World

The arrests come as people once again gather in Kerman, this time to mourn Wednesday's dead. At least nine young children were among the victims of the blasts.

Over the New Year period, Russia stepped up its already massive drone and missile attacks. The Ukrainian air defense downed most of the weapons, but it has a major weak spot.

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding across much of Germany. Farmers have been particularly hard hit, and are now desperately trying to salvage their harvest.

Thailand's new prime minister has drafted a law promising LGBTQ+ couples the same full rights as heterosexuals. If the bill passes in parliament and gets a nod from the king, Thailand will become the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.

It’s our first show for 2024 and after a turbulent year in 2023, the United Nations' role has become even that more crucial yet the global body has never had a female secretary-general. Annette Young talks to Susana Malcorra, the former Argentinian foreign minister, who with others, is campaigning for a woman to be appointed to the job in 2026.

The Vatican has responded to criticism from within the Church on allowing the blessing of same-sex couples. It said it could not be "blasphemous," not least because they are "blessings without a liturgical format."

The leader of a powerful Lebanese militia has said it will take revenge for an alleged Israeli assassination in Beirut. The incident has further inflamed concerns that the Gaza conflict could turn into a larger war.

Iran has vowed revenge for the deadliest attack on its soil in decades, which killed at least 84 people. However, it's still not clear who's responsible for the blasts.

Bonne année ! Happy New Year! This week on French Connections we take a look at the top New Year's resolutions among the French. We also discuss why some people no longer make them, how Dry January has created political controversy in France and how the tradition of "la galette des rois" (king cake) may be an early temptation to break some of those resolutions.

A new study showed that Germany emitted 73 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions fewer than in 2022. The drop was related to a strong slump in coal use, as well as a decline in energy-intensive manufacturing.

The earthquakes and underlying vulnerabilities resulted in the deaths of at least 56,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Local actors report that authorities stopped counting and this figure is most likely much higher. Aid workers were among those killed.

Following judicial reforms, a court has ordered house arrest for ex-PM Sali Berisha while he is investigated for possible corruption. Is this the end of impunity for corruption at the highest level in Albania?