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Police close Hong Kong's Victoria Park on eve of Tiananmen anniversary
Hong Kong police said on Friday that they will close large parts of Victoria Park, once the site of packed annual candlelight vigils to commemorate China's Tiananmen crackdown, on the eve of the event's 33rd anniversary.
Myanmar junta says will carry out first judicial executions in decades
Myanmar's junta will execute a former member of Aung San Suu Kyi's party and a prominent democracy activist, both of whom were convicted of terrorism, in the country's first judicial executions since 1990, a spokesman told AFP on Friday.
Indian Oscars return as Abu Dhabi hosts Bollywood bash
Bollywood's brightest stars will gather in Abu Dhabi on Saturday as the Indian Oscars return for the first time since the pandemic shuttered cinemas and turned audiences on to streaming.
Gauff has 'nothing to lose' against Swiatek in French Open final
Coco Gauff says she has "nothing to lose" in Saturday's French Open final against world number one Iga Swiatek, with her opponent on a 34-match winning streak and looking for a second Roland Garros title.
On 100th day of Russian invasion, Zelensky vows victory
Ukraine will emerge victor in the war started by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday as Moscow's invasion of its neighbour entered its 100th day with Russian troops pounding the Donbas region.
England eke out slender lead against New Zealand in 1st Test
Concussion substitute Matt Parkinson marked his Test debut by helping England into a narrow first-innings lead of nine runs on the second day of their series opener against New Zealand at Lord's on Friday.
Harry and Meghan join royals at jubilee service for Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on Friday joined the royal family for their first public appearance in Britain in two years, at a Platinum Jubilee service for Queen Elizabeth II.
Israel warns over Iran nuclear programme
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Friday that Israel was prepared to use it's "right to self defense" to stop Iran's nuclear programme.
Global plastic use and waste on track to triple by 2060
A world severely blighted by plastic pollution is on track to see the use of plastics nearly triple in less than four decades, according to findings released Friday.
Real Madrid defend fans, demand answers after chaos at Stade de France
Real Madrid on Friday demanded an explanation for the way fans were treated at the Champions League final last weekend and said authorities must take responsibility for the ugly scenes in Paris which the club said were "far removed from the values" of the sport.
Crusaders overpower Reds to enter Super semis
The Canterbury Crusaders used their powerful pack to devastating effect as they marched into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals with a 37-15 victory over the Queensland Reds in Christchurch on Friday.
Alarm bells for Macron as left gains in polls
France's rejuvenated left-wing parties appear to be gaining ground on President Emmanuel Macron's centrist allies ahead of parliamentary elections later this month, raising fears for the ruling party that it may fail to secure a majority.
Global plastic waste on track to triple by 2060
A world severely blighted by plastic pollution is on track to see the use of plastics nearly triple in less than four decades, according to findings released Friday.
Royals lead thanksgiving service for Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were on Friday expected to make their first public appearance in Britain in two years, at a Platinum Jubilee church service for Queen Elizabeth II.
Australia's Finch hopes tour brings 'joy' to crisis-hit Sri Lanka
Australia's cricketers hope to bring some "joy" to Sri Lanka, white-ball captain Aaron Finch said on Friday, as the island nation prepares for a seven-week tour while wrestling with an unprecedented economic crisis.
Depp-Heard trial's impact 'potentially catastrophic' for abuse survivors
The acrid US defamation trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard -- and the decision to televise it -- will have a "potentially catastrophic" impact on abuse survivors, advocates say.
UAE firm to screen passengers at Afghan airports
The Taliban have tasked a United Arab Emirates firm with the security screening of passengers and luggage at Afghan airports, officials said, as the country seeks to expand international flights.
Swiatek grew up a 'fighter' on Warsaw's tennis courts
Iga Swiatek, the world number one who on Saturday could win her second French Open title, has displayed a fighting spirit since her early days hammering balls on Warsaw's tennis courts.
China, Papua New Guinea discuss free-trade deal
China and Papua New Guinea held talks on a free-trade deal Friday, as Beijing's foreign minister wrapped up a landmark tour of the Pacific Islands with a stop in the resource-rich nation.
Stoute bids for another crowning moment in 'Piggott's' Derby
Queen Elizabeth II, Lester Piggott and Michael Stoute are indelibly linked to the Epsom Derby and appropriately all three will be foremost on everyone's minds in Saturday's renewal which is part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
'Fire burning' inside Donaire ahead of Inoue rematch
Nonito Donaire said Friday there was "a fire burning inside" him as he prepares to face Naoya Inoue next week in a hotly anticipated sequel to their 2019 boxing classic.
Asian markets track Wall St up before jobs data, oil holds gains
Asian equities rose Friday following a strong performance on Wall Street ahead of a key US jobs data release, while crude gave up some of the previous day's gains after an output hike disappointed traders.
As EU squeezes Russia, Serbia embraces old ally
While the European Union scrambles to isolate Russia and reduce energy imports from the country, EU candidate Serbia is tightening its bond with Moscow through a new gas supply deal.
No panic for Warriors after Celtics shocker
Draymond Green said there is no chance of the Golden State Warriors hitting the panic button after the NBA Finals favorites crashed to a series-opening defeat to the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
10 years after 'Gangnam Style', Psy is happier than ever
Ten years after "Gangnam Style" became a global phenomenon, South Korean rapper Psy is living his best life –- proud of his "greatest trophy" and free from the pressure of repeating that unprecedented success.
China's diplomatic gambit heralds new 'Battle for the Pacific'
A 10-day South Pacific island-hopping tour by China's top diplomat focused world attention on a usually overlooked region, opened a new front in Beijing's quest for global influence and challenged decades of Western primacy.
Avs down Oilers for 2-0 lead in NHL Western Conference Final
Colorado scored three quick second-period goals and goalie Pavel Francouz made 24 saves on Thursday as the Avalanche beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-0 to take a 2-0 lead in the NHL Western Conference Final.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters 100th day as fighting rages
Ukraine marked 100 days since Russia's invasion on Friday with fighting raging across the east of the country, where Moscow's forces are tightening their grip on the Donbas.
Celtics rally to beat Warriors in game one of NBA Finals
Al Horford led an electrifying comeback as the Boston Celtics stunned the Golden State Warriors 120-108 to draw first blood in their best-of-seven NBA Finals series on Thursday.
Teaching helped me survive, says Indian quadruple amputee
When gangrene robbed Indian teacher Pratibha Hilim of her hands and feet three years ago, her dreams of returning to class gave her the strength to endure.
'Ferocious' Kambosos vows to 'shock the world again' against Haney
Australian George 'Ferocious' Kambosos Friday vowed to "shock the world again" against American favourite Devin 'The Dream' Haney when they meet in a hotly-anticipated clash to become the undisputed lightweight champion.
Myanmar classrooms become latest battleground as junta opens schools
Myanmar students began a new school year on Thursday, with classrooms becoming the latest battleground in the polarised country -- the junta is desperate to project normalcy and opponents want teachers and students to stay away.