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Germany factory output lowest since pandemic in 2020
German industrial production slumped to its lowest level in June since the pandemic in 2020, data showed Thursday, underlining the fragility of Europe's top economy even before higher US tariffs kicked in.

Thailand and Cambodia agree to extend peace pact
Thailand and Cambodia agreed Thursday to extend a shaky ceasefire deal that followed five days of deadly hostilities along their border last month.

Third-hottest July on record wreaks climate havoc
The third-hottest July worldwide ended a string of record-breaking temperatures, but many regions were devastated by extreme weather amplified by global warming, the European climate monitoring service said Thursday.

Trump-Putin meeting agreed for 'coming days', venue set: Kremlin
The Kremlin said Thursday that a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin was set for the "coming days", with the two sides already having agreed the venue "in principle."

Frankfurt sign Japan winger Doan until 2030
Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday confirmed the signing of Japan winger Ritsu Doan until 2030 from Freiburg.

Swiss reel from 'horror scenario' after US tariff blow
Switzerland scrambled for answers Thursday after a last-gasp government mission to Washington failed to stop a 39-percent tariff blow from President Donald Trump, sparking job fears in what businesses called a "horror scenario".

Apple to hike investment in US to $600 bn over four years
Apple will invest an additional $100 billion in the United States, taking its total pledge to $600 billion over the next four years, US President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

Asian markets rise as traders look past Trump chip threat
Asian equities rose Thursday as investors looked past Donald Trump's threat to impose 100 percent tariffs on semiconductors, with optimism still high that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates next month.

Higher US tariffs kick in for dozens of trading partners
The United States began charging higher tariffs on dozens of trading partners Thursday, in a major escalation of President Donald Trump's drive to reshape global commerce in America's favor.

Deliveroo slips back into loss on DoorDash takeover costs
Food delivery app Deliveroo on Thursday reported that it fell back into a loss in the first half of 2025, citing costs related to its takeover by US rival DoorDash.

'Dog ate my passport': All Black rookie in Argentina trip pickle
Leroy Carter's dream call-up to the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad almost became a nightmare when he his dog chewed up his passport days before leaving for Argentina.

US tariffs prompt Toyota profit warning
US tariffs prompted Japanese auto giant Toyota on Thursday to cut its annual net profit forecast by 14 percent.

Eddie Palmieri, Latin music trailblazer, dies at 88
Eddie Palmieri, who revolutionized Latin music and played a major role in the salsa explosion in New York City, passed away Wednesday at the age of 88, according to the artist's official social media account.

Japan's World Cosplay Summit to escape summer heat in 2027
Dressing up at the World Cosplay Summit can be makeup-meltingly sweaty in Japan's baking summer, and after this year's event in record heat, organisers have pushed the 2027 edition to November.

China exports top forecasts as EU, ASEAN shipments offset US drop
China's exports rose more than expected last month, with official data on Thursday showing a jump in shipments to the European Union and other markets offset a drop in those to the United States.

Cockatoos can bust a move: Australian research
Cockatoo birds are renowned in Australia for their raucous singing, but researchers said Thursday they also boast an impressive array of dance moves.

Arrest warrant sought for South Korea's ex-first lady Kim
South Korean prosecutors on Thursday requested an arrest warrant for former first lady Kim Keon Hee, a day after questioning her over a litany of allegations, including bribery and stock manipulation.

Khachanov topples Zverev to book ATP Toronto title clash with Shelton
Karen Khachanov rallied to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev and book an ATP Toronto Masters title clash with Ben Shelton, who beat second seeded Taylor Fritz on Wednesday.

Wallabies' White out of short-lived retirement for South Africa Tests
Veteran scrum-half Nic White's retirement lasted barely a week after he was named Thursday in an injury-depleted Wallabies squad for two Rugby Championship Tests against world champions South Africa.

China says trade jumped in July, beating forecasts
China's exports beat expectations and rose 7.2 percent year-on-year in July, official data showed Thursday, as overseas shipments buoyed its struggling economy even as it navigated a shaky trade war truce with the United States.

Struggling Test opener Konstas sent on Australia A tour of India
Struggling Test opener Sam Konstas was picked Thursday for Australia A's red-ball tour of India next month, with chief selector George Bailey saying the experience will be invaluable.

Mo'unga to return to New Zealand in time for World Cup build-up
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga will return to New Zealand next year, putting him in the frame to steer the All Blacks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Higher US tariffs take effect on dozens of economies
Higher US tariffs came into effect for dozens of economies Thursday, drastically raising the stakes in President Donald Trump's wide-ranging efforts to reshape global trade.

Sony hikes profit forecasts after strong quarter for games
PlayStation-maker Sony raised its annual profit forecasts on Thursday, citing strong performance in its key gaming business and a smaller-than-expected negative impact of US trade tariffs.

Osaka books WTA Montreal title clash with Canadian teen Mboko
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Canadian teen sensation Victoria Mboko booked a championship showdown with gritty semi-final wins on Wednesday in the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal.

Pacific microstate sells first passports to fund climate action
A remote Pacific nation has started selling passports to fund climate action, but is so far struggling to attract new citizens to the low-lying, largely barren island.

Kinky knots: Japanese bondage becomes art
In Tokyo, a man watches a woman slowly bind another with ropes attached to chains hanging from the ceiling. But this is no S&M bar, it's a workshop led by "shibari" master Hajime Kinoko.

Markets rise as Trump chip exemptions boost tech giants
Asian equities rose Thursday, with big-name chip firms making big gains after Donald Trump said those investing in the United States would be exempted from a threatened 100-percent tariff on semiconductors.

Japanese population sees record drop in 2024
The population of Japanese nationals fell by a record amount -- more than 900,000 people -- in 2024, official data showed, as the country battles to reverse its perennially low birth rates.

United Airlines flights grounded in the US
Thousands of US air passengers were facing delays Wednesday after United Airlines halted many departures in the wake of a systemwide problem.

Khachanov topples Zverev to reach ATP Toronto final
Karen Khachanov rallied from 3-1 down in the final set tiebreaker to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) on Wednesday to reach the final of the ATP Toronto Masters.

Mexican authorities accuse Adidas of cultural appropriation
Officials in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca accused sportswear giant Adidas of cultural appropriation after the fashion brand debuted sandals similar to a traditional design from the region.