Residents of Scotland's remote Shetland Islands brandishing swords and shields celebrated their Nordic roots in a fest that culminated in burning of a Viking ship replica.
North Korea said it had successfully tested a miniature hydrogen bomb. If confirmed, this would place it among a small group of countries with such dangerous weapons.
Tim Peake, the first British astronaut on the International Space Station, dialled a wrong number after trying to phone home for Christmas, asking a woman "Is this planet Earth?"
Turkmenistan hailed on Wednesday the completion of a $2.5 billion gas pipeline connecting its abundant eastern gas fields to the Caspian Sea while potentially expanding Europe's energy security options.
Hungary accused Austria of confusing 'solidarity and stupidity' after Vienna said that nations which do not accept refugees under European Union quotas should face sanctions.
Time magazine named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as its Person of the Year 2015, hailing her leadership during Europe's debt, refugee and migrant crises and Russia's intervention in Ukraine.
The Eiffel Tower turned green Sunday for the opening of the Paris climate conference, marking the launch of an art project that will see "virtual trees" grow on the landmark to support reforestation.