![Palestine give South Korea scare in World Cup qualifying stalemate](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/29/63/e3/Palestine-give-South-Korea-scare-in-235154.jpg)
Palestine give South Korea scare in World Cup qualifying stalemate
![UK meets bridge milestone on new high-speed rail track](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/b7/13/af/UK-meets-bridge-milestone-on-new-hi-622465.jpg)
UK meets bridge milestone on new high-speed rail track
![Ter Stegen celebrates being named Germany No.1 after 12-year wait](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/b5/8a/66/Ter-Stegen-celebrates-being-named-G-575557.jpg)
Ter Stegen celebrates being named Germany No.1 after 12-year wait
![Mpox epicentre DRC receives first vaccines to contain outbreak](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/37/89/c8/Mpox-epicentre-DRC-receives-first-v-474051.jpg)
Mpox epicentre DRC receives first vaccines to contain outbreak
Economy
US private sector hiring misses expectations in August: ADP
Hiring in the US private sector markedly undershot analyst expectations in August, said payroll firm ADP on Thursday, as the health of the labor market comes under scrutiny.
Boulevard
EU orders Airbus A350 inspections after Cathay engine fire
The European Union's aviation safety agency (EASA) said Thursday it will require the inspection of at least some of the Airbus A350s in operation after an engine fire on a Cathay Pacific aircraft.
Last news
![Mitoma, Endo score as Japan thrash China 7-0 in World Cup qualifying](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/82/f3/5f/Mitoma--Endo-score-as-Japan-thrash--244857_small.jpg)
Mitoma, Endo score as Japan thrash China 7-0 in World Cup qualifying
Premier League stars Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo both scored as Japan thrashed China 7-0 on Thursday to start the third round of Asian World Cup qualifiers with a statement win.
![Bahrain stun 10-man Australia in World Cup qualifier](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/32/de/a5/Bahrain-stun-10-man-Australia-in-Wo-535352_small.jpg)
Bahrain stun 10-man Australia in World Cup qualifier
Bahrain stunned Australia 1-0 away on Thursday thanks to an 89th-minute Harry Souttar own goal in a major upset to start the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
![Ex-Taipei mayor detained in corruption probe](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/6b/fa/11/Ex-Taipei-mayor-detained-in-corrupt-227215_small.jpg)
Ex-Taipei mayor detained in corruption probe
An ex-Taipei mayor and former presidential candidate was detained on Thursday for alleged corruption after a Taiwanese court reversed a decision to release him, citing the risk of him destroying evidence and colluding with witnesses.
![Dmytro Kuleba: the face of Ukraine's wartime diplomacy](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/da/55/c1/Dmytro-Kuleba--the-face-of-Ukraine--970335_small.jpg)
Dmytro Kuleba: the face of Ukraine's wartime diplomacy
Dmytro Kuleba -- whose resignation as Ukraine's top diplomat was approved on Thursday -- tirelessly toured the world pleading for more military support and for Kyiv to be given the green light to strike targets deep inside Russia.
![Blinken heads to Haiti to see headway against gangs](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/b9/e2/d0/Blinken-heads-to-Haiti-to-see-headw-720105_small.jpg)
Blinken heads to Haiti to see headway against gangs
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed Thursday to violence-ravaged Haiti to evaluate progress in wresting control from gangs that have taken over much of the impoverished Caribbean nation.
![UK prosecutors drop Harvey Weinstein indecent assault case](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/1a/c8/d8/UK-prosecutors-drop-Harvey-Weinstei-153152_small.jpg)
UK prosecutors drop Harvey Weinstein indecent assault case
UK prosecutors on Thursday said they were dropping a sexual assault case against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein as there was no "realistic prospect of conviction".
![McCullum ready to be 'judged on results' as England's white-ball coach](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/23/33/c3/McCullum-ready-to-be--judged-on-res-876658_small.jpg)
McCullum ready to be 'judged on results' as England's white-ball coach
Test coach Brendon McCullum says he is ready to be judged on results when he takes charge of England's white-ball teams in a major leadership shake-up.
![Mpox epicentre DRC set to receive first vaccines to contain outbreak](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/37/89/c8/Mpox-epicentre-DRC-set-to-receive-f-737536_small.jpg)
Mpox epicentre DRC set to receive first vaccines to contain outbreak
The Democratic Republic of Congo was Thursday awaiting almost 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from the European Union, with 200,000 due to arrive by the end of the week.
![Vinicius says Spain should lose 2030 World Cup unless racism declines](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/f7/5d/99/Vinicius-says-Spain-should-lose-203-752205_small.jpg)
Vinicius says Spain should lose 2030 World Cup unless racism declines
Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior has called for Spain to be stripped of its 2030 World Cup hosting duties unless it makes progress on the issue of racism in stadiums.
![Outrage and sorrow at death of Ugandan athlete Cheptegei](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/d4/90/9b/Outrage-and-sorrow-at-death-of-Ugan-515335_small.jpg)
Outrage and sorrow at death of Ugandan athlete Cheptegei
Outrage and sorrow greeted the death on Thursday of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who succumbed to severe burns after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend.
