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Sports
Germany to host 2029 women's Euros: UEFA
European football's governing body UEFA on Wednesday announced that Germany will host the women's 2029 European Championships, where England will be the two-time defending champions.
Economy
Greek govt warns farmers not to escalate subsidy protest
The Greek government on Wednesday warned farmers against escalating a roadblock protest to demand funds delayed by the investigation into an EU subsidies scandal.
Sports
Ski federation 'concerned' about Olympics snowboarding site delays
A leading International Ski Federation (FIS) official says the body is "concerned" about delays at the site for the snowboarding and freestyle skiing events at next year's Winter Olympics in Italy.
Politics
EU moves to break dependence on China for rare earths
The EU on Wednesday presented a multi-billion-euro plan to help curb the 27-nation bloc's dependence on China for rare earths, as Beijing's stranglehold on the critical materials threatens key industries.
Culture
Celebrities back 'Free Marwan' campaign for Palestinian leader
More than 200 celebrities, including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Josh O’Connor, called on Israel on Wednesday to release imprisoned Palestinian politician Marwan Barghouti, who is seen by supporters as a key unifying figure.
Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks in decades
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, under a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with Hezbollah.
Sports
FIFA gives clubs an extra week before releasing AFCON stars
Star players such as Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Achraf Hakimi will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week until December 15 before joining their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA said on Wednesday.
Politics
Stocks dip after US jobs fall
Wall Street's main stock indices dipped on Wednesday after data showed US businesses unexpectedly shed jobs last month.
Economy
EU agrees deal to ban Russian gas by end of 2027
European Union lawmakers and member states reached a deal Wednesday to ban all imports of Russian gas before the end of 2027, as the bloc seeks to choke off key funds feeding Moscow's war chest.
Things to know
Former king's memoirs hits bookstores in Spain
Former King Juan Carlos's memoirs went on sale in Spain on Wednesday, with the publication's warm words for the late dictator Franco stirring debate over the former monarch's legacy.
Boulevard
Hong Kong fire death toll hits 159 after towers searched
The death toll from Hong Kong's worst fire in decades rose to 159 after all affected housing blocks were searched, police said Wednesday, cautioning that the figure may not be final.
Boulevard
Libya war crimes suspect makes first appearance at ICC
A Libyan prison boss accused of overseeing murder, rape, and torture at a notorious detention centre appeared at the International Criminal Court Wednesday to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Politics
Mass wedding brings hope amid destruction in Gaza
The couples walked hand in hand, the brides in traditional embroidered Palestinian white and red dresses adorned with red ribbons, the grooms walked beside them in black suits and ties.
Economy
German lithium project moves ahead in boost for Europe's EV sector
Australia's Vulcan Energy said Wednesday it will soon start building a German lithium production project that will provide enough of the metal for half a million electric car batteries a year.
Politics
Russia, Ukraine prepare for more talks with US on ending war
Russia and Ukraine said Wednesday they were ready for more talks with the United States to end almost four years of war, after US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner left the Kremlin with no breakthrough on a peace deal.
Sports
Kohli, Gaikwad tons fire India to 358-5 in South Africa ODI
Virat Kohli struck his second successive century and along with Ruturaj Gaikwad helped power India to 358-5 against South Africa in the second one-day international on Wednesday.
Nature
'I feel like crying': Indonesians confront flood destruction
Indonesian farmer Merliana Siregar is all out of hope, seeing what is left of her flood-ravaged home as she returned on Wednesday.
Politics
Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks in decades: source to AFP
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks Wednesday in decades, part of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with militant group Hezbollah, a source close to the talks told AFP.
Stock markets mostly rise awaiting US data
European and Asian stock markets mostly rose Wednesday following a resumption of Wall Street's rally, but gains were muted as investors await the last tranche of US data before next week's Federal Reserve meeting.
Nature
Delhi records over 200,000 respiratory illness cases due to toxic air
New Delhi recorded more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses at six state-run hospitals between 2022 and 2024, government numbers showed, highlighting the adverse effects of toxic air on health.
Politics
South Korean prosecutors demand 15 years for former first lady
South Korean prosecutors demanded Wednesday a 15-year prison term for former first lady Kim Keon Hee for alleged stock fraud and corruption crimes.
Sports
'Dream' draw for debutants Hong Kong against Wallabies, All Blacks
Hong Kong coach Logan Asplin called it "a dream come true" after the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw pitted the Asian debutants with New Zealand and hosts Australia on Wednesday.
Boulevard
Thailand lifts ban on afternoon alcohol sales
Thailand on Wednesday relaxed decades-old alcohol sales restrictions, allowing consumers to buy wine, beer and spirits during previously prohibited afternoon hours in a six-month trial.
Weather
Norway postpones deep-sea mining activities for four years
Norway on Wednesday postponed the first licences to permit deep-sea mining in its Arctic waters for four years, a delay environmentalists hope signals the "nail in the coffin" of the plans.
Weather
Sri Lanka cyclone survivors face colossal clean-up
Survivors of Cyclone Ditwah that has ravaged Sri Lanka in recent days began returning to their devastated homes on Wednesday, faced with a massive clean-up as they start rebuilding their lives.
Economy
Zara owner Inditex posts higher profits
Zara owner Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer, posted Wednesday higher profits for the first nine months of its fiscal year despite stiffer competition from low-cost clothing outlets like Shein and Primark.
Sports
Australia meet New Zealand as S. Africa face Italy at Rugby World Cup
Hosts Australia face a blockbuster group clash with New Zealand at the 2027 Rugby World Cup as holders South Africa were pitted with Italy in the draw in Sydney on Wednesday.
Economy
YouTube attacks Australia's world-first social media ban
YouTube on Wednesday attacked Australia's looming social media ban for under-16s as rushed, but the government called the policy a shield to protect children from "predatory" algorithms.
France's Macron in China with Ukraine on the agenda
French President Emmanuel Macron touched down on Wednesday in China, where he is expected to put pressure on his counterpart Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations.
Indonesia bucks pressure to label floods national disaster
Indonesia's government is resisting growing pressure to declare a national disaster over devastating floods that killed hundreds of people and laid waste to parts of Sumatra island.
Politics
South Korea's ousted leader urges rallies a year after martial law
South Korea's ousted former leader Yoon Suk Yeol issued a call from prison on Wednesday urging his supporters to rally for "freedom" and defending his decision to declare martial law a year ago.
Culture
KFC readies finger-licking Japanese Christmas
KFC in Japan is gearing up for the Christmas tradition of millions of families thronging the US fast-food chain for special festive buckets of deep-fried chicken and other treats.