Messi Returns to Kolkata Amid Massive Fanfare
Argentina soccer superstar Lionel Messi arrived Saturday in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, as large crowds of jubilant fans gathered at the airport and lined the streets in the city to welcome him.
Asia
U.S., Japan Conduct Joint Bomber-Fighter Drill Near Japan
This photo provided by Japan's Ministry of Defense shows the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-15 fighters holding a joint military drill with U.S. B-52 bombers in the vicinity of Japanese airspace on Wednesday.
China's Trade Surplus Tops $1 Trillion
China's trade surplus hits $1 trillion for first time ever China's overall exports increased this year, despite a sharp drop in trade with the United States.
Wadephul urges fair, rule-based trade in China
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of fair and rule-based trade as he began his two-day visit to China on Monday. "We are in favor of free world trade. We are in favor of removing trade barriers," Wadephul said in Beijing during talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Japan Protests Chinese Jet Radar Lock Near Okinawa
Japan has recorded a protest with China on Sunday after Chinese fighter jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese fighter jets near Japan's Okinawa islands. Japan's Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, denounced the Chinese military's moves as "dangerous". "These radar illuminations went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft," he said.
Modi, Putin Deepen India-Russia Economic Partnership in New Delhi
In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk prior to an informal dinner at Modi's residence in New Delhi on Thursday, the first day of the Russian leader's two-day state visit to India.
Putin’s India Visit Tests New Delhi’s Strategic Balancing
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India on Thursday for a two-day visit, underscoring a partnership between Moscow and New Delhi that has endured for nearly eight decades of geopolitical upheavals.
MH370 search to restart at end of December
The search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will recommence at the end of December, Malaysia's transport ministry said on Wednesday, The Boeing 777 plane disappeared on March 8, 2014.
Thousands Rally in Philippines Demanding Punishment and Return of Stolen Funds
Protesters destroy an effigy of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during an anti-corruption rally in Manila, Philippines on, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.
Guard Member Killed; Hong Kong Blaze Toll Climbs
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
Olive Ridley Recovery in India, But Risks Persist
An olive ridley sea turtle hatchling lurches along the sand to the sea in Velas, India. Diaa Hadid/NPR hide caption toggle caption Diaa Hadid/NPR VELAS, India — Little kids giddily squeal as a baby sea turtle, flippers flapping, lurches toward the water with the grace of a drunk lunging for a cab at closing time.
Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze: 44 Dead, 279 Missing
Thick smoke and flames rise as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday. Dozens of people were killed or were missing in the blaze.