Frankfurt am Main, Germany | AFP | The euro, used by nearly 340 million people each day, celebrates its 15th birthday on Sunday. Like a teenager in the throes of adolescence, the euro has lurched from crisis to crisis in recent years, but still manages to enjoy firm support across …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | After turning the tide on the ground in Syria with his country’s military might, Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to cement his authority by forging an unlikely peace deal. The Kremlin strongman on Thursday announced a new truce and talks between Damascus and rebel …

Mumbai, India | AFP | Indians rushed to change their bank notes Friday before a deadline to deposit invalid rupee notes closed, as Prime Minister Modi defended his controversial move to reduce cash in use. His shock November 8 announcement rendered 86 percent of India’s currency void, giving customers until …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has urged the English Football Association to ban children under 10 heading balls amid growing fears of brain injuries. A new study from the University of Stirling found heading a ball could cause memory problems for 24 hours and …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | A post-mortem examination on the body of pop icon George Michael, who died on Christmas Day after a chart-topping career and years of drug-taking, has proved “inconclusive”, police said on Friday. “The cause of death is inconclusive and further tests will now be carried …

Moscow, Russia | AFP | President Vladimir Putin said Friday said he would not expel any Americans in response to Washington turfing out dozens of Russian diplomats over alleged election interference. The Kremlin strongman’s shock decision came after Russia’s foreign ministry asked him to send home 35 US diplomats in …

Lagos, Nigeria | AFP |  Around 100 bags of “plastic rice” seized in Lagos have turned out to contain real but contaminated rice, authorities said Friday in Nigeria, where prices for the staple have rocketed. Tests on the rice have shown that the product is “not plastic but … contaminated …

Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named 26 to fly to Tunisia today as the team starts their final leg of preparations ahead of the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2017 in Gabon. Abdul Malik Vitalis, Ronald Mukiibi, Isma Watenga and Derrick Nsibambi are the players dropped, but coach Micho has said they …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | In Formula One, it was the year that had everything and more. From the arrival of a precocious teenage star to the abrupt retirement of a first-time champion, 2016 will be remembered as a roller-coaster of surprises, accidents, rivalries and farewells. Dutchman Max Verstappen, …

Los Angeles, United States | AFP |  Come Sunday, Californians will legally be able to raise a glass of alcohol while getting a haircut or beard trim at beauty salons and barbershops. Although the practice of offering complementary wine and beer at such establishments has been going on quietly for …