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France bets on nuclear power to phase out fossil fuels
France's government on Thursday presented an energy plan to use less imported fossil fuels, including by ramping up nuclear-fuelled power production over the next decade.
Counting underway in first Bangladesh polls since deadly uprising
Counting was underway on Thursday in Bangladesh's first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, with powerful political heir Tarique Rahman bullish about defeating an Islamist-led coalition.
'Madness': Ukrainians furious over Olympian ban for memorial helmet
Ukrainians were outraged Thursday by a decision from the International Olympic Committee to disqualify their skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Olympics over his helmet honouring killed athletes.
Italy's 'naval blockade' to stem migration too vague, critics say
A new Italian bill allowing for a "naval blockade" to temporarily ban the arrival of migrants by sea violates international law and will lead to more deaths, rescue groups warned Thursday.
Cinema's power to 'change the world' in focus at Berlin Film Fest
Berlin Film Festival jury president Wim Wenders on Thursday hailed the power of cinema to "change the world" as the event's 76th edition kicked off, promising an eclectic selection of films reflecting current upheavals.
Man Utd's Ratcliffe's apologises for 'language' on immigration
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe apologised Thursday for his "choice of language" after saying the "UK has been colonised by immigrants".
EU vows swift reforms to confront challenge from China, US
EU leaders Thursday vowed to act boldly to bolster Europe's economy faced with twin threats from China and the United States, as they huddled in a Belgian castle to bridge differences on the path ahead.
Russia confirms ban on WhatsApp, says it failed to abide by law
Russia has blocked the popular messaging service WhatsApp over its failure to comply with local legislation, the Kremlin said Thursday, urging its 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative.
Counting begins in landmark Bangladesh polls after deadly uprising
Counting began on Thursday in Bangladesh's first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, with powerful political heir Tarique Rahman bullish about defeating an Islamist-led coalition.
Venezuela to debate historic amnesty bill for political prisoners
Venezuela could pass a landmark bill on Thursday granting amnesty to political prisoners, marking an early milestone in the transition from the rule of toppled leader Nicolas Maduro.
Markets mostly rise as stong US jobs data ease economy worries
Equities mostly rose on Thursday as investors cheered a bumper US jobs report that eased concerns about the state of the world's top economy, even as they pared back their bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
Israel president says at end of visit antisemitism in Australia 'frightening'
Antisemitism in Australia is "frightening" but most people want good relations, Israel's President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day visit and was met by protests in the city of Melbourne.
Canada probes mass shooter's past interactions with police, health system
Canadian police Wednesday identified the 18-year-old who carried out a mass shooting in a remote mining town, as authorities investigate the suspect's mental health and previous interactions with police and health care providers.
Most Asia markets rise as traders welcome US jobs
Most equities rose Thursday as investors cheered a bumper US jobs report that eased concerns about the state of the world's top economy, even as they pared back their bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
UN aid relief a potential opening for Trump-Kim talks, say analysts
A new push to lift aid sanctions on North Korea could kickstart efforts to lure Kim Jong Un into nuclear negotiations with US President Donald Trump, analysts told AFP.
Taiwan leader wants greater defence cooperation with Europe: AFP interview
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called for greater defence and AI cooperation between Taiwan and Europe, as the democratic island seeks to bolster its protection against China.
Taiwan leader warns countries in region 'next' in case of China attack: AFP interview
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te warned that countries in the region would be China's next targets should Beijing seize the democratic island, as he insisted on the need for Taiwan to dramatically shore up its defences.
'No one to back us': Arab bus drivers in Israel grapple with racist attacks
What began as an ordinary shift for Jerusalem bus driver Fakhri Khatib ended hours later in tragedy.
Scrutiny over US claim that Mexican drone invasion prompted airport closure
The closure of a Texas airport triggered conflicting explanations Wednesday, as the government claimed an incursion by Mexican cartel drones but lawmakers and media reports suggested the Pentagon's use of anti-drone technology was to blame.
Israel president says antisemitism in Australia 'frightening'
Israel's President Isaac Herzog said Thursday antisemitism in Australia is "frightening" but most people want good relations, on the final day of a visit expected to spark protests in the city of Melbourne.
Bangladesh's political crossroads: an election guide
Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt overthrew former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year autocratic rule.
Bangladesh votes in landmark polls after deadly uprising
Bangladesh votes Thursday in its first election since a deadly 2024 uprising, as parties crushed under Sheikh Hasina's rule return to the fray with a powerful political heir facing an Islamist‑led coalition.
Trump tells Israel's Netanyahu Iran talks must continue
US President Donald Trump told Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Wednesday that talks with Iran must continue, rebuffing the Israeli prime minister's push for a tougher stance against Tehran.
'Disgrace to Africa': Students turn on government over Dakar university violence
Sitting in front of the closed gates of Senegal's largest university, Boubacar shows footage he took on his phone of police violence during clashes that shook the Dakar campus for several days this week.
Mourning Canada in 'shock' after deadliest school shooting in decades
Canada was in mourning Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said, after a lone shooter killed at least nine people, including seven at a school, and injured dozens more in a remote western town.
Ukraine will only hold elections after ceasefire, Zelensky says
Ukraine will only hold elections once it has security guarantees in place and a ceasefire with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday, pushing back at suggestions he was planning to stage fresh ballots under US pressure.
WHO urges US to share Covid origins intel
The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged Washington to share any intelligence it may be withholding on the Covid-19 pandemic's origins, despite the United States quitting the WHO.
Israel's Netanyahu pushes Trump on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Donald Trump at the White House to push for a harder line in Iran nuclear talks Wednesday, with the Middle East still on edge over the threat of US military action.
Colombia election favorite vows US-backed strikes on narco camps
Colombia's right-wing presidential frontrunner told AFP on Wednesday that he would seek US support for a bombing campaign to rout cocaine-producing armed groups during his first 90 days in office.
Stocks spin wheels despite upbeat US jobs data
Optimism over better-than-expected jobs data in the United States proved short lived with stocks failing to hold onto gains as investors worried about delays to interest rate cuts.
NATO launches 'Arctic Sentry' mission after Greenland crisis
NATO on Wednesday said it had launched a new mission to bolster security in the Arctic, in a move to assuage US President Donald Trump after he backed off claims on Greenland.
Israel's Netanyahu at White House to push Trump on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, after rushing to Washington to push the US president to take a tougher stance in nuclear talks with Iran.