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

Niger President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday was being held by disgruntled members of the elite Presidential Guard, who in turn were given an "ultimatum" by the army, a source close to Bazoum said on Wednesday.

Mass protests and strikes rocked Israel this week in the face of the hard-right government's decision to push through a controversial legal reform weakening the powers of the Supreme Court.

France said Wednesday its arms exports hit a record last year, helped by Rafale aircraft sales, in a context of rising global defence spending after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The "unmistakeable, supercharged" sound of the Jaguar F-Type V8 will be stored for posterity in Britain's national library, the luxury car manufacturer said Wednesday, as it moves towards a quieter, electric future.

Russia on Wednesday sentenced Ilya Sachkov, co-founder of the Group-IB cybersecurity firm, to 14 years in prison on treason charges, according to an AFP journalist in the Moscow court.

England captain Ben Stokes has no doubts over James Anderson keeping his place in an unchanged side for this week's Ashes finale, hailing the veteran seamer as "the greatest fast bowler to play the game".

Jonas Vingegaard made a triumphant return to Denmark on Wednesday following his second successive Tour de France victory, as thousands lined the streets to welcome him home.

Neckties worn by men were a sign of the Christian cross, a senior Afghan Taliban official said Wednesday, adding they should be eliminated.

A Danish man who claimed to be the first to visit every country in the world in a single trip without flying landed home Wednesday after 10 years away.

Boeing reported a $149 million second-quarter loss Wednesday following delays and cost issues in its defense and space program, but shares rallied on increased commercial jet deliveries.

Heavy reliance on technology in education may be unproductive, or even detrimental, if it interferes with the acquisition of basic skills such as reading, the UN warned on Wednesday.

Internet privacy company Proton announced Wednesday a new VPN Observatory, tracking demand for its services to detect attacks on free speech in countries like Russia and Iran before they hit the headlines.

Argentina's Women's World Cup striker Yamila Rodriguez has defended having a tattoo of Cristiano Ronaldo on her leg, saying: "I don't hate Messi."

Following the announcement by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that he was stepping down after nearly four decades in power, here are the world's longest-serving leaders, except for monarchs.

Members of Niger's Presidential Guard on Wednesday sealed off the residence and offices of President Mohamed Bazoum, a source close to Bazoum said, describing the move as a "fit of temper" by the elite troops and that "talks" were underway.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Wednesday formally invited 203 countries, but not Russia and Belarus, to participate in the Paris Olympics which begin in a year's time.

Major stock markets mostly retreated Wednesday as a China-induced rally gave way to cautious trading ahead of a Federal Reserve policy decision, with fresh data reviving the possibility of more US rate hikes before the end of the year.

England have named an unchanged team for the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval starting Thursday, with record wicket-taker James Anderson keeping his place in the side.

Members of Niger's Presidential Guard on Wednesday sealed off the residence and offices of President Mohamed Bazoum, a source close to Bazoum said, describing the move as a "fit of temper" by the elite troops and that "talks" were underway.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a cemetery commemorating Chinese troops who fought in the Korean War, including the grave of Mao Zedong's eldest son, state media said Wednesday.

Hun Manet has an economics degree from England and graduated from US military academy West Point, but there are few expectations he will uphold Western liberal ideals when he succeeds his father as Cambodia's prime minister.

Authorities were battling Wednesday a deadly blaze raging aboard a car carrier ship off the Netherlands, sparking fears of ecological damage to a fragile nearby island chain.

With her whopping 18,000 Barbies, Bettina Dorfmann was already in the record books, but the release of the blockbuster about the blonde icon has thrown a spotlight on her historic collection.

Four US leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) announced Wednesday the formation of an industry group devoted to addressing risks that cutting edge versions of the technology may pose.

Rampant title contenders Spain and former champions Japan became the first teams to reach the Women's World Cup last 16 on Wednesday as both won with ease.

Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique stood unbeaten on 190 as Pakistan stretched their lead to a commanding 231 on day three of the rain-hit second Test against Sri Lanka.

Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice as Spain qualified for the last 16 of the Women's World Cup with a 5-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday, a result that also propelled Japan into the knockout phase.

Destructive fires, temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and tourists dodging possible catastrophe by staying home. Will climate change end up transforming tourism -- not least in the Mediterranean?

France will "for sure" be ready to host the 2024 Olympic Games despite the numerous organisational challenges of hosting the event, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday.

The EU watchdog on Wednesday announced a probe into the bloc's border patrol agency Frontex over its actions after a boat packed with migrants off Greece sank last month, killing hundreds.

Weary Kenyans on Wednesday voiced cautious optimism for an end to political unrest after President William Ruto said he was ready to meet opposition leader Raila Odinga "anytime" following months of anti-government protests.

Kuwait recorded its first surplus in nine years for the 2022-2023 fiscal year which ended in March, the finance ministry said on Wednesday, crediting last year's surge in oil prices.

Spanish lender Banco Santander reported Wednesday a record profit for the first half of the year despite a windfall tax imposed on banks, as rising interest rates lifted its earnings.

China refused to disclose on Wednesday why Qin Gang had been sacked as foreign minister, insisting it was releasing information "normally" despite him having not been seen publicly for more than a month.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said Wednesday he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule.

The star of Britain's crown jewels, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, is back on view after a notable absence from Charles III's coronation that highlighted the nation's awkward ties with its colonial past.

Japan all but booked their place in the Women's World Cup last 16 as forwards Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scored twice in three minutes in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday.

Greece was expecting scorching heat on Wednesday as crews scrambled to douse deadly wildfires that have also struck nations around the Mediterranean.

Asia's longest-serving leader Hun Sen outlasted the murderous Khmer Rouge, sidelined the monarchy and extinguished any glimmer of multiparty democracy during his nearly 40-year reign over Cambodia.