Last news
Four dead, dozens rescued from capsized boat in Channel
At least four people died when a small boat apparently packed with migrants capsized in freezing temperatures in the Channel overnight, the UK government said on Wednesday.
US reporter who died in Qatar had ruptured blood vessel: wife
Grant Wahl, a leading American sports reporter who died suddenly while covering the World Cup in Qatar, suffered a fatal rupture of the aorta, the main blood vessel leading from the heart, his wife said Wednesday.
Istanbul's opposition mayor barred from politics over 'insult'
A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced Istanbul's popular opposition mayor to nearly three years jail in a politically charged trial that effectively bars him from standing in next year's presidential election.
French prosecutors search Macron's party offices
French prosecutors said Wednesday that they had searched the headquarters of President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party in their investigation into the use of consulting firms by the government since 2017.
Kenyan guard dies after fall at Qatar World Cup stadium
World Cup organisers said Wednesday that an urgent investigation had been launched into the death of a Kenyan security guard who fell from an upper floor at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Markets muted before expected US rate hike
Caution reigned on stock markets on Wednesday ahead of an expected interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve as inflation remains at decade-high levels despite moderate slowdowns.
Alcaraz to defend Barcelona title in 2023
World number one Carlos Alcaraz will defend his title at the Barcelona ATP tournament in April, the organisers announced on Wednesday.
EU vows investment in push to boost SE Asia ties
The EU vowed billions of dollars of investment in southeast Asia Wednesday, as leaders looked to bolster ties at a summit in the face of the Ukraine war and challenges from China.
HSBC bank says to stop funding new oil and gas fields
Banking giant HSBC on Wednesday said it would end financing for new oil and gas fields, a decision welcomed by environmentalists who nevertheless urged greater action from banks and government.
Activists file case against Meta over Tigray hate posts
An Ethiopian man whose father was murdered during the country's war has joined a lawsuit against Meta that is seeking $1.6 billion from Facebook's parent company for allegedly fanning hate speech in Africa.
Vialli takes break from Italy duties in cancer battle
Gianluca Vialli said Wednesday that he was taking a break from his role within the Italy national team set-up as he continues a long-standing battle with pancreatic cancer.
At least four dead, dozens rescued in Channel small boat incident
At least four people died when a small boat apparently packed with migrants capsized in freezing temperatures in the Channel overnight, the UK government said on Wednesday.
Microsoft seeks to bring internet to millions in Africa by satellite
Microsoft announced plans Wednesday to bring internet access via satellite to 10 million people, half of them in Africa, as part of efforts to bridge a digital divide with the developing world.
Far-right writer in Swiss court claims facing LGBTQ 'harassment'
Far-right essayist Alain Soral, who appeared in court in Switzerland on Wednesday over homophobic remarks, told the hearing that he was himself the victim of "harassment" by the LGBTQ community.
Berlusconi promises Monza players 'busload of hookers' if they beat big guns
Monza owner Silvio Berlusconi said he has promised his players a "busload" of prostitutes if they win one of their upcoming clashes with Serie A's leading lights, including his old club AC Milan.
Stocks diverge before expected US rate hike
Global stock markets diverged Wednesday, with Asia rising and Europe falling before an expected interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve, with inflation around the highest levels in decades despite moderate slowdowns.
Greek MEP in EU parliament graft scandal awaits key ruling
The Greek MEP central to an EU parliament graft scandal awaited a key ruling Wednesday that may keep her behind bars, as she argued innocence in a case allegedly tied to World Cup host Qatar.
Erdogan backs Turkmen gas link easing dependence on Russia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday backed the creation of a new natural gas pipeline that could ease Europe's dependence on Russia by linking up with energy-rich Turkmenistan.
UK inflation slows, remains close to 11 percent
British inflation slowed more than expected in November but remained near the highest level in more than 40 years, official data showed Wednesday, as a cost-of-living crisis sparks fresh UK strikes.
Once a star, Ghana battles economic crisis
The packing machine at Nakobs' Pac factory in the outskirts of Ghana's capital Accra is running at full pace, churning out sachets of treated drinking water.
Pujara, Iyer put India in command against Bangladesh
Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer powered India to a strong 278-6 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Wednesday.
French fest drops cartoonist amid threats after incest row
France's top comics festival said Wednesday it is cancelling an appearance by an author criticised for depicting incest and sexualising children after threats of violence against him.
Two relay world records smashed as Australia take charge at swim short course titles
Two more relay world records tumbled Wednesday at the World Short Course Championships as rising Australian star Lani Pallister completed the 400-800m freestyle double and Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown won 100m backstroke gold.
Fiji PM vows to respect result, as votes counted
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama on Wednesday vowed to respect an election that could end his 16-year grip on power, as his rival ex-coup leader took an early lead with a small fraction of the vote counted.
China says tracking Covid cases 'impossible' as infections soar
China's top health body said Wednesday the true scale of coronavirus infections in the country is now "impossible" to track, with officials warning cases are rising rapidly in Beijing after the government abruptly abandoned its zero-Covid policy.
Zara owner's profits rise despite inflation
Zara owner Inditex reported Wednesday a jump in profits in the third quarter of its fiscal year despite soaring inflation and the war in Ukraine impacting business costs.
S.African opposition vow to pursue Ramaphosa over scandal
South African opposition parties vowed Wednesday to challenge a vote in parliament that rejected an impeachment inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa that could have forced his removal from office.
History-makers Morocco eye France upset at World Cup
History-making Morocco look to pull off another upset against holders France in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday with Argentina and Lionel Messi lying in wait for the winner.
The young Iranians facing death penalty over protests
A doctor, rap artists and a footballer are among around two dozen Iranians who risk being hanged as Tehran uses capital punishment as an intimidation tactic to quell protests, rights groups say.
UK inflation slows but remains elevated
British inflation slowed in November but sat near the highest level in more than 40 years, data showed Wednesday, as a cost-of-living crisis sparks fresh strikes.
Pope says spend less on Christmas, give to Ukraine
Pope Francis on Wednesday called on people to spend less on Christmas presents and celebrations, and donate the money saved to those in war-ravaged Ukraine.
Ukraine downs swarm of attack drones over Kyiv
Ukrainian forces said Wednesday they had shot down an entire swarm of Iranian-made drones launched at the capital by Russian troops in their latest attack on Kyiv.