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Ukraine station strike toll climbs as EU vows accountability
The death toll from an air strike on a train station in central Ukraine rose to 25 on Thursday, as the EU warned those "responsible for Russian rocket terror will be held accountable".
Lee's bid for Malaysian badminton history meets surprise early end
Lee Zii Jia's bid to become Malaysia's first badminton world champion ground to a halt on Thursday with a third-round loss to China's unseeded surprise-package Zhao Junpeng.
Barcelona loan injury-plagued French World Cup winner Umtiti to Lecce
French international Samuel Umtiti bedevilled by injuries and a loss of form since winning the 2018 World Cup has been sent on a season long loan to Serie A side Lecce by Barcelona.
UN rights chief admits 'tremendous pressure' over Xinjiang report
UN rights chief said Thursday she was facing "tremendous pressure" over a long-delayed report on China's Xinjiang region and admitted that she was uncertain when it would appear.
Gas prices approach record peak on Russian supply fears
European natural gas prices climbed Thursday towards a record peak on heightened fears over Russian supplies, while global equities rose on the eve of a key speech from Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
Rohingya refugees mark 'Genocide Remembrance Day'
Thousands of Rohingya refugees held "Genocide Remembrance Day" rallies on Thursday across a huge network of camps in Bangladesh, marking five years since fleeing a military offensive in Myanmar.
South Africa recall Harmer as they bat against England in 2nd Test
South Africa captain Dean Elgar won the toss and elected to bat against England in the second Test at Old Trafford on Thursday as the Proteas recalled off-spinner Simon Harmer.
Former British ambassador to Myanmar detained in Yangon: source
Myanmar authorities have arrested Britain's former ambassador to the country and her husband, a prominent artist and one-time political prisoner, for allegedly violating immigration laws, a diplomatic source said on Thursday.
Former Pakistan PM Khan granted bail by anti-terror court
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan accused the government Thursday of trying to score a "technical knockout" against him, after being granted bail on charges brought under the country's anti-terrorism act.
Sony hikes PS5 prices in some markets, US consumers spared
Sony's PlayStation 5 is already notoriously difficult to find, and on Thursday's the popular console's manufacturer said that it will also become more expensive for gamers in many parts of the world.
Gimme shelter: older Chinese take refuge from heatwave in subways
In chaotic and crowded subways, middle-aged and older residents of Chinese megacity Chongqing are taking shelter from the country's hottest summer on record -- the air conditioning and subterranean cool providing respite from the scorching temperatures outside.
German economy grew in second quarter, better than feared
Germany's economy grew slightly in the second quarter, an upgrade from a previous estimate of stagnation, revised official data showed Thursday, pushing back the spectre of recession.
Solomon Islands threatens to ban foreign journalists
The Solomon Islands has threatened to ban or deport foreign journalists for "disrespectful and demeaning" coverage, fuelling concerns about democratic backsliding in the Pacific nation as its alliance with China deepens.
Asian, European markets rise with eyes on China, Fed speech
Hong Kong led gains in Asian markets Thursday after China unveiled fresh measures to boost its economy, while investors awaited a speech by the Fed chair that may hold clues about future rate hikes.
Former Pakistan PM Khan granted bail by anti-terror court: party
Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was granted bail Thursday on charges brought under the country's anti-terrorism act, a party official said, leaving him free to continue his nationwide rallies calling for early elections.
Rohingya refugees mark fifth 'Genocide Remembrance Day'
Thousands of Rohingya refugees held "Genocide Remembrance Day" rallies on Thursday across a huge network of camps in Bangladesh, marking five years since fleeing a military offensive in Myanmar.
Former UK ambassador to Myanmar detained in Yangon: source
Myanmar authorities have detained the United Kingdom's former ambassador to the country, a diplomatic source said on Thursday.
'I cannot accept it': Bali bomb survivors fume after attacker's term cut
Almost two decades after the Bali bombings left Thiolina Ferawati Marpaung with permanent eye injuries, news that one of the masterminds could be released early has caused fresh trauma.
Japan national police chief resigns over Abe assassination
The head of Japan's National Police Agency announced his resignation on Thursday after an investigation confirmed "shortcomings" in the security plans for assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Foster demands more All Blacks improvement against beefed-up Pumas
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster is demanding further improvement from the All Blacks against an in-form Argentina on Saturday in the first match since his job was saved by his side's rousing win against South Africa.
Marin on badminton comeback trail after dashed Olympic dreams
A horror injury wrecked Carolina Marin's Tokyo Olympics dream but now the Spanish badminton star is aiming for a record fourth world title and gold at the 2024 Paris Games.
Kerr-Barlow's potential Wallabies move 'doesn't feel right': NZ's Foster
New Zealand coach Ian Foster said Thursday "it doesn't feel right" that former All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow could play for Australia and become the first player to switch between tier-one nations in more than 20 years.
Taiwan announces plans for record defence budget after China drills
Taiwan announced plans for a record increase to its defence budget on Thursday after huge military drills by China earlier this month sent tensions between the two to their highest in decades.
Covid was 'a disaster' for badminton, says federation chief
Badminton is finally emerging from a pandemic that was "threatening the sport", world federation chief Thomas Lund told AFP, but China's zero-Covid policy means it may face further damaging disruption.
'Big step-up' needed from South Africa against hurting Wallabies
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber is demanding a "big step-up" from his side and is expecting an "epic encounter" against Australia on Saturday as both teams strive to bounce back after crushing defeats in the Rugby Championship.
All Blacks unchanged for Pumas as Foster calls for more improvement
New Zealand on Thursday named an unchanged team for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, with head coach Ian Foster demanding further improvement following the rousing win against the Springboks that saved his job.
Hodge to start at fullback as Australia make six changes for S. Africa
Reece Hodge was recalled to start at fullback to deal with an expected aerial assault from world champions South Africa on Saturday as Australia coach Dave Rennie rang the changes.
Japan seeks 'sustainable world' in Africa aid forum
With its stated purpose to "create a sustainable world together", Japan on Saturday kicks off its aid conference for Africa, where rival China has invested heavily in recent years.
Half of China hit by drought in worst heatwave on record
Half of China's vast territory is now experiencing drought, including parts of the frigid Tibetan Plateau, official data showed -- with more high temperatures forecast Thursday for hundreds of millions of people enduring the country's hottest summer on record.
Asian markets rise with eyes on China, Fed speech
Asian markets rose Thursday after China unveiled fresh measures to boost its economy, while investors awaited a speech by the Fed chair that may hold clues about future rate hikes.
US judge blocks part of restrictive Idaho abortion law
A US federal judge blocked part of a law banning most abortions in Idaho Wednesday, a victory for US President Joe Biden's administration.
Dybala aiming to avoid tears on Juve return with Roma
Paulo Dybala will lead the Roma charge on Saturday as the team seek to build on a perfect Serie A start when he returns to Juventus, the ground he last left in tears.