Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China’s plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt.
Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency
The move is dividing the nation – some welcome it as a bold leap forwards, but others fear it will lead to economic stagnation.
Iran protesters try to break into government building as unrest continues
Video verified by the BBC shows a crowd breaking the gate of the governor’s office in Fasa.
Fireworks, drums and light shows: How the world is welcoming 2026
Countries around the world celebrated the new year with colourful shows and long held traditions.
Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable
Police arrested 14 crew members on the ship sailing from St Petersburg, Russia, to the Israeli port of Haifa.
Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable
Police arrested 14 crew members on the ship sailing from the St Petersburg to the Israeli port of Haifa.
Passenger describes ‘chaos’ after head-on Machu Picchu train collision
Tourist Niels Honkoop says shattered glass littered the carriage floor and injured people were lying in the aisles.
EU’s top diplomat rejects Russian claims of Ukrainian attack on government sites
It comes as Russia releases video which it claims shows a downed Ukrainian drone launched at one of Putin’s residences.
In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world
From spectacular firework displays to chilly sea dips, nations celebrate the start of 2026.
Watch: Stunning celestial events that lit up the skies in 2025
From meteor showers to supermoons, here are some of the sights that wowed stargazers this year.
