Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks in decades: source to AFP
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks Wednesday in decades, part of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with militant group Hezbollah, a source close to the talks told AFP.
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Stock markets mostly rise awaiting US data
European and Asian stock markets mostly rose Wednesday following a resumption of Wall Street's rally, but gains were muted as investors await the last tranche of US data before next week's Federal Reserve meeting.
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Delhi records over 200,000 respiratory illness cases due to toxic air
New Delhi recorded more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses at six state-run hospitals between 2022 and 2024, government numbers showed, highlighting the adverse effects of toxic air on health.
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South Korean prosecutors demand 15 years for former first lady
South Korean prosecutors demanded Wednesday a 15-year prison term for former first lady Kim Keon Hee for alleged stock fraud and corruption crimes.
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'Dream' draw for debutants Hong Kong against Wallabies, All Blacks
Hong Kong coach Logan Asplin called it "a dream come true" after the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw pitted the Asian debutants with New Zealand and hosts Australia on Wednesday.
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Thailand lifts ban on afternoon alcohol sales
Thailand on Wednesday relaxed decades-old alcohol sales restrictions, allowing consumers to buy wine, beer and spirits during previously prohibited afternoon hours in a six-month trial.
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Norway postpones deep-sea mining activities for four years
Norway on Wednesday postponed the first licences to permit deep-sea mining in its Arctic waters for four years, a delay environmentalists hope signals the "nail in the coffin" of the plans.
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Sri Lanka cyclone survivors face colossal clean-up
Survivors of Cyclone Ditwah that has ravaged Sri Lanka in recent days began returning to their devastated homes on Wednesday, faced with a massive clean-up as they start rebuilding their lives.
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Zara owner Inditex posts higher profits
Zara owner Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer, posted Wednesday higher profits for the first nine months of its fiscal year despite stiffer competition from low-cost clothing outlets like Shein and Primark.
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Australia meet New Zealand as S. Africa face Italy at Rugby World Cup
Hosts Australia face a blockbuster group clash with New Zealand at the 2027 Rugby World Cup as holders South Africa were pitted with Italy in the draw in Sydney on Wednesday.
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