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China censors zero-Covid debate after WHO criticises policy
China's censors scrambled to wipe out online debate over its zero-Covid strategy on Wednesday after the World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised the country's hardline approach to crushing the virus.
Former New Zealand captain McCullum linked to England coach role - reports
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is now in contention to become England's new Test head coach, according to British media reports.
Solomons PM dismisses concerns over China maritime deal
Solomon Islands' prime minister dismissed criticism of a new maritime investment deal with China on Wednesday, saying there was nothing "sinister" in the draft agreement.
Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil organisers labelled 'foreign agents'
A Hong Kong court ruled on Wednesday that prosecutors could label organisers of the city's annual Tiananmen vigil "foreign agents" without having to reveal who the group is accused of working for.
Girmay promises to take Eritrean cycling to fresh heights
When Biniam Girmay chased Mathieu van de Poel across the line in the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia last weekend, he offered further proof that Eritrea is an African hotbed of cycling.
Russians 'pushed away' from Kharkiv as Washington boosts aid
Ukraine said Wednesday it was pushing Russian troops away from the country's second city Kharkiv but facing stiff resistance, as Washington predicted that Vladimir Putin was ready for a long war.
'The Rock' diamond goes under the hammer
"The Rock", the biggest white diamond ever to be sold at auction, will go under the hammer in Geneva on Wednesday and could fetch up to $30 million -- or more.
Every heatwave enhanced by climate change: experts
All heatwaves today bear the unmistakable and measurable fingerprint of global warming, top experts on quantifying the impact of climate change on extreme weather said Wednesday.
Malaysia central bank hikes interest rate to tame inflation
Malaysia's central bank raised its key interest rate on Wednesday for the first time since 2020, in a surprise move aimed at taming inflation.
Struggling Kohli mutes TV to silence critics
Out-of-form Virat Kohli says that he has a sure-fire way of drowning out his growing number of critics -- he just mutes the television.
India relaxes environment rules for coal mines, citing heatwave
India has relaxed environmental compliance rules for coal mines seeking to ramp up production as power outages exacerbate a sweltering heatwave, a government notice showed.
Asian stocks mixed, Europe opens higher as investors fret over inflation
Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday, following a volatile day on Wall Street with investors concerned about surging inflation and see-sawing crude prices.
Hong Kong defence fund trustee arrested at airport: sources
A Hong Kong scholar who helped run a now-disbanded defence fund for democracy protesters was arrested at the airport under the national security law, two legal sourcestold AFP on Wednesday.
Where's the money? Japan town sues after $360,000 subsidy mix-up
A Japanese town that accidentally sent a resident $360,000 in financial aid said on Wednesday it has been forced to file a lawsuit after the recipient refused to return the funds.
Sri Lanka orders 'offensive' to contain riots
Sri Lankan police have been ordered to go on the offensive and use live ammunition to prevent "anarchy", a top official told AFP Wednesday after another night of sporadic arson attacks.
Triumphant Marcos faces high expectations from Philippines poor
Despite his Oxford education and jet-set lifestyle, the Philippines's president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Junior sailed to victory this week as a champion of the poor.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr claims victory in Philippine election
The son of the late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday claimed victory in the presidential election, vowing to be a leader "for all Filipinos", his spokesman said.
Al Jazeera journalist killed during Israel West Bank raid
Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh was killed by Israeli troops Wednesday as she covered a raid on Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the network and Palestinian witnesses said.
'Many die': Ukraine throws it all to halt Russian surge
The casing of a cluster munition stood upright like a fence pole not far from a team of Ukrainian medics rushing a bleeding soldier from the eastern front.
It was this big! Cambodian fishermen hook giant endangered stingray
Cambodian fishermen on the Mekong River got a shock when they inadvertently hooked an endangered giant freshwater stingray four metres long and weighing 180 kilos, scientists said on Wednesday.
Indonesian teenager beats top-ranked Yamaguchi in badminton upset
Badminton world number one Akane Yamaguchi suffered a stunning Thomas and Uber Cup defeat on Wednesday at the hands of a teenage rookie ranked more than 300 places below her.
NZ Rugby to vote on controversial $134mn US private equity deal
The fate of New Zealand Rugby's contentious deal with a US private equity firm should be known within a month, after a special general meeting was called by the sport's bosses on Wednesday.
Philippine election winner Marcos visits dictator father's grave
Ferdinand Marcos Junior visited the grave of his dictator father hours after his thumping victory in the Philippine presidential election, his team said Wednesday, posting photos of the intimate moment on social media.
Madrid rivals Miami as haven for Latin American dissidents
Well-known faces of Cuba's protest have in recent years gone into exile in Madrid, which is rivalling Miami as a haven for Latin American political opponents.
In Kyiv, boxing gyms offer chance to ease war stress
The sound of hip hop mixes with the dull thud of fists walloping heavy bags as a group of Ukrainian boxers unleash combinations, burning off weeks of pent up stress.
Al Jazeera journalist killed by Israeli forces in West Bank
Veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh was shot dead by Israeli troops Wednesday as she covered a raid on Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, an AFP photographer reported.
New Zealand fully reopens to the world in August: Ardern
New Zealand will fully reopen to the world in August, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday, ending one of the toughest anti-Covid-19 border restrictions.
Toyota posts record full-year net profit, forecasts cautious
Toyota on Wednesday posted a record full-year net profit helped by strong sales and a cheaper yen, but issued cautious forecasts as the pandemic and war in Ukraine disrupt supply chains.
Russians 'pushed away from Kharkiv' as Washington warns of long war
Russian troops are being pushed away from Ukraine's second city Kharkiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, but sounded a note of caution as Washington said Vladimir Putin won't stop with the east and is ready for a long war.
EA Sports to end FIFA video-game partnership after three decades
The wildly popular FIFA video-game series will be rebranded EA Sports FC next year, its publisher Electronic Arts said on Tuesday, ending a three-decade relationship with football's governing body.
Tokyo to recognise same-sex partnerships from November
Tokyo will begin recognising same-sex partnerships from November after revising current rules, officials said Wednesday, becoming the largest city in Japan to do so.
Thailand's women cricketers look past World Cup heartache
In a country where a Muay Thai right hook is more familiar than a batter's hook shot, Thailand's pioneering women cricketers are winning hearts with smiles, dance moves -- and skill.