The US chief justice has been sworn in to preside over President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, before he immediately swore in the entire Senate body in turn with an oath to ensure "impartial justice" as jurors.

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Russian lawmakers back Putin's pick for PM

Russia's lawmakers have approved Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister in a lower house vote, less than 24 hours after President Vladimir Putin nominated him.

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Compensation sought for Iran crash victims

The governments of five countries that lost citizens when Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner have demanded Tehran accept "full responsibility" and pay compensation to the victims' families.

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Pakistan avalanche death toll rises to 77

Army helicopters have flown rescue missions for the third day running in an avalanche-hit area of Pakistani Kashmir as the death toll from the disaster rose to 77.

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'Moment of crisis' for earth: Attenborough

David Attenborough says the "moment of crisis" has come in the fight against climate change, warning that governments' targets for decades in the future are not enough to save the planet.

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Weinstein case 'not a MeToo referendum'

Three men and two women have been chosen as jurors in the rape trial of Harvey Weinstein, as the judge cautioned against using the case to make a broader statement about the "MeToo" movement.

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Harry praised on return to royal duties

Prince Harry laughed, joked and hugged his way through his first official public engagement since he and his wife quit as senior royals, triggering a major crisis for the monarchy.

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Australian Associated Press