Secular News

Hong Kong authorities are preparing to launch a special channel next year to allow sensitive mainland Chinese biological samples and data to cross an “innovation cooperation zone” between the city and Shenzhen, a minister has said. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said in a television programme on Sunday that authorities had already clearly defined the scope of specific genetic resources and sensitive information to be permitted. “I believe we will roll out these...

In the heart of Algeria’s Sahara Desert, Chinese state-owned giant China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has completed laying track on the PK330 Bridge, a final and critical link in a new railway designed to unlock the nation’s mineral wealth. The 6km (3.7-mile) bridge is part of the 950km railway linking the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit in southwestern Tindouf province to the industrial hub of Bechar in the northeast. It was the “most technically demanding railway engineering feat...

As the Philippines wraps up a tumultuous year punctuated by colourful barbs thrown across warring political houses, an ongoing corruption scandal surrounding flood control projects threatens to derail President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s administration. Externally, Manila has been embroiled all year in a long-standing territorial row with Beijing in the South China Sea that shows no signs of waning, while also gearing up for the hot seat as next year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian...

A group of suspense-novel-loving Chinese school pupils smeared chalk dust on the combination lock of a safe in their classroom to unlock it and retrieve their mobile phones. Despite being disciplined by the school, many netizens were left amused and praised their creativity. A disciplinary notice issued by the secondary school in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, southern China, on December 10, has gone viral online. It said that on November 14, a pupil surnamed Tian from Class 13, Grade 10, had...

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT Clayton Lockett was executed iafter he was convicted of murder, rape and kidnapping - and his horrific death has been called into question ever since

Observers say the vote, accompanied by a renewed crackdown on dissent, is meant to entrench the junta's power.

Bulgaria will become the 21st country to adopt the euro on Thursday, but some believe the move could bring higher prices and add to instability in the European Union's poorest country.

BBC Sport looks at another tumultuous 12 months for the men's game in Wales with Welsh rugby close to rock bottom.

BBC Sport looks at another tumultuous 12 months for the men's game in Wales with Welsh rugby close to rock bottom.

BBC Sport looks at another tumultuous 12 months for the men's game in Wales with Welsh rugby close to rock bottom.

BBC Sport looks at another tumultuous 12 months for the men's game in Wales with Welsh rugby close to rock bottom.

BBC Sport looks at another tumultuous 12 months for the men's game in Wales with Welsh rugby close to rock bottom.