U.S. Fed keeps key rate steady

U.S. Fed keeps key rate steady

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell holds a press conference in Washington on Jan. 28, 2026, following the Federal Open Market Committee's decision to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50-3.75 percent.

[Breaking News]Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 23 Kyodo - Prudential Life Insurance Co. President Kan Mabara bows in apology at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after around 100 of its employees and former employees were found to have improperly borrowed or defrauded clients out of some 3.1 billion yen ($19.5 million). (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Making of lucky charms at western Japan shrine

SHINGU, Japan, Jan. 26 Kyodo - Making of "kiccho" lucky willow branch decorations for upcoming Setsubun celebration reaches its peak at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine in Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026. (Kyodo)

US: Episode 41 of Kilauea Volcano Eruption Sends Ash to Hilo

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano officially began its 41st eruption on Saturday, January 24, sending lava fountains over 1,500 feet into the air. Falling ash and tephra were reported in communities as far as Hilo.

Protest against Chinese embassy transfer in London

Protest against Chinese embassy transfer in London

Protesters rally in central London on Jan. 17, 2026, following China planning to build its largest embassy in Europe in the British capital.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

Pokemon-themed park

Pokemon-themed park

Photo taken on Jan. 26, 2026, shows a Pokemon-themed park in Tokyo, which was unveiled to the media before its public opening on Feb. 5. Visitors can encounter about 600 Pokemon at PokePark Kanto, situated within Yomiuri Land amusement park.

China: Injured Dog Walks Into Pet Hospital Alone for Treatment

On January 14, 2025, in Shenzhen, China, a security video showed an injured dog wearing a cone walking into a pet hospital, straight to its regular vet for treatment, and then calmly leaving the clinic on its own.

China: “Shepherd Pig” Follows Flock of Sheep in Inner Mongolia

On January 6, 2026, in Inner Mongolia, located in northern China, a video captured an unusual sight on a prairie road. A flock of sheep ran ahead while a small pig trotted behind them at a steady pace. Its determined steps made it look as though it were acting as a shepherd dog, keeping pace with the flock.

Making of lucky charms at western Japan shrine

Making of lucky charms at western Japan shrine

Making of "kiccho" lucky willow branch decorations for upcoming Setsubun celebration reaches its peak at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine in Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026.

Making of lucky charms at western Japan shrine

Making of lucky charms at western Japan shrine

Making of "kiccho" lucky willow branch decorations for upcoming Setsubun celebration reaches its peak at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine in Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026.

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance Co. President Kan Mabara (far R) bows in apology at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after around 100 of its employees and former employees were found to have improperly borrowed or defrauded clients out of some 3.1 billion yen ($19.5 million).

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance Co. President Kan Mabara (R) bows in apology at a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after around 100 of its employees and former employees were found to have improperly borrowed or defrauded clients out of some 3.1 billion yen ($19.5 million).

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance apologizes over defrauding of clients

Prudential Life Insurance Co. President Kan Mabara holds a press conference in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after around 100 of its employees and former employees were found to have improperly borrowed or defrauded clients out of some 3.1 billion yen ($19.5 million).

Japan: Dinosaur Robots in Fukui Brave Through Heavy Snow Like Prehistoric Ice Age

In Fukui, a region famous for its numerous dinosaur fossil discoveries, dinosaur robots outside Fukui Station were seen moving through a heavy snowstorm on Friday, January 23. The sight of these prehistoric figures braving the conditions under a heavy snow warning created a powerful scene, making it feel as though the area had slipped back into a prehistoric ice age.

Japan: Dinosaur Robots in Fukui Brave Through Heavy Snow Like Prehistoric Ice Age 2

In Fukui, a region famous for its numerous dinosaur fossil discoveries, dinosaur robots outside Fukui Station were seen moving through a heavy snowstorm on Friday, January 23. The sight of these prehistoric figures braving the conditions under a heavy snow warning created a powerful scene, making it feel as though the area had slipped back into a prehistoric ice age.

China: Clever Chicken Evades Tigers Under Sightseeing Vehicle on New Year’s Eve

In a Henan Province tiger park on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31, a clever chicken was spotted using a slow-moving sightseeing vehicle as a shield to escape two Siberian tigers. The bird synchronized its steps beneath the car's chassis to stay out of reach, outsmarting the predators within the tiger reserve.

