AFP
13875 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
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Russia tests digital ruble in bid to bypass sanctions
Russia began testing its new digital ruble with consumers on Tuesday, in the hope blockchain technology will help it evade sanctions and tighten control over its citizens. He said the move will allow Russia to avoid banks where it faces restrictions, and that the blockchain is "much less easy to sanction and attack".
Ralph Lauren probed in Canada over Uyghur forced labour claims
Canada's corporate watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation of Ralph Lauren's Canadian unit over allegations the fashion giant used forced labor from China's Uyghur minority. Rights groups say more than one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in re-education camps in China's western Xinjiang region, with a slew of abuses that include forced labor.
Rights groups urge Tanzania to free critics of UAE port deal
Rights campaigners have urged Tanzania to release three people, including a former legislator, saying they could face treason charges for criticising a deal with an Emirati company to manage the country's ports. Chadema is among those opposing the deal, which gives DP World exclusive rights for a period of 12 months to negotiate with the government on how best to manage the country's 80 ports.
US retail sales bounce with online spending boost
US consumer spending rose more than anticipated in July, according to government data released Tuesday, showing resilience even as the economy cools on the back of a boost from online spending. Official data released Tuesday showed that the overall increase came on the back of a 1.9 percent rise at nonstore retailers, while sales at restaurants and bars picked up 1.4 percent from June.
UK's long-term sick pile pressure on economy
The number of people not working in the UK due to chronic illnesses has soared since the pandemic, putting pressure on the British economy, analysts said on Tuesday.
UK unemployment climbs as wages grow at record rate
UK unemployment increased in the three months to the end of June while wages grew at record annual pace, official data showed Tuesday, as the economy struggles with high inflation. The ONS figures also showed that regular pay excluding bonuses was 7.8 percent higher in the three months to the end of June compared to the same period last year.
German minister axes trip over broken plane
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was forced Tuesday to scrap her trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji after her plane suffered recurring technical problems, the latest in a series of incidents with the German fleet.
Disney to shut Lucasfilm studio in Singapore
Lucasfilm's visual effects and animation studio in Singapore will close down in the coming months due to economic reasons, parent firm Disney said on Tuesday. "Over the next several months, ILM will be consolidating its global footprint and winding down its Singapore studio due to economic factors affecting the industry," Disney said in a statement.
Russian central bank hikes key rate after ruble falters
Russia's central bank on Tuesday hiked its key interest rate from 8.5 to 12 percent, after the ruble crashed to a more than 16-month low against the dollar. The bank is next scheduled to consider its key rate on September 15.
AFP
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