'Apocalyptic': ghastly remains of Malibu come into focus
Pacific Palisades (United States) (AFP) – Flying south through smoky skies down the famous Malibu coast, at first the burnt-out mansions are the exception — solitary wrecks, smoldering away between rows of intact, gleaming beachfront villas.
Pakistan flight departs for Paris after EU ban lifted
Islamabad (AFP) – Pakistan’s state-owned airline, plagued by a history of deadly crashes and a pilot licence scandal, resumed flights to Europe on Friday after a four-year ban was lifted by EU regulators.
Nicolas Maduro: Venezuela's iron
Caracas (AFP) – Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, due to be sworn in Friday for a third six-year term after elections he is widely accused of stealing, has been written off many times during a turbulent decade in power.
Greek women fight for 'right to the truth' over abuse and violence
Athens (AFP) – When Elli was sexually assaulted by her older brother when she was 11, the young Greek girl had a stark decision to make in a country where a patriarchal culture still dominates.
Storm fears overshadow India coast decades after tsunami
Akkaraipettai (India) (AFP) – The deadly tsunami that swamped India’s southern coast two decades ago was a one-off disaster, but storms that are growing ever more intense spark panic each time howling gales whip up waves.
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'At least 100 North Koreans killed' fighting for Russia: Seoul
Seoul (AFP) – At least 100 North Koreans deployed to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine have been killed since entering combat in December, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters Thursday.
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Yen drops as Bank of Japan maintains key interest rate
Tokyo (AFP) – The yen weakened against the dollar Thursday after the Bank of Japan kept borrowing costs unchanged, extending a retreat for the currency that came after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer rate cuts.
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'Part of Bogota's soul': how Colombia fired up the car
Bogotá (AFP) – Fifty years ago, a 28-year-old Colombian with a bushy beard, flares and vintage Raleigh bicycle led a revolution on the streets of Bogota.
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Asian stocks track Wall St down after Fed forecast, BoJ hits yen
Hong Kong (AFP) – Asian markets sank Thursday following a severe sell-off on Wall Street that came after the Federal Reserve halved its rates outlook, while the yen weakened as the Bank of Japan decided against a hike.
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With spate of lawsuits, Trump goes after US media
Washington (AFP) – In his first post-election news conference, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to “straighten out” the “corrupt” US press.
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Jasprit Bumrah: The India sling king who's revelling in Australia
New Delhi (AFP) – With his “slingshot” delivery and ability to unsettle the world’s best batsmen, India’s Jasprit Bumrah is widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers.
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Musk's possible meddling in UK politics stirs concern
London (AFP) – Concerns are growing in the UK as tech billionaire Elon Musk takes an increasingly close interest in Britain’s political scene, appearing to cosy up to hard-right firebrand lawmaker Nigel Farage.
