The National Times - News around the clock from Sydney, Australia and around the world

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kazakhstan on Thursday to cement Moscow's ties with its old ally, while Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised the West over the Israel-Hamas war during a separate trip to Uzbekistan.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has clinched a controversial deal to remain in power by offering amnesty to Catalan separatists, raising tensions across the country.

Before he fled his home in northern Gaza, where intense fighting now rages between Israel and Hamas, Mahmud al-Masri had a grim job to do: bury his three brothers and their five children in a nearby citrus orchard.

European stock markets rose Thursday as investors awaited fresh signals from the Federal Reserve about the direction of US interest rates, but Hong Kong dipped and Shanghai flatlined on renewed concerns over the Chinese economy.

The EU announced investigations on Thursday into YouTube and TikTok to find out what action the US and Chinese-owned platforms are taking to ensure the safety of minors on their platforms.

Fast bowler Trent Boult led an inspired attack as New Zealand bundled out Sri Lanka for 171 on Thursday as the Kiwis look to earn a semi-final spot at the World Cup.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday opened a conference on humanitarian aid for Gaza by calling for a "ceasefire", echoed by other delegates looking to support the Palestinian territory under bombardment by Israel since the October 7 attack by Hamas.

British interior minister Suella Braverman sparked outrage on Thursday for accusing police of double standards before a politically charged pro-Palestinian rally on Armistice Day, the latest incendiary rhetoric from the hardline Conservative.

Israeli troops and Hamas were locked in heavy, close quarters fighting in Gaza City on Thursday, including a 10-hour battle that Israel said toppled one of the Palestinian militants' "strongholds".

Surprise La Liga leaders Girona face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday looking to accomplish what giants Real Madrid could not.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for a "ceasefire" in Gaza when he opened a conference on aid for the Palestinian territory, under bombardment by Israel since the October 7 attack by Hamas.

South Africa's David Miller hailed Afghanistan as "one of the joys of the World Cup" on Thursday but admitted thoughts were already turning towards their semi-final clash with Australia.

Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon geothermal spa said on Thursday it was temporarily closing as a precaution, after thousands of small recent tremors raised fears of a potential volcanic eruption.

The European Court of Justice's top legal advisor recommended on Thursday that an EU court make a new ruling in the long-running 13-billion-euro ($14-billion) tax case between Apple and Brussels.

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday.

Spain's prime minister has clinched agreement with Catalan separatists, a source told AFP on Thursday, in a deal that will enable him to remain in power but that has raised tensions and sparked protests in the country.

Rockstar Games, the studio behind the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto series, has said it will release the trailer for the next instalment in December, setting the gaming world abuzz.

Cricket matches between England and Pakistan have often been fraught affairs, with rows over umpiring, allegations of ball-tampering, abandoned fixtures, court cases and a spot-fixing scandal all contributing to a tense relationship.

Japanese electronics titan Sony lifted its full-year net profit and sales forecasts on Thursday, citing strength in the company's gaming, music and image-sensor sectors.

Japanese electronics titan Sony lifted its full-year net profit and sales forecasts on Thursday, citing strength in the company's gaming, music and image-sensor sectors.

Indonesia inaugurated a $100 million floating solar farm on Thursday, the largest in Southeast Asia, as it seeks more opportunities to transition to green, renewable energy.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Thursday that military ties between North Korea and Russia are "growing and dangerous", and called on China to restrain Pyongyang.

Japanese electronics titan Sony lifted its full-year net profit and sales forecasts on Thursday, citing strength in the company's gaming, music and image-sensor sectors.

Myanmar's junta-backed president said the country is at risk of breaking apart if the military cannot crush a joint offensive by ethnic armed groups along the border with China, state media reported Thursday.

A disposable camera gave Daniel Skupio a voice as he kept his mind off drugs and alcohol and built a new life.

Nikola Jokic scored 35 points as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 108-105 in a blockbuster showdown between the two NBA heavyweights on Wednesday.

All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor will only play the tail end of the 2024 Super Rugby season because of an extended post-World Cup break, defending champions Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday as they unveiled their squad.

Thwarted Thai election winner Pita Limjaroenrat vowed Thursday to run for prime minister again, defying conservative forces that blocked him from the job earlier in the year and despite a looming court case.

Endangered giant Galapagos tortoises continue to swallow plastic and other human waste despite a ban on disposable plastic items in the Ecuadoran archipelago, according to a study published Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday condemned North Korea for sending arms to help the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as he held meetings with top officials in key ally South Korea.

Israeli air strikes pounded Gaza City Thursday as soldiers battled street-by-street with Hamas militants, and tens of thousands of Palestinians desperate for safety fled their homes southwards in the besieged territory.

Risa Yamada grew up fatherless and struggled to find consistent work until she stumbled on an intriguing job listing: one of a growing number of advertisements posted on social media by Japanese criminal gangs.