India, China dominate top cities index

Nine Chinese cities were ranked among the world's 20 most dynamic cities in the latest City Momentum Index released by real estate services and investment firm JLL.

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DPRK, US move closer to second meeting

Pyongyang demanded reciprocal sincerity from the United States, as the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States prepare for a possible second summit.

Kenya and China dismiss Mombasa port takeover rumors

Kenya and China have dismissed claims that the Port of Mombasa could be taken over by China if Kenya defaults on $3.21 billion loan repayment for an ongoing major railway project.

Japan introduces departure tax

TOKYO, Japan - Japan on Monday began collecting a departure tax of 1,000 yen ($9) from individual travelers departing the country.

Death toll in Philippines climbs to 126 after storm, landslide

MANILA, The Philippines - The death toll from a storm that devastated the Philippines shortly after Christmas rose to 126, authorities said Sunday, adding landslides caused by torrential rain were the top cause.

Thousands stung by jellyfish in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia - Highly venomous jellyfish have stung more than three thousand people on Australia's northeastern shores in just a few days, authorities said on Monday, forcing the closure of several beaches.

MPs tell May Brexit must have EU deal

With just over one week to go until the Parliamentary vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposals to take the county out of the European Union at the end of March, more than 200 MPs from across the political spectrum have signed a letter urging her to rule out any possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

Democrats pressure Trump to end shutdown

WASHINGTON - With no weekend breakthrough to end a prolonged partial government shutdown, US President Donald Trump is standing firm in his border wall funding demands and newly empowered House Democrats are planning to step up pressure on Trump and Republican lawmakers to reopen the government.

Russia angry after US snubs top space official

Russian scientists said the cancellation of the invitation for the country's top space official for a visit to the United States could disrupt a joint space mission to Venus planned by the two countries.

Powerful storms slam California, knock out power

LOS ANGELES, California - Tens of thousands of people lost power on Sunday after a powerful winter storm swept through Northern California, while another storm system in the southern part of the state unleashed mudslides in wildfire burn areas and trapped motorists on a major highway.

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