A senior Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong affairs has called on the executive, the legislature and the judiciary to each play its own part and complement one another's work, saying that's key for the executive-led political system in the SAR. Janice Lo reports.

The chief executive says the number of foreign and mainland-affiliated companies based in Hong Kong reached a record high last year. John Lee said this underlined the unprecedented achievements in attracting quality firms to the city. Chloe Feng reports.

Hong Kong has signed an agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to strengthen collaboration between the two gold markets. Financial services secretary Christopher Hui said one element of the agreement is to establish a high-level collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong’s new gold central clearing system. Wallis Wang reports.

Meanwhile at the same event, the deputy governor of the People's Bank of China says Beijing will promote greater financial market connectivity between the mainland and Hong Kong. Here's Chloe Feng.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan says Hong Kong is growing in significance as countries around the world reassess economic relationships and seek diversified partnerships. Azam Khan reports.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association has called on finance chief Paul Chan to introduce measures to boost local spending when he delivers his next budget. Janice Lo reports.

The association's president, Wingco Lo, said the government should work with local businesses to bolster consumption and help them explore new markets. He told Janice Lo about the economic challenges that firms are facing:

The Hong Kong section of the high-speed rail network is expanding its reach on the mainland, with 16 new direct destinations added from Monday. Commuters now have more options when they travel to eastern China, as well as Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Hailey Yip has the details.

Hong Kong will launch a hepatitis B screening programme next month, with the aim of identifying people linked to known carriers of the virus. Around 300,000 eligible residents can undergo a free rapid diagnostic test. According to government data, roughly 410,000 are believed to be living with chronic hepatitis B. Four in 10 of them remain undiagnosed. Commissioner for Primary Healthcare Pang Fei-chau said the pilot programme aims to strengthen early detection, and enhance protection for these high-risk groups. He spoke to Elvis Yu.

New public spaces will open along the Kowloon waterfront this year. Harbourfront Commission chairman Ivan Ho says they include a promenade near the Kai Tak New Acute Hospital and an events venue at the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier. Wallis Wang has the details.

The Development Bureau is now inviting expressions of interest for three student hostel developments in Kai Tak, Sha Tin and Tung Chung. Industry experts expect the market to respond positively to the plan. Hannah Jeong, Head of Valuation and Advisory at CBRE and Roy Ying, senior lecturer at the Department of Marketing, Hang Seng University spoke on RTHK's Backchat programme.

Israel has recovered the remains of the final hostage held in Gaza. The return of the body fulfils a key condition of the initial phase of a ceasefire to end the war in the Palestinian territory. It also paves the way for the opening of Gaza's main gateway to the outside world - as Jamie Clarke reports:

A search is continuing in the southern Philippines for 24 people missing after a ferry sank. Eighteen others died in the disaster in the early hours of Monday morning. As Azam Khan reports, over 300 passengers and crew were rescued.

Gunmen have killed 11 people at a football pitch after a match in the Mexican city of Salamanca. It's the latest outbreak of violence in the state, with six people still receiving medical attention for injuries. Jamie Clarke reports:

Australia marked national day Monday with appeals for unity, as well as calls to address the plight of Indigenous residents. Priscilla Ng has more:

French lawmakers on Monday took a first step towards banning children under 15 years old from social media over growing concerns about online bullying and mental health risks. The lower National Assembly backed key elements of the bill in a first vote after a lengthy debate. A second vote on the full text is to follow later. The legislation follows Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s last month. Jamie Clarke has more:

With the Year of the Horse just around the corner, Hong Kong is saddling up for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026, which is set this weekend at the AsiaWorld-Expo. It'll feature performances, competitions, and entertainment. Richard Ireland, CEO of event organiser Clarion Events Asia, told RTHK's Backchat programme what some of the key highlights are: