) There were 348 deaths on the roads in... Read more »

Saudi Arabia executes 47 for ‘terrorism’, including top Shia cleric

Region anger was growing tonight after Saudi Arabia announced the execution of 47 prisoners accused of terrorism charges, including a Muslim Shi’ite cleric RIYADH: Saudi Arabia executed 47 people on Saturday for... Read more »

Derby delight: Record crowd at MCG for Melbourne derby

A huge crowd in excess of 80,000 turned out to the MCG for the Melbourne derby The highly-anticipated local derby between Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades at the MCG has smashed the... Read more »

Has The Force Awakens changed Star Wars forever?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been a hit with audiences and is already one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. It features great visuals, snappy dialogue, and a likeable cast... Read more »

‘Undocumented’ Irish population growing in Australia

Around 400 Irish citizens were “returned or removed” from Australia for violating the conditions of their visa in the 12 months By Ciara Kenny (Irish Times) The number of Irish citizens on... Read more »

Bikers don’t have to worry about riding in rain now

Nothing ruins a bike commute more than a rain shower. To solve this problem, the Amsterdam-based bike design company Vanmoof designed a poncho that keeps riders dry, even in snow or a downpour. Called the Boncho,... Read more »
Fire engulfs Dubai's luxury Hotel

Fire engulfs Dubai’s luxury Hotel, forcing New Year’s crowd to evacuate

A fire broke out Thursday night at the high-end Address hotel in downtown Dubai, the government of the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city said. DUBAI, (United Arab Emirates) — A 63-story... Read more »
Fireworks lit up the sky in Sydney

New Year 2016: Australia and New Zealand lit up with stunning fireworks

Australians have ushered in the new year, with hundreds of thousands of people gathering for fireworks displays around the country. Australia and New Zealand were one of the first countries to welcome... Read more »

Hainan becomes Sydney’s sixth new airline for 2015

Hainan Airlines has returned to Sydney for the first time since 2012 with the inaugural direct seasonal service from Xi’an touching down at Sydney Airport on Thursday morning. Hainan launched flights to Sydney in January... Read more »
A specially choreographed Welcome to Country will be projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s pylons tonight as the bridge turns into a giant Aboriginal flag.

Australia’s 2016 New Year Fest to celebrate its Aboriginal connection and culture

The connection between Indigenous people and the land will be celebrated as part of this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney. Red fireworks will cascade from the Harbour Bridge pylons while... Read more »

New Year 2016: Your guide to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane celebrations

Australians are preparing to ring in the New Year this evening, with fireworks, family-friendly extravaganza and major celebrations planned for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. While some eager beavers have already set up... Read more »

More than 60 sharks sighted in NSW in last 48 hours

More than 60 sharks have been spotted near popular swimming spots on the New South Wales coast over the past two days. Swimmers were kept out of the water at Jervis Bay... Read more »

Australia and New Zealand dollar forecasts for 2016

Risks include the weather, the global scene, low export prices and deteriorating structural metrics, but there are reasons for cautious optimism too By Precious Silva (IBTimes) Analysts remain mixed on how the... Read more »

Iranian Revolutionary Guards fired rockets near U.S. warships in Gulf

Iranian Revolutionary Guards launched rockets near the U.S. aircraft-carrier Harry S. Truman and other warships as they were entering the Gulf on Saturday, giving only brief notice in a “highly provocative” act,... Read more »

Tens of Thousands Flee over Worst Floods in Paraguay

With further rain looming, more families abandoned their homes in Paraguay, the country hardest hit by the worst flooding in decades in the area bordering Uruguay and Argentina, which has already forced... Read more »
Firefighters at the crash scene on the corner of Barkly and Gordon streets. Photo Source:News Corp Australia

Man dies, woman injured, as Footscray explosion triggers crash with five cars

Police say an oxyacetylene cylinder may have exploded, causing nearby buildings’ windows to blow out and scattering debris in Footscray. One man has died after an explosion in the truck he was... Read more »
Jamie Briggs announces his resignation as a Turnbull Government minister in Adelaide. Source: News Corp Australia

Jamie Briggs, South Australian Liberal resigns as minister over Hong Kong incident

Australian Federal minister steps down suddenly after public servant complained about his behavior, as PM also announces Mal Brough to stand aside “pending the completion of inquiries by the police”. The Turnbull... Read more »
A surfer gets into the Christmas spirit at Bondi Beach. AAP: Paul Miller

Australians hit the beach, fire up barbecues to celebrate holiday

As temperatures across the country continue to rise, Australians are heading outside, hitting the beach and firing up the barbecue to celebrate Christmas. While temperatures around the country soar, revellers are not letting... Read more »