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves lower house

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves lower house

Japanese lawmakers leave the House of Representatives chamber in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house during its plenary session for a snap election on Feb. 8.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex in Niigata Prefecture is pictured on Jan. 21, 2026, the day Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. restarted its No. 6 reactor. TEPCO, however, said two days later that it had shut down the reactor after an alarm was triggered during control rod withdrawal operations.

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves lower house

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves lower house

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi leaves the House of Representatives chamber in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, after the lower house was dissolved at the outset of its plenary session for a snap election on Feb. 8.

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap election

Japan's lower house dissolved for snap election

Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga reads out a rescript signed by the emperor to dissolve the lower house during its plenary session in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026. With the dissolution, a general election will be held on Feb. 8.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda arrives at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, for the second day of its two-day monetary policy meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda arrives at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, for the second day of its two-day monetary policy meeting.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda arrives at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Jan. 23, 2026, for the second day of its two-day monetary policy meeting.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Tetsuo Saito, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, speaks during its inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Volvo launches new EV

Volvo launches new EV

Volvo Car Corp. unveils its new EX60 electric vehicle model, featuring Google's Gemini AI technology for the first time, during a global premiere in the suburbs of Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2026.

China: Goose Flies Alongside Motorcycle on Highway

On January 12, 2026, in Jiangsu Province, located in eastern China, a video showed a striking scene on a highway. A woman rode a motorcycle with her friend seated behind her, while a black-gray goose flew right beside the moving bike. The goose flapped its wings steadily, matching the motorcycle’s speed for several seconds before soaring ahead of it. Its controlled, confident flight stunned many who watched the clip.

Volvo launches new EV

Volvo launches new EV

Volvo Car Corp. unveils its new EX60 electric vehicle model, featuring Google's Gemini AI technology for the first time, during a global premiere in the suburbs of Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2026.

China: Raccoon Sits Cross-Legged While Playing With Prayer Beads

A small raccoon in Qingdao, Shandong Province, was captured sitting upright and holding a long string of prayer beads on Tuesday, January 13. The raccoon appeared unusually focused as it slowly manipulated the beads with its front paws in a human-like pose.

Benchmark bond yield at highest level since Feb. 1999

Benchmark bond yield at highest level since Feb. 1999

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.275 percent, its highest level since February 1999, on Jan. 19, 2026.

Benchmark bond yield at highest level since Feb. 1999

Benchmark bond yield at highest level since Feb. 1999

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.275 percent, its highest level since February 1999, on Jan. 19, 2026.

India: Kargil Protesters Defy Severe Cold to Show Support for Islamic Leadership in Iran

Thousands gathered in the Kargil district of Ladakh on Friday, January 16, to demonstrate their support for the Islamic Republic of Iran and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following weeks of domestic unrest in Iran. Organized by the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), the peaceful rally featured protesters carrying both Indian and Iranian flags while chanting slogans in support of the Iranian leadership. Participants issued a strong denunciation of foreign interference, citing 'anti-Islamic' policies by the U.S. and Israel aimed at destabilizing Iran. Kargil is renowned for its severe winter conditions. Footage captures protesters chanting amid falling snow.

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

31st anniv. of Great Hanshin Earthquake

Forty-nine candles are lit at a park in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, on Jan. 17, 2026, creating a Japanese "kanji" character meaning "life" as the western Japan city and its surrounding areas mark the 31st anniversary of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that killed over 6,400 people, including 49 in the city.

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

A relative of one of the passengers on the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva attends to the media at the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment at around 7.45 p.m. on Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying some 300 people and travelling on the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of Adamuz station (Córdoba), which caused the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

The mayoress of Huelva, Pilar Miranda (c), with relatives of the passengers on the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying some 300 people and travelling on the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of Adamuz station (Córdoba), which caused the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Deadly Train Collision In Southern Spain

Relatives of the passengers of the train from Puerta de Atocha to Huelva come to the Huelva train station. On 19 January 2026, in Huelva (Andalusia, Spain).The death toll has risen to 21, as confirmed to Europa Press by sources familiar with the emergency services, following the derailment recorded at around 19.45 hours this Sunday, 18 January, of an Iryo 6189 train carrying 300 people and covering the Málaga-Puerta de Atocha route, which occurred on the turnouts at the entrance to track 1 of the Adamuz station (Córdoba), causing the vehicle to invade the adjacent track. In addition, at least 25 people have been injured, according to the Servicio de Emergencias 112 Andalucía on its social networks, consulted by Europa Press.[][] Photo by Clara Carrasco/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM