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Japan and rampant Spain roll into Women's World Cup last 16
Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday as both won with ease.
Shafique nears double ton as Pakistan's lead crosses 200 in 2nd Test
Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique stood unbeaten on 190 as Pakistan stretched their lead to a commanding 231 on day three of the rain-hit second Test against Sri Lanka.
Spain crush Zambia 5-0 to join Japan in World Cup last 16
Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice as Spain qualified for the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a 5-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday, a result that also propelled Japan into the knockout phase.
Will climate change hit Mediterranean tourism?
Destructive fires, temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and tourists dodging possible catastrophe by staying home. Will climate change end up transforming tourism -- not least in the Mediterranean?
France ready for Olympics despite 'challenge': Macron
France will "for sure" be ready to host the 2024 Olympic Games despite the numerous organisational challenges of hosting the event, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.
EU watchdog probes Frontex's action in Greece boat tragedy
The EU watchdog on Wednesday announced a probe into the bloc's border patrol agency Frontex over its actions after a boat packed with migrants off Greece sank last month, killing hundreds.
Kenyans hope for end to demos as Ruto offers to meet opposition
Weary Kenyans on Wednesday voiced cautious optimism for an end to political unrest after President William Ruto said he was ready to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga "anytime" following months of anti-government protests.
Kuwait records first fiscal surplus in nearly a decade: ministry
Kuwait recorded its first surplus in nine years for the 2022-2023 fiscal year which ended in March, the finance ministry said on Wednesday, crediting last year's surge in oil prices.
Santander posts record profit despite special tax
Spanish lender Banco Santander reported Wednesday a record profit for the first half of the year despite a windfall tax imposed on banks, as rising interest rates lifted its earnings.
China refuses to say why foreign minister Qin Gang removed
China refused to disclose on Wednesday why Qin Gang had been sacked as foreign minister, insisting it was releasing information "normally" despite him having not been seen publicly for more than a month.
Hardline Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said Wednesday he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule.
Crown jewel carries weight of UK's colonial past
The star of Britain's crown jewels, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, is back on view after a notable absence from Charles III's coronation that highlighted the nation's awkward ties with its colonial past.
Japan on brink of Women's World Cup last 16 after Costa Rica stroll
Japan all but booked their place in the Women's World Cup last 16 as forwards Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scored twice in three minutes in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday.
Mediterranean nations fight heat and deadly fires
Greece was expecting scorching heat on Wednesday as crews scrambled to douse deadly wildfires that have also struck nations around the Mediterranean.
Hun Sen: long-serving architect of Cambodia's repressive state
Asia's longest-serving leader Hun Sen outlasted the murderous Khmer Rouge, sidelined the monarchy and extinguished any glimmer of multiparty democracy during his nearly 40-year reign over Cambodia.
Japan on verge of World Cup last 16, Spain primed to join them
Japan all but sealed their place in the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday with Spain poised to fire a title warning and join them in the knockout rounds.
'No information': Beijing bats away questions on Qin Gang removal
China's foreign ministry declined to comment on Wednesday on the abrupt sacking of senior diplomat Qin Gang, while scrubbing mentions of him from a government website.
Rescuers 'optimistic' for surviving stranded whales in Australia
More than 50 pilot whales died after stranding themselves on a beach in Western Australia, but authorities said Wednesday they were "optimistic" that the other 45 whales in the pod could survive.
UK bank NatWest CEO resigns after Farage 'error'
The chief executive of Britain's NatWest bank, Alison Rose, stepped down Wednesday after admitting a "serious error of judgment" in speaking to a reporter about the banking affairs of arch-Brexiteer Nigel Farage.
Markets mixed as Fed rate decision looms, China rally fades
Equities were mixed Wednesday as the previous day's China-induced rally gave way to cautious trading ahead of a Federal Reserve policy decision, with fresh data reviving the possibility of more rate hikes before the end of the year.
One dead as typhoon Doksuri batters Philippines
A powerful storm pounded the northern Philippines on Wednesday, killing at least one person, toppling trees and knocking out power as thousands sheltered with neighbours or in emergency evacuation centres.
Japan on verge of Women's World Cup last 16 after Costa Rica stroll
Japan all but booked their place in the Women's World Cup last 16 as forwards Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scored twice in three minutes in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday.
One dead, several injured in ship fire off Netherlands
One sailor died and several others were injured after a fire broke out on a car carrier ship off the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Dutch coastguard said.
Australia 'on a mission' at World Cup after concussion setbacks
Australia coach Tony Gustavsson insisted Wednesday it was simply bad luck that two players were concussed in separate "high-intensity" training incidents on the eve of their Women's World Cup clash with Nigeria, and praised his team for how they responded.
Taiwan defends largest airport against simulated Chinese attack
Taiwan staged its first-ever military drill at Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday, briefly halting commercial traffic as soldiers practised defending the facility against a simulated attack by Beijing.
Wind of change picks up for German region's energy sector
Residents of the rural Bavarian village of Schnabelwaid have said "yes" to the installation of wind turbines on the hillside next to their community in a rare win for an energy source unloved in Germany's biggest region.
Macron tells New Caledonia separatists to accept pro-France votes
President Emmanuel Macron warned Wednesday that separatist sentiment could lead to violence in New Caledonia, as he urged the pro-independence camp to accept a string of votes to stay part of France.
Nigeria wary of Australia's World Cup 'weapons' despite injuries
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum warned Wednesday that a depleted Australia still have plenty of "weapons" and told his side they must take their chances in Brisbane.
United States to do 'whatever it takes' in World Cup final rematch
Vlatko Andonovski said his United States team will do "whatever it takes" when they face the Netherlands at the Women's World Cup on Thursday in a re-run of the 2019 final.
Calls for Haiti intervention mount, but no one wants to lead
Haunted by previous failures in Haiti and worried about getting stuck in a deadly quagmire, the international community is reluctant to answer a UN call for a special intervention force, experts say.
US Federal Reserve likely to lift interest rates to 22-year high
The US Federal Reserve is poised to announce a fresh quarter percentage-point hike to its benchmark lending rate on Wednesday to tackle inflation, while keeping the option open for more such moves in the coming months.
Sedition clampdown hits 'ordinary' Hong Kongers
Single mother Law Oi-wah pled guilty to sedition in an almost inaudible voice, as her 12-year-old son watched from a few feet away in a Hong Kong court.