'No society is immune' to housing crisis, UN chief warns at World Urban Forum in Baku
António Guterres told the World Urban Forum in Baku that no country is immune from the housing crisis, as 40,000 delegates gathered for the second day of talks.
Lebanese president vows to 'do the impossible' to end war with Israel as strikes continue despite ceasefire
On Monday, the Lebanese health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since the start of the war had reached 3,020, with 211 people 18 and under and 116 healthcare workers among those killed.
Belarus stages nuclear drills with Russia as Kyiv warns of new offensive
Russia and Belarus conducted joint nuclear exercises on Monday as Kyiv warned Moscow was preparing a new offensive from Belarusian territory against Ukraine or NATO.
Teargas fired as protests erupt over rising fuel prices in Kenya
Police fired teargas at protesters in Nairobi as demonstrations broke out during a nationwide transport strike over soaring fuel prices and rising living costs.
UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack
The enigma surrounding Sunday’s unprecedented drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant deepened on Monday as the UAE said the drone came from its western border, but it did not accuse Iran.
Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 – Evening
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Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage
Tehran has launched a formal body to manage and charge ships for transit through the Strait of Hormuz in a highly-contested move as tankers pile up in the waterway and peace talks remain deadlocked.
Moment two fighter jets collide mid-air during US air show
Two fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show in Idaho, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground as crew members parachuted to safety.
Thousands gather for Trump-backed prayer rally in Washington
Thousands gather on Washington’s National Mall for a ‘Rededicate 250’ prayer rally mixing faith, patriotism and support for Donald Trump.
Iran heads to World Cup training camp in Turkey with no US visas issued
Iran’s national football team is flying to Turkey amid fears over visa approvals from the United States, with limited preparation and no top-tier friendly matches scheduled.
Iran calls for reconstruction support at World Urban Forum in Baku
Iran's deputy housing minister used the World Urban Forum in Baku to call for international support to rebuild 150,000 homes damaged in the war.
Fires and damaged buildings after massive Russian drone attack
Eighteen people were injured in Odesa after Russian drone strikes hit residential buildings overnight.
Cats in costumes and beauty contests draw crowds at expo
Thousands of cat lovers gathered at Cat Expo India in Mumbai, where visitors explored cat beauty contests, pet care products, grooming services, accessories and premium food brands alongside dozens of felines.
Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 – Midday
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Bodybuilders show off muscles at Southeast Asian championships
Myanmar hosts the Southeast Asian Bodybuilding Championships in Yangon, with athletes from eight countries competing from May 14 to 18.
Japan arrests US nationals after one entered enclosure at viral baby monkey Punch's zoo
The baby monkey became an internet star this year after the zoo posted photos of Punch clutching an IKEA plush orangutan for comfort after being rejected by his mother.
Watch: Bulgaria welcomes home Eurovision winner Dara with trophy
Eurovision winner Dara returned to Sofia to cheering fans after securing Bulgaria's first-ever victory at the song contest in Vienna.
North Korea's Kim calls on military to bolster frontline defences against 'arch enemy'
The plans come at a low point in relations with South Korea and Pyongyang unresponsive to Seoul's repeated offers for dialogue.
Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 – Morning
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Chelsea appoints ex-Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as manager on four-year deal
Alonso is widely regarded as one of the exciting new managerial talents in world football despite a short, unsuccessful and drama-filled spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, which ended by mutual consent in January.
Taiwan’s president defends US arms purchases that Trump called 'bargaining chip'
Trump’s calling of arms sales to Taiwan a “bargaining chip” has raised concerns on the self-governing island of a potential change in US foreign policy towards the territory after the US president’s latest visit to China.
Iran has responded to latest US peace proposal, foreign ministry official says
On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency said Washington had presented a five-point list, which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US.
World Urban Forum opens in Baku with warning on global housing divide
Ministers and experts opened the World Urban Forum in Baku on Sunday with stark warnings about the global housing divide, calling for international cooperation to tackle a growing crisis.
Latest news bulletin | May 17th, 2026 – Evening
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Turkic leaders drive their alliance towards an 'influential geopolitical power centre'
Turkic states' leaders have joined forces to advance digital and AI expansion projects in conjunction with their regional push for trade, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and regional connectivity developments to address the world's urgent "critical issues".
