Polling stations in Bangladesh closed on Sunday after a day of violent clashes in which at least 12 people have died as well as a boycott by the main Muslim opposition party, reported EFE. ....

A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines island of Mindanao on Saturday that prompted authorities to issue a tsunami warning that was lifted later. No damage or casualties were reported. ....

Pope Francis led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas urging people to seek a simpler, less materialistic life and condemning the yawning gap between the rich and the poor. ....

The death toll of a terrorist attack on a government office here in Afghanistan rose to 43 as many injured succumbed to their injuries, an Afghan Public Health Ministry official said on Tuesday. ....

An accountability court on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to seven years in prison in Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption reference, while acquitted him in the the Flagship Investments reference. ....

Coastal residents near Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano have been warned to keep away from beaches amid fears it could trigger a new tsunami. ....

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that he was negotiating with the Democrats to end a partial government shutdown, but "it could be a long stay" due to continued discrepancy on his long-time demand for a border wall, reported Xinhua. ....

The death toll from the tsunami triggered by volcano eruption in Indonesia rose to 222, and over 800 people were injured, Xinhua reported quoting officials on Sunday. ....

With funding for roughly a quarter of the US government, including appropriations for the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice expiring at midnight, a partial shutdown of the federal administration began on Saturday after the Congress and the White House failed to reach a deal. ....

Sri Lanka's disputed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Saturday, seven weeks after he was appointed in a surprise move that sparked a political crisis in the island nation. ....