The government says that seven mesh-netting samples taken from fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court had failed flame-retardant tests. As Elvis Yu reports, contractors are believed to have deliberately hidden sub-standard material from inspectors, as authorities stepped up the investigation into the blaze that's now claimed at least 151 lives.

The government has started handing out a living allowance of HK$50,000 to families affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire. The first batch of 20 families has already received the handout. That's on top of an emergency grant of HK$10,000. Todd Harding has more.

And late Monday night, the government announced a new package of special subsidies. As Elvis Yu reports, they aim to support students, workers, domestic helpers and people who were injured in the inferno.

Several schools in Tai Po that were affected by the deadly fire resumed classes. Some did switch to online teaching. More on that from Damon Pang.

The government has ordered a halt to a maintenance project in Sham Shui Po -- after inspectors discovered that plastic sheeting was used to cover the windows there. Sophie Hui reports.

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung says the public should be wary of phishing text messages and websites that seek to scam donors wishing to help survivors of the Tai Po blaze. Damon Pang reports:

More than 2,400 people left homeless by the Wang Fuk Court fire have now been rehoused. Aaron Tam has more:

Experts say, although some older buildings need to be redeveloped in Hong Kong, it's equally important to ensure that safety inspections and modifications are up to scratch. Hannah Jeong, Head of Valuation and Advisory Services Hong Kong at CBRE, and Dicky Chow, Senior Research Manager at Our Hong Kong Foundation spoke to Mike Rowse and Azam Khan on RTHK's Backchat Programme. Ms Jeong first laid out potential issues in older buildings:

The Health Bureau has announced it would waive all public-hospital fees for anyone injured in the Wang Fuk Court fire. Aaron Tam reports:

European leaders have rallied behind Ukraine, as talks are under way on a peace deal that would end the War with Russia that's now approaching four years. The show of support comes as Russian forces continue to make progress on the 1,200km front line of the war. At least four people are dead and 40 others wounded by the latest round of Russian missile strikes in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Jamie Clarke has more:

Turning to Indonesia, where the death toll from devastating floods has topped 600, while more than 460 are missing. Heavy monsoon rains since last week have wreaked havoc across several provinces, displacing tens of thousands. Azam Khan reports:

The UK and the US have agreed a deal ensuring that British pharmaceutical shipments into America will be free from tariffs. Under the agreement, the UK will pay more for medicines through the National Health Service, or NHS. Our UK correspondent, Gavin Grey told Ben Tse why the pharmaceutical industry is vital to the UK's economy:

A British lawmaker has described her prison sentence in Bangladesh as "deeply unfair". That's after a court convicted her, in her absence, on corruption charges. The case also involved Bangladesh's former prime minister, who was sentenced to death last month for crimes against humanity, and is currently living in exile in India. Jamie Clarke has more:

A US appeals court has disqualified President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer from serving as New Jersey's top prosecutor. That's despite the Trump administration manoeuvring to keep her in the role. Jamie Clarke has the details:

Operation Santa Claus 2025 is in full swing, and this year we're raising money for 13 charities. One of the charity projects is "Empowering Youth to Combat Debt & Poverty”. It's organised by the Talents Foundation — a charity that aims to educate primary and secondary students on financial literacy, and life and career-planning. Programme Director Arthur Hui, and David Wong, Director of Operations told Shandy Gan about how their tailored educational programmes help students avoid debt and thrive in the marketplace.