Drone strike sparks fire near UAE nuclear plant amid Iran ceasefire tension
A drone strike sparked a fire near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, officials say, with no injuries or radiation leak reported as regional tensions around the Iran ceasefire escalate.
Latest news bulletin | May 17th, 2026 – Midday
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Ebola outbreak is a global health emergency, WHO says
The World Health Organization said that it could be a "much larger" outbreak than what is currently being identified and reported but that is does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
Latest news bulletin | May 17th, 2026 – Morning
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Watch: Tears and confetti as Bulgaria's Dara lifts Eurovision trophy
Bulgarian singer Dara wins 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, beating 24 other countries to take the crown of the world's biggest live televised music show.
Eurovision final in Vienna overshadowed by protests over Israel’s participation
Hundreds protested in Vienna against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 as security was tightened around the Wiener Stadthalle before the grand final, amid tensions linked to the war in Gaza.
South Korea: Thousands watch robot monks march through Seoul’s historic streets
Four robot monks in traditional robes joined Seoul’s lantern parade ahead of Buddha’s birthday, symbolising Buddhism’s tech-savvy modernisation.
London on edge as Tommy Robinson backers and pro-Palestinian marchers rally
Tens of thousands of people joined rival London marches for Tommy Robinson and Palestine, as 4,000 officers used strict routes to avoid clashes and keep order.
Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 – Evening
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Putin to visit China days after Trump's Beijing trip, Kremlin says
Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will discuss ways to deepen their countries' "comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation," the Kremlin said.
Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 – Midday
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Trump's independence warning prompts response from Taiwan
Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement following Trump's comments that "Beijing has no right to claim jurisdiction over Taiwan."
Trump says 'most active terrorist in the world' killed in US-Nigerian operation
The "meticulously planned and very complex mission" eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the Islamic State group's second in command globally, Trump said.
Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 – Morning
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A call to stop the global housing crisis: World Urban Forum, why it matters?
More than 40,000 participants are set to gather in Baku for the UN's World Urban Forum as UN-Habitat warns that 3 billion people lack adequate housing and slum populations could triple by 2050.
Israel confirms Hamas armed wing chief killed in Gaza strike
The military said Haddad was “among the last senior commanders in Hamas’s military wing responsible for planning and carrying out the October 7th massacre.”
Israel and Lebanon extend their ceasefire by 45 days following talks in the US
The US State Department will hold negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent political agreement on the 2 and 3 June. Beforehand, the Pentagon is to bring together military delegations from the countries concerned on 29 May.
Latest news bulletin | May 15th, 2026 – Evening
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What is the 'Thucydides Trap' that Xi invoked in his meeting with Trump?
Xi Jinping opened his Beijing summit with Trump by asking whether the two powers could avoid the "Thucydides Trap" — then warned that mishandling Taiwan could lead to war.
Five Italians die in Maldives cave diving tragedy
Rescue teams in the Maldives continued recovery operations after the country’s deadliest diving accident killed five Italian divers.
Libya football riots spread to Tripoli as fans torch government building
Fans rioted after a disputed referee decision ended a Libyan league match in Tarhunah, with violence spreading to Tripoli where the Government of National Unity's headquarters was set on fire.
Funeral in Jabalia after Israeli strike hits Gaza wake despite ceasefire
Residents of Jabalia bury two Palestinians killed in an Israeli strike on a wake, as Gaza reports nearly 73,000 dead and truce violations persist.
Women's rights and demographics take centre stage at regional forum in Bukhara
Regional leaders and UN officials gathered in Bukhara to discuss how investing in women, education and demographic planning could shape long-term development across Asia.
Watch: Ukraine and Russia swap 205 prisoners each in major exchange deal
Ukraine and Russia swap 205 prisoners each in the first stage of a planned 1,000-for-1,000 exchange, mediated by the United Arab Emirates.
South Korea opens Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul with K-pop, AI shows and family fun
South Korea has opened the Galaxy Robot Park in Seoul, a robot-themed entertainment venue featuring humanoid boxing matches, K-pop dance shows and interactive AI attractions for children and families.