![Dutch boost arms spending to face 'ruthless Russian aggression'](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/24/fe/94/Dutch-boost-arms-spending-to-face---254152_small.jpg)
Dutch boost arms spending to face 'ruthless Russian aggression'
The Dutch government announced a multi-billion-euro boost in its defence spending Thursday, investing in tanks, jet fighters, and frigates to bolster the NATO alliance against "ruthless Russian aggression."
![Macron names ex-Brexit negotiator Barnier as French PM](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/db/90/6a/Macron-names-ex-Brexit-negotiator-B-523375_small.jpg)
Macron names ex-Brexit negotiator Barnier as French PM
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday named the European Union's former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as new prime minister, following almost two months of political deadlock after snap polls, the presidency said.
![Barnier: the 'French Joe Biden' who grappled with Brexit](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/f8/82/1f/Barnier--the--French-Joe-Biden--who-858355_small.jpg)
Barnier: the 'French Joe Biden' who grappled with Brexit
Veteran French politician Michel Barnier has held a collection of top jobs as minister, European Union commissioner and negotiator on Brexit during a half-century political career that has seen him tack further to the right in recent years.
![Stocks diverge as US data keeps traders wary](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fa/df/94/Stocks-diverge-as-US-data-keeps-tra-218353_small.jpg)
Stocks diverge as US data keeps traders wary
Stock markets struggled for direction and the dollar fell Thursday on the eve of key US jobs data that could shed light on the size of potential Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts and health of the world's biggest economy.
![Pope appeals for religious unity at stadium mass in Indonesia](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/0f/40/cc/Pope-appeals-for-religious-unity-at-335715_small.jpg)
Pope appeals for religious unity at stadium mass in Indonesia
Pope Francis appealed for religious unity Thursday as he addressed tens of thousands of people at a football stadium after meeting faith leaders at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque.
![Rare twin elephants take first steps in Myanmar](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/94/b5/b5/Rare-twin-elephants-take-first-step-553135_small.jpg)
Rare twin elephants take first steps in Myanmar
Baby elephant twins born last week on a timber camp in Myanmar are thriving after a wobbly first few days in the world, officials told AFP on Thursday.
![Gunman shot dead after opening fire near Munich's Israel consulate](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/78/60/2b/Gunman-shot-dead-after-opening-fire-599657_small.jpg)
Gunman shot dead after opening fire near Munich's Israel consulate
German police shot dead a gunman who had opened fire on them near Munich's Israeli consulate on Thursday, the anniversary of the hostage-taking at the 1972 Olympic Games.
![US Paralympic track star Malone credits mum for his success](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/f2/87/2a/US-Paralympic-track-star-Malone-cre-133523_small.jpg)
US Paralympic track star Malone credits mum for his success
Noah Malone, one of several young and charismatic stars of the US Paralympic athletics team, credits his mother for pushing her reluctant son to his goals, admitting "I did not even like (the sport) at first."
![Putin says 'main' goal is to capture Ukraine's Donbas](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fd/ee/ed/Putin-says--main--goal-is-to-captur-157350_small.jpg)
Putin says 'main' goal is to capture Ukraine's Donbas
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday his main aim in Ukraine after 30 months of fighting was to capture the eastern Donbas area -- and claimed that Ukraine's Kursk counter-offensive had made that easier.
![Catholics revel in pope frenzy at Indonesia stadium mass](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/01/1d/42/Catholics-revel-in-pope-frenzy-at-I-852713_small.jpg)
Catholics revel in pope frenzy at Indonesia stadium mass
On her way to Indonesia's national football stadium, Anastasia Ida Ediati said the long journey to see Pope Francis at an open-air mass was just another sign of her devotion to the Catholic faith.
![Spacecraft flies closer to Mercury than planned after thruster glitch](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/35/1a/41/Spacecraft-flies-closer-to-Mercury--767565_small.jpg)
Spacecraft flies closer to Mercury than planned after thruster glitch
A spacecraft carrying European and Japanese probes passed closer to Mercury than originally planned overnight after thruster problems delayed the mission to study the little-known, Sun-scorched planet.
![Putin backs Harris for US president, with wry smile](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/e9/52/cc/Putin-backs-Harris-for-US-president-375352_small.jpg)
Putin backs Harris for US president, with wry smile
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he supported Kamala Harris in November's US presidential election, an apparent wry remark a day after the United States issued indictments accusing Moscow of vote interference.
!['Business is business' at bustling China-Africa summit](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/7d/9f/0c/-Business-is-business--at-bustling--555575_small.jpg)
'Business is business' at bustling China-Africa summit
Hundreds of African political and business leaders filed into China's Great Hall of the People on Thursday eager to forge new partnerships, sign contracts and make industry connections.
