The NHS faces intensifying strain over coming weeks as a "health emergency" created by pressures such as surging hospital admissions and staff absences build further, it has been warned.

England has reported a record high of 162,572 new COVID cases along with a further 154 coronavirus-related deaths in the latest 24-hour period, according to official data.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reported a suspected positive Covid-19 test and will miss Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea.

Those feeling the effects of the night before on New Year's Day will be disheartened after a new study revealed that so-called hangover cures showed no convincing signs of working.

At least 12 people have been killed and 15 injured in a stampede at a popular Hindu shrine in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

Today is the warmest New Year's Day on record, with a temperature of 16.2C (61.1F) recorded in St James's Park, London.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been described as "the spiritual father of our new nation" at his state funeral in South Africa.

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has suspended all boxing in January to allow doctors and medical experts to prioritise their work with NHS during Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite COVID curbs hindering celebrations, street parties and gatherings took place across the globe as each country rings in the New Year.   

Guy Hands, the billionaire financier, is plotting the sale of the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) biggest landlord in what could be one of Britain's biggest private equity deals of 2022.