Japan’s two-day nationwide university entrance exam has concluded without major disruption, even after introducing its first online application system and requiring students to print their own admission tickets. (News On Japan)

A fire festival was held on January 17th at Cape Shionomisaki in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, the southernmost point of Honshu, where organizers set ablaze the roughly 100,000-square-meter “Boro no Shiba” grassland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (News On Japan)

President Ahmed al-Sharaa said the deal would allow the Syrian state to reassert control over most areas.

Israel says it is unhappy it was not consulted, and Palestinians have also been critical.

Israel says it is unhappy it was not consulted, and Palestinians have also been critical.

At least 16 people are confirmed dead and 20,000 are evacuated as fires rage in two southern regions.

Parts of the huge plaza in Karachi have collapsed as firefighters battle to extinguish the blaze.

Parts of the huge plaza in Karachi have collapsed as firefighters battle to extinguish the blaze.

The Kurdish-led SDF militia withdrew from the Omar oil field amid an eastward push by government forces.

Internet monitor FilterWatch warns that authorities are trying to cut the country off from international connectivity.

Internet monitor FilterWatch warns that authorities are trying to cut the country off from international connectivity.