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Talks on Yemen war start in Saudi, without Huthi rebels
Talks on Yemen's devastating war started in the Saudi capital Wednesday, but without the Huthi rebels, hours after the Riyadh-led coalition announced a ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
German economists slash 2022 growth outlook on Ukraine, energy
The German government's economic advisers slashed their growth forecast for 2022 on Wednesday, warning that the war in Ukraine and soaring energy prices would take a toll on Europe's biggest economy.
Tale of two cities as Shanghai goes into slow-motion lockdown
At home in Pudong district, on reduced pay and playing computer games to lift the gloom, 25-year-old Chinese engineer Terry is in the locked-down half of Shanghai.
Thousands bid farewell to Shane Warne at state memorial service
Shane Warne was remembered as a "genius" at a state memorial service at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday attended by tens of thousands of spectators and legendary players, with music stars including Elton John performing by video link.
Russian FM hails China as part of emerging 'just world order'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said Moscow and Beijing are leading the way towards a fairer world order, as he makes his first visit to the key ally since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last month.
Shelling 'all night' casts doubt on Russian vow to de-escalate in Ukraine
Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of shelling Chernigiv in northern Ukraine despite promising to scale back military activity around the city and the capital Kyiv after more than a month of war.
Pakistan PM's future in doubt as coalition ally switches sides
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's future looked increasingly in doubt Wednesday after a key coalition partner switched allegiance ahead of a parliamentary no-confidence vote that could be held as early as this weekend.
Iraqi MPs try for third time to elect new president
Iraqi lawmakers were Wednesday set to try for a third time to elect a new national president after two previous attempts failed because of boycotts by a Shiite Muslim coalition.
Why did North Korea fake a 'monster missile' test?
North Korea faked a "successful" launch of its most powerful long-range missile to shore up domestic support for Kim Jong Un's regime after the real test ended in failure, analysts say.
Energy prices push Spanish inflation to 37-year high
Spanish inflation has surged to a near 37-year high due to soaring energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, official data showed Wednesday, adding pressure on the government.
Australian beach town of Byron Bay inundated by floodwaters
The Australian coastal enclave of Byron Bay, known for its celebrity residents and idyllic beaches, was inundated by floodwaters Wednesday as severe storms again battered the country's east.
Most markets rally on Russia pledge, but traders cautious
Most stocks rose again Wednesday as investors gave a cautious welcome to Russia's pledge to "radically" wind down military activity around two cities including Kyiv, lifting hopes for a ceasefire in the month-long Ukraine war.
Government critic prevented from leaving India
A prominent Indian activist and writer has said she was prevented from flying to Europe to speak about intimidation of journalists and rights in the world's largest democracy.
Healy hits century as Australia power into World Cup final
A double-century opening stand carried tournament favourites Australia to a commanding 157-run win over the West Indies on Wednesday and a place in the Women's World Cup final.
'Monster' Inoue to face Donaire in sequel to boxing classic
Japan's Naoya Inoue will face Nonito Donaire of the Philippines in a bantamweight title unification fight in Japan in June, adding a sequel to their classic 2019 encounter.
Israel's Bennett warns of terror 'wave' after shooting rampage
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned of a "wave of murderous Arab terrorism" ahead of funerals Wednesday for two of five people killed in a shooting rampage in an ultra-religious Jewish town.
US trial begins of Islamic State 'Beatle'
The first trial on US soil of an alleged major figure in the Islamic State (IS) group -- an accused member of the kidnap-and-murder cell known as the "Beatles" -- will begin in earnest Wednesday near Washington.
Versailles reopens room where French democracy was founded
The Palace of Versailles is reopening the site of on an often-overlooked part of its history on Friday with a fully restored Jeu de Paume Room that hosted the founding of French democracy.
Geneva watch show returns under shadow of Ukraine war
Switzerland's top luxury watch fair will resurface this week in Geneva after two years of pandemic-induced virtual shows, but Ukraine's raging conflict and Covid lockdowns in China could dampen the mood.
China state broadcaster airs first NBA match since 2020
NBA basketball returned to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV for the first time in nearly 18 months on Wednesday, after China blacklisted it following a team official's support for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.
10-hour power cuts in Sri Lanka as crisis worsens
Sri Lanka on Wednesday began imposing record nationwide 10-hour daily power cuts as it ran out of hydro-electricity on top of a severe shortage of fuel.
Sri Lankans stand, sweat and seethe as economy grinds to a halt
As Sri Lankans faint in day-long queues for fuel and swelter through stifling evening blackouts by candlelight, anger is mounting over the worst economic crisis in living memory.
South says North Korea faked launch of so-called 'monster' missile
North Korea faked the launch of what analysts have dubbed its "monster missile" last week, Seoul's military said Wednesday, adding that the test was, in reality, likely the same intercontinental ballistic missile Pyongyang fired in 2017.
Muslims face frugal Ramadan as Ukraine war drives up food prices
Russia's Ukraine invasion, which has already exacerbated food woes in parts of Africa and the Middle East, is marring preparations for the holy month of Ramadan and forcing a turn to frugal iftar sunset meals.
Lavrov makes first China visit since Ukraine war
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in China on Wednesday in his first visit to the key ally since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine last month.
Most Asian markets up on Russia pledge, but traders cautious
Asian stocks rose again Wednesday as investors gave a cautious welcome to Russia's pledge to "radically" wind down military activity around two cities including Kyiv, lifting hopes for a ceasefire in the month-long Ukraine war.
Trump asks Putin to help dish dirt on Hunter Biden
Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched an invasion of Ukraine last month, to reveal with any compromising information he might have on US President Joe Biden's son, Hunter.
Germany looks to farm fumes in breakup with Russian gas
As Germany scrambles to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, the pungent fumes from the manure and other organic waste in Peter Kaim's farm could be part of the solution.
Scepticism greets Russian pledge to deescalate around Kyiv
Ukraine and Western allies waited Wednesday for signs Moscow was "radically" reducing military activity around Kyiv, as promised in peace talks, with scepticism high after Washington warned Russian troops were being repositioned and not withdrawn.
'I won't stop talking': Ukrainians in China fight disinformation
Thousands of miles from a home consumed by conflict, a group of Ukrainians in China have found themselves on the frontlines of an information war, battling pro-Russia bias, trolls and censorship.
Fans, family, famous to bid Shane Warne farewell at state memorial
Shane Warne's son said there is no better place to bid farewell to his late father than the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where more than 50,000 people are to attend a state memorial service Wednesday featuring stars such as Elton John and Ed Sheeran.
US to stress economic independence to counter 'unfair' China trade practices
The US should focus on achieving economic independence from China rather than pressuring Beijing to change "unfair" trade practices, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will suggest Wednesday, as a shift in strategy toward the Asian giant.