Top 10 world news today: Ukraine plane crash, Australia bushfires, Taiwan elections and more
World news brief
The United States on Friday gave "important data" to Ukraine on Tehran plane crash, its Foreign Minister said. Meanwhile, Australia was still battling the unprecedented wildfires which have ravaged the country for weeks now.
Here are the top 10 news stories that dominated the world arena.
US has given 'important data' on Iran plane crash: Ukraine Foreign Minister
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko on Friday said that US officials have handed Kiev "important data" on its plane crash in Iran and "it will be processed" by its experts. Read more
Next few hours could be 'very challenging': Australia urges people to flee as bushfires rage
Australia urged nearly a quarter of a million people to evacuate their homes on Friday and prepared military backup as authorities said the next few hours could be "very, very challenging" even as rain poured down in some parts. Read more
Boeing papers: Would you put your family on a 737 MAX?
The Boeing Company on Thursday released hundreds of 'internal conversations' between its employees, which mostly shows contempt among its working staff. Read more
Huge rival rallies on final day before Taiwan votes
Taiwan's presidential rivals held massive rallies Friday night in a final push to convince voters on the eve of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders. Read more
Thousands of Iraqis rally against government, Iran and US
Thousands of Iraqis rallied across the country on Friday, reviving a months-long protest movement against the government and adding criticisms of both the US and Iran to their chants. Read more
Ukrainian aircraft was not hit by a missile: Iran's civil aviation chief
Iran's civil aviation chief denied Friday that a missile downed a Ukrainian airliner which crashed killing all 176 on board, dismissing claims of a catastrophic mistake by Tehran's air defences. Read more
Ahead of Xi's visit to Myanmar, Suu Kyi makes rare trip to China
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare trip to a region bordering China days before President Xi Jinping is expected to push for controversial port and dam projects during a visit to the country. Read more
Despite weeks of protests, Macron raises retirement age in pension reforms legislation
France's government defied trade unions on Friday by including a contested clause on raising the retirement age by two years in its draft legislation, amid signs that weeks of street protests and strikes may be losing momentum. Read more
Israel develops new type of lasers to power Iron Dome missile system
Israel's defense ministry on Wednesday said it has developed a new laser technology which will give its Iron Dome anti-missile system an edge. Read more