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Heat, drought rekindle huge wildfire in southwest France
A fire that destroyed thousands of hectares of tinder-dry forest in southwest France has flared again amid a fierce drought and the summer's latest heat wave, officials said Wednesday.
Australian cricket captain Lanning takes indefinite break
Australian women's cricket captain Meg Lanning on Wednesday said that she will take an indefinite break from the game to "spend time focusing on myself".
Deliveroo says losses grow, to exit Netherlands
Deliveroo, the international delivery food app, announced Wednesday a big increase in losses as investment costs ate into rising revenues, adding it planned to exit its struggling Netherlands market.
Raymond Briggs: curmudgeonly creator of 'The Snowman'
British cartoonist and illustrator Raymond Briggs called himself "a miserable old git". Even his publisher said he was "the grumpiest of grumpy old men".
Raymond Briggs, author of UK Christmas classic 'The Snowman', dies aged 88
British cartoonist and illustrator Raymond Briggs, whose creation "The Snowman" became a Christmas staple for generations of children, has died aged 88, his publisher Penguin Random House said Wednesday.
Tense Kenya awaits results of close-fought vote
Kenyans waited anxiously on Wednesday for the results of the country's presidential election after a largely peaceful poll, with low turnout pointing to growing frustration with the political elite.
Asian, European markets hit by rate fears ahead of inflation data
Equities fell Wednesday, tracking a drop on Wall Street ahead of a crucial US inflation report later in the day, which could have a huge bearing on the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates.
Pakistan zoo cancels lion auction, plans expansion instead
A Pakistan zoo has called off plans to auction 12 lions from its ever-growing pride to private buyers, saying it would instead create new enclosures for the big cats.
Stranded beluga whale removed from France's Seine river
A beluga whale stranded in the Seine river in northern France for more than a week was removed from the water early Wednesday in a risky rescue operation, but officials warned it was in poor health.
Japan PM reshuffles cabinet as approval ratings slide
Japan's prime minister reshuffled his cabinet Wednesday after a slump in approval ratings, replacing the brother of assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe as defence minister.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific narrows H1 loss, eyes better end to year
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific on Wednesday reported losses had narrowed in the first half after an "extremely difficult start" to the year, but said its capacity will improve in coming months as travel sentiment improves.
China warns it will not tolerate Taiwan 'separatists'
China on Wednesday vowed zero tolerance for "separatist activities" in Taiwan and reaffirmed that it would take the self-ruled island by force if necessary.
In Norway, old oil platforms get a second life
At an industrial yard in southwestern Norway, decommissioned oil platforms are slowly being dismantled for a second life in the circular economy.
Billboards get Poles talking low birth rate
The billboards are hard to miss: large and plastered all over Poland, they show two blonde girls in immaculate white posing in a wheat field.
Experts see inflation reprieve in America
Is inflation finally slowing down in the United States?
Taliban torn over reforms one year after seizing power
One year on from the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, some cracks are opening within their ranks over the crucial question of just how much reform their leaders can tolerate.
Elon Musk sells nearly $7 billion worth of Tesla shares: document
Elon Musk has sold nearly $7 billion worth of Tesla shares, according to legal filings published Tuesday, amid a high-stakes legal battle with Twitter over a $44 billion buyout deal.
Kabul airport, symbol of chaotic US exit from Afghanistan
Tens of thousands of Afghan men, women and children rushed to Kabul's airport a year ago in a desperate bid to flee the advancing Taliban, who seized power on August 15, 2021.
Stranded beluga whale rescued from France's Seine river
A beluga whale stranded in the river Seine in northern France for more than a week was removed from the water early Wednesday in the first stage of an ambitious rescue operation to return it to the sea.
South Korea flooding death toll rises to nine
At least nine people were killed and seven others missing in South Korea after record downpours flooded major roads, metro stations and homes, officials said Wednesday.
China's landmark #MeToo case returns to court after setback
A landmark sexual harassment case in China was set to return to court Wednesday after an earlier ruling dealt a blow to the country's fledgling #MeToo movement.
On the menu at a UK restaurant: carbon footprint
The menu at The Canteen in southwest England doesn't just let diners know how much a dish costs. They can also check its carbon footprint.
Space invaders: How video gamers are resisting a crypto onslaught
When video game designer Mark Venturelli was asked to speak at Brazil's biggest gaming festival, he submitted a generic-sounding title for his presentation -- "The Future of Game Design" -- but that was not the talk he gave.
Stranded beluga whale removed from France's Seine river: AFP
The beluga whale stranded in the river Seine in northern France was removed from the water early Wednesday in the first stage of an ambitious rescue operation, an AFP journalist said.
Bollywood seeks boost with 'Forrest Gump' remake
One of India's biggest stars is banking on a remake of Hollywood feelgood hit "Forrest Gump" to revive the fortunes of Hindi-language Bollywood, after a string of weak box-office showings.
A tense Kenya awaits results of high-stakes vote
Kenyans waited anxiously on Wednesday for the results of the country's presidential election after a largely peaceful poll, with low turnout in some areas suggesting growing frustration with the political elite.
Misery and disease conquer Afghanistan a year into Taliban rule
The heaving wards of a ramshackle clinic in southern Afghanistan are just one sign of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis that has gripped the war-ravaged country since the Taliban returned to power a year ago.
Asian markets drop on rate worries ahead of inflation data
Asian equities fell Wednesday, tracking a drop on Wall Street ahead of a crucial US inflation report later in the day, which could have a huge bearing on the Federal Reserve's plans for raising interest rates.
Man City's Mendy goes on trial for rape and sexual assault
Manchester City and France footballer Benjamin Mendy stands trial Wednesday for the alleged rape and assault of seven women, which could see his playing career end in jail if convicted.
China's consumer inflation pushes higher
China's consumer inflation rose in July to a two-year high, official data showed Wednesday, with a surge in pork prices pushing up the cost of food.
New Zealand fast bowler Boult takes 'significantly reduced' role
Trent Boult will have "a significantly reduced role" with the Black Caps after the fast bowler asked to be released from his central contract, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.
Forever 16: America's teens succumbing to deadly fentanyl
Makayla Cox, a high school student in the US state of Virginia, thought she was taking medication that her friend had procured to treat pain and anxiety.