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Participants pray as they take an ice-cold bath during a ceremony to purify their souls and to pray for the New Year at the Teppozu Inari shrine in Tokyo, Japan, January 11, 2026. REUTERS/Issei Kato

Video | Japanese worshippers brave ice bath for the new year

Participants wearing traditional loincloths or white gowns immerse themselves in a ritual ice bath.

Malaysia

‘We are not criminals’: Malaysian LGBTQ event faces conservative backlash

Israel

UN accuses Israel of subjecting Palestinians in West Bank to ‘apartheid’

Middle East

At least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests: rights groups

Rights groups report rising fatalities and hundreds of arrests in the biggest Iran protests in three years.

Protesters in the Malekshahi district of Iran’s western Ilam province, in UGC images published on January 3. Photo: UGC via AFP
American cinema

Language Matters | How the word avatar went from visiting gods to video games and sci-fi films

An avatar was the earthly incarnation of a Hindu god, and seen in other religions. Today, it’s a well-known word in films and video games.

Middle East

Khamenei demands Iran rioters ‘be put in their place’ amid protests, Trump warning

As Trump warns the US is ‘locked and loaded’ to intervene, Iran’s supreme leader blames foreign enemies and orders a crackdown on nationwide unrest.

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Middle East

At least 7 reported killed in Iran as unrest spreads beyond capital

Deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran over demonstrations which started in Tehran and have emerged elsewhere.

Shopkeepers and traders protest in the street against the economic conditions and Iran’s embattled currency in Tehran on Monday. Photo: AFP
Australia

Increased police presence in Sydney for New Year’s Eve following Bondi attack

New South Wales’ premier Chris Minns urged people to ‘show defiance to these evil terrorists’ by celebrating the event at Sydney Harbour.

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Australia

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

Recovering from gunshot wounds, Syrian Ahmed al Ahmed says he ‘saved lots’ but mourns the 15 victims of the tragedy.

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Syria

Sectarian tensions flare and turn deadly in Syria after mosque bombing

Clashes erupt between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators after a mosque attack in Homs.

A crowd looks on as security forces are deployed after clashes erupted during a protest by members of the Alawite community in the city of Latakia, Syria on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Wellness

Why young people are turning to Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers

Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith.

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Christian podcaster Megan Ashley films her show In Totality at her home. She is one of many Christian influencers rapidly gaining followers on social media. Photo: AP
Middle East

Blast in Syria kills 8 at mosque targeting Alawite minority in Homs

Authorities investigate explosive devices planted during Friday prayers, heightening sectarian tensions and fears among minorities.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis state in turmoil after chief minister’s shock resignation

Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned due to health reasons amid a withdrawal of support from eight PN state assemblymen.

Africa

US launches strike on Islamic State targets in Nigeria, Trump says

US strikes targeting militants were carried out in cooperation with the Nigerian government.

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A missile is launched from a military vessel at an unidentified location, in a screen grab obtained from a video released by the Department of War on December 25, 2025. Photo: US Department of War via Reuters
Indonesia

‘Starting anew’: Indonesians in flood-struck Sumatra hold Christmas mass

Many in the congregation are still sheltering at evacuation sites after the fatal disaster wreaked havoc on the island four weeks ago.

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The Angkola Protestant Church is seen amid flood devastation at Aek Ngadol village in North Sumatra province on Christmas Day. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Hair-raising: Malaysia arrests 2 over video of man in headscarf drinking alcohol

The pair are being investigated for causing religious disharmony and misusing social media.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope calls for end to all wars in first Christmas as pontiff

‘May the clamour of weapons cease … and may the parties involved find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue’.

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Israel-Gaza war

Bethlehem celebrates first festive Christmas since Gaza war

After two years of cancelled festivities, the ‘City of the Nativity’ revives its iconic parades and tree lighting as a fragile truce holds in Gaza.

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People celebrate in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on December 24. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korean politicians agree to Unification Church special probe in rare move

The ruling DPK has accepted the opposition’s proposal to appoint special prosecutors to look into the church’s political meddling and bribes.

Africa

Nigeria says ‘spat’ with Trump over killing of Christians ‘largely resolved’

However, Nigeria remains on Washington’s list of countries of ‘particular concern’ regarding alleged religious freedom violations.

Australia

Australian PM Albanese booed as Bondi Beach attack victims honoured

Tens of thousands attended Sunday’s memorial. The Sydney event was heavily guarded by police, including snipers on rooftops and police boats.

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Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife are booed as they arrive at the Light Over Darkness vigil in Sydney, Australia on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Israel

Jews worldwide urged to ‘come home’ to Israel after Bondi massacre

Gideon Saar says ‘Jews are being hunted across the world’ following the December 14 Isis-inspired shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

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A person with Israel’s flag and other people attend a ceremony to mark the National Day of Reflection for victims and survivors, at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday. Photo: AP
Africa

Nigeria secures release of 130 children abducted from Catholic school

Presidential spokesman confirms ‘none left in captivity’ after an operation frees students taken by gunmen in November.

Malaysia

Malaysia allows halal hotels, eateries to deck halls with boughs of holly

The multiracial country’s religious affairs minister says festive decorations or images are allowed where halal food is served.

Singapore

Anwar’s coalition revives Chinese school certification debate, sparking row

The sensitive issue in the Malay-Muslim majority country has caused a row between Umno and DAP, an insider says.

Students create a long scroll in Kelang, Selangor state. A proposal for the Malaysian government’s recognition of school leaving certificates issued by private Chinese high schools has sparked a row in the ruling coalition. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Paws for thought: Malaysian mall reverses pet-friendly policy after uproar

The reversal comes after videos of a dog being wheeled through the mall in a trolley stirred anger in the Muslim-majority country.

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A sign outlining Sunway Square Mall’s pet-friendly house rules, and a dog-themed installation at the Selangor shopping complex. The mall has since barred pets from enclosed indoor areas following a backlash online. Photos: Facebook/Sunway Square Mall
Australia

Millions raised for ‘hero of Australia’ who stopped gunman at Bondi Beach

Over 40,000 people have donated about US$1.5 million to Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian-Australian Muslim hero who saved Jewish lives.

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Malaysia

Malaysian religious authorities clear woman of ‘2 husbands’ allegations

A Kelantan official said the woman divorced her first husband in 2022 before remarrying in Thailand.

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