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Nadal and Alcaraz cautious on Olympic doubles medal prospects
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz know they won't win anything on reputation alone playing together at the Paris Olympics but vowed on Wednesday to do everything in their power to overcome a lack of preparation.
N. Korea sweet wrappers, noodles on Seoul streets in balloon blitz
North Korean sweet wrappers and packets of crackers made at a factory once visited by leader Kim Jong Un were seen by AFP reporters on streets in the South Korean capital Wednesday.
Salt Lake handed 2034 Winter Olympics after IOC warning
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics to Salt Lake City on Wednesday but warned they could be stripped of the Games if US authorities kept up their feud with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Snipers, divers and AI: securing the Paris Olympics opening ceremony
On the water, perched on rooftops and operating AI-augmented cameras, French security forces will lock down central Paris during the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday aiming to prevent an incident that would ruin the biggest show on earth.
July 22 second day in row to break global heat record: EU monitor
Earth withered through a second-straight day of record-breaking temperatures on July 22, the EU's climate monitor said Wednesday, as parts of the world suffer devastating heatwaves and wildfires.
Taiwan shuts down as deadly Typhoon Gaemi approaches
Taiwan closed schools and evacuated thousands from their homes on Wednesday ahead of Typhoon Gaemi, which authorities said could be "the strongest" to hit in eight years and has already killed one person on the island.
Denmark awaits Japan's extradition request for anti-whaling activist
Denmark is waiting for Japan's extradition for the veteran anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, arrested this weekend in Greenland, before ruling on the case, the justice ministry said Wednesday.
Ferrari to accept crypto-payments in Europe
Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari said Wednesday its European dealers will start accepting cryptocurrency, following a similar move in the United States.
Journalists in Kenya protest attacks on media freedoms
Dozens of journalists joined marches in Kenya on Wednesday in protest at what they see as heavy-handed government tactics to stifle media freedoms, including police attacks on journalists during the demonstrations that have rocked the country for the past five weeks.
Dujardin video shows British Olympic star repeatedly whipping horse
Video has emerged of British Olympic dressage star Charlotte Dujardin repeatedly whipping a horse's legs after she was suspended by the sport's governing body.
Ukraine grapples with motivating new millitary recruits
The tired troops moved through the forest in east Ukraine at dawn, imitating assault rifle fire while searching for non-existent Russians between the trees.
Search goes on after Ethiopia landslides kill 229
Rescuers aided by drones were continuing a desperate search on Wednesday for possible survivors of devastating landslides in an isolated area of southern Ethiopia that have claimed the lives of at least 229 people.
Beijing deal for post-war Gaza leaves analysts sceptical
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah movement has agreed with Hamas to form a "national unity government" in post-war Gaza, but analysts are sceptical about the significance of the Beijing-brokered deal.
Let the Games begin! Rugby, football kick off Paris 2024
Football and Rugby Sevens kick off the sport at the Paris Olympics Wednesday, two days before the opening ceremony, featuring a top French star and a huge police presence for Israel's first appearance.
July 22 sets new record for hottest day globally: EU climate monitor
Earth withered through a second-straight day of record-breaking heat on July 22, the EU's climate monitor said Wednesday, as large parts of Europe, Asia and North America suffer blistering temperatures.
Five races to watch in the Paris Olympic pool
Nine days of Olympic swimming, in a temporary pool at the Paris La Defense Arena, begins on Saturday with 35 gold medals at stake.
Australia ready to pounce as USA bid to shore up Olympic swimming dominance
Katie Ledecky and Caeleb Dressel spearhead the United States' bid to retain supremacy in the Olympic pool from Saturday against a formidable and confident Australia, amid simmering tensions over a Chinese doping scandal.
Taiwan shuts down as Typhoon Gaemi approaches
Taiwan closed schools, suspended the stock market, and declared a typhoon holiday Wednesday as Gaemi barrelled towards the island, bringing torrential rains and whipping winds to its northeast.
China's FM Wang discusses peace plans with Ukraine counterpart Kuleba
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in southern China on Wednesday, with both sides calling for peace as Russia's war grinds on against its neighbour.
UK's Starmer faces first grilling from MPs after early rebellion
Keir Starmer faces his first House of Commons grilling as UK prime minister on Wednesday, after suspending seven of his own Labour MPs for rebelling over a controversial welfare policy.
Plane crashes in Nepal with 18 dead, pilot sole survivor
A passenger plane crashed on takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with the pilot rescued from the flaming wreckage but all 18 others aboard killed, police in the Nepali capital told AFP.
Bangladesh garment factories reopen after unrest
Garment factories and banks reopened in Bangladesh Thursday after authorities eased a curfew imposed to contain deadly clashes sparked by student protests over civil service employment quotas.
Plane crashes in Nepal with 19 aboard, 'many' dead
A passenger plane carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the pilot surviving but "many" others aboard dead, police in the Nepali capital told AFP.
Plane crashes in Nepal with 19 aboard, several dead
A passenger plane carrying 19 people crashed during takeoff in Kathmandu on Wednesday with the pilot surviving but "many" others aboard dead, police in the Nepali capital told AFP.
Streets turned into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi blows past Philippines
Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on Wednesday, triggering floods in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon.
Pride parade runs the gauntlet in German far-right stronghold
Before the Pride parade by LGBTQ activists in the east German town of Altenburg even started, a small group had been hurling insults and flashing middle fingers at those present.
Right-wing 'Schnitzel bonus' rewards 'traditional' Austrian eateries
Staples of Austrian cooking such as schnitzel, roast pork lung and boiled beef have proved particularly vital for Gasthaus Stich, a restaurant in the village of Pfoesing.
Warholm ready to rip vest open at Paris Olympics
One of the most iconic images of the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics was the sight of Karsten Warholm ripping open his running top after shattering the world record in winning the men's 400m hurdles gold.
Prayers for Vance in wife's ancestral Indian village
Every day in a simple temple in an Indian village, Hindu priest Subhramanya Sharma prays to his god for JD Vance to become vice-president of the United States.
'Truly frightening': Pesticides increasingly laced with forever chemicals
Toxic "forever chemicals" are increasingly being used in US pesticides, threatening human health as they contaminate waterways and are sprayed on staple foods, a study said Wednesday.
Streets turned into rivers as Typhoon Gaemi hits Philippines
Relentless rain drenched the northern Philippines on Wednesday, triggering flooding in Manila and landslides in mountainous regions as Typhoon Gaemi intensified the seasonal monsoon.
Taiwan braces for Typhoon Gaemi to make landfall
Taiwan closed schools, suspended the stock market, and declared a typhoon holiday Wednesday as Gaemi barrelled towards the island, bringing torrential rains and whipping winds to its northeast.