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BBC tax raids put India press freedom in spotlight
Just weeks after the BBC aired a documentary examining Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in deadly 2002 sectarian riots, tax inspectors descended on the broadcaster's offices.
Blundell leads New Zealand fightback in England first Test
A rollicking Tom Blundell century propelled New Zealand back into contention before two late England batting stumbles left the first Test tantalisingly poised at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
Japan weighs finally lifting age of consent from 13
A Japanese justice ministry panel on Friday proposed raising the country's age of consent, currently among the world's lowest at just 13, as part of a major overhaul of sex crime legislation.
Markets drop as traders eye higher-for-longer rates
Asian and European markets fell Friday on the prospect of more interest rate hikes after two Federal Reserve officials hinted at ramping up their institution's monetary tightening campaign in the face of stubbornly high US inflation.
50 years ago in France: the botched theft of Petain's body
In a saga that captivated France half a century ago, a group of admirers of French Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain stole his coffin from the Atlantic island where he died in prison in order to bury him alongside fellow World War I heroes in Verdun.
Hundreds of flights axed as German airport staff strike
Tens of thousands of travellers faced flight delays and cancellations Friday as workers at eight airports in Germany went on strike to demand better pay.
Tourism revival boosts Thai economy but exports sluggish
Thailand's economy expanded by 2.6 percent last year on the back of a tourism recovery and strong consumer confidence but an export slowdown dragged on growth, officials said Friday.
British embassy guard faces jail for spying for Moscow
A former security guard at the UK's Berlin embassy, who pleaded guilty to spying for Moscow, faces up to 14 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday.
Tokyo to demolish historic baseball stadium despite outcry
Tokyo's government approved Friday a redevelopment which will see a historic baseball stadium demolished and trees donated to honour Japan's Emperor Meiji torn out, a move opponents called "shameful".
Blundell ton leads New Zealand rearguard in first England Test
A rollicking century by Tom Blundell propelled New Zealand to a first innings of 306 and back into contention in the first Test against England at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
North Korea warns of strong response to US-South Korea military drills
North Korea on Friday threatened an "unprecedentedly" strong response to upcoming US-South Korea joint military drills, describing them as preparations for war.
Kosovo's 'closet' Catholics open up about long hidden faith
In an austere church perched above a picturesque valley in central Kosovo, Ismet Sopi recounted how his family hid their Catholic faith for centuries after converting to Islam during the Ottoman conquest of the Balkans.
Key security conference in Munich has Ukraine in focus
The Munich Security Conference opens on Friday, bringing world leaders together ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine as Kyiv steps up pleas for more weapons.
Australia reeling on 94-3 after Ashwin strikes twice
India's Ravichandran Ashwin took two wickets in one over including Steve Smith for a duck to leave Australia reeling on 94-3 at lunch on Friday's opening day of the second Test.
Climate change could force 'decoupling' of long-distance athletics events - Coe
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said Friday long-distance events could be "decoupled" from major championships due to climate change as concerns mount about competitor welfare in soaring heat.
Toddler among dead as New Zealand storm toll mounts
A New Zealand mum has recounted the heartbreak of watching her two-year-old daughter being swept away in floodwaters unleashed by Cyclone Gabrielle, which has killed at least eight people.
Corruption scandal deals new blow to Xi's Chinese football dream
Alleged corruption at the top of Chinese football has left President Xi Jinping's dream of his country becoming a global force in the sport appear more remote than ever.
Blundell leads New Zealand rearguard in first Test against England
Bold batting from Tom Blundell on 80 not out led a New Zealand fightback on day two of the first Test against England at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
Electric boat goes airborne for cleaner ocean voyage
Appearing at a glance to be just a simple pleasure boat floating on the San Francisco Bay, as the hydrofoil-equipped vessel picks up speed it suddenly begins rising above the water, grabbing the attention of passengers on a nearby ferry.
Durant says Suns have 'all the pieces' now for title tilt
Kevin Durant believes the Phoenix Suns have been transformed into NBA title contenders following his recent blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
Antetokounmpo injury scare as Bucks roll to 12th straight win
Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an injury scare on Thursday as the Milwaukee Bucks cruised to a 12th straight victory with a 112-100 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Australia to spend $4.8 billion on 2032 Olympic venues
Australia said Friday it will spend Aus$7.0 billion (US$4.8 billion) on venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including a new 17,000-seat arena and a revamp of the Gabba stadium.
Burberry set for 'Britishness' refocus at London fashion week
London fashion week kicks off Friday with Daniel Lee's debut as Burberry creative director among the highlights, as the brand looks set to return to its British roots.
USA beat Canada, Brazil's Marta makes winning return
The United States showed solidarity with the Canadian women's team in their pay dispute before beating them 2-0 in the opening game of the SheBelieves Cup in Orlando on Thursday.
Broad and Anderson reach milestone as England retain control
Bowling greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad reached another cricket milestone on Friday to strengthen England's grip on day two of the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui.
Asian markets drop as traders eye higher-for-longer rates
Asian markets fell Friday on the prospect of more interest rate hikes after two Federal Reserve officials hinted at ramping up its monetary tightening campaign in the face of stubbornly high inflation.
Tackling taboos: Japanese university club teaches Ainu traditions
When Yuko Honda, a professor at Japan's Sapporo University, tried to start a scholarship for Ainu Indigenous students and a club to celebrate their culture, she ran into fierce resistance.
Colombia, Venezuela revive trade deal after 4-year suspension
The leaders of Colombia and Venezuela on Thursday renewed a trade deal that had been suspended for four years, in the latest rapprochement between the neighbors.
New generation revives Okinawa's once-banned Indigenous body art
Moeko Heshiki is no ordinary tattoo artist: she is one of the few people keeping the once-banned tradition of hajichi body art alive for the Indigenous Ryukyu people of Japan's Okinawa region.
Japan's Indigenous peoples fight stigma to reclaim identities
In a forest in northern Japan's Hokkaido, Atsushi Monbetsu kneels on the moss in the thick morning fog and begins to pray in a language that has nearly disappeared.
US envoy to Afghanistan apologizes for 'inappropriate' tweets
The top US diplomat to Afghanistan on Thursday apologized for tweets that suggested struggling Afghan women might find inspiration in African American history and culture -- particularly the #BlackGirlMagic social media movement.
U.S beat Canada, Brazil's Marta makes winning return
The United States showed solidarity with the Canadian women's team in their pay dispute before beating them 2-0 in the opening game of the SheBelieves Cup in Orlando on Thursday.