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The WHO said consistently low taxes on the products in most countries were fuelling obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancers. — Reuters pic

WHO calls for higher taxes as sugary drinks, alcohol getting cheaper while health costs soar

This screen grab made from UGC handout video footage courtesy of Facebook user Smith Mikle taken and released on January 14, 2026 shows the wreckage of a train that crashed after a construction crane collapsed in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province. — AFP pic

At least 25 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand, 80 injured

Costa Rica’s government said yesterday it had uncovered an alleged plot to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves ahead of national elections expected to favour his right-wing party. — AFP pic

Costa Rica says plot to assassinate President Chaves uncovered ahead of elections

Anti-Iranian regime protesters chant slogans and hold placards during a rally outside the US Consulate in Milan on January 13, 2026. — AFP pic

Qatar warns any US-Iran escalation would be ‘catastrophic’ for region

This file picture shows Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the 28th Asean-Japan Summit, as part of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 26, 2025. — Reuters pic

Brunei’s sultan to undergo knee surgery, faces up to three-month recovery

This handout photo taken on January 13, 2026 and released from Japan’s Government Public Relations Office via Jiji Press shows South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (L) and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi playing drums, in Nara, Nara Prefecture. — AFP pic

Drum diplomacy: Japan’s Takaichi and South Korea’s Lee end first day of summit with K-pop jam

Donald Trump prepares to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on January 13, 2026, ahead of a visit to Michigan. — AFP pic

‘Paedophile protector’: Trump flips off and curses at heckler during factory visit, White House says gesture was appropriate

People wave flags during a demonstration in support of the national protests in Iran, in Barcelona, Spain January 13, 2026. — Reuters pic

Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting, saying ‘help is on its way’

US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent waits for US President Donald Trump before they walk to board Marine One upon departure from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 13, 2026. — AFP pic

US designates Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as terrorist groups

This file pictures shows a mourner writing a message on a piece of cloth at the promenade of Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 18, 2025, to honour victims of a mass shooting. — AFP pic

Top Australian writers’ festival cancelled after Palestinian author barred

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China will safeguard its interests after President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff. — Reuters file pic

China says will ‘safeguard’ interests after Trump tariff threat over Iran

A JF-17 Thunder fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force takes off from Mushaf base in Sargodha, north Pakistan. — Reuters pic

Pakistan and Indonesia closing in on jets and drones defence deal, sources say

Activists holding a protest against the new criminal code outside the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia. — AFP pic

‘Serious threat’: Indonesia’s new criminal code faces rights challenges over sex, speech, police powers

Dubbed ‘Hydra’ in a reference to the mythological multi-headed monster, the trial is one of the biggest related to the dealings of Italy’s organised crime groups far from their southern strongholds. — Picture By Raymond  Manuel

‘Hydra’ trial: Jail for dozens of mobsters from Italy’s three mafia clans after rare alliance to run drug, money laundering ring

This video grab taken from UGC images on January 12, 2026, and first appeared online on January 10, 2026, and verified by AFPTV teams in Paris on January 11, 2026, shows the courtyard of the Forensic Diagnostic and Laboratory Center of Tehran Province in Kahrizak with dozens of bodies in body bags laid out for family members. — AFP pic

Rights group says 648 killed in Iran protest as government stages mass rallies

A South Korean activist holds a board-cut of Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi next to a placard reading ‘Condemn Takachi’s absurd remarks on Dokdo islets!’ during an anti-Japan protest near the presidential Blue House in Seoul on January 12, 2026, ahead of the South Korea-Japan summit. — AFP pic

Leaders of Japan and South Korea meet as China flexes muscles