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Politics
Mideast oil shock 'largest' in history as Iran hits new Gulf targets
The Middle East war has caused the biggest oil supply shock in history, the International Energy Agency warned Thursday, as Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Gulf energy targets that sent prices spiking above $100 a barrel.
Sports
France coach Galthie beefs up his second row for England 'Crunch'
France coach Fabien Galthie has opted for a sturdier second row against England in their final Six Nations match on Saturday, bringing in Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament.
Economy
China-North Korea train arrives in Pyongyang after 6-year halt
A passenger train from China arrived in the North Korean capital on Thursday, state media said, after a six-year hiatus since the service was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Boulevard
Noma co-founder quits after abuse allegations
Danish chef Rene Redzepi, co-founder of the world renowned Noma restaurant, said on Thursday he was quitting following allegations of abuse of staff.
Politics
China's leaders project stability despite Middle East war
China's leaders wrapped up nine days of annual legislative meetings in Beijing on Thursday, projecting an image of domestic stability seemingly unaffected by the war in key trading partner Iran.
Politics
Lebanon says Israeli strike on Beirut seafront kills 8
An Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed eight people early on Thursday, Lebanon's health ministry said, another attack in the heart of the capital, as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.
Sports
Wales unchanged for Italy Six Nations finale
Wales coach Steve Tandy has urged his players to "go up another level" after naming an unchanged starting side for their Six Nations finale against Italy as they seek to end a painful losing streak.
Boulevard
Back to work for Bangladesh migrants as Mideast war grinds on
Tens of thousands have fled the Gulf to escape the Middle East war, but Bangladeshi migrant workers say they have little choice but to return to earn a living.
Boulevard
Russia jails 15 for life over 2024 concert hall attack
Russia on Thursday sentenced 15 men -- including four gunmen -- to life in prison over the Crocus concert hall attack which left 150 people dead, the deadliest onslaught in Russia in more than two decades.
Sports
'Hurt' Atalanta try to bounce back from Bayern battering at Serie A leaders Inter
Reeling from their six-goal mauling at the hands of Champions League heavyweights Bayern Munich, Atalanta take the short trip to Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday trying to boost their waning top-four hopes.
Economy
Businessman or politician? Billionaire Czech PM under fire again
Since entering politics in 2011, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been grappling with a conflict of interest as a billionaire businessman and politician, and his latest stint in power is no exception.
Politics
Mideast war lands India restaurants in soup
Indian restaurant MadCo took the tough call this week to remove some menu favourites, including bone marrow -- a beef bone cut in half and slowly roasted, in an attempt to save cooking gas as the Iran war disrupts supply chains.
Technology
Lost page of legendary Archimedes palimpsest found in France
It all started off as a joke, a French researcher told AFP.
Sports
World champion Norris says McLaren must 'improve in all areas'
World champion Lando Norris said Thursday that McLaren have made some progress since a disappointing opening to the season in Australia but warned they still need to "improve in all areas".
Sports
Early F1 leader Russell says 'championship means nothing at this point'
George Russell said Thursday the "championship means nothing at this point" as the Mercedes ace enters the second weekend of the Formula One season top of the pile following victory in Melbourne.
Sports
Ferrari's Leclerc hopes year of the horse a good omen in China
Charles Leclerc said Thursday he hoped the Chinese year of the horse would bring Ferrari luck in Shanghai after a torrid race there 12 months ago.
Economy
Cathay Pacific roughly doubles fuel surcharge on most routes
Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific announced new fuel surcharges for most routes Thursday that are roughly double the existing ones.
China approves 'ethnic unity' law condemned by rights groups
China approved what it called an "ethnic unity" law on Thursday, which rights advocates warn could further marginalise minority groups such as the Uyghurs.
Economy
BMW profit holds up despite Trump tariffs, China woes
German carmaker BMW reported a three percent fall in annual profit on Thursday, despite US tariffs and cutthroat competition in China, far smaller than the double-digit plunges seen at rivals.
Economy
Electric vehicle rethink to cost Honda almost $16 billion
Japan's Honda said Thursday it expected to book nearly $16 billion in expenses and losses related to a major reorientation of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, blaming US policy changes and tariffs.
Politics
Bangladesh parliament reconvenes after uprising and polls
Bangladesh's parliament convened Thursday for the first time since a deadly 2024 uprising plunged the country into political turmoil and following elections last month.
Sports
Verstappen jokes new F1 cars 'more like Mario Kart'
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen said Thursday he was not having much fun driving the new era of Formula One cars, joking he was "practising with Mario Kart" because it was more realistic than his simulator.
Sports
North Korea vow no more protests in Women's Asian Cup
North Korea pledged Thursday there will be no more sideline protests during their Women's Asian Cup quarter-final with Australia after causing a stir against China.
Politics
Checkpoints, air strikes and hope: a Tehran resident tells her story
Torn between hope and fear, a Tehran resident in her 30s agrees to share her thoughts with AFP about the ongoing war and daily life.
Politics
Ukraine's tech evangelist defence chief preaching the 'future of war'
Ukraine's newly installed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov waltzed on stage like a stand-up comedian to take the mic in front of journalists in Kyiv as a sleek slideshow zoomed across a map of the country.
Economy
From Kyiv to UK, Ukrainian drone production spans Europe
In an inconspicuous building near the UK's Mildenhall air base, drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems is opening a new production line, like other Ukrainian arms companies looking to secure supply chain and boost capacity.
Boulevard
China to approve 'ethnic unity' law condemned by rights groups
China was set to approve Thursday what it called an "ethnic unity" law, which rights advocates warn could further marginalise minority groups like the Uyghurs.
Sports
Alonso fears more pain in China with struggling Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso said Thursday he expects another difficult weekend wrestling with his new Aston Martin at the Chinese Grand Prix after failing to finish the season-opener in Australia.
Politics
Iran targets fuel facilities, sending oil soaring again
Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Gulf energy targets on Thursday, hours after two oil tankers were hit, sending crude prices soaring again despite record reserve releases.
Sports
Djokovic ousted by Draper at Indian Wells as Alcaraz marches on
Novak Djokovic was dumped out by Jack Draper in a slugfest Wednesday as the defending champion won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
Politics
Lebanon says 7 killed in Israeli strike on central Beirut
Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.
Economy
Australia to change fuel quality standards to boost supply
Australia will adjust fuel quality standards to allow higher sulfur levels for around two months in a move that will release 100 million litres into the domestic supply, officials said Thursday.