Last news
US vows 'firm' response to N.Korea deployment in Ukraine conflict
US top diplomat Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainian border demanded a "firm response".
Airlines ground Bali flights after volcano erupts
Airlines cancelled flights to and from the Indonesian resort island of Bali on Wednesday, leaving travellers stranded after a nearby volcano catapulted an ash tower miles into the sky.
Indonesians drill for disaster before tsunami anniversary
Hundreds of Indonesians fled for higher ground Wednesday as they ran through disaster drills in the region worst hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami ahead of its 20th anniversary next month.
Journalist says his detention removed Guatemala's 'mask of democracy'
A prominent Guatemalan journalist and corruption critic, declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, says that his time in prison allowed him to strip away his country's "mask of democracy."
Triumphant Trump returns to White House to meet Biden
Donald Trump will make a triumphant return to the White House to meet President Joe Biden Wednesday, in the Republican's first visit since departing amid a cloud of scandal nearly four years ago.
Nearly half of tropical coral species face extinction: report
Almost half of all warm-water species of coral are threatened with extinction -- and climate change is the chief culprit, a new report said on Wednesday.
Stark warning on emissions as leaders split on climate goals at COP29
Global leaders offered competing views on how to tackle climate change at UN-led talks Wednesday as a new report warned the world must reach carbon neutrality much sooner than planned.
Most Asian markets extend losses as Trump fears build
Asian markets fell again Wednesday as traders fret over the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the Chinese and global economies, with fears that his policies could also reignite US inflation.
Evacuations and call for aid as Typhoon Usagi approaches Philippines
The Philippines ordered evacuations Wednesday ahead of Typhoon Usagi's arrival, as the UN's disaster office sought $32.9 million in aid for the country after recent storms killed more than 150 people.
Istanbul's historic baths keep hammam tradition alive
For centuries, hammams were central to Ottoman society, and while they fell out of use in Turkey with the advent of running water, many are being restored to revive an ancient ritual bathing tradition.
Australia boss warns of 'desperate' Saudis in World Cup qualifier
Australia coach Tony Popovic said Wednesday he is expecting an energetic Saudi Arabia "desperate" for a result under new boss Herve Renard in their World Cup qualifying clash in Melbourne.
South Korean president dusts off the golf clubs for Trump
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is taking up golf after years away from the game to prepare for future encounters with US President-elect Donald Trump, his office said Wednesday.
Electrician finds frescoes behind false ceiling in Rome
Rosy-cheeked cherubs surrounded by blues, reds and golds have lost none of their brilliance in 17th-century frescoes discovered behind a false ceiling at the Villa Farnesina palace in Rome.
7-Eleven owner announces counter-bid to foreign buyout
The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven said Wednesday its founding family had offered a counter-bid to a takeover attempt by Canadian convenience store rival Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT).
Top Africa orchestra began with brake cables for strings
When Armand Diangienda founded the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra -- one of the most famous in Africa -- in 1994, they had so few instruments that musicians had to share.
France's bullfighters see red over bill to ban under-16s
France's upper house of parliament will this week debate a bill to ban children under 16 from attending bullfights, inflaming tensions and enraging aficionados of the centuries-old tradition.
China snuffs out memorials to victims of deadly car rampage
Officials in southern China ramped up security on Wednesday at the site of one of the country's deadliest mass-casualty events in years, snuffing out makeshift memorials to the 35 people killed when a man drove a car into a crowd at a sports complex.
Fifth Greenland hearing for anti-whaling activist Watson
A Greenland court will decide Wednesday whether to further extend US-Canadian anti-whaling activist Paul Watson's time in custody pending a decision on his extradition to Japan, where he is wanted over an altercation with whalers.
Kurdish activist fled Iran into Italy nightmare
After fleeing Iran and making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, Kurdish activist Maysoon Majidi did not expect to be jailed in Italy for people smuggling.
Airlines around Asia ground Bali flights after volcano erupts
Airlines in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Singapore cancelled flights to and from the Indonesian resort island of Bali on Wednesday, after a nearby volcano catapulted an ash tower miles into the sky.
Curry dazzles on Thompson's return as Warriors down Mavs
Stephen Curry scored 37 points as the Golden State Warriors spoiled Klay Thompson's return to the Bay Area with a thrilling 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA Cup on Tuesday.
Profiles of candidates for World Rugby chairman election
The race to succeed Bill Beaumont as chairman of World Rugby comes to a conclusion in a vote in Dublin at the governing body's headquarters on Thursday.
Elon Musk: rocket man takes aim at Washington
Billionaire Elon Musk took a wild gamble backing Donald Trump's White House candidacy, but the bet has paid off -- at least for now -- with the US president-elect handing him an outsized role to overhaul the government.
How China's censorship machine worked to block news of deadly attack
At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured when a man ploughed his car into pedestrians exercising around a sports centre in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai on Monday night.
Toxic smog smothering India's capital smashes WHO limit
Residents of India's capital New Delhi choked in a blanketing toxic smog Wednesday as worsening air pollution surged past 50 times the World Health Organization's recommended daily maximum.
Australian airlines cancel Bali flights after volcano erupts
Several Australian airlines on Wednesday cancelled their flights to and from the Indonesian resort island of Bali, after a nearby volcano catapulted an ash tower miles into the sky.
China snuffs out memorials to victims of deadly car ramming attack
Officials in southern China ramped up security on Wednesday at the site of one of the country's deadliest mass-casualty events in years, snuffing out makeshift memorials to the 35 people killed when a man drove a car into a crowd at a sports complex.
Taliban score successes with embassy closures, COP attendance
Afghanistan embassies in Britain and Norway loyal to the pro-Western authorities ousted by the Taliban in 2021 discreetly shut down this autumn, as the West seeks a more pragmatic approach to the country's Islamic rulers.
Evacuations, call for aid as Typhoon Usagi approaches Philippines
The Philippines ordered evacuations ahead of Typhoon Usagi on Wednesday, as the UN disaster office sought $32.9 million in aid for the country after storms that killed more than 150 people.
Blinken in Brussels as Trump win raises alarm over Ukraine
US top diplomat Antony Blinken will meet with NATO and EU officials Wednesday to urgently discuss ramping up support for Ukraine before Donald Trump reclaims the White House -- potentially jeopardising future aid.
China's Xi heads to Peru for APEC meeting shrouded in Trump fears
Chinese leader Xi Jinping headed to Peru on Wednesday, bound for a meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organisation leaders overshadowed by fears of renewed global trade tensions under Donald Trump.
Popham hopes new World Rugby chairman heralds new dawn in concussion issue
Former Wales flanker Alix Popham has told AFP he hopes the new chairman of World Rugby will push for the changes required to prevent players from suffering the long-term effects of successive head injuries, as he has done.