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The head of one of China's biggest property firms has been "taken away" by police, state-backed media reported Thursday, as a prolonged housing slump continues to hit the world's second-largest economy.

The head of a leading Venezuelan human rights group was released from detention Thursday, his NGO said, after nine days in custody following a crackdown on critics of President Nicolas Maduro.

Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi took the lead in the overall car standings at the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia after finishing third in Thursday's decisive penultimate stage.

Rory McIlroy got his 2025 season under way with a two-under-par 70 first round at the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.

After news of a ceasefire agreement sparked mass rejoicing in Gaza, residents woke up Thursday to columns of smoke, rubble and more deaths following new Israeli air strikes.

British energy giant BP on Thursday said it would axe 4,700 staff jobs, or about five percent of its workforce, and is cutting thousands of contractor roles to reduce costs.

Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini shook off some early nerves to sail into the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Mexico's Renata Zarazua.

Cyprus on Thursday heralded a move by United States President Joe Biden allowing the strategic Mediterranean country access to military equipment.

Former England captain Owen Farrell will make his comeback from injury for Racing 92 against the Stormers in Paris this weekend, coach Stuart Lancaster said Thursday.

Spanish rider Tosha Schareina won a fog-shortened penultimate bike stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Thursday while Daniel Sanders remained on course to become the second Australian to win the category.

Pope Francis has suffered his second fall in as many months and bruised his forearm, the Vatican said Thursday, adding that he was wearing a sling.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya believes his title-chasing side can catch Liverpool after closing the gap on the Premier League leaders.

The EU said Thursday it would deliver 120 million euros ($123 million) in new aid for war-torn Gaza, a day after the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

UK patients are "coming to harm" with hospitals so overwhelmed people are dying in corridors awaiting treatment amid a "collapse in care standards", a report said Thursday.

World number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner roared back to surge into the Australian Open third round on Thursday as Iga Swiatek set up a showdown with Emma Raducanu.

Teenage rising star Joao Fonseca said nerves got the better of him after being bundled out of the Australian Open by Italian Lorenzo Sonego in a five-set thriller on Thursday.

Nepal's Supreme Court has scrapped controversial laws allowing hydropower and hotel projects in protected nature reserves, a lawyer said Thursday, calling it a win for the Himalayan republic's conservationists.

Stock markets jumped Thursday after below-forecast US inflation data provided a much-needed shot of relief to investors and revived hopes of further cuts to interest rates.

World number one Jannik Sinner dropped a set for the first time in 14 matches on Thursday before surging back to keep his Australian Open title defence on track.

China said Thursday it would launch a probe into US exports of chips used in everything from cars to home appliances over concerns about alleged dumping and subsidies.

Israel accused Hamas on Thursday of backtracking on parts of a fragile ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Gaza war, and carried out fresh air strikes ahead of an expected vote by the cabinet.

Online privacy campaigners said Thursday they had filed complaints in several European countries against six Chinese companies including TikTok, accusing them of "unlawfully" sending Europeans' personal data to China.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on Thursday on an unannounced visit to sign a "100-year accord" and shore up support for Ukraine before Donald Trump's return to the White House.

Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai testified on Thursday that he brokered meetings between former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and American establishment figures, with prosecutors alleging that he colluded with foreign forces.

Pakistan and West Indies vowed a strong finish when they meet in the first Test in Multan on Friday despite dragging up the rear of the World Test Championship.

Terrified residents caught in blazing neighbourhoods, influencers ignoring the ban on drones and the frightening unpredictability of the wildfires are just some of what journalists covering the fires ravaging Los Angeles for AFP have had to manage.

Spain raised its flag at Madrid's Damascus embassy Thursday, in the presence of its top diplomat more than a decade after suspending activity and as Western countries resume ties following Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

Iga Swiatek romped into a third-round showdown with Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open on Thursday while Taylor Fritz was just as emphatic in his pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title.

Teenage rising star Joao Fonseca was bundled out in the Australian Open second round on Thursday by wily Italian Lorenzo Sonego in a five-set thriller.

Tour operators said Thursday that North Korea had reopened a border city to foreign tourists, five years after Pyongyang sealed its frontiers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Millions of pilgrims hoping to cleanse their sins by ritual baths at India's Kumbh Mela festival rely on key lavatory workers to clear up behind them -- those born on the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system.

Apple lost its status as the best selling smartphone brand in the crucial Chinese market last year, new data showed Thursday, with a pair of local rivals surpassing it with surging shipments.