Beijing (AFP) – Last year was China’s warmest on record, its weather agency said, as the world experiences a surge in extreme weather fuelled by climate change.
2024 was China's hottest year on record: weather agency
Perera's 46
Nelson (New Zealand) (AFP) – Kusal Perera cracked a career-best 101 off just 46 balls as Sri Lanka secured a consolation seven-run victory in the third and final Twenty20 match against New Zealand in Nelson on Thursday.
South Korea's Yoon resists arrest over martial law bid
Seoul (AFP) – Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was resisting arrest for a third day on Thursday after vowing to “fight” authorities seeking to question him over his failed martial law bid.
Sainz set to step out of comfort zone to defend Dakar Rally title
Bisha (Saudi Arabia) (AFP) – Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz made history when he won his fourth Dakar Rally last year and is confident that he has what it takes to challenge for victory in this season’s gruelling race in Saudi Arabia.
New Year's fireworks accidents kill five in Germany
Berlin (AFP) – Five people died across Germany and a police officer was seriously injured from accidents linked to the powerful fireworks Germans traditionally set off to celebrate the new year, police said Wednesday.
'I'm Still Here': an ode to Brazil resistance
Sao Paulo (AFP) – “I’m Still Here,” Brazil’s hope for Oscars glory, focuses on the country’s military dictatorship years (1965-1985) but is also very much “a film about the present,” its lead actress Fernanda Torres told AFP.
Australia axe Marsh, call
Sydney (AFP) – Out-of-form all-rounder Mitch Marsh was axed Thursday from Australia’s team for the series-deciding fifth Test against India in Sydney with Beau Webster to make his debut.
Jets quarterback Rodgers ponders NFL future ahead of season finale
New York (AFP) – New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged the uncertainties he’s facing after the team’s NFL season finale against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, which could spell the end of his tenure in New York or even his career.
Eagles' Barkley likely to sit out season finale, ending rushing record bid
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will probably sit out the regular-season finale against the New York Giants on sunday, ending his pursuit of the NFL single-season rushing record, coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday.
Syria FM hopes first foreign visit to Saudi opens 'new, bright page'
Damascus (AFP) – Syria’s top diplomat said he hoped to open a “new, bright page” with Saudi Arabia upon arriving in the kingdom Wednesday, the first foreign visit for Syria’s new rulers, who seized power last month.
