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Chinese users of AI-powered companion bots have bid heart-rending farewells to their virtual buddies as national regulations took effect Wednesday aimed at curbing the risk of emotional dependency.

The death toll from a devastating Bangkok bar fire has risen to 32, authorities said Wednesday, as Thailand pledged a nationwide overhaul of entertainment venue regulations.

The world's tallest unoccupied skyscraper was meant to boast a rooftop pool and a luxury hotel after completion, but instead it has stood deserted in the Chinese port city of Tianjin for years.

Two badminton veterans enjoyed 16 minutes of fame at the Japan Open on Wednesday when they appeared in the main draw of a high-level tournament after a lifetime of trying.

Cubans were gradually getting power back on Wednesday, after the third nationwide power outage in less than 10 days, the national electricity company said.

The United States on Tuesday expanded its sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector, taking further aim at the network of petroleum shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the Treasury Department said.

Strong demand for AI systems pushed up sales forecasts and drove a gain in second-quarter profits Wednesday at Dutch tech giant ASML, which manufactures chip-making machines to power the tech industry.

Every year, tens of thousands of birds glide over the rusting remains of one of the Mediterranean's largest saltworks, to rest in the rare paradise it left behind.

Australian Rules football chiefs removed Indigenous ex-player Nicky Winmar from the game's hall of fame on Wednesday following his conviction for assault against a woman.

Dutch tech giant ASML, which makes cutting-edge machines to manufacture semiconductor chips, Wednesday posted a gain in second-quarter net profits compared with the same period in 2025.

France was on Wednesday set to move closer to joining the ranks of countries that guarantee the right to assisted dying, after the long journey to adoption of a controversial bill championed by President Emmanuel Macron.

US forces struck Iran and reimposed a naval blockade on its ports as Tehran hit Washington's Gulf allies on Wednesday, vowing the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed "until the US ends its aggression".

Australian Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan said Wednesday she had been told to "stop swimming immediately" last month because of spinal stress fractures, but has been cleared to race at next week's Commonwealth Games.

Australia will enact laws to regulate how artificial intelligence data centres use power and water, and to protect creative copyright, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday.

Lionel Messi's Argentina clash with England in a marquee World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Spain lying in wait after shattering French hopes of a third triumph.

China's economy grew at its weakest pace in more than three years during the second quarter, data showed Wednesday, missing expectations even as strong exports driven by the global AI boom helped offset trade disruptions caused by the Middle East war.

Robotic transporters carrying silicon wafers whizz by on overhead rails at a new factory that Kioxia, one of Japan's most valuable companies, hopes can help it meet overwhelming AI-driven demand.

Seoul led gains across Asian equity markets Wednesday as tech firms bounced back following a softer-than-expected US inflation print that soothed worries about a possible interest rate hike this month.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block Paramount Skydance's proposed takeover of Hollywood studio Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the $110 billion acquisition would violate federal antitrust law and harm writers.

She thought she was leaving Nigeria to work at a mobile phone shop in Mali to save money for university.

The UK government said Tuesday it will introduce an overnight social media curfew for children aged 16 and 17, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month announced an under-16 social media ban.

France arrived in the World Cup semi-finals hailed as the most scintillating attacking force to grace the tournament since Brazil's fabled 1982 side.

An Italian court is set to rule Thursday in the case of a bridge collapse eight years ago which killed 43 people and shone a spotlight on Italy's crumbling infrastructure.

A new era began between Spain and the tiny British territory of Gibraltar on Wednesday, as border checks that have long been a source of tension and frustration were finally lifted.

Thomas Tuchel said he did not feel burdened by the weight of history as he bids to lead England to a first World Cup final in 60 years by beating Argentina on Wednesday.

The UK climate is profoundly different compared to typical British weather last century, with constantly rising temperatures and frequent extreme events, the nation's meteorological office said in a report Wednesday.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he was not concerned about fatigue or his team's performances on the way to another World Cup semi-final as they prepare to renew their rivalry with England on Wednesday.

England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed Tuesday that Declan Rice is fit to start in the World Cup semi-final against reigning champions Argentina.

Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister has urged his team to take inspiration from Diego Maradona as they seek to get the better of England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe rued the end of France's World Cup dream on Tuesday, blaming tactical and technical blunders for his side's 2-0 semi-final defeat to France.

England are eyeing a first appearance in a World Cup final in 60 years as they take on Lionel Messi's reigning champions Argentina in the last four in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Roars of joy and honking car horns reverberated through Madrid on Tuesday as Spaniards celebrated their team overcoming France and moving to the cusp of a second World Cup crown.