US, Russia diplomats discuss Ukraine war in Manila

Discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine have been at a standstill, with US attention now focused on the Middle East and Moscow maintaining its demand that Kyiv cede territory.

By Afp 9 hrs ago

AI catches up with humans to score 100pc at top maths contest

Two Chinese tech companies said their AI models each achieved 100 percent on the questions given to human hopefuls at this month's International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

By Afp 9 hrs ago

Six candidates in race to lead UN set for televised debate

Many states are also calling for a woman to hold the position for the first time.

By Afp 9 hrs ago

Chad's desert east faces 'dire need' for access to water

In Chad's far-flung east, a "dire need" for water blights lives and fuels deadly violence over access to wells in an impoverished and sweltering desert region.

By Afp 8 hrs ago

Tokyo reports most heat-related hospitalisations since 2010, one dead

The Tokyo Fire Department said 453 people were taken to hospital on Wednesday, the highest daily count since records began in 2010.

By Afp 8 hrs ago

Deadly wildfires force thousands from homes in parts of Europe

The fires come as southern Europe endures another spell of severe heat, with temperatures topping 40C in some areas.

By Afp 8 hrs ago

ASEAN calls for open straits as US-Iran war casts shadow

Visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week warned ASEAN envoys that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a "dangerous precedent".

By Afp 3 hrs ago

Trump vows to bomb Iran bridges, power plants when it fires on Hormuz ships

Trump pledged that the US would bomb Iranian civil infrastructure.

By Afp 1 day ago

Over 1,000 deaths recorded in Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda: WHO

"A single death can lead to up to 17 cases of transmission," WHO stated.

By Afp 1 day ago

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso bid to host AFCON 2032

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso -- three countries led by military governments -- are bidding to jointly host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.

By Afp 20 hrs ago

Lebanon PM says Beirut working for 'complete Israeli withdrawal'

Lebanon is working towards a "complete Israeli withdrawal" from areas it occupies, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Wednesday.

By Afp 19 hrs ago

US trial of Venezuela's Maduro set for June 2027

Venezuela's ousted president Nicolas Maduro and his wife will go on trial in the United States in June 2027.

By Afp 19 hrs ago

World champions Spain supplant Argentina to top FIFA rankings

Newly-crowned world champions Spain replaced beaten finalists Argentina atop FIFA rankings released Monday.

By Afp 2 days ago

World Cup winner Spain bag Sh6.5 billion

Spain hoisted a trophy, received championship rings for the first time, and gained a lifetime of glory in what will be a defining moment in the country’s sports history.

By Afp 2 days ago

India's 'Cockroach' movement vows to protest until education minister resigns

India's "Cockroach" party movement vowed to press ahead with their campaign until the education minister resigns, a day after at least 180 people were injured in protests in New Delhi.

By Afp 2 days ago

Thousands welcome home Argentina squad, without Messi, despite World Cup loss

Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain to give a rapturous welcome to the Argentine football squad who landed back home without star Lionel Messi

By Afp 2 days ago

Spain stars lap up adulation of estimated two million on World Cup parade

New World Cup champions Spain enjoyed a vibrant night of celebrations after an open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday in front of a jubilant crowd

By Afp 2 days ago

New UK PM Burnham stamps authority with cabinet shakeup

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was set to convene his first cabinet meeting on Tuesday after purging the government of his predecessor's loyalists.

By Afp 2 days ago

Giant of the game: Liverpool and England legend Keegan dies aged 75

Former Liverpool and England star Kevin Keegan has died aged 75 after battling cancer, his family announced on Monday.

By Afp 2 days ago

North Korea reaffirms support for Moscow over Ukraine

North Korea reaffirmed its support for Russia's war on Ukraine as the nations' foreign ministers met in Moscow, Pyongyang's state media reported Tuesday.

By Afp 2 days ago

With more matches, World Cup shatters attendance and TV records

The 2026 World Cup created a stadium attendance high while FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said that TV viewership broke the previous record "many, many times over".

By Afp 2 days ago

Iran targets US military assets as Houthis threaten to expand Mideast war

Iran targeted US radar and air defence installations in the Gulf on Tuesday, warning Washington of "more decisive and powerful" attacks to come.

By Afp 2 days ago

Arrogance or pride? Argentina grapples with World Cup villain label

Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country's status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament.

By Afp 2 days ago

UK PM Burnham unveils energy tax cut, tells ministers to cut living costs

From October 1, electricity bills will be VAT-free, saving an average household around £45 ($61) a year.

By Afp 2 days ago

AI playing a growing role in child sexual abuse, German report warns

German authorities have warned that AI is increasingly being used to facilitate the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

By Afp 2 days ago

World Cup final goes to extra-time

The World Cup final between Spain and 10-man Argentina went to extra-time on Sunday, with the teams locked at 0-0 at the end of normal time.

By Afp 3 days ago

Mbappe wins World Cup Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappe won the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot on Sunday after Lionel Messi failed to add to his tally in the final in New Jersey.

By Afp 3 days ago

Spain's world champions head home to million-strong Madrid welcome

The royal household had also yet to confirm whether the king would attend the celebrations.

By Afp 3 days ago

Indian police baton charge protesters marching to parliament

India's riot police baton-charged protesters in New Delhi as they tried to march to parliament on Monday, escalating a protest over irregularities in major examinations.

By Afp 3 days ago

Indian police fire tear gas at exam protesters in capital

Police were firing tear gas shells at the protesters near Jantar Mantar in the Indian capital.

By Afp 3 days ago

Spanish World Cup celebrations detected by seismic sensors after final goal

Spain's World Cup celebrations were not just heard across the country -- they were felt underground.

By Afp 3 days ago

Teen dies during Spain World Cup celebrations

A teenager died and several people were injured during celebrations of Spain's victory in the World Cup after a fountain onto collapsed in the west of the country

By Afp 3 days ago

Plane carrying Spain's World Cup winning team lands in Madrid

A plane carrying Spain's newly crowned World Cup champions landed in Madrid, a day after their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in the United States.

By Afp 3 days ago

Spain down Argentina to win World Cup, shatter Messi dream

Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game on Sunday as Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra-time to win their second World Cup.

By Afp 3 days ago

Burnham becomes new UK PM after meeting king

Andy Burnham became British prime minister Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and was set to set out his vision for the country after taking over from Keir Starmer.

By Afp 3 days ago

Survivors warn of loopholes in Hong Kong sexual offence reforms

Hong Kong NGO worker Jessie recalled freezing in panic when she said she was sexually assaulted by an acquaintance one summer, unable to resist while he proceeded without her consent.

By Afp 3 days ago

Premium

As repression soars, East Africans are finding fragile refuge in Nairobi

Tanzania's security forces unleashed a ruthless crackdown on protests sparked by alleged rigging of the vote, with rights groups and the opposition saying thousands were killed.

By Afp 3 days ago

'The last of Messi': Argentines mourn loss and end of an era

Nervous excitement turned into anguished groans and tears as Argentines' hope of yet another epic comeback led by Lionel Messi in the World Cup fizzled out against Spain.

By Afp 3 days ago

Cat rescued from ruins of Venezuela quake offers 'ray of hope'

More than 5,100 people were killed when back-to-back quakes struck the South American nation

By Afp 4 days ago

Drone strike wounds 8 Iranian Kurdish rebels in Iraq: exiled group

The renewed escalation in Kurdistan follows the resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran.

By Afp 4 days ago