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Facebook, Instagram roll out paid subscription in Australia, New Zealand
Facebook, Instagram roll out paid subscription in Australia, New Zealand
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Facebook and Instagram began a week-long rollout of their first paid verification service on Friday, testing users' willingness to pay for social media features that until now have been free. Some commentators have expressed puzzlement at why Facebook and Instagram would adopt a verification-subscription strategy that rival Twitter tried just weeks ago -- with less than stellar results.

Japan inflation hits 4.2 percent in January
Japan inflation hits 4.2 percent in January
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Japan's consumer prices rose 4.2 percent in January from a year earlier, a level not seen since September 1981, fuelled in part by higher energy bills, government data showed Friday. Increases in electricity and gas bills, as well as telecommunication fees and price hikes for a range of processed foods contributed to the January acceleration, the government data showed.

US World Bank pick a straight-talker who 'gets things done'
US World Bank pick a straight-talker who 'gets things done'
Business and Economy
by  AFP

The United States' candidate to lead the World Bank, Ajay Banga, has helmed large institutions and "helped bring 500 million unbanked people into the digital economy," according to US authorities. The next World Bank president will need to "unite a very large group of countries behind a common agenda," said Clemence Landers, policy fellow with the Center for Global Development.