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South Korea exam chief resigns after tests dubbed too hard
The chief organiser of South Korea's notoriously gruelling university entrance exams has quit -- after complaints that an English test he designed was just too difficult.
Asian markets track Wall St record after Fed cut
Asian equities rose Friday as investors tracked a record day on Wall Street in the wake of the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate cut.
Vaccines do not cause autism: WHO
A new analysis by the World Health Organization reaffirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism -- contrary to theories being propagated in the United States.
Crypto mogul Do Kwon sentenced to 15 years for fraud: US media
South Korean cryptocurrency tycoon Do Kwon was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday over fraud linked to his company's failure, which wiped out $40 billion of investors' money and shook global crypto markets, US media reported.
OpenAI beefs up GPT models in AI race with Google
OpenAI released its latest artificial intelligence models on Thursday, shrugging off worries about how it will cash in on massive spending in its technology race with Google.
2024 Eurovision winner Nemo returns trophy over Israel's participation
Nemo, last year's Eurovision winner, said Thursday he was returning the 2024 trophy in protest over Israel's continued participation, which has already prompted five countries to pull out.
US bringing seized tanker to port, as Venezuela war threats build
An oil tanker seized by American forces off the Venezuelan coast will be brought to a port in the United States, the White House said Thursday, as fears mount of open conflict between the two countries.
Dow hits record high despite AI fears
The Dow hit a record high on Thursday despite disappointing earnings from software giant Oracle reviving concerns over sky-high AI valuations.
Time magazine names 'Architects of AI' as Person of the Year
Time magazine named the "Architects of AI" as its Person of the Year on Thursday, highlighting the US tech titans whose work on cutting-edge artificial intelligence is transforming humanity.
OpenAI, Disney to let fans create AI videos in landmark deal
Walt Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing deal Thursday that will allow users to create short videos featuring beloved Disney characters through artificial intelligence.
German growth forecasts slashed, Merz under pressure
Leading German institutes on Thursday downgraded their 2026 growth forecasts, in another bad sign for Chancellor Friedrich Merz whose efforts to reboot Europe's biggest economy face mounting criticism.
Thyssenkrupp pauses steel production at two sites citing Asian pressure
Europe's largest steelmaker Thyssenkrupp is to pause steel production at two sites for about two weeks because of Asian competition, the German firm said Thursday, as the European Union considers tightening its steel tariffs.
ECB proposes simplifying rules for banks
The European Central Bank proposed Thursday simplifying rules for the region's lenders to help them compete internationally, but insisted the move would not weaken guardrails aimed at preventing crises.
Stocks mixed as US rate cut offset by Fed outlook, Oracle earnings
Asian markets were mixed Thursday as earlier gains fuelled by the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate cut were offset by indications the central bank will hold off from further reductions at the start of next year.
Desert dunes beckon for Afghanistan's 4x4 fans
On any Friday, when the Afghan weekend begins, dozens of drivers gather in the Kandahar desert to charge their SUVs up steep ochre dunes, kicking up rooster tails of sand to the delight of spectators.
Breakout star: teenage B-girl on mission to show China is cool
Flipping and spinning on a studio floor, 17-year-old Royal is a star in China's breakdancing scene and aiming for gold at the World Championships in Japan this week.
Chocolate prices high before Christmas despite cocoa fall
After soaring for nearly two years, cocoa prices dropped sharply in 2025. However, chocolate, in demand ahead of the festive holiday season, has seen prices rise.
Asian traders cheer US rate cut but gains tempered by outlook
Most Asian markets rose Thursday as traders welcomed the Federal Reserve's third straight interest rate cut, though the euphoria was tempered by an indication officials could hold off another reduction any time soon.
AI's $400 bn problem: Are chips getting old too fast?
In pursuit of the AI dream, the tech industry this year has plunked down about $400 billion on specialized chips and data centers, but questions are mounting about the wisdom of such unprecedented levels of investment.
Oracle shares dive as revenue misses forecasts
Shares in business computing giant Oracle fell more than 10 percent on Wednesday on word its revenue missed heady expectations, dampening artificial intelligence euphoria in the market.
US stocks rise, dollar retreats as Fed tone less hawkish than feared
Wall Street stocks rose and the dollar retreated Wednesday after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates again as it seeks to shore up a vulnerable US labor market.
Divided US Fed makes third straight rate cut, signals higher bar ahead
A divided US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates Wednesday for a third consecutive time this year, flagging labor market concerns even as inflation remained elevated as President Donald Trump's tariffs bite.
French far right sparks debate with proposal to reopen brothels
Marine Le Pen's far-right party wants to bring back France's once legendary brothels, sparking a fresh debate about prostitution in a country with a long history of liberal attitudes to sex.
Instagram users given new algorithm controls
Instagram on Wednesday unveiled a new AI-powered feature that lets users view and adjust the algorithm shaping their Reels feed, calling it a pioneering move toward greater user control.
US Fed expected to make third straight rate cut despite divisions
The US Federal Reserve is expected to deliver a further interest rate cut Wednesday despite divisions among its ranks, with chief Jerome Powell's ability to secure support from fellow policymakers put to the test.
EU seeks better Spain-France energy links after blackout
The EU said Wednesday it wants to boost energy links between France and Spain as part of a bloc-wide push to secure power supplies, months after a massive outage hit the Iberian Peninsula.
Madeleine McCann's father says 'lucky' to survive media attention
The father of missing British girl Madeleine McCann has called for greater scrutiny of the UK's media, saying in an interview published Wednesday that his family received a "monstering" from sections of the press.
Greek govt in emergency meeting as farmers block central port
Greece's government held emergency meetings Wednesday to address a growing farm protest movement, as demonstrators temporarily blocked the central port of Volos.
China consumer prices pick up pace but demand still slack
Rising food costs pushed consumer inflation in China last month to its fastest pace in nearly two years, data showed Wednesday, but lower factory-gate prices suggested demand in the world's second-largest economy remains weak.
Not just pizza: Italian cuisine makes UNESCO list
UNESCO recognised Wednesday that Italian food is more than pizza, pasta and gelato, adding the range and ritual of the famed cuisine to its list of intangible cultural heritage.
France's 'Battery Valley' makes use of Asian experts
France is developing domestic production of electric vehicle batteries with an eye on industrial independence but Asian experts are proving key in launching operations.
Stocks in retreat as traders eye Fed decision, tech earnings
Most markets fell Wednesday following a tepid day on Wall Street as investors bided their time ahead of a highly anticipated Federal Reserve policy announcement later in the day.