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Powerful winds forecast for Wednesday threatened to whip up massive fires still burning around Los Angeles, possibly worsening an inferno that has killed at least 25 people.

Russia launched dozens of missiles and drones at the Ukrainian energy sector, Kyiv said Wednesday, ramping up a months-long bombing campaign at a precarious moment of the war for Ukraine.

Sean Dyche said Wednesday he had left Everton at "the right time" after managing the club during "one of its toughest periods in its history".

Australia said Wednesday that "all options are open" in its response to the reported killing of one of its citizens after his capture by Russian forces in Ukraine.

Novak Djokovic created a slice of Grand Slam history on his way into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday but last year's women's finalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the biggest shock so far.

Coco Gauff extended her unbeaten start to the year on Wednesday but had to survive a second-set wobble in a 6-3, 7-5 win over Jodie Burrage at the Australian Open.

Iraq and British oil giant BP are set to finalise a deal by early February to develop four oil fields in Kirkuk and curb gas flaring, Iraqi authorities announced Wednesday.

Mozambique's new president Daniel Chapo took the oath of office Wednesday in front of a heavily guarded audience of dignitaries in the capital Maputo following weeks of violent demonstrations over the fiercely disputed election results.

In a Damascus courtyard, Syrian activists brainstormed strategies to ensure their country does not return to authoritarianism, in a scene unimaginable under president Bashar al-Assad's rule.

For pilgrims at the largest gathering of humanity, ritual bathing in India's holy rivers includes a key challenge -- finding your family and clothes after the chilly dip.

Thousands of islanders are set to be evacuated after a volcano erupted in eastern Indonesia, spewing a towering column of smoke and ash into the atmosphere, officials said Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic said Wednesday he was "blessed" and "very thrilled" after surpassing Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played on his way into the Australian Open third round.

Carlos Alcaraz tipped giant-killing teenager Joao Fonseca to "really soon" be one of the best players in the world while Novak Djokovic said Wednesday he saw shades of his younger self in the Brazilian.

Cocaine use in France has nearly doubled, with 1.1 million people having taken the illicit drug at least once in 2023, according to a study published on Wednesday.

Beijing on Wednesday said it "firmly opposes" a US move to effectively bar Chinese technology from smart cars in the American market, saying alleged risks to national security were "without any factual basis".

Stock markets were mixed Wednesday as traders assess the economic outlook ahead of Donald Trump returning to the White House next week, with focus now on the release of key US inflation data.

Britain's annual inflation rate unexpectedly fell to 2.5 percent last month, official data showed Wednesday, easing some pressure on the Labour government faced with economic unrest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the launch of two Indian-made warships and a submarine was key to its "quest towards self-reliance" as New Delhi bolsters defence against regional rivals.

Ex-Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper is coming out of retirement to play for Japan's Toyota Verblitz after receiving a call from former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, he said Wednesday.

As Donald Trump's looming return to the White House promises to boost cryptocurrencies, a German stock exchange is on a mission to anchor them firmly in the staid world of traditional finance.

Record numbers of tourists flocked to Japan last year, figures showed Wednesday, as the weak yen bolstered the appeal of the "bucket list" destination despite overcrowding complaints in hotspots like Kyoto.

Donald Trump's policies are not likely to cause inflation to reignite as many analysts fear, one of the president-elect's longtime economic advisors told AFP Tuesday, less than a week before Trump returns to the White House.

Germany's far-right AfD party has aimed fire at the Bauhaus movement, just as the hallowed school of architecture and design nears its centenary milestone.

Novak Djokovic made a slice of Grand Slam history on his way into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday but last year's women's finalist Zheng Qinwen was knocked out in the biggest shock so far.

Every day at the Paris court trying ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy over alleged corruption with Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi, the journalists who helped uncover the extraordinary allegations are following proceedings.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is gearing up for the seventh orbital flight test of Starship, the colossal prototype rocket the company hopes will help humans colonize Mars.

Novak Djokovic dropped a set but regrouped to reach the Australian Open third round on Wednesday and in doing so surpass fellow great Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles matches played.

One rocket, two missions: lunar landers built by US and Japanese companies launched their "rideshare" to the Moon on Wednesday, showcasing the private sector's growing role in space exploration.

Jilted on dating apps but undeterred in the quest for romance, 20 young singles gathered in Madrid to share activities and flirtatious smiles in a rediscovery of real-life love.

Pakistan will look to formidable spin duo Noman Ali and Sajid Khan to torment the visitors when the West Indies play their first Test series in the country in 19 years from Friday.

Four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz hailed giant-killing teenager Joao Fonseca as "incredible" Wednesday and tipped him to become one of the best players in the world "really soon".

Last year's beaten finalist Zheng Qinwen blamed the lack of a warm-up event and a serve clock violation for her shock Australian Open exit in straight sets to German veteran Laura Siegemund on Wednesday.