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France coach Fabien Galthie has opted for a sturdier second row against England in their final Six Nations match on Saturday, bringing in Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament.

A passenger train from China arrived in the North Korean capital on Thursday, state media said, after a six-year hiatus since the service was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Danish chef Rene Redzepi, co-founder of the world renowned Noma restaurant, said on Thursday he was quitting following allegations of abuse of staff.

China's leaders wrapped up nine days of annual legislative meetings in Beijing on Thursday, projecting an image of domestic stability seemingly unaffected by the war in key trading partner Iran.

An Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed eight people early on Thursday, Lebanon's health ministry said, another attack in the heart of the capital, as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

Wales coach Steve Tandy has urged his players to "go up another level" after naming an unchanged starting side for their Six Nations finale against Italy as they seek to end a painful losing streak.

Tens of thousands have fled the Gulf to escape the Middle East war, but Bangladeshi migrant workers say they have little choice but to return to earn a living.

Russia on Thursday sentenced 15 men -- including four gunmen -- to life in prison over the Crocus concert hall attack which left 150 people dead, the deadliest onslaught in Russia in more than two decades.

Reeling from their six-goal mauling at the hands of Champions League heavyweights Bayern Munich, Atalanta take the short trip to Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday trying to boost their waning top-four hopes.

Since entering politics in 2011, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been grappling with a conflict of interest as a billionaire businessman and politician, and his latest stint in power is no exception.

Indian restaurant MadCo took the tough call this week to remove some menu favourites, including bone marrow -- a beef bone cut in half and slowly roasted, in an attempt to save cooking gas as the Iran war disrupts supply chains.

It all started off as a joke, a French researcher told AFP.

World champion Lando Norris said Thursday that McLaren have made some progress since a disappointing opening to the season in Australia but warned they still need to "improve in all areas".

George Russell said Thursday the "championship means nothing at this point" as the Mercedes ace enters the second weekend of the Formula One season top of the pile following victory in Melbourne.

Charles Leclerc said Thursday he hoped the Chinese year of the horse would bring Ferrari luck in Shanghai after a torrid race there 12 months ago.

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific announced new fuel surcharges for most routes Thursday that are roughly double the existing ones.

China approved what it called an "ethnic unity" law on Thursday, which rights advocates warn could further marginalise minority groups such as the Uyghurs.

German carmaker BMW reported a three percent fall in annual profit on Thursday, despite US tariffs and cutthroat competition in China, far smaller than the double-digit plunges seen at rivals.

Japan's Honda said Thursday it expected to book nearly $16 billion in expenses and losses related to a major reorientation of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, blaming US policy changes and tariffs.

Bangladesh's parliament convened Thursday for the first time since a deadly 2024 uprising plunged the country into political turmoil and following elections last month.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen said Thursday he was not having much fun driving the new era of Formula One cars, joking he was "practising with Mario Kart" because it was more realistic than his simulator.

North Korea pledged Thursday there will be no more sideline protests during their Women's Asian Cup quarter-final with Australia after causing a stir against China.

Torn between hope and fear, a Tehran resident in her 30s agrees to share her thoughts with AFP about the ongoing war and daily life.

Ukraine's newly installed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov waltzed on stage like a stand-up comedian to take the mic in front of journalists in Kyiv as a sleek slideshow zoomed across a map of the country.

In an inconspicuous building near the UK's Mildenhall air base, drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems is opening a new production line, like other Ukrainian arms companies looking to secure supply chain and boost capacity.

China was set to approve Thursday what it called an "ethnic unity" law, which rights advocates warn could further marginalise minority groups like the Uyghurs.

Fernando Alonso said Thursday he expects another difficult weekend wrestling with his new Aston Martin at the Chinese Grand Prix after failing to finish the season-opener in Australia.

Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Gulf energy targets on Thursday, hours after two oil tankers were hit, sending crude prices soaring again despite record reserve releases.

Novak Djokovic was dumped out by Jack Draper in a slugfest Wednesday as the defending champion won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

Australia will adjust fuel quality standards to allow higher sulfur levels for around two months in a move that will release 100 million litres into the domestic supply, officials said Thursday.

Uber announced Thursday its first robotaxi partnership in Japan, teaming up with Nissan and British artificial intelligence autonomous driving startup Wayve for a trial this year in Tokyo.

Three crew members were "believed to be trapped" aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel's owner said.

Oil prices soared back above $100 Thursday as Iran's fresh attempts to hit supplies in the Middle East and threats to bring down the global economy overshadowed a record release of strategic crude by the International Energy Agency.

Desmond Bane scored 35 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, to spark Orlando's 128-122 victory over visiting Cleveland on Wednesday, stretching the Magic win streak to five games.

Rubbing his hands together to warm them, Iranian truck driver Reza curses the more than 300-kilometre detour he was forced to make to enter Iraq after the war closed most of the usually busy border crossings.

The co-founder of Noma, several times crowned the best restaurant in the world, Danish chef Rene Redzepi said Thursday that he was stepping down, following reports of past abuse at his fabled restaurant.

Oil prices soared Thursday and stocks sank as Iran struck two tankers in Iraq and threatened to bring down the global economy, overshadowing a record release of strategic crude by the International Energy Agency.

Western Force are banking on veterans Kurtley Beale and George Bridge to help turn around their Super Rugby season, with the pair charged with running a daunting game on Friday against the Wellington Hurricanes.