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United States

Teheran downplays chances of agreement

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif played down the chances of reaching a nuclear agreement during talks underway in Switzerland on Wednesday.

At talks, Kerry can't get into gear

US Secretary of State John Kerry has a history with broken planes, but during Iran nuclear talks in Switzerland this week, even his bike needed fixing.

Search ends for AirAsia victims

Indonesia has called off the search for the remaining victims of the AirAsia plane crash in the Java Sea, an official said on Wednesday.

Solar plane to land in Indian holy city

The world's only solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2, is scheduled to make a stopover in the Indian holy city Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday after flying over the Ganges River, organizers said.

US drone downed over 'IS-free area'

Syria's military downed a US drone over the coastal province of Latakia because it was snooping in an area where Islamic State jihadists are not present, a military source said on Wednesday.

Founding PM Lee 'critically ill', and condition worsening

Singapore's founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, was "critically ill" and his condition was worsening while on life support in a hospital, the government said on Wednesday.

Vanuatu struggles to recover from cyclone

International aid agencies increased aid appeals for cyclone-ravaged Vanuatu on Wednesday, warning the powerful storm that affected more than two-thirds of the South Pacific island nation had wiped out crops and destroyed fishing fleets, raising the risk of hunger and disease.

Police, anti-austerity protesters clash

At least 88 policemen were injured and more than 500 people were arrested after anti-austerity protests in Frankfurt turned into clashes between protesters and police on Wednesday, local media reported.

Netanyahu wins surprise election victory

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won a come-from-behind victory in Israel's election on Wednesday after tacking hard to the right in the final days of campaigning, including abandoning a commitment to negotiate a Palestinian state.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Warm waterway found that could melt glacier

Scientists have discovered two pathways that are likely channeling warm ocean water under a massive Antarctic glacier, which could contribute to rising global sea levels, a study revealed on Tuesday.