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In U-turn, US rights report to track gender changes, DEI
In a sharp change, the United States said Thursday that its signature human rights report would start tracking countries that support gender changes for children and diversity and equity programs.
Politics
Afghanistan seeks new trade routes as Pakistan ties sour
Afghanistan is scrambling to diversify its trade partners after a deadly border clash with Pakistan last month brought ties to their lowest point in years, affecting people on both sides of the frontier.
Culture
Iranian director Jafar Panahi ramps up French Oscars campaign
After years of being banned from leaving Iran, filmmaker Jafar Panahi is enjoying his tour of the United States -- visiting Los Angeles, New York and Telluride -- as he promotes his Oscar-hopeful "It Was Just an Accident."
Health
Cuba battles virus outbreak despite shortages of food, medicine
Cuba has been gripped by an outbreak of the viral disease chikungunya, as it battles shortages of clean water, food, fuel and medicine, during its worst economic crisis in decades.
Nature
30-plus nations oppose COP30 draft over fossil fuel omission: Colombia
More than 30 countries have co-signed a letter opposing Brazil's draft proposal at the UN climate conference because it fails to include a roadmap phasing out fossil fuels, the Colombian delegation told AFP on Thursday.
Politics
Tech firms lead Asian stock rout as AI bubble fears linger
Tech firms led more steep losses across Asian markets Friday as investors struggled to shake off fears about an AI bubble and after a sell-off on Wall Street sparked by jobs data dealt a further blow to hopes for a US interest rate cut.
Politics
Ukraine would give Russia chunk of territory under 28-point US plan
Ukraine would give up a swathe of eastern territory to Russia and slash the size of its army under a sweeping 28-point peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump, according to a draft obtained by AFP.
Sports
England win toss, bat in first Ashes Test
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the first Ashes Test under blue skies in Perth on Friday.
Technology
Teen saving India's ponds says everyone can be a leader
Dev Karan recalls the first time he saw a purple pond, "filled with dyes and chemicals, and choked with plastic".
Economy
Frida Kahlo painting auctions for $54.6 mn, record for woman artist
A self-portrait by legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo sold for $54.66 million in New York on Thursday, setting a new record for the price of a painting by a woman, the auction house Sotheby's said.
Sports
Arsenal brace for Spurs clash without Gabriel, Man City in pursuit
Arsenal are expected to be without defensive lynchpin Gabriel Magalhaes when they host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as Manchester City seek to keep up the pressure on the Premier League leaders.
Nature
Scramble for Sudan's resources fuels brutal civil war
Behind the civil war tearing Sudan apart for more than two years lie the country's natural riches, with foreign powers vying for control of its gold, fertile farmland and coastline.
Culture
Livestream giant Twitch to ban under-16s in Australia
Livestream giant Twitch will be forced to remove all users under the age of 16 when Australia's strict social media laws take effect next month, Canberra's online regulator said Friday.
Politics
Ukraine would cede Donbas to Russia under 28-point US plan
Ukraine would give up the eastern Donbas region to Russia under a 28-point peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump, according to a draft obtained Thursday by AFP.
Sports
Spain and Germany reach Davis Cup semi-finals
Spain and Germany will face off in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup after coming through respective last-eight ties in Bologna with the Czech Republic and Argentina on Thursday.
Things to know
'Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman gets Hollywood star
"Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman was posthumously honored on Thursday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Economy
Trump plans massive expansion of offshore oil drilling
President Donald Trump's administration is planning to open up millions of square miles (kilometers) of US coastal waters to oil and gas drilling, it said Thursday, in a step that could lead to a massive expansion of fossil fuel extraction.
Sports
South Korean Lee So-mi grabs LPGA Tour Championship lead
South Korea's Lee So-mi fired an eight-under par 64 to seize a two-stroke lead over American Allisen Corpuz after Thursday's opening round of the LPGA Tour Championship.
Nature
Fire breaks out at UN climate talks, forcing delay at critical phase
A fire broke out inside the UN climate summit venue in Brazil on Thursday, burning through the roof and causing a panicked evacuation and the suspension of talks entering a crucial phase.
Sports
Carpenter strikes for Chelsea but Barca hold on for draw in Women's Champions League
Barcelona lost their 100 percent record in the Women's Champions League but went top of the table on goal difference following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Chelsea on matchday four at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Sports
Rams-Bucs and Steelers-Bears match NFL division leaders
Tampa Bay will face the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh travels to Chicago in Sunday showdowns between NFL division leaders while the New England Patriots seek a ninth consecutive victory.
Politics
ExxonMobil relaunches natural gas project in Mozambique
US energy giant ExxonMobil announced Thursday the resumption of its gas development project in Mozambique, which had been suspended for several years due to a jihadist insurgency.
Politics
Colombia's Petro in hot water as records reveal Lisbon strip club visit
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro published his bank statements this week to disprove Washington's allegations of financial crimes, only to find himself in hot water at home after the records revealed a strip club visit.
Economy
Stocks lose steam on AI concerns as jobs data cloud rate cut hopes
Stock markets were mixed Thursday as a rally lost momentum after US jobs data clouded hopes of further interest rate cuts and fears of an AI bubble persisted.
Sports
Messi's Inter to open Miami stadium in April against Austin
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will open its new Miami Freedom Park stadium on April 4 against Austin as part of the 2026 Major League Soccer schedule unveiled on Thursday.
Politics
US health agency edits website to reflect anti-vax views
The US health agency has updated its official website to reflect the vaccine skepticism of a senior Trump official, a move that medical and public health experts widely condemned.
Politics
US denies ending South Africa G20 boycott
President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday vehemently denied South Africa's announcement that the United States was ending a boycott of this weekend's G20 summit in Johannesburg, saying no US official would take part in talks.
Politics
Iniesta's company rebranding Israel Premier Tech cycling team
The Israel Premier Tech cycling team, which had become the focus of pro-Palestinian protesters at road races this season, said on Thursday it is changing its name to "NSN Cycling Team."
Politics
US plan 'good' for Russia, Ukraine: White House
A US plan backed by President Donald Trump to end Russia's war in Ukraine is "good" for both sides, the White House said Thursday, rejecting concerns that it echoes many of Moscow's demands.
Sports
Piastri ready to forget struggles and enjoy Vegas GP
Oscar Piastri said there had been some "tough moments" as his commanding Formula One lead evaporated, but he was "looking forward to getting back in the car in Vegas" this weekend.
Politics
US peace plan 'good' for Russia, Ukraine: White House
A US peace plan backed by President Donald Trump that is being negotiated with Russia and Ukraine is "good" for both sides, the White House said Thursday, rejecting concerns that it echoes many of Moscow's demands.
Technology
Researchers stunned by wolf's use of crab traps to feed
When a wild wolf encounters a potential meal, its instinct is usually to pounce -- but researchers in western Canada have recorded at least one wolf taking a strikingly different approach.