Japan's parliament is now more inclusive.
For the first time, the country's parliament opened a special session including more women and two disabled members.
All of them were elected last month.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe both attended the opening ceremony of the "Extraordinary Diet" session in Tokyo.
Israel defends Somaliland move at UN amid concerns over Gaza motives
Israel has defended its formal recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, but several countries at the United Nations questioned whether the move aimed to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or to establish military bases.
Bangladesh's first female prime minister Khaleda Zia dies at 80
Khaleda Zia, who became Bangladesh's first female prime minister in 1991 and went on to develop a bitter rivalry with Sheikh Hasina as they spent decades trading power, died on Tuesday after a long illness at 80 years old.
Peace hopes dented as Russia says Ukraine tried to attack Putin residence
Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin's residence and vowed retaliation, providing no evidence for a claim Kyiv dismissed as baseless and aimed at derailing arduous peace talks.
US strikes drug boat loading facility in Venezuela, Trump says
President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US had "hit" an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs, marking the first known time Washington has carried out land operations in Venezuela since a pressure campaign began against President Nicolas Maduro's government.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to 'consolidate ceasefire' in China talks
Thailand and Cambodia plan to rebuild mutual trust and gradually consolidate a ceasefire after weeks of border clashes, Beijing said in a communique with the two countries following talks in southwestern China.
The UAE’s weather authority has forecast unsettled weather conditions starting Tuesday, December 30, until Saturday, January 3, with expected dusty conditions and a chance of rainfall across the country.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed that public parking zones will be free of charge during the New Year holiday on Thursday, January 1, except at multi-storey facilities and Al Khail Gate N-365.
The UAE has strongly condemned the attempt to target the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
