New Zealanders are entitled to a minimum four weeks paid annual leave each year, but often choose to take most or all of their leave over summer and the Christmas period, leaving little room for rest throughout the year, and causing lower productivity levels in weeks before and after the break.


New Zealand: Experts link country's low productivity to holiday culture

Cambodia Releases Footage Showing Bridge Damage Amid Thailand Border Fighting


Handout footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard shows a China Coast Guard vessel firing water cannons at a Filipino fishing boat near Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea.

China Coast Guard Fires Water Cannon at Filipino Fishing Boat 

Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misusing authority, and causing wrongful loss.


Pakistan: Ex-ISI Chief Hameed Sentenced, Linked to Imran Khan

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in southern Brazil with the unearthing of a 2.5 cm skull belonging to a newborn prehistoric reptile, identified as part of the ancient species Gondwanax paraisensis. The fossil, dating back around 237 million years, is one of the oldest reptile fossils ever found and offers crucial insights into the early evolution of reptiles before the rise of dinosaurs. 


Ancient Reptile Hatching Discovered in Southern Brazil

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock and deep regret over the chaotic scenes during Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The event descended into unrest as fans, frustrated by poor management and Messi’s brief appearance, broke security protocols, threw chairs and bottles, and vandalized the stadium. Banerjee apologized to Messi and fans, acknowledging the mismanagement and disappointment. 

Breaking: West Bengal CM Expresses Shock at Messi Visit Chaos in Kolkata

President Donald Trump has indicated that a new Federal Reserve Chair will be announced soon, as speculation grows about who will succeed the current chair. The announcement is expected to come in the coming days, with several names under consideration for the influential position. 


Trump Announces Upcoming Fed Chair Selection

Marijuana Reclassification: President Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to ease federal marijuana restrictions, potentially reclassifying the drug from Schedule I to Schedule III. This move, which would mark the most significant change in U.S. marijuana policy in decades, would not legalize cannabis but could allow for broader medical research and provide tax benefits to the cannabis industry. 


Marijuana Reclassification: Trump Weighs Order to Ease Marijuana Curbs

Australia Open: All trophies for the Australian Open, including the iconic Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, are meticulously handcrafted by skilled silversmiths in Sydney. Work on the trophies began before the 2025 edition and involves over 650 hours of artisan labor each year, using ethically sourced Australian silver.


Australia Open: Sydney Gears Up for Australian Open Trophy Craft

China has expelled a Philippine aircraft from the airspace above Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested maritime feature in the South China Sea. The Chinese military stated that the Philippine aircraft "invaded" Chinese airspace and was met with stern warnings before being driven away.

China Expels Philippine Aircraft Near Scarborough Shoal 

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is fighting for her life after being placed on ventilator support due to a sharp decline in her health. 

Bangladesh Ex-PM Khaleda Zia's Health Deteriorates 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed that there is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism, citing a comprehensive review of 31 primary research studies published between 2010 and 2025. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety examined data from multiple countries and found no causal link between childhood vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including vaccines containing thiomersal or aluminum.


W.H.O. Debunks Vaccine-Autism Link, Cites 31 Studies

A group of US lawmakers, led by Representatives Deborah Ross, Marc Veasey, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, has introduced a resolution to end President Trump's national emergency declaration that imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports. The lawmakers argue that these tariffs are illegal, economically damaging, and harmful to US-India relations, warning that trade with India is at risk if the measures are not reversed. 


Trump Tariffs Row: U.S. Lawmakers Move to End Trump's India Tariffs

Pakistan's former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court for engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act, misuse of authority, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The conviction, linked to his close association with jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, marks a rare instance of a top intelligence official being punished in Pakistan's civil-military history. 

Pakistan Army Jails Former ISI Chief, Linked to Imran Khan 

U.S.-Venezuela: President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin land strikes targeting drug traffickers in Venezuela and across Latin America, escalating his administration's anti-narcotics campaign. 


U.S.-Venezuela: Trump: Land Strikes Targeting Drug Smugglers Start Soon 

Iraq is grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change, as deadly floods sweep across the northern regions while the south faces a worsening water crisis. Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction in governorates like Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, and Nineveh, leading to multiple fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of thousands. 

Iraq Faces Climate Change Fury: Deadly Floods, Water Crisis

Lindsey Vonn, at 41 years old, has made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, claiming victory in the 2025-26 season opener in St. Moritz. This marks her 83rd World Cup win and her first downhill triumph since 2018, breaking the previous record for the oldest winner in both men's and women's Alpine skiing. 


Vonn Becomes Oldest Downhill World Cup Winner 

King Charles III has announced that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year, calling this milestone a “personal blessing” and a testament to the progress in cancer care. In a televised address, he credited early diagnosis and effective intervention for enabling him to continue leading an active life and urged all Britons to undergo regular cancer screenings.


King Charles: Treatment to Be Pared Down, Urges Screenings

Winter Storm Byron has ravaged war-torn Gaza, claiming at least 16 lives, including three children, as torrential rains and freezing temperatures turn displacement camps into quagmires. The storm has caused widespread flooding, collapsing shelters and leaving hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians exposed to harsh conditions.


Storm Byron Batters Gaza, 16 Dead Including Children

Saudi Arabia has softened its strict alcohol rules, allowing non-Muslim residents with premium residency and high incomes to legally purchase liquor at a dedicated store in Riyadh. The change, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader Vision 2030 reforms, is designed to attract foreign talent and investment by making the kingdom more appealing to expatriates.


Saudi Arabia Eases Alcohol Ban for Non-Muslim Residents

In a festive twist, Malaysia’s Santa Claus has swapped his traditional sleigh for scuba gear, delighting crowds at Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur. The “Scuba Santa” dives into the aquarium’s main tank, feeding fish and spreading holiday cheer as part of the annual Christmas festivities.

Malaysia’s Underwater Santa Attracts Festive Crowds

Rising tensions between China and Japan have many fearing a hit to Japanese businesses in China. But some firms say they are weathering the storm by keeping a low profile and focusing on local tastes. 


Past Protests Shape Japan’s Business Approach in China

Both gold and silver were in high demand last week. The biggest boost came from the Indian regulator's decision on wednesday, to widen investments in gold and silver etfs for the country's pension funds. 


Silver Hits a New Milestone; Gold Ends the Week on a High

A cautious mood in indian markets is back, with benchmark stocks marking a second straight weekly loss after hitting all-time highs. The rupee crashed to a record low for the second straight session on friday.


Rupee Crashes to Record Low for Second Straight Session

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