Russia has recorded its first cases of the COVID-19 variant first found in India.
According to the country's local reports, the regional branch of consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said it had recorded 16 cases of the variant among Indian students at Ulyanovsk State University, around 700 kilometres east of Moscow.
The students have been reportedly put in self-isolation and are under medical observation.
More details to follow.
Several reported killed in Iran protests
Several people were killed during unrest in Iran, Iranian media and rights groups said on Thursday, as the biggest protests to hit the country for three years over worsening economic conditions sparked violence in several provinces.
Russia, Ukraine trade allegations of civilian attacks on New Year's Day
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of targeting civilians over the New Year, with Moscow reporting a deadly strike on a hotel in territory it occupies in southern Ukraine while Kyiv said there had been another broad attack on its power supplies.
Dozens killed, 100 injured in fire at Swiss ski resort, police say
Dozens of people were killed and 100 injured, most of them seriously, after fire tore through a crowded New Year's Eve party in the upscale Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, officials said on Thursday.
Mamdani's inauguration: New York, New Year, new mayor
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor in the first minutes of the New Year at the historic City Hall subway station, with his wife Rama Duwaji standing by his side.
Trump says National Guard being removed from Chicago, LA and Portland
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday his administration was removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland but he added in his social media post that federal forces will "come back" if crime rates go up.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met on Thursday with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to review the UAE’s development priorities and strategic direction for the year ahead.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the launch of an authority that will be led exclusively by citizens to shape the nation's future.
The UAE has lowered the age of majority from 21 years to 18 years under a new law regarding civil transactions.
