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Economy
European football clubs score with stadium rebuilds
On a former derelict dock in the British port city of Liverpool, fans of Everton throng eateries and bars at the football club's new stadium ahead of a Premier League match.
Politics
Trump said Iran 'welcome to compete' in World Cup, says Infantino
US President Donald Trump has said that Iran is "welcome" to participate at the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite the ongoing Middle East war, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday.
Politics
'No good choice': the Afghans forced to return from Iran
Exhausted Afghans cross the border from Iran in a sandstorm, leaving behind a country in the grip of war to return to a homeland that is battered by conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Asia stocks rise but oil resumes gains amid IEA supply report
Asian equities rose Wednesday while oil resumed its gains as traders weighed growing supply concerns against a report that the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves.
Cathay says surcharge to rise as fuel prices jump during Mideast war
Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday that fuel surcharges would rise as prices soared in March after war broke out in the Middle East.
Politics
Cargo vessels hit as Iran threatens to close Gulf oil chokepoint
Three commercial ships took fire in the Gulf on Wednesday as Iran launched strikes against its oil-exporting neighbours, threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and plunging the global energy economy into crisis.
Politics
G7 energy ministers 'ready' to take 'necessary measures' on oil reserves
Energy ministers of the G7 said on Wednesday they stood ready to take "all necessary measures" in coordination with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to tackle the rise in crude oil prices due to the Middle East war.
Things to know
Punch the baby monkey isn't being bullied: Japan zoo
A Japanese zoo caring for a baby monkey who has become an internet sensation was forced to issue a statement denying he was being bullied, following an outpouring of concern online.
Politics
German defence giant Rheinmetall sees faster growth as Europe rearms
German defence giant Rheinmetall Wednesday forecast even faster growth this year after record earnings in 2025, with Europe racing to re-arm as it contends with a hostile Russia and turmoil in transatlantic ties.
Economy
Fears of fuel shortage in Pakistan as tankers wait to fill up
Tanker drivers in Pakistan said they were facing long waits at depots due to a shortage of fuel, as the government played down fears of another rise in prices.
Economy
Stocks rise again, oil stabilises as report says IEA considers release
Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves to counter soaring prices.
Technology
Cathay Pacific expects to carry more passengers in 2026
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday it expected to boost its capacity to carry passengers by around 10 percent this year despite a "volatile" geopolitical environment.
Nature
Yak hack: Kyrgyz want the world to love their blonde bovine beauties
Dozens of white yaks frolicked in the pristine snow of the vast Kyrgyz mountains, butting heads and locking horns as their herders watched on from their horses.
Politics
Iran women footballers evacuate from safe house in Australia
Iranian women footballers claiming asylum in Australia evacuated from their safe house on Wednesday after one team member changed her mind and revealed their location to the Iranian embassy, Canberra said.
Italy stun USA to leave hosts on brink at World Baseball Classic
Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament.
Culture
Shabby beauty: Inside Japan's oldest, defiant student dorm
Graffiti defaces tattered clay walls and trash piles up in Japan's oldest student dormitory, but Masako Ueda is savouring every last moment in the mice-infested building slated for temporary closure.
Politics
Seoul says can deter threats from North if US weapons shifted to Mideast
South Korea said Wednesday it could deter threats from the North even if the United States relocated some of its military assets to the Middle East amid the war in Iran.
Sports
Italy stun United States 8-6 in World Baseball Classic
Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament.
New wave of Iran attacks as oil reserve release weighed
Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices.
Sabalenka powers past Osaka, sets Indian Wells QF clash with Mboko
World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Tuesday with a statement 6-2, 6-4 victory over former champion Naomi Osaka in a battle of Grand Slam winners.
Sports
Politics meets football as China, Taiwan face off at Asian Cup
China and Taiwan will clash this week in a politically tinged Women's Asian Cup quarter-final while Australia hope that a bumper home crowd can help drag them through against a dangerous North Korea.
Sports
History offers Scots hope of ending losing run to Irish
Scotland's astonishing 50-40 victory over France should make them favourites to beat Ireland on Saturday in their final Six Nations match, save for one thing -- the Irish have beaten them in their last 11 Tests dating back to 2017.
Sports
Trump-Infantino 'bromance' tested by Middle East war
The US-Israeli war on Iran represents a serious challenge to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with President Donald Trump less than three months before the World Cup, even if shared economic interests mean the alliance is likely to survive, analysts say.
Sports
Ruthless Sinner subdues Fonseca to reach Indian Wells quarter-finals
Four-time major champion Jannik Sinner edged talented Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) in a scintillating Stadium Court clash on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
Politics
Kharg Island: Iran's vital oil hub in the crosshairs?
Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf, handles almost all of Iran's crude exports and any attempt to seize it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, analysts say.
Sports
Wembanyama stars as red-hot Spurs sink Celtics
Victor Wembanyama scored 39 points as the red-hot San Antonio Spurs defeated the Boston Celtics 125-116 on Tuesday in a potential NBA Finals preview.
Culture
New generation of Irish actors harness talent for global stardom
When the envelopes are opened at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, one of the few guarantees is that actors from Ireland -- population just over five million -- are increasingly likely to be in the frame.
Sports
Brilliant Adebayo scores 83 points, second highest in NBA history
Bam Adebayo erupted for a jaw-dropping 83 points -- the second highest total in NBA history -- as the Miami Heat thrashed the Washington Wizards 150-129 on Tuesday.
Economy
Asian stocks extend gains, oil stabilises after crude release report
Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves to counter soaring prices.
Politics
New wave of Iran attacks as IEA weighs oil reserve release
Iran unleashed early Wednesday defiant new strikes around the region including drones targeting a Saudi oilfield, as the International Energy Agency reportedly proposed its largest-ever oil reserve release to calm markets and prices.
Boulevard
'Stealth hit' Pokemon game sends Nintendo shares soaring
Fan buzz around life-simulation game "Pokemon Pokopia" sent Nintendo shares soaring on Wednesday, with some hailing the new title as a welcome antidote to global conflicts.
Sports
Brilliant Adebayo scores 83 pts, 2nd highest in NBA history as Heat rout Wizards
Bam Adebayo erupted for a jaw-dropping 83 points -- the second highest total in NBA history -- as the Miami Heat thrashed the Washington Wizards 150-129 on Tuesday.