The Group of Seven advanced economies inched closer Wednesday to tapping strategic oil reserves to tackle the rise in crude oil prices due to the Middle East war as energy ministers said they stood ready to take "all necessary measures".
Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares -- or will soon -- to factor in surging jet fuel prices spurred by war in the Mideast.
Britain's government was due Wednesday to publish the first tranche of documents relating to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's controversial appointment of a Jeffrey Epstein associate as UK ambassador to Washington.
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Politics
Exhausted Afghans cross the border from Iran in a sandstorm, leaving behind a country in the grip of war to return to a homeland that is battered by conflict and humanitarian crisis.
March 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Graffiti defaces tattered clay walls and trash piles up in Japan's oldest student dormitory, but Masako Ueda is savouring every last moment in the mice-infested building slated for temporary closure.
March 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
South Korea said Wednesday it could deter threats from the North even if the United States relocated some of its military assets to the Middle East amid the war in Iran.
March 11, 2026
Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament.
March 11, 2026
Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices.
March 11, 2026
Sports
World number one Aryna Sabalenka powered into the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Tuesday with a statement 6-2, 6-4 victory over former champion Naomi Osaka in a battle of Grand Slam winners.
March 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
China and Taiwan will clash this week in a politically tinged Women's Asian Cup quarter-final while Australia hope that a bumper home crowd can help drag them through against a dangerous North Korea.
Scotland's astonishing 50-40 victory over France should make them favourites to beat Ireland on Saturday in their final Six Nations match, save for one thing -- the Irish have beaten them in their last 11 Tests dating back to 2017.
The US-Israeli war on Iran represents a serious challenge to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with President Donald Trump less than three months before the World Cup, even if shared economic interests mean the alliance is likely to survive, analysts say.
Four-time major champion Jannik Sinner edged talented Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) in a scintillating Stadium Court clash on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.
March 11, 2026
Politics
Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf, handles almost all of Iran's crude exports and any attempt to seize it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, analysts say.
March 11, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Victor Wembanyama scored 39 points as the red-hot San Antonio Spurs defeated the Boston Celtics 125-116 on Tuesday in a potential NBA Finals preview.
When the envelopes are opened at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, one of the few guarantees is that actors from Ireland -- population just over five million -- are increasingly likely to be in the frame.
Bam Adebayo erupted for a jaw-dropping 83 points -- the second highest total in NBA history -- as the Miami Heat thrashed the Washington Wizards 150-129 on Tuesday.
Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves to counter soaring prices.
March 11, 2026
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