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Economy
German state railway loss widens, passengers warned of trouble ahead
Germany's beleaguered state railway operator Deutsche Bahn said Friday its losses widened last year and warned passengers to brace for less-than-perfect service for years to come.
Politics
'I'll never be the same': Iranians recount one month of war
After a month of war with Israel and the United States with no clear end in sight, Iranians tell AFP about how life has changed, about watching missiles fall, and how security forces have tightened their grip.
Sports
Back-to-back World Cup titles a 'dream' for Argentina, says Tagliafico
Argentina full-back Nicolas Tagliafico says becoming the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title in 64 years would be a "dream" for the three-time world champions.
Politics
Japan to boost coal-fired power as Mideast war causes energy turmoil
Japan's government plans to temporarily lift restrictions on coal-fired power plants as it seeks to ease an energy crunch caused by the Middle East war, officials said on Friday.
Boulevard
Mexico searches for missing boats ferrying aid to Cuba
The Mexican Navy was searching on Friday for two boats that went missing while transporting humanitarian aid to crisis-hit Cuba, authorities and the convoy organizers said.
Politics
G7 allies press Rubio on US Iran plans
G7 allies were on Friday pressing US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for clarity on American plans for Iran almost one month into the war in the Middle East, as concern intensifies over the damage to the global economy from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Economy
Iran Guards warn civilians after Trump pushes Hormuz deadline
Iran's Revolutionary Guards urged civilians across the Middle East Friday to stay away from areas near US forces, ramping up its threats despite President Donald Trump's claim talks to end the month-long war were "going well".
Nature
Beached whale frees itself from German coast
A humpback whale stranded on Germany's Baltic Sea coast since early this week has freed itself and swum into deeper waters, rescuers said Friday.
Culture
Global mohair supply flourishes in South Africa's desert
On a farm in South Africa's semi-arid south, herds of angora goats foraged across open land stretching to the horizon, their pale fleeces glinting in the harsh sun.
Nature
Virus kills tiger cubs in Indonesian zoo
Two Bengal tiger cubs born in Indonesia's Bandung Zoo last year have died from a viral infection, a conservation official told AFP on Friday.
Politics
Oil rises, stocks mixed as joy over Trump Iran strike pause fades
Oil prices rose Friday and stocks were mixed as initial optimism over Donald Trump's decision to again push back a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz petered.
Culture
Indonesian kids brace themselves for social media ban
Bradley Rowen Liu, 11, wonders what he will do with himself once Indonesia's social media ban for under-16s enters into force on Saturday. As things stand, he spends most of his free time on TikTok.
Sports
No fans, no fireworks as Pakistan T20 league begins with a hush
The Pakistan Super League got under way with a win for Lahore Qalandars against Hyderabad Kingsmen but without the usual razzmatazz accompanying cricket's shortest format -- or fans.
Economy
Oil, stocks mixed as traders weigh Trump's latest Iran strike pause
Oil prices and stocks were mixed Friday as early optimism fuelled by Donald Trump's decision to again push back a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz petered.
Sports
Piastri outshines Mercedes duo to go fastest in Japan practice
McLaren's Oscar Piastri powered to the fastest time in Friday's second practice for the Japanese Grand Prix, usurping the dominant Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Politics
Nepali rapper Shah sworn in as prime minister
Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as prime minister on Friday after sweeping the first election since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the government last year.
Economy
New Zealand, Australia say Olympic gender rules bring 'clarity'
New Zealand's Olympic Committee said Friday that an IOC ruling that only "biological females" will be allowed to compete in women's events would bring greater "clarity" and "fairness" to future Games.
Technology
Gabon battles for baby sea turtles' survival
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, newly hatched sea turtles emerged on a Gabonese beach to embark on the treacherous 10-metre (33-foot) scramble across the sand to the ocean.
Politics
Hungarians' growing anger at living in EU's 'most corrupt state'
Hungarian leader Viktor Orban's officially declared wealth is fairly modest: some savings and a jointly owned villa in Budapest.
Politics
Mexico's navy says two boats ferrying aid to Cuba are missing
The Mexican navy said Thursday that it was searching for two boats transporting humanitarian aid for Cuba with nine crew of different nationalities on board.
Politics
Germany eyes Australian 'Ghost Bat' for drone combat era
Germany is considering Australia's "Ghost Bat" robot fighter as it looks to select a combat drone to modernise its air force, defence minister Boris Pistorius said Friday.
Boulevard
Nepali rapper to be sworn in as new prime minister
Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah will be sworn in as the new prime minister on Friday, after issuing his victory message in a rap song, urging unity.
Economy
Cryptocurrencies aiding Iran during war
Since the start of the Middle East conflict, Iran has witnessed massive cryptocurrency flows.
Economy
Myanmar travellers ride the rails as fuel prices rise
Myanmar's ageing railway stations are bustling with life, crowded with passengers as surging fuel prices due to the Mideast war drive commuters to choose trains over costly planes and cars.
Economy
Trump moves deadline for striking Iran energy sites
US President Donald Trump has pushed back his deadline for strikes on Iran's energy assets, saying talks on ending the war were "going very well" as Israel announced fresh strikes on Tehran early Friday.
Sports
Bolivia, Jamaica close in on World Cup after playoff wins
Bolivia and Jamaica moved to within one win of returning to the World Cup after decades-long absences on Thursday after securing opening victories in FIFA's intercontinental playoff tournament in Mexico.
Weather
Tech-equipped Indigenous firefighters protect Thai forests
In the dry-season heat of northern Thailand, Hmong villagers zip through forested slopes, blasting tinder with leaf blowers and cutting through brush with machetes, while others scan for smoke on live feeds from their phones.
Nature
Sacred leaf offers hope for Vanuatu's threatened forests
The feather-shaped namele leaf is so central to Vanuatu it features on the national flag, and now it is being enlisted to protect some of the country's most important forests.
Sports
Mercedes' Russell fastest in first practice for Japan GP
George Russell went fastest ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli in an eventful first practice for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday as Mercedes continued their dominant start to the Formula One season.
Sports
Sabalenka, Sinner keep 'Sunshine Double' in sight with Miami Open wins
World number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka subdued second-ranked rival Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday to book a Miami Open title clash with American Coco Gauff.
Culture
AI used to make 'fetishised' images of disabled women
British charities and disability advocates have slammed a trend for using AI to generate "fetishised" images of women with disabilities and genetic conditions including Down syndrome, vitiligo and albinism.
Politics
Oil drops as Trump pauses Iran strikes, but stock traders nervous
Oil prices fell Friday after Donald Trump again pushed back a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though most equities also dropped as traders shrugged at the news following a series of conflicting messaging from the White House.