AFP
13875 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
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Germany deploys 200-bn-euro shield in 'energy war'
Germany on Thursday extended a 200-billion-euro ($194-billion) shield to protect households and businesses from skyrocketing power costs, as Europe's biggest economy found itself in an "energy war over prosperity and freedom" against Russia. "We find ourselves in an energy war over prosperity and freedom," Finance Minister Christian Lindner said.
EU grapples with runaway energy prices
The EU on Friday will seek urgent ways to bring down skyrocketing energy prices as winter looms, with "sabotage" of gas pipelines from Russia this week injecting drama into the effort. Unexplained leaks on the undersea Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines from Russia to Germany -- seen as "sabotage" by EU leaders, with suspicion falling on Moscow -- have aggravated the situation.
First images of asteroid strike from Webb, Hubble telescopes
The James Webb and Hubble telescopes on Thursday revealed their initial images of a spacecraft deliberately crashing into an asteroid, marking the first time the two most powerful space telescopes have observed the same celestial object. Since launching in December and releasing its first images in July, James Webb has taken the title of most powerful space telescope from Hubble.
Finland closing border to Russians with EU tourist visas
Finland said Thursday it will bar Russians with Schengen tourist visas from entering the country at midnight (2100 GMT) following a surge in arrivals after Moscow's mobilisation order. Even before Russia's mobilisation order Finland had restricted the number of visas issued to Russians, as tourism from its eastern neighbour had caused discontent due to the war in Ukraine.
Iran targets celebrities, media over Mahsa Amini protests
Iran stepped up pressure on celebrities and journalists Thursday over the wave of women-led protests sparked by outrage over the death of Mahsa Amini after she was arrested by the Islamic republic's morality police. Police have also arrested journalist Niloufar Hamedi of the reformist Shargh daily, who went to the hospital where Amini lay in a coma and helped expose the case to the world.
Swiss franc's surge against the euro a boon for business
The Swiss franc is breaking records against the euro, giving the Swiss economy a temporary boost as central banks battle inflation -- although experts remain cautious about the months ahead. However, this boost to the Swiss economy may only be short-lived.
BBC to cut hundreds of jobs at World Service
Nearly 400 staff at BBC World Service will lose their jobs as part of a cost-cutting programme and move to digital platforms, the broadcaster announced on Thursday, paring down its Iranian-language service among others. No language services will close, the broadcaster insisted, although some production will move out of London and schedules would change.
'Extraordinary' elephant that survived poaching dies in drought-hit Kenya
An "extraordinary and resilient" African elephant who defied all odds to give birth despite being shot five times by poachers has died in Kenya's drought-ravaged north, conservationists said on Thursday. During the wholesale massacre of elephants for ivory, Monsoon lost two of her own calves to poachers, and scientists believed she would never give birth again after the trauma of being shot.
Qatar says World Cup fans do not need Covid vaccination
Coronavirus vaccinations will not be mandatory for the million-plus fans going to the World Cup in Qatar this year, the Gulf state said Thursday. Virtually every team at the World Cup will have players who have refused to have vaccines, officials acknowledged.
AFP
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