The Court of Final Appeal has affirmed earlier court rulings granting public housing and inheritance rights to same-sex couples. Judges at the top court found current policies discriminatory and unconstitutional. Damon Pang has the details:

The government and the Housing Authority said they respect the Court of Final Appeal's ruling yesterday that grants subsidised housing benefits to same-sex couples. Aaron Tam reports:

DAB lawmaker Holden Chow says he's concerned about the verdict, saying it might affect public housing resources.

The government has vowed to leverage Hong Kong's strengths to make the city an international cultural exchange centre. This came as it unveiled a development plan with dozens of measures for the creative sector, as Frank Yung reports:

The blueprint was welcomed by Mathias Woo, producer and curator of the theatre group Zuni. He was pleased to see Hong Kong laying out its first major roadmap for arts and culture development. Woo said the measures mentioned in the blueprint were comprehensive. Speaking to Elvis Yu, he hoped the West Kowloon Cultural District would be able to strengthen its connection with the industry and make better use of its various performance venues.

Tam Kwok-kan, a member of the Arts Development Council, also welcomed the news. He told Elvis Yu the government should prioritise developing the theatre and film industries, saying stage performances and movies are good ways to attract tourists and promote Hong Kong.

Lawmaker Johnny Ng, who's also a member of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development, told Ben Tse the blueprint was a big leap forward for the sector:

The Hong Kong government says it strongly disapproves and opposes a letter from US politicians to the country’s treasury secretary. As Robert Kemp reports, authorities said the letter damages the SAR’s reputation as an international financial centre.

University of Hong Kong researchers say the stress levels of employees in the service industry must be dealt with if the SAR is to achieve its goal of promoting the hospitality sector. Vanessa Cheng reports:

Bennett Yim, a marketing professor with the University of Hong Kong's business school, told Vanessa Cheng that the findings were "shocking":

A concern group has been informing and advising elderly people about a cold spell that's round the corner. As Hailey Yip reports, the group has boosted manpower to support those needing help.

Beijing said it's open to dialogue with the United States after President-elect Donald Trump vowed to impose sweeping tariffs on goods from China and elsewhere. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remark after she was asked whether China had contacted Trump's team for talks. Earlier, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said neither the US nor China would win a trade war. Raymond Yeung reports:

After Trump posted on social media saying he would impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, as well as China, the president of Mexico suggested her country could retaliate with tariffs of its own. As Jamie Clarke reports, her response suggests Trump faces a much different Mexican leader than he did in his first term.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has agreed a ceasefire deal to end the fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a televised address, he said he would put the ceasefire accord to his Cabinet and clear the way for an end to a conflict that has killed thousands. US President Joe Biden welcomed the end to hostilities, adding the United States would lead a fresh effort to secure a truce in Gaza. Jamie Clarke reports:

Pakistan said four soldiers were killed on Tuesday when they were run over by a convoy of protesters in the capital Islamabad. Thousands seeking the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have defied roadblocks and tear gas to march to the gates of the capital. Natale Ching reports:

A study by civil society groups has found that a growing number of European financial institutions have a business relationship with companies tied to Israeli settlements. While some firms have divested their holdings in these groups, others have not – as Jamie Clarke reports:

Hong Kong's innovation and technology chief has expressed confidence in the use of artificial intelligence and robotics, saying they are “immensely promising”. Frank Yung reports:

Operation Santa Claus 2024 is in full swing, and this year we’re raising money for 11 charities. One of the projects is the “Free Running Peer Exercise Reform Plan – Join Together to Save Calories for the Warmth Campaign”. It's organised by the Sports Change Life Foundation. Queenie Man spoke to Ambassador John and Fundraising Director Chu Ki-sum: