Adani Group Says It Lost Nearly $55 Bn As US Charges Sparked Rout
India's Adani Group conglomerate said Wednesday it had lost almost $55 billion in a stock market rout since US prosecutors last week accused its founder and other officials of fraud.
Five Forgotten Conflicts Of 2024
The wars in the Mideast and Ukraine-Russia have dominated world headlines in 2024 but several other conflicts are ravaging countries and regions.
Bumper Election Year Brings Headwinds For Liberal Democracies
Voting by more than half the world's population in 2024 elections has left many liberal democracies facing crises of confidence, political fragmentation and heightened polarisation, with some observers fearing new wind in the sails of authoritarianism.
'Very, Very Slow': Plastic Treaty Talks Grind Forward
Negotiations on a first global treaty to curb plastic pollution are moving "very, very slowly", diplomats and observers told AFP on Wednesday, threatening the chances of reaching an agreement.
Trump Names Trade Envoy, Top Economic Advisor To Fill Policy Team
Donald Trump on Tuesday named Jamieson Greer his trade representative, a key figure in implementing the president-elect's economic agenda, particularly his plans to use tariffs to raise revenue and help bring more manufacturing to US shores.
To Tackle Plastic Scourge, Philippines Makes Companies Pay
Long one of the world's top sources of ocean plastic, the Philippines is hoping new legislation requiring big companies to pay for waste solutions will help clean up its act.
China Investigates Defence Minister For Corruption: Report
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation for corruption, a report said Wednesday, the latest official to fall in a sweeping crackdown on graft in the country's military.
What To Expect From The New EU Top Team's First 100 Days
Ursula von der Leyen's new European Commission is expected to officially start its work next week, with the European Parliament set to give it the all-clear in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
New EU Commission To Get All Clear As Daunting Task Awaits
The European Parliament is set Wednesday to give the final greenlight for EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's new executive to start work, as the bloc faces mounting challenges.
German Family Winery Taps Into Zero-alcohol Trend
Alcohol-free drinks are becoming ever more popular, especially with health-conscious younger people -- a trend cheered by a small German winery based in a Rhine Valley castle.
World Leaders React To Lebanon War Ceasefire
World leaders have welcomed a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which came into force on Wednesday morning (0200 GMT).
Paddington: The Affable Bear Who Became A Lucrative Business
Paddington, the affable clumsy bear from British children's books, has transformed into an international sensation over the past decade, thanks to a clever film strategy and with the help of the royal family.
Ceasefire Begins In Israel-Hezbollah War
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect on Wednesday after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands of people.
Asian Markets Mixed As Traders Eye Fresh Trade Tensions
Asian markets were mixed Wednesday as traders tried to gauge the economic outlook after Donald Trump picked a tough-negotiating hawk as his trade envoy the day after saying he would hit China, Canada and Mexico with hefty tariffs.
Hand-built Fantasy Tower Brings Value To Tokyo, Creator Says
Passers-by stop and stare at the ramshackle, hand-built concrete tower that looks like it has been lifted right out of a Japanese animation and dropped onto a real-life Tokyo street.
Future Of Deep-sea Mining Stands At A Crucial Juncture
Torn between the defenders of the world's seabeds and industrialists eager to exploit the vast, untapped resources of the deep, the international community faces a crucial year that could decide the future of mining in the high seas.
'American Railroad' Musical Project Showcases Untold Immigrant Stories
The Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has long made music that sheds light on America's untold stories, and her latest project brings to the fore marginalized groups that built its railroad.
Russia Accuses UK Diplomat Of Spying In Fresh Diplomatic Spat
Russia on Tuesday expelled a British diplomat it accused of spying, telling London it would not tolerate "undeclared" intelligence officers operating on its territory, accusations that have ignited a fresh diplomatic feud with London.
Teen Who Lied About Beheaded French Teacher's Class Says 'Sorry'
A teenager whose lies about her teacher are accused of contributing to the educator's murder by an Islamist radical apologised to his family in a French court on Tuesday.
Biden Hails Lebanon Ceasefire Deal As 'Good News'
President Joe Biden on Tuesday welcomed as "good news" a US and French-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, saying he hoped it could be a springboard to peace in Gaza too.
Man City Blow Three-goal Lead In Champions League, Bayern Beat PSG
Manchester City's struggles continued as Pep Guardiola's side remarkably blew a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain to leave the French club in danger of elimination.
Sales Of New US Homes Lowest In Around Two Years: Govt
New home sales in the United States fell short of analyst expectations in October, hitting the lowest rate since late 2022, according to government data released Tuesday, with mortgage rates ticking up during the month.
Brazil's Bolsonaro 'Participated' In 2022 Coup Plot Against Lula: Police
Brazilian ex-president Jair Bolsonaro "actively participated" in a 2022 coup plot to prevent his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from taking office, police alleged in a report made public Tuesday.
Autos, Food: What Are The Risks From Trump's Tariff Threat?
Fresh US tariffs on Canada and Mexico could raise costs of automobiles and building materials, analysts said Tuesday, after President-elect Donald Trump threatened to erect new trade barriers.
Trump Brings Back Government By Social Media
He is not yet in power but President-elect Donald Trump rattled much of the world with an off-hours warning of stiff tariffs on close allies and China -- a loud hint that Trump-style government by social media post is coming back.
Netanyahu Seeks Ceasefire After Two Months Of War In Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that his government was ready for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, saying an end to the war in Lebanon would allow Israel to focus its attention on Hamas and arch-enemy Iran.
Trump Tariffs Threat Casts Chill Over Canada
Canada was scrambling Tuesday to blunt the impact of US President-elect Donald Trump's threat to implement steep tariffs once he takes office, as experts warned of a potentially "catastrophic" hit to the Canadian economy.
Hong Kong Tycoon Jimmy Lai's Court Case A 'Show Trial': Son
The son of the Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai said Tuesday that his father's trial in the Chinese territory was a "sham" but that he was "proud" of how he was handling himself in court.
Bangladeshi Hindus Protest Over Leader's Arrest, One Dead
Bangladeshi supporters of an arrested Hindu leader clashed with security forces on Tuesday after the outspoken monk was denied bail on sedition charges, with one person killed, police said.
Saudi 2025 Budget Sees Lower Deficit On Spending Trims
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday approved a budget for 2025 that projected a smaller deficit than last year despite continued heavy spending on reforms to transition the economy away from oil.