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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the top diplomats of Israel and four Arab states held a landmark meeting Monday to discuss issues from the Iran nuclear negotiations to the global shockwaves of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Taliban have ordered airlines in Afghanistan to stop women from flying unless accompanied by a male relative, in the latest crackdown on basic human rights by the country's new rulers since seizing power.

Stock markets were mixed Monday with hopes for some progress in ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine this week tempered by a phased lockdown in Shanghai that led to fresh concerns about already strained supply chains.

Detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has skipped three days of her trial in a junta court after Covid-19 was detected among her staff and she was placed in quarantine, a source with knowledge of the case said Monday.

With due respect to a historic best picture win for "CODA," only one talking point dominated Sunday's Oscars -- Will Smith striking Chris Rock.

All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett was cleared of concussion symptoms Monday after a nasty head knock, but will miss the Auckland Blues' next two matches, coach Leon MacDonald said.

"CODA," a feel-good indie drama about a deaf family defying the odds, pulled off a stunning upset to scoop the top prize at the Oscars Sunday, becoming the first-ever streaming film to win best picture.

Producers of the Oscars, arguably the most prestigious prizes of the entertainment awards circuit, on Sunday turned to music's top names including Beyonce, Billie Eilish and Megan Thee Stallion to drum up ailing ratings.

Will Smith's best actor Oscar for "King Richard" on Sunday is the crowning glory of a wide-ranging showbiz career for the former "Fresh Prince" -- but the night is likely to be remembered more for him slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage.

Jessica Chastain's remarkable physical transformation into a larger-than-life US televangelist in "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" was rewarded with the best actress Oscar -- a first for the California-born actress.

The Taliban have ordered airlines in Afghanistan to stop women from boarding flights unless accompanied by a male relative, aviation officials told AFP.

Here are the winners in key categories for the 94th Academy Awards, handed out in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Deaf family drama "CODA" won best picture honors at the Oscars Sunday, the first ever triumph for a streamer, in a ceremony that was overshadowed by best actor-winner Will Smith striking comedian Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about his wife.

After shunning Hollywood for more than a decade, pioneering New Zealand filmmaker Jane Campion has conquered Tinseltown on her own terms by winning the best director Oscar for her sweeping, moody Western "The Power of the Dog".

American professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is putting public pressure on Western companies that maintain operations in Russia despite its war against neighboring Ukraine.

Wearing a camouflage T-shirt that clings to his biceps, Brazilian policeman Saulo packs his bag with combat boots, camping gear, gun holsters and a knife -- "just the essential" to go fight in Ukraine.

Asian markets fluctuated Monday with traders hopeful for some progress in ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine this week, though a phased lockdown in Shanghai led to fresh concerns about already strained supply chains.

Hollywood A-listers held a moment of silence at Sunday's Oscars gala to show support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion, after much speculation about how Tinseltown would handle the issue.

Millions of people in China's financial hub were confined to their homes on Monday as the eastern half of Shanghai went into lockdown to curb the nation's biggest Covid outbreak.

Will Smith stormed the Oscars stage and struck comedian Chris Rock across the face for joking about his wife, in a moment at Sunday's gala that immediately went viral and left stunned viewers questioning if it had been scripted or genuine.

Millions of people in China's financial hub were confined to their homes on Monday as the eastern half of Shanghai went into lockdown to curb the nation's biggest Covid outbreak.

Russian snipers are still targeting the deserted crossroads into the village of Stoyanka, but Andrii Ostapets hopes to bring food to his neighbours -- and to his cats, if they are still alive.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will resume face-to-face peace talks as soon as Monday, probing whether a near-stalemate in fighting has forced Moscow to temper its demands.

The Oscars returned to Hollywood on Sunday, where dramas "CODA," "The Power of the Dog" and "Belfast" are expected to vie for best picture, after sci-fi epic "Dune" earned a clutch of early wins.

Joe Root may be "passionate" about remaining as England's Test captain but should he stay in the post after the West Indies inflicted the latest damaging defeat of his tenure?

Ryusuke Hamaguchi's "Drive My Car" is not your average road movie, instead taking viewers on a poignant three-hour journey into the psyches of two characters haunted by the past.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to build up "overwhelming" and unstoppable military power, state media reported Monday, days after he presided over the nation's biggest missile launch.

Two police officers were shot dead in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group in the northern Israeli city of Hadera late Sunday as top US and Arab diplomats visited the Jewish state for an unprecedented regional meeting, authorities said.

Troy Kotsur made history Sunday as the first deaf male actor to earn an Oscar, winning over voters with a funny, assured and authentic turn as the father of a loving family in the heartfelt indie drama "CODA."

Thai teenager Atthaya Thitikul won a playoff over Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen with a bogey on Sunday's second extra hole to capture the JTBC Classic for her first LPGA title.

Portugal have been well and truly warned not to take the threat of North Macedonia lightly as they face Italy's conquerors in a decisive World Cup qualifying play-off on Tuesday.

Christian Pulisic scored a hat trick as the United States thrashed Panama 5-1 on Sunday to all-but guarantee their qualification for the 2022 World Cup.