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France hopes for 'ambitious' growth in budget plan
The French government on Wednesday presented a budget plan based on a buoyant growth prediction that raised eyebrows at France's public finance watchdog.
Gattuso tipped to take over at crisis club Marseille
Gennaro Gattuso is expected to be named as the new coach of French giants Marseille following the resignation of Marcelino Garcia Toral last week, sources close to the discussions said on Wednesday.
56,000 Pakistan schools shut over eye virus outbreak
More than 56,000 Pakistan schools will shut for the rest of the week in a bid to curb a mass outbreak of a contagious eye virus, officials said Wednesday.
Swiatek, Pegula into Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals
Four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and world number four Jessica Pegula surged into the quarter-finals of the WTA Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Wednesday with straight-sets victories.
UK approves new North Sea oil production, angering green groups
Britain on Wednesday authorised oil and gas production in its largest undeveloped field to bolster its energy security, one week after the government diluted its net zero targets, triggering further condemnation by environmentalists.
Marsh hits 96 as Australia make 352-7 against India
Mitchell Marsh made 96 in an Australian batting onslaught of 352-7 against India that raised hopes of a consolation win in Wednesday's third and final one-day international.
Decarbonising shipping to cost over $100 bn per year: UN
The UN called for rapid decarbonisation of the shipping industry on Wednesday, warning that the price tag could top $100 billion a year as the sector's emissions continue to swell.
Indonesia bans goods transactions on social media platforms
Indonesia has banned goods transactions on social media platforms in a new regulation, its trade minister said Wednesday, as Jakarta aims to rein in direct sales on major platforms it says are harming millions of small businesses.
Asian Games card players bridge yawning generation gap
With some players in their 70s and opponents young enough to be their grandchildren, age is just a number for bridge competitors engaged in a battle of wits at the Asian Games.
Stock markets diverge as uncertain outlook buoys dollar
World stocks markets were mixed Wednesday as the dollar hit multi-month peaks on expectations of more hikes to US interest rates to combat persistently high inflation.
Last stop in Ukraine: Russian POWs' long wait to get home
Rising from their tables after the meal, the Russian prisoners of war shouted in Ukrainian "Thank you for lunch!"
Spain find fragile peace and progress after Rubiales scandal
Spain's women's national team took one step towards the Olympic Games and several more towards equality, over a tense fortnight out of which a fragile peace emerged.
Spain's Feijoo loses parliamentary vote to become PM
Alberto Nunez-Feijoo saw his bid to become Spain's next prime minister rejected by parliament on Wednesday, with the right-wing opposition leader lacking the support to pass a key vote.
Poland says open to Ukraine grain proposals ahead of talks
Poland's agriculture minister said on Wednesday that his country remained open to a Ukrainian proposal for a grain import licensing system, adding that the thorny issue would be discussed in the coming weeks.
Sweet 13! China's Cui queen of the skateboard teens at Asian Games
Thirteen-year-old Cui Chenxi became China's youngest gold medallist at the Asian Games in Hangzhou when she won the women's street skateboarding event on Wednesday.
At least 100 killed as fire engulfs Iraq wedding hall
At least 100 people were killed when a fire ripped through a crowded Iraqi wedding hall, officials said Wednesday, pointing to indoor fireworks as the likely cause for the blaze that sparked a panicked stampede for the exits.
Ramos' home in Spain raided during Champions League match
Veteran Spain defender Sergio Ramos' home was raided by burglars with his four young children inside while he was on Champions League duty with Sevilla last week, police and reports said Wednesday.
Third of Karabakh population flees Azerbaijan's control
Armenia said Wednesday that more than a third of Nagorno-Karabakh's population has fled the enclave since Azerbaijan crushed the rebels' decades-long fight for an independent state last week.
Berlin opera passes baton from Barenboim to Thielemann
Berlin said Wednesday German maestro Christian Thielemann would succeed world-renowned conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim as general musical director of its State Opera following his resignation due to ill health.
Crypto firm Binance pulls out of Russia
Cryptocurrency firm Binance said on Wednesday it was selling its Russia business, months after reports suggested US authorities were investigating possible sanctions violations.
Italy ready for All Black bullies, says coach Crowley
Italy are ready for New Zealand's intimidation and bullying tactics, head coach Kieran Crowley said on Wednesday after naming his team to face the All Blacks.
Osimhen's agent threatens Napoli with legal action over TikTok post
Victor Osimhen's agent has threatened legal action against Napoli after a video was published on the club's official social media mocking the Nigeria striker for missing a penalty in the weekend's goalless draw at Bologna.
UK grants controversial North Sea oil and gas output
Britain on Wednesday authorised oil and gas production in its largest undeveloped field to boost energy security, one week after diluting net zero targets, triggering more condemnation by green groups.
Absent Ryder Cup veterans 'missing being here', says McIlroy
Rory McIlroy on Wednesday said European stalwarts absent from this week's Ryder Cup in Rome after joining LIV Golf will be "missing being here more than we're missing them".
What's in a name? Beckham and Ronaldo grace Asian Games
David Beckham made his Asian Games debut on Wednesday in the same team as Ronaldo but not, sadly, in the football tournament.
Youth bring climate case to Europe rights court
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Wednesday began hearing a case brought by six Portuguese youths against 32 nations for not doing enough to stop global warming, the latest bid to secure climate justice through the courts.
Markets mostly up but US rate outlook feeds uncertainty
Markets mostly rose Wednesday following hefty recent losses but traders remain consumed by worries over the economy as the Federal Reserve considers hiking interest rates further.
Nepal make cricket history as swimmer Zhang breaks Asian Games record
A rampant Nepal rewrote the T20 international cricket record books at the Asian Games on Wednesday while China's Zhang Yufei lay down another marker for the Paris Olympics in the swimming pool.
Trump absent again with stage set for second Republican debate
US presidential hopefuls prepared Wednesday for the second 2024 Republican primary debate, with runaway frontrunner Donald Trump once again reducing the event to a sideshow after refusing to take part.
Asian markets mixed but US rate outlook feeds uncertainty
Markets were mixed Wednesday as the hefty selling witnessed in the first few days of the week eased but traders remain consumed by worries over the economy as the Federal Reserve considers hiking interest rates further.
Olympic champions Chopra, Barshim primed for Asian Games glory
Olympic and world javelin champion Neeraj Chopra says mind and body are primed to defend his Asian Games title when the athletics starts in Hangzhou on Friday at the end of a gruelling season.
At least 100 killed in Iraq wedding fire tragedy
At least 100 people were killed and more than 150 injured when a fire broke out during a wedding at an event hall in the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh, officials said early Wednesday.