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Moving on up... or out? UK's PM seeks to soothe Tory faithful
Britain's embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss marched to the lectern for the most important speech of her political career on Wednesday -- accompanied by a song about a bitter break-up.
WC host Qatar sees 'incredible progress' in labour rights: union head
The International Trade Union Confederation chief said Wednesday that Qatar has made a dramatic turnaround in its treatment of foreign workers to become a country fit to host World Cup 2022.
OPEC+ eyes major oil output cut
Ministers from oil exporting countries were expected Wednesday to agree on major production cuts to prop up prices, a move that could irk the United States as economies struggle with energy-fuelled inflation.
Canada trade surplus drops in August to lowest 2022 level
Canada's trade surplus fell in August to Can$1.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) -- its lowest level so far this year -- as both exports and imports slumped, the government statistical agency said Wednesday.
Oil prices rise awaiting OPEC output cut
Oil prices rose Wednesday as OPEC and Russia-led allies prepare to announce a big cut in output.
EU signals shifts towards gas price cap
The EU is "ready to discuss" a price cap on gas within the bloc to bring down soaring energy costs, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday.
Musk-Twitter deal: a roller-coaster saga
Elon Musk's pursuit of Twitter was a melodrama from the beginning -- a mercurial billionaire locked in a bitter fight with his favorite social media platform.
In Morocco hills, cannabis farmers bet on budding industry
In the hills of northern Morocco, vast cannabis fields are ready for harvest, but farmers complain that a government plan to market the crop legally is yet to deliver them any benefits.
Hong Kong 'Rick and Morty' fans spot protest codes in new episode
Eagle-eyed Hong Kong fans of the adult cartoon sitcom "Rick and Morty" have spotted oblique references to the city's democracy movement in the latest episode of the cult sci-fi show.
Beaten and robbed: Vietnamese fisherman recounts China attacks
Vietnamese fisherman Nguyen Van Loc has been attacked by Chinese coast guard vessels so many times, he has lost count.
OPEC+ expected to slash oil output
Major oil producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia were set to meet Wednesday as reports said they were mulling an output cut of up to two million barrels per day in a bid to prop up slumping prices.
Energy crisis feared by Europe long a reality in Iraq
Europe may fear an energy crisis over the coming winter, but for Iraqis an unstable power supply and frequent blackouts have been a reality during decades of war and turmoil.
Equities extend rally on rate hopes, traders await OPEC decision
Asian investors joined their Wall Street and European counterparts in an equity buying spree Wednesday as more data pointing to weakness in the US economy further fanned hopes the Federal Reserve could temper its rate hike campaign.
UK's Truss rejects 'drift and delay' in defiant speech to Tories
Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss is set Wednesday to close her party's tumultuous annual conference with an unabashed defence of "disruption" to counter economic "drift and delay".
Stocks surge on hopes interest rate hikes will slow
Global stocks gained on Tuesday and the dollar slid amid growing hopes the Federal Reserve could ease its interest-rate hiking plans.
EU pushes to impose Iran sanctions over Mahsa Amini 'killing'
The European Union said Tuesday it was weighing tough new sanctions on Iran over a lethal crackdown on protests sparked by the "killing" of Mahsa Amini, after a similar move by the United States.
US to require extra hour of rest for flight attendants
US authorities will require flight attendants be given an additional hour to rest between trips, according to new rule announced Tuesday.
Atalanta fined for 'racist' chants at Fiorentina owner
Atalanta have been fined 12,000 euros ($11,969) after their fans directed "territorially offensive" chants at Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso.
Stocks surge on interest rate hopes
Global stocks rallied Tuesday and the dollar mostly slid as weak US data sparked hopes the Federal Reserve could ease its interest-rate hiking plans.
Power blackouts hit 130 million people in Bangladesh
At least 130 million people in Bangladesh were left without power on Tuesday after a grid failure caused widespread blackouts, the government's power utility company said.
Micron unveils new $100 bn New York semiconductor plant
Micron announced Tuesday it will invest up to $100 billion to build semiconductors in New York state, capitalizing on US policies to boost domestic manufacturing of key goods.
Just can't get enough: Depeche Mode back with new album, tour
British electronic music pioneers Depeche Mode announced a comeback on Tuesday with an upcoming new album and their first tour in more than five years, following the death of founding member Andrew Fletcher.
UK's Truss says 'no shame' in climbdown amid Tory tensions
Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss insisted Tuesday she felt "no shame" and vowed to press on with unpopular economic reforms despite lurching into a self-inflicted crisis just a month into her term.
Shell CEO hints energy firms should pay more tax
Shell's departing chief executive indicated Tuesday that governments should "probably" tax energy firms more to help protect the poorest from rocketing electricity and gas bills and ease the cost-of-living crisis.
Kristen Stewart stars at Chanel show
Actor Kristen Stewart starred in a cinematic tribute by Chanel on the final day of Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.
EU lawmakers impose single charger for all smartphones
The EU parliament on Tuesday passed a new law requiring USB-C to be the single charger standard for all new smartphones, tablets and cameras from late 2024.
Markets rally, dollar dips as US data tempers rate fears
Asian markets rallied Tuesday and the dollar eased after weak US factory data sparked optimism that a series of big interest rate hikes were taking their toll, allowing the Federal Reserve to ease its foot off the pedal.
Australia hikes rates less than forecast, boosting stocks
Australia raised interest rates less than expected Tuesday, boosting stocks and dragging the local dollar lower, as officials grow concerned about a slowing global economy sparked by rising borrowing costs and surging prices.
How China's civil society collapsed under Xi
Human rights activist Charles remembers a time when civil society was blossoming in China, and he could dedicate his time to helping improve the lives of people struggling in blue-collar jobs.
Why crypto's big 'merge' is causing big headaches
The biggest software upgrade in the short history of crypto has fulfilled its promise to wipe out more than 99 percent of the electricity used by the second-biggest cryptocurrency, experts have told AFP.
As Iraq concrete jungle swelters, ancient stone houses stay cool
As the sun beats down on Iraq, most people swelter in their concrete homes -- but not the inhabitants of one mountain town known for its ancient and cool stone houses.
Twitter Blue subscribers getting edit feature
Twitter on Monday said a feature to edit tweets is being rolled out to those subscribing to its Blue service in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.