![French woman says uncovering of mass rape trauma 'saved her life'](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fc/62/e2/French-woman-says-uncovering-of-mas-552145_small.jpg)
French woman says uncovering of mass rape trauma 'saved her life'
A French woman whose husband is accused of enlisting dozens of strangers to rape her while she was drugged told his trial on Thursday that police had saved her by uncovering the crimes.
![China nears peak emissions as climate envoy meets US counterpart](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/ba/86/ab/China-nears-peak-emissions-as-clima-755544_small.jpg)
China nears peak emissions as climate envoy meets US counterpart
As climate envoys from the world's top two greenhouse gas producers meet in Beijing this week, experts say China's emissions may finally be nearing their peak.
![Algerians to vote as incumbent Tebboune poised for easy victory](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/0d/83/d9/Algerians-to-vote-as-incumbent-Tebb-554474_small.jpg)
Algerians to vote as incumbent Tebboune poised for easy victory
Around 24 million Algerians are poised to head to the polls on Saturday for a vote in which experts say incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune faces no real risk to his rule as he seeks a second term.
![England captain Buttler ruled out of Australia T20 series](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/77/81/97/England-captain-Buttler-ruled-out-o-112557_small.jpg)
England captain Buttler ruled out of Australia T20 series
England captain Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the upcoming Twenty20 series against Australia, with Phil Salt stepping up to lead the side.
![Markets mixed after sell-off as US data keeps traders wary](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fa/df/94/Markets-mixed-after-sell-off-as-US--513726_small.jpg)
Markets mixed after sell-off as US data keeps traders wary
Asian and European markets were mixed Thursday after the turmoil of the previous day as traders assess the outlook for US interest rate cuts and another set of below-par data put extra focus on the upcoming jobs report.
![Key pledges on sidelines of China-Africa summit](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/4a/0b/75/Key-pledges-on-sidelines-of-China-A-175262_small.jpg)
Key pledges on sidelines of China-Africa summit
African leaders secured a wide range of commitments to enhance cooperation in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, mining, trade, and energy at China's largest summit in years.
Ugandan athlete Cheptegei dies after fire attack by boyfriend
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei died in Kenya on Thursday, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend in an attack in her home.
![14-year-old boy kills four in US school shooting](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/5e/88/82/14-year-old-boy-kills-four-in-US-sc-721555_small.jpg)
14-year-old boy kills four in US school shooting
A 14-year-old boy killed four people, including two students, and wounded nine more when he opened fire at a high school in the US state of Georgia on Wednesday, law enforcement said.
![New French nuclear reactor enters automatic shutdown](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/c7/dc/ff/New-French-nuclear-reactor-enters-a-250550_small.jpg)
New French nuclear reactor enters automatic shutdown
France's newest nuclear reactor, plagued by massive delays and cost overruns, shut itself down automatically Wednesday just a day after starting up for the first time.
![Kolisi cleared to lead South Africa against All Blacks](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/0b/35/51/Kolisi-cleared-to-lead-South-Africa-411722_small.jpg)
Kolisi cleared to lead South Africa against All Blacks
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead a starting team with five changes and two positional switches in their Rugby Championship clash against the New Zealand All Blacks at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
New Zealand's Maori anoint new queen, bury late king
New Zealand's Maori chiefs anointed a 27-year-old queen as their new monarch Thursday, a surprise choice hailed as a symbol of change for the country's Indigenous community.
![South Korea sees highest average summer temperature on record](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/75/b1/64/South-Korea-sees-highest-average-su-826556_small.jpg)
South Korea sees highest average summer temperature on record
South Korea experienced its highest average summertime temperature since such records began half a century ago, nearly two degrees higher than the historic average, the weather agency said Thursday.
![Markets mixed after sell-off as US data keps traders wary](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fa/df/94/Markets-mixed-after-sell-off-as-US--835772_small.jpg)
Markets mixed after sell-off as US data keps traders wary
Asian and European markets were mixed Thursday after the turmoil of the previous day as traders assess the outlook for US interest rate cuts after another set of below-par data put extra focus on the upcoming jobs report.
![Chinese cities suspend schools, cancel flights ahead of super typhoon Yagi](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/4c/f4/e5/Chinese-cities-suspend-schools--can-777572_small.jpg)
Chinese cities suspend schools, cancel flights ahead of super typhoon Yagi
Cities in southern China suspended schools and cancelled some flights on Thursday, as tropical storm Yagi strengthened into a super typhoon and barreled straight for the holiday island province of Hainan.
![Ugandan athlete Cheptegei dies after being set on fire by boyfriend](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/d4/90/9b/Ugandan-athlete-Cheptegei-dies-afte-143755_small.jpg)
Ugandan athlete Cheptegei dies after being set on fire by boyfriend
Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, Uganda's Olympic Committee chief said on Thursday.
![Beauden, Perenara benched as All Blacks make five changes](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fb/ae/c3/Beauden--Perenara-benched-as-All-Bl-221211_small.jpg)
Beauden, Perenara benched as All Blacks make five changes
Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara were benched as New Zealand made five changes Thursday to their starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship Test against South Africa.