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Afghanistan poppy cultivation grows 19 percent despite ban: UN
Afghanistan poppy cultivation grows 19 percent despite ban: UN
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Opium cultivation rose by 19 percent in Afghanistan this year, the UN reported Wednesday, despite a Taliban government ban that almost eradicated the crop. The 19 percent increase year-on-year remains far below the 232,000 hectares cultivated when Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada banned the crop in April 2022, nearly a year after the Taliban returned to power, UNODC added.

Asian markets rise with dollar, bitcoin as ealy US results roll in
Asian markets rise with dollar, bitcoin as ealy US results roll in
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Most Asian markets rose with the dollar and bitcoin on Wednesday as traders await the outcome of the knife-edge US presidential election, with bets increasing on a Donald Trump victory as early results rolled in. In early trade, markets in Tokyo, Sydney, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington and Taipei rose, though there were losses in Hong Kong.