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UK's embattled govt stares at new U-turn on economy
UK's embattled govt stares at new U-turn on economy
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss defended her contentious plan to kick-start economic growth through tax cuts, despite expectations Tuesday of a second damaging U-turn. Asked if any more U-turns were coming, Truss was evasive in an interview with LBC radio broadcast Tuesday but recorded on Monday.

At least 15 dead in new Ecuador prison riot
At least 15 dead in new Ecuador prison riot
World
by  AFP

At least 15 prisoners died Monday in the latest unrest inside Ecuador's prison system, officials in the South American country reported. During a television interview on Monday, he offered "a message of condolence and solidarity with the families of those who died today in (the prison)". bur-des/aha/it

Australia hikes rates less than forecast, boosting stocks
Australia hikes rates less than forecast, boosting stocks
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Australia raised interest rates less than expected Tuesday, boosting stocks and dragging the local dollar lower, as officials grow concerned about a slowing global economy sparked by rising borrowing costs and surging prices. It added that the surge in prices had been driven by "global factors", along with strong spending levels in Australia.

Xi decade reshapes China's military, and the region
Xi decade reshapes China's military, and the region
World
by  AFP

During Xi Jinping's decade-long rule, China has built the world's largest navy, revamped the globe's biggest standing army, and amassed a nuclear and ballistic arsenal to trouble any foe. - Paper tiger no more - For years, the People's Liberation Army was seen as ill-equipped and ineffective -- disparaged by one historian as "the world's largest military museum".

How China's civil society collapsed under Xi
How China's civil society collapsed under Xi
World
by  AFP

Human rights activist Charles remembers a time when civil society was blossoming in China, and he could dedicate his time to helping improve the lives of people struggling in blue-collar jobs. Charles has fled China and several of his activist friends are in jail.