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China announces candidate for WHO chief
China announced Thursday it had put forward a candidate to lead the World Health Organization -- a move that could signal intent to expand its influence at the WHO after the United States quit, even though questions persist about Beijing's transparency over the Covid-19 pandemic.
South Korea test-fires its first homegrown hypersonic weapon: presidency
South Korea test-fired its first homegrown hypersonic weapon on Thursday, the presidential office said, days after Pyongyang announced the AI-assisted launch of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.
Thailand opens extradition process for reporter sought by China
Thai authorities began extradition proceedings on Thursday against a Chinese investigative reporter wanted by Beijing and detained for months in Thailand, his lawyer and an official told AFP.
Ethiopia drones hit Eritrean troops in Tigray
Ethiopian drone strikes have targeted Eritrean forces who had reached a northern Tigrayan city, a conflict monitor and witnesses said on Thursday, amid fears of a wider regional war.
Russian strike on buses kills 30 in frontline Ukrainian city
Ukraine on Thursday accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians after 30 people were killed when two buses were blown up in the frontline city of Kramatorsk, in one of the deadliest single attacks for weeks.
Thailand begins extradition process against Chinese journalist
Thai authorities began extradition proceedings on Thursday against a Chinese investigative reporter wanted by Beijing and detained for months in Thailand, his lawyer and an official told AFP.
In Beijing, EU trade envoy says deficit with China 'unsustainable'
The European Union's top commerce official said Thursday that the bloc's trade deficit with China was "unsustainable", as he kicked off two days of talks in Beijing aimed at averting a trade war.
Drone hits Yandex data centre, in first such attack on Russia
A drone caused a fire at a data centre belonging to Russian technology company Yandex, the company told AFP Thursday, in the first such strike of its kind on Russia.
Oil prices surge and stocks sink on fresh inflation worries
Oil prices soared Thursday and equities tumbled on fresh inflation fears following a report that said President Donald Trump was considering more strikes on Iran ahead of next month's US midterm elections.
Israel drastically reduces British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem
Israel said the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its functions on Thursday but that seven diplomats would be allowed to remain in a limited capacity, with the UK saying it would continue to offer "vital services".
North Korea demands South show 'utmost respect' to restore relations
The powerful sister of North Korea's leader said Thursday that Seoul must show the "utmost respect" to mend ties, after Pyongyang denied responsibility for a DMZ mine blast that wounded South Korean soldiers.
Saudi says three dead in airport attacks claimed by Houthis
Saudi authorities said Wednesday three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom's international airports, including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen's Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs.
The growing protests against India's poll body - and PM Modi
India's election commission is facing mounting pressure after a newspaper investigation alleged misconduct during a nationwide voter-roll revision.
Stocks fall further as oil spike fans fresh inflation worries
Equities extended losses Thursday as inflation fears were stoked by a fresh jump in oil prices following a report that said Donald Trump was considering more Iran strikes ahead of next month's US midterm elections.
Bad COP, worse COP? EU tempers hopes for UN climate summit
After having its hopes dashed for a more ambitious deal last year in Brazil, the European Union is setting its sights low for next month's COP31 climate summit in Turkey.
Housing crisis set to dominate Spain's snap election
After simmering below the surface for years, anger at unaffordable housing in Spain has bubbled over and precipitated a general election that will be dominated by the crisis.
Guinea-Bissau junta urges military unit loyal to ex-president to disarm
Guinea-Bissau's junta leader General Horta N'Tam urged members of the presidential guard loyal to exiled former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo to voluntarily lay down their weapons on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia says 3 dead at airports after Houthis claim attacks
Saudi authorities said Wednesday that three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom's international airports, including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen's Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs.
Stocks slide as oil sees volatile trading day over Iran war fears
Stock markets slid on Wednesday after a volatile day of trading for oil that saw the commodity rise sharply before closing lower after International Energy Agency member states said they were ready to release more strategic reserves.
'Never again Bolsonaro': thousands march ahead of Brazil election runoff
Thousands of people joined a student march Wednesday in downtown Rio de Janeiro to protest against election favorite Flavio Bolsonaro and the prospect of the far-right's return to power in Brazil, as the campaign for a runoff election swung into action.
Five children among 28 killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine
Russian attacks across Ukraine on Wednesday killed at least 28 people, including five children who died when a missile slammed into an apartment block in the north of the country as they slept.
Saudi Arabia says three dead at airports after Houthis claim attacks
Saudi authorities said on Wednesday that three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom's international airports including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen's Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs.
Trump plans to turn Florida golf course into presidential retreat
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants to turn his luxury Florida golf course into a retreat for future presidents modeled on the historic Camp David getaway.
Thousands march fearing return of a Bolsonaro presidency in Brazil
Thousands of people joined a student march Wednesday in downtown Rio de Janeiro to protest presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro and a surge of the far-right in Brazil.
Protests in major Turkish city after mayor defects to Erdogan party
More than 1,000 protesters gathered in Turkish opposition stronghold Izmir on Wednesday, angered by the defection of the city's mayor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP.
Five children among 26 killed in Ukraine after Russian strikes
Russian strikes across Ukraine on Wednesday killed at least 26 people, including five children who died when a missile slammed into an apartment block in the north of the country as they slept.
Trump wants to turn Florida golf course into presidential retreat
Donald Trump wants to turn his luxury Florida golf course into retreat for future US presidents modeled on the historic Camp David getaway, the White House said Wednesday.
Russia warns of 'false' information as second plague case reported
Russia warned Wednesday against "false" information as reports emerged of a second suspected case of plague in Siberia, with Washington and Brussels calling for transparency and neighbouring Mongolia tightening health surveillance.
Mayor of Turkish opposition stronghold defects to Erdogan party
The mayor of Izmir, Turkey's third city and an opposition stronghold,defected to the ruling AKP Wednesday, in a huge symbolic victory for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
IEA ready to release more oil reserves if necessary
The International Energy Agency's member countries stand ready to release additional oil from their strategic reserves if necessary and will prioritise diesel due to tight supplies of the fuel, the head of the IEA said Wednesday.
Children among heavy casualties in Ukraine after Russian strikes
At least 24 people were killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine on Wednesday, including four young children who died when a missile slammed into an apartment block in the north of the country as they slept.
Court orders German ex-spy chief kept in jail after spying, treason arrest
A court Wednesday ordered ex-German spy chief August Hanning to remain in jail after his arrest on suspicion of espionage and treason, along with a former deputy who allegedly supplied him with secret files.