New Indian 'sex start-ups' challenge old taboos
The couple behind a new start-up using adult toys and cheeky adverts to challenge long-held taboos say they want to take the "shame, guilt and fear" out of sex in India.
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Le Pen, Macron to face off in crunch TV election duel
French leader Emmanuel Macron and the far-right's Marine Le Pen go head-to-head in a crunch TV debate on Wednesday, seeking to sway undecided voters with four days left until the presidential election's decisive second round.
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Oil stabilises after big drop on IMF growth cut
Asian markets were flat on Wednesday as oil began clawing its way back up from a big drop after the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth forecast for 2022.
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Chanters in Cyprus carry on 'rich heritage' of Byzantine music
Chanting resonates through a church in the Cypriot resort town of Ayia Napa, darkened but for a few low lights and mobile devices displaying the singers' Byzantine melodies.
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Shanghai Covid death toll rises to 17
China reported seven Covid-19 deaths in Shanghai on Wednesday, raising the toll in the city to 17 fatalities as authorities struggled to rein in infections despite a gruelling, weeks-long lockdown.
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Solomons PM says signed China security pact 'with our eyes open'
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Wednesday his government signed a controversial security pact with China "with our eyes open" but refused to say when it may be published.
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Ukraine set to dominate G20 finance chiefs summit
Finance officials from the world's richest countries will meet on Wednesday to address global challenges like rising debt and a possible food crisis -- if they can overcome boiling tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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'Worse to be gay than corrupt' in Venezuela's military
Jose, an army captain, deserted after years of pressure. Rafael, a lieutenant, was prosecuted and expelled.
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Under shadow of drought, Santiago ditches exotic plants
With drought casting a constant shadow over Santiago's 7.1 million residents, there has been a recent rush to replace thirsty, exotic plants with hardier, native ones in the hopes of staving off water rationing.
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Brazil readies first carnival since Covid
After two bleak years of lock-downs and loss, Rio de Janeiro will hold its famed carnival this weekend for the first time since Covid-19 hit Brazil, promising a giant, glittering spectacle of pandemic catharsis.
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