Pandemic prompts Japan’s geisha to go online

A US envoy said North Korea's recent weapon tests were "concerning and counterproductive." Last week, the isolated nation carried out tests of a new type of ballistic missile launched from submarines.

Military vehicles patrol a street in Khartoum as Sudan's top general declares a state of emergency, dissolves the authorities leading the country's democratic transition, and announces the formation of a new government. Soldiers have also detained civilian leaders in what activists denounce as a "coup".

Several people were killed and at least 140 injured in clashes between soldiers and protesters after Sudan's military seized power. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.

It has been two and half years since Sudanese protesters peacefully overthrew their dictator Omar al-Bashir in a jubilant moment for Sudan. But the path to democracy has not run smoothly. Infighting has plagued the country's joint military-civilian coalition and steep price rises have shaken people's faith in their leaders. For weeks, rumours had swirled of a coup d'état. This Monday morning, it happened: Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok was arrested and military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan appeared on television, declaring a state of emergency and dissolving the country's ruling body. Is this the death knell for Sudan's revolution? Or will the military's actions breathe new life into the protest movement?

The African Union has suspended Sudan's participation in activities until the restoration of a civilian-led authority. Earlier, the EU had condemned the army for toppling Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok's government.

Demonstrations by the opponents of Sudan's military junta began on Saturday to protest the ouster of the civilian government. Rights activists fear further bloodshed as security forces crack down on demonstrators.

In a UN Security Council draft resolution, Beijing and Moscow have called for the lifting of trade sanctions on Pyongyang "with the intent of enhancing the livelihood of the civilian population."

The UN Security Council has agreed to extend the mandate of a European military mission in Bosnia. The decision came amid a simmering row over a diplomatic report citing a separatist threat.

Western allies have voiced increasing alarm over recent Russian troop movements near the country's border with Ukraine. Kiev said there are nearly 100,000 Russian soldiers in the region.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok is set to return to power in Sudan just weeks after being ousted by the country's military. The military also pledged to free all political detainees.

Sudan's military reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Sunday and promised to release all political detainees after weeks of deadly unrest triggered by a coup, though large crowds took to the streets to reject any deal involving the army.

After Prime Minister Hamdok agreed to return to office alongside the military that had ousted him, pro-democracy factions have vowed to continue taking to the streets after being "betrayed" by their former ally.