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US, Japan talk on updating alliance as China worries grow
The United States on Wednesday holds talks on ways to "modernize" its alliance with Japan, which plans to ramp up its defenses in the face of a rising China and tensions over Taiwan and North Korea.
Five killed, dozens wounded by suicide blast in Kabul
At least five people were killed and dozens wounded by a suicide bomber near the Afghan foreign ministry in Kabul Wednesday, where a Chinese delegation had been due to meet, officials and witnesses said.
Crisis-hit Egypt's currency halved in value since March
The Egyptian pound traded Wednesday at half its value from March after the central bank intervened for a third time as part of an International Monetary Fund loan agreement.
Russia to send spacecraft to ISS to bring home crew of damaged capsule
Russia said Wednesday that it will send an empty spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) next month to bring home three astronauts whose planned return vehicle was damaged by a strike from a tiny meteorite.
UK, Japan sign major defence deal allowing troop deployments
The British and Japanese prime ministers signed what Downing Street called a "hugely significant" new defence deal allowing UK troops to deploy in Japan as the pair met in London on Wednesday.
Villa sign Betis defender Moreno
Aston Villa signed Spanish defender Alex Moreno from Real Betis for a reported £13 million ($15 million) on Wednesday.
Space junk, not meteorites, remains biggest threat to spacecraft
Dodging the kind of meteorite strike that forced Russia to plan a space station rescue mission is nearly impossible, yet the greater threat to spacecraft is actually the man-made debris in orbit, experts say.
Five things to know about the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, which holds the first round of its presidential election on Friday and Saturday, is an ex-communist country that has been a part of the European Union since 2004.
Ex-PM, NATO general, economist lead Czech presidential vote
Three candidates -- a billionaire ex-premier, a former NATO general and an economist -- lead the polls ahead of Friday's first round of Czech presidential election.
Kyiv asks for long-range missiles and tanks to win the war in 2023
Ukraine will be able to win the war in 2023 if it receives more Western weapons, particularly long-range missiles and heavy tanks, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak told AFP Wednesday.
Greece's ex-king Constantine to have private funeral
Greece's former king Constantine II, who has died aged 82, will have a private funeral next week and be buried at the former royal estate of Tatoi, his family and officials said Wednesday.
Russia, Ukraine agree new prisoner swap in Turkey
Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday agreed a new prisoner swap during rare talks in Turkey during which they also discussed the creation of a "humanitarian corridor" in the war zone.
Fate of Ukraine's Soledar at stake as Wagner claims control
The fate of Soledar in eastern Ukraine was up in the air on Wednesday, with Russian mercenary group Wagner claiming to control the gateway town while the Kremlin cautioned against declaring victory prematurely.
Five killed by suicide blast near Afghan foreign ministry
At least five people were killed and several wounded by a suicide bomber near the Afghan foreign ministry in Kabul Wednesday, where a Chinese delegation had been due to meet, officials and witnesses said.
Germany's Kimmich says family saved him from World Cup woe
Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich thanked his family for picking him up out of a post-World Cup "hole", which he had described as "the worst day of my life".
Stocks rise on recovery hopes before inflation data
Global stock markets mostly rallied Wednesday as investors were buoyed by optimism over China's reopening and looming data expected to show a further slowdown in US inflation.
Flights gradually resuming in US after nationwide stoppage
US air authorities ordered an hours-long grounding of flight departures nationwide Wednesday following an outage affecting a key system used by pilots before takeoff.
Talented Felix needs Chelsea rebirth after Atletico struggles
Joao Felix is aiming to reignite his career at Chelsea on loan after underwhelming at Atletico Madrid, whom he joined for an eye-watering 126 million euros ($135 million) in 2019.
Tycoon Arnault names daughter Delphine as Dior chief
French billionaire Bernard Arnault announced Wednesday that his daughter Delphine would head his LVMH luxury empire's Dior fashion house in a leadership shuffle also featuring a new CEO at flagship brand Louis Vuitton.
Misfiring Chelsea bank on Joao Felix to spark forward line
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has joined Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season, the struggling Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
French island plans mass rodent cull to save albatross eggs
Conservationists are workingto rid a remote French southern Indian Ocean island of rodents and stray cats by the end of next year to protect prized albatrosses and other birds.
Anti-coal protesters dig in as German police clear protest camp
German police pressed ahead on Wednesday with clearing a camp of anti-coal activists in an abandoned town which has become emblematic of the country's struggle to transition away from fossil fuels amid an energy crisis.
Turkey frees top doctor who sought chemical arms probe
A Turkish court on Wednesday released an internationally respected medic who outraged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan by backing a probe into the army's alleged use of chemical weapons in Iraq.
Pakistan restrict New Zealand to 261 after Conway hundred in second ODI
Spinner Mohammad Nawaz took four wickets to help Pakistan restrict New Zealand to 261 all out Wednesday after opener Devon Conway hit a century in the second day-night international in Karachi.
Scandal-hit French FA boss Le Graet forced to step down
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has been forced to stand down just weeks after France's defeat in the World Cup final following a series of controversies, the body said on Wednesday.
Appeal opens of ex-Iran official convicted in Sweden
A former Iranian prison official sentenced to life in Sweden for crimes committed during a 1988 purge of dissidents appeared in court again Wednesday as his appeal trial opened.
Shake a leg: India fetes 'RRR' Golden Globes win
India celebrated a rare Hollywood triumph Wednesday after movie "RRR" won a Golden Globe for best song, seeing off competition from superstars Taylor Swift and Rihanna.
Suicide blast near Afghan ministry, more than 20 casualties
A suicide bomber blew himself up near Afghanistan's foreign ministry where a Chinese delegation had been due to meet on Wednesday, causing more than 20 casualties, Taliban officials and witnesses said.
Iranian filmmaker Rasoulof temporarily released: lawyer
Award-winning Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, jailed half a year ago over protests related to a building collapse, has been released for two weeks because of health concerns, his lawyer said Wednesday.
US halts all domestic flight departures over system outage
The US Federal Aviation Authority ordered a temporary halt to all domestic flight departures Wednesday, after a major system outage that disrupted air traffic across the country.
Russia to send rocket to rescue crew from ISS
Russia said Wednesday it would send a rescue capsule next month for three crew members of the International Space Station, after a meteorite damaged the spacecraft that was due to return them to Earth.
England captain Farrell set for Six Nations opener despite ban
Owen Farrell is set to be available for England's opening Six Nations match against Scotland despite receiving a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle during a game for club side Saracens, the Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday.