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Climate change indicators hit record highs in 2021: UN
Four key climate change indicators all set new record highs in 2021, the United Nations said Wednesday, warning that the global energy system was driving humanity towards catastrophe.
Finland, Sweden apply to join NATO as first Ukraine war crimes trial begins
Finland and Sweden on Wednesday submitted a joint application to join NATO as Russia's invasion of Ukraine forces a dramatic reappraisal of security in Europe.
England recall Broad and Anderson for New Zealand Tests
England on Thursday recalled James Anderson and Stuart Broad, their two most successful Test wicket-takers of all time, for the opening two fixtures of a three-match series against New Zealand.
Le Mans could be breakthrough moment for women drivers: Gatting
Danish driver Michelle Gatting believes a podium finish for the all-female Iron Dames team in the historic Le Mans 24 race in June would "open doors for a new generation" of women pilots, she told AFP.
Climate-stricken world needs renewables Marshall Plan: UN chief
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday outlined what amounts to a global Marshall Plan for ushering in a world powered by renewable energy rather than coal, gas and oil.
UK inflation jumps to 40-year peak
Britain's annual inflation rate surged to a 40-year high last month on rocketing energy costs, official data showed Wednesday, sparking opposition calls for the government to announce an emergency budget to combat a cost-of-living crisis.
Mushfiqur milestone as Bangladesh reach 385-3 at lunch
Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das continued to dominate Sri Lanka in the first Test on Wednesday, batting unscathed through to lunch as Bangladesh edged towards a lead on the fourth day in Chittagong.
Sri Lankan police arrests ruling party MPs over mob violence
Sri Lankan police arrested two ruling party lawmakers for allegedly instigating mob violence that plunged the country into days of unrest and left nine people dead last week, officials said Wednesday.
Japan urges China to play 'responsible' role on Ukraine crisis
Japan's foreign minister on Wednesday urged Beijing to "play a responsible role" on Russia's invasion of Ukraine in his first talks with his Chinese counterpart in six months.
Albania's Soviet-era sub awaits its fate, refusing to sink
Retired sergeant Neim Shehaj spends his days repairing a Soviet-era submarine, a witness to Albania's tumultuous communist past that is now rusting, half-submerged, at an Adriatic naval base.
Second endangered cheetah cub dies in Iran: state media
The second of three Asiatic cheetah cubs born in captivity in Iran has died in a blow to conservation efforts for the critically endangered subspecies, state media reported Wednesday.
Sony brings zero-carbon goal forward 10 years to 2040
Japanese giant Sony brought forward its deadline for reaching carbon neutrality by a decade on Wednesday, saying it is now targeting net-zero emissions across its business by 2040.
Italy marks 30-year anniversary of murder of anti-mafia judge Falcone
Thirty years ago, the Sicilian mafia killed judge Giovanni Falcone with a bomb so powerful it was registered by experts monitoring volcanic tremors from Etna on the other side of the island.
Conservatives tipped to lose in Australian nail-biter election
Australians punch drunk after three crisis-ridden years of fire, flood and plague will go to the polls on Saturday, in a tight race narrowly tipped to end a decade of conservative rule.
Kyiv seeks evacuation of Azovstal fighters, first war crimes trial begins
Ukraine was seeking to evacuate the last soldiers holed up at the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol on Wednesday, its president said, as the first war crimes trial of a Russian soldier since the invasion began was set to get under way in Kyiv.
US eases some sanctions on Venezuela: official
The United States is easing some of its tough sanctions on Venezuela to encourage dialogue between President Nicolas Maduro's regime and its opponents, a senior official said Tuesday.
Asian markets mixed after US retail data boosts Wall Street
Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday following a strong start in some markets, which took the lead from Wall Street where traders were cheered by brisk US retail sales data.
Fired-up Djokovic braced for Alcaraz and Nadal challenge at French Open
Novak Djokovic admits he will be fired up by the fiasco of his high-profile deportation from Australia when he targets a record-equalling 21st major on his Grand Slam return at the French Open.
Pakistan and IMF to meet over release of funds as economy falters
The International Monetary Fund will begin talks with Pakistani officials on Wednesday over the release of crucial funds, a process slowed by concerns about the pace of economic reforms in the South Asian country.
Butler brings heat as Miami sink Boston in series opener
Jimmy Butler scored 41 points as the Miami Heat produced a devastating comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 118-107 in their opening Eastern Conference finals series clash on Tuesday.
Kosovo veterans face witness intimidation case verdict
A war crimes court in The Hague will on Wednesday deliver its verdict on two former separatist fighters from Kosovo's 1990s independence war against Serbia, who are accused of intimidating witnesses.
Robot hives in Israel kibbutz hope to keep bees buzzing
They function as normal hives, but apiaries built at a kibbutz in Israel's Galilee are decked out with high-tech artificial intelligence systems set to ensure longevity for these vital pollinators.
Morocco 'breathing again' as tourists back after Covid shutdown
Moroccan snake-charmer Youssef watched as long-absent tourists again thronged Marrakesh's famous Jamaa El-Fna square, ending a long pause forced by the Covid pandemic.
Kim slams negligent officials over spiralling N. Korea Covid outbreak
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the negligence and laziness of state officials worsened the country's Covid outbreak, state media reported Wednesday, as the number of known cases crossed 1.7 million.
How Tom Cruise survived the end of the star era
Tom Cruise jets into Cannes on Wednesday for the first time in 30 years to launch "Top Gun: Maverick", and much has changed in the film industry since his last visit -- except his continued box office power.
In New York, nail salon workers fight for their rights
They are the artisans of affordable beauty on almost every New York City street corner. But migrant nail salon workers endure low wages, poor conditions and health risks -- a reality they hope a new law will change.
Ukraine street artist Gamlet 'under orders' to paint Kharkiv
A black bulletproof vest bearing a Ukrainian military crest, a tourniquet and two felt-tip pens make up street artist Gamlet Zinkivsky's unpretentious work equipment.
Medvedev says he's no French Open favourite after comeback loss
World number two Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday ruled himself out as a title contender at next week's French Open after losing his first match back after a hernia operation.
Race satire meets teen buddy comedy in Amazon's 'Emergency'
"Emergency" begins like any coming-of-age buddy comedy. But its young heroes' night of party-hopping hi-jinks quickly takes a more serious and sinister turn -- in large part because they are Black.
Japan 1st-quarter GDP shrank as Omicron wave hit
Japan's economy shrank slightly in the first quarter of 2022, official data showed Wednesday, hit by Covid-19 restrictions and higher prices.
End of the line nears for NASA InSight Mars lander
After some four years probing Mars' interior, NASA's InSight lander will likely retire this summer as accumulated dust on its solar panels saps its power.
US is flooded with guns: Justice Dept
US firearms makers produced over 139 million guns for the commercial market over the two decades from 2000, including 11.3 million in 2020 alone, according to a new government report.