French ex-minister investigated over Covid response

France's former health minister is being formally investigated over the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prosecutors looking into government failings are investigating Agnès Buzyn for "endangering the lives of others".

Pele recovering after colon surgery

Brazilian football legend Pele remains in intensive care but is making a satisfactory recovery after having surgery for a suspected colon tumour.

Djokovic sets up final with Medvedev

World number one Novak Djokovic won a gruelling five-setter against Alexander Zverev to set up a US Open final against Daniil Medvedev and keep his bid for a calendar Grand Slam on track. Russian second seed Medvedev had earlier kept alive his hopes of a first major title with a 6-4 7-5 6-2 win over Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Fifth England-India Test cancelled

The fifth England-India Test at Emirates Old Trafford was cancelled after some of the tourists' backroom staff tested positive for Covid-19. India was unable to field a team because they fear further cases spreading through the squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board said: "We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners for this news."

Boosters not needed for all - Oxford jab creator

Giving booster jabs to everyone is unnecessary, says the scientist behind the Oxford vaccine, as she calls for doses to be sent to countries in need. Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert told the Daily Telegraph some vulnerable groups would need boosters but immunity was "lasting well" in the majority of cases. "We need to get vaccines to countries where few of the population have been vaccinated so far," she added.

Afghan protesters defy Taliban intimidation

Protesters have again taken to the streets in several parts of Afghanistan, defying Taliban pressure to stay at home. Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and Taliban gunmen opened fire to disperse them, protesters said.

Ex-Afghan President Ghani apologises for fleeing

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has apologised to the people of Afghanistan after fleeing to take refuge in the United Arab Emirates. "Leaving Kabul was the most difficult decision of my life," he said, adding that he was sorry he "could not make it end differently".

Smoke alarms go off on International Space Station

Alarms were triggered onboard the International Space Station after the crew reported smoke and the smell of burning plastic. The incident centred on the Russian-built Zvezda module which provides living quarters, Russian media report.

Sydney reveals plan to end months-long lockdown

Australia's biggest city Sydney is likely to ease out of lockdown from next month provided a vaccination threshold is reached. The New South Wales (NSW) state capital has been in lockdown since July due to a Delta variant outbreak. The state government released its much-anticipated "roadmap to freedom" on Thursday.

Former France player Adams dies after 39 years in coma

Former France footballer Jean-Pierre Adams, who had been in a coma for 39 years, has died at the age of 73. Adams was admitted to the hospital for knee surgery in March 1982 but never regained consciousness after an error with his supply of anaesthetic.