Austrian lawmakers on Thursday voted by a large majority in favour of a law banning headscarves in schools for girls under 14, a move rights groups and experts say is discriminatory and could deepen societal division.
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.
Yodelling, the traditional singing of herders in the Swiss Alps, was recognised by the United Nations on Thursday as part of the world's cultural heritage.
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Economy
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.
December 11, 2025
RECENT NEWS
Vietnam's capital chokes through week of toxic smog
Nature
December 11, 2025
Survivors of a deadly 2021 typhoon in the Philippines have filed a lawsuit against British oil giant Shell, seeking financial compensation for climate-related devastation, three NGOs supporting them said Thursday.
December 11, 2025
RECENT NEWS
Finance ministers from Europe's 20-country single currency area are to choose the next Eurogroup chief on Thursday, as the EU weighs a tough decision on using frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
December 11, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder bagged a 16th straight victory on Wednesday, thrashing Phoenix 138-89 to romp into an NBA Cup semi-final clash with San Antonio, who stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 132-119.
December 11, 2025
Fighting raged Thursday along the border of Cambodia and Thailand, with explosions heard near centuries-old temples ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned phone call to the leaders of both nations.
December 11, 2025
Sports
Mitch Hay scored an aggressive half-century on his Test debut to help New Zealand to a 41-run lead over the West Indies at the close of play on day two of the second Test in Wellington on Thursday.
December 11, 2025
RECENT NEWS
Taiwan plans to keep making the "most advanced" chips on home soil and remain "indispensable" to the global semiconductor industry, the deputy foreign minister told AFP, despite intense Chinese military pressure.
Warmer seas and heavier rains linked to climate change, along with Indonesia and Sri Lanka's unique geographies and vulnerabilities, combined to produce deadly flooding that killed hundreds, scientists said Thursday.
Former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard signed off with a goal in his final game for FC Seoul before bidding a tearful farewell to South Korean football after two seasons.
Mitch Hay scored a half-century on his Test debut to help New Zealand to a 73-run lead as they were bowled out by the West Indies on day two of the second Test in Wellington on Wednesday.
December 11, 2025
Politics
A South Korean minister resigned on Thursday after being accused of receiving illegal funds from the Unification Church, a cult-like movement linked to widespread influence-peddling.
December 11, 2025
RECENT NEWS
Once a picturesque Red Sea port, the city of Aden in government-controlled Yemen has been transformed by the massive influx of people fleeing war: electricity cuts are constant, running water scarce and the meagre public services badly overstretched.
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.
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.
Debutant Mitch Hay's unbeaten 50 guided New Zealand to 200-5 at tea on day two of the second Test in Wellington on Wednesday, just five runs behind the West Indies first innings' 205.
December 11, 2025
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