Oil stabilises after big drop on IMF growth cut
Asian markets were flat on Wednesday as oil began clawing its way back up from a big drop after the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth forecast for 2022.
Read moreChanters in Cyprus carry on 'rich heritage' of Byzantine music
Chanting resonates through a church in the Cypriot resort town of Ayia Napa, darkened but for a few low lights and mobile devices displaying the singers' Byzantine melodies.
Read moreShanghai Covid death toll rises to 17
China reported seven Covid-19 deaths in Shanghai on Wednesday, raising the toll in the city to 17 fatalities as authorities struggled to rein in infections despite a gruelling, weeks-long lockdown.
Read moreSolomons PM says signed China security pact 'with our eyes open'
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Wednesday his government signed a controversial security pact with China "with our eyes open" but refused to say when it may be published.
Read moreUkraine set to dominate G20 finance chiefs summit
Finance officials from the world's richest countries will meet on Wednesday to address global challenges like rising debt and a possible food crisis -- if they can overcome boiling tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more'Worse to be gay than corrupt' in Venezuela's military
Jose, an army captain, deserted after years of pressure. Rafael, a lieutenant, was prosecuted and expelled.
Read moreUnder shadow of drought, Santiago ditches exotic plants
With drought casting a constant shadow over Santiago's 7.1 million residents, there has been a recent rush to replace thirsty, exotic plants with hardier, native ones in the hopes of staving off water rationing.
Read moreBrazil readies first carnival since Covid
After two bleak years of lock-downs and loss, Rio de Janeiro will hold its famed carnival this weekend for the first time since Covid-19 hit Brazil, promising a giant, glittering spectacle of pandemic catharsis.
Read moreAmerica's weed legalization: five things to know
As pot smokers prepare to light up for "4/20" -- the annual counter-cultural celebration of cannabis held on April 20 -- the United States' legalization experiment blazes ahead.
Read moreRoll up: Weed Day explained
Tens of thousands of Americans will gather in parks and city plazas under a fog of marijuana smoke on Wednesday to celebrate a drug that remains illegal in much of the country.
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