AFP
13875 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
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Uncertainty reigns in Colombia vote between ex-guerrilla and maverick
Colombians will vote for a new president on Sunday in an election filled with uncertainty, as former guerrilla Gustavo Petro and millionaire businessman Rodolfo Hernandez vie for power in a country saddled with widespread poverty, violence and other woes. There are fears a tight result on Sunday could spark post-election violence.
Uyghur-heritage candidate urges Japan to 'embrace diversity'
Arfiya Eri is a young, female, multilingual former United Nations official, all of which would already help her stand out as a Japanese political candidate, but she is also of Uyghur heritage. Eri endorses the LDP's mainstream conservative politics, and insists Japan must "stand firm on our national security".
Layoffs and exits: Firms in China teeter under zero-Covid pressure
Fiona Shi lost her job twice during the pandemic -- first, in 2020 when Covid ravaged the travel industry, and then this year as China's strict virus controls hammered businesses in the world's number two economy. Beijing-based Bai said it was the second time she lost her job because of the pandemic.
Central banks walk inflation-recession tightrope
Central banks have ramped up their battle against runaway inflation, a necessary remedy that could have the adverse side effect of tipping countries into recession, analysts say.
Store workers vote to form first US Apple union
A majority of employees at a US Apple store have voted to form the tech giant's first union, in the wake of similar unionization drives at Starbucks and Amazon locations. After a union was formed at two Starbucks coffee shops in December in the northern city of Buffalo, employees at more than 160 of the chain's locations have filed for similar votes.
The battle to build a child-friendly metaverse
As a young woman straps on her vest and headset and becomes immersed in a virtual world, Mainak Chaudhuri talks excitedly about the potential of the technology. - 'Ethical basis' - The solution, they argue, is to make sure the builders of these new virtual worlds instil child protection measures into the ethos of their work.
Inflation, subsidy reform hit stomachs in isolated Iran
Outside his butchery in the south of Iran's capital, Ali cuts up a sheep carcass for customers who, like him, have seen inflation and subsidy reform devour their purchasing power. - Subsidy cuts compound misery - After dividing the cuts of meat, Ali hands Asghar, a retired government employee, a plastic bag containing enough for him and his wife.
Warehouse business catches fire, boosted by pandemic, e-commerce
The rise of e-commerce and the logistical nightmare created by the Covid-19 pandemic have caused a surge in demand for warehouse space in the United States, and big investment funds have taken note. - Another pandemic effect was the logistical mess caused by Covid-lockdowns and health restrictions.
French parliamentary election: what's at stake?
France votes on Sunday in the final round of parliamentary elections which are crucial for centrist President Emmanuel Macron's plans for his second term. Macron's "Ensemble" (Together) coalition of centrist and centre-right parties is facing a challenge from a new left-wing alliance called NUPES. In the first round of voting last Sunday, the two sides were neck-and-neck with around 26 percent.
AFP
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