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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.
Sports
Stokes backs 'incredibly talented' Jacks on eve of 2nd Ashes clash
England captain Ben Stokes has backed "incredibly talented" Will Jacks to shine following his surprise selection for the day-night second Ashes Test starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.
Economy
Airbus cuts delivery target over fuselage quality issue
Aircraft maker Airbus said Wednesday it had lowered its 2025 target for deliveries because of fuselage panel quality issues at its flagship model, the A320.
Sports
Stokes 'hit hard' by death of England batting great Smith
England cricket captain Ben Stokes said Wednesday the sudden death of former batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62 "hits you hard".
Politics
EU agrees deal to ban Russian gas by autumn 2027
European Union lawmakers and member states reached a deal Wednesday to ban all imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027, as the bloc seeks to choke off key funds feeding Moscow's war chest.
Politics
South Korea overcame 'crisis', leader says year after martial law
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the country had overcome an "unprecedented crisis" of democracy one year on from ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked political turmoil.
Politics
Ukraine war fuels debate on neutrality in Austria
For 70 years, neutrality has been the cornerstone of Austria's foreign policy, but debate on it has resurfaced since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Economy
UK seniors fight loneliness with tea and a tango
All gloom was left outside as pensioners bustled into a room in Liverpool's centuries-old town hall for a tea dance, a lively antidote to getting older in Britain.
Politics
How anti-China disinformation shaped South Korea's year of crisis
Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to impose martial law last year plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, providing fertile ground for disinformation to grow.
Economy
Indian rupee hits fresh record low past 90 per dollar
India's rupee fell to a fresh record low of over 90 per dollar Wednesday, extending recent declines, with traders partly blaming the delay in striking a trade deal with the United States.
Sports
Thunder beat Warriors to bag 13th straight win, Celtics down Knicks
The Oklahoma City Thunder staved off a ferocious Golden State Warriors fightback to bag their 13th consecutive win on Tuesday, pulling away 124-112 in their heavyweight NBA showdown.
Sports
Five-wicket Duffy puts New Zealand on top against West Indies
A five-wicket haul by Jacob Duffy gave New Zealand a 64-run first-innings lead over the West Indies with the tourists all out for 167 in the first Test on Wednesday.
Politics
US, Russia find 'no compromise' on territory after Ukraine talks
High-stakes US-Russia talks on ending the war in Ukraine failed to yield a breakthrough on Tuesday, as the Kremlin said "no compromise" had been found yet on the key question of territory.
Boulevard
Sri Lanka counts cyclone cost as toll hits 465
Sri Lankan authorities said Wednesday they would need some $7 billion to rebuild homes, industries and roads destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left at least 465 people dead so far.
Sports
Inglis to get nod for second Ashes Test as Cummins comeback rumours grow
Josh Inglis is expected to come into Australia's batting line-up for the second Ashes Test on Thursday as speculation grows that captain Pat Cummins might make a shock comeback in Brisbane.
Boulevard
Opium poppy farming hits 10-year high in war-torn Myanmar
Myanmar's opium poppy cultivation has hit a decade-record level, the United Nations warned Wednesday, with early indications its heroin output is now being trafficked to Western markets.
Politics
South Korean leader says country overcame 'crisis' on martial law anniversary
South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung said Wednesday the country had overcome an "unprecedented crisis" of democracy one year on from ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that sparked political turmoil.
Nature
Frustration in Indonesia as flood survivors await aid
Officials in Indonesia and Sri Lanka battled Wednesday to reach survivors of deadly flooding in remote, cut-off regions as the toll in the disaster that hit four countries topped 1,300.
Sports
Brown scores 42 as Celtics hold off Knicks
Jaylen Brown finished with 42 points as the Boston Celtics came from behind before holding off a late charge from the New York Knicks to seal a 123-117 victory on Tuesday.
Boulevard
Malaysia says search for long-missing flight MH370 to resume
The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume at the end of December, Malaysia's transport ministry said on Wednesday, more than a decade after the plane disappeared.
Sports
McIlroy wants more big trophies, Ryder Cups, starting in Australia
Masters champion Rory McIlroy has reset his goals after completing golf's career grand slam in April and on Wednesday said it was now about chasing the biggest trophies at sacred venues.
Economy
YouTube says Australia social media ban makes children 'less safe'
YouTube on Wednesday attacked Australia's looming social media ban for under-16s, denouncing the world-first laws as "rushed" and saying they will make children less safe online.
Economy
Chinese smart glasses firms eye overseas conquest
In China, AI glasses let the wearer pay in shops with just a glance at a QR code and a voice command, as a growing number of companies look to conquer both growing domestic and overseas markets.
Sports
New Zealand strike as West Indies lose brave Hope to be 120-5
New Zealand took three wickets in four overs, including the heroic Shai Hope, as the West Indies were 120-5 at tea, still 111 in arrears on day two of the first Test in Christchurch on Wednesday.