• Explosive activity at the north-east crater of Mount Etna, as an eruption that started on December 24 continues, on the Italian island of Sicily. AP
    Explosive activity at the north-east crater of Mount Etna, as an eruption that started on December 24 continues, on the Italian island of Sicily. AP
  • People in costume throw eggs and flour at each other as they take part in a traditional event called Els Enfarinants (The Flour-Covered Ones) in Ibi, near Alicante, Spain. EPA
    People in costume throw eggs and flour at each other as they take part in a traditional event called Els Enfarinants (The Flour-Covered Ones) in Ibi, near Alicante, Spain. EPA
  • People visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon a day after the first phase of Myanmar's general election. AFP
    People visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon a day after the first phase of Myanmar's general election. AFP
  • The traditional Rauhnacht run in the Bavarian town of Beilngries, north of Ingolstadt, Germany. Reuters
    The traditional Rauhnacht run in the Bavarian town of Beilngries, north of Ingolstadt, Germany. Reuters
  • A pattern of a warship modelled on the Fujian aircraft carrier is drawn in the lying snow, at Harbin Engineer University in China’s north-eastern Heilongjiang province. AFP
    A pattern of a warship modelled on the Fujian aircraft carrier is drawn in the lying snow, at Harbin Engineer University in China’s north-eastern Heilongjiang province. AFP
  • Waves hammer the coast during a storm on the Baltic coast in Kolobrzeg, Poland. PA
    Waves hammer the coast during a storm on the Baltic coast in Kolobrzeg, Poland. PA
  • Paragliders soar above a sea of fog over the low-altitude resort of Leysin, with the Dents du Midi mountain range in the background, in Switzerland. AFP
    Paragliders soar above a sea of fog over the low-altitude resort of Leysin, with the Dents du Midi mountain range in the background, in Switzerland. AFP
  • Indian paramilitary soldiers take part in Republic Day parade rehearsals in heavy smog on a winter morning in New Delhi. EPA
    Indian paramilitary soldiers take part in Republic Day parade rehearsals in heavy smog on a winter morning in New Delhi. EPA

Best photos of December 29: From Mount Etna erupts to India Republic Day rehearsal


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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
A cheaper choice

Vanuatu: $130,000

Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.

Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.

Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.

Benefits:  No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.

MIDWAY

Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Updated: December 29, 2025, 1:35 PM