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India extends ban on onion exports indefinitely ahead of general election

  • 3 min
India has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely, affecting overseas markets and exacerbating high prices. Despite anticipation of the ban being lifted due to falling local prices and fresh supplies, the government unexpectedly issued an order to keep it in place until further notice. This move has impacted countries reliant on Indian onion imports.
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Australia tightens student visa rules

  • 3 min
Australia is enforcing tougher visa rules for foreign students, aiming to reduce migration and address housing and rental market tightness. English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, and a new "genuine student test" will be introduced. The government plans to tighten rules for students, potentially halving the migrant intake over two years.
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Blinken lands in Saudi for Gaza talks ahead of Israel visit

  • 3 min
US Secretary of State Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia for Gaza ceasefire talks and will also visit Israel. He plans to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discuss negotiations to secure the release of hostages and aid for Gaza. Blinken will also visit Egypt in his efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.
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China says US has ‘no right’ to interfere in South China Sea

  • 2 min
China asserts the US has no right to intervene in the South China Sea, responding to Secretary of State Blinken's support for the Philippines. The foreign ministry spokesman stressed that the United States is not a party to the issue and should not interfere. China vows to defend its sovereignty and maritime interests in the area.
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Turkey moves against Instagram-owner Meta

  • 2 min
Turkey's competition authority imposed an interim measure on Meta Platforms, aiming to limit data sharing between Instagram and Threads. This is part of an investigation into potential abuse of Meta's dominant market position. The authority also fined Meta for insufficient and non-transparent notification about data sharing among its platforms. Meta has not yet commented on these decisions.
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US Rejects Allegations Against Donald Lu

  • 3 min
The United States has once again denied allegations made by PTI founder and supporters against Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, dismissing them as false. The State Department stated that it takes any threats towards U.S. officials seriously and condemns efforts to threaten their safety. Donald Lu is set to testify at a hearing on U.S.-Pakistan relations next week. The State Department also expressed concerns about the implementation of India's Citizenship Amendment Act.
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Nine die after consuming sea turtle meat

  • 2 min
Nine people, including eight children and one woman, died after consuming sea turtle meat on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Seventy-eight others fell ill and were hospitalized. The victims suffered from 'chelonitoxism', a rare and occasionally fatal food poisoning caused by consuming marine turtles. Authorities confirmed that all affected individuals had consumed sea turtle meat. Disaster management teams urged locals to avoid consuming sea turtles.
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Tejas: India-made fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan

  • 3 min
An India-made Tejas fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan, the first such incident since its induction eight years ago. The pilot ejected safely, as the air force investigates the cause. With ambitions to increase defense exports, India has been pushing for local manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports. The Tejas has faced design and weight challenges.
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Afghanistan’s economy has ‘basically collapsed’: UN

  • 4 min
Afghanistan's economy, particularly in earthquake-affected areas, continues to suffer, with 69 percent of Afghans lacking basic resources. Since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, the economy has contracted by 27 percent, causing widespread unemployment and limited access to electricity. The collapse of sectors like finance has left SMEs and farmers as the economy's primary drivers. Concerns were also raised over the severe restrictions on women's rights, including education and employment. The UNDP is supporting microfinance initiatives, yet more substantial investments are needed to stimulate economic growth. Despite the challenges, there is hope in the resilience and efforts of women entrepreneurs and the agency's support to women-led businesses.