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Indonesia recorded a large increase in rice imports in the first eight months this year compared to the same period last year, the statistics agency said Friday, as Southeast Asia's biggest economy seeks to boost stocks of its staple commodity.

Firefighters on a western Indonesian island were battling large peatland fires on Friday that have covered Palembang, a city of nearly two million people, in a haze for weeks, officials said.

After an impressive tournament-opening win over New Zealand last week many thought Fabien Galthie's France would have no problems against Uruguay in their second Rugby World Cup fixture.

Charles Piutau idolised the late New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu, who had attended the same school as him, and on Saturday he gets his first taste of the tournament that the former All Black lit up.

The main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan reopened to pedestrians and vehicles on Friday, more than a week after it was closed following a gun battle between frontier guards.

A top world snooker official Friday blasted the "despicable behaviour" of the ring-leaders of a group of Chinese players banned in June in a major corruption scandal, as the sport returns to the country.

Authorities in India are scrambling to contain a rare outbreak of Nipah, a virus spread from animals to humans that causes deadly fever with a high mortality rate.

The US auto workers' union launched a targeted strike at three factories just after midnight on Friday, ordering simultaneous stoppages at Detroit's "Big Three" for the first time.

Markets rallied Friday as forecast-busting Chinese data boosted hopes the world's number-two economy may be stabilising after an extended slowdown.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a Russian military aviation factory on Friday following his summit with President Vladimir Putin, as the two countries ostracised by the West seek deeper ties.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said Friday that injured quicks Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah remained central to his team's World Cup plans, after their absence saw the team crash out of the Asia Cup.

When Merve Dizdar won Turkey's first best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, and the women's volleyball team lifted the European trophy this month, many hearts swelled with pride. But their triumphs also ignited culture wars.

Sweden celebrates the 50th anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf's reign with pomp and circumstance on Friday and Saturday, with a gala banquet, street parties and a procession through central Stockholm.

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed to release key attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in so he can join South Korea during the group phase of the Asian Games next week, the country's football association said Friday.

As global corporations face increasing pressure to report their ethical and environmental credentials, it is spurring a booming industry in businesses looking to verify these corporate claims.

A quarter of Greece's annual agricultural production was wiped out in last week's deadly flash floods triggered by Storm Daniel, which drenched the central region of Thessaly, according to experts.

Asian markets rallied Friday as forecast-busting Chinese data boosted hopes the world's number-two economy may be stabilising after an extended slowdown.

Qualifier Emma Navarro of the United States upset world number nine Maria Sakkari of Greece, winning in a third-set tie-break, to reach the semi-finals of the WTA's San Diego Open on Thursday.

Pita Limjaroenrat, whose reformist party won the most seats at Thailand's national elections in May, resigned as its leader on Friday.

About eight hours passed after Morocco's earthquake before help reached the hamlet of Ardouz, one of many tiny mountain villages whose remoteness is both appealing and cruelly risky.

As the home of France's beloved troubadour Serge Gainsbourg finally opens to the public, it is his daughter Charlotte who acts as a very intimate guide.

The US auto workers' union announced the start of a strike at three factories just after midnight on Friday, as a deadline expired to reach a deal with employers on a new contract.

D'Andre Swift rushed for a career-high 175 yards and a touchdown as the Philadelphia Eagles turned to their running game to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 34-28 in the NFL on Thursday.

Driven by a passion to protect the planet, Phoebe English hasn't bought a centimetre of fabric or a single plastic button for her collection at London Fashion Week.

After New York, the fashion world descends on London from Friday, showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names of the future.

A visa-free travel deal between Israel and the United States has raised hopes of easier journeys for Palestinian-Americans, but many still complain of discrimination by Israeli authorities.

Under-pressure South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann has hit back at criticism levelled at him and his goalkeeper son for wanting the shirt of an opposition player, calling the flak "absolutely stupid".

Significant hurdles lie ahead of the G20's renewable energy target agreed in New Delhi last weekend, but the ambitious goal is feasible, experts say.

Australian Lucas Herbert reeled off six straight birdies before a closing par to grab a two-stroke lead after Thursday's first round of the US PGA Tour's Fortinet Championship.

Former Australian Test cricket star Stuart MacGill has been arrested and charged for his alleged role in a commercial-scale cocaine deal, police said Friday.

The head of the US auto workers late Thursday announced plans to strike at three factories beginning at midnight if there is no deal reached in the waning remaining hours.

Top science journal Nature was hit with claims last week that its editors -– and those of other leading titles -– have a bias towards papers highlighting negative climate change effects. It denies the allegation.