North Korean news agency KCNA released this photo which apparently shows the country's leader Kim Jong-un signing the order to carry out the country's first Hydrogen bomb test. North Korea claimed that the test was successful.

The official welcome ceremony for the Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif was held today (Jan. 05) with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat.

The Pakistani Prime Minister and his delegation were welcomed with a Guard of Honor.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon. He was greeted at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit North East India early this morning, killing at least 6 and injuring 100 more. Most deaths were reported at Imphal, capital of India's Manipur State. The tremor was strongly felt in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh and other parts in the region.

Smoke rises as Iranian protesters angry over the killing of Nimr al-Nimr set fire to the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Photograph: Mohammadreza Nadimi/AP

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila launched the 'Black Flag Week' against the government by changing his Facebook profile picture this morning. He later hoisted a black flag on his Land Rover and said on Facebook that "practice is better than preaching".

A couple that took a photo of themselves with the burning Address Downtown Dubai hotel in the background has been put to shame by Twitter users, with one of them naming it the 'most inappropriate selfie ever". The hotel caught fire hours before the dawn of the new year in Dubai, causing one death and several injuries. The hotel was also damaged extensively.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was at the Kataragama Devalaya at the dawn of new year. Several SLFP Ministers in government were also present. Rajapaksa was seen bestowing his wishes for Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa, who was widely known for his 'Appachchi Mala' comment on Rajapaksa after his 2015 January election defeat.

People around the world celebrate the dawn of the new year with spectacular fireworks and other events. Tokyo celebrated new year before many cities. Here, people are seen flying balloons to celebrate the new year, with the Tokyo Tower in the background. (AP Photo)

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was seated near Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne at the event to mark the 100th birthday of Most Venerable Davuldena Gnanissara Thera. Known as staunch political rivals, they were both seemingly lost in their own thoughts, while President Maithripala Sirisena was addressing the gathering.